Too Close in Mullumbimby
After our time inland, we pointed the moho east and rolled down from Toowoomba toward the coast. The plan was practical, and it felt like we needed a fix of salt air. Firstly, we would get Neil’s iPad repaired after a self-inflicted software mishap (bricked, beyond all logic), pick up some spare parts for our towing setup, and then head to the beach.
Brisbane was busy, and so was the Gold Coast. The traffic, the noise, the parking! We lasted long enough to tick the boxes, grab the parts, and decide that city life isn’t for us. It felt like trading open skies for brake lights.
So we kept heading south, avoiding Byron, towards Mullumbimby—or Mullum, as the locals call it—tucked between the hills and the coast, with a personality that’s part small-town, part time warp, and entirely its own.
We pulled into the showgrounds, parked beneath the trees, and immediately felt the tension drop…until someone decided to park less than two metres away from us in an unpowered section the size of three football ovals. Typical. Still, once we stopped grumbling and rolling our eyes about personal space, the calm crept back in. There’s something about Mullum that unknots you without asking permission.
We wandered the town, stretched our legs, and chatted with locals. Evenings were quiet with just us (moved away from our campsite intruders!), the sound of crickets, and the faint strum of a guitar somewhere down the street.
If you’ve ever felt like the road’s been a bit too loud, Mullum’s the place to turn the volume down.
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Mullumbimby
Known as the “Biggest Little Town in Australia,” Mullumbimby sits in the Byron Shire hinterland, surrounded by lush farmland and fringed by forest. Once a timber town, it’s now a creative hub filled with markets, artists, and an easy-going, alternative spirit.
How to Get There
Located about 10 km inland from Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby is an easy detour off the Pacific Motorway (M1) between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads. Access is fully sealed, and the showgrounds offer large, grassy sites ideal for motorhomes and caravans.
Tours and Access
What we did:
Wandered the main street and weekend markets.
Camped at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds under the shade of big trees.
Explored nearby Brunswick Heads for a swim and fish and chips by the river.
Other highlights you might explore:
Visit Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens for a touch of Mullum magic.
Drive into Byron Bay for a beach walk, then escape back before sunset traffic.
Catch some live music at one of the town’s small bars or community events.
Best Time to Visit
The Northern Rivers region is mild year-round, but autumn and winter (April to September) bring fewer crowds and clear, warm days.
Final Reflections
Mullumbimby reminded us what we love most about being on the road, finding places that feel like a deep breath. After the rush of the coast, this little town gave us space to pause, reset, and remember that slow is the whole point.
What’s Nearby
Head north toward Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley for more hinterland charm, or south to Byron Bay if you’re ready to dip back into the crowds (briefly).
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Fast Facts
Location: Mullumbimby, Northern Rivers, New South Wales
Distance: 760 km north of Sydney, 160 km south of Brisbane
Traditional Owners: Arakwal and Minjungbal Peoples of the Bundjalung Nation
Access: Fully sealed via Pacific Motorway (M1); 10 km inland from Brunswick Heads
Facilities: Shops, cafes, markets, pubs, fuel, showground camping, visitor centre
Walking Track: Mullumbimby Heritage Trail and nearby Brunswick River walk
Dog Friendly: Permitted at the showgrounds and some public areas (leashed)
Best Time to Visit: April – September for mild, sunny days
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Roundabouts: Locals navigate them by intuition, not rules. Follow the flow and smile.
Chill Vibes: May cause sudden relaxation. Side effects include staying an extra night.
Markets: Wallet risk high. Handcrafted everything. Resistance futile.
Other updates you may like…
After braving Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Mullumbimby was an exhale. A leafy hinterland town of markets, vintage shops, and slow mornings at the showgrounds. Proof that the best stops aren’t always planned.