What is out there
The Ville's destination page sums up the island in a few facts: 8 km offshore, more than 20 bays and beaches, a network of walking trails, one of Northern Australia's largest wild koala populations, and more than half of the island protected as national park. That is enough for a day, and plenty for a week.
Two ways across
| SeaLink North Queensland | Magnetic Island Ferries | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Passenger ferry, high-speed catamarans | The island's only vehicle barge; walk-on passengers also taken |
| Crossing | About 20 minutes | Roughly 40 minutes |
| Services | 17 daily trips | Eight departing services a day |
| Townsville terminal | Breakwater Terminal, car park for a daily fee | Separate terminal with a secure car park, daily fee |
| Getting to the terminal | Car, taxi, Uber, bus or Townsville City Shuttle | Taxi or Uber |
We could not read SeaLink's own timetable when we gathered these facts, so we print no departure times. Check them on the SeaLink website before you walk down.
From the hotel to the boat
The hotel describes the Magnetic Island ferry terminal as within walking distance. Google Maps agrees: when we checked on 1 November 2026, the walk from the SeaLink terminal to the hotel came to about 450 metres, six minutes along Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. If you are staying, there is no need to pay for the terminal car park: leave the car in the hotel's outdoor parking and walk.
Walking route: ferry terminal and The Ville
Arriving by air and heading straight over? The Airport Shuttle runs daily between the airport, city hotels and the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, timed with the main flights.
Swimming on the island
From November to May the council nets two island beaches, Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay, as part of its stinger program. The same advice applies as on the mainland: the nets are not 100% effective, so wear a stinger suit. Our notes are on stinger season.
Day trip or overnight?
As a day trip
Go after breakfast and be back for dinner at the hotel. With 17 SeaLink trips a day, you are not tied to one boat home.
Keep the room
If your last day is island day, check out at 10am and leave your bags at reception; the hotel stores luggage.
Race Week
The hotel lists Magnetic Island Race Week among the region's main events but gives no date. Check before you book, as the island gets busy.
Country
Townsville City Council's acknowledgement of Country names the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun among the Traditional Owners of the region.