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

Option 1

Reviews

4.53

139 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

102

A great ferry
559lianed,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great friendly staff, ferry ran on time with plenty of schefuled trips, very clean and plenty of seating both on top and under cover and price is very reasonable
Enjoy the journey and the destination
patrickgQ8853FV,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
They say its not about the destination, but rather the journey. Well Maggie is a fabulous destination - so under-rated, and the journey to and from on the ferry is great value, seamless with amazing helpful friendly staff. You won't disappointed. Thanks all
Very pleasant experience, staff were wonderful
G1172ODnikkih,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Easy 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Every 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
SeaLink 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A 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
Magnetic Island from the water.
judybN1766IK,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great trp, staff friendly & helpful. Had morning tea on board. On Whitehaven Beach we climbed up to the lookout . Approx 560 stairs one way. Butt beautiful outlook. Had free sausage sizzle supplied on the beach, just pay for cool drinks. They also supplied stinger suits if needed. Recommend this trip.
Excellent little service!
mcations,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well organised - easy boarding - helpful staff. The timetable allows plenty of choice for departure and arrival to schedule activities and meet other services.