"Dreaming Over the Water on a Koala-Filled Island The sound of the ocean's waves lapping the shore greets you when you wake up at Base Backpackers Magnetic Island. As if that's not enough, this Australian hostel is located on Magnetic Island National Park, just a short ferry ride from Townsville, which is inhabited by koala bears living in their natural environment. The hostel's accommodations are standard, but the location is unprecedented. It will run you only $30 a night for a standard dorm accommodation with shared facilities, and private rooms with a double bed and ensuites are also available. In addition to the location of the hostel, Magnetic Island is a magical place that contains snuggly, sleepy koala bears nestled up in tree tops for you to discover as you hike. They blend in with the Eucalyptus trees they slumber in, so look carefully as you go through the trails: I saw 8 perched in trees (most of the time they're sleeping, as they sleep for over 18 hours each day) on my hike, including a mother with a sleeping joey on its back. If you're looking for a beautiful stay with an incredible experience in nature and are traveling on a budget, this is an amazing place to be."
The food here is incredible and the bar games are good fun. The hostel is right on the beach so lovely for sunsets. However, the 6 dorm hostel rooms we stayed in were dusty, unclean and very small considering 6 of us were supposed to fit with all of our luggage and the music at night was way too loud and the DJ was shocking. One of our girls bedding was also brown on the inside. I wouldn't stay here again and wouldn't recommend it either as there are much nicer hostels on the island.
Allison Dobie
Google
Amazing location and a bus that runs multiple times per day to the hostel. We had fun at the events and the food was very good. We had a separate room which was amazing right on the water. Our friend stayed in the dorms and also had good vibes.
Amelie Greenlees
Google
We had the best stay at nomads in magnetic island ever. The location is perfect and you feel like you’re living on a tropical island. It’s such a chilled place by the sea. Location 10/10.
As much as it was chilled, the evening was so much fun too and completely different vibes. Harry was amazing at getting everyone involved, including us who started the night refusing to do karaoke & ended up singing about 10 songs. We sang and danced all night even though there wasn’t many of us there, Harry got everyone together and created such a good vibe we had the best night ever. Would recommend the hostel highly (especially if you get a night of karaoke with Harry hehe)
stein offline
Google
Great spot! Good people. Only one note, they make the food with their bare hands. Hamburgers, breakfast ingredients touching without gloves.
If the kitchen would start wearing gloves and use better hygiene in the kitchen that would be great.
Jonathan
Google
Rooms are absolutely disgusting and filthy. Beds are old. Air conditioning is absolutely disgusting and desperately need cleaning. Beds are hard. Rust all over the bunk beds.
Burgers served are really good.
Staff are OK
Location is OK for a tiny island.
Worst nomad I have stayed it.
Tim Tuijt
Google
The location of this hostel is unreal! Right next to the sea with a good common area to socialize. The food is good as well and the staff helps you very well with getting around the island. They sorted a car rental for us extremely quickly. There is dorms but also privates. So it’s good for backpackers but also leisure couples.
Felicia Tretter
Google
The most amazing hostel I ever stayed at! With the small houses and the location it does not feel like a hostel but like a beach resort in paradise. Additionally great restaurant and bar with amazing beach view and fun activities. All the staff was was super friendly and helpful but our special thanks go to the night manager Pascal who made everything possible for us. Certainly a 10 out of 10 rating!
Jane Nijmeijer
Google
Great views and lovely staff members. It’s a bit noisy at night time but only good vibes. Asked if a dorm with ocean view was still available and they moved me without any problems.