The far north of New South Wales is a wonderland of rolling hills with lush green fields, volcanic-soil rich farmlands, spectacular rainforest, national parks and volcanic mountains. The region is known as Rainbow Country, with its colourful and alternative feel to the various towns. Magical Mullumbimby is one such town, located at the foot of Mount Chincogan beside the Brunswick River.
This scenic little town is fondly referred to by the locals as ‘Mullum’ with it’s very welcoming sign at the entrance into the town indicating that it is ‘the biggest little town in Australia’. The name Mullumbimby means ‘small round hill’ and was given by local indigenous people alluding to the most prominent natural feature of the town, the striking Mount Chincogan, which towers 260m above the town.
Mullumbimby is just 20 minutes drive north from Byron Bay or 10 minutes drive west of Brunswick Heads. It is only a 40 minute drive south of the Queensland state border, hence it’s a comfortable driving distance. I have often taken this drive of a weekend, instead of visiting the busier seaside town of Byron Bay.
Mt Chincogan
It truly is worth a Sunday drive for the verdant countryside that surrounds the town alone. Or otherwise rent a cottage or house amongst the pretty hills near Mullumbimby for a total chillout weekend. It will give you a feel of what Byron Bay was like back in the olden days, before it became a mega tourist destination.
Interesting fact about Mullumbimby: It was referred to in the Netflix series “Ozark”, as being a place in Australia that the Byrde family plan to escape to, where the drug cartel will never find them!
Verdant countryside around Mullumbimby
During my visits to Mullumbimby, I enjoy just strolling along the palm-fringed main street browsing the many varied shops selling things like pre-loved clothing, hippy clothing, giftware, housewares, antiques, books, organic food, bamboo clothing and the not to be missed – Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop.
The main street in Mullumbimby
The Middle Pub has a great bistro with $15 main meals and a great fun Friday night with ‘Krappyokee’ in the main bar, featuring a lineup of interesting locals. The local cafes serve up some nice organic coffee blends and healthy food choices, so make sure you stop and sit for a while.
Middle Pub in Mullumbimby
If yoga or meditation is your scene, there are about six yoga studios in Mullumbimby and a Nia Dance Studio called We Move, that you must try. There are also a few wellness spas for those looking for some relaxation and pampering.
Mullumbimby also has a great market with some unique hand-made local goods and organic foods available, at the museum every third Saturday.
Farmlands around Mullumbimby
The main attraction in the area is Crystal Castle located just a few kilometres outside of Mullumbimby. It features a lot of crystals from all over the world and a great selection of jewellery. There is also a Buddha walk and a Rainforest Walk. The gardens are very pretty, and well worth a stroll around, with an amazing bamboo grove.
The Buddha and crystals at Crystal Castle
Mullumbimby accommodation includes cottages, guesthouses, hotels and motels in town, while an extensive choice of B&Bs and guesthouses can be found throughout the small settlements scattered along the country roads which wind between Mullum and Byron. Book your Mullumbimby accommodation HERE
Eagles Nest Airbnb in Mullumbimby
Although Mullumbimby appears to have been associated with a certain mind enhancing drug, called ‘Mullumbimby Madness’ and a hippy culture back in the seventies, those days are in the past. There is definitely an alternate vibe about the town, evidenced by some of the local characters and some of the shops. However this all adds to the charm of this magical big-little town.
Is there are small country town that you love to visit?
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who love to promote a Lovin’ Life mindset.
The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
Comments are closed.
Min @ Write of the Middle
November 8, 2018I love it at Mullumbimby! Last time I was there we had been staying at a little cottage at Possum Creek in the Byron Bay Hinterland and went for a drive into Mullumbimby and of course visited Crystal Castle. I could live in that area. It’s beautiful, green and peaceful and also not far to the beach! :-) #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
November 8, 2018It is incredibly lush and green. I enjoy visiting these little towns in the Byron Hinterland. They have a big heart and lots of interesting locals!
Lydia
November 8, 2018Those vistas are gorgeous and that air B&B is AMAZING!!!
Kathy
November 8, 2018Yes the scenery was stunning, as was our Airbnb for the weekend. Shame I had work for most of it. #TeamLovinLife
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
November 8, 2018Hi Kathy I love this area and when we travelled from Sydney to Brisbane to visit I looked out for the beautiful rolling green hills. I haven’t visited the Chrystal Castle but it looks beautiful. thanks for sharing.
Kathy
November 8, 2018The Crystal Castle has been here for years and is worth a visit, as is the rest of the Byron Hinterland. It’s so lush and green. #TeamLovinLife
Sydney Shop Girl
November 8, 2018Kathy, I’m adding Mullumbimby to my growing list of places to visit locally. Thanks for sharing.
SSG xxx
Kathy
November 8, 2018It’s a great region to visit in Northern NSW. The scenery is incredible. #TeamLovinLife
Joanne Tracey
November 8, 2018I haven’t been to Mullumbimby for years – and now want to visit again…immediately! I remember getting my aura done at the Castle…or was it my chakras?
Kathy
November 8, 2018I think it should be the location for your next novel! Ha ha. Getting you aura done at Crystal Castle sounds interesting. I didn’t know you could do this here.
Jan
November 8, 2018Mullum is my fav town in the Byron region. You are lucky you can easily visit again and again!
Kathy
November 8, 2018Jan, when I was doing my research on Mullum your blog popped up on Google, so obviously your SEO was spot on. It is a great little town. #TeamLovinLife
Denyse Whelan
November 8, 2018I just love the green hinterlands in the whole of the far north coast. My husband spent much of his child-teen hood outside Ballina so the area is a familiar one. I would love to live that way but for both of us the heat and humidity would not work.
I have very fond memories of visiting there quite some time ago.
Byron is completely OTT now so these places are still ‘magical’
Denyse x
Kathy
November 9, 2018Yes the Far North Coast of NSW is extraordinary. You do get used to the heat and humidity after a while. I always enjoy a sultry evening at the end of a hot day. We rarely visit Byron nowadays as it is way too OTT! #TeamLovinLife
jodie
November 9, 2018I love that it has it’s own tagline!!! What a fun place!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
November 9, 2018Ha ha, yes it does. It’s such a cute little town. Have you watched Ozark on TV? It get’s a mention. #TeamLovinLife
Deborah
November 9, 2018I love the tranquility of it and of course the lush greenness, which is a stark contrast to here. I saw a pic you shared of a pool a week or so ago and I SO wanted to be there. Right then. Ahhh the serenity!
Kathy
November 11, 2018Oh yes that pool was at the Airbnb house where we stayed in Mullumbimby with such a gorgeous view over the green rolling hills and valley. I loved the remoteness of the house – it was heaven!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
November 12, 2018I had to look up Mullumbimby on the map to see if I may have wandered through it. But alas, it seems we always by-pass it. Looks lovely!
Kathy
November 13, 2018Mullumbimby is probably not all that well known, unless you’ve watched Ozark on Netflix. I think this show has definitely put it on the map!