The Forts Circuit

1 h to 2 h

3.6 km
circuit

↑ 131 m
↓ -131 m

Easy track
Starting from the car park off Radical Bay Road, Florence Bay, this walk takes you to the historic forts and ruins from WWII at the summit, visiting Arthur Bay Lookout along the way. Explore the command post and other parts of the historic base that was built to guard the entrance to the mainland from enemy forces. From latrines to workshops, the encampments are full of informational signs about the area and how it looked back in the day. The observation post provides you with an unimpeded coastal view over the land but is not the only place you can get exceptional views. The track leading to the fort is well-maintained and features a water drinking station midway. Even if you’re not that into history, the fact that you’re almost guaranteed to see a koala here can make you get off the couch. Come in the afternoon and look carefully in the trees to heighten your chances of seeing them. As a plus, you can see microbats and wallabies while looking for the fluffballs. Avoid the midday heat as the track is quite exposed. Involves steps. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-19.132663,146.869081)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Harbour Drive, Nelly Bay.
  • Turn on to Arcadia Road then drive for 3.9 km
  • Turn sharp right onto Radical Bay Road and drive for another 15 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park on Radical Bay Road(metres away from the intersection with Horseshoe Bay Road), pass through the bollard and head along the bitumen walking track marked by the green signpost. Pass by Arthur Bay Lookout(to your right) as the track veers left to continue along The Forts Circuit.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 250 m come to the "Arthur Bay Lookout" (15 m on your right).
Veer left, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 210 m pass the "Water Tap" (9 m on your left).
After another 25 m veer right, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 710 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 130 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 8 m find the "Latrine" (20 m on your right).
Latrine
Latrine

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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the historical workshop. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 10 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 60 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 40 m continue straight.
Keep left.
After another 55 m continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 95 m find the "Observation Post" (35 m on your left).
Observation Post
Observation Post

This WWII rellic provides you an unimpeded coastal view.
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This WWII rellic provides you an unimpeded coastal view.
Continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 15 m find the "Ammunition Store/Arsenal" (9 m on your left).
Ammunition Store/Arsenal
Ammunition Store/Arsenal

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After another 2 m continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 30 m find the "Gun Emplacement" (25 m on your right).
Gun Emplacement
Gun Emplacement

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Then come to the "Range Finder" (6 m on your right).
After another 35 m find the "Gun Emplacement" (30 m on your left).
Gun Emplacement
Gun Emplacement

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After another 6 m continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 70 m turn left, to head along Forts Circuit.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the historic observation post, providing you unimpeded views as mentioned in the description. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 75 m veer right, to head along Forts Circuit.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Military Signals Building. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 15 m turn left, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 155 m find the "Artillery Command Post" (about 7 m ahead).
Artillery Command Post
Artillery Command Post

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After another 65 m continue straight, to head along Forts Circuit.
After another 55 m veer left, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the historical workshop. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 95 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 145 m continue straight, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 710 m veer left, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 235 m veer right, to head along The Forts Walking Track.
After another 240 m come to the end.

This side trip takes you to the historic observation post, providing you unimpeded views as mentioned in the description.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 50 m come to "Observation Post".
Observation Post
Observation Post

This WWII rellic provides you an unimpeded coastal view.
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This WWII rellic provides you an unimpeded coastal view.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to the Military Signals Building.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Forts Circuit.
After another 45 m come to "Military Signals Building".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 45 m to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to the historical workshop.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 45 m come to "Workshop".
Workshop
Workshop

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The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 45 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

The Forts Circuit


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 3.6 km
Time 1 h to 2 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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