Boigu Island

Boigu Island, also known as Malu Kiyay or Malu Kiwai, is the northernmost inhabited island of Australia, situated in the Torres Strait, Queensland. Approximately 18 kilometers long and covering 89.6 square kilometers, it lies just 6 kilometers from the mainland of Papua New Guinea. The island is predominantly inhabited by Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders, with a population of 199 as of 2021. The community speaks the Kalau Kawau Ya dialect, shared with neighboring islands Dauan and Saibai. Boigu Island features a low-lying landscape with mangrove swamps and pristine beaches, offering a serene coastal environment. The community has basic amenities, including a school, health center, and small shops, but remains relatively remote, accessible primarily by boat or plane. The island's economy is largely based on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and government services. Boigu Island holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Torres Strait Islander people, with traditional customs and ceremonies playing a central role in community life.