Things to do
Walking tracks
Gabul Way linking Nelly Bay to Geoffrey Bay
Gabul Way linking Nelly Bay to Geoffrey Bay
Arcadia Lookout towards Alma Bay
Magnetic Island boasts a diverse range of hiking and walking options that cater to all abilities, inviting everyone to explore its natural wonders. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, the island offers a variety of trails that wind through lush rainforests, along stunning coastlines, and up to breathtaking viewpoints.
For those seeking an easy going adventure, the Forts Walk provides a history-infused journey with panoramic views of the island and the Coral Sea. The picturesque Arcadia to Nelly Bay Coastal Walk offers a tranquil path alongside the ocean, perfect for a relaxing exploration. More experienced hikers can tackle the challenging Hawkings Point Track, which rewards their efforts with sweeping vistas and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a casual walker, or a seasoned hiker, Magnetic Island's trails offer an opportunity to connect with its beauty at your own pace, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
One of the best ways to explore Magnetic Island is on foot utilising the 23kms of designated walking tracks within the National Park. Stop to admire the breathtaking views with the strategically placed lookouts.
There are also a number of ‘unofficial’ tracks known only to locals that we also reveal. Check out the interactive map below to discover the precise track location information.
National Park Tracks
Nelly Bay to Arcadia—6.3km one way (3hrs) Grade: moderate
From the end of Mandalay Avenue in Nelly Bay, this walk passes through a vine-thicket pocket, climbs gradually to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe bays and then follows a ridge with views over Horseshoe Bay. The track then branches, with one track leading to Endeavour Road, Arcadia Bay and the other to the Forts Junction, where you can continue on to other tracks detailed next.
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A 400m return sidetrack to the Sphinx lookout branches from the main track, 750m from the track start at Endeavour Road, Arcadia.
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Picnic Bay to West Point—16km return (5hrs) Grade: easy
This walk follows an unsealed road that links the bays on the western side of the island. The track starts at Yule Street near the golf course, passing a tidal wetland, mangroves, paperbark swamps and savanna grasslands.
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Hawkings Point track—1.2km return (1hr) Grade: moderate
From the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay, a track winds to the top of a large boulder, affording views over the island to Nelly and Geoffrey bays and back towards Townsville.
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Hawkings Point Lookout
Forts walk—4km return (1.5hrs) Grade: moderate
One of the most popular tracks on the island, the Forts walk leads to historic World War II fortifications and infrastructure. Lookouts along the way afford excellent views to the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. Koalas are often seen in trees along the track. The walk culminates in 360 degree views from the top of the fortifications.
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Please respect the Forts which are listed on the Queensland State Heritage Register.
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There now is a track that goes from the end of the Forts track and meets the road adjacent to Florence Bay.
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Forts walk
Tracks to Arthur, Florence and Radical bays Grade: moderate
From the Forts Junction on Horseshoe Bay Road, follow a narrow sealed road. Branching tracks reveal undeveloped bays that offer excellent swimming and snorkelling. Long drop toilets are located at Florence and Horseshoe bays. Please carry water as drinking water is not available on these walks.
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Arthur Bay—2km return (30mins)
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Florence Bay—3.6km return (1hr)
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Radical Bay—6km return (2hrs)
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Searchlight Tower—3.7km return (1hr)
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Horseshoe Bay via Radical Bay—7.5km one way (2hrs)
Arthur Bay
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Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay—3.4km return (1.5hrs) Grade: moderate
Continue from the turn-off to Balding Bay over the ridge to Radical Bay with its beautiful beach surrounded by hoop-pine and boulder-strewn headlands. There are no facilities. Parts of the land behind the beach are privately owned—please observe signs.
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Horseshoe Bay to Balding Bay—2.5km return (1hr) Grade: moderate
From the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach, the track climbs through a steep gully of closed forest to a ridge with open eucalypt woodland. One branch of the track leads down to secluded Balding Bay.
A long drop toilet is the only facility at the bay—drinking water is not available. At high tide access to the start of the walk at Horseshoe Bay may be through shallow water. There is a track behind the houses that is accessible at all tides. Follow the signs.
Balding Bay
Horseshoe Bay Lagoon—200m return (15mins) Grade: easy
Horseshoe Bay Lagoon is a popular area for birdwatching. The track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road, about 200m from the beach, and leads to a lagoon where a number of waterbirds can be seen. Magpie geese nest in the bulkuru sedges, and the melaceuca woodland is ideal habitat for a number of woodland species.
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Nelly Bay to Geoffrey Bay— 470m one way (20mins) Grade: easy
You can opt for this track instead of the Gabul Way walkway to go between Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay.
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Source: Department of Environment and Science
Additional Tracks
Sails Rock (Tom Thumb) Lookout— 720m return (0.5hrs) Grade: moderate
Locals nicknamed the lookout due to the shape of a large protruding granite boulder balanced on a rocky platform. The track begins off Yule St, Picnic Bay and follows a Council road to a water tank. You are greeted with brilliant views of Picnic Bay, Cockle Bay, West Point and Townsville. Experience a spectacular sunset from this spot.
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Arcadia Lookout— 500m return (0.4hrs) Grade: moderate
Starting at Endeavour Road where the National Park's track to Nelly Bay, Forts Junction and Sphinx Lookout begins. Keep following the Council road to the water tank and find the track slightly towards the right. You are rewarded with breath taking aerial views of Alma Bay and Geoffrey Bay. The best bang for your buck for effort vs reward.
Arcadia Lookout towards Geoffrey Bay
Olympus Lookout— 50m return (10 mins) Grade: easy
Head right at the end of Olympus Crescent in Arcadia through a short track that leads to a rock platform. Catch a portion of Alma Bay from a different perspective and admire Cape Cleveland. Brilliant location to watch a sunrise.
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Butterfly Forest Walk— 500m one way (15 mins) Grade: easy
Appreciate a once in a lifetime experience as you wander through an enchanted forest. Every year between April and September thousands of gorgeous Blue Monarch Butterflies inhabit the secluded forest. Keep your eyes peeled as they can look just like leaves. The track has three entrances, near the old school off Dent St, at the corner of Heath St and Horseshoe Bay Road and at an unnamed road off Dent St (see map for specific info). Please be respectful of these creatures and walk quietly during breeding season between June-July.
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Gabul Way— 850m one way (15 mins) Grade: moderate
The impressive floating walkway links Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay. The cantilevered walkway is adjacent to Arcadia Road and provides an access route for pedestrians, cyclists and is disability compliant. Breakout platforms are built into the design that offer sweeping views of Geoffrey Bay and Cape Cleveland.
Gabul Way linking Nelly Bay to Geoffrey Bay
Rocky Bay— 300m return (20 mins) Grade: moderate
There is no defined track but you can clamber down between the pines and rocks. A sandy beach is revealed at low tide and is great for swimming. Note it is a nude beach.
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Rocky Bay Rock— 250m return (10mins) Grade: easy
The track comes off Nelly Bay Road and you make your way to a massive rocky outcrop. You are rewarded with impressive views of Rocky Bay and Cleveland Bay.
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*Note: the 'Grade' refers to the steepness of the track. The time is estimated based on a person with average fitness.
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For those with more experience who are wanting to get off the beaten track, there are several other expeditions for you. Check out this article by Wanderstories.
Map of Walking Tracks
Click on the map icons to reveal photos and additional information about each point.
You can also use these points as 'starting points' or 'destination points' in Google Maps to help navigate to them.
Things to bring
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Water- no access to water on most tracks
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Sturdy foot wear
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Sun protection
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Consider taking a First Aid kit
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Mobile phone