Nimbin

Postcode: 2480

Nimbin is a small village in the Northern Rivers area of the Australian state of New South Wales, approximately 30 km north of Lismore, 33 km southeast of Kyogle, and 70km west of Byron Bay. At the 2001 census, Nimbin had a population of 779. The area is part of what is known as the 'Rainbow Region' and is culturally important to the Bundjalung Aboriginal Australians and has become a haven for Australia's counterculture in recent decades.

It was a sleepy dairy town until 1973, when the Aquarius Festival, a large gathering of university students, alternative lifestylers, 'hippies' and party people was held in the town. This event attracted the attention of the authorities and so the Assistant and Chief Constable of the NSW Police attended. It did not take long to realise that a lot of the 'hippies' were using marijuana. Many of the festival goers stayed to form communes and other multiple occupancy properties of various sizes, some based around a particular philosophy, most not. Since then, the area has attracted many writers, artists, musicians, actors, environmentalists, permaculture enthusiasts, small farmers and mainstream society drop outs.

The area has its own museum telling the history of the area, as well as the popular Djanbung Gardens and the Hemp Embassy as well as other attractions. Festivals and nightlife should not be missed in Nimbin as it is always a night to remember, food and accommodation are good too. Byron is a great place from which to get to Nimbin, with daily shuttle buses running.

Once in Nimbin you should definitely explore the Nightcap Ranges and head to Mt. Nardi, the highest point. There are numerous walking and driving trails that you can take around this splendid landscape. There is also an Aboriginal site in the area, at Nimbin Rocks.

There are also some beautiful waterfalls at Hanging Rock Creek, as well as Tuntable Falls (which has a large commune), and Protester’s Falls in Terania Creek. Terania Creek can be reached through the small town of The Channon. On the 2nd Sunday, you can also go to Coronation Park for The Channon market. They were named after the 1979 protester’s of the logging in the area. Nimbin holds a market at the Community Hall every 3rd Sunday, and is an unusual place to stay.

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