🔍

Nimbin

NSW 2480 • Rest of NSW

1,607
Population (2021)
$24,908
Median Income
72.88 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
Alternative LifestyleHinterlandRuralHistoricAffordable

About Nimbin

Nimbin is a small but internationally recognised village in the northern New South Wales hinterland, situated approximately 30 kilometres west of Lismore within the Lismore City council area. With a population of 1,607 according to the 2021 Census, the community skews older — the median age is 50 — and is predominantly Anglo-Celtic in ancestry with a strong alternative-lifestyle ethos. Household incomes sit well below the national average, reflecting the area's self-sufficient economy, artist communities, and high proportion of small-scale farming and creative enterprises.

Nimbin is Australia's most famous countercultural hub, permanently shaped by the 1973 Aquarius Festival that brought alternative communities to the area and transformed the village's identity. The main street is a vibrant strip of colourful murals, independent cafes, art galleries, and craft shops, while the annual MardiGrass festival draws visitors from across the country each autumn. Surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest, organic farms, and intentional communities, Nimbin appeals to those seeking an alternative lifestyle in a strikingly beautiful landscape.

Nimbin falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by Lismore Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2480
Urban Area
Lismore - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Lismore
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.58°, 153.24°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
72.88 km²
Elevation
80m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Blanch's Bus Service Route 690 — Lismore City Centre 40–50 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
750 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
8–9 hours to Sydney
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 hours to Sydney

🛣️ Nimbin is a self-contained village; most residents work locally or in Lismore (30km). Lismore is the nearest regional centre.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The village centre is walkable within Nimbin itself, but reaching Lismore or most services requires a car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Nimbin by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Nimbin Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Nimbin" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,199
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.8%

0 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,477
Census 2021
1,607
▲ 8.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$22,568
Income 2021
$24,908
▲ 10.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,021
Born Overseas 250

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 83
  • 2. New Zealand 33
  • 3. Germany 27
  • 4. France 9
  • 5. Scotland 7
  • 6. United States 7
  • 7. Malaysia 6
  • 8. Canada 5
  • 9. Japan 5
  • 10. Singapore 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 610
Australian 406
Irish 253
Scottish 221
German 105
Australian Aboriginal 84
Dutch 44
Italian 41
French 18
Indian 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

763
Both parents born in Australia
314
Both parents born overseas
206
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
58.1%
Christianity
12.7%
Buddhism
2.5%
Hinduism
0.5%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
63 (3.9%)
5-14 years
180 (11.2%)
15-19 years
69 (4.3%)
20-24 years
65 (4.0%)
25-34 years
137 (8.5%)
35-44 years
171 (10.6%)
45-54 years
221 (13.8%)
55-64 years
341 (21.2%)
65-74 years
278 (17.3%)
75-84 years
72 (4.5%)
85+ years
15 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nimbin known for? +

Nimbin is famous as Australia's countercultural capital, shaped by the 1973 Aquarius Festival and known for its alternative community, colourful street murals, organic farms, and the annual MardiGrass cannabis law reform festival held each autumn.

How far is Nimbin from Lismore? +

Nimbin is approximately 30 kilometres west of Lismore by road, a drive of around 35–40 minutes through the hinterland.

Does Nimbin have public transport? +

Nimbin is served by limited bus services (Blanch's Bus Service) connecting to Lismore. There is no passenger rail service; a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Nimbin? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nimbin has a population of 1,607 residents. The community has a median age of 50 and a high proportion of long-term residents who have lived in the area for decades.

Is Nimbin a good place to live? +

Nimbin suits those seeking an alternative, community-oriented lifestyle surrounded by rainforest and rural beauty. It offers low housing costs and a strong sense of identity, though amenities are limited and Lismore is the nearest regional service centre.

What is the postcode for Nimbin? +

The postcode for Nimbin is 2480, shared with surrounding localities in the Lismore area of northern New South Wales.