If you are traveling through Australia or live in Australia you have to check out the quirky little town named Nimbin. Nimbin's reputation for it's weed culture started in the early 70's when a large group of hippie university students brought the sleepy town to life with the Aquarius Festival. Nimbin is now celebrated for it's colourful appreciation for spirituality, poetry, crafts and strong social movements.

Most times of the year this town is quiet, laid back with a few tourist here and there. However once a year they hold the one of a kind 'MARDI GRASS' Festival which runs for 3 days. This festival is usually held around may (so if you are planning your next holiday to Australia keep that month in mind). You see marijuana use is illegal in Australia but it is tolerated in Nimbin, pretty much if you don't cause a nuisance then no one really cares.

↓Check it out yourself, she really does throw free joints

The event itself is very laid back with good vibes definitely in the air. There's chill beats all around and a good spread of truck food + vegan/vegetarian food.

↑ I apologize for the bad quality in some of these photos they were taken on my potato phone

Do I need to buy tickets or pay an entry fee?

It is free to enter the showgrounds, just bring a few good mates and have a blast. However if you plan on entering the Plantem Park (I didn't) from what I could see includes some more premium events, you do need to buy a wristband. Also if you plan on camping there you can purchase a ‘3 Day Showgrounds Camping + Golden Bud MardiGrass Pass’ wristband. Just remember to check with the website for the latest details as they might have changed.

What I should know before I go to Mardi Grass?

Don't: Smoke weed a few days before the event if you plan on driving there as they do have random drug tests before you get to Nimbin. Don't smoke at the event if you plan on driving home afterwards.

Do: Book accommodation at least a month beforehand if you plan on staying the night because it will get really hard to find any free the closer you are to the date.

Can I buy weed there?

From what I have heard it is the hardest time of the year to buy weed when Mardi Grass is on. Whereas other times of the year it is more easy to buy cookies and weed from souvenir shops and the locals.

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What on?

The Big Rally with the world’s largest Joint inflatable, combi convey, meditation and yoga, pot tattoo & art, chess & scrabble, poetry, live music, comedians, discos, workshops, hemp fashion shows and more.

I hope you enjoyed this post and my first travel diaries. Please follow and upvote if you liked it and comment below if you have been to Nimbin before or if it’s a place if you ever want to visit.

Until next time,