Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge

When you're deciding where to stay, you may well judge a hostels merits by the facilities - are there hairdryers in the bathrooms? Are there electronic key-cards for the rooms? Do they have free bike and surfboard hire? The Arts Factory may well fall short given these criteria. What you may not have taken into consideration is the experiences you may have there. It's hard to reflect this in a brochure, and everyone's experience is unique. But experiences are what the Arts Factory is all about.

For me the Arts Factory was the highlight of my trip round Australia. A place where I met friends from all over the world and friends for life. By day I would laze in a hammock by the lake and read a book, enjoy a yoga class, lie by the pool or play volleyball. A short walk to town takes you to Byrons beautiful beaches and town centre. I learned to surf at The Wreck, a 10 minute walk from the Arts Factory. Spent endless days splashing in the turquoise waters and soaking up the sun.

The Arts Factory comes alive at night. Each week there is a talent show and I was amazed how many people would get up and sing, play music, tell stories or jokes. It's the sort of place where you shed your inhibitions. There is also regular live music at the Buddha Bar in the hostel grounds, which is a great laid back venue.

Take time to explore the hostels grounds with its unique lodgings including a giant teepee, island huts set around a tropical lake, campsite, as well as regular dorms and doubles.

This place was just the ante-dote I needed from the perpetual grey skies, stiff black suits and dreary faces of London. This is the place I was looking for when I came to Australia. My time at the Arts Factory was characterised by contentment, relaxation, sunshine and laughter. Oh, and did I mention I met my husband there?!

I can't promise your experience will be as amazing as mine (or that you will meet your future spouse there!) but I can highly recommend that you experience this unique place for yourself. You might well end up having the time of your life. (Date of experience: Mar, 2004 )