Townsville
Nelly Bay
Ferry to Magnetic Island
Open Ticket??

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Trip Details
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Return Trip

Latest offers for Townsville - Nelly Bay

Ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay

There are usually 6 daily and 47 weekly sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay. 2 operators sail this route Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland and runs throughout the year. Townsville Nelly Bay ferries cost between £19 and £139, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Townsville Nelly Bay ferries.

Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry Times

The earliest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry sailings typically depart Townsville at around 05:00. The last ferry usually departs at 19:00.

How long is the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry sail durations on this ferry route can take around 40m. The fastest sailings are approximately 40m. Sailing times can vary, durations often differ between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.

Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry Operator Schedules

There are an average of 6 daily sailings and up to 47 weekly ferry sailings from Townsville to Nelly Bay. These sailings are provided by Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.

Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry Prices

Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices typically range between £19* and £139*. The average price is typically £67*. The cheapest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices start from £6*. The average price for a foot passenger is £35*. The average price for a car is £134*.

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

How far is it from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

The distance between Townsville to Nelly Bay is approximately 5.9 miles (9.5km) or 5.1 nautical miles.

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

Yes, Magnetic Island Ferries allow cars on board 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.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Townsville to Nelly Bay with Magnetic Island Ferries, Sealink Queensland. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Australia to Magnetic Island page.
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Townsville - Nelly Bay Route summary
Departure Country Australia
Destination Country Australia
No. of Operators 2
Operators Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland
Average Price £67*
Average Daily Sailings 6
Average Weekly Sailings 47
Average Sailing Duration 40m
First Ferry 05:00
Last Ferry 19:00
Distance 5 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-04-02.

Most popular questions

How can I book ferry tickets from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Book ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers.

Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No you can not travel as a foot passenger, currently you can only travel on the ferry with a vehicle.

Can you take your car on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No, only foot passengers can travel on the ferry.

Can you bring pets on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No, pets are not permitted onboard the ferries.

Townsville Guide

What is there to do in Townsville?

A mixture of backpackers and true local Australians mark their print across the pretty coastal town; archaic architecture supplies satisfaction for fans of traditional buildings and notable landmarks, especially Jezzine Barracks which offers picturesque routes through the unique infrastructure. The primary appeal of the city lies in its cultural wealth; the abundance of museums and art galleries showcase the arty side of Australia’s east coast, and to add to the entertainment, Townsville arguably lays home to the country’s best aquarium. The attractions may bogart much of the attention, but there is a plethora of natural beauty decorating the shoreline. Bask in the powerful rays of the afternoon sun whilst relaxing on the golden sands that stretch along the coast. For a breathtaking view of the spectacular landscape, climb Castle Hill for enviable photos of the encompassing terrain, made especially beautiful come nightfall.

How do you get around Townsville?

A bus service operates around the city with seven lines covering the main districts.


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.

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