Bushwalking

Bushwalking and hikes in and around Magnetic Island in tropical North Queensland offer you many great adventures!

Would you prefer a casual beach stroll or setting out on a bush walk to discover grand views, plus our 23 bays and beaches?

Maybe an adventure through the tropical lagoon at Horseshoe Bay before lunch?

Magnetic Island has a great selection of bush walking tracks to choose from. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

PLEASE NOTE! While the Forts Junction Hub is under construction, there is limited access to the Forts, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay and Radical Bay. Please visit Parks Alerts for the latest accessibility details at: parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/20391

1. The Butterfly Walk*
Distance/Time: 100m (Approx) 15min
Depart: Horseshoe Bay
Difficulty: Easy - flat ground.

*Please walk slowly and quietly through this walk if it is butterfly hibernating season (April - July) in a way that does not disturb the resting butterflies.

2. Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Walk
Distance/Time: 300m (Approx)
Depart: Lagoon end of Henry Lawson St, Horseshoe Bay
Difficulty: Easy - flat ground.

3. The Forts Walk
- Magnetic Island's No. 1 Bushwalking Trail
Distance/Time: 2.8km 1.5hrs return
Depart: The Forts Car Park
Difficulty: Moderate - undulating terrain.

4. The Forts, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, Radical Bay, Balding Bay & Horseshoe Bays Walk**
Distance/Time: 2.8km 1.5hrs return
Depart: The Forts Car Park or Horseshoe Bay
Difficulty: Advanced - steep climbs.
**Take a lot of fresh drinking water on this walk. None is available en-route.

5. The Forts to Horseshoe Bay Walk
Distance/Time: 2km 30-45min
Depart: The Forts Car Park or Horseshoe Bay
Difficulty: Difficulty: Easy - flat ground.

6. Arcadia to The Forts Walk
Distance/Time: 2km 30-45min
Depart: Alma Bay or The Forts Car Park
Difficulty: Moderate - undulating terrain.

7. Nelly Bay To Arcadia & Endeavour Falls Walk
Distance/Time: 6km 2hrs
Depart: Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay or Endeavour Rd, Arcadia.
Difficulty: Moderate - undulating terrain.

8. Rocky Bay Walk
Distance/Time: 1km 30min
Depart: Lookout between Picnic and Nelly Bays.
Difficulty: Moderate - moderate climb.

9. Hawkings Point Walk
Distance/Time: 600m 30mins
Depart: Picnic Bay
Difficulty: Moderate - moderate climb.

10. Sails Rock Walk
Distance/Time: 1km return
Depart: Picnic Bay
Difficulty: Advanced - steep climb.

11. Cockle Bay Walk
Distance/Time: 2.5km (Approx) 45min - 1hr
Depart: Picnic Bay
Difficulty: Easy - flat ground.

12. West Point Walk
Distance/Time: 8km 2.5hrs
Depart: Picnic Bay
Difficulty: Easy - flat ground.

 

 

The Great Tropical Island Ocean Walk
Distance/Time: 14km (Approx) 1.5 - 2 Days
Depart: Picnic Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia, Alma Bay or The Forts Car Park (Depending on which leg of the walk you would like to take).

For bushwalking enthusiasts you can also complete The Great Tropical Island Ocean Walk which circumnavigates 3/4 of Magnetic Island and includes 11 bays and beaches: West Point, Cockle Bay, Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Geoffrey Bay, Alma Bay, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, Radical Bay, Balding Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

 

Magnetic Island Walking Trails Map
Print out/download the official Magnetic Island National Parks Walking Trails Map.

Magnetic Island National Parks Walking Trails Map © The State of Queensland (Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing).

 

For your safety please REMEMBER the following:

WATER: Make sure you have enough fresh drinking water for your journey. Most of the tracks have NO access to drinking water. If you're not use to the North Queensland weather, you'll need A LOT more water than you think - take at least 2 litres of water per person.

STINGERS: November to March is stinger season. If you venture into the water wear a stinger suit. If you get stung have some vinegar with you to douse the sting. Click here for more information on stingers in North Queensland.

For the rest of the year between March and November you can comfortably luxuriate in the temperate northern waters.

SUN PROTECTION: Slip, Slop, Slap!
Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.

FOOTWEAR: If you're going to the beach, wear thongs. If you're going for a bushwalk it's recommended you wear closed shoes.

INJURED ANIMALS: To report injured wildlife contact Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organization (MIFCO) on 0427 918 130.

For injured and orphaned wallabies call Wallaby Refuge on Magnetic Island on 4758 1457 or 0400 243 842.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Your choice of day will also make a big difference to the enjoyment of your walk so you can avoid the direct heat of the sun.

• Morning Walks (facing West): West Point, Cockle Bay, Hawkings Point, Nelly to Arcadia via Horseshoe Bay Ridge

• Afternoon Walks (facing East): The Forts to Horseshoe Bay via Arthur, Florence, Radical and Balding Bays.

MID SUMMER: The strength of the sun and the overall heat changes dramtically between mid November to March. We recommend you try and finish your morning walks by 12 noon and begin your afternoon walks around 3pm to avoid the midday heat and sun.

Avoid walking or cycling between 12 noon - 3pm during summer/wet season, (December to March).