Opened in the 1970s by the American surfer Dan Doepel alongside local hippies and artists, The Arts Factory Lodge is one of Australia’s most iconic spots to stay in. Located in Byron Bay, an East Coast beach town known for its zany spirit, The Arts Factory is one of the reasons for the town’s reputation. Over the years, the town developed and so did this youth hostel which now has a brewery bar, a restaurant, a cinema, and even a recording studio.
The Arts Factory truly has something for everyone. The grounds include a campsite where you can rent a tent or put up your own, and be part of the free-spirited “jungle camp” community that normally gathers in the kitchen for some spontaneous cultural exchange. If camping is not your style, try the dorms, or teepees, or even the lux double bedrooms.
The Arts Factory also runs workshops and tours, or you can just enjoy walking around the little jungle, or a chat with one of the staff members, most of them are fellow travelers.
The place is one of a kind, introducing many backpackers to what Australia’s beach culture is.
