The Art Factory hostel

Byron Bay has become almost like a pilgrimage for backpackers heading to Australia. If you are going to be on the east coast, locals and travelers alike will all preach about how amazing a stop in Byron Bay can be. While the small beach town does have a lot to offer, I found myself more amazed by the confines of my accommodation known as the Arts Factory.

Located outside of the main town, the Arts Factory is an alternative hostel/campground for the creative type. Along with typical dorms and campgrounds, the Arts Factory offers a plethora of different types of housing. For the solo traveler, there is the 16-person teepee dorm room, or the female only cottages located on the lake. For couples or families, there is the lakeside getaway option, which is a bunker-esque tent that includes a bed and power. I decided on this option, and the ability to wake up on the lake, while listening to the birds and bugs, was absolutely outstanding. The lakeside housing is far enough away from the main area too that I got a good night’s sleep, but was close enough to the action to feel included. The untraditional accommodation, though, is only half the fun of staying at the Arts Factory.

Along with the funky accommodation, The Arts Factory is packed with things to do, see, look at, or participate in. With the marshland grounds, wild turkeys, water dragons, and other animals scurry around at all hours of the day. There are pool and ping pong tables to use, a beach volleyball court, as well as a swimming pool. Activities ranging from flora and fauna walks to talent shows are arranged most days of the week, and art boxes with paints, markers, and crayons can be borrowed by guests. If this isn’t enough to sell you, there is also recording studio on the grounds with state of the art equipment. Guests, of course, receive a discounted rate.

If you are making a stop in Byron Bay, definitely stay at the Arts Factory. It may be a little ways outside of the main town, but after experiencing the cool hippie culture, town may not seem as important.

Photo courtesy of Flickr