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Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel

2.0 star property
Adults-only hostel with a nightclub and an outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel

On the beach
Exterior
Property grounds
Deluxe Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom, Ocean View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Sports facility
Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel offers a lively getaway near Horseshoe Bay Beach. Relax in the garden by day, enjoy the nightclub after sunset. The restaurant serves three meals daily, and the outdoor pool has sun loungers. Free WiFi, bike, and car rentals available for exploring.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Dormitory Room - 6 Beds

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Dormitory Room - 6 Beds

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Private - Double - Ocean View - Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2

Bed in 6-Bed Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Dormitory Room - 8 Beds

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Dormitory Room - 8 Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Daily housekeeping
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only - 6 Beds

Shared Dormitory, Women only - 6 Beds | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Women only - 6 Beds

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Daily housekeeping
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom, Ocean View

Deluxe Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom, Ocean View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Bed in 8-Bed Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

Bed in 6-Bed Female Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

About the neighborhood

Map
1 Nelly Bay Road, Nelly Bay, QLD, 4819

What's nearby

  • Magnetic Island National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Magnetic Island Golf Course - 1 min drive - 0.7 miles
  • Horseshoe Bay Beach - 17 min drive - 7.0 miles
  • Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal - 30 min drive - 8.7 miles
  • Castle Hill - 35 min drive - 10.7 miles

Getting around

  • Townsville, QLD (TSV) - 151 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Spin Cafe - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Terasu - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪The Bikini Tree Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Palm House - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Ardo Rooftop Bar - ‬37 min drive

About this property

Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel

Hostel near Horseshoe Bay Beach
Located close to Radical Bay and Queens Gardens, Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel provides a nightclub, a garden, and laundry facilities. Adventurous travelers may like the cycling at this hostel. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices), and guests can find other amenities such as car rentals on site and a bar.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and RV/bus/truck parking
  • Motorized watercraft on site, tour/ticket assistance, and ATM/banking services
Room features
All guestrooms at Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel boast comforts such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Balconies, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: AUD 12 to 30 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Nightclub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Personal motorized watercraft

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 floor
  • 30 buildings
  • Built in 2004
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you arrive at the property after hours, you'll need to check in at an alternate location: [Please see our Bar staff for late check-in]

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 18 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 18 and older are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: AUD 20 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately AUD 12 to 30 per person

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
Pool access available from 7 AM to 7 PM
Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Base Hostel Magnetic Island
Base Magnetic Island
Base Magnetic Island Hostel
Hostel Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island Base
Magnetic Island Base Hostel
Magnetic Island Hostel
Base Backpackers Hotel Magnetic Island
Base Magnetic Island Hostel Nelly Bay
Base Magnetic Island Nelly Bay
Base Magnetic Island Nelly

Frequently asked questions

Does Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 7 AM–7 PM.

Is Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel located?

This Nelly Bay hostel is on the beach, 5.6 mi (9.1 km) from Radical Bay, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Queens Gardens and Castle Hill are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 64 reviews

7.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bathroom and wifi not great but beautiful spot
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Paige

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disappointed and Dirty

I recently stayed at Nomads on Magnetic Island, and unfortunately, my experience was far from pleasant. Upon arrival, I was struck by the unkempt state of the hostel. The dormitory I was assigned to was warm and uncomfortable, dispite the old loud AC unit and the bedding provided looked worn. The bunk beds were loud and unsteady, which made it hard to relax. The bathrooms were another issue; they were poorly maintained. The girls showers were out of service. There was toliet paper and paper towel left all over the floor. The atmosphere, which could have been vibrant and welcoming, was dampened by the lack of upkeep and the overall disorganization. I had high hopes for my stay, given the beautiful location, but the neglected conditions of Nomads overshadowed the charm of Magnetic Island. I would not recommend this hostel unless significant improvements are made.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the view from the huts in the morning
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Sehr cooles Hostel. Einziger Kritikpunkt war, dass die Toiletten weit weg war und man in der Nacht raus musste.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved my stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay, staff were super helpful with all the information. Breakfast was amazing.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Such a great place, we got to see two wales when we were checking in! Loved the food.

