Is the Forts Walk the best place to see koalas on Magnetic Island?

You can see koalas on Magnetic Island on the Forts Walk. The 4km walking circuit visits Second World War defences, but the Magnetic Island koalas hang out in the eucalyptus trees.

Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville in Queensland is one of Australia’s most popular holiday islands. Named by Lt James Cook when he passed in 1770, and his ship’s compasses went haywire, Magnetic Island isn’t on the Great Barrier Reef. But there’s plenty to do, and Magnetic Island is a short ferry trip from Townsville.

There’s also a very good chance of seeing koalas on Magnetic Island. Believe the hype, and you’ll be tripping over them the moment you open your hotel room door. This reputation, it’s fair to say, is a little overplayed. If you want to see the Magnetic Island koalas, then you’re going to have to keep a keen eye open and look for them.

7 Magnetic Island experiences to book in advance

Sort out your return ferry ticket from Townsville.
Get the best of the coastline on a five hour boat tour with snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.
See the sky change – on a sunset and shipwrecks cruise.
See all the island highlights – on an afternoon island tour combining heritage, culture and nature.
Cram it all in on a five hour comprehensive island tour.
Take to the water on a lunchtime sailing cruise.
See subaquatic creativity – on a Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef day trip.

The Forts Walk on Magnetic Island

The Forts Walk is supposedly one of the best routes for seeing them. It’s a 4km round walk that essentially heads to the top of the island. The forts were built during the Second World War, when Townsville came under attack from Japanese Flying Boats. The complex was constructed in 1942, with the idea of defending Townsville harbour from naval attack.

At the start of the walk, a couple of signs give an idea of what wildlife to expect. One says to look out for rock wallabies and koalas and not to try feeding them. Another warns you to stay on the track as the death adders tend to stay under leaf litter or sand during the day. Nice.

How to spot koalas on Magnetic Island

It’s uphill, but hardly a slog, and it becomes immediately apparent that the best way to spot koalas is to keep an eye open for small clusters of humans cooing and pointing. It’s a sure sign that a sleepy Magnetic Island koala is in the trees.

view from Forts Walk on Magnetic Island, Queensland — View from the top of the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island. The walk is one of the best places to see koalas on Magnetic Island. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Realistically, koalas are quite boring. But the walk isn’t really about them at all. Once up at the top, the views out over the island and mainland are beautiful. There’s a tremendous sense of peace and contentment. And seeing one of the Magnetic Island koalas is merely a bonus.

Other things to do on Magnetic Island include snorkelling at Arthur Bay and Florence Bay.