The Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Circuit offers a rewarding day hike through the varied and rugged landscape of Magnetic Island National Park in Queensland. Starting from the ferry terminal at Nelly Bay, the trail eases into the journey along Mandalay Avenue, leading you gradually away from the residential areas and into the heart of the island's bushland. It’s a route that invites you to settle into the rhythm of the land, shifting between dense woodland, rocky inclines, and the occasional patch of tropical rainforest.
From the outset, the trail moves through a shaded rainforest pocket before climbing steadily to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bays. This section opens up to views over Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, offering a real sense of the island’s topography. The trail then continues along a ridgeline before branching toward Horseshoe Bay. Midway through the hike, the track drops back down to sea level, leading walkers into the lively beachfront area of Horseshoe Bay. Here, a cluster of cafés and restaurants offers a welcome pause, a good spot to recharge with a bite to eat or cool drink before continuing on.
The terrain varies enough to keep things interesting. After the early incline, the path settles for a while, allowing for steady progress before rising again with short climbs and more demanding sections. A particularly steep ascent in the latter part of the circuit can test tired legs, especially on a warm day, but it’s all part of the challenge. Despite the ups and downs, the track is well-formed and suitable for walkers with moderate fitness.
What makes this hike stand out is its contrast, between bush and beach, solitude and sociability, effort and reward. It’s a trail where you’ll likely hear the calls of curlews and cockatoos, spot rock-wallabies darting between granite boulders, and find quiet moments under eucalypts before stepping out onto golden sand. Whether you’re walking for the physical challenge or simply to explore the island more deeply, the Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Circuit gives you both.
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Total distance: 20989 m
Max elevation: 250 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 801 m
Total descent: -801 m
Getting to the trailhead: Magnetic Island National Park.
To reach Magnetic Island National Park, take the ferry from Townsville near Breakwater Marina, a quick 20-minute journey across Cleveland Bay. Once you arrive at the Magnetic Island ferry terminal in Nelly Bay, turn left onto Mandalay Avenue and follow it to the end, where the hiking trail begins.
Closest towns to this walk: Arcadia, Geoffrey Bay, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, Townsville
Magnetic Island, known traditionally as Yunbenun, is a striking mix of granite headlands, open woodland, and coral-fringed beaches just offshore from Townsville. Once connected to the mainland, it became an island around 7,500 years ago when sea levels rose. Today, about 78% of its 5,184 hectares is protected as national or conservation park, preserving its distinctive natural and cultural heritage.
The island’s vegetation is mostly open eucalypt woodland, with bloodwoods, stringybarks, and ironbarks dominating the landscape. Hoop pines rise from rocky headlands, vine-thickets cluster in gullies, and the coastline is fringed with mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. These diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife. Sea turtles nest on sandy beaches, dugongs and green turtles feed in the seagrass, and rock wallabies shelter among the granite tors. Koalas are often spotted in the trees, and the calls of bush stone curlews echo through the woodland.
The Wulgurukaba people, the ‘canoe people,’ have long maintained a deep connection to Yunbenun. Evidence of their presence, including middens, tools, and art sites, can still be found. Since being named by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770, Magnetic Island has had a layered history involving logging, agriculture, wartime defences, and tourism. The World War II fortifications remain among Queensland’s best preserved examples.
The island’s landscape tells a much older story. Around 275 million years ago, granite pushed to the surface and slowly weathered into the dramatic boulders and tors we see today. Fault lines formed gullies and valleys, shaping the island’s rugged topography. Combined with its shallow surrounding seas and rich biodiversity, Magnetic Island offers a unique blend of geology, ecology, and history, making it a compelling destination for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Looking for more walks in or near Magnetic Island National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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