Reef Lodge Backpackers
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Reef Lodge Backpackers
4 Wickham St, Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
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Avg. AU$87 /night, 1/15 - 1/16
AU$87
per night
AU$87
per night
AU$86
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About
#2 of 7 hostels in Townsville
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Reef lodge Backpackers and budget accommodation in Townsville caters to travelers looking for a quiet place to relax and chill out. "LONLEY PLANET" The cruisy atmosphere at Townsvilles best hostel extends from Buddhist sculptures and hammocks strewn through the gardens to an outdoor cinema with swinging lounges and more than 1200 DVD's. There is a games room with bench presses free weights and a retro video game machine (space invaders Frogger Paceman ... Very cool) The large kitchen, Dorms and private rooms are all spotless. WE are are in the center of Townsville city, with a short 500m walk to the Greyhound, Premier bus terminal, Magnetic Island ferry terminal, beach, city center and the "Reef HQ" "Museum" "Cultural Center" are straight over the road. We have a "no alcohol policy" after 10-30pm and we ask the people to be respectful of the other guests who are staying at the Reef Lodge. We have a large communal kitchen with all the utilities you require to cook. There are many communal area where people can sit around including hammocks, recreational room with a small gym, pool table and retro video game machine.
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Property amenities
Street parking
Public wifi
Vending machine
Game room
Billiards
Books, DVDs, music for children
BBQ facilities
Outdoor furniture
Darts
Board games / puzzles
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English
Location
4 Wickham St, Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 89 out of 100
89
65 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
I stayed at Reef Lodge Backpackers two weeks since it's the perfect place where to recharge your energy after an hard working season! The atmosphere here is relaxing, you can read a book and have a nice chat with the owners and the other guests while chilling on a hammock or swing surrounded by beautiful green plants and sweet birds!
The kitchen is very clean and spacious, with plenty of utilities, free tea and coffee and you can find a free box with food left by other travellers. The owners have a no-waste philosophy and an admirable attention for the environment where recycling is a priority.
There is a little gym with the essential machinery and weights and a mat ideal for practicing yoga.
Rooms are clean and simple, with lockers inside.
The bathrooms are several each of them artistically painted.
It's just so lovely!! Makes you feel at home<3
And also the position is central, you can easily walk to the strand and to the center, Castle Hill is just around the corner! and if you need to catch the bus , the stop is 50 meters away. Close by you can discover a little meditation center that offers lots of workshops!!
I highly recommend this beautiful hostel!!!
The kitchen is very clean and spacious, with plenty of utilities, free tea and coffee and you can find a free box with food left by other travellers. The owners have a no-waste philosophy and an admirable attention for the environment where recycling is a priority.
There is a little gym with the essential machinery and weights and a mat ideal for practicing yoga.
Rooms are clean and simple, with lockers inside.
The bathrooms are several each of them artistically painted.
It's just so lovely!! Makes you feel at home<3
And also the position is central, you can easily walk to the strand and to the center, Castle Hill is just around the corner! and if you need to catch the bus , the stop is 50 meters away. Close by you can discover a little meditation center that offers lots of workshops!!
I highly recommend this beautiful hostel!!!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Me and my boyfriend came to Townsville not expecting much and ended up staying in this hostel for over 3 months to complete our regional work requirements for a second year visa. I couldn’t recommend Simone and Dean enough, the hostel is clean and looked after, they’re always available if there is a problem and always try to accommodate everyone. Simone has been my home away from home and nothing was ever too much trouble. Like any hostel, if you’re respectful you’re going to be respected. It’s not a party hostel if that’s what you’re after, saying that I have made friends for life and got the farmwork living experience without actually having to do any farmwork. We stayed in a private room and even if it was pretty basic it had everything that we needed, we paid extra for a fridge and air con and enjoyed our stay. One side of the hotel can be quite noisy from the bars the other side of the building but Simone was able to move us to the quiet side and we haven’t had an issue since. Some of the people we lived with throughout our time here didn’t clean up after themselves and weren’t very considerate towards other that lived here but Dean always made sure to speak to wherever was being disrespectful and the issues were resolved. If you’re looking for a conveniently located, cheap and good non-party hostel then this is the place for you.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great location, close to the bus station and the strand. Well stocked kitchen. I stayed in a room with no a/c but it was so well ventilated it was not a problem. The wifi didn’t reach my room but worked well in the common area. I left something behind and the staff were so helpful in mailing it to me very promptly.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perfectly located place to stay and great hosts with excellent local knowledge. If you prefer to support family businesses who provide personal service, this is the place to stay.
We will be back for sure.
