Arts Factory Lodge

Arts factory is the most beautiful stay !! The staff are so helpful and lovely (Nicole you were so helpful with our luggage storage issues as our bus wasn’t leaving for another few hours ) Thank you, Thank you, Thank you… We stayed in the small teepee and found it perfect , great amount of room and amazing for meeting other travellers! Would 100% recommend. We also met very lovely man ( who we think helps run the hostel) who helped me find lost and found, after loosing some shorts and was so lovely about it ! Thank you all so much for such a lovely stay !

One of the few hostels in the area where you really feel like you're in a hostel, with all the social interaction that goes with it! The jam evenings are my favourite - what a great atmosphere, what great people to meet, what a great time. I love the hostel café, and the staff are so friendly! There are enough showers and toilets for the number of guests. The beds are comfortable. Nature is very present in the hostel, making it a unique and inspiring place.

The hostel is in serious need of cleaning, especially the communal areas, lounge, bathrooms, terraces and kitchen. This would justify the skyrocketing prices of late. The rooms seem clean enough. The addition of sofas/beanbags (in the garden or on the ground floor terrace) and chairs (upstairs on the terrace next to the kitchen) would not go amiss either, as there is a lack of places to rest or simply to be able to eat at the table without looking for a chair to sit on. A blanket for guests sleeping in the teepees would be great, as the nights can be cold (beware, during the day, the teepees turn into ovens).

Great location, room was perfect had everything we needed.

People were swimming in the pool past pool hours and they were being really loud outside our room until early time in the morning. I understand it’s a hostel and tourists having fun but it was annoying that they were hanging out and partying right out side our room. Maybe if the rumpus facilities were away from the rooms or if staff told these people to stop bombing in the pool and swimming past the times the pool was open. I could tell they were jumping off the top level into the pool which is extremely dangerous especially when these people had been clearly drinking.

I did love the Arts Factory mainly for its entertainment value. They host events all throughout the day up until night. You must go to the talent show, bracelet making and the forest trek. The hostel isn’t clean, bush turkeys in the kitchens and bed bugs which they have sorted now. The hostel is divided by dorms, teepees, a females lodge (highly recommend), surf camp and camping grounds which have long term campers there. I believe you can pay a small amount to stay in your camper van in the car park and use their facilities

That it was dirty

This is the most amazing hostel I’ve ever tried, the vibe, people, location, accommodation… everything. I slept I the big teepee and that was such an experience! Also I can tell something about the activities organised, the talents show, the fire wood stick workshop, movies nights, musics nights, make you stay unforgettable. Thank you so much! It was perfect for my last visit in Australia before leaving and go back home 🤍

Very social hostel, everyone is on good vibes, the location is only a short walk from town center and the beach! Private room had everything that you would want! It’s also the hostel featured in the 2nd Inbetweeners movie!! Staff were amazing especially Nicole on the reception. Cafe was nice and cheap and food was good! Loads of workshops and interactive activities for everyone!

Mattress was a bit old and could feel the springs.

The twin room was a cheaper option for a couple travelling together so that was a treat having a double bed and a single. The open layout of this place is really cool, the back chill ares with a pond/ marsh by a dock, volleyball net, and it was about a 10 minute walk to town. How green and lush the area is reminded me of being back in Central America (which I absolutely love) Really cool area, would recommend

They give a like a 7 digit number as a key code to get into your room and I did struggle for a little with it being so touchy and high-tech, my boyfriend ended up being on door duty

The lakeside room was lovely and I loved the chill vibe, it was great. Also the place in general, with all the trees and nature surrounding you was really nice

It was not really cleaned, the bathrooms especially. The kitchen was pretty dirty too, sinks always clogged, the fridges smelly, seems like they haven’t been cleaned for ages, the cookware was pretty ruined and old and often it was difficult to find plates and cutlery

Immaculate vibes, amazing staff and really cool that there are birds and dragons/lizards roaming the place. Very in touch with the wildlife. The weekly talent shows are a blast! The host is hilarious, a skilled singer and musician, has a cool opal around his neck and owns the most handsome cockatoo! It is also walking distance from grocery stores (10-15 mins tops) and a nice walk from the beach.

Unfortunately we could not stay for too long due to personal circumstances, so I guess I didn't like leaving if that counts? There are also a few weed smokers, but there is a zero tolerance for this and the staff are doing their best to keep the hostel as safe as possible. There are people that smoke weed all over Australia (if not the world) so bumping into some is inevitable, and beyond the hostel's control.

pool was amazing and location was great. If you’re backpacking this is a great option everyone is so friendly and chilled. The hostel also runs lots of really fun free events in the evenings. Most of the staff were very friendly with a few exceptions who seemed like they did not want to be there. Food served at the cafe is amazing and was so cheap for the quality of it.

The kitchen was disgusting so if you’re planning on making food be aware of that, although the staff did try to keep it clean, it was always a state. But I guess that is expected from hostels.