Nimbin is a genuine hippie town located in the Rainbow Region of New South Wales. With official population of less than 500, it might seem like a small village. However, once you include all the communes living in the surrounding hills, the count easily rises to thousands.

nimbin museum

Up until 1973, Nimbin was a bit of a ghost town - a few buildings revolving mainly around the dying dairy business. It was in May that year that the legendary Aquarius Festival took place - bringing together masses of university students, hippies, artists and musicians for a celebration of the alternative lifestyle.

nimbin museum

Enchanted by the unique atmosphere of peace and love, and the exciting possibility for a new lifestyle, many of the awesome festival-goers decided to stay and purchase bits of land (at extremely low prices, due to the economic situation at the time). Since then, Nimbin has been attracting artists, environmentalists and alternative lifestyle enthusiasts from all over the world.

rainbow cafe

Over the years, Nimbin has grown with more cafes, shops, galleries and events. Businesses like the Rainbow Power Company, the Nimbin Candle Factory and the Djanbung Permaculture Gardens have become iconic parts of the Nimbin culture.

Nimbin even has its own radio station, NimFM, operated by volunteers, who broadcast righteous tunes or inspiring talk shows into the surrounding jungle hills. Tune in online to hear great playlists, often including Nimbin's local musical talents.

Every year, poets and singers from all over Australia and indeed the world meet to compete at the Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup, which is a must-see event. The 2010 finals start in August and new faces are always welcome. Get a chance to share your poem with a great crowd or just show support - you will not regret it.

happy high herbs

Nimbin is also the home of the Australian Hemp Embassy, a drug information centre (also run entirely by volunteers), which educates the public about hemp and cannabis, the prohibition and the drug laws. The Hemp Bar invites people from all over the world to enjoy genuine Nimbin-made snacks and beverages in a friendly atmosphere.

nimbin hemp bar

MardiGrass is one of Nimbin's most exciting and notorious events. The first MardiGrass was organised in 1993 by Nimbin locals, celebrating the alternative lifestyle in a 'non-confrontational atmosphere, that ordinary people could comfortably attend'. Since then, MardiGrass has become the largest event of its kind in Australia.

hemp products and the big joint

Held on the first weekend in May, MardiGrass is a massive, awesomely mad street parade that goes on for three days, combining all sorts of live music, arts, crafts, workshops and competitions. MardiGrass brings life to the streets of Nimbin with its cheeky posters, wild events and a massive international crowd.

^ BACK TO TOP ^