Australia
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminal Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal
Arrives
Breakwater Ferry Terminal
Queensland
Translink Magnetic Island FerryAt a glance
The Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminal ferry takes about 25m, with 17 listed sailings between 06:00 and 23:00. It is operated by Translink Magnetic Island Ferry.
- First sailing
- 06:00
- Last sailing
- 23:00
- Sailings listed
- 17
- Crossing
- 25m
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminal ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 06:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 07:00 | 07:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 07:45 | 08:10 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 08:25 | 08:50 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 09:30 | 09:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 10:05 | 10:30 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 11:05 | 11:30 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 12:15 | 12:40 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 13:35 | 14:00 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 15:00 | 15:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 16:30 | 16:55 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 17:10 | 17:35 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 18:00 | 18:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Mon–Fri |
| 18:35 | 19:00 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 20:00 | 20:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 22:00 | 22:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Daily |
| 23:00 | 23:25 | 25m | Translink Magnetic Island Ferry | Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal – Breakwater Ferry Terminal crossing
The last boat back leaves at eleven at night, and the first goes at six in the morning — six nautical miles in 25 minutes, seventeen times a day, 112 sailings a week under four day patterns.
A seventeen-hour operating day with a boat every hour is the shape of an island suburb rather than a resort — Magnetic Island's residents work in Townsville, and the last sailing at eleven exists so they can go out there.
The island lies eight kilometres off the Queensland coast inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with more than half its area national park and a koala population that is among the largest in northern Australia. Around two and a half thousand people live there permanently. The ferry is the only way across, and at seventeen crossings a day it is closer to a bus route than a boat trip.
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
What's the sailing frequency per day?
17 sailings a day on this route.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within Australia.
Which operator provides this service?
Translink Magnetic Island Ferry operates this route.
How do I get back from Breakwater Ferry Terminal?
Check the Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal ferry for return times.
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 25m, depending on sea conditions.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 23:00.
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 06:00, last 23:00), 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 Sep 5, 2026 – Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on the map
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