🔍

Nelly Bay

QLD 4819 • Rest of QLD

1,213
Population (2021)
$52,156
Median Household Income
4.67 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideCoastalRetiree-HavenTourist HubQuiet

About Nelly Bay

Nelly Bay is a coastal urban locality on Magnetic Island, located approximately 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland within the Townsville City Council area. With a population of 1,213, the suburb is home to a mix of permanent residents and those drawn by the island's relaxed tropical lifestyle, with a notably older median age of 56 reflecting the appeal to retirees and sea-changers. The suburb's median household income of around $1,003 per week is modest by national standards, typical of island communities with limited employment diversity. Housing ranges from holiday cottages and beachside units to established homes with tropical gardens.

Nelly Bay serves as the main gateway to Magnetic Island, home to the island's ferry terminal and the primary shopping and services precinct, including supermarket, cafes, restaurants, and health services. The suburb fronts Nelly Bay Beach and is a short distance from Horseshoe Bay, Geoffrey Bay, and the island's extensive national park walking tracks, which cover roughly half the island. Residents enjoy a car-free mainland commute via the Sealink Magnetic Island ferry service, with regular crossings to Townsville's city centre taking around 20 minutes. The area attracts snorkellers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts, with wild koalas, wallabies, and sea turtles as well-known island residents.

Nelly Bay falls under postcode 4819 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4819
Urban Area
Townsville - Southern Rangelands
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Townsville
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.16°, 146.85°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
4.67 km²
Elevation
18m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,470
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
56 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Island Routes — Horseshoe Bay and island beaches 10-20 min to main beaches

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
8 km
By Train
No direct train service; ferry to Townsville then local transport
By Car (Peak)
N/A (island, no road connection to mainland)
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A

🛣️ Sealink Magnetic Island ferry service runs regularly throughout the day; journey takes approximately 20 minutes to Townsville city ferry terminal

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The Nelly Bay village precinct is walkable for daily essentials, but a car or bike is helpful for reaching other parts of the island

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Nelly Bay. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,196
Census 2021
1,213
▲ 1.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,248
Personal Income 2021
$32,968
▲ 21.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$32,968 / yr
$634/wk
Household
$52,156 / yr
$1003/wk
Family
$71,864 / yr
$1382/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 767
Born Overseas 321

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 114
  • 2. New Zealand 45
  • 3. Germany 17
  • 4. United States 14
  • 5. Italy 10
  • 6. Ireland 9
  • 7. France 8
  • 8. Netherlands 7
  • 9. South Africa 7
  • 10. Canada 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 514
Australian 376
Irish 197
Scottish 134
German 72
Italian 43
Dutch 29
Australian Aboriginal 18
New Zealander 14
French 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

580
Both parents born in Australia
370
Both parents born overseas
143
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.7%
Christianity
34.6%
Buddhism
1.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
19 (1.6%)
5-14 years
102 (8.4%)
15-19 years
34 (2.8%)
20-24 years
34 (2.8%)
25-34 years
102 (8.4%)
35-44 years
126 (10.4%)
45-54 years
143 (11.8%)
55-64 years
262 (21.6%)
65-74 years
262 (21.6%)
75-84 years
108 (8.9%)
85+ years
28 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelly Bay known for? +

Nelly Bay is best known as the main ferry terminal and service hub of Magnetic Island, a tropical island off Townsville famous for its national park, beaches, wild koalas, and relaxed island lifestyle.

How far is Nelly Bay from Townsville CBD? +

Nelly Bay is approximately 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville, with the Sealink Magnetic Island ferry making the crossing in around 20 minutes.

Does Nelly Bay have public transport? +

There is no rail service on Magnetic Island. The main transport connection to the mainland is the Sealink ferry from Nelly Bay Harbour to Townsville's CBD ferry terminal. Local bus routes serve the island's key beaches and townships.

What is the population of Nelly Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nelly Bay has a population of 1,213 residents, with a median age of 56, reflecting the suburb's appeal to retirees and long-term sea-changers alongside visiting tourists.

Is Nelly Bay a good place to live? +

Nelly Bay offers a unique tropical island lifestyle with easy access to beaches, national park walks, and abundant wildlife, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, nature-oriented way of life. The regular ferry service to Townsville keeps residents connected to city services and employment.

What is the postcode for Nelly Bay? +

The postcode for Nelly Bay, QLD is 4819.

What is the average income in Nelly Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Nelly Bay is about $634 per week (around $33,000 per year). The median household income is $1,003 per week and the median family income is $1,382 per week.

What is the age profile of Nelly Bay? +

The median age in Nelly Bay is 56. The largest age group is 55–64 (262 residents, around 22%). Around 13% of residents are under 20 and about 33% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Nelly Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Nelly Bay is part of the Townsville LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Nelly Bay? +

In Nelly Bay, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,470 (2021 Census).