Magnetic Island Transportation

The four main places of Magnetic Island are all served by sunbus: Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay (Ferry Terminal), Arcadia/Alma Bay and Horseshoe Bay. So if you come here without a car, you will still be able to explore a lot of the island, as all these places feature beautiful beaches and rainforest walks, and also nice shops, cafés and restaurants.

The busses goes every 45 to 60 minutes, the first ones going at 5.55 (one from Picnic Bay and one from Horseshoe Bay), the last ones from 12.15 (same). They go every day of the week. The whole ride takes about 30 minutes.

The fare ranges from 1,70AUD to 3,40AUD, depending on how far you go.

Townsville Airport is located a short distance of 5km away.The best and fast way to get to the passenger ferry terminal is by taxi. This should only cost approx AUD$20.00.

or you can catch the airport transit shuttle bus which stops off at all the major hotels.

The passenger Sunferries ferry departs from Townsville to Magnetic Island (nelly Bay Wharf)on a regular daily basis. For timetables check the website. www.sunferries.com.au

The trip takes approx 20minutes. Ferries depart from Flinders Street Townsville.

Magnetic Island Bus Service meets every ferry, and offers unlimited day travel with commentary. The bus operates between Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay.

Bus Service PH : 4778 5130

Cost of Ferry 2007.
Return / Single
Adult $23.00 $11.50
Student only (uni/15-17 years) $17.00 $8.50
Child (4-14 years) $14.00 $7.00
Senior/pensioner $14.00 $7.00
Infant (Under 4 years) Free Free
Family inc 2 Adults and 3 children $54.00 $27.00
Group Rates (>10 passengers)
Adult $22.00 $11.00
Student $13.00 $6.50
Child $10.00 $5.00

The car ferry leaves departs from Ross Street South Townsville approx 5mins from Jupiter Casino. The ferry has an easy ramp to drive onto and a small cafe for purchasing coffee or snacks whilst travelling over to Magnetic Island. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal or booking ahead is advisable. The ferry arrives at Nelly Bay.

www.fantaseamagnetic.com.au OR ticketing1@riversidemarine.com.au

PH: 617 47725422

Loading time is 20minutes prior to departure. For timetables go to website mentioned above.

To avoid disappointment book ahead.

Costs - Return fare AUD$123.00 (2007).

The ferry trip with car takes approx 45mins.

There are heaps of tours available on Magnetic Island. the most popular ones being with Stretched Jeep Tours.

You can do a 3hr Eco Orientation Tour - costs AUD55.00 with food and beverage supplied.
5HR remote area adventure - costs AUD $100.00
or a Full day combination tour of Townsville and Magnetic Island - Cost approx AUD$160.00

Tel : (07) 4758 1800

These tours offer an unique experience in a long stretched limo jeep.

For car hire on Magnetic Island there are a few to choose between the most popular being the moke or topless car.

MI Wheel car hire is located just 30secs away at Nelly Bay terminal. PH : (07) 4758 1111

Moke Magnetic can be located at Nelly Bay at the Wharf. PH: (07) 4778 5377

Thrifty also operates with a pick-up and drop off service (07) 4778 5955

The best idea is to catch the passenger ferry over to Magnetic Island and hop onto the Magnetic Island Bus Service which gives you a 3 hour bus tour around the island with time for Photo stops, morning and afternoon tea and a chance to stretch your legs with some interesting short walks.

Information can be found at Townsville Tourist Centre or at Magnetic Island information Centre at Nelly Bay.

PH: 4778 5130

Other tours are also available from Townsville.

You can cycle around the island, but you'll have to be in some sort of shape. Some of the hills are quite steep. You can rent a bike in Picnic Bay, or if you don't feel up to it, a scooter. Busses also drive on the island, but the tickets are expensive and they don't go very often.