Australian Psychedelic History Project - Share Your Story

Help us preserve the stories, memories and experiences that shaped Australia’s psychedelic history.

Were you part of Australia’s psychedelic history up to the end of 1979, or do you remember someone who was?

We are looking for first-hand accounts and family memories of psychedelic experiences, research, therapy and culture in Australia. You might remember a doctor or patient, an artist or musician, a community or gathering, a particular place, conversation, treatment or personal experience.

Stories about Australians overseas are also welcome where there is a meaningful connection to Australian history.

Whether your memory is large or small, we would love to hear what you remember, what you experienced and how you were part of this history.

Want to know more before recording your story? Visit About the Australian Psychedelic History Project.

In Your Own Voice, in Your Own Time

Record somewhere you feel comfortable, at home in private, in the garden or anywhere you can speak freely. There is no interviewer and no need to rush. Just sit with your thoughts and memories, and hit record when you're ready.

Your memories don't need to be perfect. Share as much as you can genuinely remember. Approximate dates, where you were, half-remembered names and small details can all provide valuable historical clues.

Take your time and tell the story in whatever way feels natural to you.

Before You Start

Allow microphone access when your browser asks.
Find somewhere reasonably quiet and comfortable.
You can pause and resume your recording whenever you like.
When you're finished, you can listen back before submitting it.
You can also download a copy for yourself.
Keep this page open while recording and submitting your story.

Nothing is sent to us until you choose “Submit My Story”.

A Note About What You Share

Please take care when sharing sensitive information about yourself or other people, particularly people who are still living.

You do not need to identify other people if you would prefer not to. If your story involves historical drug supply, dealing or manufacture, you do not need to name people or describe methods, quantities, sources or customers. The history and your experience are what matter to us.

You will also be able to choose whether you are identified by your first name and surname initial, a pseudonym, or anonymously.

Recordings represent individual memories and perspectives. They should not necessarily be understood as verified historical fact or as representing the views of EGA.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

There is no right or wrong way to tell your story. Speak naturally and share what you remember. You don't need to answer every question below, or any, you can just tell us anything you remember. The questions are just here to help, They are simply prompts to help get you started if needed.

Who are you, and who were you then?
How old were you, what was happening in your life, and what kind of person were you at the time?

When and where did this happen?
An approximate year is fine. What do you remember about the place, setting and atmosphere?

How did psychedelics first enter your life?
Was it through friends, a community, medical treatment or research, art or music, travel, spiritual exploration, or simply curiosity? What did you know about psychedelics at the time?

What did you take or experience?
If you remember, tell us what the psychedelic was and what you understood about it at the time. If it happened in a medical or research setting, were you told what you were being given and why?

Who else was there?
Were you alone, with friends, part of a group or community, or with doctors, therapists or researchers? You don't need to identify anyone you would prefer not to name. We are interested in understanding the broader cultural and social context around your experience.

What happened?
Tell us what you remember about the experience in your own words. What stands out when you think back on it now?

How did it affect you?
Was the experience positive, difficult, harmful, transformative, or a mixture? Did it change anything about how you saw yourself or the world?

Did it have a lasting influence?
Did it affect your art, creativity, relationships, spirituality, work, activism, community, interests or the direction your life took?

What else do you remember about that time?
People, places, music, gatherings, festivals, communities, attitudes towards psychedelics, or small details that might help us understand the period.

Looking back now, what does it mean to you?
Has the way you understand the experience changed over time? Is there something about this history you think future generations should know?

You don't need to remember everything. Sometimes the smallest detail can become an important piece of the historical record.

We’re Interested in the History, Not Identifying People

The aim of the Australian Psychedelic History Project is to collect stories that help preserve this important history and deepen our understanding of early psychedelic use and culture in Australia. We are interested in the experiences, events and history, not in identifying individuals.

When recording your story, please consider using only your own and other people’s first names, particularly when discussing sensitive experiences. You are also welcome to use a pseudonym for yourself or others if you prefer.