Magnetic island is situated only 5 miles 8km offshore from townsville and is a quick and easy trip by ferry this ferry service operates eight times a day for a 40 minute trip from townsville to magnetic island at the time of booking please select your date of travel and ferry time for your one way trip from townsville to magnetic island the date and time for your return journey can be booked when checking in for your outbound ferry in townsville or once you are on magnetic island