Byron Bay - Part 2

While in Byron Bay, we camped in a small town called Mullumbimby. It is a short 20-km drive northwest of Byron Bay. The town's name is said to come from the Bunjalung people - 'muli' meaning hill - so Mullumbimby means 'small round hill'. Thus it is refered to as "The Biggest Little Town in Australia". We saw a sign in the road that says that. I needed to know why so I asked Mr. Google and that explains it.

Mullumbimby is a gateway to a number of hinterland areas of great beauty and being near Byron Bay, a lot of local and foreign tourists visit the town. I will not forget this town because of the hippies we saw in town. I make it a point to refer to something so I can easily remember the towns we've visited. Like when I think of dinosaurs, it will remind me of the events in Winton. Same with fossicking which we did in Sapphire. The hippies were everywhere we go so maybe they should refer it as "the town of hippies". That would be more fascinating i think.


Anyway, continuing our tour of Byron Bay and the nearby towns, we drove 28.5 kms to the next town called Ballina to see Killen Falls. Killen Falls is located 10 mins from Ballina just below the Emigrant Creek dam. It is a spectacular waterfall dropping into a large, cool waterhole. The waterfall and its waterhole are hidden amongst the rainforest. A quick walk and an easy climb down the embankment will bring you to an amazing view underneath the falls.

Killen Falls

The couple on top is missing this amazing view from below.

Standing under the falls is exhilarating.

After Killen Falls we drove back up north to see Minyon Falls. It is a waterfall in the Nightcap National Park standing at over 100 metres (330 ft) high, this waterfall is a popular visitor attraction and is located around 38 kms west of Byron Bay. from the platform, you can see the drop all the way down ad the view is just amazing. Unfortunately the editor did not see the drop because of his fear of heights. I took a picture of it so he can see what is down there but its different when you look down from above.

Minyon Falls



 



The editor did not even step on the viewing platform.
That's how acrophobic he is.

this is the view if you look down from the platform


After taking pictures of the falls, we decided to head back to Mullumbimby and call it a day. But driving back to the camp we pass by a sign that says Crystal Castle and me thinking it was a castle, insisted we have a look. It was not a castle but it was a good decision we dropped by. It is a huge property that is nestled in the hinterland. It has a cafe, labyrinth, bookstore a huge display of crystals, gems, jewelries and a number of mystical statues. The landscaping is breathtakingly beautiful! Walking along the garden is soothing and it feels like being in a mystical place.

This is a map of the property. Entrance is $17 per adult.

Amethyst caves like this are displayed anywhere go.

This amethyst cave is around 10 million year old.
It began life as a huge bubble in a volcanic lava flow.

Amethyst of different forms and sizes are displayed around the
property and small ones can be seen in the gift shop.

This one is called "The Wizard's Hat"



They also have different kinds of semi-precious stones.





This statue is Ganesh











Walking along the "Bamboo Avenue" is so relaxing.



 

A huge Buddha in the lotus pond.