East Coast South to North

---

Saturday 23rd July Thursday Island

Today has been a marvellous day, unfortunately not long enough. I think 2 or 3 days on Thursday Island (known as TI) would really give you a full taste of it. The little bit we had was lovely! Started early from the wharf which is fortunately right next to the campsite, so no transport/tent packing issues. About an hour on the boat and there we all were. We began with a necessarily quick bus tour of the island, starting with Green Hill fort. It was built in 1893, as the colonial authorities feared a Russian invasion(!) and de-commissioned in the 1920s. The old fort has wonderful 360 degree views of TI and Torres Strait, and a fascinating historical museum. I wish I’d had more time to spend there, but alas no, we were swept up by our tour guide to go and view the island’s cemetery. An equally interesting place, with graves and monuments for people of several different cultures: the British, the Japanese who came for the pearling, and the Torres Strait islanders. Many of the islanders are extremely religious, following the arrival of missionaries in the region in the 1870s which they refer to as “The Coming Of The Light”. The islanders now have some interesting ceremonies associated with the burial of their dead – very formalised, with much ritual. After all this cultural stuff, they let us loose on the unsuspecting citizens and town of TI. As it’s Saturday today, lots of people about, although unfortunately many places closed early (although not the pubs!). We started with a tour through the Cultural Centre – some quite beautiful artworks there. Then we wandered the streets to absorb some of the history of the place, and local colour. For some reason it reminded me of New Caledonia, although there is absolutely NO French influence here! I think it was the age of the buildings, the trees and flowers, the people... anyway, it was lovely. We lunched at the Torres Hotel (Australia’s most northerly pub, hence its “Top Pub” moniker), then some more wandering of backstreets before returning to the wharf for our ride back to Seisia. Then if was 5:04s on the beach to discuss the day and watch the sunset.

---

Photos

Nigel and Louise
on the boat to Thursday Island

Seisia Early Morning
Leaving the wharf for Thursday Island

Climb to Green Hill
Looking back to the mainland

Beneath the Cannon
on Green Hill