How can I say this?
This is the coolest place on the planet!
Okay, okay, so I haven't seen the whole planet- but I just don't know how else to convey the sheer awesomeness of this haven! It is by far, hands down, without a doubt the coolest hostel- if you can even call it that. It is a hostel, a.k.a. budget accommodation for backpackers, but- it is so much more!
The Arts Factory Backpacker Lodge is an eco-friendly, artistically-centered hostel, and was the
perfect introduction to Byron Bay! What a true reflection about what this "alternative lifestyles community" is all about; nature, art, healing, love. There is an energy alive here that is hard to quantify with words, that which I have found in few other places. It made me happy to know places like this can exist in today's world. It seems to attract happy, peaceful, artistic individuals and promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and love. Its not "just hippies".
TAKE A TOUR FOR YOURSELF!
{History:
"In the 70’s many hippies, local and
international artist’s created the ‘Arts Factory Village’! In the 80’s
it was an internationally recognized rock and roll venue. The
‘Birthplace’ of much of the fame and spirit of Byron Bay, as a
backpackers hostel it still maintains that original spirit today. The Arts Factory Village was also the
birthplace of the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival and is now home to
a diverse range of businesses offering a unique selection of
accommodation, food, entertainment, arts, health & well-being.."-from About the Arts Factory, Byron Bay}
I slept in a gigantic tee-pee for two nights, it was such a cool experience. The Arts Factory also has cabins, garden burees, dorm rooms, private rooms, camp-sites and other funky abodes! When I woke up in the morning, I was in love! The
eco-friendly hostel was well-integrated into this "jungle oasis" which had been developing over the last 40 years! Massive, mature native trees all around, and even one huge Boddhi tree (the same tree under which Buddha meditated under and found enlightenment.)
The Arts Factory is spread over several acres of wild land and only a short walk from the town center. Everywhere you walk there is art done by backpackers from all over the world, over the years. They do not condone meaningless graffiti, but they do encourage beautiful art with a positive message. When there, you are surrounded by pictures and words of inspiration, messages of love and understanding, things like; "Be Yourself", " The earth is my church", and "Share your vision".
On top of it all, its so beautiful that someone, somewhere is always playing guitar, the didge, or singing, dancing, or
hula-hooping! Creation captivates this place. There is also a in-ground pool, cinema, a restaurant and a brewery on site! The Arts Factory has everything you could ever want, you hardly need to leave! Oh and you cant
forget the volleyball courts, ping pong tables, guitars and art supplies
available for no fee! This place was sweet!! If youre in the area, check it out, I promise- You will love it!
Some of my favourite things at The Arts Factory were:
-"Talent
Night"( I heard someone play a French jazz version of songs from
The Jungle Book, very cool!)
-The painted bus!
-The local produce: jewellery, and natural foods and teas for
sale (my fav was the freshly squeezed lemon/ginger/honey tea!)
-Cockatoo Paul (the
entertainer, he does live music shows, and does bush-walks with guests
to educate them about local plants and animals. He is famous for his pet
cockatoo which is always on his shoulder!)
Homepage
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heres my overall review:
Overall Experience: POSITIVE Stayed: 2 days/nights
Cleanliness -Teepee, kitchen and lounge areas were all relatively clean
4/5
Staff -Staff were extremely friendly people who went over and beyond
4.5/5 for customer service. Reception went beyond, and the fire in the teepee was well-tended.
Location -Walking distance from town, but far away enough to feel the "oasis' jungle feeling
5/5
Security -Small lockers under beds in teepee, but dont seem that secure, however it is relatively 4/5 safe because of the type of people that are drawn to this hostel.
-Huge computerized lockers available, 3$/12 hours
-Reception tries to monitor people entering
Facilities -Kitchen, on top deck, opens onto a patio overlooking the oasis, spacious
5/5 -Deposit required on cutlery
-Large in-ground pool , and small pond (not for swimming)
-Several lounge areas, no tv
-Restrooms: Spacious, clean 4 toilet stalls, 4 showers
-Laundry: did not use
Environment -Plenty of backpackers, all ages, many artists, hippies, people leading alternative lifestyles
4.5/5 -Happy, positive environment
-Beds are comfortable
-Can be loud late at night, usually guitar or singing
Price -25$/night for one bed in big tee pee
4/5 -4$/hour
Homepage
Boonoo Boonoo National Park (pronounced bunna-bunoo) is a national park on the northern border of New South Wales. We heard about it from my hippy, landlord lady, Autumn. She said the nature there was amazing with a massive canyon and lots of swimming spots. Only a 40-minute drive from Thulimbah, Queensland led us on a dusty, bumpy ride into to the bush where the park is. The drive was wicked. Scenery was stellar. This is a place worth going, hands down. 
