Townsville to Magnetic Island tickets
Townsville to Magnetic Island Trip Overview
Magnetic Island to TownsvilleDistance 11 km (6.9 miles) | |
Price range US$ 13-US$ 15 | |
Ride Duration Range 20m-40m | |
Earliest Departure 19:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
About the ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island
So you've spent the last few days hugging wombats and soaking in Townsville's urban charm and beachside appeal. Now it's time to move on to a more laid-back tropical paradise where the pace slows down and nature takes center stage.
Magnetic Island (or Maggie as the locals call it) is where you unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature. And by nature, we mean koalas, but more on that below.
Getting between these two destinations is the kind of no-effort travel we all wish for. In less than a forty-minute ferry ride, you'll be swapping wombats for koalas.
Five of the most incredible things to do in Magnetic Island
Take a long, deep breath. You're on Maggie Island. You are meant to slow down. But here are some things to do so you can have your chill with just the right amount of adventure.
Spot wild koalas on the Forts Walk. You can't visit Magnetic Island without doing the Forts Walk — it's practically a rite of passage.
Not only do you get jaw-dropping views over the island and ocean, but it's also one of the best places in Australia to spot wild koalas just hanging out in the trees. The trail's an easy 2.5 mile/4 km return, winding past WWII fort ruins and lookout points, so you're getting a dose of history and wildlife all in one shot.
Snorkel at Geoffrey Bay or Florence Bay. Geoffrey Bay is perfect if you're new to snorkeling — you can swim straight from the shore and explore coral gardens or the wreck of the SS Moltke, which sits just offshore.
Florence Bay, on the other hand, feels like a hidden gem. The water's crystal clear, teeming with colorful fish, vibrant coral, and, if you're lucky, a cruising sea turtle or two.
Hire a topless car. Nothing says "Magnetic Island adventure" like zipping around in one of those classic topless Barbie cars. They're bright, fun, and basically an Instagram post waiting to happen. Having your own wheels means you can beach-hop, café-hop, and explore at your own pace with the wind in your hair.
Chill at Horseshoe Bay. This is where you go when you just want to kick back and soak up the island vibe. The bay's calm waters make it perfect for swimming or trying out paddle boarding or kayaking. Or, if you'd rather keep things low-key, grab a drink at one of the waterfront cafes and watch the world go by.
Stick around for sunset. It's an absolute stunner.
Catch the sunset at West Point. If you're after a sunset spot away from the crowds, West Point is your place. It's a bit of a dirt road drive to get there (super fun in your Barbie car!), but you'll be rewarded with total peace and front-row seats to one of the most gorgeous sunsets you'll ever see.
Bring some snacks and a bottle of that great Aussie bubbly, kick back, and watch the sky light up in every shade imaginable. It's pure magic.
How to get from Townsville to Magnetic Island
Well, you are headed to an island, so a ferry is a must.
You've got two options.
There is a 20-minute passenger-only ferry operated by SeaLink Magnetic Island. Or you can choose a 40-minute ferry with Magnetic Island Ferries, which will allow you to bring your car on board for a fee. Ideal if you've already hired a car for your Aussie trip. If you don't have a car, you still walk on.
No matter which of the two air-conditioned ferries you choose, multiple departures are available each day. The earliest one departs Townsville at 5:30 a.m., and the latest one leaves at 10:30 p.m.
SeaLink Magnetic Island departs from the Townsville Ferry Terminal, while Magnetic Island Ferries leaves from the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. The piers are right across from each other and close to the heart of Townsville.
Both companies arrive at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.
The best time to visit Magnetic Island
May to September is really the only time you should travel here. It's the dry season, so you'll have bright blue skies, warm but not scorching temps (around 75-81°F/ 24-27°C), and minimal humidity — just what you want on a beachy holiday.
Plus, it's outside the stinger (jellyfish) season. No need for a protective wetsuit. You can swim freely.
It's also prime wildlife-spotting time, especially for koalas and wallabies. And June to August is the whale-watching season!
November through March is the wet season. Expect hot, sticky days with high humidity and tropical downpours. It's also peak stinger season, so you'll need to wear stinger suits when swimming.
Yes, the island is at its most verdant then, but the extreme heat and rain can put a damper on outdoor adventures. Plus, there's always the slight risk of cyclones in the region, especially between January and March.
How many days should you spend on Magnetic Island?
Give yourself at least two to three days. That gives you enough time to hit all the highlights — do the Forts Walk, snorkel a few bays, rent a topless car to explore, and still have time to chill at Horseshoe Bay or catch a sunset at West Point.
If you're into diving, fishing, or just want to slow down and soak up the island vibe, you could easily stretch it to four or five days without feeling rushed.
A day trip from Townsville is doable — it's just a 20-minute ferry ride — but the whole point of going there is to slow down, not rush through it all.
Companies Operating from Townsville to Magnetic Island
Popular stations and stops in Townsville and Magnetic Island
Departure stations in Townsville
Arrival stations in Magnetic Island
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FERRY: Magnetic Island Ferries | SeaLink Magnetic Island
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