Forts Junction
The Forts Junction is the hub of Magnetic Island National Park providing access to the park, information about the island and how to get around.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 400m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 15min return walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 2 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
- Walk-in
Journey facilities
- Toilets (flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Walking
-
![]()
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Orientate yourself before exploring Magnetic Island.]()
Orientate yourself before exploring Magnetic Island.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Take a rest in the shade at the Forts Junction.]()
Take a rest in the shade at the Forts Junction.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Welcome to Magnetic Island National Park.]()
Welcome to Magnetic Island National Park.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Capture your arrival at Yunbenun, Magnetic Island National Park.]()
Capture your arrival at Yunbenun, Magnetic Island National Park.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Easy parking and access to the national park at the Forts Junction.]()
Easy parking and access to the national park at the Forts Junction.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Learn more about island and national park destinations at the Forts Junction.]()
Learn more about island and national park destinations at the Forts Junction.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Find out how the national and marine parks are managed.]()
Find out how the national and marine parks are managed.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![There’s more to know about the island’s Koalas.]()
There’s more to know about the island’s Koalas.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
-
![Meet the wildlife.]()
Meet the wildlife.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
The Forts Junction is a great place to start exploring Magnetic Island National Park. Catch a bus, or park cars, scooters or bicycles here.
An interpretive display provides valuable information about Magnetic Island National Park and surrounding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and how the World Heritage protected areas are managed. The area is designed to be interactive and is great place for families to visit to learn about the local animals and plants.
Orientation signs at the Forts Junction provide a guide to the Magnetic Island walking trail network and more information about the destinations to visit within the national and marine parks. From here there is the option to take four walking routes to different locations around the island.
Embark on the popular Forts Walk from here. From the Forts Junction there is an option to do a short 200m walk to a look out over Arthur Bay.
Getting there and getting around
The Forts Junction is located on Magnetic Island on the main road between Arcadia and Horseshoe Bays. It is at the centre of the island’s walking trail network.
Access is via a sealed road (do not walk on the 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.
Access the Forts Junction on foot using the walking trail network:
- From Nelly Bay 6.4km via Route 4
- From Arcadia 3km via Route 4
- From Horseshoe Bay 2.3km via Route 3.
Wheelchair access
The Forts Junction area, including the carpark and national park entry area, is wheelchair accessible.
Before you visit
Opening hours
The Forts Junction 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.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.