The area around Nimbin is beautiful and one can see why people would want live there. The climate is mild, the land is lush and fertile. Back in the 70s a mixture of people took up residence in the area. There were environmentally conscious people; people interested in permaculture, sustainability and hippie types. They started their communes; they protested and succeeded in stopping rain forest logging in the state of N.S.W.
The indigenous people of Australia had a life style that had no detrimental effect on the environment for tens of thousands of years. Then the white man came and discovered Australia or should I say invaded it as Australia was already inhabited by perhaps the oldest race on earth. The invaders cleared and plundered the land, their cattle polluted the streams and the aboriginal way of life was stamped out. The materialistic commercial system favored a few and created hardship for others.
Some forward thinking people and lots of dreamers thought there had to be a better way. These people formed communes and struggled to establish a life in line with their Hippie ideals. The Hippies were those Vietnam protesters, women’s rights movement, peace and unbinding love advocates. Love based on one’s honor instead of a binding legal document.
In America the pot smoking, long-haired Hippies made the headlines. Morally depraved, sabotaging Christian values. They were easy pickings for the negative news stirs. They were a threat to the American way of life. Folk singing Hippies were ‘Blown in the wind’ by a record company deal and the beads and colourful dress became commercialized into a fashion statement. Bob Dillon went electric and commerce thrived.
1973 the Aquarius Festival was held in Nimbin. Nimbin was put on the map as the first place in Australia to allow communal land title and became know as ‘The Alternative Lifestyle Capital. The media dubbed it “The Drug Capital of Australia”. As usual the negative is stressed because it is sensational and sells papers and advertising.
Cannabis can never be made legal it would put the breweries out of business. There would be dropouts in education, absenteeism would rise in the work force. The incentive drive would be replaced by an optimistic laid-back, could not care less attitude. Home gardens of non taxable herbal roll your own would flourish. The whole grasping commercial system would go to pot.
Nimbin and the surrounding area is a sight well worth a visit, if your intentions are to enjoy the arts and crafts and the natural beauty. I have visited Nimbin over a number of years and found it to be a quiet little village. The local people are an assortment of friendly kind individuals.
If you go to Nimbin, or anywhere for that matter, with selfish intentions of gratifying your wanting ego, you will be disappointed. Nimbin is a quiet peaceful village under normal conditions. You can still wear your recycled cloths and a flower in your hair the locals will not mind or you can buy some new colourful hand-made cloths in Nimbin. If you want imitation faded, frayed and worn jeans you may have to go to an up market store in the city.
I enjoyed this visit and did not leave without a sample of the local generosity. I was given four posters, one poster I gave to Pauline, I gave the others to people who like colourful fun posters and may care to go to the event.
Wow…the clothes are so colorful! i have nothing like it in my wardrobe in Florida.
I am sure you will find colours like them in Florida although Florida’s colors are a bit different to our coloUrs.
There’s a place I’d like to retire to.
It is lush fertile unspoiled nature at its best. I am sure you would fit in and be inspired to write brilliant stories about the people and history of the area.
Reblogged this on gypsy life and commented:
Another great post from Jack. He called into Nimbin on his way home after his time away with Matilda. Nimbin is a very interesting and different place. Worth a visit.
This is like a rocket blast to the past!!! What great photos and post. You must be off to Tasie soon. I am off too. Up, up and away……Bon Voyage and safe travels~
Nimbin and the bigger towns in this beautiful area have hardly changed since the 60s Pauline will have to do a blog no some of these old towns.Thanks for the comment and we will be looking forward to your travel photoes. All the best.
Thanks the reblog. A nice village set in natural beauty and only about 50 km further along a senic road. I wanted to be home but such a nice day I could not resist going back to see the changes since our last enjoyable visit. How long ago was that we took your sister?
what a great place! how could one not have a good day if they’re walking around and alive in the color and mood of that area! z
Nimbin is a fertile lush area unspoiled with natural beauty. Pauline and I are fortunate to live near to all city amenities, close by the ocean and just a short drive to rainforests and rural areas. If it was not for my itchey footed pommepal I would stay within a days drive of our house in Burleigh.
Looks like my kind of place to visit.
Yes I think you would like it there.
Absolutely!
WOW!! The 1960’s are alive and well!! What fun~
The sixties were pure joy.
Ah! but ignorance is bliss so they say.
I am thinking about those gas guzzeling cars with the lounge chair seats and big ornate fins.
It was fun but we have learned a lot since then.
we have digital camars and computers, who needs rocket ship looking cars.
Very interesting and educative. Amazing community indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting and commenting. _/\_
Thanks for dropping by my site jack. Nimbin seems to be an idyll replete with all-round greenery, the ocean front and copious fresh air and a great commune keen on conservation. Hope to pass by thi region some day…best wishes…Raj .
To me this whole area is blessed with natural beauty.
I hope you can visit you will like it I am sure.
Research the area on Google there in a lot more pro see than beaches.
I’m supposed to be getting emails of your posts Jack, but nothings coming through, will do a Sherlock and see whats what.
Ian/Emu
Oh what a beautiful place, could easy retire there. Quiet nature and friendly people. Bliss
Thank you for sharing Jack.
The whole area is beautiful, with your love of nature, you would fit in wonderfully. _/\_