8/10 Good

Martha

Liked: Staff & service
The view from the little house is amazing. Cannot beat that. Nevertheless, the food at the bar was very average. The bed was comfortable but I feel there more cleaning and maintenance is needed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Taris

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Cheap as if you don’t get Covid or hepatitis you done well
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Barry

Too much like a Disco, than a peaceful Hostel
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brodie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent venue with great views and beach access
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

dahabo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall enjoyed my stay, did not enjoy the loud music till midnight on a weekday.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Staff & service

Poor mans Maldives

A little hut over the water - perfect spot. Nothing flash, very private and the view over the water with the waves crashing on the rocks made this place perfect. The room is basic but tidy. No fridge or anything like that so be sure to utilise the communal kitchen. Not having a bathroom was easier then expected and the communal block was always clean. Didn’t spend anytime at the restaurant or bar so can’t comment on these. Great base to hire yourself a scooter and zoom around the island. 5 min ride into the main town. Breakfast at a shack was a 5 min walk. First time staying at a backpackers and I was pleasantly surprised. Would def stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Gemma

Liked: Staff & service

Base Review

The location of the hostel is right on the beach and easy to get to from the harbour. We stayed in a double room which was fine for a couple of nights. The evening entertainment is good and there is something on every night. Room was fine and what we expected, could have been a little cleaner but was okay for the most part.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great hostel, defianltey a party hostel but if you get a room furthest from the bar no issues on sleep. Staff are fabulous, friendly, helpful and full of energy.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Riku

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

Amazing view

Our private room on the beach was so nice. Breakfast was also delicious. The room wasn't so clean and bed was very very hard!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning view

Great hostel and amazing view, just bear in mind it is a young atmosphere and known for its sensational parties.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing location and view

The location of this backpackers was the best of any I've ever stayed in! Backed up right along the beach.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

überteuert und dreckig

Das Hostel hat eine echt schöne Lage am Strand aber dreckigen Zimmern und Bädern sowie überteuerte Preise machen den Aufenthalt nicht wirklich zu einem Genuss. An Schlaf ist vor Mitternacht nicht zu denken da unnötigerweise nicht nur der Barbereich massiv beschallt wird sondern 2 Boxen auch Richtung der Bungalows ausgerichtet sind und diese mit Lärm versorgen. Betten quietschen extrem!

2/10 Terrible

Thomas, Gothenburg

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a few bad experiences with the room, WiFi and kitchen.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
It was a cheap mattress that felt a bit wirey. The check-in staff seemed to be unprofessional and inexperienced.

8/10 Good

stephanie, Monaco

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Correcte

Mon séjour à été mitigé concernant l'auberge les chambre sont minuscule 6 lit le ménage n'est pas fait du tout sauf quand les chambre sont vide les salle de bain sont bien et propre par contre la cuisine aussi le point noir c'est le wifi 4 le normal et 6 le premium par jour sauf que le premium et passable impossible de regarder une vidéo sans qu'elle beug et le normal n'en parlons même pa 10 minute pour ouvrir une page c'est extrêmement cher et ça ne marche pas vraiment sinon l'auberge et bien située en bord de plage il y a dès soirée c'est sympa je le recommande malgré tout mais pour 1 ou 2 jours suffisant

8/10 Good

Darvid, Melbourne

Liked: Staff & service

What a great buzz place

Great atmosphere, especially for backpackers in early 20's. Found after 40 years gap, backpacker hostels are still the same lively places. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves and they do, especially with well orchestrated night activities. Can walk from Nelly Bay to hostel in less than 30 minutes. Buses run hourly ish from Base into town.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Hostel on the beach

The hostel dorms are in cute triangular shaped beach huts and most have great views from them. They are however very cramped inside especially on the top bunks as the ceiling inclines. There are some old rusty lockers under the beds but you need your own lock. The wifi is basically terrible most of the time even though I paid $6 for the premium wifi for 24hrs! Lively hostel with a good atmosphere.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Room comfort

Fantastic position over the ocean

Wonderful position perched on the rocks with the waves crashing beneath. great party atmosphere. Unfortunately a solid 30mins walk to any amenities and the room was poorly maintained with broken fan and window boarded with timber that wouldn't open. No tv or chairs in room. Would be a sauna if no sea breeze.

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