Forts Walk

27 Aug

Forts Walk Magnetic Island

The most famous walk on Magnetic Island offers a truly enchanting experience. The Forts Walk provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the coastline and the Coral Sea.

The journey begins at The Forts Junction. You’ll find an interactive and educational experience to learn about the local animals and plants there. The trail follows a ridge behind some of the island’s most picturesque bays, treating hikers to captivating views before reaching the fascinating ruins of the Forts complex, which served as an operational site during World War II. These historical remnants are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

The Forts Walk is renowned for offering visitors the chance to spot koalas in their natural habitat. Koalas were introduced to Magnetic Island in the 1930s to protect them from perceived threats on the mainland, and today they can often be seen lounging in tree branches, munching on eucalyptus leaves, or napping through the day. While encountering koalas in the wild is a remarkable experience, it's important to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being.

Do not touch or cuddle them; this is illegal in most states and territories of Australia.
Do not get close for the sake of a selfie; use your zoom. Koalas heart rates increase when people are close by; they can become easily stressed even without any direct interaction. Stress is the number one reason why Mums and their Joeys become separated. A Joey separated too soon has a low chance of survival (even in care).
Do not chase them, they are tree dwellers and if they’re on the ground, they’re likely changing trees.
Control your animals and avoid taking them into areas where koalas are known to be.

If you’re keen to interact with koalas, Roamer Magnetic Island offers wildlife tours at their koala park, where you can safely meet them and take photos.

If you see a koala in danger, please call the koala hospital - phone 0428 785 488

If you’re seeking a longer adventure, The Wumbu track was opened in 2023, leading straight from the top of the Forts Circuit to Florence Bay; the track is signed and leads you to the idyllic Florence Bay, a popular beach for swimming and snorkelling. Casuarina trees line the beach, providing the perfect shade for a peaceful break.

Following the Radical Bay Road will lead you towards Arthur Bay, where you can reconnect with the Forts Junction. Alternatively, you can choose to journey towards Radical and Balding Bay, culminating at Horseshoe Bay. Another possibility is to conclude your adventure by completing the Wumbu loop, ascending to rejoin the Forts Circuit. It's important to note that if you opt for the loop, the ascent is steep, with a considerable number of stairs.

Our pick, after you’ve checked out the Forts, head down the Wumbu track, and relax at Florence Bay before walking towards Horseshoe Bay via Radical and Balding (Florence, Radical, and Balding Bays are only accessible via foot or the ocean,) once you’re back in Horseshoe Bay head straight to Adele’s Cafe for a well earned Gelato!

The Forts Walk is a grade 2 walking track, allow 2 hours to complete the loop

The Forts to Florence is a grade 3 walking track, allow 1.5 hours (one way)

Remember to Visit Safely and Walk With Care.