How to spot koalas on the Forts Walk Magnetic Island
When visiting Australia, most people’s bucket lists have “see a koala” on them. And while seeing them in a zoo or a sanctuary is nice, it is so much more rewarding to see them in the wild. However, that is easier said than done. Unless you take a trip to Magnetic Island, get your hiking shoes on because this guide is going to help you spot koalas on the Fort’s Walk.
Magnetic Island is an island off the coast of Townsville, Australia. This little national park is home to all kinds of wildlife, from echidnas to wallabies. With 78% of the island protected, this is a sanctuary for our furry friends.
This island has it all! With 23 pristine bays and beaches to explore, vibrant coral reefs to swim over, kilometres of bushland to wander through, and the largest koala colony in Northern Australia to encounter.
Everything you need to know about the Forts Walk Magnetic Island
During my month in this tropical paradise, the Forts Walk became my go-to hike. It is a great spot for sunrise, you can see koalas on the regular, and this trail weaves into several other hikes.
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There are several ways to hike the Forts Walk with the easiest being a 3.5km out and back track. However, with lots of WWII relics, wildlife, and bays to discover, you can easily make the hike longer.
Track information about the Magnetic Islands Forts Walk
- Distance: 3.5km / 2.1 miles
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation: 120m
- Trail type: out and back
- Forts Walk rating: 4.7/5
- Trailhead starts at Forts Junction car park.
- Can combine with: Arthur Bay lookout, Florence Bay, Balding Bay, Radical Bay
Forts Walk History
The Forts Walk is a listed heritage site in Queensland. This is because of the WWII coastal defence fortifications.
The fort was built in 1943 during WWII to protect the harbour and town from a potential Japanese invasion.
After the war, the Fort was left to retire in nature until 1992, when Queensland listed it as a heritage site for its efforts to protect Australia.
Today, the well-preserved relics have placards explaining what the buildings were used for. You can go into the buildings and up the fortifications to see spectacular views of the ocean.
There are nine WWII sites to see along the Forts Circuit.
Magnetic Island Forts Walk Map:
One of the many things I love about the Forts Walk is that it can be combined into several different hikes. To make it easier to pick which trail you would like to do, I have added the Forts Walk map below.
One combination I love if you want to do a longer hike is to start on the Forts Walk, then down to Florence Bay, over to Radical Bay, through to Balding Bay, and then back into Horseshoe Bay, where you can grab lunch.
Where to start the Forts Walk Trail?
The official trailhead is at the Forts Junction car park.
There is also a bus stop right outside the junction. The bus drivers will announce each stop, so you will not need to rely on watching maps.
As the island is so small, there is only a 250-bus route. See the timetable and map here.
There are public toilets and trail information boards to help you plan your route.
If walking is difficult for you or a member of your party, you can always do the 400-metre Forts Junction track, which is wheelchair accessible.
Magnetic Island wants to create an interactive and educational experience for its visitors. They have boards lining the track with information on local plants, wildlife, and WWII relics.
The trailhead is easy to get to as there is only one main road on Magnetic Island.
One of the popular things to do on the island is hire a Barbie car for the day. This gives you the freedom to roam around the island at your own pace.
What to expect on the Forts Walk Trail:
The Forts Walk has it all: 360 panoramic views, cute koalas, and historic relics.
Magnetic Island is home to the world’s largest free-roaming koala colony. If you don’t see a koala on your hike, I will be very surprised.
The hike starts off on a flat, easy trail and weaves up through the trees via hills and steps.
The hike is an out-and-back but can be combined with other trails.
This hike is easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. As the Magnetic Island sun is humid, I suggest completing this hike in the morning.
What is the best time of day to see koalas?
The best time of day to see Koalas on the Forts Walk is early in the morning. The air will be cooler, and the wildlife will be more active. However, if you cannot make it early in the morning, you can see them throughout the day; they might just be a little harder to spot.
Koalas are generally most active at dawn and dusk. But your best chance of seeing them is when they are sleeping.
Although the obvious choice of tree to look for them in is an eucalyptus, they can be surprising and sleep in other types of trees.
Keep your eyes peeled!
How many koalas live on Magnetic Island?
Koalas were introduced to Magnetic Island in the 1930s. This was to protect them from threats caused by the mainland.
Today, there are more than 800 koalas on Magnetic Island. This tropical paradise has a diverse range of eucalyptus for the koalas to choose from. However, most koalas are fussy and will only stick to one or two types.
Although there are koalas all over the island, the easiest place to find them is on the Forts Walk.
How to spot koalas on the Forts Walk Magnetic Island
There are a number of ways to find koalas during your hike. For one, keep your eyes peeled!
Sometimes Magnetic Island Park Rangers will write in the sand “koala this way” with an arrow. If you follow the sign off the trail, two or three trees later, you will probably see one sleeping.
A good rule of thumb to spot koalas is:
On crisp winter mornings, koalas seek out the sun at the tops of the trees, where sparse branches allow them to bask in the warmth.
On summer’s hot, humid days, they retreat to the cool shade offered by the denser areas within the trees.
- When looking in the trees for koalas, you want to be looking for a fork in the branches. These make excellent support seats for the koalas to nap on. They sometimes curl into a tight ball, so if you see a lump in the tree, it might be a koala.
- Look on the ground for koala poop. These are like little pellets, and there will be a cluster of them. If you see this sign, they are above you or close by.
- Don’t be afraid to ask other hikers if they have spotted any koalas on their route. Most people are happy and excited to tell you they have seen one. They also usually give you directions and a description of which tree.
- If you see two or three people staring at one tree, chances are there is one up there.
What to bring on the Forts Walk Trail
As this isn’t a long hike, you do not need to bring much with you. However, as Magnetic Island is at the northern end of Queensland, it can see high and humid temperatures. Remember to be sun-safe.
What to pack for the Forts Walk:
- Water! This hike is easy to moderate, but being in the sun will take it out of you. I always fill up my Beemax water bottle before adventuring.
- Sunscreen!! This island sees high temperatures all year round, so it is important to pack. Especially as some of this hike is in the open. If you are going to extend the hike to one of the bays for a swim, make sure to get reef-safe cream.
- Camera or phone. If you are a big wildlife photographer, you might also want to pack a power bank.
- Snacks, swimmers, and a towel if you are heading to the bays.
Where to stay on Magnetic Island
As Magnetic Island is small, there aren’t a lot of options to choose from.
That being said, I highly recommend the Bungalow Bay Hostel. I lived there for a month during my time volunteering with Worldpackers. I worked in the wildlife sanctuary that is linked to the hostel.
Click here to read about my experience.
Bungalow Bay is great for solo travellers and is located a five-minute walk from Horseshoe Bay.
The other hostel that is available on the island is Nomads Hostel. This hostel hosts a boozy bingo night that is really fun. You do not need to stay there to attend, as you pay to participate. This hostel is more of a party scene.
Both hostels have a bus stop right outside.
If you’re more of a hotel person, you can also browse other places on this map:
How to get to Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is an island off the coast of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
The commercial way to get over to the island is by ferry.
You can take your vehicle over with you, but with the Magnetic Islands bus system, you do not need to.
They also have Barbie-comfortable cars and scooters to rent.
The Sealink ferry is your quickest method to get to Magnetic Island, taking 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
In summary, with a few simple steps, you can see Koalas on the Forts Walk very easily.
With over 800 on the island, you can almost guarantee seeing one.
Magnetic Island has it all. There are twenty three stunning bays and beaches to explore, vibrant coral reefs, kilometres of bushland, and a whole bunch of amazing wildlife.
As always, happy exploring!
