Mullumbimby, just 15min drive from Byron Bay is in the middle of the Rainbow Region, surrounded by rolling hills, volcanic cliffs and breathtaking valleys. This is the region where the first wave of surfers and hippies chose to settle after the Aquarius Festival in the early 70s. In years they have been joined by urban professionals and many of them emerged as civic leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, editors, writers, poets, photographers and technology wizzes. They share a love of music and dance and cherish their environment. The Brunswick River winds through the town on its way to the sea. Palms and trees line its wide, welcoming streets. Cafes that are never crowded and a laid back buzz give the town a rare sense of rural ease and cosmopolitan abandon.