10 Best hikes and trails in Magnetic Island National Park

Hiking/
Australia/
Queensland/
Magnetic Island National Park

Best trails in Magnetic Island National Park

4.6(1,791 reviews)

Australia
:
#60 of 638 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Magnetic Island National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 16 great trails for walking and hiking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Magnetic Island National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 111 to 1,981 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Magnetic Island National Park.

Top trails

A great walk up to the ruined military buildings known as The Forts, once at the top you'll find a litany of disused buildings that were once used as a defensive position with the threat of Japanese invasion during World War II. This is a great family friendly trip that is also educational while getting a bit of exercise up with the decent ascent up the hill.

#2 - Nelly Bay to Arcadia

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 Arcadia Bay and the other to Horseshoe Bay Road, where you can continue on to other tracks.

#3 - Forts Junction - Arthur Bay - Florence Bay - The Forts

Explore magnetic island via this epic trail. Experience the expansive views out across the island as you navigate this well-maintained track. Parking can be found at Forts Junction Parking where the trail begins. Here some information boards detail lots of different facts about the island and its inhabitants. It's recommended to walk early in the morning or in the late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day and make sure you take water to keep yourself hydrated in the heat. Florence...

#4 - Five Bays and The Forts

A fantastic walk combining some of the best historic and scenic aspects of the island. If you only have one day to explore Magnetic Island, this is the walk to do. The trail is a mix of paths over an old road, beaches, and rocky steps. You’ll visit the five bays of the north east of Magnetic Island, only accessible by boat or this hike, along with a quick tour of The Forts. While the trail is firmly in the easy-moderate difficulty, there is a lack of shade that can add some toughness to...

#5 - Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Circuit

An awesome trail through the Magnetic Island National Park in Far North Queensland, located just offshore north of Townsville, Queensland. This looped route begins and ends from the car ferry wharf at the end of Harbour Drive. This trail showcases the best of Magnetic Island, with highlights including: - Horseshoe Bay - Radical Bay - Florence Bay - Arthur Bay - Endeavour Falls

#6 - Hawkings Point Walking Track

This is a short but wonderful walk to the namesake Hawkings Point in the boundaries of Magnetic Island National Park. Access via Picnic Street and steadily gain elevation along the at-times rocky path. The trail navigates rocky terrain and passes underneath some large and interesting rock formations before you gain the great lookout. You'll have views of Rocky Bay, Cockle Bay, and Nelly Bay. The short distance and easy access makes this a favourite choice for a sunset walk.

#7 - Forts to Arcadia Walk via Sphinx Lookout and Endeavour Falls

This is an awesome trail to do while visiting Magnetic Island! The route begins from the Forts Junction Parking area on Horseshoe Bay Road. The trail follows Arcadia - The Forts Walking Track most of the way, leading you to a couple of awesome lookout spots and Endeavour Falls. Sphinx Lookout is a highlight - a rock succession that looks like a Sphinx and provides panoramic views!

#8 - Arcadia to Sphinx Lookout

An awesome little walk providing some of the most spectacular views on Magnetic Island. If you can line this trail up with sunrise or sunset you will not be disappointed! It's a scenic trail from Arcadia up to the Sphinx Lookout. When you get there you'll see the rock succession which is shaped like a Sphinx - hence the name!

#9 - Horseshoe Bay - Radical Bay

Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay is a lovely trek on Magnetic Island, Queensland. Take a dip at the picturesque Radical Bay or have a picnic at Horseshoe Bay. This trail starts from the eastern end of Pacific Drive and follows the well-maintained Radical Bay Walking Track for its entirety. The track is mostly made up of steps with some dirt sections. Toilets and shelters picnic tables can be found at Horseshoe Bay.

#10 - Nelly Bay To The Forts Via Arcadia Walking-Track

An epic trail through the Magnetic Island National Park exploring the eastern part of the island, which is accessible via ferry, boat or kayak from Townsville, Queensland. This looped route begins and ends from Sooning Street, near the Nelly Bay ferry terminal. The trail itself is a mixture of road and walking tracks. Highlights include: - Radical Bay - The Forts - Horseshoe Bay - Arthur Bay Lookout

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Magnetic Island National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Magnetic Island National Park is The Forts, which has a 4.7 star rating from 431 reviews. This trail is 2.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 419 ft.

What is the longest trail in Magnetic Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Magnetic Island National Park is Nelly Bay To The Forts Via Arcadia Walking-Track. This trail is estimated to be 11.6 mi long.

How many trails are in Magnetic Island National Park?

There are 16 trails in Magnetic Island National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,791 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Magnetic Island National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Magnetic Island National Park has you covered. Nelly Bay To The Forts Via Arcadia Walking-Track boasts the most elevation gain with 1,981 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Circuit, which will get you 1,902 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Magnetic Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Magnetic Island National Park and the most popular is Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Circuit with an average 4.6 star rating from 153 community reviews.