Nimbin Rainbow Walk
| Funding |
This $2.5m project is funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package, which is co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments |
| Department |
Infrastructure and Open Spaces |
| Status |
Under construction |
| Timeframe |
Due to be opened late 2024 |
| Strategic purpose |
Spanning 750 meters, the Nimbin Rainbow Walk promises to be a safe, engaging avenue for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of the area while embracing its cultural and artistic heritage |
December 2024 update
Construction on the rainbow walk in Nimbin continues with a number of construction milestones achieved as Lismore City Council moves closer to its completion.
With signage designs being finalised, the Project Steering Committee decided to formalise its official name after feedback was received, changing it from ‘Nimbin Rainbow Road Walking Track ‘ to ‘Nimbin Rainbow Walk.’ The simplification of the name will help to brand and market this valuable attraction to locals and visitors and removes any confusion of it being a track along a road, still maintaining a strong focus on ‘rainbow’.
Wet weather and storm events have delayed progress, pushing back the construction and installation of the four bridges. Council’s contractor has completed two of the four bridges, with the remaining two bridges due to be completed over the coming months. Work has also been progressing well on the entry points of the walk.
A number of artworks have been completed and installed with others soon to be placed. There has been a slight delay with one artwork due to changes in the artists personal circumstances, resulting in Council and the Steering Committee needing to make decisions on how to allocate the unspent funds. It will however result in further enhancements along the walk for all to enjoy.
Some of the landscaping has also been delayed due to the recent weather events, this includes the addition of a charming low rural-style timber fence, and a large timber pergola, the installation of park seating and picnic tables, bike rack and waste bins. The new wayfinding signage to guide visitors along the walk has been designed, this will be placed at the four entry points to the walk to help visitors enjoy the most from the attraction and surrounding village.
The vegetation on the northern section of the walk is well underway, with around 1200 new plantings, and many more to come. Council thanks the Nimbin Community Centre and volunteers for all their hard work, weeding and planting an additional plantings in recent weeks through working bees, coordinated through a dedicated Landcare Group that has been established for the site.
Construction is now due for completion in the new year, followed by artwork and wayfinding signage installations, new plantings, placement of landscaping structures and new carparking requirements. Council thanks the community for their patience and support.
The project is fully funded under the NSW and Federal Government Bushfire Local Economies Fund.
October 2024 update
Nimbin Rainbow Walk is coming along beautifully, despite recent rain which has caused a slight delay. The wet weather means we’re expecting a setback of about a week to allow the area to dry out before work continues.
On a positive note, the installation of the bridges is well underway, with galvanised steel girders and balustrades already in place. Over the next two weeks, we anticipate completing the northern
bridges, with flooring, timber rails and post in-lays all set to be installed shortly.
We’re also excited to share that the concreting of the path and stairs at the southern entry is nearly complete, with just a small 20-metre section left. Once this is finished, the contractor will move on to complete the third and fourth bridges.
Several key landscaping decisions have been made, including the addition of a charming low rural-style fence for the northern entries, a large recycled timber pergola and new wayfinding signage to guide visitors along the walk.
In terms of environmental progress, our bush regeneration team has removed most of the weeds in the northern area, clearing the way for upcoming planting. A dedicated Landcare Group has also been established for the site, though the first meeting and planting day has been delayed due to last week’s rain.
July 2024 update
Council recently conducted an onsite meeting with the project Steering Group to inspect the progress of the Nimbin Rainbow Road Walking Track. The Steering Group, which includes key Nimbin community groups and stakeholders, was thrilled to see the project taking shape, with completion expected by late 2024.
During the inspection, the group reviewed various aspects of the project, including park furniture, wayfinding signage, planting and landscaping. Decisions were made regarding the future of existing structures along the track, with a preference for plantings over turfing where feasible. A meeting between the bush regenerator and the Nimbin Community Centre is scheduled for later this month to discuss revegetation areas and landscaping opportunities.
Key stakeholders will also participate in an upcoming workshop to walk through the site and discuss the artwork and wording for wayfinding signage, following the finalisation of designs.
Several improvements to public amenities were proposed, such as additional shade, seating, fencing and enhanced accessibility. These suggestions will be considered based on quotations and budget.
Council extends its gratitude to the Nimbin Community, Community Centre, Nimbin Chamber of Commerce and private landowners for their support and collaboration on this project.
About the project
Featuring well-formed pathways, picturesque boardwalks, and sturdy bridges, the project aims to seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. Interpretive signage, locally crafted artworks, comfortable park furniture and over 5,800 new native plantings will further enhance the experience, linking Nimbin's recreational hub with its bustling village centre.
As construction progresses, one of six unique installations by local artists is already taking shape, with the rest slated for completion alongside the track. Renowned production designer Ross Wallace is diligently crafting visual materials and signage to complement the track experience.
The Nimbin Rainbow Road Walking Track, funded by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package, aims to construct a 750-meter concrete and boardwalk pathway, catering to Nimbin's active community and tourists alike.
Key features include:
- concrete pathways, lighting, interpretive and way-finding signage, artwork, bridges over nearby creek systems, park amenities, and native flora enhancements;
- fully funded with a budget of $2.5 million, courtesy of the Australian and NSW governments;
- extensive community consultation, including input from property owners and key stakeholders, has shaped the project's vision and design; and
- the track will offer a preferred pedestrian route linking Alternative Way to the CBD, while future plans include additional artwork initiatives and creek line enhancements with native plantings.
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