NIMBIN MARDIGRASS 2009

YOU'D be forgiven for thinking Nimbin was the place time forgot.
Located in the foothills of an extinct volcano, this sub-tropical
village is a piece of hippie heritage left over from the 1973 Age of
Aquarius festival.

While the Age of Aquarius has physically gone, its spirit remains
alive and well, attracting thousands of tourists who want to escape
the hustle and bustle of everyday life and sink into the blissful
peace and tranquility that Nimbin offers.

But for one weekend in May, Nimbin transforms into a colourful and
crowded metropolis, as people arrive to take part in the annual
MardiGrass Festival.

What's MardiGrass about?

MardiGrass is basically a peaceful rally for cannabis law reform.
Supporters for the legalisation of cannabis are fighting for it to be
recognised as a substance that can be used medicinally, as a food
source, an environmentally-friendly fibre or as a potential fuel source.

When is the MardiGrass Festival on?

The festival starts on Friday, May 1, 2009. This is the day to get to
the Nimbin Town Hall to purchase your pass and establish your camping
digs for the weekend (or other accommodation).

The main festivities start at 4.20am on the Saturday morning and
continue through until Sunday, May 3 at around 11pm-midnight.

Is it a child-friendly event?

While the township itself is kid friendly, it's advised not to take
children. Yes, there are the local children around, but as there will
be activities like the passing of the giant joint and the Hemp
Olympix; it's probably best to leave the kids at home. This festival
is really more for people aged 18 years and over.

What's on?

Whether you're participating in MardiGrass or simply seeing what the
fuss is about; MardiGrass has something for most tastes, with live
music, poetry readings, information sessions and street
entertainment.

There's a host of feature events which include:

The Kombi Konvoy - a parade of the VW hippie mobiles winds its way
into Nimbin after travelling from Byron Bay via Lismore. Definitely
worth a look, even if you aren't a car buff.

The Hemp Olympix - who would have thought bong throwing or joint
rolling was considered a sport?

The Harvest Ball in Peace Park.

The main drawcard - the Cannabis Law Reform Parade - complete with
Ganja Faeries, percussionists, floats and the giant joint.

The official Nimbin MardiGrass website has an in-depth list of all the
events that are happening over the two days, and is definitely worth
looking at before you go.

How much will it be?

Up until recently, MardiGrass was a free event. However, like many
events, it now comes at a price.

For $50, you can get a full MardiGrass pass for one person. This
includes two nights at the A&I Showground campsite (tents not included).

Should you come to the campsite earlier than the pass allows,
additional nights can be purchased for $10 per night.

Full weekend passes to MardiGrass without camping are $30 per
person.

Saturday-only passes are $20 and Sunday-only passes are $10. These
passes allow you to everything except the Cannabis Cup.

Groovy. I'm keen to go, but I don't know where Nimbin
is.

From Brisbane, Nimbin is around 180km to the south. The closest town
centres are Lismore and Mullumbimby, with Byron Bay a little further
out.

How do I get to Nimbin?

No matter if you're driving from the north or south, there are a few
ways to get to Nimbin. However, the easiest (and least confusing) is
to follow the highway and the signs to Lismore. When you reach
Lismore's town centre, find your way to Woodlark Street (it'll be the
one with the massive Christmas tree on the roundabout), head over
Fawcett's Bridge and keep following the signs to Nimbin.

If you don't have a car, there are plenty of bus services that will
get you to Lismore. Your best bets are Premier Motor Service or
Greyhound Coaches.

From Lismore, Waller's Bus Company is the only one with a service.
Just note that MardiGrass doesn't fall within school holiday time. As
a result - you will be travelling on a bus full of children from ages
5 through to 18.

For more information, their timetable can be found here. You can also
contact them on (02) 6622 6266 or on mobile - 0428 255 284.

For those living in Brisbane, a company called Green Triangle operate
a service that runs to Nimbin. However - its transportation times are
limited, so you'll have to check online or give them a call on 1800
503 475.

What accommodation is available in Nimbin?

Depending on your budget, there is everything from farm stays, bed and
breakfasts, hostels and small hotels to camping.

The MardiGrass $50 pass entitles you to two nights camping at the A&I
Showgrounds in Nimbin, but there are other options.

The best way to find them is to hop onto Roamfree.com and check out
what deals are available. Alternatively, you can also check out the
official Nimbin MardiGrass website which offers some accommodation
ideas for all tastes.

Be quick to book though, as places will sell out fast.

So, is it legal to carry/consume marijuana or other drugs while I'm
there?

The short answer? No. Granted there is a giant joint passed around
during the procession, be aware that police still monitor the crowds
during MardiGrass, and if you're caught - you're liable to end up in
jail or charged with a drug offence.

Nimbin locals are also not pro-hard drugs (ecstasy, heroin and other
chemical substances), so both the police and the locals will look down
on anybody seen with these items. The police will also arrest and
charge you with drug use should you be found with any illegal substances.

Also be aware that police keep a sharp eye on all roads leading to and
from Nimbin, so if you're heading to or coming from that direction -
be ready to have your car and your body searched, as well as having to
undergo possible drug and alcohol checks.

While this may be a rally for cannabis law reform, you must remember
that drugs are still very much illegal - so to the MardiGrass
participant who is thinking they want to have a good time - beware!

Final bits and pieces...

Apart from packing the tent, a sleeping bag, clothes and food - you
should get yourself ready for an experience you'll never forget.

On a normal day, Nimbin is an unusual place to visit because it feels
like you're still in the 1970s; yet while it's laidback, the village
is also home to a vibrant artistic community and one that's close to
nature.

The MardiGrass Festival adds that little bit of eccentricity to the
village, and has raised its profile.

Apart from the festival, there's amazing scenery around Nimbin, with
the Nightcap National Park only minutes away (and well worth a day of
exploration). There are also other villages well worth a look and the
scenic drives are breathtaking.

So why ponder any longer? Start making plans and putting in your
holidays for the Nimbin MardiGrass and experience it yourself.