The Nelly-Arcadia-Junction Track is a challenging yet rewarding 10km walk through the highlands of Magnetic Island National Park in Queensland. Graded as a level 4 hike, it typically takes around three hours to complete and offers a rich mix of environments shaped by the island’s geology, weather and fire ecology. With access points from Nelly Bay, Arcadia or the Forts Junction, this route climbs steeply from every direction, and walkers should be prepared for a fair number of steps and a consistent uphill stretch, regardless of the starting point. A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended.
Beginning from Nelly Bay, the trail rises through a pocket of dry rainforest tucked into a shaded gully. This type of vegetation, known as semi-evergreen vine thicket, is both rare and endangered. It forms a dense, leafy canopy that casts welcome shade, with vines threading through the green above. During the wet season, this gully is transformed by flowing creeks and waterfalls that tumble across the granite boulders, filling the space with movement and sound. It's a spot that feels hidden and quietly alive, especially after rain.
If starting from Arcadia, the path climbs more directly through open woodland towards the same high ridgeline. From the Forts Junction, the ascent is more gradual, winding through a broad, open basin where grass trees and acacias dominate the view. The landscape here is dry and sun-drenched, but full of texture. A short detour of 230 metres will take you to the Sphinx Lookout, which offers wide views across Alma Bay and out to Cleveland Bay. It's a good spot for a break and a chance to appreciate the scale of the island’s terrain.
Once on the high ground, the track passes through a distinctive open woodland made up of eucalypts like bloodwoods, ironbarks, stringybarks and poplar gums. These trees are adapted to the shallow, nutrient-poor granite soils of the island’s interior. The forest is sparse, with a grassy floor and little mid-level vegetation, creating a sense of space and light. Fire plays an essential role in keeping this ecosystem in balance. When it occurs at the right time and with the right intensity, it clears the ground, encourages new growth and helps maintain the health and diversity of the landscape.
This walk offers a deeper look at the island’s natural character, shifting between shaded gullies and sunlit ridges, each shaped by time, fire, water and weather. It’s a track for those who enjoy a bit of a climb and who want to see more than just the coastal edges of Magnetic Island.
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Main Photo: Queensland Government
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Total distance: 10108 m
Max elevation: 250 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 399 m
Total descent: -400 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, Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay
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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Wooroonooran National Park
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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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