Island in Queensland, Australia
Getting around Magnetic Island
How to get around Magnetic Island
Ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay, then buses, a hire moke or e-bike. Walks link bays; a car helps for remote ones.
Ways to get around Magnetic Island
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| SeaLink ferry from Townsville | About 42–50 AUD return | About 25 min; frequent services; vehicle barge also runs |
| Island bus (Sunbus) | About 1 AUD | Meets ferries; Nelly Bay, Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay, Picnic Bay |
| Hire moke or e-bike | About 60–120 AUD a day | Book ahead in school holidays; helmets required |
Taxis in Magnetic Island
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No Uber on the island. Use the island bus, a hire moke or e-bike, or a taxi from a rank or booked ahead.
Arriving in Magnetic Island
Townsville (TSV)
Taxi to the Breakwater ferry terminal takes about 15 min and 25–35 AUD, then ferry 25 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Scooters and mokes are rented on the island; a car or motorcycle licence is required and helmets are compulsory. Roads are narrow and wildlife appears at dusk.
- Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence; carry an IDP or official English translation if it isn't in English.
- Onward travel in Australia: Distances are huge, so fly between capitals (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar). Greyhound coaches run the east coast; long-distance trains are scenic but slow. Rent a car for the outback.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Magnetic Island?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No Uber on the island. Use the island bus, a hire moke or e-bike, or a taxi from a rank or booked ahead.
What's the best way to get around Magnetic Island?
Ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay, then buses, a hire moke or e-bike. Walks link bays; a car helps for remote ones.
How do I get from the airport to Magnetic Island?
Taxi to the Breakwater ferry terminal takes about 15 min and 25–35 AUD, then ferry 25 min.
Is Magnetic Island walkable?
Walkable center.
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Going to Magnetic Island solo?
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Sources
- Greyhound Australia
- Journey Beyond Rail (The Ghan, Indian Pacific)
- Transport for NSW (NSW TrainLink)
- Queensland Rail Travel
- SeaLink Magnetic Island
- Townsville tourism
- Queensland Health
- Magnetic Island Health Service Centre
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.