Nestled at the foot of Mount Chincogan in the Brunswick Valley, the picturesque country town of Mullumbimby showcases a unique fusion of rural and alternative lifestyles. If you’re wondering where all the hippies in Byron have gone, take a drive to Mullumbimby!
With a population of just under 3,000 – and with an abundanceof heart and spirit – it’s no wonder Mullumbimby has been coined “the biggest little town in Australia”.
Mullumbimby is the major service centre for the hinterland region, and home to the Byron Shire Council offices.
Wander the streets between Monday and Saturday and you’ll find traditional pubs, art galleries, quality dining, second-hand and retro shopping, an old-fashioned chocolate shop, organic groceries, and a lively café scene. And, like all real country towns, most shops close on Sunday!
The town's name is derived from the language of the area’s original inhabitants – the Bundjalung people –meaning 'small round hill'.
Getting There
Mullumbimby is located 19km north of Byron Bay, 4km off the highway.
To get there by car, head north on the Pacific Highway and look for the Mullumbimby exit; alternatively, you can take the scenic Myocum route.Local bus services also operate between the two towns.
Things To Do
Heritage Park
Don’t miss Mullumbimby’s beautiful botanical park, with an idyllic walking trail that winds along beside the Brunswick River. Along the way are plenty of shady picnic tables and park benches. Home to over 326 species of trees and shrubs, eight of which are endangered, the park represents the rainforest, eucalypt forest, and heathland ecosystems of the area.The Heritage Park entrance is on the corner of Tyagarah Street and Brunswick Terrace.
Minyon Falls
Located in the Nightcap National Park, where the waters of Repentance Creek spill over a 100m drop, Minyon Falls is a popular destination for picnics and bushwalking. At the top of the falls are a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, lookout and picnic facilities; or, from the Minyon Grasspicinic area, you can take a 4 km return walk to the bottom of the falls (allowing about 2 hours). For avid walkers, this track continues to the lookout, and there are several other walks in the area. Refer to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information.
The falls are a 20-minute drive from the Mullumbimby town centre.
Crystal Castle
Just inland from Mullumbimby, the Crystal Castle is a must-see for visitors to the region. The spectacular gardens offer a tranquil retreat during a busy summer, or a sunny spot to relax in winter. Children and adults alike will enjoy walking the crystal labyrinth, encountering the mystical statues, and admiring the sheer size and number of crystals. You may even want to experience an aura photograph or tarot reading.The Lotus Cafe offers breathtaking views of the hinterland, with homely food for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break.
Brunswick Valley Historical Society Museum
Housed in Mullumbimby’s first post office, the museum is open Fridays from 11am to 3pm, the third Saturday of every month from 9am to 12noon (coinciding with market day), and by appointment. Entry is by donation.
The museum displays local history memorabilia, photographs and documents about the area’s original indigenous inhabitants and the town’s history since European settlement. Displays include machinery and tools from local trades and industries including timber cutting, coach building, plumbing, printing, dairying and banana growing.
The museum is located in Summers Park, on the corner of Stuart and Myocum Streets.
Mullumbimby Golf Club
Overlooked by mountains, Mullumbimby’s 18-hole golf course offers long open fairways and undulating greens, along with water hazards, fairway bunkers and doglegs on the second nine.Friday is social day and ideal for a relaxed round of golf; otherwise, phone the clubhouse on (02) 6684 2273 to check the scheduled events.
Markets and Festivals
The Mullumbimby Museum Market is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month in Summers Park, on the corner of Stuart and Myocum Streets. Showcasing local art and craft, food, and music, the market runs from 9am to 2pm and will give you a good taste of what Mullumbimby and its surrounding region is all about. While you’re there, browse through the Brunswick Valley Historical Society Museum, also located in Summers Park.
A feast for the senses, the Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market is held every Friday from 7am to 11am at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds on Main Arm Road.
Each September, Mullumbimby closes its streets for the Chincogan Fiesta. The day includes a street parade, stalls, and the ‘Chincogan Charge’footrace from the post office to the top of Mount Chincogan and back.
Forget over-crowded tents and line-ups for the loos – the Mullum Music Festival, held in November, uses existing venues to host more than 100 intimate performances held over four days. With a diverse national and international line-up, this relatively-new festival offers a refreshing experience.