Townsville Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Townsville is easily accessible via multiple transport options, with the city well-connected to major Queensland centers. Driving from Cairns takes approximately 4 hours along the scenic Bruce Highway, while Brisbane is about a 15-hour journey by car. Queensland Rail's Spirit of Queensland service connects Townsville to Brisbane and Cairns with regular departures. Townsville Airport welcomes direct flights from Brisbane, Cairns, and other Australian cities. The ferry terminal is conveniently located near the CBD, with local buses connecting from the transit center. Several secure parking options are available near the ferry terminal for those arriving by car.

Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian Outback, Townsville stands as North Queensland's vibrant coastal hub. With 320 days of sunshine annually, this tropical city blends urban sophistication with laid-back coastal charm. As a key ferry port, Townsville offers the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Magnetic Island and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can expect a rich blend of natural beauty, military history, and authentic Queensland hospitality.

Townsville enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The most pleasant time to visit falls between April and October, when days are sunny, humidity is lower, and temperatures hover between 20-29°C (68-84°F). The Australian Festival of Chamber Music in July and August draws cultural enthusiasts, while the Townsville 400 Supercars event brings racing fans in July. Ferry services to Magnetic Island operate year-round but offer more frequent departures during the dry season tourist peak. Consider visiting in May or September to enjoy ideal weather conditions with fewer crowds and competitive accommodation rates.

Magnetic Island, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, offers pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and over 20km of walking trails through national park. The Palm Island group, approximately 65km to the northwest, provides a glimpse into indigenous culture and untouched tropical landscapes on a longer 2-hour ferry journey. For dedicated reef enthusiasts, ferry services connect to various Great Barrier Reef destinations, with trips ranging from 1-3 hours depending on the specific reef location. The Hinchinbrook Island region, with its rugged wilderness and Australia's largest island national park, can be reached via connecting services from Townsville. Townsville's central location makes it the ideal base for exploring the diverse marine environments of North Queensland.

The Strand, Townsville's stunning 2.5km beachfront promenade, offers swimming, dining, and relaxation with views across to Magnetic Island. History buffs shouldn't miss the impressive Museum of Tropical Queensland and the Army Museum North Queensland, which showcase the region's rich maritime and military heritage. For panoramic city views, tackle the popular Castle Hill walking track, rewarding climbers with spectacular vistas across the city and Coral Sea. Townsville's vibrant Palmer Street and City Lane precincts serve up local specialties like fresh barramundi, mud crab, and tropical fruits alongside craft beers from the local breweries. The Reef HQ Aquarium provides an immersive Great Barrier Reef experience right in the heart of the city.

Townsville is home to the world's largest living coral reef aquarium, Reef HQ, which houses over 150 species of coral and 100 species of fish from the Great Barrier Reef. The city's ferry history dates back to the 1800s, with the Magnetic Island service being one of Queensland's oldest continuously operating ferry routes. During WWII, Townsville served as a crucial Allied base with over 100,000 American troops stationed here, significantly influencing the city's development and culture. The SS Yongala shipwreck, located off Townsville's coast, is considered one of the world's top wreck dive sites, teeming with marine life in its protected maritime sanctuary.