Dauan is a small island west of Saibai and close to the Papua New Guinea border.
Mount Cornwallis is the highest peak in the Strait, rising to nearly 300 metres. This is also the State’s most northerly granite peak and is actually part of the Great Dividing Range.
The soil is relatively fertile and supports local family gardens. It is noted for its cool, freshwater permanent springs and the surrounding waters yield abundant fish.
Dauan is serviced by:
The closest airport is on Saibai, 6km to the northeast.
The community is built along the narrow coastal lowland, backed by steep granite peaks. Like other islands of the Torres Straits, municipal services are provided by the TSIRC.
In 1871 two brothers, Garmai and Jawai (Dheobau Clansmen), accompanied missionaries from the London Missionary Society to Saibai and influenced the islanders to accept the missionaries.
Most males worked on pearling luggers during the pearling era and enlisted with the Torres Strait Light Infantry when WWII broke out. Dauan celebrated its successful Native Title Land Claim to the island in July 2000.
According to Torres Strait stories, it was formed from the head of the giant man-eating snake Norinori, when he was dropped into the sea by two eagles.
Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Contact: Mr Mario Soki
Email: mario.soki@tsirc.qld.gov.au
Phone: 07 4083 2200
Accommodation is available for council and non-council members.
Accommodation keys are to be collected and dropped off at the Council Office prior to departure from Dauan Community.
All approved visiting guests are required to sign the Council’s visitor book to document the visit for record purposes.
Bookings can be made by contacting Dauan Office.
five x single rooms
Shared kitchen and amenities
Single rate: $101
Single half day rate: $52
Single (local Indigenous) non-commercial rate: $75.75