Nelly Bay Townsville ferry

Nelly Bay Guide

Nelly Bay Ferry Port

Hidden in a niche between rugged, tree-topped hills is Nelly Bay, a small port town found on Magnetic Island just a few miles north from the coast of Queensland, Australia. The island, named after the disruptive magnetic effect the area inflicted on the compass of Captain Cook during an 18th Century expedition, is an oasis of unspoiled wildlife. Over half of the mountainous isle is protected by a national park that plays host to swathes of Eucalypt woodland and the population of Koala Bears that live therein. The famed Great Barrier Reef lies a short way off the northern coast too and coral reefs hug the shoreline – the perfect location for keen divers. The port of Nelly Bay is a gateway for travellers wanting to reach Australia. Passenger ships regularly leave the south-eastern tip of the isle to Townsville on the mainland, a city considered the unofficial capital of North Queensland by locals. Ferries sail the narrow strip of the Pacific multiple times per day, a service provided by either Sealink or Fantasea. The ferry terminal is relatively small and sits at one end of a marina that juts into a sheltered section of the turquoise sea. Beachside apartments line the surrounding coastline, offering views over the pristine golden sands of the nearby beach. Due to the size of the island, getting to the port is easy regardless of where you are staying. A road route curves along the eastern coast, around the national park, connecting all of the urban settlements from Horseshoe Bay in the north to Picnic Bay in the south. A bus route regularly traverses this stretch of the island, with one stop arriving directly at the port.

Townsville Guide

What is there to do in Townsville?

A mixture of backpackers and true local Australians mark their print across the pretty coastal town; archaic architecture supplies satisfaction for fans of traditional buildings and notable landmarks, especially Jezzine Barracks which offers picturesque routes through the unique infrastructure. The primary appeal of the city lies in its cultural wealth; the abundance of museums and art galleries showcase the arty side of Australia’s east coast, and to add to the entertainment, Townsville arguably lays home to the country’s best aquarium. The attractions may bogart much of the attention, but there is a plethora of natural beauty decorating the shoreline. Bask in the powerful rays of the afternoon sun whilst relaxing on the golden sands that stretch along the coast. For a breathtaking view of the spectacular landscape, climb Castle Hill for enviable photos of the encompassing terrain, made especially beautiful come nightfall.

How do you get around Townsville?

A bus service operates around the city with seven lines covering the main districts.