The Aquarius Festival of 1973 transformed the dairy town of Nimbin, 30 km north of Lismore, into a name synonymous with Australia’s ‘back to the land’ counterculture movement. There are still many alternative communes in the area, yet times have changed. You’re just as likely to stumble over a syringe as a joint when walking down the main road, Cullen St, and many of the dealers are just kids.
Despite the size of its reputation, Nimbin is a tiny village. The helpful Nimbin Tourist Connexion on the northern side of town handles tourist information, transport bookings and Internet access. It’s open Sunday to Friday and also sells useful area maps and Wwoofing memberships.
Djanbung Garden is a permaculture education centre established by Robyn Francis - a disciple of permaculture guru Bill Mollison. Guided tours of the garden are given at 10.30 AM on Tuesday and Thursday and in-depth farm tours at 11 AM on Saturday. The centre, with its bookshop and organic cafe, is five minutes’ walk from the town centre. Eco-farmstays may be arranged.
The town’s biggest employer is the legendary Rainbow Power Company, designers of home-energy systems using sun, wind and water that have been exported worldwide.
The countryside around Nimbin is superb. Nimbin Rocks is an Aboriginal sacred site (not open to visitors) clearly visible from the Lismore road a few kilometres south of town. Hanging Rock Creek has waterfalls and a good swimming hole. To get there, take the road at the Barker’s Vale sign, then left onto Williams Rd.
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