Turtle Head Island


Turtle Head Island is one of Cape York's best kept secrets.

Remote and hard to get to,
to most people not even known,


...
this island is a hidden gem well worth making your way to.


While the other two pearl farm islands are better known, because over the years they have been easier to get to, this one is very special.

The Place

The place for starters is more remote, in a very interesting area.

turtle head island

While Turtle Head Island does belong to Torres Strait, it is not an easy distance from Seisia or Thursday Island, but in the remote Escape River mouth (an area where the explorer Edmund Kennedy was speared to death - the river was named after Jackey Jackey's escape). 

turtle head island australia

Being so remote, the life of the lovely owners Rusty and Bronwyn, can be tough but is also life in a paradise.

turtle head island cape york

With views of the river, their floating jetty and beautiful sunsets, and the only way to the shops via the mangrove channels to Bamaga boat ramp in their boat.

turtle head island queensland

In the end of the jetty is where they grow their pearls - along with other jobs on the farm, it is never ending work and they never stop.

turtle head island torres strait

The Pearling Presentation

When you visit they put on a presentation, taking out a pearl shell and showing you how to extract a pearl.

turtle head island tour

Rusty opens it with a thin knife and even gives you a pearl meat sample to taste.

turtle head island pearling turtle head island presentation

He tells how the pearls are grown and what is the process on the farm. 

turtle head island pearl

Back on the land, there are shells and pearly decorations at the house.

turtle head island pearl farm

The Shop

There is also a shop with all of Rusty's creations - did I say that he never stops?

turtle head island rusty tully

Every day he is at something, and if he is not working outdoors, he is processing pearls and turning them into jewelry.


turtle head island jewelry

There are necklaces, ear rings, pendants that are unique and very beautiful.

turtle head island necklace pendant ear rings

The ways to get to the island are detailed in the Destination Guide (along with their accommodation, should you choose to enjoy the island a little longer!).

turtle head island bronwyn tully

But even if you didn't go to this very special place, you can buy their pearls and jewelry in the tackle shop in New Mapoon :-)


turtle head island pearls turtle head island award






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