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Celebrate the reopening of the popular Forts Walk. Stroll along the newly rebuilt stone pitched walking track, discover natural, cultural and WWII stories through the new signs and interpretation displays and explore the restored WWII fortifications. Information stalls, tours and activities. Gold coin donation appreciated. All tours start from the Forts car park.
The Forts Walk Revival Open Day: 9am - 2pm
Military Display
Get up close and personal with a M777 (155mm) gun, WWII Jeep and demonstrations from the modern gunners from Townsville's 4th Regiment RAA who will explain the latest equipment (successors from the type used in WW2), including target locating equipment, radios, ammunition and computing devices.
Historical Military Tours (2 tours)
10:00am – 11:30am
12:30pm – 2:00pm
10:00am – 11:30am
12:30pm – 2:00pm
Historical tour of WWII Coastal Defence Installations by David Pierce, military enthusiast and part-time member of the Australian Army History Unit.
Share David’s enthusiasm for the Forts Walk and learn about the military history of this very important defensive position and communications facility. Discover the remnants of the old camp, home to over 100 people between 1942 and 1945. Explore the remains of the coastal artillery battery position, with associated ammunition magazine, command post and communications (signals) station.
Share David’s enthusiasm for the Forts Walk and learn about the military history of this very important defensive position and communications facility. Discover the remnants of the old camp, home to over 100 people between 1942 and 1945. Explore the remains of the coastal artillery battery position, with associated ammunition magazine, command post and communications (signals) station.
'Life At The Forts During WWII' (1 tour)
12pm – 1:30pm
Put yourself in the shoes of the construction team, the service men and women, and the island community, with stories gathered from Bryony Barnett's (TYTO Consulting) research. Stories of sweat and grind, excitement and adventure, fear and longing - gleaned from personal letters, museum documents, war records, photos and spoken memories of locals who were part of the war effort. This walk through the camp sites and forts buildings will paint a picture for you of life at the Forts in WW11.
Koala Spotting Tour (1 tour)
Put yourself in the shoes of the construction team, the service men and women, and the island community, with stories gathered from Bryony Barnett's (TYTO Consulting) research. Stories of sweat and grind, excitement and adventure, fear and longing - gleaned from personal letters, museum documents, war records, photos and spoken memories of locals who were part of the war effort. This walk through the camp sites and forts buildings will paint a picture for you of life at the Forts in WW11.
Koala Spotting Tour (1 tour)
10:30am – 12pm
Join Ranger Tony Gordon from Bungalow Bay Koala Park to meet the resident koala along the Forts walk. Learn about these iconic animals and their history on Magnetic Island.
Parking
Please note: The Forts car park will be CLOSED on Saturday 13 September from 6.00am to 3.30pm as this area will be used for the displays for the Open Day. Visitors are encouraged to catch the Sunbus to The Forts. If you do drive, parking is available at the Horseshoe Bay Recreation Oval. The normal Magnetic Island Bus Service and the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours (9am -2pm) will take you to The Forts car park.
There will also be space for drop off and pick up on both sides of the road at the Forts car park. (See map references below)
There will also be space for drop off and pick up on both sides of the road at the Forts car park. (See map references below)
PLUS Sunset Picnic & Aquapella Concert: 4.45pm
In addition to the day activities you can enjoy The Forts with a special picnic and an a cappella concert.
BYO Picnic: Leave The Forts car park at 4.45pm and walk to the first Gun Emplacement with your hamper.
Concert: 6.30pm at the Ammunition Store. (Return approx. 8pm).
Bring: A torch and walking shoes.
BYO Picnic: Leave The Forts car park at 4.45pm and walk to the first Gun Emplacement with your hamper.
Concert: 6.30pm at the Ammunition Store. (Return approx. 8pm).
Bring: A torch and walking shoes.
Cost: Gold coin donation appreciated.
Looking for more 2014 Bay Dayz Festival Events?
Looking for more 2014 Bay Dayz Festival Events?