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The Ponderosa Holiday House

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A living room with a sofa, armchair, and coffee table, a dining area with chairs, and a kitchen with a refrigerator.
A small, clean room with two beds, a nightstand with a lamp, and a window with a view of greenery.
An outdoor patio with a glass table and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden fence.
A backyard with a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and a table.
A compact kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator, a built-in oven, a microwave, and a window with blinds.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61076 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
HORSESHOE BAY, QLD
  • Place, Magnetic Island National Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Horseshoe Bay Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Townsville, QLD (TSV)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Horseshoe Bay

Located within a 5-minute walk of Magnetic Island National Park, this vacation home is within a 15-minute stroll of Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a balcony.
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What's nearby

  • Magnetic Island National Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Horseshoe Bay Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Horseshoe Bay Markets - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Queensland Country Bank Stadium - 39 min drive - 12.7 miles

Getting around

  • Townsville Station - 60 min drive
  • Townsville, QLD (TSV) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Granite - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Caffe Dell' Isola - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sandi's on Magnetic Island - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Rock Wallabies (Feeding) - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ric's Woodfire Pizza - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Ponderosa Holiday House

The Ponderosa is a purpose built home for those wanting to relax and enjoy their holiday on this beautiful tropical Island. With scenic rural views and a working horse ranch right next door, it offers the best of Magnetic Island"s diversity between our National Parks and the entry to the Coral Sea.

This sandstone block home is fully air-conditioned and cool with wide shady verandas and polished tiles throughout. Tropical landscaping and gardens surround a sparkling and private inground pool with furniture to relax and entertain.

Best of all, the home is only minutes walk to Horseshoe Bay beach, shops, restaurants and hotel and is close to public transport and sporting facilities.

This home is also a pet friendly holiday home so your pets are not left out and can come along to enjoy a holiday as well.

Other features of the home include:

*3 large bedrooms with built-in-robes
*Large bathroom with corner bath/shower
*Ceiling fans throughout home
*Main and second bedroom have access to cool verandas
*TV, DVD and Stereo in spacious living area
*Well-equipped kitchen with s/s fridge and
microwave. Lots of crockery and plastic
glasses for pool entertaining
*Beautiful pool with spa and pool furniture
*BBQ and outdoor entertaining
*Full laundry facilities including dryer
*Fully fenced and private property
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. The bathroom offers hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and an ironing board.

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  • Pool
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  • Kitchen
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8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 353 reviews
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Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1,076 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

The Ponderosa Holiday House
The Ponderosa, TOP NOTCH Horseshoe Bay
98160932005160732010282
The Ponderosa, TOP NOTCH Private vacation home
The Ponderosa, TOP NOTCH Private vacation home Horseshoe Bay

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do around this vacation home?

This vacation home in Horseshoe Bay is within a 10-minute walk of Magnetic Island National Park and Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Conservation Park. You'll also find Horseshoe Bay Beach and Arthur Bay Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Ponderosa Holiday House?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home; however, the accommodation features a private pool.

Is The Ponderosa Holiday House a good place to stay for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this vacation home, including a private pool and a kitchen in each house and a private pool in some.

Does The Ponderosa Holiday House have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Does The Ponderosa Holiday House have connecting rooms available?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Townsville, QLD (TSV), which is 17.6 mi away (71 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Ponderosa Holiday House?

Yes, every house at The Ponderosa Holiday House comes with a balcony.

The Ponderosa Holiday House Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for what we needed, and we had alot of fun over the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sienna F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful pool area with wildlife just behind the property , beautiful features like the spa and patio at the front of the property
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great island holiday house. Perfect for a family, kids had a fantastic time playing in the pool.