We will be back for sure.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hostel is quite big, with a well stocked, large and very clean kitchen and a good number of bathrooms. They also cook free pancakes in the morning which was lovely. However, it was incredibly quiet when I stayed with very few people there, but I think this is because Townsville itself is so quiet so is not the fault of the hostel. I would not bother staying in Townsville for any more than a day, but if you’re going to then this hostel is a good choice.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at Reef Lodge many years ago and was fortunate enough to stay there again in June with a group. It's affordable and clean and easy to manage the students we had with us. Can't see what the other reviewers were complaining about. I didn't see any of those things occurring here. Kitchen was clean, heaps of room in the fridge and lots of storage place for pantry items.
Hey, even free tea and coffee.
And the showers WERE HOT.
It's a great location in the centre of Townsville but don't worry - there isn't alot of noise that you might think, in fact it's very quiet.
Didn't use the Wi-Fi but everything else was great. It's simple accommodation but I don't need anything too fancy.
Will return another time, hopefully not as long between visits.
Hey, even free tea and coffee.
And the showers WERE HOT.
It's a great location in the centre of Townsville but don't worry - there isn't alot of noise that you might think, in fact it's very quiet.
Didn't use the Wi-Fi but everything else was great. It's simple accommodation but I don't need anything too fancy.
Will return another time, hopefully not as long between visits.
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeanNixonHarding, Owner at Reef Lodge Backpackers
Responded 28 Oct 2015
Thank you GoGirl for the nice things you have said, sadly as you have stated some people say stupid things. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feed back about the Reef Lodge Backpackers and hope the rest of trip goes well. all the best Dean Reef Lodge backpackers Townsville
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for one night when we stopped over in Townsville and it was one of the worst nights sleep I've ever got. Arriving at 1am, I took the last bed in a 6 bed dorm which was made up and didnt have any things on. At 5am I got rudely awoken by someone telling me it was their bed. At this point another bed was empty (someone had left during the night) so I slept in this dirty, used bed for the night. Talking to the manager in the morning about the situation he said that they often had people sneaking into the hostel and sleeping in the beds!!!!!! surely SECURTY NEEDS TO BE SORTED if this is a regular occurrence? I understand that the rudeness of the other lady is not the hostels fault at all and it was an unfortunate situation however the fact that, according to the manager, this keeps happening sent alarm bells of in my head so we moved to another hostel. Aside from lack of security, it was extremely loud due to being right next to the night clubs, the wifi did not work for me and there is no free luggage storage or pick up for bus stops which most hostels have nowadays.
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Date of stay: June 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeanNixonHarding, Owner at Reef Lodge Backpackers
Responded 3 June 2015
Thank you Chloe for taking the time to leave a review, sadly this review seems to be based on your unfortunate experience rather than our hostel. Not to mention some of your statements are not true. Firstly I did not say that people would “OFTEN” sneak into rooms, I said on "OCCASION" this would happen. Backpackers would lock themselves out of their own room, I did not mention people coming in off the street. One of the boys from your dorm room decided to sleep in your bed. Yes, on some nights the city is a bit noisy, but we are in the city center. A shame you made no mention of the WI-Fi as this is the first I have heard about it. At this very moment it is working perfectly. I do not have a pick-up service and do not advertise as such and I do not know too many hostels that would do a 1am pick-up. There is free luggage storage available 8am till 12-30pm, otherwise electronic lockers available from 8am till 10pm cost is from $1 for a day. It truly is a shame you could not come to talk to me prior to leaving instead of just posting such a negative review to the internet. I sincerely hope you have a great holiday and all goes well for your future travels. All the best Reef Lodge Backpackers Townsville
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don't mind a hostel if it is poor due to its facilities or rooms or environment, however when the staff make a staff horrible I cannot tolerate it.
From the "Welcome" at the front door to the "everything is a hassle" attitude throughout our stay.
We were greeted by the lady at the front desk which had the worst attitude, i believe we interrupted her lunch break, which there was a sign saying come back after 3pm, however check in was from 1pm so I was wanting my room that I had paid for.
Once she came barging in reception she demanded that we did not see the sign but "its ok now Im here". She required cash deposit which we did not have so we were shoved out the door until we had cash.
Later that night we wanted to watch dvds, again another hassle for the staff to organise, why have a facility of renting DVDs when it seems like far too much hassle to arrange?
The next morning we could'nt get out of the hostel quick enough, it was only a stop over before magnetic island otherwise we definitely would have not stayed in Townsville, never mind Reef Lodge.
ps. budget accommodation does not even cover the lack of value for this hostel.
My guidance would be to stay away or you'll no doubt receive poor customer service. I would also like to add that the price of this hostel was one of the dearest of the entire east coast.
From the "Welcome" at the front door to the "everything is a hassle" attitude throughout our stay.
We were greeted by the lady at the front desk which had the worst attitude, i believe we interrupted her lunch break, which there was a sign saying come back after 3pm, however check in was from 1pm so I was wanting my room that I had paid for.
