This article is classified "Real"
Nimbin is a small country town inland of Byron Bay in Northern New South
Wales, Australia. About twenty-five years ago, someone held a festival
there, called the Aquarius Festival, and lots of hippies went there. They
never left.
Nimbin is approached by a windy sealed road, meandering through rich cattle
pasture. You turn a corner, and suddenly you're there. It's a strange
town, having far too many craft shops and cafes for its own good, lots of
people in caftans, and a green haze over the whole area. The most action-
packed place in town is the footpath outside the museum, where people sit
by the "Legalize Marijuana" stall and watch the world go by.
You may be familiar with "No Smoking" signs on retail premises. Nimbin is
the only place I've ever seen that had "No Dealing" signs instead. Even in
the newsagents.
If you stand on the street in Nimbin for more than five minutes, and you're
not wearing a police uniform, you will be offered drugs. Don't bother
buying them... if you wait a bit longer or hang out in the right places
people will give them to you for free.
The only place to get money in Nimbin (unless you're dealing) is from the
newsagents, who will let you withdraw money by EFT (electronic funds
transfer) as long as you spend $5 there. Remember this, as you may need it.
The best place I found to stay in Nimbin was the backpackers' hostel, for
about $12 Australian per night. Be prepared to be sociable (i.e., smoke
drugs with the other residents), and keep your food locked away, or it will
be stolen on a munchie raid. The hostel also has a lovely swimming pool,
with a pebble interior and salt water. Be careful how you behave though.
Nimbin backpackers is the only place I've ever known that kicked people out
for "bad vibes."
There is also a hairdresser in Nimbin. I mention this only because I had a
haircut when I was there, and was a little concerned about having my hair
cut by someone who, in all probability, was going to see little green men
crawling out of my hair. Actually she was quite safe, and surprisingly
straight. And the haircut was only $10. She can be found on the left side
of the road as you head towards the school from the centre of town.
There is a bus once or twice a day from Nimbin to Murwillumbah, and somewhat
more often to Lismore. Don't mention computers to the driver -- he's a
drop-out programmer and will tell you all about it. Also, don't be
concerned by the hoards of screaming school children that will crowd the
bus -- they all disembark long before Murwillumbah.
If you are going to visit Nimbin, be sure to take with you:
* sunscreen (it's hot up there)
* drugs
* money (for drugs, or for food which will be stolen)
* tie-dyed clothes (to blend in with the natives)
* a towel (for swimming, sleeping on in the middle of the main
road, trading for drugs, etc)
Enjoy!