Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There's no official visitor information centre on Magnetic Island, but Townsville's visitor
information centre has info and maps, and can help find accommodation. Maps are also
available at both ferry terminals in Townsville and at the terminal at Nelly Bay.
Most businesses take EFTPOS, and ATMs are scattered throughout the island, includ-
ing one at the
post office
(Sooning St, Nelly Bay;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 11am Sat)
.
Getting There & Away
All ferries arrive and depart Maggie from the terminal at Nelly Bay.
Sealink
( 07-4726 0800;
www.sealinkqld.com.au
)
operates a frequent passenger ferry between
Townsville and Magnetic Island (adult/child return $32/16), which takes around 20
minutes. Ferries depart Townsville from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Dr.
Fantasea
( 07-4796 9300;
www.magneticislandferry.com.au
;
Ross St, South Townsville)
operates a car
ferry crossing eight times daily (seven on weekends) from the south side of Ross Creek,
taking 35 minutes. It costs $178 (return) for a car and up to three passengers, and $29/17
(adult/child return) for foot passengers only. Bookings are essential and bicycles are trans-
ported free.
Both Townsville terminals have car parking.
Getting Around
BICYCLE
Magnetic Island is ideal for cycling, although some of the hills can be hard going. Most
places to stay rent bikes for around $20 per day, though many offer them free to guests.
BUS
Sunbus
(
www.sunbus.com.au/sit_magnetic_
island)
ploughs between Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay,
meeting all ferries and stopping at major accommodation places. A day pass covering all
zones is $7.20.
MOKE & SCOOTER
Moke and scooter rental places abound. You'll need to be over 21, have a current interna-
tional or Australian driver's licence and leave a credit-card deposit. Scooter hire starts at
around $35 per day, Mokes about $75. Try
MI Wheels
( 07-4758 1111;
www.miwheels.com.au
;
138
Sooning St, Nelly Bay)
for a classic Moke or 'topless' car, or
Roadrunner Scooter Hire
(
07-4778
5222; 3/64 Kelly St, Nelly Bay)
for scooters and trail bikes.
