Thursday Island - Docking
Anchoring options:
Vessels can anchor in two areas depending on tide and weather conditions as it can get very windy and rough here:
- Off the main wharf at Thursday Island.
- Between Madge reef and Horn Island. In the SE winds, the Horn Island anchorage provides greater protection. Anchor here and take the ferry across to Thursday Island. to clear in/out.
If you are unsure which would be the best anchorage, contact ‘Ports North’ for advice. They can be reached on VHF Channel 16, or their office can be found just to the north of the northernmost town jetty.
There is a regular daytime passenger ferry service that operates between TI and Horn Island. TI has more facilities ashore, including supermarkets and bars.
Dinghy Docks:
Horn Island: The dinghy dock is not the best because of the ferry traffic from TI as well as all the local boats. The locals will just move your dinghy out of their way. Best to put it on the end of the pontoon under the walkway.
Thursday Island: Dinghies can be left at the Fisheries Wharf when undertaking clearance formalities. Otherwise you can use the dinghy dock at Engineers Wharf but it gets very shallow at low tide.
Anchoring before Entering the Great Barrier Reef
If you are heading for the Torres Strait and do not wish to navigate the Great Barrier Reef at night, cruisers recommend contacting the Thursday Island Australian Border Force District Office [thursdayisland@abf.gov.au] and ask for permission to anchor before arriving at Thursday Island. They will most likely approve your request. Read this report from cruisers who were able to do that on their way from Vanuatu to Thursday Island.
Entering Australia at Thursday Island
Last updated: July 2024
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Related to following destinations: Australia, Queensland, Thursday Island
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