Magnetic Island ferry prices & timetable: Sealink and car ferry

The Magnetic Island ferry costs $34 return for foot passengers on both the SeaLink Queensland and Magnetic Island Ferries services from Townsville. The latter is the Magnetic Island car ferry, with prices from $216 return.

There are few better commutes in the world than the one from Magnetic Island to Townsville. Magnetic Island is technically a suburb of the north Queensland city, and the Magnetic Island ferry ride to Townsville takes around 40 minutes.

Book your Magnetic Island ferry online.

Most people using the Magnetic Island ferry don’t live on the island, however. This glorious holiday island might not be on the Great Barrier Reef, but it has lots going for it. That includes walks to WWII forts, koala-spotting, splendid beaches and a bewildering array of watersports.

Magnetic Island, Queensland - not on the Great Barrier Reef — Great Barrier Reef day trips are available from Magnetic Island, but this Queensland holiday destination is not on the Reef itself. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Unlike Hamilton Island, which has direct flights from Brisbane, Magnetic Island doesn’t have an airport. The only way to get to Magnetic Island is by ferry.

7 Magnetic Island experiences to book in advance

Sort out your return ferry ticket from Townsville.
Get the best of the coastline on a five hour boat tour with snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.
See the sky change – on a sunset and shipwrecks cruise.
See all the island highlights – on an afternoon island tour combining heritage, culture and nature.
Cram it all in on a five hour comprehensive island tour.
Take to the water on a lunchtime sailing cruise.
See subaquatic creativity – on a Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef day trip.

Sealink ferry to Magnetic Island timetable

Two companies operate a Magnetic Island ferry service. Of these, SeaLink Queensland’s ferry is for foot passengers only. It operates a somewhat higgledy-piggledy schedule with departures from Townsville roughly every 45 to 90 minutes. The first departure of the day is usually at 5am, and the ferry sails from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive.

But how much does the Magnetic Island ferry cost? Well, adult single fares on the SeaLink ferry cost $18.70. Return fares work out slightly cheaper than two singles – an adult return ticket costs $34. These prices are for online bookings.

The crossing to Nelly Bay on the SeaLink ferry takes around 20 minutes, which is considerably quicker than the 40 minutes with Magnetic Island Ferries.

Magnetic Island car ferry fare prices

This rival operator sails from Ross Street on the opposite side of Ross Creek. Walk-on passenger fares on the Magnetic Island Ferries option cost $15 one way or $30 return.

However, this is the Magnetic Island car ferry. For a standard car, a return trip on the Magnetic Island car ferry costs $216 most of the time, but $240 in peak season. Peak season is basically the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Cars need to arrive at the Magnetic Island car ferry terminal at least 20 minutes before departure. Bookings should be made online.

Taking a car across to Magnetic Island may seem expensive, but it can save on hiring a car or paying for public transport once on the island. The Magnetic Island Ferries services are not as frequent, generally departing Townsville every two hours.

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.