BEST THINGS TO DO IN MULLUMBIMBY WITH KIDS

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Family Guide of the best things to do in Mullumbimby with kids. Updated 2024.

Planning a family holiday to Byron Bay region?

Take a day trip to Mullumbimby and the Byron Hills.

This region is one of the most beautiful in the area, and there’s more than enough to fill up a day, or a week!

Plan a trip to coincide with Mullumbimby Music Festival, one of Australia’s best music festivals for families. The Mullum music fest has unprecedented access to local and international artists, and a chilled vibe.

Take a look at the fun things to do in Mullumbimby, including local events and activities below.

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Image credit: Doma Cafe Federal Village

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MULLUMBIMBY WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD, unless otherwise stated

Here’s the best list of things to do around Mullumbimby.

We recommend bringing the kids to Mullumbimby Pool early in the day for a swim, then spend the hours after lunch wandering the Mullumbimby shops on the main street, checking out the fashion and handmade goods.

Mullumbimby is in the midst of a groundswell of upward movement, but still retains old school charm.

There’s a bunch of:

well-stocked op shops to check out
multiple bookshops
a craft cooperative
yoga venues
fancy boutique-style dress shops
stylish homewares
three bakeries, and
the best health food stores around – Santos, and The Source Bulk Food Mullumbimby.

Visit the Mullumbimby Information Centre for more ideas on things to do in Mullum too.

RELATED: Best Australian Souvenirs you must buy for family and friends (UNIQUE!)

Image credit: John via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

No.1: Crystal Castle Mullumbimby

Your first stop on your way to Mullumbimby should be Crystal Castle to walk the labyrinth.

Stand between two of the tallest crystals on earth, or sit INSIDE an amethyst cave “dragon egg”.

That’s just TWO of the magnificent experiences at Crystal Castle Byron Bay.

Wander the rose quartz spiral labyrinth, visit the playground, and wander the Shambhala gardens to see the Giant Buddha.

Touch the spinning quartz ball in water, and snap an obligatory selfie in front of the Wings to Eternity Mural.

Before you go, enjoy a snack at the cafe, or mosey around the bookshop for gifts and souvenirs.

Click here for details including entry prices.

Crystal Castle should be on your list of must do things to do Mullumbimby style.

Address: 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby. Open 8am to 5pm daily.

Book a tour & transfers from Byron here.

Image credit: Mullum Chocolate Shop

No.2: Mullumbimby Chocolate Shop

One of the best adventures for kids in Byron Bay is a visit to Mullum Chocolate Shop

It was our special treat each holiday for years.

I’d give the kids $5 each spending money and they choose from a worldwide and retro selection of sweets, lollies and chocolate choices.

This shop is much loved for their range of:

fudge
divine chocolates from around the world
penny candies
licorice
handmade chocolates
gobstoppers
Wonka bars, and
chocolate blocks in every kind of flavour and combination.

Be prepared to spend at least 1/2 hour OR MORE, while the kids make their choices!

Wonder What to do in Mullumbimby with kids no longer!

Address: Shop 1/104 Dalley St, Mullumbimby.

Image credit: Mullumbimby Farmers Market

No.3: Mullum Farmers Market

Looking for Mullumbimby things to do for foodies?

Pop by the Mullumbimby showgrounds on a Thursday morning from 7am to 11am.

Named as one of the top three markets in Australia in the 2019 delicious Produce Awards, it’s not just about the food here, although that’s the main reason to head down.

The Mullumbimby community vibe, the humble location at the base of glorious Mt Chincogan, and the live music make this a fun day out to experience the best of Byron and surrounds.

This one is less about the tourist, and more about the locals, so mingle with the crowd to gain real insight into the beauty of this place and its’ people.

Pick up all your picnic goods including ripe red tomatoes, freshly baked sourdough, butter, creamy cheese, & ready to eat salads!

Do pick up a Rainbow Fruit flat for the kids from Monty’s.

These natural roll ups fruit leathers are a healthy treat you won’t forget.

Address: Mullum showgrounds, 51 Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby

Image credit: PureMelt

SHOPPING, SOUVENIRS AND MARKETS

No.1: Pure Melt Chocolates

Do not leave town without a bag of Love Bites.

You will not regret it!

No.2: Made in Mullum

Hands down, the best artisan-made handcrafted goods and souvenirs store in the Northern Rivers.

Do not miss it.

22 Burringbar Street.

No.3: The Artisan Forest handicrafts

Steiner-inspired handcrafts just waiting for you to fall in love.

698 Left Bank Rd, Mullumbimby Creek NSW 2482

Studio open Monday and Saturday.

Image credit: Punch and Daisy Mullumbimby

WHERE TO EAT IN MULLUMBIMBY WITH KIDS

No.1: Punch and Daisy Cafe Mullumbimby

Operating since 2014, Punch and Daisy Mullumbimby has a strong following with locals and out of towners.

Their organic buttermilk porridge with blueberries is just about the closest thing to authentic Finnish porridge.

