I visited the workshop of Nimbin Candles, where handcrafted candles have been made for more than 50 years in the town of Nimbin.
As I mention in my profile, I actually make soy candles as a hobby. Soy wax, which is derived from soybeans, melts at a low temperature, so it is safe and easy to work with, almost like melting chocolate and pouring it into a mold. Nimbin Candles, on the other hand, are made from paraffin wax. When people hear the word "paraffin," some may worry about smoke or burning quality because they associate it with petroleum. However, at Nimbin Candles, they use high-quality, food-grade paraffin wax and continues to make candles that burn beautifully with little smoke, without relying on additives.
Nimbin Candles was born in 1973. What sparked its creation was the Aquarius Festival, held 53 years ago.
The festival, sometimes described as Australia's version of Woodstock, was a historic event centered on art, music, theater, workshops, sustainable living, and community building.
Even after the festival ended, many people stayed in the area, buying empty shops and land and beginning to build a community. Over time, Nimbin developed into a town that values art, organics, and self-sufficient lifestyles. Even today, walking through the town, you can still feel that free-spirited, peaceful atmosphere very strongly.
At the time of the festival, many people were living in tents and caravans, so there was a need for candles that produced little smoke and burned for a long time. It was this demand that gave rise to Nimbin Candles. For more than 50 years since then, they have continued to handcraft their candles one by one. One of the defining features of Nimbin Candles is their dipping method, in which layers of wax are built up again and again to form each candle. Even today, they still use a rare water-powered dipping machine, one of very few of its kind in the world.
The workshop is on the same premises as the shop, and one of the pleasures of visiting is being able to watch the craftspeople actually making candles.
It had been about 10 years since my last visit. When I returned after such a long time, the workshop looked just as it had back then, and at the entrance was the very same cat I remembered from my previous visit. Seeing that unchanged scene made me feel unexpectedly relieved.
Inside the shop, rows of colorful candles fill the space. Unlike mass-produced products, each one is carefully handcrafted here, and knowing that, you can't help but grow attached to it.
One especially eye-catching piece is the candle tower, formed by layer upon layer of wax from candles that have been lit over the years. It has the presence of an object created by nature itself, and it has become a symbol of Nimbin Candles.
And when I hear the name Nimbin Candles, the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramid-shaped candle filled with colorful wax. Beautiful both lit and on display, these popular candles are gently scented with essential oils and capture the unique spirit of Nimbin. This time, I bought a pyramid-shaped candle with a peppermint scent. When I lit it, a soft, pleasant mint fragrance drifted through the room.
There is also a wide range of candles, from classic stick candles to animal-shaped ones, and others in all kinds of unique designs.
The current owners took over the business in 2004, and as a husband-and-wife team, they continue to carry on the tradition of candle making as a family business. I hope Nimbin Candles will continue to be carefully passed down and loved for many years to come.
Nimbin is a small town in the mountains with a very distinctive atmosphere. If it is your first visit, it may surprise you a little. For your first visit, I recommend going with someone who knows Nimbin well, so you can fully enjoy the town with greater peace of mind. If you ever visit there, be sure to stop by this candle workshop as well.
