Alternative living on the north coast

Northern New South Wales remains the national capital of alternative culture, politics, spirituality and leftism in Australia.

In spite of engulfing commercialization that has seen communities evolve from hippies to yuppies, the region is home to vibrant characters who strive to live the dream.

Around Byron shire -- the northern rivers region -- hitchhikers get picked up in minutes. Musicians, artists and drift-ins walk the streets barefoot and red-eyed. There’s a lingering scent of the flower power generation, while surfers search for that perfect wave.

The subtropical enclave sits in a volcanic basin of beaches, mountains, rivers and waterfalls that was sacred to indigenous tribespeople who would spiritually cleanse in the area. Such a philosophy has been passed down to New Agers.

Our journey encompasses towns on the coast and in the hinterland that are all within a quick hitch of each other, and looks for natural highs and good vibes from characters that make the region tick.

Spiritual dances and cockatoos in Byron Bay

Byron Bay has a magnetic appeal for travelers. Pubs, cafés, bookshops and buskers line the streets.

“Even though it’s becoming busier, there’s still this incredible wildlife and connection to spirit,” says Daisy Kaye.

Like many Byron Bay residents, she conducts alternative dance workshops (where she administers herbal concoctions) for worn-out city slickers and trippers in search of a different experience.

"It facilitates something where people can take that home and integrate it into their daily life,” she says. “Byron definitely has that energy.”

It’s a town full of characters, like Cockatoo Paul, who likes the fact he can walk down the street with a cockatoo on his shoulder and nobody looks twice. He also reckons he can get a feed anytime, for free: he runs bush tucker workshops leading people to lilli pillis and midyim berries, “Which can keep you going for hours,” he says.

He also plays guitar, drums and didgeridoo every Thursday at the Byron Brewery, adjoining backpacker joint ‘The Arts Factory’.

“I love that there is such a diverse mix of people -- a lot of young, healthy and vibrant people," says Paul. "And the hippies still come down from the hills and party on, keeping the vibe interesting.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorful grass in Nimbin

Nimbin is famous for the hippie communes that sprang from The Aquarius Festival in the 1970s, where many lingered. Marijuana plantations have flourished and it’s become the home of anti-grass prohibition march Mardi Grass and also the Rainbow Power Company, the oldest renewable energy business in Australia.

To Max Pike, Nimbin is a little piece of paradise. He lives on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Tallebudgera Valley with four generations of his family. He works as a DJ and as a multimedia producer.

“Nimbin has an infamous reputation but it’s born out of the goodness of peoples hearts," says Pike. "People are very tolerant and accepting of difference and that means a lot of people that would usually live on the fringes of a community play an active roll here.”

“Sure, there are a whole lot of stoned hippies living in the hills, but there’s much more than the stereotype. There’s a vibrant art scene with four galleries, two fashion houses, funky markets, groovy cafés and the most colorful streetscape Australia has to offer.”