Once she came barging in reception she demanded that we did not see the sign but "its ok now Im here". She required cash deposit which we did not have so we were shoved out the door until we had cash.
Later that night we wanted to watch dvds, again another hassle for the staff to organise, why have a facility of renting DVDs when it seems like far too much hassle to arrange?
The next morning we could'nt get out of the hostel quick enough, it was only a stop over before magnetic island otherwise we definitely would have not stayed in Townsville, never mind Reef Lodge.
ps. budget accommodation does not even cover the lack of value for this hostel.
My guidance would be to stay away or you'll no doubt receive poor customer service. I would also like to add that the price of this hostel was one of the dearest of the entire east coast.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeanNixonHarding, Owner at Reef Lodge Backpackers
Responded 6 Apr 2015
Hello Connor, So sorry to hear about your experience with your stay 5 months ago, although a little embellished. We are small family owned hostel and try our best to cater to our clients. The reason we get an E.T.A. is so we can take a lunch break that best fits arrival times. As you stated a 1pm arrival we probably waited until 2pm before we took our lunch break. Hence the sign "AT LUNCH BACK AT 3 PM". All the issues you stated are covered in the information sheet we ask people to read, which may have saved lot of grief. With the exception of a few, most people are very tolerant, understanding and are OK with most if not all the things you have stated. I hope the rest of your holiday went to plan and otherwise enjoyed your time in Australia.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for a week and can honestly say it's been the nicest hostel that I've stayed in so far.
Rooms and beds were clean and spotless, kitchen was very clean and was very happy to see that they have ovens, only problem with the kitchen was that one fridge was open, so storage was tight.
Strict rules but you get a good nights rest and also in a great location, 10 minute walk from the greyhound and on the main strip of bars and supermarkets.
What would make this hostel prefect though, was if they had free accessible wi-fi, a slight improvement in customer service and making the washing machines cheaper (5 dollars for a 20 minute wash isn't great value).
Otherwise I enjoyed my stay and would definitely go back.
Rooms and beds were clean and spotless, kitchen was very clean and was very happy to see that they have ovens, only problem with the kitchen was that one fridge was open, so storage was tight.
Strict rules but you get a good nights rest and also in a great location, 10 minute walk from the greyhound and on the main strip of bars and supermarkets.
What would make this hostel prefect though, was if they had free accessible wi-fi, a slight improvement in customer service and making the washing machines cheaper (5 dollars for a 20 minute wash isn't great value).
Otherwise I enjoyed my stay and would definitely go back.
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Date of stay: November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeanNixonHarding, Owner at Reef Lodge Backpackers
Responded 30 Jan 2014
Thanks for the great review and good feed back. It often is a compromise between a party hostel where people who want to drink and party all night and those that want a quiet hostel where you can get some sleep, peace and quiet. Sadly we don't always get it right for some people. As for customer service, sorry, it may have been a bad day, as some days you have to deal with issues. Washer prices @ $5 is about as cheap as you get as they are $7 for the same washer just around the corner. Thanks again for the time and trouble you have taken to write this up. All the best Dino:-)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fantastic hostel. You definitely pay for what you get and for $24 p/n you get a brilliant hostel. Kitchen facilities have loads of room and ovens etc so your not waiting around to, rooms all have ac in them so there nice and cool when you get back. Staff are friendly and helpful. Rooms are cleaned daily. Two TV areas with loads of seating. Would definitely advise this hostel to people.
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Date of stay: October 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DeanNixonHarding, Owner at Reef Lodge Backpackers
Responded 30 Jan 2014
That was a very nice review and think you very much for the vote of confidence. We are very happy to hear you had a great stay and hope the rest of your holiday was as good. All the best Dino:-)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
All parking is Free from 5pm till 9am Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday is free all day. There 24 hour free parking with 200m of the hostel...!
Hope this helps...!
"Very nice place to stay if you don't mind walking 10 - 15 minutes to the city center"Read full review
"Always choose the backpackers special sometimes you are lucky and get a 4 six bed dorm for the same money as an 8 bed dorm."Read full review
"The rooms that face towards the Strand are quieter as they don't face th Irish Pub and Nighclubs"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
AU$86 - AU$87 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandTownsville
NUMBER OF ROOMS
27
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingREEF LODGE BACKPACKERS (AU$86) - 2025 Prices & Reviews (Townsville) - Photos of Hostel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Reef Lodge Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Queensland Museum Tropics (0.1 km), Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (0.2 km), and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include self serve laundry, barbeque facilities, and a billiards table.
What food & drink options are available at Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Yes, street parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Wild Rice Laos & Thai Cuisine, IMC Steak House, and The Balcony Restaurant.
Is Reef Lodge Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Townsville.
Are there any historical sites close to Reef Lodge Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Kissing Point Fort (2.4 km) and National Trust Heritage Centre (2.5 km).