Torres Strait Islands to unlock tourism potential but “not another Bali”

It’s the final frontier of Queensland tourism, a far-flung tropical paradise that has remained relatively hidden... until now.

The Torres Strait Islands off Queensland’s northern tip

Tourism operators on Queensland’s hidden gem Torres Strait Islands are throwing down the welcome mat for visitors – but don’t want to be another Bali.

Closer to Papua New Guinea than Cairns, the islands of the Torres Strait have long been viewed as Queensland tourism’s final frontier, a spectacular archipelago of exotic atolls and rich Indigenous culture which has struggled to attract its share of the tourist pie.

The state government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan road show this week held a forum on Thursday Island, with dozens of local tourism industry figures turning out to talk of the region’s enormous – and largely untapped potential.

Without a single high-rise hotel in sight, the Torres Strait offers a more rustic kind of tourism experience, but that is starting to change, with 17 cruise ships booked to visit the region this year.

A possible cameo as the first place in Queensland to welcome the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2032 Olympics would also present incredible exposure for the region’s tourism offerings.

Local tourism operator Fraser Nai said there was definitely an appetite for more tourism in the islands, provided it was done in a responsible and sustainable way.

“We don’t want to be Bali,” he said.

“If you want Bali, there it is, if you want Fiji, you can go there.

Tour Operator Fraser Nai

“We want tourists who really respect the same values as us and we always say you don’t visit the Torres Strait – you experience it.

“It truly is Queensland’s hidden gem that we still haven’t really revealed to the world.”

Assistant Minister for Tourism Bree James attended the Thursday Island forum and said the region had enormous potential.

“Imagine the Olympic Torch Relay – it’s very possible the first place the Olympic Flame will touch Queensland is right here in the Torres Strait,” she said.

“Billions of people will be watching that journey – and what a wonderful introduction to Queensland they will see.

“This is one of the most naturally beautiful regions in Queensland, and there is so much to offer visitors up here.

“We want to work with local operators to ensure they have what they need from Government to let the industry thrive in an appropriate way.”

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said it was critical to get the planning right for tourism in Queensland as the public consultation phase of the 20-year industry road map came to a close.

“I want Queensland to be the number one destination in Australia again,” he said.

“We have fantastic scenery, wonderful operators, and the unique experiences visitors want – now we want to make sure the industry is able to capitalise on the opportunities the green and gold runway brings to our state.”

Originally published as Torres Strait Islands to unlock tourism potential but “not another Bali”