Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

The Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal is the main entry and exit point for Magnetic Island, Townsville’s enchanting outpost in the Coral Sea. Regular ferries connect the island to the mainland, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) away.

Slow your pace before you make the crossing, because you are on island time now. Not all ferry terminals are located in such a picturesque setting, so make sure you take in the views as you disembark in the marina of Nelly Bay.

It is easy to find your way around the terminal, because apart from visitors, it only serves the 2,500 or so lucky folks who can call this island home.

To help you make the most of your time on Magnetic Island, many local tour operators and services have offices at or near the ferry terminal. Island transport options include buses, taxis and car hire. Sunbus offers services throughout the day, timed to match ferry arrivals and departures. Taxis operate 24 hours a day and leave opposite from the terminal and car rental is available in Nelly Bay too.

Join a tour to see the best of the island with a local guide. There are several tour options and pick ups from the ferry terminal are usually provided if you book ahead. Explore at your own pace by cycling or walking around the island from Nelly Bay. You can rent a bicycle on the island or bring one over on the ferry.

The terminal is situated on the edge of Nelly Bay village, which has accommodations, restaurants and shopping facilities. Just walk over and take your pick.

Two ferry companies operate 7 days a week from the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and there are sailings throughout the day. Board as a pedestrian or take a bike or car over to the island. Sealink has a fast catamaran service that takes roughly 20 minutes, but only takes pedestrians. Fantasea has a foot passenger and car service and therefore runs at a more sedate pace, with crossings taking about 40 minutes.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

ReefHQ Aquarium

Experience a living example of the Great Barrier Reef on land, let the kids find “Nemo” and get a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most amazing ecosystems.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Set out on a discovery tour of the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in this interactive waterfront museum with ever-changing exhibits.

Maritime Museum of Townsville

Set sail for Townsville’s seafaring history and discover stories from the deep when you visit this intriguing museum overlooking Ross Creek and the marina.

Townsville

When it comes to Townsville, skip the taxi fare. This Northern Queensland hub is best experienced on foot.

Queens Gardens

Walk beneath ancient hoop pines, navigate a maze, see the Australian cockatoos or have a picnic in the lush setting of these tropical gardens.

Hotels near Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

The Ville Resort - Casino

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, ReefHQ Aquarium, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Maritime Museum of Townsville and Queens Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel

81 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

334 Flinders Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Maritime Museum of Townsville, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes. Townsville Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

2 Dibbs Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Rydges Southbank Townsville

23 Palmer Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of ReefHQ Aquarium and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Castle Hill and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Palmer Collective

12 14 Palmer Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Mercure Townsville

166 Woolcock Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located near the airport, within 2 mi (3 km) of Townsville Museum and Historical Society, Anderson Park Botanical Gardens, and Castle Hill. Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum and National Trust Heritage Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km).

City Oasis Inn

143 Wills Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Maritime Museum of Townsville. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Madison Plaza Townsville

409 Flinders St.Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St.

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Direct Hotels – Holborn at Central

4 Kingsway Place

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Cultural Centre Townsville. Townsville Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Park Regis Anchorage

51 Palmer Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Mariners North Holiday Apartments

7 Mariners Drive

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Townsville, this beach apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of The Strand Beach, Strand Waterpark, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes.

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

8-10 Palmer Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Itara Apartments

1-15 Sporting Drive

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thuringowa Central, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Tony Ireland Stadium and Riverway Lagoon. Willows Shopping Centre is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and The Strand Beach are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Robert Towns

261 Stanley Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and The Strand Beach. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Aligned Corporate Residences Townsville

30-34 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Castle Hill, and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Strand Park and Willows Shopping Centre are also within 9 mi (15 km). Townsville Station is 30 minutes by foot.

Seagulls Resort on the Seafront

74 THE ESPLANADE TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810, 74

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Belgian Gardens, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Pallarenda, Jezzine Barracks, and Army Museum North Queensland. The Strand Beach and Strand Rockpool are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Waters Edge The Strand

63 64 The Strand

Offering direct access to the beach, this North Ward hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Strand Waterpark and Castle Hill. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Jezzine Barracks are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Oonoonba Hotel Motel

78 Abbott Street

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oonoonba, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Fairfield Central Shopping Centre, Murray Sporting Complex, and Cluden Racecourse. Stuart Creek Nature Refuge and Queensland Country Bank Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Vale Hotel

222 Ross River Road

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Aitkenvale, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Bush Garden Landcare Site, Anderson Park Botanical Gardens, and Mater Hospital Pimlico. Townsville Museum and Historical Society and Aboriginal Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Serenity on Magnetic

16 - 20 Yule Street

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this apartment building is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Magnetic Island National Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Radical Bay and Horseshoe Bay Beach. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Strand Waterpark are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Townsville Seaside Apartments

105 The Strand

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in North Ward, this beachfront apartment building is in the city center and within a 10-minute walk of The Strand Beach and Strand Park. Strand Rockpool and Jezzine Barracks are also within 15 minutes.

Dalrymple Hotel

310 Bayswater Road

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Garbutt, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum and within 3 mi (5 km) of Townsville Museum and Historical Society and Castle Hill. Anderson Park Botanical Gardens and Mater Hospital Pimlico are also within 3 mi (5 km).