Forts Walk
The Forts Walk is the island’s most popular walking experience, showcasing many highlights of Magnetic Island National Park—koalas, stunning views and World War II relics all set in the island’s dry tropical landscape.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 2hr walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
- Walk-in
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Walking
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Photo credit: © Townsville Enterprise Limited
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![WWII Port War Signal Station, the pinnacle of the Forts Walk.]()
WWII Port War Signal Station, the pinnacle of the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![The lower WWII gun emplacement with all the technical information about the gun and how it worked.]()
The lower WWII gun emplacement with all the technical information about the gun and how it worked.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Lazy koalas are often seen keeping cool along the Forts Walk.]()
Lazy koalas are often seen keeping cool along the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Lauren Beattie
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![Experience spectacular views from the top of Forts.]()
Experience spectacular views from the top of Forts.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Wild koalas are often easily seen resting in the stunned trees along the Forts Walk.]()
Wild koalas are often easily seen resting in the stunned trees along the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![View over Florence Bay from the Forts Walk.]()
View over Florence Bay from the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Signs along the Forts Walk provide plenty of information for history buffs about how the site was used during WWII.]()
Signs along the Forts Walk provide plenty of information for history buffs about how the site was used during WWII.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Learn more about WWII and the local experience on the Magnetic Island and Townsville within the Port War Signal Station building.]()
Learn more about WWII and the local experience on the Magnetic Island and Townsville within the Port War Signal Station building.
Photo credit: © Tourism Events Queensland
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![The Forts Walk track surface is decomposed granite and rocks.]()
The Forts Walk track surface is decomposed granite and rocks.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![The final climb to the top on the Forts Circuit is reasonable steep with many steps.]()
The final climb to the top on the Forts Circuit is reasonable steep with many steps.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![The WWII fortification Artillery Command Post built on top of a boulder is a must-see attraction.]()
The WWII fortification Artillery Command Post built on top of a boulder is a must-see attraction.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Take in views across the Horseshoe Bay wetlands.]()
Take in views across the Horseshoe Bay wetlands.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Ridiculously cute baby koalas may be seen on along the Forts Walk.]()
Ridiculously cute baby koalas may be seen on along the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Jumara Kyle Queensland Government
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![Massive lichen covered boulders on the ridge at the top of the Forts Walk.]()
Massive lichen covered boulders are encountered on the ridge at the top of the Forts Walk.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Wumbu - Route 1
The Forts Walk is the island’s most popular walking experience, showcasing many highlights of Magnetic Island National Park—koalas, stunning views and World War II relics all set in the island’s dry tropical landscape.
Walk through eucalypt and acacia woodland where there is a good chance of spotting a wild koala in the stunted trees. Towards the top, impressive WWII concrete fortifications sit naturally amongst the granite boulder and hoop pine landscape.
The views just get better and better. From the many vantage points see different perspectives of the island landscapes. From the very top, the views take in the surrounding ocean encompassing Bowling Green Bay National Park to the south and the Palm Islands and Hinchinbrook Island National Park to the north.
The Forts Walk protects the best-preserved WWII coastal defence fortifications in Queensland and is a heritage listed site. A historical interpretive display explains the ruins and building at the site and brings life to the stories of men and women who served on Magnetic Island during the war.
Visit the Forts Walk early in the day—it is cooler, often easier to find a car park and koalas and other wildlife are more active.
You can continue on from the top of the Forts Circuit to Florence Bay or join Route 2.
Keep koalas wild!
- Do not touch or disturb koalas! Stay back, give koalas space.
- It's normal for koalas to be low in the trees and sometimes on the ground, especially in hot weather. This is how they beat the heat.
- Never touch, feed or give koalas water.
- Do not wake sleeping koalas. They need at least 20hr of sleep per day.
Getting there and getting around
The Forts Walk is accessible from the Forts Junction.
Wheelchair access
There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.
Before you visit
Opening hours
The Forts Walk 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.
- Horseshoe-Balding-Radical Bays walking track closed for upgrades 13 May to 31 August 2024