Follow the Mullumbimby sign off the Pacific Highway, then take a short 10-minute drive inland, along the tree-lined, character-filled streets, that open onto breathtaking mountain views in the distance. A quintessential country town with an eclectic twist - like the plethora of independent shops that have popped up in the quaint, art deco buildings and, more recently, the town’s old bank which has been tastefully restored into a fabulous Russian Bathhouse, complete with bank vault interiors. Banya Bathhouse opened with gusto late last year, and is a decadent wellness spa, with all the fine trimmings. A full bar and food menu is served in the impressive dining area, or
order as you soak in the luxe magnesium pools, adjacent to the steam room and sauna. Stay awhile and sip a margarita on the elegant rooftop deck. From local farmers, heading in from the valley (outfitted in their flannelette shirts and gumboots) to pick up their weekly supplies, to an array of colourfully dressed artists and designers, ordering their favourite oat milk concoction - Mullum is home. Book a weekend away and stay at Blackbird Byron (in the hills above), boasting sweeping views across the valley, back
to Byron Bay. The perfect place to watch the sun set by the sublime pool and enjoy home-made pizzas by the outdoor fire as night is falling. As the sun rises, head down the hill and grab a coffee at one of the many cafés the town has on offer, like the ‘Rock and Roll Coffee Company’ a favourite amongst the locals (you may even
spot a celeb or two). Book a two-hour soak at the ever-popular Kiva Spa - a hidden
gem down a laneway garden path. Kiva is a Bali-style bathhouse, with sweat lodge, Turkish Hamman steam room, outdoor spas, and plunge pool - both relaxing and affordable. Grab a local $15 counter meal at the Middle Pub - decked out in true vintage style, it’s the best place to eat a chicken schnitty and watch the world go by. There’s a selection of independent shops to browse, like The Silver Lining, a vintage haven jam-packed with reclaimed designer threads and real cowboy boots. Across the road is the elegantly styled Cactus Hill Project bursting with the latest interior trends and the most
exquisite, modern furniture. That’s Mullumbimby in a nutshell - a Bali-style bathhouse, a recycled clothing shop and a designer furniture store. For dinner we can’t go past a crowd favourite Milk & Honey offering tasty woodfired sourdough pizzas with a lively wine and cocktail bar. For authentic Japanese try Izakaya Yu, their
crunchy karaage chicken pairs perfectly with a Japanese hot sake. On our way back up the hill to Blackbird, we stock up at Santos Organics, a health food shop and café, operating since 1978 in arguably one of the best buildings in town. There’s an organic juice bar and naturopath on site, and the shelves are packed high with local goodness.
Sourcing and supporting local runs deep through the Mullumbimby community’s veins, the weekly farmers market, is the perfect place to meet and eat each Friday.
Mullumbimby Farmers Market is like a mini festival, complete with street food, performers and an assortment of the freshest, local produce. As we wave goodbye to Mullum and pass by the town’s art deco buildings like the Corner Hotel, Ex-Services Club, Civic Club and public pool, a sense of nostalgia washes over us. We vow to come back and explore the older side of town. We pay homage to the renowned Mullum Music Festival, that helped put the town on the map for live music. For live
music, head to one of the town’s pubs, or enjoy the array of local talent that pops up at the weekly farmers market. The Middle Pub has launched ‘Balcony Beats’ with live DJ beats on the balcony of the iconic pub - the place to be when the sun goes down over the majestic, Mount Chincogan. As we venture out of town, we stop off at a funky pop-up café and market garden along the road, adorned with a sculptured ‘LOVE’ sign. The Paddock Project is a roadside stall and garden that employs and supports, local people
with a disability - community is at the heart of the project.
Further along we turn into the industrial estate, another hive of activity - from a local brewery to a day spa to a traditional Udon eatery. Tombo is a Japanese inspired pop-up that sources local ingredients to create the tastiest Miso and Udon dishes. Wandana Brewing Co. is all about fermenting local flavours to the vibration of music (you read that right!) and is the place to gather and indulge in streets eats, crafted beers and DJ beats right across the weekend. Mukti Organics (circa 2000) is proudly female owned and operated. A Mullumbimby favourite, we indulge in a facial at their newly opened and opulent beauty rooms, also in the Industrial Estate. It’s a wellness sanctuary from the moment you walk in, starting with a soothing, copper bowl foot spa and ending with a Argiletz clay antioxidant masque. Grab a take-home pot of their best seller -
Marigold Hydrating Crème, a Mukti staple.