At the Pacific Highway turn-off now market by a selection of totem poles topped by a very large pelican there used to be an arrow-shaped sign pointing the way and declaring “Mullumbimby – biggest little town in Australia”.
The alternative lifestyle movement of the early seventies brought a whole range of new settlers into the Mullumbimby area, drawn by the beautiful land and inexpensive housing then available and the faltering rural economy of this farming town took a new direction.
Timber-getters were the first settlers and a village established on the banks of the Brunswick River was proclaimed in 1888. The arrival of the railway in 1894 encourage the development of dairying and agriculture and the town thrived during up until the 1960’s as a service centre for the many small surrounding farms. Local history of the region is on display at the Brunswick Valley Historical Museum housed in the old timber post office in Myocum Street, and the Heritage Park features rainforest plants of the area and a delightful walk beside the river bank.
With the building of the Byron Shire Council headquarters in the late ’90’s, the town gained a further economic push, and is again a busy service centre with a distinctly funky edge.
“Mullumbimby” is an Aboriginal word for ‘small round hill’ and the dominating cone of Mt Chincogan provides the backdrop of the town, and the name for the annual fiesta. Streets are closed for stalls and a major parade, and the highlight is the Chincogan Charge, a footrace to the top and back.
INFORMATION
- Population – 2900
- Transport Services
- Blanch’s Bus Service
- Brunswick Valley Coach & Travel
- Railway
- Council – Byron Shire Council
MAJOR EVENTS
- Community Markets – 3rd Saturday each month
- Chincogan Fiesta – September
- Community Links
- Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre