Nimbin

A significant town in the Rainbow region and of cultural significance to the local aboriginals, Nimbin is known for both its counter-culture and although not legal, its inhabitants open and obvious use of cannabis. Nimbin is Australia’s own Amsterdam. 

The prevalence of drug culture has been accompanied by a prevalence of strong collective and public creativity. The main street is adorned by painting, poetry, craft and hippie fashion stores as well as those selling cannabis smoking paraphernalia.  Regular tour busses arrive daily from Byron Bay for holiday makers to experience this novel town and its colourful local characters.  The Nimbin candle Factory is worth a visit and the local market is held on the 4thand 5thSunday of every month.

The town was originally founded by loggers in 1800s attracted to the area for its rich source of red cedar. By 1903 with the cedar logs all gone the area was divided and given to dairy and banana farmers.

Nimbin’s dairy industry collapsed in the 1960s and it was the Aquarius festival in 1973 that rejuvenated the ailing town.  The festival brought with it a large number of Hippies and alternative thinkers to the area.  Swayed by its beauty the festival-goers stayed on and formed communes protecting the remaining surviving rainforest and holding a deep respect for its aboriginal forefathers.