Magnetic Island National Park Townsville

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Balding Bay

It’s quite a hike to get to this secluded bay, but it’s worth it for the wide sandy beach and to escape the crowds.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.4km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
40min one way
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle
  • Walk-in

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Close to Horseshoe Bay, Balding Bay is only accessible by foot or boat. The walking track to access to this bay is quite hard going—you need to be able to walk up steep hills. The quiet and seclusion of Balding Bay is a big drawcard for may locals and visitors.

Getting there and getting around

The walking track to Balding Bay is accessible from Horseshoe Bay or the Forts Junction .

Walking to Balding Bay via Route 2:

  • From Horseshoe Bay 1.4km one way (Grade 4)
  • From Forts Junction 4.2km one way (Grade 4)

Be aware! You need to be reasonably fit to walk the steep walking track into Balding Bay from either direction.

Access to Horseshoe Bay is via a sealed road suitable for conventional 2WDs. Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to walk or catch the bus (see Sunbus - Magnetic Island) during peak periods.

From Horseshoe Bay there are two options for accessing the walking track to Balding Bay:

  • Access via the beach front from Pacific Drive. This access may be unpassable when the tide is high.
  • Access via Henry Lawson Street. This is an all tide access track.

Wheelchair access

There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Balding Bay walking track is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Magnetic Island safely and Walk with care.

View all park alerts