Getting Here and Around
Fantasea Cruising Magnetic. The 40-minute Fantasea Cruising Magnetic ferry service has several scheduled services daily from the mainland to Maggie’s Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, 10 km (6 miles) offshore. The first ferry leaves Townsville at 5:20 am weekdays, 7:10 on weekends, with the last return service departing the island at 6:55 pm. One-way fares are A$89 for a vehicle with up to six people, A$14.50 for a person with no vehicle (bicycles free). SeaLink Queensland has a daily 25-minute catamaran service linking Townsville and Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island. Bus and island transfers meet the ferry during daylight hours. Up to 18 SeaLink ferries a day cruise out of Townsville between 5:30 am (6:30 Sunday) and 10:30 pm (11:30 pm Friday and Saturday), returning between 6:20 am (7:10 Sunday) and 11 pm (midnight Friday and Saturday); a one-way ticket costs A$16. 22 Ross St., Townsville, Queensland, 4810. 07/4796–9300; www.fantaseacruisingmagnetic.com.au.
Magnetic Island Sunbus. Get an overview of Magnetic Island riding the cheap, reliable local buses, which ply the coast road between Picnic Point, Nelly Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay from dawn till late, and can be hailed from the roadside. Single-fare tickets (A$1.70 to A$3.50) as well as unlimited-travel day and weekly passes are available from the driver. The bus departs Picnic Bay Jetty at regular intervals throughout the week. Hail it between designated stops simply by standing at the roadside and raising your hand. Nelly Bay, 44 Mandalay Ave., Magnetic Island, Queensland, 4819. 07/4778–5130; www.sunbus.com.au.
Magnetic Island Taxi Service. This local taxi company services the entire island. Go to its website to prebook cabs and get fare estimates. Magnetic Island, Queensland. 13–1008; 07/4778–9566; www.131008.com.
MI Wheels. The tiny Mini Moke, a soft-top convertible version of the Mini-Minor car, is an ideal means by which to explore Magnetic Island. MI Wheels, next to the IGA supermarket near Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, rents out Mokes, including fuel; a driver's license is required. Nelly Bay, 138 Sooning St., opposite Ferry Terminal, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland, 4819. 07/4758–1111; www.miwheels.com.au.
Road Runner Scooters. Motorbikes or scooters are a cheap and easy way to get around the island, though if you want to get off the main linking road and explore dirt roads and bush tracks, you’ll have to rent a trail bike. Road Runner Scooter Hire rents trail bikes for A$65 per day, scooters from A$40, and dual-seat scooters from A$55. The cost includes helmets and unlimited mileage; you top up the gas yourself. Nelly Bay, 3/64 Kelly St., Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland, 4819. 07/4778–5222; www.magneticinformer.com.au.
