Magnetic Island is located 8km offshore from Townsville in tropical north Queensland, Australia, and the island is easily accessible. The island is served by a passenger ferry, a vehicle barge, and various helicopter companies, all departing from Townsville and collectively offering up to 30 daily departures. Renowned for being home to the largest colony of Koalas in North Queensland and its idyllic bays and beaches, Magnetic Island is over two-thirds protected National parks. Visitors and locals can explore the parks with 23km of walking trails in between discovering local cafes, galleries and activities.
SeaLink North Queensland is the islands connecting passenger ferry, making 17 daily trips in 20 minutes on their high-speed catamarans. Before you travel, tickets are available onboard or online at the ferry terminals (Magnetic Island or Townsville). The Breakwater Terminal in Townsville has a car park for a daily fee. SeaLink is easily accessible by car, taxi, Uber, bus, or Townsville City Shuttle.
Magnetic Island Ferries is the island’s only vehicle barge, meaning you can bring your car to the island on their eight departing daily services. The trip on the barge takes roughly 40 minutes, and there is the option to be a walk-on passenger. The Townsville terminal has a secure car park for a daily fee. To get to the Townsville terminal, you will need to drive a taxi or Uber.
Townsville Helicopters and Nautilus Aviation offer private and luxurious transfers between Townsville and Magnetic Island in addition to scenic tours. Scenic laps of the island begin with views of the island’s most famous shipwreck, The SS City of Adelaide, before soaring over the island’s secluded bays and stunning headlands.
