Getting to Magnetic Island

SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry
Fast Passenger Ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island

The SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Magnetic Island from Townsville. With services running throughout the day, the SeaLink ferry takes only 20 minutes across the sparkling waters of Cleveland Bay — making it the ideal choice for day trips, weekend getaways, or island stays.  SeaLink  Book Tickets via the website, Go Blue App or at the Breakwater Ferry Terminal.  You can also leave your car in the SeaLink car park, but this can get full so plan ahead.  (Photo curtesy The Edit Suite Tourism and Events Queensland)

Magnetic Island Ferries
Vehicle & Passenger Barge – Townsville to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Ferries operates the only vehicle and passenger barge service between Townsville and Magnetic Island — ideal for travelers wanting the freedom to explore the island with their own car, campervan or trailer.  The 40-minute crossing is a relaxed, scenic cruise across Cleveland Bay, with panoramic views of the island’s rugged headlands and turquoise waters. Enjoy the ease of drive-on, drive-off convenience, and bring everything you need for your island adventure.  Passengers are also welcome to travel without a vehicle, with ample parking available at our South Townsville terminal.
Bookings are recommended in advance.  Magnetic Island Ferries – Welcome Aboard!

Getting to Townsville by Air
Domestic flights from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, and Melbourne and Darwin

The nearest airport to Magnetic Island is Townsville Airport (TSV). You can fly direct from major Australian cities including Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin with airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.  Once you land, it’s just a 10–15 minute taxi or shuttle ride to the Townsville Breakwater Ferry Terminal, where Sealink ferries to Magnetic Island depart regularly throughout the day. Townsville Airport  (Image curtesy Townsville Airport Website)

Magnetic Island by Road Trip
Pacific Coast Way Road Tripping

A road trip to Magnetic Island is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Tropical North Queensland. Whether you’re driving from Cairns, Mission Beach, or the Whitsundays, the journey to Townsville Ferry Terminal offers spectacular coastal scenery, rainforest stops, and plenty of adventure along the way.  You can leave your car in Townsville or travel on the barge with Magnetic Island Ferries.

Train
Spirit of Queensland

If you prefer a scenic and relaxed journey along the Queensland coast, the Spirit of Queensland train is a great way to travel to Townsville. Running five times a week between Cairns and Brisbane, this modern tilt train is a gateway to the island.

From Townsville Railway Station, it’s just a 10-minute taxi or rideshare to the Breakwater Ferry Terminal, where you can board a SeaLink or Magnetic Island Ferries service across to Magnetic Island. (Photo curtesy Spirit of QLD)

Sail
Sail and join Magnetic Island Race Week

For sailing enthusiasts, Magnetic Island is one of North Queensland’s most rewarding destinations to arrive by sea. Just 8 km off the coast from Townsville, the island is easily accessible for private yachts, catamarans, and cruising boats travelling along the Queensland coast.

The Magnetic Island Marina at Nelly Bay offers secure berths, fuel, and on-shore facilities — making it an ideal base to explore the island or continue north toward Cairns and the Whitsundays.

Each year in late August, Magnetic Island hosts the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, attracting sailors from across Australia. It’s a spectacular event combining world-class racing with a relaxed tropical atmosphere, live entertainment, and waterfront celebrations.
See for yourself Magnetic Island Race Week