Storm clouds may have gathered around the tropical paradise but nothing could deter Thursday Island residents from celebrating traditional ownership of thousands of kilometres of sea and land.
About 65,000 square kilometres around the tip of Cape York and into the Torres Strait have been recognised by a Federal Court judge as land and sea belonging to native title groups.
The five groups forming the claim are the Kemer Kemer Meriam and Kulkalgal Nations and Kaurareg, Ankamuthi and Gudang Yadhaykenu people.
Ankamuthi traditional owner Charles Woosup said it was important First Nations people's use of and connection to the sea was recognised.
"It's a blessing to give us our sea back, so we can protect and look after our sea," he said.
"Our elders talked about it and wanted our area back for so long, now we've got it."
Slow processes cause frustration
Negotiations for recognition of the area began decades ago, with only one elder remaining who was part of the original claim.
Mr Woosup said it was sad to think of all those who didn't make it.
"I wish the old people, my dad and my uncles, and everybody would still be around to see this day happen, but I know they are around, they are watching us," he said.
Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council chair Ned David said the day was an emotional one.
"Words fail me," he said.
Mr David said the fact so few elders were still around to see the occasion were a sign the processes took too long.
"That's one lesson I think we all should learn from; ourselves as traditional owners, First Nations people and more importantly the government," he said.
"There must be a better way to do these things."
He said a lot of burden was placed on traditional owners to prove connection.
"There are no other people in this region but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, surely, we must accept they've been using and enjoying the rights and interest in this country for eons," he said.
It was the first land claim to have been jointly submitted by mainland First Nations groups and Torres Strait Islander groups.
"For staying united, seeing a vision that they know will come through to fruition, I've got to congratulate them," Cape York Land Council chair Richie Ah Mat said.
"A lot, a lot of hard work, but today is the day that everybody actually enjoys and celebrates."
Hope for economic development
Mr David said it took time to build trust but eventually the groups came together.
"Once we got through those initial hurdles, and we realised what we're attempting to do here is in the best interest of all our people, I think it was pretty smooth sailing after that," he said.
Mr David said the next steps would be about protection of the land and growth of the communities.
"How do we reap the economic benefits that come with it?" he said.
"But more importantly, I think, is ensuring that we play a role in ensuring that this area is maintained properly."
Mr Ah Mat was also keen to have the community benefit from the resources of the land.
"The sea grounds up in Cape York, in the Torres Strait, are the richest sea grounds, unpolluted sea ground anywhere in Australia," he said.
"Our people should be entitled to really commercially, take a catch."
A formal recognition
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament recognising native title was vital to Queensland's path towards reconciliation.
"The islands and the sea play a fundamental role in the culture of First Nations peoples from the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area of the Queensland mainland," she said.
"This determination formally recognises this continuing connection to country and sea country and the rights and interests to that country.
"It helps preserve First Nations people's culture, values, and traditions, which benefits all Queenslanders."
Mr Woosup said it was a historic day for all the communities, and especially the next generation.
"I've grown up knowing my area, but not owning it, now that they're going to grow up knowing that it's theirs, and they got every right to protect it," he said.
"I will feel very, very proud, to be on my own country, on sea country."
