Self-professed as ‘the biggest little town in Australia’, Mullumbimby is big on charm, slow living and character in equal measure. A mere forty-minute road trip south from Coolangatta, consider Mullumbimby (aka Mullum) a Northern Rivers gem.
Standing at the foot of Mount Chincogan in the Brunswick Valley, it's a ten-minute drive across the highway to the beach, or a little further inland for waterfalls and hikes. The town’s laidback lifestyle, hidden eateries and community markets amid spa days and gardens makes Mullumbimby a must-visit. Here’s your ultimate guide to Mullumbimby, according to Urban List.
Where To Eat In Mullumbimby
Mullumbimby Continental
53 Stuart St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: Mullumbimby Continental | Instagram
Indulge in natural wines, local beers and tasty plates at Mullum’s much-loved wine bar and Euro-esque bistro, Mullumbimby Continental. Open 3pm til late seven days and from 8am on the weekend, the top-notch tipple, moody bar and memorable dishes pair with a complimentary side of beats and banter from behind the bar.
Whether you book through a text or walk on in, expect old school hospitality, a good chat, and creative dishes that just keep on giving. From the team behind Melbourne's Revolver Upstairs and Cookie, big city attention to detail meets small town chat at the Conti. With Karen Batson and Jacob Chapman heading up the kitchen, menu items like the Bloody Mary prawn sliders, seafood risoni with fennel, orange and saffron or charred kale, anchovy butter and pangrattato have our hearts.
Yaman Mullumbimby
1/62 Stuart St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: Yaman | Instagram
Yaman Mullumbimby has garnered a cult-like following for its undeniably addictive Middle Eastern specialities and we can see why. Whether it’s a wrap, pocket, plate or salad, this hideaway’s a hit every time.
Favourites range from the hummus falafel plate to the chicken Malawach (a Yemenite flatbread) which is loaded with the likes of succulent slow-cooked chicken, lashings of green tahini zaatar and parsley, then rolled. Think: fancy kebab. We’re big fans of Yaman’s traditional middle eastern pita pockets featuring the Sabich with its fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, creamy hummus, Israeli salad, tangy pickles and amba (pickled mango). Flavours are big, bold and dangerously addictive.
Baba Emma’s
25 Manns Rd, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Trying new restaurants in a country town can sometimes feel like a gamble. At Baba Emma’s you’ll hit the jackpot. Every time. Set in an unassuming location, this pleasantly surprising Mullumbimby restaurant feels equal parts indulgent in taste and wholesome in experience.
Expect loaded plates of Russian meals like rich borscht, lamb and rice plov with cucumber salad and even dumplings. This place surprises, delights and we have no doubt you'll be back for more, very soon.
Rosetta Deli & Bistro
2/105 Stuart St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: Rosetta | Instagram
Rosetta is Mullumbimby’s carb-loaded pasta house and antipasti experience that has the official Nonna tick of approval so you know it’s good. Gather up the gang and taste your way around the likes of white anchovies and fennel salad, truffle mushroom arancini and baked provolone drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of oregano.
Set menus offer a generous range of selections and ala carte features showstoppers like chicken cacciatora with olives, red pepper and sage as well as osso buco ragu with tagliatelle. We won’t spoil dessert, but you should, to yourself, if you know what we mean.
Wandana Brewing Co.
20 Manns Rd, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Set in the outskirts of Mullumbimby, this small batch brewery invites sunbasking and beer tasting with open arms. Wandana Brewing Co.’s family-friendly locale offers impressive views of Mount Chincohan and regular food trucks deliver the goods.
Interestingly, this Mullumbimby brewery is a world-first for playing non-stop music to every beer the entire time its in the tank. According to their research, this improves yeast efficiency and impacts the flavour. It’s got to be sipped to be believed.
Pink Lotus Mullumbimby
72A Burringbar St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: Pink Lotus | Instagram
Mullumbimby’s main drag is peppered with homewares stores, bustling cafes and a smattering of eateries. But none are quite like Pink Lotus. Pull up a seat front of house, down the alley or in the garden ready to indulge in what can only be described as the most authentic Vietnamese in Mullumbimby.
The product of Dao Vo and her family’s recipes passed down through generations, Pink Lotus’ dishes feel both deeply traditional and refreshingly progressive. Slurp down rich beef pho bone broth topped with fresh herbs, thinly sliced beef and bean sprouts. Then again, the vegetarian drum sticks mimic chicken on the bone and are genuinely mindblowing. That is, if you can make your way past the bahn mi bar and generous creamy laksas. Good news, they’re open lunch and dinner for round two.
Empire Mullum
20 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
It’s not everyday you come across a menu featuring a magic mushroom beverage. But then again, it’s not every day you’re in Mullumbimby and The Empire’s cacao drink isn’t really filled with magic mushrooms, at least we don’t think.
