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03 Jun 2025
Tuesday
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04 Jun 2025
Wednesday
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2 Adults - 0 Child
1 room

Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel
8.2

Excellent

60 Guest reviews

8.2
Excellent
60 Verified Reviews
Read all reviews
Cleanliness6.8/10
Service8.2/10
Comfort6.6/10
Condition7.0/10
location7.4/10
Neighborhood8.4/10
Value8.2/10
Amenities7.8/10

1 Nelly Bay Road, Nelly Bay, Australia. See map

Free WiFi
Parking available
Bar/Lounge
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Smoking areas
Accessible facilities
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Hotel Description

With a stay at Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel in Nelly Bay, you'll be 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from Craft Market and 5.6 mi (9.1 km) from Radical Bay. This beach hostel is 6 mi (9.7 km) from Horseshoe Bay Beach and 10.3 mi (16.6 km) from Museum of Tropical Queensland. Make yourself at home in one of the 30 air-conditioned guestrooms. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include ceiling fans, housekeeping is provided daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.

Hotel policies

No rollaway/extra beds available

No cribs (infant beds) available

No elevators

Cash deposit required

Minimum guest age is 18

Caters to adults only

Professional property host/manager

Pets not allowed

Check-in from: 3:00 PM
Check-in by: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out by: 11:00 AM

Cleaning and safety practices

  • Contactless check-in is available
  • Contactless check-out is available
  • Essential workers only - NO

Important information

Property Alerts

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.

You need to know
  • 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.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
Special Instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. 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]. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Instructions
  • 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
Minimal age
18
Optional fees
  • 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.

Spoken Language

English

Amenities

Most Popular

Free WiFi

Parking available

Bar/Lounge

Dining services

Concierge

Laundry

Entertainment

Smoking areas

Accessible facilities

Other

ATM/banking

Hiking/biking trails nearby

Breakfast available (surcharge)

Laundry facilities

Garden

Nightclub

Front desk (limited hours)

Designated smoking areas

Billiards or pool table

Braille or raised signage

Number of restaurants - 1

RV, bus, truck parking

Number of outdoor pools - 1

Bicycle rentals on site

Free self parking

Number of bars/lounges - 1

Pool sun loungers

Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Well-lit path to entrance

Hotel reviews

8.2
Excellent60 Verified Reviews
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Cleanliness6.8/10
Service8.2/10
Comfort6.6/10
Condition7.0/10
location7.4/10
Neighborhood8.4/10
Value8.2/10
Amenities7.8/10
4/10
Poor
Paige, 20 Feb 2025
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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.

10/10
Exceptional
Patrick, 15 Nov 2024
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Love the view from the huts in the morning

10/10
Exceptional
Barbara, 30 Aug 2023
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Loved my stay

10/10
Exceptional
Mark, 26 Aug 2023
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I enjoyed my stay, staff were super helpful with all the information. Breakfast was amazing.

10/10
Exceptional
Kevin, 24 Aug 2023
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Such a great place, we got to see two wales when we were checking in! Loved the food.

8/10
Excellent
Martha, 02 Aug 2023
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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.

2/10
Poor
Taris, 17 Jun 2023
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Cheap as if you don’t get Covid or hepatitis you done well

4/10
Poor
Barry, 23 May 2023
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Too much like a Disco, than a peaceful Hostel

10/10
Exceptional
Brodie, 12 Feb 2023
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Excellent venue with great views and beach access

8/10
Excellent
dahabo, 10 Nov 2021
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Overall enjoyed my stay, did not enjoy the loud music till midnight on a weekday.

10/10
Exceptional
Michael, 28 Oct 2020
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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.

8/10
Excellent
Gemma, 11 Aug 2019
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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.

8/10
Excellent
Verified traveler, 10 May 2019
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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.

8/10
Excellent
Charlotte, 24 Nov 2018
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Stunning view

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

10/10
Exceptional
Verified traveler, 24 Feb 2017
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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.

2/10
Poor
Thomas, 01 Dec 2016
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Had a few bad experiences with the room, WiFi and kitchen.

6/10
Fair
Verified traveler, 16 Sep 2016
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It was a cheap mattress that felt a bit wirey. The check-in staff seemed to be unprofessional and inexperienced.

8/10
Excellent
Darvid, 30 Aug 2016
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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
Excellent
Verified traveler, 25 Jun 2016
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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
Fair
Verified traveler, 12 Oct 2015
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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.

8/10
Excellent
cassandra, 29 Sep 2014
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Value: Affordable; Service: Professional, Respectful, Friendly; Cleanliness: Tidy, Neat;

8/10
Excellent
Jesamine, 28 Aug 2014
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Facilities: Old; Value: Over-priced; Service: Friendly; Cleanliness: Tidy;

10/10
Exceptional
Shane, 28 Aug 2014
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Facilities: Outstanding; Value: Bargain; Service: Go the extra mile; Cleanliness: Immaculate;

10/10
Exceptional
Melissa, 24 Jul 2014
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Magnetic island is just a lovely place to be.

10/10
Exceptional
smileygal, 15 Jul 2014
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Value: Bargain;

6/10
Fair
out, 09 Jul 2014
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Facilities: Tired; Value: Reasonable; Service: Sufficient; its decent for a backpackers. just no good for couples.

