We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from our customers. The questions have been divided into several categories. If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us.
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Find out more in our Privacy Policy. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.
- Magnetic Island
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry Travel
-
It takes about 20 minutes to reach Magnetic Island. It's perfect for a quick day trip!
-
There are up to 17 return services to Magnetic Island every day—so there’s plenty of flexibility for your travel plans! For the latest schedule and service updates, be sure to check out our Magnetic Island ferry timetable page.
-
SeaLink Magnetic Island is your quickest link to Magnetic Island taking just 20 minutes. Operating up to 17 services per day, we will have you in paradise in no time! Buy your ferry ticket online today.
-
We recommend planning your journey in advance. Try to arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to your required departure time. Please allow time to park the car, purchase you ticket from the sales counter and maybe grab a coffee from Maggie Link Cafe' before you board.
-
SeaLink Magnetic Island offers a passenger-only ferry service. Did you know you can hire a car on Magnetic Island? From fun Open-Top Jeeps, to small convenient sedans there’s something to suit every traveler! Take advantage of our ferry & car packages and save!
-
While there aren't traditional cafés on-board, all SeaLink North Queensland vessels feature fully licensed bars. You can grab a cold drink, some chips, or a chocolate snack bar from our friendly crew while you travel. Alcoholic beverages are available from 10am to midnight, with a few restrictions on days like Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
You can grab a barista made hot drink from the Cafes at our Terminal in Townville & Magnetic Island, before you are boarding our vessels.
-
Unfortunately there are no designated changing rooms, however toilets are located on-board all our vessels and in both the Breakwater Ferry Terminal in Townsville and Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island.
-
For complete details on child travel policies, including age requirements and supervision guidelines, please refer to the 'All children under the age of 12' section on our Terms & Conditions page.
Booking Information
-
No need to pre-book ferry tickets—just turn up when you're ready to travel! Our ferry tickets aren’t tied to specific departure times/ days, so you have the flexibility to choose the service that suits you. With boarding starting around 15 minutes before departure, we do recommend arriving at the terminal at least 20 minutes before departure to give yourself time to park your vehicle, buy your ticket (if you haven't already) or grab something from the Cafe'.
-
Yes! If you're travelling with a group of 15 or more people to Magnetic Island, discounted fares are available when you book directly with SeaLink North Queensland. We also offer special rates for school and university groups. To find out more, just get in touch with our Groups Coordinator at [email protected]
-
Ferry fares to Magnetic Island vary depending on the type of ticket you need—whether you're travelling one-way or return, as an adult, child or family for example. To see the full list of ticket options and prices, please visit our ferry fares page.
-
"Go SeaLink Ferries" APP
Purchase your ticket via our app and save today! Learn more on our Go SeaLink Ferries app page.
How do live timetables work?
As soon as a service is amended in our booking system it will be updated on the app. You will be able to see additional services available during peak times and cancelled services will not be displayed. If the service is running late this may not appear on the live timetable, however. our standard procedure will still apply: all affected customers will be notified if their service is cancelled or delayed.
What do I do if something is not working as it should on the App?
Sometimes things don’t go as planned… If you are having trouble logging in or accessing your purchased tickets please email [email protected] with the ticket booking number, your name, contact details and screenshots. This feedback will allow us to update and improve the app.
SeaLink E-Tickets
SeaLink's electronic ticketing solution provides a new and faster way to pay for and travel on our North Queensland services. By replacing the older ticketing system, this upgrade allows us to continue to offer you new ways to travel.
These efforts to digitalize ferry transportation and improve the efficiency of outdated fare collection systems through contactless ticketing also align with our sustainability goal of reducing our environmental impact by no longer requiring printed tickets for every passenger.When purchasing tickets online through the SeaLink website, you will no longer need to queue at the sales counter to obtain a boarding pass because your online ticket will include a barcode that can be scanned by our crew upon boarding. If you prefer not to use a mobile device to display the barcode, your online confirmation email including the barcode can be printed and presented to the crew.
Similarly, any tickets purchased from the team at the sales counters in the terminals and onboard the vessels will have a barcode that will be scanned upon boarding.
Terminal Information
-
You can find the terminal opening hours and more information on our Contact Us page.
-
-
Getting to our Ferry Terminal in Townsville from the airport is easy! You can grab a taxi right out the front—it’s about a 10 to 15-minute ride. There's also a shuttle service that runs 7 days a week. Just be sure to book ahead with Townsville City Shuttle.
-
Yes, parking is available at our Ferry Terminal in Townsville starting from $10.00 per day for a standard vehicle. The car park has adequate lightning, though it isn’t fenced, so vehicles are left at your own risk.
If you’re after secure parking, Metro Quays Car Park offers lock-up options. It is connected to our ferry Terminal by the public bus or you can take a 20-minute walk through the city centre.
-
Yes, there are storage lockers available for hire within our Ferry Terminal in Townsville - here are the key details:
-
Locker size: 82.5 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 60 cm (H)
-
Access: Only during terminal opening hours
-
Cost: from $8 per 24 hours
Ensure your luggage fits within the given dimensions and plan to access it only while the terminal is open.
-
Accessibility
-
Yes! SeaLink North Queensland have taken all reasonable steps to ensure safe access to their vessels for customers who require wheelchair access. Please visit our accessibility page for more information.
Other
-
Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your dog with you. Just make sure they're on a leash and wearing a muzzle while in our terminals and on board the ferry, or comfortably secured in a pet carrier. Since most of Magnetic Island is National Park, please keep your dog on a leash at all times while exploring the island. Please ensure you read the complete details on our Animal Policy page before travelling.
-
Yes you can bring your push bike on board our ferries at no extra charge, including those packed in travel boxes or bike bags. Just a heads-up—bike trailers aren’t permitted on the passenger ferry and other restrictions apply. Please ensure you read the complete details on our Luggage Policy page before travelling.
-
If you plan to bring your personal E-Scooter or E-Bike, please ensure you read our luggage policy and the carriage of dangerous goods policy.
-
If you are planning to bring a beach trolley, please ensure you read our Luggage Policy before travelling.
-
Yes, please ensure you read our Dangerous Goods Policy before travelling on our services.