Australia

Translink Magnetic Island Ferry
The Townsville–Magnetic Island passenger ferry
Est. 1997Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Photo: Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, Magnetic Island — John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 25m
- Avg crossing
- 1997
- Founded
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry is the Townsville–Magnetic Island passenger ferry, founded in 1997 and based in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Customer contact: 13 12 30. Across its network, crossings average about 25m.
Timetables
Which routes does Translink Magnetic Island Ferry operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakwater Ferry Terminal → Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal | 25m | — | 1 | Australia |
| Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal → Breakwater Ferry Terminal | 25m | — | 1 | Australia |
Breakwater Ferry Terminal1 route
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal1 route
Network
Where does Translink Magnetic Island Ferry sail?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Fast passenger catamarans
- go card / TransLink fares
- Commuter & tourist service
- Nelly Bay terminal
- Passenger ferry between Townsville and Magnetic Island
- Part of the Queensland TransLink network, run by SeaLink
- Breakwater Terminal to Nelly Bay in about 20–25 minutes
- Serves a national-park island famous for beaches and koalas
- Uses TransLink go card and zone fares
About
About Translink Magnetic Island Ferry
The Magnetic Island Ferry is the passenger ferry between Townsville and Magnetic Island in tropical North Queensland, Australia. Part of the Queensland TransLink public-transport network and run under contract by SeaLink, it is the main link to the island locals call "Maggie".
Townsville to Magnetic Island
Fast catamarans cross Cleveland Bay from the Breakwater Terminal in Townsville to Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island, about eight kilometres offshore, in roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Magnetic Island is largely national park, famous for its beaches, walking tracks and wild koalas, and the ferry carries both daily commuters and holidaymakers.
Service and fares
The service traces back to Sunferries, founded in Townsville in 1997 and taken over by SeaLink in 2011. Because it is part of the TransLink network, it uses the same go card and zone fares as Townsville's buses; fares are in Australian dollars. A separate vehicle barge carries cars to the island.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Translink Magnetic Island Ferry founded?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry was founded in 1997, and is headquartered in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Where does Translink Magnetic Island Ferry sail?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in Australia, including Breakwater Ferry Terminal, Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.
How do I contact Translink Magnetic Island Ferry?
You can reach Translink Magnetic Island Ferry by phone on 13 12 30, or via their official booking site.
What facilities are available on Translink Magnetic Island Ferry ferries?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry ferries typically offer Fast passenger catamarans, go card / TransLink fares, Commuter & tourist service, Nelly Bay terminal. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Translink Magnetic Island Ferry ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Translink Magnetic Island Ferry departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Translink Magnetic Island Ferry.
How do I find Translink Magnetic Island Ferry ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Translink Magnetic Island Ferry route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Translink Magnetic Island Ferry before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
Book with Translink Magnetic Island FerryHelp us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.