Tourist Drive 32 – The Alternative Way
hit the road
Experience an alternate way of life on this road trip north of Lismore to Nimbin, where you’ll be treated to artistic talents, delicious local produce, and beautiful views of three World Heritage-listed national parks, before winding your way along the Tweed River to Murwillumbah.
LISMORE
Start in the heart of Lismore, at one of our city’s most popular parks, Heritage Park (cnr Molesworth St and Bruxner Hwy). A paradise for kids and a treat for parents too with a water park and miniature railway train that takes passengers on a circuit around the park. There’s also cleverly designed play equipment, shelters, barbecues and toilets.
Depart Heritage Park, turning left onto Molesworth Street, then left at the Woodlark Street roundabout, crossing over the Wilsons River. Turn right at the first roundabout, onto Bridge Street, then left at Terania Street. Follow for about 31km to Nimbin.
Local Tip: Stop at Goolmangar and visit the store that supplies just about everything to the local community, including barista coffee and a range of tasty treats.
Nimbin Rocks will come into view just before Nimbin. There is a viewing area on the left just before the village where you can read about the towering rocks estimated to be 20 million years old. The site is of great cultural significance to the traditional Bundjalung Nation, and for that reason access is restricted to the Rocks.
Nimbin, AUSTRALIA's ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE CAPITAL
Nimbin shot to fame in 1973 when it hosted the Aquarius Festival, attracting people 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.
Nimbin shot to fame in 1973 when it hosted the Aquarius Festival, attracting people 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.
Local Tip: Nimbin Soundtrail is an audio experience, featuring 18 stories throughout the village. Download the ‘Soundtrail App’ and select Nimbin to enjoy!
Nimbin is intriguing with its unique mural streetscape and colourful local characters. Take your time to enjoy the unique retailers, and pick up environmentally sustainable hemp products including fashion, cosmetics and alternative medicines. Visit the galleries for locally made wares and works by local artists and delve into the local food scene that is dynamic and vibrant just like the village where fresh produce reigns supreme.
Local Tip: Nimbin Markets are held on the fourth and fifth Sundays of the month at the Nimbin Community Centre, a colourful collection of unique items, alternative therapies and live music. Nimbin Farmers Market is held every Wednesday at 39 Cullen Street, from 3-6pm.
Nimbin Recreation Precinct includes a skatepark designed for use by skateboards, inline skates and BMX bikes with a snake run that drops into a larger bowl for advanced to beginner levels. There’s lawn bowls, a children’s playground with picnic and barbeque facilities, and free community swimming pool. The soon to be realised Rainbow Road Walking Track will also start and finish at the precinct.
Nimbin’s Sustainable Living Hub at 7 Sibley Street is a community owned and funded project committed to teaching skills and promotes and sells all aspects of sustainable living, including locally-made and handcrafted products. Allow time to participate in a skills-sharing workshop or demonstration.
Local Tip: Visit the Nimbin Artists Gallery open 7 days and explore the creative wonders produced by of Nimbin’s amazing diversity of local artists. The studio is run by the artists themselves that volunteer and have works on display, it’s a great place to drop in and say hello, meet one of the locals, enjoy their talents and take home a special piece of Nimbin.
Nimbin Culture, coffee & candles
Head north along Cullen Street, turning right after Cullen Bridge to visit the Nimbin Candle Factory and Nimbin Bush Theatre.
The candle factory has been making beautiful traditional, non-toxic candles using essential oils and vegetable dyes since 1973. See how the candles are made using the water-powered dipping deck inspired by equipment used in ancient monasteries.
Local Tip: The Nimbin Bush Theatre on the banks of Mulgum Creek host a varied program of lively events, and alternative wellness experiences. Book in for a cacao ceremony and sound journey meditation or nourishing yin yoga and crystal bowl sound bath.
Head north from the old butter factory for 7km to Blue Knob Gallery and Café (719 Blue Knob Rd), nestled below the sacred Aboriginal landmark of Lillian Rock. The gallery showcases the work of local artists through a changing exhibition program. The gallery’s café offers all day breakfast, lunch, snacks, cakes and coffee. It’s a great place to stop and enjoy the mountain views of Nightcap National Park.
CLARRIE HALL DAM and CRAM's FARM
Continue on Blue Knob Road to Kyogle Road. Turn right towards Murwillumbah to the Clarrie Hall Dam turnoff, about 3km south of Uki.
Surrounded by over 900 hectares of forested land and Mt Jerusalem National Park, the scenic location is popular for photography, picnics, bush walking and bird watching. Activities permitted on the dam include canoeing, boating and fishing. There’s picnic areas, barbecues and toilets. Further down the road (17km) is scenic Cram’s Farm, with 14 hectares to explore, and a boat ramp for launching watercraft.
Mountain Magic
Backtrack along Clarrie Hall Dam Road and turn right onto Kyogle Road. Nestled at the foothills of Wollumbin Mount Warning, Uki is a charming village with galleries, markets, and cosy cafes.
The historic post office hosts a local coffee roastery and art space, while Mount Warning Hotel serves up pub meals with stunning views. Explore vintage shops, creative spaces and the general store for unique finds.
Local Tip: The popular Uki Buttery Bazaar Market is held on the third Sunday of the month at the old butter factory. Held at the same location is the Uki Craft & Produce Market, every Saturday morning.
About 4km north of Uki, turn left off Kyogle Road onto Mount Warning Road. Follow until you reach Wollumbin National Park.
Local Tip: Pre-order a picnic hamper from award-winning Mavis’s Kitchen & Cabins on Mount Warning Road to enjoy in the area.
Murwillumbah
Backtrack to Kyogle Road, turn left and drive onto Murwillumbah for 11kms. Visit the Tweed Regional Museum and immerse in art at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, featuring national shows, local artists, and a tribute to beloved artist Margaret Olley.
For information, visit Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre, 284 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah. Here you’ll also find the starting point for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Local Tip: Fancy exploring the rail trail? A number of businesses offer bike hire, including electric bikes.
