visitnimbin.com.au
contents visitnimbin.com.au
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living nimbin
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living history
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markets + events
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scenic drives + walks
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wellbeing 11
vi s itn im b in.co m . au
nimbin map
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nimbin accommodation
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living nimbin west
Nimbin, tucked away in the hills was once a sleepy little dairying village in a lush setting of farmland and forest.
of Byron Bay,
The Aquarius Festival of 1973 changed the face and community of Nimbin forever. The little village was transformed into the heart of Australia’s progressive alternative lifestyle movement. Nimbin became a mecca for hippies, environmentalists, creatives and pioneers in alternative energy, agriculture and sustainable living. Today, Nimbin is known the world over as Australia’s hippie destination and one of the world’s alternative lifestyle capitals.
This village is internationally famous for its intriguing and quirky streetscape, its enchanting Indigenous and psychedelic mural facades, and its colourful local characters. With an eclectic array of cafés and shops the village also features fascinating places like the H.E.M.P. Embassy, Nimbin Environment Centre, the Rainbow Power Company, Nimbin Craft Gallery, the Djanbung Permaculture Gardens and the Nimbin Candle Factory.
3 Nimbin is known the world over as Australia’s hippie destination...
living nimbin
‘May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you...’
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Nimbin is surrounded by three World Heritage-listed rainforests, including
Protesters Falls, the site of Australia’s first successful anti-logging campaign.
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The 1979 campaign, known as the Terania Creek Protest, lasted four weeks and assured the survival of NSW’s rainforests.
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Nimbin is the perfect place to rest awhile, relax, rejuvenate and let Mother Nature work her charms. You can stay in cabins on the edge of the rainforest, in a guesthouse or backpackers, or perhaps in a teepee with a gorgeous mountain view.
“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way home.” – Aquarius Festival Anthem adapted from the “original string band’ song by Paul Joseph
living history
Nimbin holds a special place in the Aboriginal culture. Nimbin and its surrounding ranges are rich with stories reaching back to the dreamtime. Nimbin Rocks is an extremely significant cultural site, home to Nyimbunji, a little spirit man with great powers who watched over country. The early European settlers penetrated the Nimbin valley for timber in the 1840s. The area was first subdivided in 1903 and gazetted in 1906. As the timber industry declined, cleared land was turned into a thriving dairy and banana farming district.
Bundjalung
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a few intrepid souls stayed on to live the dreams
visit nimbin.com. au
Nimbin shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting students, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Once the bands left and the dust settled, a few intrepid souls stayed on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius, sowing the seeds for today’s vibrant sustainable community. The international fame that followed the Aquarius Festival also brought an influx of new settlers seeking an alternative lifestyle away from the city. Four decades later, it is this alternative culture for which Nimbin is still internationally renowned.
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In August 2014, Nimbin lost three of its historic buildings in a pre-dawn fire. Destroyed in the blaze were the world-famous Nimbin Museum, Bringabong and the iconic Rainbow Café.
Oasis Cafe
H.E.M.P. Embassy
H.E.M.P. Bar
Nimbin’s true Oasis...
www.hempembassy.net
The H*E*M*P* Bar is a meeting place for Cannabis Law Reform activists from all over earth. It will also be the HQ for the M.O.B, the Mardigrass Organizing Bunch, MardiGrass INFORMATION posters, teeshirts and tickets will be available.
80 Cullen St, Nimbin • 02 6689 0199 Great coffee, chai tea, healthy hearty snacks, meals and much more... Come in and experience the joint with your friends…
51 Cullen St, Nimbin • 02 6689 1842 The H.E.M.P. Embassy promotes uses of hemp plant fibre in sustainable fashion, cosmetics, building materials and pavers. The Embassy also promotes the use of hemp for medicinal purposes. Check out all our hemp products, including NEW Hemp coffins.
51 Cullen St, Nimbin • 02 6689 1842
“a l l s upp orte rs o f M a rdigras s and c ann a bis l aw re f or m ..”
markets+events
April
August
Autumn Arts Extravaganza An annual exhibition curated by the Nimbin Artists’ Gallery. The 4-week exhibition is staged in the historic Nimbin Town Hall and is one of the largest exhibitions in the region. There are daily recitals and performance art.
Performance Poetry World Cup Poets from all over Australia and beyond gather each year to perform at this entertaining event. Heats are held at cafés in Nimbin with the grand final on Sunday at the Nimbin Town Hall.
May Nimbin MardiGrass A law reform rally held on the first weekend in May. Highlights of the Nimbin MardiGrass include the street parade, Hemp Olympics, workshops, forums, comedy, live music and political discussions.
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September Blue Moon Cabaret Held in March, September and November. A wonderfully diverse array of the performance arts: comedy, poetry, music, dance, acrobatics and circus. The licensed events feature an evening of fine food, wines and stunning entertainment that has developed into sell-out shows over the years.
nimbin
craft gallery The region’s premier body art studio. Between them, Beki, Sophie, Markus and Flex have over 20 years experience in all styles of contemporary tattooing.
open 7 days 9 to 5 Monday to Friday 11 to 4 weekends & public holidays.
nimbincandles.com.au 02 6689 1010
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Operating in Nimbin for over 35 years. Specialising in hand-crafted goods, ethical world-craft, footwear, clothing, didjeridoos, garden curios, leather goods, jewellery, ceramics, soaps and much more. Open 7 days a week. 10am to 5pm 1 Sibley St, Nimbin
6689 1375
LICENCE # 010216
Manufacturing non-toxic, hand-dipped, traditionally made candles
Drop in for a chat or make an appointment for your next masterpiece.
