This small village in northern New South Wales became a counterculture hub after the 1973 Aquarius Festival. Local markets, eco-initiatives and art galleries line its colorful main street.
Nimbin, a small town in New South Wales' Northern Rivers region, has transformed from its farming community origins into Australia's alternative culture capital. Walk past colorful murals on Cullen Street, browse handmade jewelry at the Nimbin Artists Gallery, or join a permaculture workshop at Djanbung Gardens. You can hike to the 25-meter Protesters Falls in Nightcap National Park or explore the ancient Nimbin Rocks formation rising 100 meters above the valley.
Getting to Nimbin
Nimbin sits 70 kilometers west of Byron Bay and 30 kilometers north of Lismore. Take Northern River Buslines route 650 from Lismore several times daily, or drive along the winding B62 highway through the mountains. The closest airport is in Lismore, with regular flights to Sydney.
Walking Cullen Street
Cullen Street runs through the center of Nimbin. Look for environmental and social messages painted on building walls in bright colors. Browse through independent shops selling locally made candles and hemp clothing. Stop at the Nimbin Artists Gallery to see regional paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry.
Natural Areas and Walks
The Nimbin Rocks formation stands 3 kilometers south of town, with peaks reaching 100 meters above the valley floor. These volcanic remnants are 20 million years old. In Nightcap National Park, you'll find some of Australia's oldest subtropical rainforest. Follow walking tracks to the 25-meter Protesters Falls or climb to Mount Nardi summit. Look for brush box trees, some of which have lived for 1,500 years.
Markets and Festivals
Visit the Nimbin Markets on the fourth and fifth Sundays monthly, where 250 stalls sell local art, handmade clothing, fresh produce, and craft foods. Join the annual MardiGrass in May for street theater, hemp Olympics, and educational workshops. The Nimbin Show in September continues its agricultural traditions with horse events, cattle judging, and craft competitions. During the four-week Autumn Arts Extravaganza, you can watch local musicians perform daily and view rotating art exhibitions.
Sustainable Living
Learn about food forests, natural building, and ecological design through hands-on workshops at Djanbung Gardens. Walk through demonstration sites for water harvesting, composting systems, and native food plants. Visit the Rainbow Power Company to see solar and wind energy solutions in action and learn about renewable technology at their display center.
Historical Context
The Bundjalung people named the area after the Nimbinjee spirit people who protected the land. In 1973, the Aquarius Festival brought thousands of students and alternative lifestyle seekers to Nimbin. The town later made history during the 'Battle for Terania Creek' in 1979, leading to Australia's first legislation protecting rainforests.
