Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track
Traverse a diversity of island landscapes from the dry rainforest to the grasslands and woodlands in the hills.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 5km
- Time suggested
- 2hr
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
- Walk-in
Journey facilities
- Lookout (constructed)
- Walking
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Anders Zimny
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Gubul – Route 4
Climb into the highlands of Magnetic Island to explore a diversity of plant and animal communities along this scenic natural stone walking track. Accessed from one of three locations—Nelly Bay, Arcadia or the Forts Junction—this walking track ascends steeply to the highlands from every direction.
Starting the walk in Nelly Bay, the track leads through a dry rainforest pocket nestled in a shaded gully up into onto the ridge above. Known as semi-evergreen vine thicket, this endangered plant community is cool and shady with a dense, green canopy intersperse with vines. During the wet season, the gully springs to life when rushing rainwater cascades over the boulder-strewn creeks.
From the Arcadia side, the walking track ascends steeply through open woodland to the ridgeline. Walking from the Forts Junction is a more gradual ascent through an open woodland basin full of grass trees and acacias. Visit the Sphinx Lookout, only 230m off the main track, for views of the surrounding hills over Alma Bay and across Cleveland Bay.
Explore the island’s open eucalypt woodland in the highlands—a mix of bloodwoods, stringybarks, ironbarks and poplar gums. These stunted, dry tropical woodlands growing on the poorer granite soils have a sparse mid-storey and grassy understory. Fire—at the right time and intensity—is integral to maintain this landscape and keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Getting there and getting around
The Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track (Route 4) is accessed from three locations.
Access to all entry points is via a sealed road suitable for conventional 2WDs. Bus stops are close to all entry points—see Kinetic for more information.
Access the Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track via:
- From Nelly Bay, the walking track starts from end of Mandalay Ave (2km from Ferry terminal).
- From Arcadia, the walking track starts from the end of Endeavour Road. (600m from Alma Bay bus stop).
- From the Forts Junction.
Distances between key destinations:
- Forts Junction – Nelly Bay 6.4km Grade 4
- Forts Junction – Arcadia 3km Grade 4
- Nelly Bay - Arcadia 6.3km Grade 4.
Wheelchair access
There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.
Before you visit
Opening hours
The Nelly-Arcadia-Junction 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.
- Horseshoe-Balding-Radical Bays walking track closed for upgrades 13 May to 31 August 2024