Magical Mullumbimby
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 Location
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.
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!
What To Do in 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 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.
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.
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.
Where To Stay in Mullumbimby
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
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:
I 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
It 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!
Those vistas are gorgeous and that air B&B is AMAZING!!!
Yes the scenery was stunning, as was our Airbnb for the weekend. Shame I had work for most of it. #TeamLovinLife
Hi 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.
The 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
Kathy, I’m adding Mullumbimby to my growing list of places to visit locally. Thanks for sharing.
SSG xxx
It’s a great region to visit in Northern NSW. The scenery is incredible. #TeamLovinLife
I 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?
I 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.
Mullum is my fav town in the Byron region. You are lucky you can easily visit again and again!
Jan, 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
I 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
Yes 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
I love that it has it’s own tagline!!! What a fun place!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ha ha, yes it does. It’s such a cute little town. Have you watched Ozark on TV? It get’s a mention. #TeamLovinLife
I 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!
Oh 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!
I 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!
Mullumbimby 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!