The Forts

Sign Posted Walking Track 2kms 1.5hrs - return Koala Spotting Bays viewed: Arthur Bay Florence Bay Horseshoe Bay

The Forts is a historic site from World War II built as precaution from the threat of invasion. The track starts near the Radical Bay turnoff. It begins as an ungraded road and winds it's way along the ridge with good views above Arthur and Florence Bays. On the way up there are two gun emplacements, one either side of the track. Some of the "rocks" are actually false, being the remains of the camouflageing over the gun barrels.

All the building materials where carried up from a makeshift track as there where no proper roads. The guns where just a precaution and were not used.

At the top there are two buildings, one is the Observation Tower, from this vantage point is an uniterupted view up and down the coast on one side and all the way to Townsville harbour on the other side. From the second building, the Command Post, which is still in use for navigation lights, a 360^o panoramic view is experienced.

Looking out towards Horseshoe Bay you will see Palm Island. This is the largest island in the Palm Island Group which includes Orpheus Island.

Koalas are commonly sighted in the trees along this walk, as this area of the Island has the largest amount of free roaming colonies in the world. If you are lucky you may see a mother nursing a cub on her back.

Koalas are commonly confused as belonging to the bear family, they are actually marsupials and they can sleep for about 16 - 20 hours a day.

Map / Accommodation / Activities / Home