Nelly Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay which includes a bay or harbour
Nelly Bay featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and a beach
Nelly Bay which includes tranquil scenes and a bay or harbour
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 ₹13,694 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹13,694
₹13,694 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (838 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 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 ₹15,574 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
₹15,574
₹17,132 total
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (322 reviews)
Best place to stay in Nelly Bay.
"Great accommodation. Very close to Ferry terminal, IGA and bottle shop. Room was wonderful. Comfortable beds. Full kitchen. No complains at all. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (438 reviews)
"Great accomodation, close to food shops, cafes and restaurants. Very clean and great services."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Island Leisure Resort
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (322 reviews)
Best place to stay in Nelly Bay.
"Great accommodation. Very close to Ferry terminal, IGA and bottle shop. Room was wonderful. Comfortable beds. Full kitchen. No complains at all. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (438 reviews)
"Great accomodation, close to food shops, cafes and restaurants. Very clean and great services."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Island Leisure Resort
Island Palms Resort

Island Palms Resort

4 out of 5
13 The Esplanade, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Dave and Linda were very accommodating. The apartment and the whole building were immaculately clean. The apartment was very well equipped and had beautiful views from every window."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

Island Palms Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Nelly Bay

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This area is well placed to visit everywhere on the island. Lots of walkable restaurants with excellent food.