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Magnetic Island's relaxed tropical lifestyle, quiet, secluded beaches, rugged nature, abundant wildlife, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef make it a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Magnetic Island is just a short ferry ride from Townsville, making it the perfect holiday destination. Whether it's a short public holiday break, a weekend adventure, or something longer, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Magnetic Island is only 8km from the coast of Townsville. Our blue fast ferries take only 20 minutes to get there. You can book your ferry online or via our Go Blue app
If you're flying in to Townsville Airport, the Breakwater Ferry Terminal is a short 8km drive. Taxis meet all arrivals and departures. A taxi will cost you approx. $20 to get to the SeaLink ferry terminal.
Townsville City Shuttle also operates from the airport to major hotels and the Breakwater Ferry Terminal. Bookings are essential and can be made by Townsville City Shuttle bookings.
Uber is available in Townsville or if you are driving, car parking at the Breakwater Terminal is available.
There’s no shortage of transport options on Magnetic Island, from walking to public transport to relaxing tours, you will find how incredibly easy it is to explore from the moment you step onto the Island. On arrival to the island you'll find many options at the Nelly Bay terminal including:
The most economic and easiest way of travelling between the Island’s main hubs is by public bus: runs daily between Horseshoe Bay & Picnic Bay and you can pay by card on-board. You can find more information on Kinetic website.
If you want to explore the Island at your own pace, hiring a car is the way to go. Whether you want to feel the wind in your hair, or explore the secluded bays only accessible by 4WD, there are options to meet every style!
Touring Magnetic Island has never been easier. Sit back and relax while being driven around to some of Magnetic Island’s key highlights, enjoy commentary from Island locals and discover something new about this tropical paradise.
One of the best ways to discover Magnetic Island is on foot, with over 26km of walking trails linking bays and secluded beaches, you will be sure to encounter some of the best hidden gems Magnetic Island has to offer.
Bring your own or hire one on the Island. Magnetic Island is well serviced with a bituminised road network, as well as unsealed roads, making it easy to discover the many bays on offer by bike.
Taxi services on Magnetic Island are available, with taxi ranks in most of the main bays.
There are more than 20 restaurants & pubs on the island, including a Theatre Restaurant; visitors can also choose from several accommodation options, the Magnetic Island Brewery, and a number of exciting tour experiences. For a fuller look at the choices on offer, visit our Things To Do on Magnetic Island page
There is plentiful accommodation for staying on Magnetic Island, from B & Bs to luxurious hotels and exotic resorts. Check out our Magnetic Island & Townsville Accommodation page for all the best places to stay
There are a number of amenities available on the island, including a 9-hole golf course, grocery stores, a police station, a fire station, and a medical centre.
Bring light, airy clothing. Summers are hot, winters are mild, and the island receives over 300 sunny days annually.Wearing loose, breathable garments is always a safe bet. But you should always protect yourself from the strong UV rays by donning a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as a long-sleeved shirt, no matter the time of year. In general, the average annual temperature on Magnetic Island is 28 degrees, making it a tropical destination.
Magnetic Island boasts a rich history going back to the Wulgurukaba people who inhabited Magnetic Island for thousands of years before European settlement. Cockle Bay, near the island's southern tip, was one of their favourite camping spots. The bay provided easy access to the reef, the mangrove system sheltered mudcrabs and oysters, and there was plenty of hunting in the bush behind the bay.
Fun fact - A continental island composed mostly of granite; it was once part of the mainland before the sea level rose about 7500 years ago.
Magnetic Island got its name from Captain James Cook in 1770. While navigating the Australian coast, he noticed that his ship's compass was behaving strangely near the island. He believed that the island's magnetic properties were interfering with the compass, hence the name "Magnetic Island." Subsequent investigations into his theory showed no significant magnetic anomalies but the name stuck, and the island continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty and unique charm.
The original name of Magnetic Island, given by the Indigenous Wulgurukaba people, is Yunbenun.
Magnetic island boasts 23 beautiful bays and beaches
SeaLink Magnetic Island is your quickest link to Magnetic Island taking just 20 minutes. Operating up to 17 services per day, we will have you in paradise in no time! Buy your ferry ticket online today.
SeaLink Magnetic Island offers a passenger-only ferry service. Did you know you can hire a car on Magnetic Island? From fun Open-Top Jeeps, to small convenient sedans there’s something to suit every traveller! Take advantage of our ferry & car packages and save!
While not strictly necessary, having a car on Magnetic Island can significantly enhance your experience. It provides flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, reach secluded beaches, and discover hidden gems.
However, it's important to note that there are specific areas on the island, such as Arthur, Florence, and Radical Bays, where vehicle access is restricted and some roads, especially those leading to secluded beaches, can be unpaved and challenging for standard vehicles
It's possible to hire a car on the island, we even offer a ferry and car hire package.
The Island is two thirds protected National Park and is situated in the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is the only fully self-contained Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Yes, there are permanent residents on Magnetic Island. It has a population of over 2,100 across the island's four villages, Horseshoe Bay, Arcadia, Picnic Bay, and Nelly Bay.
Magnetic Island is home to a very wide selection of wildlife, on land and sea. The diverse range of fauna includes rock wallabies, brush-tailed possums, echidnas, bats, snakes and marine turtles. Magnetic Island is also home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of Koalas living in the wild.
The Magnetic Island National Park encompasses 76% of the island's total land area of 52 square kilometers. Most of the National Park is in the steep, hilly interior and on the rough north-western side. Mount Cook, at 497 meters above sea level, is the highest point on the island.
Did you know Magnetic Island is home to the only wild koala rescue and rehabilitation facility in Northern Australia? Magnetic Island Koala Hospital relies entirely on donations to continue its important work. Support it by purchasing a SeaLink North Queensland Entertainment Membership—20% of each purchase goes directly to the hospital.
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your dog with you. Just make sure they're on a leash and wearing a muzzle while in our terminals and on board the ferry, or comfortably secured in a pet carrier. Since most of Magnetic Island is National Park, please keep your dog on a leash at all times while exploring the island. Please ensure you read the complete details on our Animal Policy page before travelling.
Yes you can bring your push bike on board our ferries at no extra charge, including those packed in travel boxes or bike bags. Just a heads-up—bike trailers aren’t permitted on the passenger ferry and other restrictions apply. Please ensure you read the complete details on our Luggage Policy page before travelling.
If you plan to bring a personal E-Scooter or E-Bike, please ensure you read our luggage policy and the carriage of dangerous goods policy.
If you are planning to bring a beach trolley, please ensure you read our Luggage Policy before travelling.
Yes, please ensure you read our Dangerous Goods Policy before travelling on our services.
Yes! SeaLink North Queensland have taken all reasonable steps to ensure safe access to their vessels for customers who require wheelchair access. Please visit our accessibility page for more information.
SeaLink North Queensland acknowledges the Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Manbarra and Bwgcolman Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land and Sea Country on which we operate. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Learn more.
