Magnetic Island National Park Townsville

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

North-east coastal walk

Embark on a journey inspiring island landscapes and stunning isolated bays on the only walking tracks to access the coastal areas within the national park.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
2hr
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Walk-in

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Walking

Yida – Route 2

Walk through open acacia and eucalypt woodlands on the rocky hills, scree slopes of huge, weathered, granite boulders home to shady vine forests. The flat, sandy areas are a refuge for endangered beach scrub. The headlands are dominated by low coastal forests and towering hoop pines.

There is a selection of secluded beaches to cool off in the tropical water, rest in the shade or explore the granite coastline. Arthur Bay and Florence Bay are ideal for snorkelling where the fringing reef is accessible straight from the beach. Swim with sea turtles and a diversity of fish living amongst the corals and seaweed here. Remember to swim safely.

The lookout over Arthur Bay is a popular spot to take landscape photos capturing this striking granite headland and sandy bay. The Searchlight Tower is another historic WWII site where one of the island’s searchlights was positioned. Perched upon a huge boulder, the old concrete tower is now a lookout with views across Cleveland Bay.

Halfway along Route 2 there is an option to join Route 1 to connect to the Forts Walk.

Getting there and getting around

The north-east coastal walks can be accessed from the Forts Junction.

Access these destinations from the Forts Junction on foot via Route 2:

  • Arthur Bay 1km one way (Grade 2)
  • Arthur Bay Lookout 1.2km one way (Grade 3)
  • Searchlight Tower 2km one way (Grade 3)
  • Florence Bay 3km one way (Grade 3)

Access these destinations from Horseshoe Bay on foot via Route 2:

  • Florence Bay 3km one way (Grade 4)
  • Searchlight Tower 3.7km one way (Grade 4)
  • Arthur Bay Lookout 3.5km one way (Grade 4)
  • Arthur Bay 3.8km one way (Grade 4)

Be aware! You need to be reasonably fit to walk the steep walking track from Horseshoe Bay.

Wheelchair access

There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The north-east coastal walks are 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