Amaroo on Mandalay, Magnetic Island

Great pool area. Restaurant was closed while we were there, but was right next to pool and looked nice. Futon in room was only place to sit to watch tv and was very uncomfortable, but we weren't at Magnetic Island to watch tv anyway. Kitchen had full size fridge, kettle, toaster and electric frying pan and all the crockery you might need.

A couple of essentials to begin with … in the hot summer months, the reception closes at 5pm, and the bar/restaurant is only open at the weekends. So don’t expect to enjoy a drink and dinner by the pool. And you’ll have to open a key safe, read the instruction me then take yourself off to the room with all your luggage. Also the island has only one taxi on duty in the evening, and the driver did meet our ferry. But again, don’t bank on transport. It’s a good 15-20 minute walk to the hotel, not so great if dragging your luggage after you. And don’t believe the hype about the bus service. It’s very infrequent, and you’ll waste a lot of time sitting and waiting. If you can afford it, book a hire car in advance. The car hire companies, like Best of Magnetic, are based just opposite the ferry terminal. We really liked this hotel though. Yes, it could do with a bit of modernisation, especially the dull reception area, but our room (140, recently refurbished, we were told) was fine, with a little terrace overlooking the fabulous tropical gardens. Nice bathroom with good shower. We did also have one meal at the restaurant and it was very good. On other night we ate at the Granite place at the Road junction and also enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Bikini Cafe (more of a big pub), in Arcadia. If you like nature, Amaroo on Mandalay really is the place for you … wallabies, cockatoos and those long legged curlew like birds … a plenty. The hotel has 10 acres of garden and backs onto the National Park. One thing we didn’t like … the room isn’t serviced during your stay. So I cleaned the bathroom floor myself. I was suffering under the impression that I’d paid for someone else to do that. Also when we reconfigured the room to give ourselves more space, it was clear that no one had moved the furniture for a long time … we found loads of dust and a (thankfully) very dead cockroach. Yuk.

Look, this place has seen better days. Much as seems to be the way in Queensland's North coast islands. The rooms were well appointed and air-conned and had been renovated since our last stay. That was really the only positive. The resort is spread out amongst tropical gardens, which are well kept, however the sprinkler system often prevents you from using the paths. The pool is large but has seen better days with grouting missing around the edges. Reception is a minimalist affair both in terms of first impressions and reception staff. Pleasant, but really didn't want to be there. Car park is pretty awful, seems to contain a range of discarded cars with mould, peeling paint and weeds growing under them (not a good impression). The restaurant was closed, temporarily info on which was not provided when booking - which meant a walk into town for food. Wifi only in reception (if you have kids that can't live without it). This place has lost its charm and we concluded would be our last visit having come here since 2011. Think carefully before booking and weight up price and amenities.

The owners & staff were so attentive & friendly & the meals were amazing

Good place to stay

Very comfortable bed, good shower, lovely and quiet. Very friendly and helpful staff. The bus stop is right outside Amaroo so easy to get around. Will go back again.