Balding Bay Walking Track — Magnetic Island

Balding Bay walking track, Henry Lawson Street, Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island QLD 4819, Australia

Photo: eyeintim, CC BY 2.0 · source file (Wikimedia Commons) · Trail data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL

Balding Bay Walking Track (~1.36 km one way) in Magnetic Island National Park — the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service route from Horseshoe Bay to secluded Balding Bay, listed at 1.4 km one way (about 40 minutes) and graded Grade 4. Start from the all-tide access track off Henry Lawson Street (the beachfront access from Pacific Drive can be impassable at high tide), then climb through a steep forested gully to an open eucalypt ridge before dropping down to the wide, sandy bay, which is reachable only on foot or by boat. The track is very steep with many steps, so good fitness and sturdy shoes are needed. There is no drinking water at the bay, so carry your own. Return the same way. Hot and exposed: start early and carry plenty of water. Check in at GPS points to earn ACTIVE Coins. Queensland walking quest for Active Quests / PUML. Trail data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Photo: eyeintim, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons).