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 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.
What‘s Included
Return Trip Ferry Transfer
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Option 1
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
You have to go to the...
Elizabeth H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You have to go to the counter and show them the Viator ticket to get your actual ticket for the ferry.
Townsville to Magnetic Island
iangU1416XF,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great ferry service to Magnetic island and back. 20 minutes long. Just enough time for a leisurely beer or 2. Can get choppy but worth sitting outside for the views of the island.
Can we recommend with a clear conscience!
pistasch1808,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice tour, we booked the tour first thing in the morning. The Sevice was very friendly and the boat was not too crowded. The Captain has told a lot. Was exactly as offered!
Helpful staff
Joe L,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy quick trip across the bay. One member of the staff whose name I think was Inness, was especially helpful. He sat down with us and together we went through the guide book on what to see and do for our day on Magnetic Island. He also gave us a detailed explanation on how the island name came about. A big shoutout to this staff member.
Ferry Trip
ethanbX1529HD,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The admission fee was not too hefty meaning it was a quite relaxing trip. The Staff were extremely helpful and polite making the atmosphere really enjoyable.
Unsettled
reneehZ4450NS,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00School kids were rude loud and food everywhere!! Avoid travelling at school times.
Holidays Maggie Island
Moira S,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.005 Great service, excellent staff, and always on time! Even when the weather a little choppy it’s still a comfortable trip.
Great ferry trip
Emma S,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organised, lovely staff, a nice video playing during the trip showing everything Magnetic Island has to offer. Smooth and quick trip, good value for money. I would book again :)
Safe and reliable transport
chantalcD4331GV,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely staff, great service. Really happy with my experience. I took my car across to Magnetic Island from Townsville. Thank you!
Magnetic Island Ferry
Kathleen J,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Clean ferry. Fast trip. Convenient schedules. Smooth ride. Friendly staff. Efficient boarding process.
Related Experiences
Operated by Sealink Queensland