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Nimbin is the unofficial capital of the "Rainbow Region"
and Australia's alternative lifestyle capital,
with old shopfronts converted to eateries and retail shops are gaily decorated
in indigenous and new age motifs.
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Wollumbin
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Nimbin exploded on Australia's psyche in the 1970's when it hosted the Aquarius Music Festival. After the bands left and the dust cleared, a few intrepid souls stayed on and made their mark on the formerly sleepy rural village. The unofficial capital of the "Rainbow Region" and Australia's alternative lifestyle capital, old shopfronts have been converted to eateries and retail shops are gaily decorated in indigenous and new age motifs. Accommodation is now growing from the limited caravan parks, B&Bs, motel, backpackers and a pub, with a growing farmstay and cottage presence scattered in the hamlets around the village. Nimbin Shuttle ph. (02) 6680 9189, makes a run each Sunday from Byron Bay to the various popular local markets, and the Nimbin - Byron Bay Shuttle ph. (02) 6687 2007, makes a daily run between the two settlements, while a number of day tour operators from Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, include a Nimbin visit in their day tours. |
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Visitors can gawk uneasily at the locals, make a visit to the Nimbin Musuem or one of the arts and crafts outlets for unique souvenirs, and wonder where the dream went wrong. Fortunately, it's still alive and kicking the likes of the the Rainbow Power Company and Jarlanbah Permaulture Hamlet, providing an insight into and working examples of alternative roots and potential futures. The Nimbin MardiGrass, established out of a protest in 1993, is now a popular annual event focussed on hemp and drug law reform, which inevitably generates some heated discussion. Look out for the Nimbin Rocks, particularly beautiful in the early morning sunlight, about 3 kilometres south of town. Nimbin also provides convenient access to Nightcap National Park, now one of the five World Heritage sites in the region. However, if you want to visit Terania Creek and Protester Falls, the scene of protests to have the then state forest old growth stands protected from logging, you'll need to detour via The Channon. Nimbin Tourist Information is available from Nimbin Tourist Connection on ph. (02) 6689 1764, Nimbin Tourist Hotline on ph. (02) 6689 1222, and Lismore Visitor Information Centre on ph. 1300 369 795. |
Please note, some links below go to external sites. Hint: use your right mouse button to open a new window to these. |
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Nimbin Accommodation |
Local Tours, Attractions & Services |
Nearby Towns and Villages |
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