Fair chance you'll fall for small town that's big on charm as Back To Nimmity weekend looms

This October long weekend the Nimmitabel community is inviting you Back To Nimmity.

Since the early 1900s, people have been travelling back to the township in various ways, often enjoying weekends to see family and friends.

Occasionally a fair is planned, but this year, Back To Nimmity is a more casual event promoting general visitation. Starting from 10 am on Saturday, 30 September, Nimmitabel is open. With a rich history, some of which is captured in the book The Journey from Nimmitybelle to Nimmitabel 2nd Edition, Nimmitabel has more than 35 places to visit or see.

Several community-run committees work hard to maintain the assets of the village and they are opening their doors to share these spaces with everyone. These are historic locations that are still in use today. Many have interpretive signs, as featured in the Nimmitabel Heritage Walk.

St Peter’s Anglican Church Nimmitabel, built from 1878-1882, is open 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 30 September, and is the only stone church on the Monaro to be built from black basalt rock. It is particularly distinctive.

The stunning stained-glass windows, installed in two sets, have a history of their own. It is just one of many historic sites still in use.

“It is a great time to see what is behind the news stories,” Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce secretary Alisa Thaler said.

“The grants, the fundraising, it’s all relevant but sometimes the venues are inaccessible, unless you attend for a specific event or service that may not be relevant to everyone. Back To Nimmity is to allow the everyday interested person the opportunity to explore Nimmitabel, with doors open.

“Back To Nimmity strives to give support to the Nimmitabel community because without community, what do we have.”

Visitors are encouraged to spend some time in Nimmitabel to see its history and current services. Either walking or driving, or a mixture of both, takes you to many places to enjoy, admire or be inspired by.

A meander through the main street lets you partake in the wondrous offerings of the cafes, stores and gift shops of Nimmitabel.

The adventurous can enjoy some of the back country roads, with a 4WD recommended.

Back To Nimmity is an initiative of the Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the wider Nimmitabel community, including the Nimmitabel School of Arts and the Nimmitabel Lions Club. Bring your family and pets! Nimmitabel is a pet-friendly town.

Historic Sites & venues that will be open all day or can be viewed from outside:

Nimmitabel Cemetery, Tree Sculpture, Pioneer Cemetery, Nimmitabel Railway Station, Nimmitabel Cenotaph, Nimmitabel Caravan Park & public toilet, Nimmitabel Tennis Court, Nimmitabel Playground & picnic area, Historic Well, mural outside Post Office, Geldmacher Square, Geldmacher Museum, Nimmity Bell (will ring at noon), Police Museum, Community Centre/Bushing Nursing Home, Geldmacher Mill, Pioneer Memorial Hall, Historic Film Archive Room in Hall Foyer, St Andrew’s Catholic Church & St Joseph’s Convent, Nimmitabel Public School, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Nimmitabel Preschool, Lake Williams/Lions Club Gazebo, walking track & public toilets.

Current Nimmitabel Businesses:

Travelling from north to south:

Jacky G Automotive

Nimmitabel Motel, including Nimmity Artz Gallery

Nimmitabel Country Club

Federal Hotel

Post Office & Woolly Wonders

Archers BNSH & Nimmitabel Lolly Shop

Luv Me Again Vintage Store

Nimmitabel CWA

Crafty Belles

Nimmitabel Leather Shop

The Antique Store

Bertie’s Cafe

Royal Arms Guesthouse

Sundowner Cafe Nimmitabel Bakery

Nimmitabel BP Roadhouse.