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Townsville to Nelly Bay Ferry

Depending on the season their are usually 6 daily and 47 weekly sailings between Townsville and Nelly Bay. 2 ferry operators provide ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland. Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get tickets, pricing, schedules and availability.

Townsville Nelly Bay Ferry Times

The earliest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry typically departs Townsville at about 05:00. The average sailing time of a ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay is approximately 40m and the fastest sailing time is approximately 40m.

Townsville to Nelly Bay Ferry Prices

Ferry prices for a ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay typically range between $37* and $269*. On average the Townsville Nelly Bay ferry is $130*. The cheapest Townsville Nelly Bay ferry prices start from $12*. The average price for a foot passenger is $68*. The average price for a Townsville Nelly Bay car ferry is $259*.

Ferry prices may differ by season and depend on various factors, such as number of passengers, vehicle type and sailing time.

How far is Nelly Bay from Townsville?

The distance between Townsville and Nelly Bay is approximately 5.9 miles (9.5km), or 5.1 nautical miles.

Is there a car ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Yes, there is a car ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay provided by Magnetic Island Ferries. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and tickets for car ferries between Townsville and Nelly Bay.

Are foot passengers allowed on the Townsville Nelly Bay ferry?

Yes, Townsville Nelly Bay ferries allow foot passengers. You can travel as a foot passenger from Townsville to Nelly Bay with Magnetic Island Ferries, Sealink Queensland.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from Australia to Magnetic Island page.

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Townsville - Nelly Bay Route summary
Departure Country	Australia
Destination Country	Australia
No. of Operators	2
Operators	Magnetic Island Ferries & Sealink Queensland
Average Price	A$128*
Average Daily Sailings	6
Average Weekly Sailings	47
Average Sailing Duration	40m
First Ferry	05:00
Last Ferry	19:00
Distance	5 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-04-02.

How can I book ferry tickets from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

Ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay are available for booking through our deal finder, with live prices, timetables and operators.

Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No, currently you cannot travel as a foot passenger on any Townsville to Nelly Bay ferries.

Can you take your car on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No, cars are not allowed on this ferry route.

Can you bring pets on the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay?

No, pets currently are not allowed onboard this ferry service.

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.

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