Distance: 4km
Difficulty: 2/10
Reward/ Effort: 10/10
If you only do one walk whilst you are on Magnetic Island, let it be the Forts Walk. This was the number one recommended hike to me in the lead up to my trip and it wasn’t hard to see why. Forts walk is based around historic World War II fortifications and infrastructure with plenty of signage describing the structures. If history is not your jam, I guarantee the koalas you are almost guaranteed to spot or the 360 degree views of the coast and Coral Sea will have you recommending this walk as one of the greatest of your life. I loved my first experience of the Forts Walk so much I ended up heading up for a sunrise experience the following morning.
The fort was built after a failed air attack by the Japanese on Townsville in 1942 prompted the construction of the forts and gun emplacement when Australia and America joined forces in declaring war against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941. It remained an important defence until the Japanese surrendered the War on the 15th of August, 1945 after the US attack against Hiroshima. Not downplaying the difficult jobs the serviceman performed and the gratitude for the protection of our country, if you had to choose where to be posted for a defence position, the Forts would be the spot. The views look out towards the Palm Island groups in the north and Bowling Green National Park in the south with some beautiful bays and coastline in between.
What you need to know:
The walk is approximately 4 km return from the ‘Forts Walk Car park’ and it is an easy to moderate hike. The start point is between Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay and if you don't have a car, there is a bus that stops basically on the doorstep to the starting point.
There are several well-maintained public toilets at the starting point.
There are some steeper sections towards the top but it is a pretty gradual ascent and there is a wide and open path making it suitable for people of most abilities. There are some ladders to climb into the forts but these are very secure so just take your time-> just go down backwards on your return.
Make sure you look up! The koalas can be a bit challenging to spot if you aren't looking carefully, so take your time and keep your eyes peeled.
The first trip up probably took about 90 minutes because we stopped to read all the signage, look for koalas and take in the views but the second time was much quicker, probably about half the time. Honestly, don't rush through this one though!
Towards the top there is an 800m circuit that provides you two separate forts to explore and lookouts to appreciate. It really doesn't matter which way it is walked. Most people seemed to be walking anti-clockwise so we went against the grain and walked it clockwise.
Park your car at the Forts Walk carpark and make your way towards the well signed starting point.
There is a nice wide footpath at the start of the walk with plenty of signage, maps and information displayed on easy to read boards.
Some of the remaining monuments from World War II with plenty of signage providing some relevant history and interesting historical facts.
The path starts to get a little bit more rough and rocky from here. This circuit can be walked either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Beautiful at sunrise or during the day!
Don't forget to look up! These beautiful creatures can be a bit difficult to see amongst the trees but if you take your time and look past the path, you should spot at least a couple of koalas.
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