Shipping containers for Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby is a small town in the Byron Shire hinterland, on the Brunswick River beneath Mount Chincogan. It is surrounded by steep green valleys, small farms and bush blocks, and it is home to an unusually high number of artists, makers, market traders and owner-builders. Container jobs here are often creative, and the access is often the hardest part.

Studios, workshops and makers

A container makes a solid, lockable studio or workshop without the cost of a full build. Around Mullumbimby we see them used as pottery and woodwork shops, music rooms, sewing and textile studios, surfboard shaping bays and storage for tools and materials. A high cube gives an extra 30 centimetres of headroom, which makes a real difference if you will be standing and working inside.

If you plan to fit windows, insulation or power, or to use the container as a habitable space, that moves it from storage into building territory. Talk to Byron Shire Council before you start, because approval requirements depend on the use.

Market stock and small business

The Byron region's markets, including the regular community and farmers markets in Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Bangalow, support a lot of small traders. Stallholders need dry, secure storage for stock, marquees, trestles and display gear between markets. A 20ft container on a home block, or a 10ft where space is tight, keeps it all together.

Side-opening containers work well for traders, because the whole long side opens and you can reach stock without unpacking the front of the load.

Owner-builders and small farms

The hinterland has many owner-builders working on their own homes, often over several years. A container is the obvious site lockup: tools, windows, fixings and materials stay dry and secure, and it often becomes the garden shed or workshop once the house is done. Small farms and orchards around Main Arm, Upper Wilsons Creek and The Pocket use containers for tools, feed, irrigation gear and machinery parts.

Hinterland roads and access

This is where Mullumbimby jobs need the most planning. Roads into the valleys are often narrow, steep and winding, with single-lane bridges, causeways and tight bends. Driveways can be steep gravel or grass that softens quickly in rain, and many properties have overhanging trees. A tilt-tray needs about 3.5 metres of clear width, a straight run to back in and a firm place to stand while it unloads.

Before we quote, we need to understand the route. Send the address, photos of the entrance and the drive, and the spot you have in mind. Sometimes the best answer is a spot closer to the road or a smaller container, and we will tell you honestly if a site is not practical.

Rain, humidity and set-down

The Byron hinterland is one of the wetter parts of New South Wales, with heavy summer rain and high humidity. Cargo-worthy and new containers keep rain out from above, but moisture inside causes condensation and mould if things are stored damp. Keep the load dry and off the floor, use vents or moisture absorbers, and set the container on blocks or sleepers on the highest firm ground, clear of creeks and drainage lines.

Leaf litter and branches on the roof hold water against the steel, so keep the roof clear if the container sits under trees.

Container options for Mullumbimby

• High cube — studios and workshops where you will stand and work
• 20ft — owner-builder lockups, farm gear and household storage
• 10ft — market stock on small blocks or tight sites
• Side-opening — traders who need full-length access to stock
• Dangerous goods — fuel for mowers and chainsaws, and farm chemicals

Doors, orientation and setting up

Think about which way the doors should face before the truck arrives. A studio usually wants the doors towards the light and the view; a market trader wants them facing the ute. On a sloping block, have sleepers ready to pack up the low side so the doors swing freely.

Quotes and delivery

Mullumbimby deliveries come across the border from Queensland. Freight is included in one delivered price, which depends on where the right unit is held and what your access needs. The delivery day is confirmed with you once the order is placed, and after heavy rain we will talk before sending a truck up a soft driveway.

Around Mullumbimby: places we deliver

Mullumbimby · Main Arm · Upper Main Arm · Wilsons Creek · Huonbrook · Goonengerry · Federal · The Pocket · Billinudgel · Ocean Shores · Brunswick Heads · New Brighton · Bangalow · Byron Bay · Suffolk Park · Myocum. Not on the list? Ring and ask — it's likely covered.