A Hiker’s Guide to Queensland’s Coastal Trails

Just 8 km off the coast from Townsville in Queensland, Magnetic Island National Park offers a mix of rugged beauty, rich cultural history, and accessible outdoor experiences for all types of walkers and bushwalkers. Located near the town of Nelly Bay, around 1,350 km from Brisbane, this island is much more than a beach escape—it’s a destination where walkers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike can enjoy a wide variety of hikes and all trails through unique terrain.

Magnetic Island, or Yunbenun as it’s traditionally known, was once connected to the mainland before rising sea levels around 7,500 years ago transformed it into the island we know today. The Wulgurukaba people, also known as the ‘canoe people’, have deep cultural ties to this land. Evidence of their connection can still be seen in the shell middens, stone tools and art sites scattered across the island. These cultural markers are important reminders of thousands of years of history that continue to shape the island’s identity.

Covering more than 5,000 hectares, around 78% of the island is protected as national or conservation park. The landscape is dominated by granite boulders, open eucalypt woodland, and the iconic hoop pines that stand proudly along the island’s headlands. In the sheltered gullies, vine-thickets thrive, adding to the diversity of the walking experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxed walks through woodlands or more challenging bushwalks that climb toward panoramic viewpoints, the island’s trails provide plenty of variety.

Fringing coral reefs hug the coastline, while sandy beaches and mangrove systems provide important habitat for local wildlife. Green sea turtles nest on the beaches, dugongs graze the surrounding seagrass beds, and allied rock-wallabies can often be spotted living among the granite outcrops. Koalas are frequently seen along wooded trails, and the air is filled with the calls of woodland and waterbirds. The bush stone-curlew, still common and confident here, is a particularly notable sight for keen birdwatchers.

The island’s geological history dates back 275 million years, when molten granite surged to the surface under immense volcanic pressure. As time passed, erosion sculpted the granite into today’s dramatic tors—huge rounded boulders, many of which balance in seemingly impossible formations. These features add a dramatic backdrop to many of the island’s hikes and provide a tangible link to the island’s ancient past.

Magnetic Island’s recent history adds yet another layer to its character. Once the site of hoop pine logging and pineapple farming, it also played an important defensive role during World War II. The historic WWII forts, now part of a popular walking trail, are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s wartime past alongside sweeping coastal views.

With over 25 km of walking tracks, Magnetic Island National Park offers something for everyone—from gentle walks suitable for families to more demanding bushwalks for experienced hikers. It’s a place where all trails lead to discovery, whether that’s a quiet beach, a striking geological formation, or a historic lookout.

Want to find the best trails in Magnetic Island National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.