Nelly Bay

Travel Guide

Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay featuring a bay or harbor
Nelly Bay which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Nelly Bay which includes a bay or harbor and tranquil scenes
Nelly Bay

Snorkel among coral reefs, stroll over golden sands, dine in style or simply relax as you adjust to Magnetic Island’s slower pace in this charming gateway bay.

Nestled between ocean and rugged hills, Nelly Bay is an attractive island village and is only 20 minutes away from Townsville by ferry. While only small, Nelly Bay provides all the services you may need to make the most of your time on the island. That’s because its marina is the gateway to the rest of Magnetic Island and most visitor services operate from here.

Enjoy the view of the island as you arrive on the ferry. The Magnetic Island Ferry TerminalOpens in a new window and marina are in the northeast of Nelly Bay, while the beach stretches down the island’s southwest coast.

Take a stroll along the beach and take in the views across the ocean to the mainland. Put on a mask and snorkel and marvel at the coral and marine life of the fringing reef that runs down the length of the beach. Afterwards, relax with a picnic or barbecue in the parklands at the northern end of the beach and let the kids run wild in the children's playground. Coin-operated barbecues and picnic tables are provided.

Learn about the underwater world with a visit to the little Aquasearch Aquarium, that specializes in the region’s giant clams. Let the kids try and find Nemo amongst the clown fish that hide within anemones. Touch tanks allow visitors to interact with different marine creatures.

There are walking tracks for you to explore from Nelly Bay too. Look for the koalas and rock wallabies that are commonly seen on the island.

After all the activities, treat yourself to a meal or a drink at a café or restaurant with a view. The year-round tropical climate provides a good excuse for an ice cream or cold drink. It’s also ideal for al fresco dining along the waterfront, even on a winter’s night.

If you find all this too hard to leave behind, use Nelly Bay as your base while you explore more of Magnetic Island by booking your accommodations here. To get around, simply take a taxi, a transfer bus or rent a car from Nelly Bay’s ferry terminal.

Peppers Blue on Blue
Peppers Blue on Blue
4 out of 5
123 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay, QLD
The price is P9,729 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P9,729
P9,729 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (807 reviews)
"Location was amazing and the views. Very comfortable bed and sofa. Nice breakfast. Some drinking water in room would have been good but it was provided at reception."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Peppers Blue on Blue
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
4 out of 5
146 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay, QLD
The price is P11,771 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P11,771
P12,948 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (303 reviews)
"Loved everything :) amazing stay"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Amaroo on Mandalay
Amaroo on Mandalay
3 out of 5
61 Mandalay Avenue, Nelly Bay, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Massage on Magnetic and Nelly Bay Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (27 reviews)
"Great pool area. Restaurant was closed while we were there, but was right next to pool and looked nice. Futon in room was only place to sit to watch tv and was very uncomfortable, but we weren't at Magnetic Island to watch tv anyway. Kitchen had full size fridge, kettle, toaster and electric frying ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Amaroo on Mandalay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
4 out of 5
146 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (303 reviews)
"Loved everything :) amazing stay"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Island Leisure Resort
Island Leisure Resort
4 out of 5
6 Kelly Street, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (424 reviews)
"Wonderful, helpful, happy staff."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Island Leisure Resort
Magnetic Glamping
Magnetic Glamping
4 out of 5
124-126 Sooning St, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Really comfortable property. Beautiful facilities. Close to the ferry terminal and IGA. Very nice pool area. Real hidden gem"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Magnetic Glamping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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