Very efficient service and property had everything we needed for a great family holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First timers

Excellent for our requirements. Perfect for our 4 legged family members.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short family vacation

House was nice and clean, The pool was great, a hit with the teenagers. The only downside to our trip was the rain but that cant be helped. Was still a lovely getaway. Will definitely book again in the future
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Kaye B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property clean and comfortable. Good size rooms.This is not a criticism but advice to future travellers. I am 78 and I was unable to get into the pool as there are no rails to assist. The family reported it was really nice. If you have a car larger than an xtrail it will be difficult as the driveway is quite narrow. The ac in the main bedroom does not work properly and takes forever to cool the room. Also be aware that the shower ( great pressure by the way) is over the spar bath, quite an exercise getting in and out. There is a hand rail to assist for which I was grateful . We were happy with the house and will consider having another holiday there next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Returning family

We have been staying at Ponderosa for many years. The house is very pleasant and roomy for our family of five. Our dog comes along with us. The yard is a good size for him to explore. The house is well looked after and always very clean upon arrival. Cindy has always been fantastic to deal with and very helpful. Thank you once again.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barton P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great simple beach house, dog friendly.

Great house for a family with a dog looking for a beach getaway. Tiled, easy to keep clean and good services with everything stated in the advertisment working well. Yard is fenced and it is ideal for dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

Chloe W.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Dirty pool, aircon broken, and one roll of toilet paper

Very disappointed that the pool was dirty, was full of dirt and the water had white floated throughout, was clearly not cleaned. Had one roll of toilet paper and ran out first 12 hours at night without a shop close by, the aircon in one room was broken which made sleeping very hard, there was an ant nest in the bathroom, and the property managers sent us to the incorrect address and we knocked at a private residence house. Overall, not impressed and would like partial refund for not being able to use the pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Great house and super fabulous property manager. Made our stay enjoyable. Will definitely return!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

rodney p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

great spot

We where happy with this little getaway would go back again.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family accommodation and pet friendly

So easy to book!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Damian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thoroughly enjoyable

Clean, tidy and a good location. Our dogs loved it also.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our 4th stay - we love this property

Ponderosa is a perfect holiday house - comfortable, close to Horseshoe Beach and bus stop, great pool and simply an easy home to relax in.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Most enjoyable stay at Ponderosa.

Our family of 5 (plus dog) have stayed in this house a couple of times. It is a very pleasant house with plenty of room for our 3 boys and a great yard for our dog. Cindy is the most helpful Property Manager and it is a pleasure to deal with Cindy. We will definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sharon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Ponderosa family holiday

The Ponderosa is a relaxed easy care house to stay in. Being pet friendly is fantastic, with a secure fence. The house is walking distance from the beach, and the skate park. No dishwasher does make it a little extra work for families, and a better shower and new mattresses would be great. However, as always, we appreciate being able to take our dogs, and to have a pool to swim in for the kids.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlea P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location!

The house is in a beautiful location, short walk to Horseshoe Bay! We loved pool and fantastic out door furniture. Would definitely book this house again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it my husband is in a wheelchair so was a bit difficult but over all we loved it

Very nice well kept
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mason H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Great place, nice and comfy for a stay on the island.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jarrad B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little family get away

Great property excellent location clean full amenities great weekend away with the family
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good location

Nice simple stay easy walking distance from horse shoe bay, koala village horse range(next door) and even fort walks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jeremy C.

Great location and all the facilities you need for an enjoyable stay. Just a few “rough edges”.

First trip to Magnetic Island and loved it. What a fantastic location and so happy to be able to take our dogs on holiday with us.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew B.

Great

Pet friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan F.

Great pet-friendly property within walking distance of everything

Aside from a few minor issues addressed promptly and enthusiastically by the property managers our stay was faultless and enjoyable. Had a great time with the pooch and would not hesitate to recommend this property for a fun and easy holiday.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jess U.

Love this house!

This is our second time staying at the Ponderosa, for a good reason. The location is stunning in Horseshoe Bay, not too close that you can hear all the backpackers but close enough to walk to the beach. The house itself has everything you need for a getaway - decent kitchen (although a better stove/pans would be great!), laundry facilities, spacious bedrooms, a verandah to watch the sunrise and a clean pool area. The best part for us - they accept dogs! The yard is fully enclosed so we could take him with us with a decent amount of space for him to play, can't get much better than that for canine lovers.