Silversea Luxury Cruises À THURSDAY ISLAND

Discover why Thursday Island is one of the most enjoyable places to visit with a culture that has been developing for over 2,000 years. Be introduced to the world's friendliest locals and an azure seascape of unparalleled beauty. Learn of the island's days as a rough and tumble Port of Pearls and how it played a strategic role in Australia's military history.

Green Fort Hill

Depart the pier for a short transfer to Green Hill Fort, built between 1891-1893 as part of Australia's defence against a possible Russian invasion. It was eventually decommissioned some time in 1927 and the buildings were demolished and the guns were spiked. Green Hill is a small grassy hill about 58 metres (190 feet) above sea level at the western end of Thursday Island. Visit T.I.'s coastal military installation for sweeping panoramic views of surrounding islands and step into the Fort's underground rooms and tunnels where previous keepsakes from the island's past are now on display. Spot birdlife and native plants as we take a scenic drive around the timeless isle they call Old T.I.

Your sightseeing will conclude at the pier where the ship is awaiting your arrival.

Tour Horn Island located in the Torres Strait in Queensland's north between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea.

Ferry Ride to the Island & Guided Tour

Board a ferry at the pier for the short transfer over to the island. Once on the island, board your coach and meet your guides, Liberty and Vanessa, locals and experts in their fields of Torres Strait History, who provide entertaining and enlightening commentary. Visit gun emplacements, an underground command post and slit trenches. Hear an unbelievable story about a WW II aircraft wreck, also see a WW II airstrip, dispersal bays and taxiways. Walk in the steps of the indigenous and non-indigenous soldiers who served in the area and listen to the eerie sound affects the airstrip today provides. The coach travels on actual WW II roads and tracks laid down by the military.

Torres Strait Museum & Mornign Tea

Continue to the Torres Strait Museum where you will have time to enjoy morning tea and visit the museum on your own. At the end of your visit, reboard the Horn Island ferry for the return to Thursday Island.

There is no better way to fully appreciate the maze of reefs and islands that make up this stunning region than by helicopter. Your bird's eye view of Horn, Thursday, Hammond, Goods and Prince of Wales Islands, will add a whole new dimension to your Cape York experience.

40-Minute Helicopter Flight

Depart the pier for approximately 10-minute drive to the helicopter departure point. Taking off from Sadies Beach helipad and flying over your cruise ship your helicopter provides great photo opportunities so make sure you have your camera ready.

Spectacular Views

Fly across to Prince Wales Island, admire spectacular aerial views of the remote Islands of the Torres Strait as you make you way to The Tip, the most northern point of Australia. Circle over Green Hill Fort and Thursday Island. This historic fort was built between 1891 and 1893, as a part of Australia's defense against a possible Russian invasion. The hill itself is only 58 meters tall but provided the perfect vantage point to survey the surrounding waterways. Your flight will return via azure colored waters and fringing reefs of Horn Island and landing back at Thursday Island.

The tour concludes back at the pier.