Magnetic Island National Park Park

Address: Magnetic Island National Park, Magnetic Island (access via Townsville), Queensland

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/magnetic-island

Magnetic Island National Park protects significant areas of Magnetic Island, located off the coast of Townsville in Queensland, and conserves coastal woodlands, beaches and granite ridgelines.

The park contains walking tracks that lead to WWII-era fortifications, coastal lookouts and secluded bays, with opportunities for short hikes and wildlife viewing including koalas in native eucalypt stands. Popular day-use activities include coastal walks, birdwatching and visiting historic sites within the park.

The park was established to conserve the island’s natural and cultural features, including remnant wartime fortifications, and has been managed to balance visitor access with habitat protection.

The park covers much of Magnetic Island, roughly 8 kilometres off the coast of Townsville on Queensland’s northeastern coast, reachable by regular ferry services.

• Access from Townsville: The island is accessed by ferry from Townsville, with crossing times of roughly 15 to 30 minutes depending on the service.
• Wildlife note: The park protects coastal woodlands and supports local koala populations; sightings along walking tracks are possible but not guaranteed.

What to See#

• Forts Walk and walking tracks: A network of short to moderate walking tracks passing WWII-era fortifications, coastal lookouts and native woodlands that are the principal day-hike options.
• Rocky headlands and beaches: Granite headlands and coastal beaches that provide viewpoints, picnic spots and places where native vegetation and rocky shoreline meet the sea.

Ferries and passenger services run from Townsville to Magnetic Island, arriving at Nelly Bay. From Nelly Bay, national park trails and beaches are accessible on foot, by local buses, or by taxi; vehicle transport onto the island is possible via specific ferry services.

• Take the ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay-book vehicle transport separately if bringing large equipment.
• Hike the Forts Walk for WWII history and sweeping views; the walk is moderately challenging in places.
• Wildlife-watch in the early morning or late afternoon for koalas and wallabies; respect distance and do not feed wildlife.