10/10
Exceptional
Lauren, 13 May 2014
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Facilities: Good, Basic but comfy; Value: Great deal; Service: Great staff; Cleanliness: Spotless;

8/10
Excellent
Tom, 28 Apr 2014
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Great location

I good place to stay but need to have in mind that's a backpacker place to party on :D

8/10
Excellent
ruth, 19 Feb 2014
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enjoyed the tropical rain

8/10
Excellent
Sio, 21 Jan 2014
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Value: Average price; Service: Go the extra mile; Cleanliness: Tidy;

8/10
Excellent
Dylan, 10 Jan 2014
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Facilities: Nice ; Value: Bargain; Service: Courteous; Cleanliness: Clean; Great place for parties

8/10
Excellent
Matthew, 12 Nov 2013
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Facilities: Typical; Value: Bargain, Fantastic; Service: Courteous; Cleanliness: Neat, Nice; Private bungalows have great views of the beach and ocean.

10/10
Exceptional
Hayley, 08 Aug 2013
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Facilities: Nice , But the kitchen; Value: Nice package; Service: Friendly; Cleanliness: Clean, But the kitchen; Nice to be sort of away from rush but had bus for easy access still

10/10
Exceptional
Jason, 14 Jun 2013
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Facilities: Nice ; Value: Bargain; Service: Friendly; Cleanliness: Hygienic ; easy access to all the wonders of magnetic island

8/10
Excellent
Terry, 29 Oct 2012
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Facilities: Nothing special; Value: Could be better; Service: Professional, Friendly, Courteous; Cleanliness: Pleasant; The full moon down under is an event not to be missed

10/10
Exceptional
Jessica, 18 Aug 2012
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Facilities: State of the art; Value: Great deal; Service: Phenomenal; Cleanliness: Immaculate; Ladies night is definately the best night! Free drinks + table dancing + midnight swims = one unforgettable night!

8/10
Excellent
ross, 17 Aug 2012
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Facilities: Everyday; Value: Great deal; Service: Friendly, Courteous; Cleanliness: Tidy;

8/10
Excellent
Jayne, 11 Jul 2012
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Facilities: Good; Value: Economical; Service: Sufficient, Helpful, Polite; Cleanliness: Tidy; Great for younger people

4/10
Poor
Mike, 11 Jul 2012
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Facilities: Tired; Value: Unreasonable, compared to Koala Village; Service: Tardy, Lacking, no record of booking; Cleanliness: Poor;

8/10
Excellent
Jason, 18 Jun 2012
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Facilities: Tired; Value: Inexpensive; Service: Phenomenal, Evey was amazing thanks; Cleanliness: Poor; Eve was so amazing, I would only ever stay there again in deluxe bungalow with ensuite, and not in full moon time,

10/10
Exceptional
Verified traveler, 10 May 2012
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AWESOME!!!

everyone was so friendly, amazing landscape, the beds were surprisingly satisfying, PARTY WAS AWESOME!!! all round great experience. would do it again.

8/10
Excellent
Rachel, 30 Jan 2012
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Base Fun

Great fun, staff and facilities encourage interaction between all people staying. Excellent entertainment in the bar especially for a Tuesday night. Backpackers and young people alike will really enjoy this place.

10/10
Exceptional
Jared, 13 Oct 2011
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Perfect Island Hostel

I had such an incredible time, and the X Base Magnetic hostel was a big part of that. Younger crowd, lots of friendly people from all over the world travelling through, island bar with great parties nightly, and located on the beach/ocean in Nelly Bay. Conditions are extremely lacking in rooms (basically run-down shacks for housing luggage, equipment, etc.), but who wants to stay in their room at a place like this? Not ideal if you're looking for a clean, ritzy establishment. But if you just want to hang out on an island and party for a few days, it's perfect.

6/10
Fair
Verified traveler, 03 Jan 2011
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Right on the beach

That's as good as it gets at this supreme backpackers hostel. I've built better tool sheds than what they consider guest rooms.

10/10
Exceptional
Joanna, 14 Oct 2023
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Sehr cooles Hostel. Einziger Kritikpunkt war, dass die Toiletten weit weg war und man in der Nacht raus musste.

10/10
Exceptional
Riku, 06 Mar 2019
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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!!

4/10
Poor
Verified traveler, 01 Dec 2016
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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!

8/10
Excellent
stephanie, 11 Sep 2016
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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

4/10
Poor
Helen, 27 Oct 2013
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Isolerat partyställe

Fick ett mycket dåligt bemötande när jag anlände på morgonen. När jag fråga vad som fanns och göra på ön. Fick jag ett argt svar att det får jag ta reda på själv, så peka hon på en broschyr. WiFee som jag betala för fungera mycket dåligt. Det finns inget på gång avstånd från Base, utan man måste ta buss. Inget ställe jag rekommenderar utan det är bättre att bo i Horseshoe Bay. Där har du nära till kaféer, restaurang och olika aktiviteter. Base är ett partyställe för ungdomar, de har till och med "Hangover breakfast" på menyn.

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