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If you read my blog post on things to do in Byron Bay, you’ll know that I stayed at the very unique Arts Factory Lodge. This popular backpacker accommodation is so well known it even made it into The Inbetweeners 2 movie!

Originally created by hippies and artists in the 1970s, the Arts Factory grew from a Byron Bay budget accommodation option to an internationally renowned rock ‘n’ roll venue in the 1980s. The place has definitely retained its artistic hippy vibe and felt more like a commune than a hostel or campsite!

I thought this accommodation was so unique that it deserves its own blog post. Unlike your typical hostel, the complex includes private rooms and lakeside tee-pees as well as a camping ground. There’s even a lovely swimming pool and murals everywhere!

Here’s my review of what it’s like to stay at the Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay!


Arts Factory Lodge Location

The Arts Factory Lodge is located on Skinners Shoot Road next to a nature reserve on the outskirts of Byron Bay town centre. It’s only a 15-minute walk into town and to the beach, but you’ll be far enough away to enjoy a beautiful forested setting.

The easy, tree-lined walk into Byron Bay from the Arts Factory Lodge.
Walking into town from the Arts Factory Lodge

There’s plenty of free parking at the Arts Factory, as well as spaces for those of you sleeping in your campervan.

Being next to the nature reserve, there’s plenty of Australian wildlife around, as well as lots of greenery and a lake.

Reception at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay, where The Inbetweeners 2 was filmed.

Arts Factory Lodge Accommodation Options

There’s a huge range of budget accommodation options at the Arts Factory Lodge. The main building has your classic dorm rooms with bunkbeds, but there are also dorms inside tee pees and lakeside cottages.

Click here to see options and check prices.

A colourful dorm inside the main building
Wooden lakeside cottage at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay: backpacker accommodation.
Female dorm in a lakeside cottage

If you prefer a private room, you can book a twin or double room by the pool, or even by the lake!

Click here to check availablility.

Lakeside accommodation in Byron Bay at the Arts Factory Lodge.
Private twin rooms by the lake

You can also camp in what’s known as “The Jungle”! This is where I stayed, and even in winter, it was pretty busy. There are separate bathroom blocks by the campsite, as well as another kitchen.

Camping are "The Jungle" at the Arts Factory Lodge accommodation in Byron Bay, Australia.
Enter The Jungle!
Surfing mural at Byron's Arts Factory.
Colourful bathroom block

Arts Factory Facilities

The complex is pretty huge, with plenty of facilities, including an on-site café, travel shop, swimming pool and pool tables.

Healthy cafe at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay, Australia.
Swimming pool and accommodation at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay Australia.

There’s even a volleyball court, for those who fancy a bit of exercise (but also hammocks by the lake if you need to relax afterwards)!

A game of volleyball at the Arts Factory Lodge backpacker accommodation in Byron Bay.
Keeping fit in Byron!
A hammock by the lake at Byron Bay's famous Arts Factory Lodge, where The Inbetweeners 2 movie was filmed.
Lakeside hammock for those stressful days!

There’s more than one camp kitchen, so you can make your own food. As with most hostels, they’re well equipped and cleaned daily, but get pretty hectic around meal times.


Atmosphere & Activities

The most notable thing about the Arts Factory Lodge was how much the travellers staying there loved the place. Everyone seemed to know each other, and some people had been living there for nine months! It took me almost the whole day to drag my travel mate away when it was time to head off on our road trip to Sydney.

Backpackers at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay, Australia.
Making friends from all over the world

From communal meals to group activities, there was always something social going on. It’s definitely a place for those who want to mix rather than keep themselves to themselves.

Outdoor yoga class in Byron Bay at the Arts Factory Lodge.
Morning yoga by the lake

You can join a morning yoga class or even a workshop on didgeridoo making and bush tucker tours. They also have DJs and bands on in the evenings, and a weekly talent contest!

Live music at Byron Bay's Arts Factory Lodge, Australia.
Live music in the evening

If you love the idea of getting back to nature in a social setting, the Arts Factory Lodge is a great option. If you prefer somewhere more private or you’re on a higher budget, use the search box below to browse accommodation options in Byron Bay.

For more ideas on what to see on Australia’s east coast, check out my detailed Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary. It includes costs, distances and accommodation suggestions.

To plan what to do while you’re there, have a read of my Byron Bay guide.

Happy travelling!

Lisa Bull
Written by Lisa Bull

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.