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The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Gnomesville

Apr 18, 2025
Discover the quirky town of Gnomesville, Australia, where thousands of whimsical garden gnomes populate a traffic roundabout. Explore the enchanting forest filled with gnomes in playful poses, narrated by a local bed and breakfast owner. Uncover the mysterious traditions behind this unique phenomenon and the vibrant gnome-loving culture that has blossomed. Hear about the amusing struggles of maintaining this gnome paradise, including a humorous 'Gnome Detention Center' that showcases the community's creativity. It's a charming and slightly eerie adventure!
12:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Gnomesville has organically evolved into a whimsical tourist attraction with around 10,000 gnome figurines embodying humor and community spirit.
  • The local community has implemented measures, like a fence and a Gnome Detention Center, to manage tourist interactions and maintain the integrity of Gnomesville.

Deep dives

Welcome to Gnomesville

Gnomesville is a peculiar small town in Australia, characterized by its unique population of garden gnomes. This whimsical place features thousands of gnome figurines dressed in various outfits, engaging in humorous activities such as gnome cricket and displaying cheeky behavior. The town evolved organically, with visitors leaving gnomes and creating elaborate scenes, leading to an estimated population of around 10,000. Despite the lack of official oversight, the gnomes have established themselves as the main attraction, transforming this rural stop into a tourist hotspot.

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