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Green Hill Fort: Thursday Island's Historic Guardian

Explore Green Hill Fort on Thursday Island: a historic military site with panoramic views of the Torres Strait and a glimpse into Australia's defense past.

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Perched atop Thursday Island, Green Hill Fort is a well-preserved 19th-century military installation built between 1891 and 1893 to defend against a potential Russian invasion. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's colonial past, with gun emplacements, underground bunkers, and a small museum. The fort also provides panoramic views of the Torres Strait and surrounding islands.

A brief summary to Green Hill Fort

  • 18 Aubrey Parade, Thursday Island, Queensland, 4875, AU
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up to the fort, as the road has some steep inclines.
  • Bring your own water, as there are no facilities at the top of Green Hill.
  • Visit the museum inside the fort to learn more about the history of the fort and the Torres Strait.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the ferry terminal on Thursday Island, head along Douglas Street, then turn left onto Chester Street. Continue onto Summers Street, then turn left onto Moa Lane. Follow Moa Lane uphill; the entrance to Green Hill Fort will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1.5km and takes around 20-30 minutes. Note that the road is steep in sections.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available on Thursday Island and can take you directly to the entrance of Green Hill Fort via Moa Lane. A taxi ride from the ferry terminal to the fort takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The cost is approximately $15-$20 AUD.

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Discover more about Green Hill Fort

Green Hill Fort, located on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, is a significant historical site that offers a window into Australia's late 19th-century defense strategies. Constructed between 1891 and 1893, the fort was built in response to fears of a Russian invasion and the expansion of European colonial powers in the Pacific. The fort's design and construction reflect the military engineering of the time. Built on Green Hill, the highest point on the island, it provided a strategic vantage point over the Torres Strait. The complex included gun emplacements, underground bunkers for ammunition storage, and living quarters for the garrison. The walls were constructed of thick, reinforced concrete and brick to withstand potential artillery attacks. Although the fort never saw combat, it played a vital role in the defense of the region. It remained operational through World War I, serving as a training ground for Queensland militia. During World War II, the fort was used as a signals and wireless station and an ammunition store for Australian and American forces. Today, Green Hill Fort is a heritage-listed site and a major tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the fort, including the gun emplacements and underground bunkers. The museum inside the fort displays artifacts and information about the fort's history and the military history of the Torres Strait. The site also offers stunning panoramic views of Thursday Island and the surrounding islands, making it a popular spot for picnics and sunset viewing. Access to the fort is via Moa Lane, with a road leading to a car park near the summit. The walk up to the fort offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate the island's natural beauty.

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