The Forts Walk

The Forts Walk is a 4 kilometre return walking track on Magnetic Island, off Townsville in Queensland, within Magnetic Island National Park. It leads to heritage-listed World War II fortifications built in 1942-1943 to protect Townsville. The trail passes through open woodland to gun emplacements, an observation post and command post, offering panoramic views over the Coral Sea and mainland. It is noted for its military history, interpretive displays and frequent koala sightings.

Visitors can expect a graded 4km return bush walk through open eucalypt woodland and granite boulders to well-preserved World War II fort ruins. The track leads to two gun emplacements, a command post and observation post with interpretive signage explaining the site's wartime role. Elevated lookouts provide panoramic views over Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, Horseshoe Bay and the mainland. The surrounding bushland is known for koala sightings and birdlife. The walk is exposed with limited shade and no drinking water along the track.

The Forts Complex was constructed in 1942-1943 as part of the Townsville Fortress coastal defence system during World War II to protect Townsville Harbour, a major Allied military base. It housed two French 155mm guns, an observation post, command post and associated infrastructure. Manned by Australian forces, it was operational from 1943 and decommissioned in 1946 after the war. The site is heritage-listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

The site is a heritage-listed example of Australia's World War II coastal defence heritage and is valued for its demonstration of wartime military planning and construction. It serves as an educational and commemorative place interpreting the role of Magnetic Island and Townsville in Australia's defence history.