Nelly Bay - Townsville
Ferry to Australia
Nelly Bay - Townsville
Ferry to Australia
Ferries from Nelly Bay to Townsville are operated by 1 ferry company; Sealink Queensland. The journey usually takes around 20 minutes. There are currently 113 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £10 but vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Get a quote to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Townsville today.
Last Updated: 28/09/2026
Nelly Bay Townsville ferry prices tend to range between £10* and £141*. The average price for ferries from Nelly Bay Townsville is typically £60*. The cheapest Nelly Bay Townsville ferry prices start from £10*. The average foot passenger price is £40*. And the average price for a car is £136*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year round. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
The first Nelly Bay Townsville ferry typically departs from Nelly Bay at around 06:00. The last ferry usually departs at 23:00.
Yes, you can take a day trip between Nelly Bay and Townsville. Day trips from Nelly Bay to Townsville by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and daily crossings. If possible, taking a vehicle is also a good way to explore a little further afield, at your own pace, with your own space - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars to travel on sailings between Nelly Bay and Townsville.
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Nelly Bay to Townsville.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Sealink Queensland ferries between Nelly Bay and Townsville.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Nelly Bay to Townsville with Sealink Queensland. .
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
For more information about taking your dog on a ferry, read our article on pet ferry travel.
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We also recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Nelly Bay and Townsville depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available, simply enter your details; our search results will then provide you with the information on whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Nelly Bay to Townsville, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel. As well as our travel advice guides on International Travel and European Travel.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as the number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Also check out our guide on Booking and Boarding a Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Nelly Bay to Townsville for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Nelly Bay to Townsville is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Nelly Bay - Townsville Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £40 | |
| Average Price with Car | £136 | |
| Nelly Bay - Townsville Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Magnetic Island |
| Destination | Australia |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Sealink Queensland |
| Average Price | £60 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 16 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 113 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 20 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 20 m |
| First Ferry | 06:00 |
| Last Ferry | 23:00 |
| Distance | 5 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 28 September 2026.
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.
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.
A bus service operates around the city with seven lines covering the main districts.
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