I LOVE NIMBIN

Today we spent a very memorable day at Nimbin.  From Billinudgel we headed south through the sleepy little town of Mullumbimby.  Next we headed west into the mountains and meandered along a 50 km scenic drive which encompassed sugar cane fields, stone fruit orchards, farms growing cattle, coffee and macadamias, rolling hills and remnant rainforest.  The combination of hilly, windy, narrow hairpin bends and Bruce's rally driving was a little too much for Jarrah and he spent most of the drive with his head out of the window.

We passed through the beautiful little hillside hamlets of Rosebank, Dunoon, and The Channon, before arriving in Nimbin -  the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia.

Nimbin, once a sleepy little dairying village, shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting students, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Many of them stayed on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius and to sow the seeds for today’s vibrant community.  Today Nimbin is known as a mecca for hippies, environmentalists, creatives and pioneers in alternative energy, agriculture and sustainable living.

Nimbin is internationally famous for its intriguing and quirky streetscape, its enchanting indigenous, rainforest and psychedelic mural facades and its colourful local characters.  The main street has an eclectic array of cafes, craft shops and galleries and we were lucky enough to experience Nimbin on market day. 

There was a very free spirited, generous, honest feeling throughout this little town.  We felt it from the moment we arrived.  The local people had the time to chat, and listen, and were interested in other people's story.  They had time for kids, and didn't get cross if the boys picked up every single precious stone in their stall before a purchase was made!  In fact most people, having very little themselves, would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it!  The boys were given a precious stone each, and Fletcher (being extra cute) was given a beautiful locally made soap.

We had a jam with a bunch of locals on the African Djembe drums, which drew quite a crowd.  I bought a funky scarf and skirt and Jack was stoked with his sampling and purchase of some local olive tapenade!  We had a great pizza for lunch and checked out the Spangled Drongo, Happy High Herbs and the Nimbin Mad Hattery.

We spent some time in the HEMP Embassy where they promote the use of hemp for medicinal purposes and the use of hemp plant fibre in sustainable fashion, cosmetics, building material, pavers and even coffins!  I found it difficult to explain to the boys what some of the implements were used for, and when Jarrah asked to look at the Dr Zeuss book, Green Nugs and Hash, I knew it was time to move on!

We had a couple of beers in the Nimbin Hotel and we thought it best that I stay with the boys while Bruce checked out the HEMP Bar - a meeting place for Cannabis Law Reform activists from all over the earth.

I have to admit to being a little insulted that Bruce was offered the local produce on the street (several times during the day) and I wasn't asked once!  Perhaps I looked too conservative?  Or perhaps it was because Bruce hadn't shaved or showered for a week?  Not that I would have indulged, it would just have been nice to have been asked!  LOL

Before the day ended we couldn't resist returning to have another jam on the djembe drums.  We had such fun that somehow, we ended buying three drums, of varying sizes and tones.  Not sure how that happened, or where they are going to fit, but I am sure that they will go well with our keyboard, two guitars and two didgeridoos that we already have aboard.

It was difficult to leave this beautiful place and well after dark before we got home.

"May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you,
and the pure light within you, guide your way home."

-Aquarius Festival Anthem