Bush Heritage Australia is a national, independent not-for-profit organisation that buys and manages land for conservation. The Paperbark Forest Walk is part of our Reedy Creek Reserve, which was donated to us by Michael Myer in the 1990s. Significant plants protected include Broad-leaved Paperbark, Silver-leafed Paperbark, Swamp Mahogany, Ribbon Fan Palm, Pink Bloodwood, Moreton Bay Ash and Wallum Banksia. Vegetation communities include Mixed vine forest (endangered), Melaleuca, Red Gum and Brushbox forest, Corymbia and eucalypt forests. Significant animal species found on or nearby the reserve include Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Beach Stone-curlew, Grey Goshawk, Barking Owl, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Little Red Flying Fox, Giant Burrowing Cockroach and marine turtles.

If it's nature you like, don't miss a walk through Northern Australia's largest colony of wild koalas on Magnetic Island. The remarkable Forts Walk is the best vantage point for wildlife, spectacular rocky coves and historic military sites. With 360 degree sweeping views of the coast and Coral Sea, this is a walk guaranteed to impress. Home to the best preserved WWII fortification on the eastern seaboard, the Magnetic Island Forts Walk is a reminder of just how close Australia came to being invaded. The walk includes The Forts gun emplacements which are still intact and offers interpretive signage along the way, providing a great insight into the significance of the area. Enjoy this walk in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of spotting koalas. Be sure to take water and wear appropriate walking shoes as there are some steep climbs on this walk. Distance: 4km Time: 1.5 hours Grade: moderate