Hawkings Point lookout
Discover the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset and see soaring birds of prey.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 1.2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 30min return walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
- Walk-in
Journey facilities
- Lookout (constructed)
- Walking
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![Hawkings Point looks out is a top of a giant granite boulder.]()
Hawkings Point looks out is a top of a giant granite boulder.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![The view over Picnic Bay across to the mainland features the heritage-listed jetty.]()
The view over Picnic Bay across to the mainland features the heritage-listed jetty.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![A natural stone walking track leads to the top of the headland.]()
A natural stone walking track leads to the top of the headland.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Hawkings Point is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.]()
Hawkings Point is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![A bird’s eye view over Rocky Bay and Nelly Bay in the distance.]()
A bird’s eye view over Rocky Bay and Nelly Bay in the distance.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![The pungent aroma of the Native Gardenia <em>Larsenaikia ochreata</em> flowers fill the air during winter and summer.]()
The pungent aroma of the Native Gardenia Larsenaikia ochreata flowers fill the air during winter and summer.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Green ants swarming over leaves on a tree, protecting their nest..]()
Green ants protecting their nest, a common sight on all Magnetic Island walking tracks.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Yangugan – Route 6
Hawking Point lookout is a popular and accessible destination in Picnic Bay. The 1.2km return walking track is moderately challenging, with stone steps and steep sections.
The track passes through low, coastal forest dominated by an understory of spiky tussock grass Triodia stenostchya locally known as spinifex. The track continues uphill to Hawkings Point, a headland between Nelly and Picnic bays. See stunning views across the island and Cleveland Bay from the lookout, perched on top of a giant granite boulder.
A diversity of magnificent birds of prey, including White-bellied sea eagles, Wedge-tailed eagles, Brahminy kites, Osprey and Peregrine falcons can be seen soaring in the thermal air currents, squabbling and hunting.
Getting there and getting around
The Hawkings Point lookout track (Route 6) is accessed from the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay.
Access is via a sealed road suitable for conventional 2WDs. Bus stops are close by—see Sunbus - Magnetic Island for more information.
Walking distance to Hawkings Point from:
- Nelly Bay ferry terminal 4.2km one way
- Picnic Bay Mall bus stop 1.2km one way.
Wheelchair access
There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Hawkings Point walking track and lookout 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.
- Forts Circuit Upgrade 3 February to 30 June 2023
- Unsafe water holes on Magnetic Island 16 January to 31 March 2023