Magnetic Island car ferry and hire cars
The only vehicle ferry to Magnetic Island is Magnetic Island Ferries, from 42 Ross Street, South Townsville to Nelly Bay, about 40 minutes, and vehicle bookings are essential. SeaLink's ferry from the Breakwater terminal carries passengers only. Check your rental agreement before taking a hire car across: Europcar bans it and Hertz needs prior permission for any ferry, and hiring a car on the island is the simpler option.
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Key facts
- Vehicle ferry operator
- Magnetic Island Ferries, from 42 Ross Street, South Townsville to Nelly Bay
- Crossing time
- About 40 minutes; boarding starts 20 minutes before departure
- Booking
- "Vehicle bookings are essential"; walk-on passengers are welcome
- Weekday and weekend departures
- Weekdays have up to 11 vehicle ferry departures from Townsville; Saturday and Sunday have 6 (7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm)
- SeaLink is passenger only
- SeaLink's Magnetic Island ferry is passenger only, about 20 minutes from Townsville's Breakwater terminal, with up to 17 services a day
- Vehicle fares
- Priced separately from passenger fares, on the operator's booking site
- Tidal lands
- Vehicles are prohibited on tidal lands from West Point to Cockle Bay
- Island hire minimum age
- Isle Hire requires drivers to be 21 or over with a current open licence
Is there a car ferry to Magnetic Island?
Yes, one. Magnetic Island Ferries is the island's only vehicle ferry service, and it takes cars, 4WDs, motorbikes, caravans and trailers as well as walk-on passengers. It runs from 42 Ross Street, South Townsville to Nelly Bay and takes about 40 minutes.
The confusion is SeaLink. Its Magnetic Island service leaves from the Breakwater Terminal, takes about 20 minutes, and is passenger only, so a car cannot go on it.
Magnetic Island car ferry timetable and booking
Vehicle bookings are essential, so book before you drive to the terminal. Boarding starts 20 minutes before departure.
On weekdays the first Townsville departure is 5am (not on weekends or public holidays), then 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm, though some are marked 'most weekdays'. On Saturday and Sunday the departures are 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. The last boat back from the island is 6pm on every day. Timetables change, so check the operator's page for your date.
Vehicle fares are priced separately from the walk-on fares and appear on the operator's booking site, so read the total there before you commit.
- Weekday return departures from Magnetic Island: 6.05am (not weekends), 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 6pm; some are marked 'most weekdays'
- Weekend return departures: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Can you take a hire car to Magnetic Island?
Generally not without asking. Europcar's Australian terms bar islands except Kangaroo, Stradbroke, Bribie, Phillip and Bruny, so Magnetic Island is not on the allowed list. Hertz says it permits vehicles on certain ferries but you must have prior permission from Hertz before transporting a vehicle on one.
Each company's rules differ and change, so ask for written permission before you book a vehicle space. Without it, a crossing may breach the agreement, and the ferry's own booking will not protect you.
Do you need a car on Magnetic Island?
Not necessarily. Sunbus runs local services that connect with the SeaLink ferries to Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay, and taxis are available at the ferry terminals. Queensland Parks also points visitors to the local bus and to hiring bicycles, scooters or cars.
A car does suit visitors who want to reach several bays in a day, and car rental is available on the island. Isle Hire is one island operator.
Hiring a moke or car on the island instead
Island hire avoids the ferry fare, the booking and the permission question. Isle Hire requires drivers to be 21 or over with a current open licence, and it offers pick-up close to the Nelly Bay ferry terminal.
Vehicles are prohibited on tidal lands from West Point to Cockle Bay, whatever the vehicle. Check the conditions of any island operator for where its vehicles may go.
Where to pick up in Townsville
If you fly into Townsville, hire your mainland car there for the wider North Queensland trip. The South Townsville terminal has secure paid parking for the days you stay on the island, with a lowest daily rate of $8.
Compare cars at Townsville
Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Is there a car ferry to Magnetic Island?
Yes. Magnetic Island Ferries runs a vehicle ferry from 42 Ross Street, South Townsville to Nelly Bay, about 40 minutes. SeaLink's ferry is passenger only.
Do you need to book the Magnetic Island car ferry?
Yes. The operator says vehicle bookings are essential. Boarding starts 20 minutes before departure.
Can you take a hire car to Magnetic Island?
Only with the rental company's permission. Europcar's terms ban islands except a short list that excludes Magnetic Island, and Hertz requires prior permission for any ferry crossing.
Do you need a car on Magnetic Island?
Not necessarily. Sunbus connects with the SeaLink ferries and taxis are available at the terminals. Cars are available to hire on the island if you want one.
Can you hire a car on Magnetic Island?
Yes. Isle Hire hires cars on the island and sets a minimum age of 21.
How much does the Magnetic Island car ferry cost?
Vehicle fares are priced separately from the walk-on fares and are shown on the operator's booking site, so check the total there before you commit.