Townsville was a supply base for the Pacific during WWII, and the forts were designed to protect the town from naval attack. If you’re going to do just one walk, then the Forts Walk (2.8km, 1½ hours return) is a must. It starts near the Radical Bay turn-off, passing lots of ex-military sites, gun emplacements and false "rocks."
At the top of the walk is the observation tower and command post, which have spectacular coastal views, and you’ll almost certainly spot koalas lazing about in the treetops. Return the same way or continue along the connecting paths, which deposit you at Horseshoe Bay (you can catch the bus back).
Nearby Balding Bay is Magnetic Island's unofficial nude beach.
