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Explore at your own pace & discover the spectacular lookouts, environments and wildlife Magnetic Island has on offer every single day!

For those that enjoy discovering nature on foot, the Island offers an extensive 25km network of walking trails that guide visitors through thick bushland, ranging from dry wattles and the beautiful barks of eucalypts to pockets of rainforest. Along the way discover many lookout points boasting stunning views of the surrounding bays and beaches! 

 The most famous and popular trail of them all is the Forts Walk which is roughly a 90 minute return walk and is the best place on the island to see Northern Australia's largest population of koalas in the wild. The Forts Walk offers magical 360 degree views of the coast and Coral Sea. It is here that you will also discover fascinating WWII history with a number of gun emplacements, an observation tower and a command post still intact.

Below you will see and read of our staff's favourite tracks!

Gabul Way - Nelly Bay to Arcadia


This elevated, scenic walkway is adjacent to Arcadia Road and made up of  two sections linking Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay. Gabul Way is suitable for walkers and cyclists and is disabled compliant, with breakout platforms along the way to pause and enjoy the Island coastline and views across the bay.

1.5km return (approx 30.minutes)

Grade: Easy

Hawkings Point track


This is one of the easiest and shortest walks with an exceptional view. From Picnic Bay, a track winds to the top of a large boulder, affording a spectacular panorama over the island past Rocky Bay to Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay and back towards Townsville.

1.2km Return (Approx. 1 hour)
Grade: Easy-Moderate, steep but short

Picnic Bay to West Point


This walk follows a bush track that links the bays on the western side of the island. The track passes a tidal wetland, mangroves, paperbark swamps and savanna grasslands. The flora and fauna are totally different in this area to the eastern side of the Island, making the journey particularly rewarding.

You will need sturdy footwear, some water and a can of insect repellent!

16km return (Approx. 5 hours)
Grade: Easy, but long distance 

Nelly Bay to Arcadia 


Continuing along Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay, this walk passes through a cool patch of rainforest alongside Gustav Creek, then climbs gradually to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bays. The track follows a ridge with views over Horseshoe Bay before it branches, with one track leading on to Horseshoe Bay, and the other down to Arcadia past the Sphinx lookout.

5km one way (Approx. 2.5 hours)
Grade: Moderate

Arcadia to Horseshoe Bay 


Opened in 2011, this walking track replaces the old walkway adjacent to the main road. The track begins at the end of Endeavour Rd, winding uphill to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bay, passing through native grasses, delicate wildflowers and an impressive stand of grass trees. Continuing on past the Sphinx lookout the track veers off to the right at the ‘Forts junction’ following the ridge line before descending down to the Radical Bay and Forts walk car park. Continue 2.1km via tack and Horseshoe Bay Rd to the beachfront.

4.6km one way (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Grade: Moderate

The Forts Walk


From the turn-off to Radical Bay, this track ascends, sometimes steeply, to follow a ridge behind the bays before arriving at the ruins of the Forts complex operated during World War II. Lookouts afford excellent views to the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south.

4km return (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Grade: Easy-Moderate 

Arthur, Florence and Radical Bays


From the Forts car park on the Horseshoe Bay Road, an easy track along Radical Bay Rd, leads down to these undeveloped bays which provide excellent swimming and snorkeling.

Arthur Bay walk - 1.4km return (Approx. 30 minutes) 
Florence Bay walk - 3.6km return (Approx. 1 hour)
Radical Bay walk - 6km return (Approx. 2 hours)
Grade: Easy - Moderate 

(some walks may be steep & a suitable level of fitness is required)

* Florence & Radical Bays are zoned Marine Park. No fishing or collecting permitted

Horseshoe Bay to Balding and Radical Bays

From the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach, the track climbs through a steep gully of closed forest to a ridge with open eucalypt woodland. One branch of the track leads down to the secluded Balding Bay and the other continues on to Radical Bay. Both bays offer excellent swimming opportunities (although proper precautions should be taken during stinger season). An unsealed road leads back from Radical Bay to the main road past Arthur and Florence Bays.

3.4km return (Approx. 1 hour)
Grade: Easy-Moderate

*Radical & Balding Bays are zoned Marine Park. No fishing or collecting permitted

Horseshoe Bay Lagoon

Leading off the main road near Horseshoe Bay beach, a short track leads to the lagoon where a number of wild waterbirds can be seen over the wetlands.  Walkers can continue on past the lagoon along he back of Horseshoe Bay beach through to the end of Swenson Street.

200m return (Approx. 15 minutes)
Grade: Easy


Need to Know
  • Magnetic Island provides ideal habitats for a range of species both on the land and in the water that they call home. The island is home to over 254 species, including vulnerable species such as the koala and green turtles. Magnetic Island has the largest known population of koalas in Northern Australia and is also a site for seasonal turtle nesting and whale watching.
  • OUR WILDLIFE LIKES ...
  • To sleep and have quiet time during the day to save their energy
  • Native trees and flora as this is the safest place for them to be
  • You to keep your dogs and other pets locked in at night
  • You to keep an eye out and take it easy on the roads, especially at night
  • Foraging for food and can travel vast distances on land or in the water to their favourite spot!
  • When you stay calm and quiet if you come across them in the wild. They like their personal space so use the zoom on your camera if you’d like a photo!
  • OUR WILDLIFE DISLIKES ...
  • Pets – they frighten or even attack wildlife if allowed to roam free
  • Garden pesticides – wildlife can absorb chemicals through their paws, in runoff or through their food in the leaves they eat
  • Fast traffic – animals usually take their time as they cross the road so PLEASE drive slowly
  • Rubbish – contaminates their habitat and food sources so find a bin and recycle where you can
  • Feral dogs & cats – which prey on native animals
  • Nets and fishing lines – marine life can get caught in these which often leads to death
  • Being fed by humans – in some cases can result in death or unnatural behaviours if they become reliant on being fed outside their natural diet.

Get your copy of the SeaLink Magnetic Island Wildlife & Trails Guide from the Townsville or Magnetic Island terminal.