Ferries from
Australia to Magnetic Island
Ferries from
Australia to Magnetic Island
The Townsville to Nelly Bay ferry is the main ferry route from Australia to Magnetic Island. Sailing frequency can change throughout the year and often sailings increase during peak season.
Ferries from Australia to Magnetic Island sail approximately 49 times per week and are operated by Sealink Queensland.
Australia to Magnetic Island ferry sail durations can take between 20 minutes and 16 hours 30 minutes depending on the ferry operator, the route taken and weather conditions.
The fastest ferry from Australia to Magnetic Island takes around 20 minutes on the Townsville to Nelly Bay ferry with Sealink Queensland.
No, currently you cannot travel by car on the ferry from Australia to Magnetic Island.
The distance between Australia and Magnetic Island is 6 miles (9km) and 5 nautical miles.
Australia to Magnetic Island ferry prices can vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The Townsville to Nelly Bay ferry ferry sails approximately 75 times weekly with a crossing time of 20 minutes.
We recommend booking in advance for the cheapest ferry prices and availability. Visit our Special Offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts.
Book and compare Australia Magnetic Island ferry tickets, operators, timetables and prices using our Deal Finder.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, situated between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Surrounding the 35,000 km mainland coast are numerous islands including the enormous Tasmania to the south and the world-renowned, beautiful Whitsundays to the northeast. With nearly all the major settlements situated along the coast, you can find beachfront hangouts, superb seafood and trendy art scenes in all the big cities. That’s not all, though, as the vast outback awaits those looking for peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist hotspots, which is also home to the spectacular Ayers Rock, known by its aboriginal name of ‘Uluru’. As an isolated island country fringed by islands and archipelagos, Australia offers a great number of domestic ferry routes. Depending on where you are along the coast, a short ferry ride is all it takes to reach the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania and many more wonderful destinations.
Magnetic is one of Australia’s most popular islands, sitting 8 kilometres east of Townsville, Queensland. Part of the mainland until 7,500 years ago, when the sea level rose, the island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 who named it after the magnetic effect it had on his compass. Today, visitors are drawn to its 23 beaches, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful National Park, which is home to the largest colony of Koalas in northern Australia. Despite lying in the heart of the tropics, Magnetic Island boasts 320 sunny days per year, allowing you to enjoy the scenic walking trails, the country’s best dive sites and buzzing beach parties all year round. Given its proximity to the mainland, travelling to Magnetic Island by ferry couldn’t be easier. Numerous crossings are available every day from Townsville to Nelly Bay on Magnetic’s southeast coast.