Shop 2/46 Cullen Street, Nimbin
02 6689 1393
9 Nimbin A&I Show A traditional agricultural show with horses, cattle, poultry, wood chopping, dog trials, art, craft, fruit, vegetables and horticulture. It’s a sustainable farming expo, promoting natural farming methods and building technologies, with an opportunity to sample food and wares from paddock to plate. Spring Arts Exhibition The exhibition presents an incredible variety of works by Nimbin’s finest artists, craft workers, designers, photographers and installation artists. The show is held annually during the spring school holidays with many local, interstate and international visitors attending.
markets Nimbin Market 4th & 5th Sunday Nimbin Community Centre, Cullen St, Nimbin 8am-3pm Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday The Greenbank Carpark, 39 Cullen St, Nimbin. 3pm-6pm Blue Knob Farmers’ Market Every Saturday 719 Blue Knob Rd, Lillian Rock. 8.30am-12.30pm
9 NIMBIN
Pizza & Trattoria Part of Nimbin’s streetscape since 1991. First class fresh and delicious food. Pizza, pasta, seafood, salad, desserts and weekly blackboard specials. Gluten Free, vegetarian and vegans will delight in the options available. BYO and alfresco dining
02 6689 1550
46 Cullen St, Nimbin
bu on ap pe tit o!
open 7 nights from 5.30 (ex public hols) 2/70 Cullen Street Nimbin • 02 6689 1427
everything toyouknow need e of nimbin + a little poiemce with you to take h nimbin visitor information centre 46 cullen street, nimbin 02 6689 1388
scenic drives + walks
as beautiful as ours With a countryside
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there are just so many scenic drives that we’ll have you exploring for days, even weeks, if you like! To get you started we have a couple of recommended drives below and a few more of our scenic drives in the Lismore section of this publication.
the track meanders through rainforest for a kilometre
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Nimbin to Border Ranges (Full day, easy-moderate)
Head out along Blue Knob Road until you reach Blue Knob Hall Gallery & Café. After the Blue Knob Gallery & Cafe, take the next left down Lillian Rock Road. At the end turn right, towards Murwillumbah, on the Kyogle/ Muwillumbah Road, and then left into Creegan Road, which becomes Tweed Range Scenic Drive. This 64km gravel road traverses the eastern plateau of the World Heritage rainforest from Lillian Rock to Wiangaree and takes a leisurely 3-4 hours.
highlights • Blue Knob Hall Gallery & Café is a perfect stop for lunch • Lillian Rock is a sacred landmark • The Pinnacle walk and lookout offers dramatic views of the Wollumbin (Mt Warning) Caldera
Nimbin to Nightcap National Park (3km, 1.5 hours, easy-moderate)
Enjoy Mt Nardi and the Matheson Loop by heading out through the lush rainforest encircling Mt Matheson. Drier vegetation communities are found near cliff edges.
Pholis Gap (4km, 1.5 hours, moderate)
Beginning at Mt Nardi the track meanders through rainforest for a kilometre before splitting off the Mt Matheson Loop and descending towards the escarpment edge. Walk to Pholis Gap which offers views of the surrounding valleys.
wellbeing Invigorate your mind, body and soul in a region renowned for its therapies, practitioners and retreats. Find inner peace at a meditation retreat, take a walk on a rainforest trail, or explore ways to save the earth. Unwind with yoga, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage, reiki and day spa treatments with one of our many qualified practitioners. You’re sure to find something to lift your spirits! If you’re seeking spiritual guidance, get
alternative
local products ethical choices sustainable living
an astrology, tarot or psychic reading or commune with one of our local swamis, gurus, shamans, soothsayers or prognosticators. It’s all part of the enchanting Nimbin experience. Getting in touch with nature is certainly a great way to give your mind and body a well-deserved break. You could take a leisurely stroll, bushwalk in a nearby national park or take a more extensive hike. There are beautiful rainforests and waterfalls to keep you thoroughly enthralled and delighted.
hemp & bamboo clothes wacky souvenirs & novelties
SOLAR SINCE 1987 .au
a healthy lifestyle investment
1/39 cullen street nimbin
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02 6689 1881 facebook.com/TheGreenBankNimbin
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unwind with yoga, pilates, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage...
