Destination guides > Australia > New South Wales > North coast > Nimbin
Nimbin
This tiny village high in the hills of the far north coast hinterland is Australia’s hippy haven. Since the first Aquarius Festival in 1973, it has grown steadily to become one of the most popular day trips from Byron Bay. It is still a very small village, with all the shops and cafes crammed onto the short stretch of Cullen Street. Amid the scents of patchouli and spices, vendors sell their crafts and food on makeshift street side stalls.
Surrounding Nimbin are lush forests and some of the most spectacular scenery in New South Wales. It is home to numerous organic farms as well as a prominent Aboriginal population. The large Nimbin Market twice a month brings live music and a range of fresh organic produce which is popular with residents of the region and visitors alike. The Nimbin Museum is a record of Nimbin’s hippy history and culture, and the Hemp Embassy is where travellers go to stock up on souvenirs and paraphernalia. The Nimbin Rocks are a spectacular sight to see if you are driving south from town.
Practical information
LAUNDRY
Village Wash House
Shop 5, 45 Cullen Street, Nimbin
Tel (02) 6689 1799
Open 8am-6.30pm daily
Coming & going
There are several companies offering day trips to Nimbin from Byron Bay. These trips range from simple shuttle buses to tours that call in at a number of local attractions. Because of intense competition, there are some good deals available – check the brochures at your hostel for the best prices.
A couple of the tours and bus services between Byron Bay and Nimbin include:
Jim’s Alternative Tours
Jim’s is a popular tour that goes to Nimbin via the Minyon Falls, a country pub and World Heritage rainforest.
Tel (02) 6685 7720
Website www.jimsalternativetours.com
Day trip $35
Departs Byron Bay 10am, returns 6pm
Nimbin Shuttle Bus
The Nimbin Shuttle Bus makes a daily return trip between Byron and Nimbin.
Tel (02) 6680 9189
Website www.nimbinaustralia.com/nimbinshuttle/
Return trip $25-26; one-way $14
Departs Byron Bay Mon-Sat 10am, returns 4pm
Hostel accommodation
Nimbin Hotel & Backpackers
55 Cullen Street, Nimbin
Tel (02) 6689 1246
Nimbin Rox YHA
74 Thorburn Street, Nimbin
Tel (02) 6689 0022
Rainbow Retreat
75 Thornburn Street, Nimbin
Tel (02) 6689 1262
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Nimbin Museum
This unique museum shows things from the hippy perspective. Exhibits include psychedelic art and marijuana paraphernalia.
62 Cullen Street, Nimbin
Tel (02) 6689 1123
Website www.nimbinmuseum.com
Admission free
Open 8am-5.30pm daily
