Slim Dusty Centre, located in Slim's hometown of Kempsey, NSW, houses the iconic Slim Dusty Museum, the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, Key Café, visitor information centre and gift shop. More than just a tribute to an Australian country music legend, The Slim Dusty Centre is a must‑visit for anyone keen on Australian culture, country music history, or the arts.
Once inside, visitors can take their time learning more about the extraordinary 60‑year career of Slim Dusty. Displays include some of Slim’s treasured memorabilia: stage costumes, Tamworth Country Music Festival Golden Guitar awards, his ‘Old Purple’ car, and touring caravan. Adjacent to Slim Dusty Centre is the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, host to impressive exhibitions by local and national artists.
The Slim Dusty Centre is more than a museum. It’s a community hub, event space, art lab, café and tourist information centre. The Macleay Valley business community touted the concept for the Slim Dusty Centre, Kempsey, in 2000, three years before Slim Dusty’s passing.
The idea received Slim Dusty and his wife Joy’s blessing, and the Slim Dusty Museum Trust Fund was established the following year. It took around ten years of applying for government grants and reaching out to the public for donations to raise the funds required to commence construction of the building.
Slim Dusty passed in September 2003, and the museum was finally constructed in 2011. It took another four years for the full museum to open in October 2015. In late 2022, ownership of Slim Dusty Centre was officially transferred to Kempsey Shire Council, and it now operates as a civic and cultural centre for the region.
Slim Dusty was an iconic figure who helped shape the Australian country music industry over six decades. Whether or not you're a Slim Dusty fan, the centre is well worth a visit. It delivers an authentic, heartfelt experience of Australian country and regional life.
At the heart of the Slim Dusty Centre is the Slim Dusty Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the man behind the music, his personal memorabilia, awards, costumes, famous Akubra hats and much more.
The Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery features new artists every six to eight weeks and includes the work of local, national and often touring artists. The Visitor Information Centre is a mine of information for those wanting to explore the local area and beyond.
The gift shop stocks souvenirs, Slim Dusty merchandise and locally made Akubras. The cafe is the perfect place to rest a while over a delicious breakfast or lunch options.
The Slim Dusty Centre is located at 490 Macleay Valley Way in Kempsey, the hometown of Slim Dusty. The Centre sits just off the highway and is easy to access.
The Slim Dusty Museum is dedicated to Australia's acclaimed king of country music and showcases his incredible 60-year career as a music icon. It tells the story of his career, including his travels, family life, and artistic impact.
Slim Dusty Centre is home to more than just the Slim Dusty Museum. It houses the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, Key Café, a gift shop and offers event facilities.
Slim Dusty, AO MBE, was born David Gordon Kirkpatrick on 13 June 1927. Slim was an Australian country music singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer whose career spanned an incredible 60 years. He passed on 19 September 2003.
The centre is open Monday to Friday 10 am to 3 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm and closed on Sundays.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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