Townsville - Nelly Bay
Ferries to Magnetic Island
Townsville - Nelly Bay
Ferries to Magnetic Island
Last Updated: 2026-09-25
On the Townsville Nelly Bay route, fares generally fall between $11* and $273*. On average, a Townsville Nelly Bay ferry ticket costs around $77*, with the lowest Townsville Nelly Bay fares starting at $11*. Foot passengers pay an average of $74*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $255*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed September 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Townsville Nelly Bay sailings usually begin with a departure from Townsville at approximately 05:30, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 22:30.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Townsville to Nelly Bay a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay.
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Townsville and Nelly Bay.
Yes, Sealink Queensland accepts foot passengers on sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay.
Good news for pet owners — Sealink Queensland allows pets on board sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay. .
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated September 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Townsville to Nelly Bay route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Townsville to Nelly Bay crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Townsville to Nelly Bay ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Townsville - Nelly Bay Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $74 | |
| Average Price with Car | $255 | |
| Townsville - Nelly Bay Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Destination | Magnetic Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Sealink Queensland |
| Average Price | $77 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 13 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 92 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 20 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 20 m |
| First Ferry | 05:30 |
| Last Ferry | 22:30 |
| Distance | 5 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 25 September 2026.
Hidden in a niche between rugged, tree-topped hills is Nelly Bay, a small port town found on Magnetic Island just a few miles north from the coast of Queensland, Australia. The island, named after the disruptive magnetic effect the area inflicted on the compass of Captain Cook during an 18th Century expedition, is an oasis of unspoiled wildlife. Over half of the mountainous isle is protected by a national park that plays host to swathes of Eucalypt woodland and the population of Koala Bears that live therein. The famed Great Barrier Reef lies a short way off the northern coast too and coral reefs hug the shoreline – the perfect location for keen divers. The port of Nelly Bay is a gateway for travellers wanting to reach Australia. Passenger ships regularly leave the south-eastern tip of the isle to Townsville on the mainland, a city considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland by locals. Ferries sail the narrow strip of the Pacific multiple times per day, a service provided by either Sealink or Fantasea. The ferry terminal is relatively small and sits at one end of a marina that juts into a sheltered section of the turquoise sea. Beachside apartments line the surrounding coastline, offering views over the pristine golden sands of the nearby beach. Due to the size of the island, getting to the port is easy regardless of where you are staying. A road route curves along the eastern coast, around the national park, connecting all of the urban settlements from Horseshoe Bay in the north to Picnic Bay in the south. A bus route regularly traverses this stretch of the island, with one stop arriving directly at the port.