Or you can opt for a coconut chia porridge with black tahini, mango, chilli and lime for a modern take on an old favourite.

Yes, they sell avo on toast, AND all the regular breakfast options too.

Lunch adds a few more token options, including burgers and fish cakes.

Or pick up a cake, a coffee and pull up a chair to snack in the sun.

Address: 105 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby.

Image credit: Empire Cafe

No.2: Empire Cafe Mullumbimby

Well known for breaky and burgers from 8.30am – 2.30pm.

Their Buddha Bowl of 100% buckwheat soba noodles, sauerkraut, sweet potato, spinach, avocado, pickled carrot and beetroot, tofu with sweet miso dressing and black sesame seeds is good health in a bowl.

But if you are after something sweet, the Bounty Acai is a crunchy choc and fruit combo. Add a dollop of peanut butter to boot.

These guys have a kids menu too, and a cool interior.

Address: 20 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby NSW

The Rock & Roll Coffee Company is another one to stop by: 3/55 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby

No.3: Izakaya Yu

This is the best Japanese restaurant with a real cosy Japanese yakitori bar feel around these parts.

Try the ramen, or the karaage chicken.

Go early, as it gets busy. Locals know the good food in town.

Address: 53 Stuart St, Mullumbimby.

Image credit: Yaman Mullumbimby

No.4: Yaman Mullumbimby

Pick up a pita pocket with:

freshly cooked falafel balls
green tahini
fresh salad
Israeli salad
pickles, and
sauerkraut.

You won’t regret it!

Or try one of their plates, full of authentic Middle Eastern flavours.

The Hummus falafel plate is popular, but the Chicken plate with tumeric rice should be your go-to.

Address: 62 Stuart street, Mullumbimby.

No.5: Uncle Toms Mullumbimby

A well known institution around these parts, having been in business selling pies for more than 90 years, Uncle Toms Pies is located at the T intersection where the Old Pacific Highway meets the road into Mullum town, the “Gateway to Mullumbimby”.

Pick up one of their popular pies:

Pepper steak
Steak and Mushroom
Minted lamb
Beef rendang
curried steak
butter chicken
vegetable mornay
curried lentil
chicken mornay

Or a spinach and feta roll, or a traditional sausage roll.

Sauce included!

Address: LOT 1 Gulgan Rd, Mullumbimby NSW 2482. Right at the T-intersection as you take the turn into Mullumbimby.

No.6: Doma Cafe Federal Village

This cute Byron hills town is home to Doma Japanese restaurant.

Stop for a wander around the main street to stretch your legs as you explore, let the kids run wild on the playground or in the nature play area, then check out the DOMA menu for lunch.

Be warned: It’s very popular and there will be a crowd.

The food is worth the drive!

(About 22 mins from Mullumbimby via Coolamon Scenic drive and Goonengerry Road)

Address: 3/6 Albert Street, Federal NSW 2480

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN MULLUMBIMBY

Update coming soon…

BEST MULLUMBIMBY ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES

Mullumbimby Library is a good stop if you want to chill out for 30 mins in the cool air.

WHERE TO SWIM IN MULLUMBIMBY

No.1: Mullumbimby Swimming Pool

Visiting Byron on a hot day during your family holidays?

Escape the tourist trap and crazy traffic of Byron Bay and hang out with the Mullum locals in a super-relaxed vibe at the Mullum Pool.

The retro style Mullumbimby Pool is our favourite community pool in the Northern Rivers.

The 50m Olympic Pool is the centrepiece of the complex, it’s blue water shining like a diamond in the centre of this cool country town.

The Mullumbimby Pool is staffed with life-guards, young and old, who help keep watch over the little ones in the pools, as well as keeping an eye on general safety around water.

(Supervision remains the responsibility of the parent or carer).

Kids are happy to splash about and play with new found friends in the shaded kids pool.

Sadly, there’s no water park for toddlers like the one at Tweed Aquatic Centre at Murwillumbah.

Picnic at Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming Pool

There’s grassy areas to sit and picnic, and lots of shade.

Plus, picnic tables all over the grounds, and a shaded spectator stadium where you can park your things on really hot days.

Bring your own water bottles, and holiday treats like the addictive Cheezels!

Giant Inflatables at the Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Pool

On Tuesdays and Thursdays during school holidays, and Sunday throughout the pool opening season, Mullumbimby Pool has a special treat just for the kids.

One of two Giant Inflatables is blown up by staff.

Kids can spend two solid hours:

running along the obstacle course
slipping and sliding down the slide, and
diving into the cool water of the Olympic Pool.

It’s an extra $4 per child to play on the Giant Inflatable. Pay at the front desk when you enter.

Kids are given a wrist band to show they are good to go.

Mullumbimby Pool inflatables operate from 12pm – 2pm.

Kids can swim, climb, slide and play on the blow up inflatable jumping castle, hovering over the deep end of the pool.

Local kids LOVE this fun adventure!

Mullumbimby Pool Cafe

There’s a cafe on site with the kids’ favourite cheese-topped hot dogs, and hot chips

($5 a box!)

