The Forts Walk is one of the best places to see koalas in the wild and is one of the most popular things to do on Magnetic Island. You can easily get here by driving yourself or catching the 250 bus to the Forts Junction carpark.

The track is fairly easy with a gradual incline and some stairs towards the end, but nothing too strenuous. The walk takes you through the bush towards the remains of the historic WWII bunkers and takes around 1.5 hours return. Along the way, you’ll have a high chance of spotting koalas sleeping in the treetops, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

We started seeing koalas about halfway through the hike and ended up spotting around five in total. People often place sticks on the ground in the shape of arrows pointing towards the trees where koalas are hiding, so if you’re struggling to spot them, keep an eye out for those along the track. Seeing them curled up sleeping in the trees was such a cool experience. Just remember to keep your distance when photographing them.

Once you reach the old forts at the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views overlooking the bays and coastline around Magnetic Island. It’s best to do this walk in the morning while the weather is cooler.