From overseas:
Get yourself on a flight to Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns. Then take a local plane (see links below), train or bus to Townsville.
From within Australia:
Choose from a variety of (direct) regular flights from Sydney, Brisbane or Cairns to Townsville. Check fares and departures with either Virgin Blue or Qantas or JetStar. The "Queenslander" train, from Brisbane, has daily departures to Townsville. Check with Queensland Rail. McCafferties and Greyhound run regular bus services direct to Townsville from most cities and towns.
From Townsville:
Take either SunFerries (passengers only) or FantaSea (cars and passengers) to the Island. No need to book ahead, unless you want to take a car (ring FantaSea 07 4772 5422).
SunFerries leaves from the Breakwater Terminal in the CBD. Trip time ONLY 25 minutes. Click SunFerries for timetable and fares.
FantaSea leaves from Ross Street in South Townsville, just across the river from the CBD. Cars never have to reverse to get on. It is essential to make a booking for a car. Passengers can just walk-on. Click on FantaSea for timetable and fares or ring 07 47725422 to make a booking. Travel time about 40-45 minutes.