NELLY BAY

  • Latitude: -19.15997
  • Longitude: 146.8533
  • East Australia
  • Port in Australia

Location: Nelly Bay QLD 4819 Australia

Nelly Bay is a picturesque locality situated on Magnetic Island, which lies just offshore from the city of Townsville in Queensland, Australia. The Nelly Bay Harbour at Magnetic Island serves as a critical point of entry and departure for both residents and tourists visiting the island. Here are the description and specifications of Nelly Bay Harbour:

Geographic Location

  • Coordinates: Approximately 19.1558° S latitude and 146.8497° E longitude.
  • Proximity: Located 8 kilometers northeast of Townsville, accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride.

Port Facilities

  1. Ferry Terminal:

    • Operators: The terminal is serviced by multiple ferry companies, including Sunferries and Sealink Queensland.
    • Destinations: Primarily connects with Townsville.
  2. Marina:

    • Berths: The marina consists of numerous berths catering to recreational boats and yachts.
    • Services: Offers essential services such as fueling, water supply, and waste disposal.
  3. Pier/Wharf:

    • Accommodates small to medium-sized vessels.
    • Facilities for boarding and disembarking passengers, as well as cargo handling for local supplies.
  4. Fishing Facilities:

    • Designated areas for recreational fishing.
    • Charter fishing services available.

Depth and Navigation

  • Channel Depth: The channel leading to Nelly Bay Harbour is maintained to accommodate ferries and recreational boats, typically around 3 to 5 meters.
  • Harbour Depth: Inner areas of the harbour generally provide depths suitable for vessels up to approximately 12 meters in length.

Services and Amenities

  • Customs and Quarantine: Not a port of entry for international vessels; serves domestic operations within Australia.
  • Passenger Amenities: Includes waiting areas, restrooms, food and beverage outlets, and retail shops.
  • Parking: Available for both short-term and long-term use.
  • Public Transport Access: Shuttle services and public buses connect the harbour to various parts of Magnetic Island.

Environmental Considerations

  • Climate: Tropical climate with a wet season (November to April) and dry season (May to October).
  • Conservation: The harbour and surrounding areas are managed with an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, as Magnetic Island is known for its rich biodiversity.

Economic and Social Role

  • Tourism Hub: Acts as the primary entry point for tourists visiting Magnetic Island’s resorts, beaches, and national parks.
  • Residential Access: Provides essential connectivity for the island’s residents to the mainland for supplies, medical services, and work.
  • Commercial Fishing: Limited but present, supporting local seafood industries.

Safety and Regulations

  • Port Authority: Managed by the Nelly Bay Harbour Master, who oversees the safe and efficient operation of the port.
  • Navigation Aids: Equipped with buoys, markers, and lights to assist navigation at all times.
  • Emergency Services: Equipped to handle maritime emergencies with coordination between local law enforcement and maritime safety authorities.

In conclusion, Nelly Bay Harbour is a vital maritime facility for Magnetic Island, combining tourism, residential services, and recreational boating in a tropical and ecologically sensitive setting. Its facilities cater to a range of needs while maintaining a balance with environmental preservation.

Vessels in the port

Flag Name Type Destination Date/Time
MERIDIAN Sailing 04:27:55
SHAZAM Pleasure 04:27:49
CHINOOK Sailing 04:27:08
PARADIGM Pleasure 04:26:06
TRINITY CASTLE Pleasure 04:26:06
TERA' I MOANA Sailing 04:25:53
SPIRIT WIND Sailing 04:25:47
VELLAMO Sailing 04:25:29
SAMUDRA Sailing B 2 A 03:57:21
VELA Pleasure 02:26:50
FANTASEA ARCADIA Pleasure 01:57:33
MASCARIN III Pleasure 01:24:50
FANTOME CAT Passenger 12:56:37
MAGNETIC Cargo 12:56:25
SY MIKA Pleasure 12:53:55
COOLGAREE CAT Passenger 7/29/2025
GRACIE Pleasure 7/29/2025
PALM CAT Passenger MI 7/29/2025
OASIS Pleasure 7/29/2025
SWEET JUSTICE Pleasure 7/29/2025

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