Purchase tomato sauce or aioli extra for dipping.

I have it on good authority that the Beef Burger is tops too, but I’m a fan of the toasted turkish bread sandwiches with ham and melted cheese.

Hot sweet potato fries have recently been added to the menu.

Mullumbimby Pool Menu for Drinks

There’s coffee and chai for the mums and dads, plus hot chocolate for when the weather turns cold!

Or order one of their classic milkshakes in strawberry, chocolate or caramel.

Wondering what to do in Mullumbimby on a hot day?

We love going to Mullumbimby Pool (or Mullum Pool as the locals call it).

During summer, we hang out here day after day, especially when the Mullumbimby pool temperature is roughly 23°-24°C warm.

It’s a super budget day out for families in Byron and beyond, and the kids LOVE it.

$7.70 for a full day of fun in the sun for a child, including TWO HOURS jumping on the Giant Inflatable straight into the water.

That’s unbeatable value around these parts.

The Mullum pool is awesome for a fun, cheap day out in Byron Bay region.

Visiting the Mullumbimby pool is a unexpectedly super fun day out, just 20 minutes drive from Byron Bay, and 10 minutes from Brunswick Heads, especially when combined with a visit to these regional towns.

We LOVE the Mullumbimby pools, and visit often, eating hot sweet potato fries from their kiosk for an afternoon snack before dinner.

Address: Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming pool, Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby.

Telephone: Contact (02) 6684 2494.
Please call to confirm current opening hours before you go.
Location of Mullumbimby Pool: Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming Pool is located on Jubilee Ave in Mullumbimby, to the right of the Bowls Club.

The pool is operated by the Byron Shire Council.

Mullumbimby Pool Opening Hours

2020-2021 season at Mullumbimby Pool runs from September 2020 until late April 2021.

Operating 7 days.

Mullumbimby Pool opening times are as follows:

October to March

Monday to Friday – 6am to 7pm
Saturday 7am to 6pm
Sunday 8am to 6pm

September & April

Monday to Friday – 6am to 6pm
Saturday – 7am to 5pm
Sunday – 8am to 5pm

Swim Club operates on Friday nights.

Mullumbimby Pool Prices (2024-2025 season)

Adult: $4.50
Concession (with concession cards) $4.00
Child: $3.70 (2-18 years)
Spectator: $3.00
Child under 2 year: FREE
Children with disabilities, and carers with companion card: FREE

Unfortunately, there’s no family pass.

Discount Ticket Books

Adult 25 visits $95; 15 visits $57
Child 25 visits $78; 15 visits $47
Concession 25 visits $78; 15 visits $51

How to get to Mullumbimby Pool

By Bus:

Route 645 travels from Ocean Shores to Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby and Byron Bay (and return).
Bus stops at River Terrace Bus Zone, near the Post Office
Walk from there to the pool (5 minutes)

By Car: Click here to add your location for google map directions

How far is Mullumbimby from Byron Bay?

21.5km from point to point.

The drive takes about 25 minutes.

Other Pools in Byron Shire

Ballina Pool has two GIANT slides and a water park area for toddlers
Byron Bay pool has the best views in town! It’s right next to the Main Beach carpark, and you can see the ocean. There’s a shaded toddler and kids pool at one end.

Unfortunately, there is no Bangalow Pool although the town has a committee fundraising for one to be built.

Image credit: Mullum Music festival

AWESOME MULLUMIMBY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

There’s PLENTY of home grown events happening in Mullumbimby.

One of the best ways to find them is to check the noticeboard outside Santos health food shop, and look on the shop windows around town.

No.1: Mullumbimby Music Festival

Mullum Music Fest is the main event, happening each November in this little town.

The Mullum Music Festival tag line is “The Biggest Little Music Festival in Australia”!

It’s better than Bluesfest, with much more local access to the headlining stars.

And a hugely fun vibe, as you walk the streets and make noise!

Operating since 2008, it’s a Byron shire event you should not miss.

No.2: North Coast Mud Trail

Once a year, local ceramicists around the beautiful Mullum and Northern Rivers region open their studios to visitors.

According to their website, this is an opportunity to:

meet the artists
discuss their work and processes
and find out what inspires these creatives to do what they do.

You can collect a hard copy of the brochure and map from the tourist office in Bruns, or find the interactive one on their website.

Bring cash!

There’s a bucketload of treasures to buy for your home and office, if you are lucky enough!

No.3: National Circus Festival Mullumbimby (Mullum Circus Festival)

This is a three day event held in September, and includes a training program for those who want to up their circus skills.

You can:

see internationally-acclaimed acts by Australia’s leading artists at one of our big tops, aerial rigs, studios or under the fig trees
wander through a 25-metre inflatable globe
meet fun-loving and cheerful roving performers
check out the family play space, or
take up a position on a lounge at the outdoor cinema.

Find all the details here

WHERE TO STAY IN MULLUMBIMBY

Update coming soon…

Map of Mullumbimby and Surrounds

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

Click the links in blue below for our Ultimate Family Travel Guides.