Nelly Bay - Townsville
Ferries to Australia
Nelly Bay - Townsville
Ferries to Australia
Nelly Bay Townsville ferry prices usually range between €12* and €164*. The average price for ferries from Nelly Bay Townsville is typically €70*. The cheapest Nelly Bay to Townsville ferry prices start from €12*. The average foot passenger price is €46*. And the average price for a car is €158*.
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 quick way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, making your choice smooth sailing. Visit our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early to secure the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts throughout the year. When searching for ferries, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied. Simply 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.
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 enjoy a day trip between Nelly Bay and Townsville. Ferry day trips from Nelly Bay to Townsville are very popular thanks to the short journey time and frequent daily crossings. Where possible, taking a vehicle is also a great way to explore further afield at your own pace, with the convenience of having your own space.
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 on ferries from Nelly Bay and Townsville with Sealink Queensland.
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 when travelling with your pet:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing, while others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the available options, helping you choose the ferry crossing that best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with a guide or assistance dog. We recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company when booking to let them know you’ll be travelling with a guide or assistance dog.
You should also make sure you have any required certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or during the crossing.
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.
Whether an overnight ferry is available between Nelly Bay and Townsville depends on several factors. To check if an overnight ferry is available, simply enter your details and our search results will show whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. You can also find current ferry timetables and crossing times, along with alternative options for daytime sailings.
Please note that overnight ferry crossings can sometimes take slightly longer than daytime crossings.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so make sure 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.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to see all available options and prices. You can also view alternative routes and sailing times, helping you find the best deal for your needs.
Keep an eye out for early booking discounts and special ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that let you change or cancel your booking. To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you enter all the required details correctly, including the number of passengers and your vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued and collected depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some ferry operators issue your boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, while others require you to check in at the port. Some may also offer online check-in, which can be completed easily via the Direct Ferries app, where 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 several reasons why there are no departures from Nelly Bay to Townsville on your chosen date. This could be due to a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal timetable variations. We recommend checking alternative dates and routes to find a suitable crossing.
The best time to book a ferry from Nelly Bay to Townsville is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance can help you secure the best available prices, as well as a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of the best offers. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Nelly Bay - Townsville Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €46 | |
| Average Pricewith Car | €158 | |
| Nelly Bay - Townsville Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Magnetic Island |
| Destination | Australia |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Sealink Queensland |
| Average Price | €70 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 16 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 111 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 45 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 45 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 1 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.
