🔍

Warraber Islet

QLD 4875 • Queensland

287
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.79 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteCoastalIndigenousIsland
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About Warraber Islet

Warraber Islet — also known as Sue Island — is a small coral cay in the Torres Strait, part of the Torres Strait Island Region of Queensland. The island covers just 0.79 square kilometres and is one of The Three Sisters island group, situated in the Vigilant Channel between Cape York and Papua New Guinea. With a population of 287 at the 2021 Census, it is home to the Kulkalaig people, specifically the Waraberalgal, one of the Central Islands' traditional owner groups.

Life on Warraber Islet remains deeply connected to traditional culture, with hunting, fishing, dancing, and community feasts (thayilai) central to everyday life. The island's warm surrounding waters and coral reefs support fish, turtles, and dugong, while wongai fruit and coconuts are traditional food sources. The island is served by a campus of Tagai State College, and day-to-day language includes Torres Strait Creole (Brokan) alongside the traditional Kulkalgau Ya language. Like many low-lying Torres Strait islands, Warraber faces long-term threats from rising sea levels.

Warraber Islet falls under postcode 4875 and is governed by the Torres Strait Island Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4875
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Torres Strait Island
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-9.58°, 143.77°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.79 km²
Population Density
363 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4875

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4875, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$47,835
Median 2023–24
$54,895
▲ 14.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,357

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4875; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
1550 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
No road access
By Car (Off-Peak)
No road access

🛣️ Access is by light aircraft (via Bamaga or Thursday Island) or ferry services only; the island is extremely remote

Walkability Car-Dependent

The island is small enough to walk across, but has no roads, shops or services beyond the community's own facilities; all supplies arrive by air or sea

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
287
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Torres Strait Island Local Government Area, which contains Warraber Islet. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
139.8 / 100k
2yr Down 66.7% 10yr Down 81.5%
Motor vehicle theft
23.3 / 100k
2yr Down 66.7% 10yr Down 44.4%
Non-FV assault
2,632.2 / 100k
2yr Up 12.8% 10yr Up 42.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
46.6 / 100k
2yr Up 99.6% 10yr Down 25.8%
View all offence categories for Torres Strait Island →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warraber Islet known for? +

Warraber Islet, also called Sue Island, is known for its traditional Torres Strait Islander culture, coral reefs, and the rich marine environment of the surrounding Vigilant Channel. The island is home to the Waraberalgal, a Kulkalaig people, and maintains a strong traditional lifestyle including hunting, fishing, and ceremonial feasts.

How far is Warraber Islet from Cairns? +

Warraber Islet is located approximately 1,550 kilometres north of Cairns. The island is accessible only by light aircraft or ferry via Thursday Island or Bamaga; there is no road connection to the Australian mainland.

Does Warraber Islet have public transport? +

There is no public transport on Warraber Islet. The island is accessed by light aircraft and inter-island ferry services operating within the Torres Strait. There are no roads, no buses, and no rail service.

What is the population of Warraber Islet? +

According to the 2021 Census, Warraber Islet has a population of 287 people. The community is predominantly Torres Strait Islander, with a high proportion of social housing (around 90% of dwellings).

Is Warraber Islet a good place to live? +

Warraber Islet offers a close-knit traditional community lifestyle for those connected to the Torres Strait Islander culture and Country. It is extremely remote, with limited access to mainland services, and the island faces long-term risks from sea level rise.

What is the postcode for Warraber Islet? +

The postcode for Warraber Islet, Queensland is 4875, shared with other Torres Strait Island localities including Thursday Island.

Is Warraber Islet a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Warraber Islet is part of the Torres Strait Island LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.