Grab a cuppa, snag reasonably priced breakfast or get amongst lunchtime burgers like the pork belly, southern fried chicken or oyster mushroom. With their seasonal menu and dishes that hero fresh produce, make sure you hit The Empire when you're in Mullum and thank us later.
The Middle Pub
46 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
The Middle Pub might be the epitome of a quintessential Australian pub. No-fuss, well-priced and uncomplicated. In the heart of Mullum, here you'll find not only classic pub feeds but also motel-style suites and traditional timber-lined pub rooms for overnight stays. Of course, it wouldn't be a country pub without an array of vibing entertainment—come for musical bingo on Wednesdays and stay for Friday 'krappyoke' and Sunday afternoon jams.
Izakaya Yu
53 Stuart St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Asahi and ginger cocktail? Easy-peasy Japanesey. There’s no denying that Izakaya Yu offers the best Japanese in Mullumbimby for nori roll, agedashi tofu and karaage chicken fans alike. Come to curb cravings, stay for the impeccable dishes and return for the incredibly friendly staff. Opt to flame-grill meat cuts for banquets, or sit back while the talented team cleverly execute each dish to absolute perfection.
Things To Do In Mullumbimby
The Banya
35-37 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: The Banya | Instagram
This experiential twist on the traditional European bathhouse offers a stunning communicable bathing experience alfresco. Opt to cold plunge, detox in the steam room and indulge in the wood-fired sauna.
Or, simply dip into the lap pool and hot tubs because comfort. Want to stay a while? Venture upstairs to lounge in the sun, grab a bite to eat or a mid-morning cocktail in the bar area. And any excuse will do for the luxe massage treatment at The Banya. Oh, if you must.
Kiva Spa
McGougans Ln, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Image Credit: Kiva Spa | Instagram
The scavenger hunt-esque experience of finding Kiva Spa down a laneway in the middle of town is half the fun. Behind its bamboo door lays Mullumbimby’s most charming day spa.
Wander through Kiva’s greenery-lined grounds to experience one of four heated hydrotherapy spas, wood-fired saunas and its domed ‘Turkish bath’ or steamroom during your bathhouse session. Or simply bliss out in the meditation garden. With massage and party options, make your roadtrip to Mullumbimby a deeply relaxing one at Kiva Spa.
Mullumbimby Farmer’s Market
51 Main Arm Rd, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Home-baked sourdough, the local harvest, and freshly plucked florals are just scratching the surface of what’s to love about the Mullumbimby Farmer’s Market. Curate your haul from a variety of local suppliers to the soundtrack of live musicians and lap up the strong community spirit that peppers through conversations and preserves. It’s the kind of place you leave, then somehow end up googling local real estate and thinking ‘I could live here’. Stop by 7-11am Wednesday and Friday.
Crystal Castle
81 Monet Dr, Montecollum NSW 2482
A visit to Mullumbimby wouldn’t be complete without a wander around the lush gardens of Crystal Castle. With its towering bamboo forests, ancient crystals and beginner-friendly sound healing, this is hands-down one of the best things to do in Mullumbimby during your visit. Whether you explore the labyrinth, unwind with a meditation or simply marvel at sculptures, there’s no wrong turn at this magical oasis in Mullum.
Where to Stay in Mullumbimby
Skyview Hemp Villa
Wilsons Creek NSW 2482
Image Credit: Skyview Hemp Villa | Airbnb
Did someone order an eco villa with a side of otherworldly views? If it was you, step inside this stunning haven overlooking the Byron Bay Hinterland.
Less than ten minutes from Mullumbimby, this modern Skyview Hemp Villa features an outdoor bath and an impressive yet minimal fitout with the occasional light sea breeze. Gaze at a star-spilling sky come nighttime and raise your glass to a Mullumbimby stay done right. Book here.
Blackbird
210 Frasers Rd, Mullumbimby Creek NSW 2482
Image Credit: Blackbird | Booking.com
‘Somewhere to escape the ordinary’ is what the folks at Blackbird describe their place as, but we reckon that’s being modest. Perched on the side of Mount Koonyum, this mirage-like oasis features an industrial-chic sauna, cactus-lined pool and chef-prepared meals.
The team partners with local businesses like The Banya to offer immersive experiences during your stay. Looking for the best luxury accommodation in Mullumbimby? Here. It. Is. Book here.
Spacious Self-Contained Studio
Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Whether it's a getaway with your lover or a solo ‘treat yourself’ stay in Mullumbimby, this self-contained studio is our top pick for a warm and comfortable place to rest your head.
A short drive into Mullumbimby’s city centre, this surprisingly spacious retreat homes a cloud-level bed and new amenities with a refreshing view of sprawling greenery. Consider this the perfect romantic hideaway and peaceful escape for your next Mullumbimby stay. Book here.