Cross to Horn Island — Australia's most bombed location in WWII — to walk the battlefields, visit the moving war museum, and pay tribute at memorials to Allied servicemen who fought and fell here. A profound and little-visited chapter of Australian history.
What to expect
The short ferry crossing from Thursday Island sets the scene — Horn Island's scrubby hills and harbour are deceptively tranquil given the ferocity of what happened here. Your guide leads you to WWII aircraft wreck sites, restored gun emplacements, and the Horn Island War Museum, which houses remarkable artefacts and personal accounts of the island's defence. The Japanese Memorial Garden — a place of genuine reconciliation — is quietly affecting. The scale of what was at stake for Australia's far north becomes viscerally real standing on these shores.
Good to know
The ferry crossing takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Allow 3–4 hours for the full Horn Island experience. Factor in return ferry time when planning against your all-aboard. Peddell's Horn Island tours operate on selected days — confirm availability when booking.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Thursday Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Thursday Island
- Torres Strait Cultural Experience: Immersive Indigenous Journey
- Green Hill Fort: WWII History & Panoramic Torres Strait Views
- Gab Titui Cultural Centre: Torres Strait Art & Heritage Deep Dive
- Private Boat Charter: Torres Strait Islands & Snorkel Exploration
- Kazu Pearls: South Sea Pearl Farm Discovery & Private Tasting