Purchasing your ferry ticket to Magnetic Island – grab a discount

If you know you want to return to Townsville for a day trip during your stay, when purchasing your ticket to the Island it will be cheaper for you to buy a multi-trip pass called a Flexi Pass.

For example, 2 adults each purchasing 2 return tickets at $39 per ticket costs $156. An Adult Flexi Pass costs $124.50 and gives up to 2 people 10 one way fares = approx $31 per person return versus normal $39 return. Yes, you might throw away the unused portion (or give the ticket to a friendly local), but you’ve saved $31.50. (Prices current as at 04 March 2023.)

You can also cost this information on the Sealink ferry website at: sealinkqld.com.au  Children/Family prices are available. All Australian pensioners and children (5-14yrs) prices are 50% off!

Arriving in Townsville after or around 6pm

The passenger ferry terminal (Sealink Breakwater Terminal) closes its building at 6pm nightly, so if you arrive on a late flight and have a bit of a wait for the next ferry, you might be more comfortable waiting a bit longer at the airport where you can access public amenities and purchase snacks.

Supermarkets on Magnetic Island

Our closest supermarket, Foodworks Nelly Bay, is an approximate 250 metre walk. Trading hours are 7am to 7pm every day of the year excluding Christmas Day.

IGA Supermarket at the Magnetic Island ferry terminal trades 6am to 8:30pm* daily, but check what time the next bus picks up at the ferry terminal before you venture off. * Shops/services may be closed or offer limited services on public holidays.

Late arrivals and check in

The latest ferry departing Townsville that will get you to Magnetic Island Palms before reception closes is the 3.50pm Sealink passenger ferry or the 3pm Magnetic Island Ferries car barge (last barge on Saturdays leaves Townsville at 5pm). But if you’re going to be on the 4.30pm passenger ferry let us know in advance you’re on it and we’ll wait for you. Otherwise we will close at 5pm as scheduled.

NB: If you’re going to arrive after 5pm Saturday or any other day, you must ring before 5pm Saturday so that we can explain your after-hours check-in. Management is not necessarily on-site after hours, so this is essential

Dining on Magnetic Island

Please note most kitchens close at 8pm

If you’re arriving late on Magnetic Island please keep in mind that many of the restaurants close their kitchens at 8pm.

Your closest (Nelly Bay) restaurants when you arrive are:

  • The Boardwalk Restaurant, Peppers Blue On Blue (International cusine) $$$ which is right next to the ferry terminal;
  • Man Friday (Mexican) $$ which is a short walk from the resort;
  • Scallywags Cafe $$ which is on the corner of Sooning Street and Mandalay Avenue, and approximately half way between the ferry terminal and Island Palms Resort or Granite Bar, Pizza & Tapas $$ which is directly opposite;
  • Smuggler’s Wine Bar $$ which is on Sooning Street just passed Foodworks, or
  • Saltwater Restaurant $$$ (bookings required) which is also on Sooning Street right beside Foodworks.

Please drive carefully on Magnetic Island

If you’re ready to head out and enjoy a drive on the island, please note that it is nearly 70% National Park, which means that you’ll find many local animals crossing roads, especially at sunset. Slow down and enjoy the drive. This will also help to keep our wildlife safe. If you come across an injured animal just go to whatsonmagneticisland.com.au for more information.