Can you visit Torres Strait Islands?
You can visit the Torres Strait Islands by plane, car or cruise. Qantas fly from Cairns to Horn Island. Services such as McDonald Charter Boats will then ferry you across to Thursday Island. If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Way to Cape York, you can catch a ferry across to Thursday Island.
Does Torres Strait island belong to Australia?
The islands are now mostly part of Queensland, a constituent State of the Commonwealth of Australia, but are administered by the Torres Strait Regional Authority, a statutory authority of the Australian federal government.
What happened to the Torres Strait Islands?
The Torres Strait Islands were annexed in 1879 by Queensland, becoming part of the British colony of Queensland. After 1901, the Islands became part of the Australian State of Queensland, despite some islands positioned off the New Guinea coast.
Between which two islands does Torres Strait lie?
The Torres Strait (/ˈtɒrɪs/), also known as Zenadh Kes, is a strait between Australia and the Melanesian island of New Guinea.
Do you need a passport to fly to Torres Strait?
The Protected Zone also protects the land and sea environment of the Torres Strait. The Treaty allows free movement (without passports or visas) between Australia and Papua New Guinea for traditional acti viti es in the Protected Zone and nearby areas.
What language do they speak on Thursday Island?
Torres Strait Creole
Languages: Torres Strait Creole is the dominant language spoken on Thursday Island by the Islanders, followed by Kalau Lagau Ya, commonly called Mabuiag (pronounced Mobyag) by many, although English is also spoken.
What languages are spoken in the Torres Strait Islands?
In the Torres Strait three main languages are spoken:
- Kala Lagaw Ya is spoken on the western islands of Mabuiag and Badu.
- Meriam Mir is spoken throughout the eastern islands of Erub (Darnley Island), Ugar (Stephen Island) and Mer (Murray Island).
How many Torres Strait Islands are inhabited?
17
There are over 200 islands scattered throughout the Torres Strait, and of these 17 are inhabited.
Why is it called Torres Strait?
Torres Strait is named after a Spanish captain, Torres, who sailed through Torres Strait in 1606 on his way to Manila in the Philippines. Although he wrote a letter to the King of Spain describing his voyage, it seems this was kept a secret from mapmakers until 1762 when the archives at Manila were opened to others.
Is PNG part of Torres Strait?
About the Treaty: The Torres Strait Treaty is between Australia and Papua New Guinea. It was signed in December 1978 and became active in February 1985.
Are there crocodiles in the Torres Strait Islands?
The Torres Strait is well within known crocodile country. DES strongly reminds people to be mindful of crocodile habitat as no waterway in croc country can ever be considered free of crocodiles. Crocodile sightings can be reported to DES on 1300 130 372.
What are the forms of masks in the Torres Strait?
The forms, materials, and imagery of Torres Strait masks varied from region to region. In the eastern Torres Strait, turtle-shell masks, known as le op (human face), almost universally took the form of human images adorned with lifelike coiffures and beards of human hair.
What is the signature art form of the Torres Strait Islanders?
In the past, the signature art form of the Torres Strait Islanders was their unique turtle-shell mask, which was used in a variety of ceremonial contexts. The creation of masks or effigies made from turtle shell was a centuries-old tradition that was first witnessed by Westerners in 1606 and continued until the end of the nineteenth century.
Why was this crocodile mask collected on Mer Island?
This style of crocodile mask is typical of the western Torres Strait, so it is intriguing that it was collected on Mer, the most easterly island. We don’t known whether it was brought to Mer especially for the collectors or was it there for another reason.
What are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags?
The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were designed to represent these groups of Indigenous Australians. North Queensland Ethnography. Bulletin No. 14. Transport and trade Turtle shell masks from the Torres Strait Islands.