The Torres Shire Council administers the Muralug - TI Group of Islands being: Waibene (Thursday Island); Ngurupai (Horn Island); Gealug (Friday Island); Mawai (Wednesday Island); Muralug (Prince of Wales Island) and Palilug (Goods Island) as well as areas of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York. The population of the Torres Shire totals approximately 4,600 people. A large population of temporary residents for educational, medical, recreational, travel and administrative needs are always present on Waibene and Ngurupai.

Torres Shire is a shire literally on the sea. The main form of transport within the shire is by boat: commercial ferries, barge transport and private vessels. Vehicular transport is limited to the main islands and the NPA. Aerial transport offers rapid connections and transfers within the Torres Strait and to/from the Mainland.

The Torres Shire Council has a major role in the promotion of the cultural heritage of the Torres Strait and therefore proudly sponsors the Torres Strait Cultural Festival that is organized by a community committee. A number of the 24,000 mainland Torres Strait islanders along with many outer island residents and visitors converge on Waibene for the biennial event.

The Torres Strait is a cluster of more than 100 beautiful islands, situated between the rugged coastline of Papua New Guinea and Australia’s northern point at Cape York.  It is the only part of Australia sharing a border with another country.

The islands are relatively unspoilt by society, with 14 of them established with community councils. At the local level, each island community elects its own council which meets monthly to run the domestic affairs of the island. The vast number of coral cays offers spectacular views, abundant marine life, and a tranquil atmosphere to help you relax.   Whether you’re a solo traveler, or traveling with your family, there is something for everyone in the Torres Strait.