Things to do
Find a WWII gun pit on the Forts walk.
Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government
Walk or cycle to Shelly Cove.
Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is not permitted in Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Townsville. For more information, see the tourism information links.
Walking and mountain biking
The Cape Pallarenda Trails are a network of shared walking and mountain biking trails in the Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common conservation parks.
The trails range from short easy walks to challenging hikes and cross country mountain bike rides. Consider your fitness level before undertaking the extended trails.
The give-way code, Cape Pallarenda Trails
The Cape Pallarenda Trails are shared between walkers, runners and bike riders. Please be careful and courteous to all trails users and follow the shared trails give-way code.
- Be alert for bike riders approaching from either direction.
- Cyclists must alert others when approaching.
- Everyone must slow down and go around wildlife.
Maps
- Cape Pallarenda Trails map
- Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park map
- Townsville Town Common Conservation Park map
Trail descriptions
Shelly Cove trail
Distance: 750m one way
Time: allow 45min walking time
Details: walkers and bike riders share this trail. Following an old access road created during World War II, this trail provides access to the beach at Shelly Cove on the northern side of the Cape Pallarenda headland. Large rock steps lead to the beach at the end of the trail. Trail users can return along the way they came or can continue along the Under the Radar trail.
An afternoon sea breeze and stunning views across Rowes Bay are on offer along the Graves circuit walk.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
Graves circuit
Distance: 2km circuit
Time: allow 1.5hr
Details: starting 110m along the Shelly Cove trail, this circuit winds through woodland and vine thicket behind the Quarantine Station before returning along the Forts walk. It passes a weir built in 1925 and the graves of 13 people who died from meningitis at the Quarantine Station in 1920. Trail users can return along the Forts walk and the Shelly Cove trail.
Forts walk
Distance: 500m one way
Time: allow 45min
Details: this walk starts 290m along the Shelly Cove trail and leads to a number of World War II gun emplacements and a searchlight station on Cape Pallarenda headland. The trail offers sweeping views of Townsville and Magnetic Island. Trail users can return the way they came.
Under the Radar trail (UTR)
Distance: 10.1km one way
Time: allow 5hr walking time
Details: this narrow, two-way trail is designed for cross country mountain biking. Walkers must be alert and considerate for mountain bike riders approaching from either direction.
At its eastern end, UTR begins 700m along the Shelly Cove trail and crosses the northern and western slopes of Many Peak Range. It provides excellent views of the islands to the north and the Coral Sea beyond. There is a link 6.6km along UTR that leads to Smedley's trail. At its western end, UTR begins 500m along the Shelly Beach trail in Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. UTR has rough surfaces and some steep sections. Trail users can return the way they came or may use the other trails and internal park roads to return to their starting point (see Cape Pallarenda Trails map ).
Remember to follow the Parks and forests mountain bike and cycle with care plus the walk with care guidelines.
Enjoy a morning catch-up with friends or an afternoon picnic in the day use area.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
Picnic and day-use areas
The day-use area is located on the foreshore overlooking Magnetic Island. Picnic tables, taps (treat water before use) and parking is provided .
Fishing
Marine waters adjacent to Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park are internationally significant and are protected in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Zones in the two marine parks—the Great Barrier Reef Coast and Great Barrier Reef—provide a balanced approach to protecting the marine and intertidal environments while allowing recreational and commercial use. Check zoning information and maps before entering or conducting any activities in the marine parks
Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Viewing wildlife
The park is home to many types of birds, wallabies and lizards that are easily spotted in the open woodland environment.
Read more about the natural environment of Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.
- Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park Forts Trail and Grave Circuit Track closed 8 February to 17 June 2023
- Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park exercise caution on tracks and trails 20 January to 30 June 2023
- Townsville Town Common Conservation Park and Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park hazard reduction burning 23 March to 30 June 2023