The Forts Walk

This walk has it all - spectacular coastal views, WW2 history, and possibly the best walk in Australia for spotting Koalas in the wild and close up!
The walk leads to WW2 fortifications built to guard the entrance to the Townsville Port, and consequently they provide spectacular and un-interrupted views of the bay and surrounding coastlines. Along the way, the walk passes through the old encampment areas which has great interpretive signage to explain how the area looked during the war. It is in this area that walkers are almost guaranteed to spot a wild koala lounging low in the trees.

Lookouts

Bird Watching

Toilets

Public Transport

Coastal

Eucalypt Forest

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Getting there

The walk commences at a Forts Junction, on Horseshoe Bay Road between Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, where there a bus stop and car park with toilets and water. It is possible to reach the start by car, bicycle (with a steep climb from either direction), or bus number 250. The start point can also be approached on foot from either Horseshoe Bay or Arcadia, by taking the designated trails to Forts Junction.

Maps

A map of the walking trails on Magnetic Island can be found on the Queensland Parks website: https://parks.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/275963/magnetic-island-walking-trail-maps.pdf

Route/Trail notes

Leave the car park with its toilets and water fountains by heading east along the wide and well signposted trail. The trail soon turns northwards and after 1 km or so the WW2 ruins begin. After 1.5 km you reach the final climb up to the main ruins, which are the highlight of the walk. Either return the way you came, or continue onwards toward Radical Bay/Florence Bay/Arthur Bay - a longer loop back to the car park or Horseshoe Bay is possible.

There are many information boards along the route giving information about the history and natural environement. There is also a small exhibit inside the signal post at the very top. And don't forget to look out for Koalas.