North Pacific Islands ...
Why You Would Want to Go There

The North Pacific Islands are what we are going to talk about now. Here are a few of them, and something about each that I hope will interest you.

Haggerstone Island

Firstly, if you are wanting unique, exclusive, private, remote and all those things, look at Haggerstone Island. This small, privately owned establishment is situated about 600kms north of Cairns. It takes 2 hours on a 6-seater private charter from Cairns to Hicks Is., followed by a 20 minute boat trip.

The owners have lived at Haggerstone Island for over 20 years developing it, and have an ideal lifestyle there with their two children. There are 3 private guesthouses, each accommodating up to 4 people. They cater for only 6-8 guests at any one time, or rental can be on a whole-of-island basis. Sounds like honeymoon weather to me.
Pacific island

The small tropical timber complex is set amongst gardens, orchards and dams, and surrounded by glorious coral gardens. The birdlife is varied and prolific, as are the fish.

From Cairns take a 2-hour flight by private charter, then 20 minutes by boat

Horn Island

This is one of the northernmost of the north pacific islands and is mostly crown land. The airport services the whole of the Torres Strait Island group. During WWII there was an allied base there which suffered a series of bombings.

Today the township of Wasaga has about 700 people and is supported by the airport and a small fishing and pearling industry. Attractions are the Museum and Art Gallery and numerous Historic Sites.

From Cairns you can either go by plane or take a cruise.

Thursday Island

Melanesians had been living on this Pacific island for thousands of years before the Queensland Government set up an Administrative Centre for the Torres Strait Islands on Thursday Island in the eighties. Back then pearling was a thriving industry and pearl divers came from all over the Pacific, making for a very mixed culture today.

During WWII the Australians and United States had a base here, which was bombed in 1942, resulting in all civilians being evacuated until after the war.

The official language is English, but Torres Strait Creole is widely used.

A campus of TAFE has been constructed next to the High School.

Torres Strait Pilots provides pilots for shipping between TI, (as it is known in the vernacular), and Cairns. These pilots are renowned for their skill – very necessary when negotiating As well, the economy is boosted by pearling and fishing, and a fast-growing tourism industry.

From Cairns you can either go by plane, take a cruise or you can choose a Cape York Safari and Great Barrier Reef Flight.

If you plan on visiting any other north pacific islands in the area, other than Horn Island and Thursday Island, make sure you apply for permission to the Torres Strait Regional Authority for permission.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef, there are 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 villas and suites.

Sensational diving opportunities abound, including the famous Cod Hole, where you'll come face to face with a massive, yet curious Potato Cod swimming right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. For divers, the island is only a 50-minute boat ride to the legendary Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Fishing enthusiasts can charter the boat Fascination for a day of exhilarating game fishing. The Ribbon Reefs near Lizard Island are renowned for some of the best big game fishing in the world, home to the impressive Black Marlin, as well as Tuna, Mackerel, Trevally and Swordfish.