4/45 cullen street nimbin
02 6689 0024
hempingaround.com
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To Blue Knob Gallery & Murwillumbah
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Factory Candle and ong Bringab é f a & C
VILLAGE MAP
GUNGA
Nimbin Backpackers Granny's Farm
S ROA D
Cullen Bridge
um
SILKY OAK DRIVE
Mulg C re
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YHA Nimbi Hosteln Rox Catholic Church
THORB URN S TREE
Nimbin Markets held here
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THORB
URN S TREET
Toilet
CULLEN
STREET
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Vinnies Op Shop Police
Bowling Club Picnic Area
“Peace Park” 7 Sibley St
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Swimming Pool
Caravan Park
Susukka Trading Nimbin Craft Gallery Nimbin Hotel Backpackers, Humm ingbird Bistro Hemp Embassy & Hemp Bar Nimbin Artists Gallery Town Hall P Perceptios Books Contented Tummy, Stringworks, Pot of Gold Café Hemping Around, Telephone and Laundry Post Office Nimb in Tax & Accounting The Green Bank Presbyterian Church
Rainbow Power Company (ATM)
Medical Centre Sports Field
Hospital
CULLE N STR EET
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Skate Park
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Daizy Happy High Herbs
InformationP Centre ( n
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Community Centre
Naturally Nimbin Brush Off Art Gallery P Snipping Headz Hairdressers P Reka Cafe Tribal Magic Charters Hardware Ozkat Clothing P Pizza Newsagent & Real Esta General Store te Optometrist Rainbow Lane (ATM) Emporium (ATM) it nd Cred Summerla Chemist n Cullen Capers o t Centre en m n o Envir ecary th, Apoth Naturopa akery B in b Nim Cafe a ic Armon o-Op Nimbin C ttery a H ad Nimbin M ionating Fash dio attoo Stu Nimbin T er T ra Creative
Petrol & Auto Centre
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Uniting Church Tennis Courts Nimbin Oasis Cafe Spangled Drongo B
Park
Rainbo Retrea w t
CECIL Anglican Church
STREET to Dja nb Permac ung ulture G ardens
Nimbin Showground
to Lismore and Nimbin Rocks viewing area (no access to Nimbin Rocks)
P Parking B Bus Stop
NIMBIN ROAD
Grey Gum Lodge
HIGH STREET (PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAP, OR PASS IT ON)
Teretre Cabins
Nimbin Visitor Centre 02 6689 1388 www.visitnimbin.com.au NOT TO SCALE The publisher accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, or action by any party arising from the use of this map.
nimbin accommodation
Calurla Chalets
Nimbin Rox YHA
Nimbin Backpackers at Granny’s Farm Self-contained and self-catering 1 bedroom loft chalets and 1 and 2 bedroom cottages. Great settings, great views, peaceful. It’s nice here. An easy 11 minutes to Nimbin and 35 minutes to Lismore. 300 Lillian Rock Rd, Lillian Rock - Nimbin
02 6689 7297 calurla.com.au
Crofton’s Retreat
Retreat 360 Croftons Road, Nimbin 02 6689 0030 croftonsretreat.com.au • Renew your mind, body, and spirit in nature at Crofton’s Retreat • Escape the stress and distractions of modern life with affordable quality rooms, and plenty of fun and relaxation. • Experience a working farm amidst natural bushland, hidden gullies and a creek. • Only minutes from Nimbin village.
Guesthouse 2 High Street, Nimbin 02 6689 1713 greygumlodge.com Grey Gum Lodge is an attractive old Queenslander (c 1927), with six comfortable ensuite rooms, just five minutes stroll from Nimbin town centre. Boasting fabulous views of Lillian Rock, Blue Knob, and the Border ranges beyond, and priced to suit any budget. Grey Gum Lodge is Nimbin’s favourite guesthouse and the perfect place to base your Northern Rivers adventure.
Wrapped in 25 acres of valleys, mountains and native wildlife, Nimbin Rox YHA is a sweet hostel only 1km drive or a 15 minute walk to town. • Private queen yurts overlooking the mountain • Camping and a van park • The Iconic teepee • Dorm, queen and double rooms • North Coast Tourism Award Winners 2013/14.
• Walking distance to town • Free wifi • Camping • Dorm rooms, single, double, family rooms • Big kitchen • Clean facilities • Big screen tv with foxtel • Free pool table.
Teretre Tourist Cabins
Nimbin Caravan Park Caravan Park 29 Sibley Street, Nimbin 02 6689 1402 An oasis within the vibrant and colourful village of Nimbin. • Perfect base to discover Nimbin • Adjacent to Nimbin Pool and skate park • Large shaded camping area • Powered and non powered van sites • BBQ facilities, camp kitchen and laundry • 2 double cabins plus a 12 bed bunk house.
retreat
Grey Gum Lodge
Backpacker Hostel 74 Thorburn Street, Nimbin 02 6689 0022 nimbinrox.com.au
Backpacker Hostel 112 Cullen Street, Nimbin 02 6689 1333 nimbinbackpackers.com
b&b/guesthouse
Self-contained 5 High Street, Nimbin 02 6689 1908 teretre.com.au Teretre Retreat welcomes you to experience colourful Nimbin in a relaxed bushland setting. Nestled on 33 acres are 4 cosy one-bedroom timber cabins within easy walking distance to the village. We offer all the mods and cons at an affordable price. Group booking requests in advance and pets are most welcome upon request.
self-contained
caravan park
backpackers
time crash? to we’ve got just the place
visitor information centre 46 cullen street 02 6689 1388 visitnimbin.com.au
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