Townsville – Nelly Bay

Ferries to Magnetic Island

Townsville – Nelly Bay
Sorry, the Ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay service is no longer available with Direct Ferries.

Latest Offers

View all Special Offers

Ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay

There is usually 6 daily and 47 weekly sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay. 2 operators sail this route Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Townsville Nelly Bay ferries.

Ferry times from Townsville to Nelly Bay

The earliest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry sailings typically depart Townsville at around 05:00. The average sailing time is approximately 40m and the fastest sailing time is approximately 40m.

Ferry prices from Townsville to Nelly Bay

Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices typically range between $24* and $176*. The average price is typically $85*. The cheapest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices start from $8*. The average price for a foot passenger is $44*. The average price for a car is $170*.

Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times.

How far is Townsville to Nelly Bay?

The distance between Townsville to Nelly Bay is approximately 5.9 miles (9.5km) or 5.1 nautical miles for the mariners!

Can I travel by car on the Townsville Nelly Bay ferry?

Yes, Magnetic Island Ferries allow cars on board for ferries between Townsville and Nelly Bay. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Townsville and Nelly Bay.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Yes, foot passengers can travel with Magnetic Island Ferries, Sealink Queensland between Townsville and Nelly Bay.

Why use Direct Ferries?

Sail everywhere

More routes than anyone else.

Sail everywhere

Sail cheaper

Compare fares, times & routes in one place.

Sail flexibly

Change plans easily with flexi tickets.

Sail flexibly

Sail smart

Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.

Sail informed

Live ship tracking & real-time updates.

Sail informed

Sail confidently

Top-rated customer support when you need it.

Most popular questions

Nelly Bay Guide

Nelly Bay Ferry Port

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.


The quickest way to make & manage your booking

Download our app today
Download our app Download now A woman using her mobile phone

Customer Service

Visit our customer service page to find useful information on travelling by ferry, our FAQs, and how to contact us for help with your booking

Need help?

Let's keep in touch

Exclusive deals delivered to your inbox