Mullumbimby is a scenic town situated at the foot of Mount Chincogan beside the Brunswick River. Known fondly by the locals as ‘Mullum’, this hub of counter-culture is a short 24-minute drive north of Byron Bay.

Mullumbimby was originally inhabited by the Dur-ung-bil people, who are a part of the larger Midjungbal tribe. When Europeans colonised the region in the 1850s, Mullumbimby became the centre of the local timber industry. Early settlers collected huge quantities of red cedar, which contributed to the shipbuilding, dairying, and agricultural enterprises that sustained the town in the 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Mullumbimby was its own municipality from 1908 until it joined the Byron Shire in 1980. In the 1990s, the Byron Shire Council offices moved to Station Street in Mullumbimby, and are still there today.

Mullumbimby is also the home of the region’s independent newspaper, the Byron Shire Echo, which began in 1986.

The most prominent natural feature of Mullumbimby is striking Mount Chincogan, which towers 260m above the town. The mountain is a minor lava plug of the now extinct Tweed shield volcano. Neighbouring Wollumbin (Mount Warning) is the main lava plug of the same volcano.
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The township of Mullumbimby – the ‘Biggest Little Town in Australia’ – is laid out in a grid, making easy to navigate and bike-friendly. Burringbar Street, Dalley Street, and surrounding side streets are lined with a unique range of shops and eateries, including the historic Middle Pub. The town also has a small IGA and larger Woolworths supermarket.

Located 2km out of Mullumbimby’s township is the Mullumbimby Showground. With a hinterland backdrop, a well-kept grassy area, access to the Brunswick River, and powered campsites, the Mullumbimby Showground is a great facility for both locals and visitors.

Festivals and Events in Mullumbimby
Mullum Music Festival
Since 2008, the annual Mullum Music Festival has celebrated the colourful community spirit of Mullumbimby. Each year, the festival showcases local, national, and international music talent, with live shows taking place at a number of existing venues around the town. The lively street parade is a festival favourite.

The Mullumbimby Show
At over a century old, the Mullumbimby Show is a classic agricultural show held at the Mullumbimby Showground. Highlights include the talent show, pet show, cattle and poultry shows, and the demolition derby.

Mullumbimby Markets
The Mullumbimby Community Markets take place on the third Saturday of each month in Summers Park on the corner of Stuart and Myocum Streets. The stalls range from handmade home wares and fashion to fresh produce and exotic foods.

Mullumbimby Farmers Markets
Whatever the weather, the Mullumbimby Farmers Market is held Fridays from 7am to 11am at the Mullumbimby Showground. There is lots of free parking, farm-fresh local produce, and great coffee.

Attractions in Mullumbimby
Sports Fields
There are four sports fields in Mullumbimby:

The Barry Lomath Oval
Byron Street Sporting Fields: netball courts, tennis courts, skate park
Jubilee Avenue Sporting Fields: sports grounds, tennis courts
Pine Avenue Soccer Fields: playground, soccer fields, amenities

Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming Pool
Located on Jubilee Ave, the Mullumbimby Swimming Pool is named after local Olympic gold medallist, Petria Thomas. The swimming pool features a 50m pool ideal for swimming laps, plus smaller children’s pools. During the summer months, kids can climb the inflatable jumping castle. Snacks, hot food, and coffee are available from a small tuck shop.

Mullumbimby Golf Course
The 18-hole Mullumbimby Golf Course is a country style course with a rolling hinterland and farming backdrop. The adjacent golf club is widely known as Australia’s friendliest.

Mullumbimby Skate Park
Situated on Stuart Street, the Mullumbimby Skate Park features a number of connected bowls, a half pipe, a couple of banks, and a small box grind block. The surface is very smooth, making it suitable for skateboarding, scooters, and BMXs.

Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
The peaceful Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens are located in the luscious hinterland behind Mullumbimby. Features include expertly manicured gardens, the world’s largest crystals, a labyrinth, and the local and organic Lotus Cafe.

Spaghetti Circus
Founded in Mullumbimby, Spaghetti Circus Inc. is a performing arts school and company that educates youth in the Northern NSW region in circus arts and physical theatre.

Facts & Figures
Founded: 1908

Post Code: 2482

Population: 3,172

Name Origin: Mullumbimby means ‘small round hill’ and was given to the area by local indigenous people

Nearby Towns: Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Wilsons Creek, Goonengerry, Main Arm

Distance from Byron Bay: 20.9km (approx. 24-minute drive) via the Pacific Highway

Nightlife:
Club Mullum at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club: monthly ukulele night, open mic nights, touring music
The Middle Pub: Tuesday trivia, Friday karaoke, Sunday jam sessions
The Courthouse Hotel: live music

Schools, Preschools, and Day Care Centres:
Mullumbimby Public School, Mullumbimby High School, Hinterland Christian College, Shearwater Steiner School, St John’s Primary School, Mullumbimby Community Preschool, Little Shearwater Preschool Child Care, Durrumbul Preschool, Cobbers Child Care Centre

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ’s
Where are the Mullumbimby markets?
The Mullumbimby markets are held in Summers Park on the corner of Stuart and Myocum Streets.

Where is Mullumbimby NSW?
Mullumbimby is located in the north east of New South Wales in the Northern Rivers region. Mullumbimby is a part of the Byron Shire.

Where is Mullumbimby in Australia?
Mullumbimby is located on the east coast of Australia in northern New South Wales.

Where to eat in Mullumbimby?
Mullumbimby has no shortage of great places to eat. A few options include the Rock & Roll Coffee Company (fresh Asian food), the historic Middle Pub (quality pub fare), Poinciana Cafe (local and sustainable breakfast, lunch and dinner), and Milk and Honey (wood fired pizza).

What is Mullumbimby known for?
Mullumbimby is known as the counter-culture capital of the Byron Shire. Residents continue to embrace the laid-back, alternative lifestyle the town has celebrated since the 1970s. Mullumbimby is also known as the home of the Byron Shire Council Chambers, scenic hinterland, and popular community and farmers markets.

What is Mullumbimby like?
Mullumbimby is a small, quiet town with wide, flat streets, a number of historic buildings, and a luscious hinterland backdrop. The charming town is home to a number of alternative health shops, gourmet eateries, and world-class cafes.

What does Mullumbimby mean?
Mullumbimby means ‘small round hill’ and was given to the area by local indigenous people.

What to do in Mullumbimby?
Experience the colourful community spirit at the Mullumbimby Markets, or sample the very best local produce at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market. Take a dip at the Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming Pool, grab a bite eat or coffee on Burringbar Street, or catch some live entertainment at Club Mullum. Take a short hinterland drive to Crystal Castle, or visit during one of Mullumbimby’s popular festivals.

How far is Mullumbimby from Brisbane?
Mullumbimby is 151km from Brisbane, about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive via the M1.

How far is Mullumbimby from Byron Bay?
Mullumbimby is 21km from Byron Bay, about a 24 minute drive via the Pacific Highway.

How to pronounce Mullumbimby?
Mull-um-bim-bee. Locals refer to the town as ‘Mullum’.