Amaroo on Mandalay, Magnetic Island

This is a hidden gem at the back of Nelly Bay. We had our car so could park in their car park, the lady at reception was super helpful and check in was very quick. We had a short walk along a concrete path to our family unit at the top of the complex. Although there are quite a few units on site the gorgeous garden planting means that ours felt very private and was super quiet (except the birds!). The unit itself was dated in places but spotlessly clean and with plenty of space. It had everything you could want, comfy beds, hot shower, table that seated 4 both inside and outside and useful touches like clothes rails outside (perfect for wet swimwear) and an airer. Our kids enjoyed the playground and were disappointed that we didn’t have time to check out the pool. The restaurant wasn’t open the two nights we were there so the reception lady helpfully recommended Granite down the road, which was great. Best of all was coming back from dinner and finding rock wallabies on the lawn! Overall it’s a lovely calm, tranquil place with a beautiful setting. Perfect if you want something clean, comfy and well priced and aren’t fussed too much about the decor of the unit as much as the peace and quiet it offers.

Whilst this is a resort some rooms are privately owned and rented out on Airbnb. I stayed 4 nights in a studio room. Old style room with basic facilities and overpowering mouldy odour. Room needed airing and fan. No wifi. Gardens are nice and it's quiet apart from the noisy curlews. Kookaburras visit every afternoon. Nice big pool. Did not use the restaurant but bar ok. Bus stop outside the resort and buses go everywhere. In hindsight I would not stay at Nelly Bay again. Much nicer at Arcadia or Horseshoe bay. Amaroo needs a lot of updating.

Booked and paid for 2 nights and left after the 1st night and just accepted the one night loss. As mentioned in other reviews you have to either park in the car park near reception or out on the street, then cart your luggage etc up hill for a reasonable distance to reach our very run down room. After vigorously complaining we were give a bottle of wine. Being Saturday night we thought we would dine at the restaurant, another mistake, whilst the restaurant looks lovley and clean, approximately half the items on the menu were unavailable, so we had our wine went back to our room and had our own cheese and biscuits. Don't stay here it's rubbish and there are many better places on the island.

Yes it is a little tired and yes it could do with updating BUT we really enjoyed our two nights here. It is like travelling back in time so there is no internet in the rooms and only in reception but getting away from devices is refreshing. We cooked a BBQ and a kookaburra stole the steak off my plate and then started to tenderise it on the nearest rock. I had to laugh! Reception staff were brilliant, you don’t need a car because we bought a day bus pass for two for $4.40 (ok we are old) which stopped right outside the complex and we saw all the places to see by regular bus services and the magnesium pool was fantastic. We were driven to the ferry complimentary of the complex only to find that I had left my favourite Panama hat in reception and had to accept that it was lost. We boarded the ferry only to find that my Panama had been found by the very kind gentleman who took us to the port and he rushed it to the ferry two minutes before departure and returned it to me on the boat. Altogether a wonderful experience and we will return.

Beautiful tropical getaway! The magnesium pool was fantastic and I joined in with the aqua aerobics. Tennis courts were available with rackets and balls. I loved the wildlife all around the resort and the cooking facilities in the room and barbeque area. Didn't use the gym so cant comment on that. Bus stops outside and is regular to move around the island. We enjoy walking, the trail starts just up the road. I had a delivery from Woolworths as stayed for two week. Reception and management are extremely helpful and friendly which offered to pick up and drop off at Ferry...peace of heaven.

Given the climate , A jug of fresh cold water and ice would have been nice in the room on arrival. We were given 4 milk pods... hardly enough for 2 people for coffee in the arvo and morning before departure. Milk was off as well when used (we went straight to our room) Must have been left out in the heat or expired.

The Staff are lovely and go out of their way to help you, expecially the reception. I found it a shame there is no wifi in the rooms however, and would not have booked if I had known this. The wifi is only at the reception, and my kids needed wifi in the room. We could not stay the night, and went home the day we arrived - sadly wasted our money. However, amazing staff - especially the reception - called a taxi for us twice and went out of her way to assist. thankyou for your kindness.

Stayed here for one night after arriving on the island and booking last minute. The woman at reception was very warm and so helpful. Nothing was a problem. Nice pool and good bus service outside the door.

Whenever i book with bookings.com the accommodations put us in the most distant part of complex. . Room clean and tidy. Beds very comfortable. Has lovely pool and tennis courts. . I dislike cleaning fee threat if dishes not washed and rubbish not emptied this is a hotel. I wouldn’t stay here again without a car. Though great bus service out front of hotel. The locked side access is a problem with only one key when partner going fishing 530 am. We stayed here because had onsite restaurant only to find closed the nights we were here disappointing.