Every thing that you must find out about methods to get to Magnetic Island in tropical North Queensland – a spot so magical it is turn into our everlasting residence!
Positioned simply 8km from the town of Townsville and proper within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef in far north Queensland, lies the gorgeous Magnetic Island, one of the unbelievable locations in all of Australia.
Over time, the island has turn into a serious vacationer vacation spot because of its pristine seashores, relaxed environment, various wildlife and journey actions.
The convenience of entry to Magnetic Island has additionally helped its latest surge in guests, with ferries operating each 20 minutes from Queensland’s second largest metropolis.
We favored the island a lot after we visited that we ended up shopping for a bit of land and constructing a home there!
Sure, after 12 years of touring the world, this place is simple that magical that we wished to remain endlessly. And after you go to, we’re positive you will really feel the identical method.
The right way to get to Magnetic Island – The Full Information
Right here is our full information to attending to Magnetic Island.
And whilst you’re at it, do not miss these different nice Maggie Island articles we have put collectively:
Arrival in Townsville
First issues first, to get to Magnetic Island it’s important to make your strategy to Townsville in far north Queensland to hop on a ferry, as there is no such thing as a airport on the island itself.
Townsville is nicely linked by street, rail and air, so getting right here won’t be an issue.
There are additionally tons of epic issues to do in Townsville, so be sure to have just a few days to spare on both facet of your Maggie journey!
Drive to Townsville
Townsville is positioned on the intersection of two of Queensland’s main highways – the Bruce Freeway that runs from Brisbane to Cairns and the Flinders Freeway that runs from Townsville inland to Mt Isa.
The drive from Brisbane takes about 16 hours, so that you must spend at the least two days.
Townsville is simply 4.5 hours to Cairns, 4.5 hours to Mackay, placing it within the coronary heart of tropical North Queensland with a lot of wonderful sights to see close by.
Fly to Townsville
When you’re planning to fly into Townsville, you are in luck, because it has a well-connected airport.
Townsville has a median of seven flights a day from Brisbane and each day direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
There are additionally common direct flights between the Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin to Townsville, in addition to a variety of regional flights to Mackay, Cloncurry, Mt Isa, Rockhampton and extra.
Bonza Air, the most recent ultra-budget airline to reach in Australia, will launch direct flights between Townsville and the Sunshine Coast. Watch this area.
Practice to Townsville
There’s additionally a rail service between Brisbane and Cairns that stops in Townsville. Spirit of Queensland operates this journey 5 instances every week.
Journey from Townsville to Magnetic Island
As soon as you’ve got reached Townsville, you are prepared for the subsequent a part of your journey on methods to get to Magnetic Island – Leaping on the Ferry!
The island has two ferry corporations that journey day by day from Townsville for a period of 25 minutes. SeaLink, a passenger ferry and Magnetic Island Ferries, a car ferry.
Each ferry corporations have totally different terminals in Townsville however arrive on the identical Nelly Bay ferry terminal.
READ MORE: Do not miss our locals’ information to the perfect seashores on Magnetic Island!
Most individuals who journey to Magnetic Island often solely keep for a day or just a few days at most.
For that reason it’s usually extra economical to go away your car on the SeaLink ferry terminal in Townsville and arrive as a passenger.
However in case you’re staying longer or would relatively use your individual car than rent one on the island, then it pays to carry your individual set of wheels.
Transportation from the airport to the ferry terminal
In case you are flying into Townsville and do not need your individual car, we advocate reserving an area bus service to get you from the airport to the ferry terminal.
You possibly can e-book it on-line right here: https://shuttletsv.com.au/
Costs are:
- $10 for one individual
- $15 for the pair
- $5 per individual for teams of three or extra
It is cheaper than taking a taxi, which can price round $25, and you’ll e-book it each methods (from the airport to the ferry or from the ferry to the airport while you return).
Merely e-book on-line and they’ll meet you while you arrive. Cost is money or card on the day.
Passenger ferry to Magnetic Island
For pedestrians questioning methods to get to Magnetic Island, you’ll be able to board with both firm.
Nevertheless, the principle passenger ferry to Magnetic Island that most individuals take is SeaLink Queensland, and solely pedestrians drive to and from the island.
The explanation most pedestrians take it’s because it is a lot sooner (it solely takes 25 minutes from terminal to terminal) and has just a few extra common departures.
Their Townsville terminal can be positioned nearer to the town centre, making it simpler to get to.
The SeaLink ferry is a quick, fashionable and protected vessel, with clear services and wheelchair entry.
The ferry fare is AUD $39 return for an grownup and $19.50 return for a kid.
It’s also possible to borrow a bicycle at no cost.
- Tackle: Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville
- Telephone: 1300 MAGGIE (1300 624 443)
- instances: From 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m
Automotive ferry to Magnetic Island
When you plan to drive your car to Magnetic Island, then your solely choice is to go together with an organization Magnetic Island Ferries.
Their giant ferry can transport motorbikes, vehicles, motorhomes, caravans, boats and even semi-trailers from Townsville to Magnetic Island and again.
Additionally they accommodate pedestrians (on the identical value as SeaLink), the place you stroll and depart earlier than autos enter the ship.
However this feature is simply appropriate if you’re already in South Townsville, because the journey takes about 40-45 minutes as a substitute of 25 minutes with one other firm.
This ferry firm just isn’t low-cost and can cost you by the burden and size of your car, so watch out with this.
For instance, a typical automobile prices $216 return (as much as $240 return in the course of the season) and if you’re taking an extended car corresponding to a camper or station wagon, their return charges are $196 + $52 per meter over 5m.
However they’re the one choice you’ve gotten if you wish to carry your individual set of wheels to the island, so there’s little you are able to do.
When you solely plan to spend sooner or later on Magnetic Island, it could be higher to park your automobile on the Townsville ferry terminal and easily rent a automobile on the island for the day.
- Tackle: Ross Avenue, South Townsville
- Telephone: +61 7 4796 9300
- instances: From 5 am to eight pm
We hope this text has answered all of your questions on methods to get to Magnetic Island, Queensland.
It is without doubt one of the finest locations in all the state and we sincerely hope you take pleasure in it there.
Is there a bridge to Magnetic Island?
No, there is no such thing as a street or bridge to Magnetic Island. Whereas rumors of building have been circulating for a number of years, Townsville Council has confirmed it won’t construct one because the island is reportedly drifting away from the mainland.
How lengthy is the ferry journey from Townsville to Magnetic Island?
The journey to and from Magnetic Island is 8 km and takes about 20 minutes a technique by ferry in calm situations.
How a lot is the ferry to Magnetic Island?
The price of the ferry to Magnetic Island is $34 return for a foot passenger, however there are particular affords in case you e-book the ferry prematurely.
How a lot does it price to drive to Magnetic Island?
The price of transporting your automobile to Magnetic Island begins at $216 for the standard size spherical journey car and goes up from there relying on size and seasonal availability.