Townsville - Nelly Bay
Ferries to Magnetic Island
Townsville - Nelly Bay
Ferries to Magnetic Island
Sealink Queensland provides the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay. Townsville Nelly Bay ferries cost from just $8 and vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Townsville Nelly Bay ferries.
Last Updated: 9/25/2026
Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices typically range from $8* to $197*. The average ferry price from Townsville to Nelly Bay is around $56*. The cheapest fares usually start from $8*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $54*. The average price when traveling with a car is $184*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated September 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
The first ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay usually departs at around 05:30, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 22:30.
Yes, day trips between Townsville and Nelly Bay are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars on sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.
Currently, bicycles are not permitted on ferries traveling between Townsville and Nelly Bay.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Townsville and Nelly Bay with Sealink Queensland.
Pets are allowed on ferries traveling from Townsville to Nelly Bay with Sealink Queensland. .
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated September 26.
When traveling with your pet on a ferry, you’ll usually need:
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you’re traveling with a guide dog or an assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or on board.
Even if standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing with our customer service team. For more information, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Townsville and Nelly Bay depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Townsville to Nelly Bay, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our page on international travel advice for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Also check out our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Townsville to Nelly Bay on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Townsville - Nelly Bay Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $54 | |
| Average Price with Car | $184 | |
| Townsville - Nelly Bay Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Destination | Magnetic Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Sealink Queensland |
| Average Price | $56 |
| 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.
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