• The walking track traverses the flat ridgelines in the highlands above Arcadia. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• The Sphinx Lookout offers views over Alma Bay and across to Cape Cleveland. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Short-beaked echidnas Tachyglossus aculeatus can be seen along the walking track during the cooler parts of the day. Photo credit: © Anders Zimny
• The climb from any direction entails step uphill sections on natural stone steps. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Poplar gum woodland interspersed with Weeping cabbage palms Livistona decora on the Arcadia side. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Natural stone steps leading through the dry rainforest gully walking from the Nelly Bay end. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Wet season regeneration of the grasslands after a planned burn keeping country healthy. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• From the ridge line above Horseshoe Bay are views across the north side of the island. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Acacia trees in full bloom in the landscape. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Grass trees Xanthorrhea johnsonii grow in the denuded granite soils in the highlands. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Giant burrowing cockroach macropanesthia rhinoceros are commonly seen when it rains in the dry rainforest area. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Experience being surrounded by swarms of butterflies, including the Blue Tiger butterfly Tirumala hamata, in the dry rainforest area during the winter months. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• The distinctive flower of the Kapok Cochlospermum gillivaei is stark contrast to the leafless tree during the dry season. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Gubul – Route 4

Climb into the highlands of Magnetic Island to explore a diversity of plant and animal communities along this scenic natural stone walking track. Accessed from one of three locations—Nelly Bay, Arcadia or the Forts Junction—this walking track ascends steeply to the highlands from every direction. Be aware! This walking track is steep with many steps—you need to be reasonably fit to walk this track.

Starting the walk in Nelly Bay, the track leads through a dry rainforest pocket nestled in a shaded gully up into onto the ridge above. Known as semi-evergreen vine thicket, this endangered plant community is cool and shady with a dense, green canopy intersperse with vines. During the wet season, the gully springs to life when rushing rainwater cascades over the boulder-strewn creeks.

From the Arcadia side, the walking track ascends steeply through open woodland to the ridgeline. Walking from the Forts Junction is a more gradual ascent through an open woodland basin full of grass trees and acacias. Visit the Sphinx Lookout, only 230m off the main track, for views of the surrounding hills over Alma Bay and across Cleveland Bay.

Explore the island’s open eucalypt woodland in the highlands—a mix of bloodwoods, stringybarks, ironbarks and poplar gums. These stunted, dry tropical woodlands growing on the poorer granite soils have a sparse mid-storey and grassy understory.  Fire—at the right time and intensity—is integral to maintain this landscape and keeping it healthy and vibrant.

Getting there and getting around

The Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track (Route 4) is accessed from three locations.

Access to all entry points is via a sealed road suitable for conventional 2WDs. Bus stops are close to all entry points—see Kinetic for more information.

Access the Nelly-Arcadia-Junction track via:

• From Nelly Bay, the walking track starts from end of Mandalay Ave (2km from Ferry terminal).
• From Arcadia, the walking track starts from the end of Endeavour Road. (600m from Alma Bay bus stop).
• From the Forts Junction.

Distances between key destinations:

• Forts Junction – Nelly Bay 6.4km Grade 4
• Forts Junction – Arcadia 3km Grade 4
• Nelly Bay - Arcadia 6.3km Grade 4.

Wheelchair access

There is no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this walk.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Nelly-Arcadia-Junction walking track is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Magnetic Island safely and Walk with care.