Bushwalking and Hikes in Magnetic Island, North Queensland

Experience the beauty of Magnetic Island in tropical North Queensland through bushwalking and hikes. Townsville Floorball, a local sports club in Townsville City, invites interested players to explore the island's stunning natural beauty. Whether you prefer a leisurely beach stroll or a thrilling adventure in the bush, Magnetic Island offers something for everyone. With 23 picturesque bays and beaches to discover, there are numerous opportunities for exploration and grand views.

While the Forts Junction Hub is currently under construction, access to the Forts, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, and Radical Bay is limited. For the latest accessibility details, interested players can visit the Parks Alerts website for updates.

Here are a few suggested bushwalking tracks to get started:

1. The Butterfly Walk: A gentle 100m walk that takes approximately 15 minutes. This easy flat ground walk allows you to appreciate the beauty of butterflies. Please be mindful and walk slowly during butterfly hibernation season (April to July).

2. Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Walk: A 300m walk located at the lagoon end of Henry Lawson St in Horseshoe Bay. This easy flat ground walk offers a pleasant stroll.

3. The Forts Walk: Magnetic Island's number one bushwalking trail. This 2.8 km trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and starts from The Forts Car Park. Prepare for moderate undulating terrain and enjoy panoramic views.

4. The Forts, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, Radical Bay, Balding Bay & Horseshoe Bays Walk: A challenging 2.8 km trail that takes approximately 1.5 hours. Starting from The Forts Car Park or Horseshoe Bay, this advanced trail includes steep climbs, so remember to bring plenty of fresh drinking water.

5. The Forts to Horseshoe Bay Walk: A 2 km walk that takes approximately 30–45 minutes. This trail is suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers, providing easy flat ground.

6. Arcadia to The Forts Walk: A 2 km walk that takes approximately 30–45 minutes. This moderate trail with undulating terrain is accessible from Alma Bay or The Forts Car Park.

7. Nelly Bay to Arcadia & Endeavour Falls Walk: For those seeking a longer walk, this 6 km trail takes approximately 2 hours. Interested players can start from Mandalay Ave in Nelly Bay or Endeavour Rd in Arcadia. Expect moderate undulating terrain.

8. Rocky Bay Walk: A 1 km walk that takes approximately 30 minutes. Accessible from the lookout between Picnic and Nelly Bays, this trail offers a moderate climb.

9. Hawkings Point Walk: A 600m walk that takes approximately 30 minutes. Located in Picnic Bay, this trail provides a moderate climb.

10. Sails Rock Walk: A 1 km return walk starting from Picnic Bay. This advanced trail involves a steep climb.

11. Cockle Bay Walk: A 2.5 km walk that takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Starting from Picnic Bay, this trail offers a mixture of difficult and easy flat ground sections.

12. West Point Walk: A longer 8 km walk that takes approximately 2.5 hours. This trail is suitable for beginners and offers easy flat ground.

For more experienced bushwalking enthusiasts, players can embark on The Great Tropical Island Ocean Walk. This 14 km walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 days to complete and allows you to circumnavigate 3/4 of Magnetic Island, exploring 11 bays and landmarks like West Point, Cockle Bay, Picnic Bay, and more.

To ensure safety, interested players should remember to bring enough fresh drinking water for their journey as most of the tracks have no access to drinking water. In the North Queensland weather, it is recommended to bring at least 2 litres of water per person. If planning to swim in the water between November and March, stinger season, wearing a stinger suit and having vinegar on hand to treat stings is advised. However, between March and November, players can enjoy the temperate northern waters comfortably.

Players should also remember to Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen, and Slap on a hat. If going to the beach, wearing thongs is recommended, and for bushwalks, closed shoes are advised. In case of injured wildlife, players can contact Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organisation (MIFCO) on 0427 918 130. For injured and orphaned wallabies, the Wallaby Refuge on Magnetic Island can be reached at 4758 1457 or 0400 243 842.

Players are encouraged to plan their bushwalking adventure in Magnetic Island and immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of tropical North Queensland through Townsville Floorball!