Walking trails summary
Walks on Magnetic Island
One of the best ways to explore Magnetic Island is on foot. A network of walking tracks and trails allows you to appreciate the island's natural environment through leisurely coastal walks or more or more physically challenging hikes in the hills. The walking trail network traverses both protected area and council land to provide a seamless walking experience.
Key destinations around the island are linked by different walking trail routes, allowing visitors to choose their own adventure when exploring the island. Key destinations provide a cool place to prepare for a walk or rest during the walking adventure. Toilets, water, shelter and busses as well as commercial centres can be found at these locations.
Walking tracks within Magnetic Island National Park range from short walks to longer tracks, all with a moderate level of difficulty due to the hilly terrain. Know your limits—choose tracks that suit your level of fitness or that of the slowest member of your group.
What to expect
The Magnetic Island trail network features a range of different walking conditions. When traversing the routes between key destinations visitors can expect to walk on:
- walking tracks (within the national park)
- pathways (concrete footpaths within the road reserve)
- nature strips (adjacent to traffic lanes on sealed and unsealed roads).
Be aware of traffic when walking on or near roads and streets.
Walking from Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay is the arrival and departure point for Magnetic Island. Visitors often start their walking journey from this location. From the Nelly Bay ferry terminal there is the option to take three walking routes to different locations.
| Key destination | via Route | Distance one way | Walking time one way | Highest level of difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic Bay | 6 | 4km | 1hr 30min | Council pathway | |
| West Point | 6–7 | 13km | 4hr | Council pathway | |
| Key destination | via Route | Distance one way | Walking time one way | Highest level of difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia | 4 | 6.3km | 1hr 40min | Grade 4 | |
| 5 | 2km | 40min | Council pathway | ||
| Forts Junction | 4 | 6.4km | 2hr 20min | Grade 4 | |
| 5–4 | 5km | 2hr | Grade 4 | ||
| Horseshoe Bay | 5–4–3 | 7.3km | 2hr 30min | Grade 4 | |
| 4–2 | 7.5km | 3hr 40min | Grade 4 | ||
| 4–1–2 | 8.2km | 3hr | Grade 4 | ||
| 4–3 | 8.7km | 3hr | Grade 4 | ||
| 5–4–2 | 9.6km | 3hr 40min | Grade 4 | ||
| 5–4–1–2 | 10.3km | 4hrs | Grade 4 | ||
Walking from Forts Junction
The Forts Junction provides the easiest access to Magnetic Island National Park. Learn more about the island and World Heritage protected areas at this location and embark on the popular Forts Walk from here. From the Forts Junction there is the option to take four walking routes to different locations around the island.
| Key destination | via Route | Distance one way | Walking time one way | Highest level of difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Bay | 3 | 2.3km | 50min | Grade 3 | |
| 2 | 4.6km | 2hr | Grade 4 | ||
| 1–2 | 5.4km | 2hr | Grade 4 | ||
| Key destination | via Route | Distance one way | Walking time one way | Highest level of difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia | 4 | 3km | 1hr 20min | Grade 4 | |
| Nelly Bay | 4 | 6.4km | 2hr 20min | Grade 4 | |
| 4–5 | 5km | 2hr | Grade 4 | ||
| Picnic Bay | 4–5–6 | 9km | 3hr 30min | Grade 4 | |
| 4–6 | 10.4km | 4hr | Grade 4 | ||
| West Point | 4–5–6–7 | 17.6km | 6hr | Grade 4 | |
| 4–6–7 | 19km | 6hr 30min | Grade 4 | ||
Walking tracks on National Park
| Route | Track/destination | Distance | Walking time | Highest level of difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Forts Junction | 400m (return) | 15min (return) | Grade 1 |
| 1 | Forts Walk | 4km (return) | 2hrs (return) | Grade 3 |
| 1 | Forts Walk – Florence Bay | 3km (one way) | 1hr 20min (one way) | Grade 3 |
| 2 | Arthur Bay (from Forts Junction) | 1km (one way) | 20min (one way) | Grade 2 |
| 2 | Searchlight Tower (from Forts Junction) | 2km (one way) | 40min (one way) | Grade 3 |
| 2 | Florence Bay (from Forts Junction) | 1.8km (one way) | 35min (one way) | Grade 3 |
| 2 | Radical Bay (from Horseshoe Bay) | 1.5km (one way) | 50min (one way) | Grade 4 |
| 2 | Balding Bay (from Horseshoe Bay) | 1.4km (one way) | 40min (one way) | Grade 4 |
| 3 | Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park (from Horseshoe Bay) | 500m (one way) | 10min (one way) | Grade 2 |
| 4 | Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track (from Forts Junction) | 3km (one way to Arcadia) | 1hr 20min (one way to Arcadia) | Grade 4 |
| 6.4km (one way to Nelly Bay) | 2hr 20min (one way to Nelly Bay) | Grade 4 | ||
| 6 | Hawkings Point (from Picnic Bay) | 600m (one way) | 15min (one way) | Grade 4 |
- Forts Circuit Upgrade 3 February to 30 June 2023