Trail Fast Facts

Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Curcuit is a 19 km, grade 3 hike in Magnetic Island, Queensland. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.

Length: 19 km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

End: Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

Location: Magnetic Island

State: Queensland

Nearby town: Nelly Bay

From state capital: 1354km

Latitude: -19.159062

Longitude: 146.85517

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

The Nelly and Horseshoe Bay Curcuit is a beautiful walk through thick bushland and pockets of tropical forest. You will walk half way through the lovely Horseshoe Bay with bars and restaurants which provide a great spot for a lunch break.

From Nelly Bay, this walk passes through a rainforest pocket, climbs gradually to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bays and follows a ridge with views over Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay. The track then branches, with one track leading on to Horseshoe Bay, where you can continue on to other tracks. The hike commences at the ferry terminal on Magnetic Island turning left along the Mandalay Avenue which ends at the hiking trail. After the first 3 km you reach the first steep incline, approximately 200m of elevation gain within approximately 2km. From here the trail is relatively steady going back to almost sea level at a distance of 10 km. Another short incline follows at the 11km mark followed by a steady and exhausting ascent at at 15km mark on the way back.

Map and GPX file

Nelly & Horseshoe Bay Curcuit Hike (19km)

Total distance: 19165 m
Max elevation: 289 m
Min elevation: 54 m
Total climbing: 459 m
Total descent: -460 m

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Getting there

Nelly & Horseshoe Bay Curcuit Hike (19km)

Take the ferry from Townsville near Breakwater Marina. It's a 20 minutes trip to the Island. The hike commences at the ferry terminal on Magnetic Island turning left along the Mandalay Avenue which ends at the hiking trail.

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track Grade

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.

About the region

For those that enjoy discovering nature on foot, Magnetic Island offers an extensive 25km network of walking trails that guide visitors through thick bushland, ranging from dry wattles and the beautiful barks of eucalypts to pockets of rainforest. Along the way discover many lookout points boasting stunning views of the surrounding bays and beaches!

The most famous and popular trail of them all is the Forts Walk which is roughly a 90 minute return walk and is the best place on the island to see Northern Australia's largest population of koalas in the wild. The Forts Walk offers magical 360 degree views of the coast and Coral Sea. It is here that you will also discover fascinating WWII history with a number of gun emplacements, an observation tower and a command post still intact.

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Magnetic Island or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Nelly & Horseshoe Bay Curcuit Hike (19km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Nelly & horseshoe bay curcuit hike (19km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Nelly & Horseshoe Bay Curcuit Hike (19km)