Contact Us

Your journey starts with a conversation

Whether you are planning your next getaway, have a question about local attractions, how to get here, or simply want to say hello, we’re here and ready to help. Reach out by email, phone, or drop by any time.

Office opening hours
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Have any questions?
Jillian Bowie: 0413 281 970
Richard Bowie 0499 789 553
Write email
malukaescape@outlook.com
Visit anytime
Thursday Island or Badu Island, Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait)

Map and Getting here:

Maluka Escape operates out of Waibene (Thursday Island) and Badu Island. They are both secluded and accessible, appealing to adventure tourists and regional travellers.

A 1.5 hour flight from Cairns, Queensland will take you to Horn Island airport where you will be greeted by our tour guide. You will get onto local bus and ferry services available at the airport to get you to Thursday Island, OR if you are heading to Badu, you have two options from here. You can choose to:

Connect to a 15-minute flight in a small plane from Horn to Badu, where you will be greeted by our tour guide to take you to your accommodation,

OR
Enjoy the scenic route on a 1-hour boat cruise, a guided tour of cultural storytelling you won’t find in the textbooks. Transport will be provided from the airport down to the jetty where our comfortable 8.5-metre hard top boat powered by 2 x 300hp engines, will be waiting with cold drinks and light refreshment options.

IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION;
Please note that entry to Badu Island, and all outer island communities requires prior approval from the local council for anyone who is not travelling with authorised community members. These communities observe strict access protocols to ensure cultural respect and community wellbeing. Please contact us directly for more information.

Travel to Maluka Escape’s campsite on Badu Island entails:

Arrive by plane at Horn Island after a 1.5 hour flight from Cairns, Queensland. A tour guide/staff member will meet you at Horn Island airport.

Transport by bus from Horn Island airport to Horn Island wharf where a water taxi will be waiting to take you to Badu Island. The boat holds a maximum of 8 pax and is an 8.5m hard-top cabin powered by 2 x 300hp engines. If your tour package includes activities on Thursday Island, this will take place before we head out to Badu. Thursday Island is a small, bustling ‘town’ where all the shops, pubs, fast-food restaurants, and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre are situated.

You will then experience a captivating 1-hour boat trip to Badu Island with our SeaScape tour across reefs and islands, listening to stories about the Torres Strait, its history and legacy.

Note: Cold drinks and light refreshments are sold on board for your convenience and comfort.

The water taxi will take you directly to Maluka Escape’s accommodation/campsite, a beachfront location about a 15-minute drive from Badu Island community. Here, you will experience your on-country camping stay, delicious meals, and engage with locals and tour guides who will take care of you throughout your stay.

Not too keen on boat travel? You have the option to fly to Badu

By catching a connecting flight from Horn Island. This is a 15-min flight in a small plane. You can take a service flight with Hinterland Aviation, or you can charter flights with Torres Strait Air or Cape Air. Airport transfer is available upon your arrival at Badu Island airport, where you will be greeted by a team member to take you to the campsite to sign in and get settled.

Be sure to pack light clothing, sunhat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and keep hydrated!
If you have a pre-planned itinerary for a tour package, be sure to enjoy full cultural immersion into our stories, culture, and environment. Our staff are professionals and will ensure your safety and comfort during your tours.
Accommodation at the campsite offers an unforgettable on-Country experience, with cosy tents set up beneath the stars, complete with air mattresses or stretcher beds for comfort. For travellers who prefer modern convenience, motel-style rooms are available in the nearby community. Throughout your stay, you will be treated to delicious, freshly prepared cuisines that showcases the flavours of the region and adds an extra touch of indulgence to your adventure.
Free transport is provided for guests who wish to go to visit community for essentials, work/appointments, or community activities. There are two convenient stores in the community, a local council, health clinic, PBC (Native Title) office, ranger’s office, police station, primary school, church, sports facilities, art centre, and Doidy & Mel’s coffee van.