In 1973 Nimbin was transformed from a small country town to Australia's most famous hippie and alternative lifestyle destination. This was the year when the Union of Students chose the Nimbin Valley as the place for the experimental Aquarius Festival, which ended up attracting many students and hippies from around the country. After the weekend, quite a few people remained and formed the basis of the alternative society that exists in the area today. There are many communes in the area and some of these can be visited by the public. Nimbin is also surrounded by superb countryside. It is very close to the Nightcap National Park, where you can explore the beautiful rainforest areas, visit the beautiful waterfalls or see amazing views from the peak of Mt Nardi.