Travelling to Townsville

Townsville is the Capital of North Queensland; a vibrant cosmopolitan city which is also a hub for industry, government and military departments.
As such the transport options to reach Townsville from anywhere in Australia are wide and varied. Whether you choose to drive, fly or arrive by train, there is sure to be an option to suit your needs.

Driving

On the Bruce Highway drive north from Brisbane, approximately 1350 km and from Cairns drive south, approximately 350km to Townsville.  The ferry terminals are located near to the centre of the city and easily to locate.

By Rail

Queensland Rail’s The Sunlander and the Tilt Train provide regular services into Townsville from both Brisbane and Cairns. queenslandrail.com.au

Flying

Townsville airport is serviced by Virgin Blue, JetStar, Strategic and Qantas. Townsville Airport is a short 10km drive to the Breakwater Ferry Terminal. Taxis meet all arrivals and departures.  A shuttle bus service operates from the airport to major hotels and the Breakwater Ferry Terminal, and meets most flights. You’ll find the transfer desk by the exit doors of the arrival terminal.

Jet Star – jetstar.com.au – Direct flights to Townsville from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

Qantas – qantas.com.au – Direct flights to Townsville from Melbourne (Jetstar), Sydney and Brisbane

Virgin Blue – virginblue.com.au - Direct flights to Townsville from Canberra, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cairns

Strategic – flystrategic.com.au – Direct flights to Townsville from Brisbane and Denpasar (Bali)

Travelling to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is also unique in that access from the Australian mainland is effortless, affordable and convenient. All transport services to Magnetic Island depart from Townsville – the “Capital” of North Queensland. A modern tropical city, Townsville is the main hub of commerce, government administration and communications for the region, so whether you are travelling from overseas or from within Australia, transport options are many and varied.

There are two separate ferry companies which travel to Magnetic Island. Sunferries operates a passenger ferry service and Fantasea operates a vehicle ferry service. These services depart from opposite sides of the river. Both services arrive on Magnetic Island at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

Sunferries – Passenger Ferry – T: 07 4726 0800

Sunferries operates up to 19 daily services to Magnetic Island and will have you in paradise in only 20 minutes on one of their high-speed catamarans. There is no need to pre-book your ferry ticket, tickets are available at the terminal or onboard the boats if the terminal is closed. Ferries depart from the Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville.

For timetable and ticket price information please visit sunferries.com.au

Fantasea – Vehicle and Passenger Ferry – T: 07 4772 5422

Fantasea Cruising Magnetic’s “Riverside Arcadia” catamaran delivers you and your vehicle to and from Magnetic Island in comfort. Operating from 6am – 6pm weekdays and 6am – 4pm on weekends. Booking is highly recommended. The Riverside Arcadia also features an air-conditioned cafe and bar onboard for your enjoyment. Fantasea Cruising Magnetic’s Townsville terminal is located at Ross St, South Townsville.

For timetable and ticket information please visit fantaseacruisingmagnetic.com.au