Nimbin fire destroys museum, Rainbow cafe and other buildings in main street

Locals were devastated to wake up to the news this morning that a large

fire had destroyed three buildings in the town’s main street and damaged

two others.

A Rural Fire Service spokesman told news.com.au that firefighters were

called to the scene about 3.30am and it took 10 fire trucks from both the

RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW to bring the blaze under control.

Nimbin, located in northern NSW close to Bryon Bay, has become a tourist attraction for those wanting to embrace its hippie lifestyle,

and marijuana is sold openly in the streets.

The Nimbin Museum, which has housed a historical record of the town’s counterculture for more than 30 years, was one of the buildings

destroyed. The neighbouring Rainbow cafe was also burnt to the ground.

Michael Balderstone, who has worked at the

museum for 30 years, told ABC that the loss

of the buildings would have a “huge impact”

on the town.

“Its' really right in the middle of the town, the

Rainbow’s probably the heart,” Mr

Balderstone said.

“The museum’s the biggest tourist attraction.

It’s a bloody mess.”

He told the Northern Star that the fire was believed to have started at the back of the cafe before spreading to the museum.

However, the RFS spokesman said officers were still investigating the cause.

The blaze also destroyed shop Tribal Magic and half of the Bringabong shop before being brought under control.

People took to Facebook to post about the sad news.

One user said: “Omg that is a lot of history gone so sad”.

Another wrote: “The buildings may be gone, but my 46 years of memories will still remain”.

While another pointed out: “A few people are gunna be out of work cos of this too, and it’s a hard time for that. I wish them luck”.

By Fernando Godinho

Credit photos: Nimbin fire. Source: Facebook/Lismore Radio video Source: Supplied