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How to get fromMagnetic Island to Great Barrier Reefby ferry, plane, or bus

Find Transport to Great Barrier Reef

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There are 2 ways to get from Magnetic Island to Great Barrier Reef by ferry, plane, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Ferry, fly

    best
    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry
    2. Fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane TSV - CNS
    4h 41m
    $191–566

  2. Ferry, bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Fitzroy Islandferry ferry
    4. Take the ferry from Fitzroy Island to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminalferry ferry
    11h 16m
    $121–435

Magnetic Island to Great Barrier Reef by ferry, bus, and foot

Calendar21Weekly Services
Duration11h 16mAverage Duration
Ticket$121Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Magnetic Island to Great Barrier Reef.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 312.8 km
  • Duration: 4h 41m

What companies run services between Magnetic Island, QLD, Australia and Great Barrier Reef?

There is no direct connection from Magnetic Island to Great Barrier Reef. However, you can take the ferry to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, walk to Breakwater Terminal, take the line 222 bus to Townsville Airport, walk to Townsville Airport (TSV) airport, fly to Cairns (CNS), walk to Cairns Airport, then take the shuttle to Cairns Central Shopping Complex. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal via Breakwater Ferry Terminal, Townsville, Cairns, Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, and Fitzroy Island in around 11h 16m.

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