Forts Walk

Magnetic Island's most popular walking track climbs through eucalypt and acacia woodland to the best-preserved World War II coastal defence fortifications in Queensland — a heritage-listed complex of gun emplacements, an artillery command post and a signal station set among granite boulders and hoop pines. The 4-kilometre, grade-three walk takes about two hours return, and wild koalas are often spotted in the stunted trees beside the track. From the top the view runs from Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south to the Palm Islands and Hinchinbrook in the north, with interpretive displays telling the stories of those who served here.

Grade 3, allow 2 hours; the final climb is steep with many steps. Route 2 between Forts Junction and Radical Bay is closed until 1 November 2026 for roadworks — the Forts Walk itself remains open, as does Route 1 to Florence Bay.