
Australia
Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Breakwater Ferry Terminal
Queensland
Arrives
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal
At a glance
The Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal ferry takes about 25m, with 17 listed sailings between 05:30 and 22:30. It is operated by Translink Magnetic Island Ferry.
- First sailing
- 05:30
- Last sailing
- 22:30
- Sailings listed
- 17
- Crossing
- 25m
Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 05:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 06:30 | 06:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 07:00 | 07:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 07:45 | 08:10 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 08:45 | 09:10 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 09:30 | 09:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 11:40 | 12:05 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 14:15 | 14:40 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 15:50 | 16:15 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 16:30 | 16:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 17:25 | 17:50 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon–Fri |
| 18:00 | 18:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 19:30 | 19:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 21:20 | 21:45 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 22:30 | 22:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Breakwater Ferry Terminal – Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal crossing
Thirteen departures run every day, from 06:30 to 21:20. Two more run Monday to Saturday at 05:30 and 07:00, one on weekdays at 17:25, and one at 22:30 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Twenty-five minutes across Cleveland Bay
The crossing covers 6 nautical miles from Townsville out to Magnetic Island. With no bridge, this is the connection for residents and visitors alike, which is why the daily core is thirteen sailings rather than a handful.
The late Thursday-to-Saturday boat
A 22:30 departure on three nights covers evenings on the mainland. On the other four nights the last boat is over an hour earlier, which changes what an evening out looks like.
Current plan
The listed departures run to 7 October 2026. The 05:30 sailing is the one to note for early flights out of Townsville — it does not run on Sundays.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Fast passenger catamarans
- go card / TransLink fares
- Commuter & tourist service
- Nelly Bay terminal
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry back from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal?
Yes — see the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminal ferry for the return schedule.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 25m.
Is this a domestic or international route?
Domestic — the whole crossing stays within Australia.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
17 sailings a day on this route.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 05:30, last is 22:30.
Who operates the service?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry runs this crossing.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Translink Magnetic Island Ferry) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 25m and several sailings a day (first 05:30, last 22:30), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Translink Magnetic Island Ferry, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Timetable valid Aug 29, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 30, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Breakwater Ferry Terminal on the map
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