About this tour
Hop aboard SeaLink's frequent ferry service to Magnetic Island, a 20-minute crossing from Townsville's city centre. This laid-back tropical spot serves as your gateway to quiet beaches, walking trails through national parkland, and encounters with the region's largest koala population. With up to 17daily sailings and return tickets valid for six months, you can tailor your visit—whether a single day excursion or an extended island stay—before exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights
- Twenty-minute ferry crossing from central Townsville
- Up to 17 daily sailings, high flexibility
- Six-month return ticket validity
- Koala colony and national park trails
- Snorkel spots and Great Barrier Reef access point
- Wheelchair accessible, prams and service animals welcome
What to expect
The ferry terminal sits close to Townsville's CBD and is just 12 minutes from the airport, making boarding straightforward. You'll enjoy a quick water crossing with views across to the island. Once ashore, Magnetic Island reveals quiet coves and sandy stretches, along with established walking tracks through the national park where koalas are genuinely common sightings. The island works as a day trip or a multi-night base; many use it to access snorkelling sites or as a launch point for Great Barrier Reef day tours. Facilities are modest but functional.
Good to know
Bring your own food and drinks or plan where to eat on arrival. Children under five travel free. The ferry terminal has nearby public transport. Open-dated return tickets mean you're not locked into a specific date—book when convenient and travel within 180 days.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.