Where to see koalas on Magnetic Island: The Forts Track

Where to see koalas on Magnetic Island: The Forts Track

Wondering where to see koalas on Magnetic Island? Don't worry, I've got you covered in this quick wildlife guide to spotting koalas on the Forts Track, Magnetic Island.

The Forts Track is a short hike to abandoned war forts where hikers can enjoy fantastic island views and spot some lazy koalas on Magnetic Island. In this guide I will describe everything you need to know about The Forts Track. I will also include some photos I was able to take of the koalas during my visit.
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First: How to get to Magnetic Island

Getting to Magnetic Island is as easy as a 40-minute ferry ride from Townsville.

The best ferry company is SeaLink, which operates ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island approximately every hour.

The cheapest SeaLink ticket can be booked online in advance at GetYourGuide, which gives you a scannable QR code to use on your phone when boarding.

The cost of a round-trip trip to Magnetic Island on SeaLink is $34 per adult, with several discount options also available.
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How to get to the Forts Track

The Forts Track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road, about a 10-minute drive or bus ride from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. If you tell the driver you want to get off at the forts, he will stop there for you.

If you take a bus, I would recommend purchasing a day pass which costs $7.40 and allows as many bus rides as you want for the day. This is the same price as two tickets. So if you are planning a return trip by bus, you can also buy the day ticket.

For those driving or walking, I have pinned the trailhead location below.

The Fort Track

The Forts Walk is just a short 4km trail, making for a quick 1.5 hour return journey.

The paths are wide and historical landmarks are clearly marked with several signposts along the route.

There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy some viewpoints on Magnetic Island, especially from the highest fort. There are also plenty of koalas living in the dry sclerophyll forest around Forts Track.
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RELATED: 12 BEST THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

Fortifications and ammunition bunkers

Hikers can leave the main trail and access several World War II landmarks, including camps, bunkers and radar fortifications.

These fortifications played an important role in defending Townsville from Japanese ships at a time when Japan was a formidable force in the Pacific.

Queensland Parks has done a great job of preserving the historic site, even building a ladder to reach the top fortifications.
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alt=“Fortresses run koalas on magnetic island gun fortifications in WW2”>

Hiking with koalas on Magnetic Island

If you're traveling in Australia and haven't seen a wild koala yet, then Magnetic Island is the place to spot one.

There are hundreds of wild koalas on Magnetic Island. Always keep an eye on the tree line when hiking. Koalas are surprisingly difficult to spot, but some tend to freeze in the lower branches, making them a little easier to find.

I can't tell you exactly where they will be as the koalas on Magnetic Island like to roam from tree to tree. However, if you keep an eye on the tree branches near the start of the Forts Track, you're sure to spot at least one.
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Koala protection on Magnetic Island

Like many Australian marsupials, koalas evolved without a distinct predator. They quite often linger in low branches and even walk on the ground to get from tree to tree

This makes them an easy target for wild dogs and cats, which have been introduced very drastically ecologically.

However, as most of the island is classified as a national park, there are strict restrictions on domestic and pet animals. This allows the number of koalas on Magnetic Island to remain quite high.
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Best views on the Forts Track Magnetic Island

There are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the panoramic views of the island.

Viewpoints to the north and west provide views as far as the Palm Island group, while there are also many views of the bays of Magnetic Island to the northeast.

The best 360-degree viewpoint on Magnetic Island is from the top fort on Forts Walk. There are many signposts and trailheads pointing to the top fort, making it very difficult to miss.

Once there, climb the steel ladder to access the roof and enjoy the view.
alt="Anchor Bay viewpoint from Forts Walk Magnetic Island">

Overnight accommodation on Magnetic Island

Below I have summarized the three best places to stay on Magnetic Island for different budgets. The links lead to Booking.com, which I personally always use to book the best deals on accommodation.

• Übernachten Sie im Koala Sanctuary: Bungalow Bay Koala Village – Dieses Hostel ist eine der am besten bewerteten günstigen Unterkünfte auf Magnetic Island. Es hat einen guten Chill-Out-Bereich, einen Pool und natürlich die Koalas vor Ort.
• Bestes Hostel mit Aussicht: Base Backpackers – Base Backpackers ist ein Synonym für preisgünstiges Reisen in Australien. Dieses Hostel bietet Mehrbettzimmer für unter 35 $ pro Nacht. Die Zimmer sind eigentlich kleine Hütten und blicken auf das Riff direkt am Wasser in Nelly Bay.
• Bestes Gästehaus für Paare: CStay in Picnic Bay – Eine der preisgünstigsten Unterkunftsmöglichkeiten für Paare ist Cstays in Picnic Bay. Es gibt mehrere Doppelzimmer für weniger als 65 $ pro Nacht.

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When should you visit Magnetic Island?

Magnetic Island is visited by up to 300,000 visitors every year. The best time to visit the island is in July, when the weather is calmest and the water is free of sea spines.

Magnetic Island enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. July is the best month to visit as the wind has calmed down and there is little rain. Expect normal daytime temperatures of around 25-27 degrees.

However, it is possible to make the trip to Magnetic Island at any time of the year. However, it is recommended that you wear a stinger suit when swimming, free diving or snorkeling.

If you're looking for koalas on Magnetic Island, don't worry, they'll be there all year round!
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More Maggie & Queensland travel guides

Like this quick guide to finding Magnetic Island koalas on the Forts Track? Before you head out, be sure to check out some of my many other guides for more inspiration for things to do on Maggie and beyond!

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