Badu
Badu (Mulgrave Island) is an island 60km north of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait.
Badu Island once had a feared reputation as an island of headhunters. Warfare, turtle and dugong hunting were the main occupations of Badu men until the 1870s with turtle and dugong hunting continuing after this.
Pearlers established bases on the island during the 1870s and by the 1880s, the islanders depended on wages earned as lugger crew. At the same time, the first missionaries arrived.
At the peak of the shell industry in the late 1950s, the Badu fleet of 13 boats employed a workforce of 200 men. This also provided work for men from other islands. However, once the shell trade declined, many people moved to the mainland for work.
Location Details
Population
700 residents
Language
Kala Lagaw Ya – Western Cluster Group
Transport
People can travel to and from the community by fixed wing aircraft (commercial and charter operators), helicopter (charter operators), or by boat (private).
Goods are transported by sea and air freight.
Council office opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9am – 4pm
Council facilities
- Airport
- Council office
- Sports hall
- Basketball court
- Changerooms
- Community hall
- Cricket nets
- Aragun Child Care Centre
- Marine infrastructure
Accommodation
| Name | Details | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tama Mudh Motel | Badu Island Foundation looks after the Tama Mudh Motel for accommodation needs. |
Contact Details
Corner of Ahmat Street and Nona Street, Badu (Mulgrave Island), QLD 4875 Australia
