Magnetic Island Round-Trip Ferry From Townsville
Overview
20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy the secluded paradise of Magnetic Island, a tropical destination known for its quiet beaches, rugged landscape, and abundant wildlife. Easily accessible via the ferry from the City of Townsville, Magnetic Island is only 20 minutes away with SeaLink, the quickest link to this idyllic tropical location to set the clock to island time.
SeaLink offers up to 17 trips a day to Magnetic Island, the ferry terminal in Townsville is located close to the CBD and The Strand and only 12 minutes from the Townsville Airport. You can easily make a day on Magnetic Island or stay for as long as you want, for the best island experience on the east coast of Australia.
Return tickets are valid for up to 180 days from purchase, so take your time and enjoy snorkel trails, and hiking trails of the Magnetic Island National Park, home to the largest colony of Koala's in Northern Australia, and a perfect base to explore the GBR.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The return tickets are open dated for six months
Infants aged 0-4yrs travel for free and do not require a ticket
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Return Trip Ferry Transfer
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Enjoy a quick and easy ferry transfer to Magnetic Island with SeaLink North Queensland. With up to 17 trips a day, and a short 20 minute trip across Cleveland Bay to the Magnetic Island Marina in Nelly Bay. The local Magnetic Island bus service meets every ferry arrival, and departure making it easy and affordable to explore Magnetic Island. Spend as much time as you like on the island with the flexibility of a return ticket that is valid for six months with a range of accommodation to suit every budget. With 23 bays, plus many beaches with fringing reefs and a network of shipwrecks, there's plenty to explore in the water. You can explore the island by yacht, snorkelling tours, day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, sea kayaking, fishing and jet-skiing. On land, almost 70 percent of the island is protected by national parks. You can walk along nearly 15 miles (24 km) of walking trails in varied terrain. Wildlife thrives here, as Magnetic Island is well known as the home to the largest population of Koala’s in Northern Australia. The only self-contained island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island has modern conveniences such as shops, spas, hotels and banks within reach of pristine wilderness areas. After taking in Magnetic Island at your own leisure and expense, choose from up to 17 Ferry departure times to return to Townsville.
Options
Family Return Fare (2AD + 3CH)
Family Ticket is for 2 adults and UP TO 3 children. Children aged 5-14.
Option 1
Family Return Fare (2AD + 2CH)
Family Ticket is for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Children aged 5-14.
Family Return Fare (2AD + 1CH)
Family Ticket is for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Children aged 5-14.
Reviews
135 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very pleasant experience, staff were wonderful
G1172ODnikkih,
Oct 13, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Easy to access, friendly staff - the young lad that assisted me was very helpful and very lovely to deal with as I was unsure on the process.
Fantastic company to travel with
Kat2510,
Oct 11, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Every aspect of this trip was first rate. It was easy to book online. Staff at the terminal and onboard were very helpful and friendly. The boats were clean and well appointed. Even on a very busy day it was easy to find a seat, the process of embarking and disembarking was easy. I highly recommend
An efficient service to Magnetic Island
Keca66,
Oct 9, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00SeaLink provide a regular service from the Breakwater terminal to Magnetic island. The journey takes approx 20 minutes and was on time when we went. Our pre-purchased voucher was quickly swapped for barcoded tickets and when it is time to board the barcode is scanned and on you get. The ferry has two decks with the lower deck being the main one with the bar/food service. Both decks were reached by step free access ramps. There is also a bus stop at the terminal so if the routes work for you this may be easier (and cheaper) than parking at the terminal as the car park filled to capacity whilst we were there. A quick and easy way to get to Magnetic island.
Simplicity and Calm
Q7896HYjanem,
Oct 7, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The whole process was simple - purchase of ticket, onboarding and travel. All we had to do was relax and enjoy the ride. It was such a great way to start our long weekend.
Great way to go to island
Rotiman1,
Oct 6, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00A very comfortable way to visit the island. We booked online which made boarding seamless. staff helpful in indicating where to place large luggage. The crossing to the island was rough but still very comfortable. Staff efficiently handed out “sick bags” for those in need. Boating and disembarking were very easy and staff very pleasant. Return trip even more pleasant as there was neither wind nor swell
Excellent little service!
mcations,
Sep 22, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent quick service. Great on and off boarding. Nice sightseeing along the way. Totally enjoyed my short 24 minute cruise to the island.
Pleasant 20 minute trip to and from Magnetic Island
X8629NNjeffreym,
Sep 5, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Well organised - easy boarding - helpful staff. The timetable allows plenty of choice for departure and arrival to schedule activities and meet other services.
Easy from start to finish
852natashae,
Sep 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Easy to buy tickets online, easy access to the port and parking. Easy to board the vessel despite the busyness of the office with bookings and tours. Friendly staff
Quick, comfortable, good service.
AlanSwanwick,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Comfortable ride with plenty of seats either outside or under cover. Schedules coordinate with bus services on Magnetic, coming and going. Good terminals at both ends with helpful staff.
Magical Magnetic Island
Trish C,
Sep 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The ferry ride was just the beginning of an exceptional day visiting Magnetic Island. There was so much to see and do, one day isn't nearly enough. We hired scooters and rode around all day visiting Horseshoe Bay, the Forts walk, Picnic Bay. Just an awesome day out!
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Operated by Sealink Queensland