Magnetic Island at a glance
Magnetic Island lies just off Townsville and is reached by passenger ferry in about 20 minutes. It is a day trip or a short stay, and a different kind of trip from the reef tours that leave from Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach. For those, see our guide to Great Barrier Reef tours.
Walks and the chance of seeing wild koalas are the main reasons to go. The SS Yongala wreck, a famous dive site, is often mentioned together with Townsville. It lies offshore, not at the island.
Ferry from Townsville: fares in 2026
The passenger ferry leaves from the Breakwater Terminal in Townsville. Fares are valid from February 2026. A fuel surcharge has been added since June 2026.
| Ticket | One way | Return | Return with surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | A$23 | A$44 | A$46 |
| Adult, booked in the app | Check the app | A$41.50 | A$43.50 |
| Child aged 5 to 14 or concession | A$11.50 | A$22 | A$22 plus surcharge |
| Family with up to 3 children | Return only | A$95 | A$99 |
The surcharge is A$1 one way, A$2 return and A$4 for a family. Concession fares need proof of an Australian concession. Tickets are not tied to a departure, and you do not need to book ahead. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the ferry leaves. If you take a car to the Breakwater Terminal, parking costs A$10.50 per 24 hours.
Our pick: snorkelling at Magnetic Island
Our take: a boat snorkel trip that starts on Magnetic Island itself, with the reef tax included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Townsville and Magnetic Island tours
Island day trips, wildlife, snorkeling and reef experiences, with live prices and availability.
Forts Walk and koalas
The Forts Walk is 4 km long, takes about 2 hours and is graded 3. It is normally open at any time. Wild koalas are possible along the way, but nobody can promise a sighting. If you do see one, do not touch, feed or wake it.
Take water and sun protection, and allow the full 2 hours.
Townsville and the SS Yongala
Townsville is the mainland port for the ferry. The SS Yongala wreck lies offshore, about 12 nautical miles east of Cape Bowling Green and 46 nautical miles east-south-east of Townsville. It is not on the beach of Magnetic Island.
- Depth: a maximum of 30 m, with an average of 20 m.
- Visibility: 12 to 30 m, a description of the site and not a promise.
- Who it suits: advanced and experienced divers only.
- Rules: the wreck sits inside a protected zone with a radius of 797 m. A permit is free. Do not enter the wreck or remove or damage artefacts.
For more dive options, read our guide to diving the Great Barrier Reef.
Safety, stingers and marine blooms
Box jellyfish and Irukandji can be life-threatening. The higher-risk season is roughly November to May, but stingers can occur all year. Wear a full-body lycra or neoprene suit when you swim. If someone is stung, call 000, apply vinegar and get medical help. Irukandji symptoms can appear 20 to 40 minutes later.
Natural marine blooms sometimes occur around the island. If you see one, avoid direct contact with the water, because it can irritate the skin. A bloom does not mean the island is closed. Read our best time to visit guide for seasons across the whole coast.
Plan a day on Magnetic Island
The ferry makes a simple day easy, because tickets are not tied to a departure and there are up to 17 services a day.
- Before you leave Townsville: buy a ticket or use the app fare, and be at the terminal at least 20 minutes before the ferry leaves. Add the parking fee if you come by car.
- On the island: the Forts Walk takes about 2 hours, so it fits into a day with time left over for the water.
- For the return: choose the ferry on the day. Because the ticket is not fixed to a departure, you can stay as long as the schedule allows.
- In the water: wear a stinger suit and avoid direct contact with any marine bloom.
The last column of the fare table above includes the fuel surcharge, so use that figure when you budget. If you stay longer, see where to base yourself in our guide to where to stay.
Lizard Island is a separate trip
Lizard Island is a national park island group about 250 km north-east of Cairns. There are no regular scheduled flights or boats, except as part of a resort package. Private access and camping need separate planning. It is not an add-on to a Magnetic Island day, so treat it as its own journey. The northern gateway is described on our Cairns page.
Magnetic Island: frequently asked questions
How do you get to Magnetic Island?
By passenger ferry from the Breakwater Terminal in Townsville. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, with up to 17 services a day.
How much is the Magnetic Island ferry?
An adult pays A$23 one way and A$44 return, plus a fuel surcharge of A$1 one way or A$2 return since June 2026. That makes the standard adult return A$46. A child aged 5 to 14 pays A$11.50 one way.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
No. Passenger tickets are not tied to a departure. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the ferry leaves.
Will I see koalas on the Forts Walk?
You may see wild koalas, but there is no guarantee. Do not touch, feed or wake them.
Is the SS Yongala at Magnetic Island?
No. The wreck lies offshore, about 46 nautical miles east-south-east of Townsville. It is a dive for advanced and experienced divers.
Is this the official website of Magnetic Island?
No. This is an independent guide with no connection to a ferry company, a tourism body or a tour operator.