A star-studded musical lineup, up to nine days of camping surrounded by a lush forest and festival fun for the whole family — the Gympie Music Muster should be on everyone’s bucket list in 2025.
Set in Queensland’s beautiful Amamoor Creek State Forest, just an hour’s drive from the Sunshine Coast, the Gympie Music Muster is the ultimate festival experience. Combining a diverse mix of country, blues and roots, folk and rock music with a relaxed, family-friendly camping atmosphere, it’s the perfect getaway for music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you enjoy camping under the stars, dancing to your favourite artists or taking part in the many activities on offer, the Gympie Music Muster has something for everyone.
The four-day festival will be taking place during 28–31 August 2025, and more than 140 of Australia’s best musicians and emerging talent will be performing across the Muster’s nine venues. But if four days aren’t enough, then you can extend the Muster experience with free camping for up to nine days (more on this later).
To truly embrace the Muster spirit, plan your trip so you can explore beyond the borders of Amamoor Creek State Forest before or after the festival and discover why Queensland’s Mary Valley is renowned for its rolling hills, national parks, farm stays, charming country towns and so much more.
More than just music
The Gympie Music Muster has become an iconic Australian music and camping festival and was named the People’s Choice winner of the 2024 Queensland Music Awards (QMA) Festival of the Year award. But while the music is a key part of the festival, the Gympie Music Muster is about more than just music — it’s about creating lasting memories, fostering a sense of community and supporting people in need.
First held in 1982 to celebrate the Webb Brothers’ Golden Guitar win, the Muster has evolved into one of Australia’s most recognised and iconic fundraising events. Owned by the Apex Club of Gympie and in its 43rd year, the Muster has raised more than $21.5 million for charities and local causes.
Muster food and market stalls have something for all tastes
In 2024, Rural Aid Australia was the festival’s charity partner and $101,000 was raised to support services for rural families, such as emergency livestock feed, financial help and mental health services. The Gympie Music Muster is proud to announce River’s Gift as its official charity partner for 2025, a nationally recognised charity funding world-leading research and providing education to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
With a legacy built on generosity and community spirit, each year brings something new and exciting, but the welcoming, friendly atmosphere remains a constant that festivalgoers treasure.
“Campers have been known to forge lifelong friendships at the Gympie Muster, with many returning each year to relive the unique camaraderie they’ve found,” said Gympie Music Muster marketing manager Tracey McKean. “For lovers of camping and music, the Gympie Music Muster is a must-do experience, and many newcomers catch the ‘Muster Bug’ and come back year after year.”
Festival sponsors
The Gympie Music Muster’s success is made possible by the generous support of national and local sponsors, as well as the ongoing dedication of the Apex Club of Gympie and many other local groups. Each year, the festival is supported by various charities, schools, supporting groups and service clubs, who all contribute each year as part of their annual fundraising efforts.
The Gympie Music Muster is also proudly supported by the Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Major national sponsors include:
- OPTUS — naming sponsor of Hill Stage
- Great Northern Brewing Co: Great Northern Muster Club — naming sponsor of the Muster’s traditional country music venue
- Bundaberg Rum: Bundy Crowbar — naming sponsor of the rock venue
- Ariat Verandah Bar — naming sponsor of the VIP venue
Local sponsors include:
- Campbells Truck + Bobcat & Landscape Supplies: The Dodge Tavern — naming sponsor of the alternate country venue
- Boss Hire Blues Bar — naming sponsor of the blues and roots venue
- Gympie Mazda Grove — naming sponsor for the acoustic venue
- Snowy River Caravans Muster Arena — naming sponsor for the horse show and bull ride events
What to expect at the 2025 Muster
The Gympie Music Muster is an action-packed four days, filled with fantastic performances, entertainment and a sense of community that’s hard to beat. The precinct program runs from 8am to 2am, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The complete program for the 2025 event will be unveiled in June, so keep your eye on the festival website (muster.com.au). But some exciting information has been revealed already.
One major highlight of the 2025 festival is the return of the Wolfe Brothers who have been announced as this year’s official Muster ambassadors. The popular band will perform on the Hill Stage on Saturday 30 August.
Hill Stage lights up in 2024 with country legend Lee Kernaghan
Watching the Bush Poets and Balladeers perform every morning is a Muster tradition, where you can grab some breakfast and start your day with a touch of Aussie storytelling and humour.
For adrenaline junkies, the Muster Bull Ride competition on Saturday and Sunday (30–31 August) will be an event not to miss.
For festivalgoers looking to get involved, there will be a range of workshops (including ukulele classes, Muster Choir, Americana Singalong and an industry workshop), family-friendly activities and some great dancing sessions (including line dancing and bush dancing) where you can get your country on.
The Bundy Rum Crowbar is the place to learn some new moves
If you’re bringing the kids along, then make sure you check out the Kids’ Country zone, which offers plenty of entertainment and is the perfect space for families to relax and enjoy the festival together.
The Muster has perfected its laid-back camping atmosphere, so while there will be plenty of time to wear out your dancing boots, it’s also the ideal place to enjoy a night by the campfire and meet new mates while enjoying the stunning surrounds of the forest.
Where to get tickets for the Gympie Music Muster
Tickets for the 2025 Gympie Music Muster are already on sale online, with four-day festival passes available now. This ticket includes entrance to not only the festival but also the general camping areas from 23 August to 1 September.
Limited single-day tickets will be released on 2 June once the diverse lineup of artists and full program are revealed.
Kids under 12 can attend the festival for free, while discounted tickets are available for teens (13–17).
Get your country on at the Ariat Stall
Camping at the Muster
If you want to experience the best aspects of the Gympie Music Muster, then camping within the beautiful Amamoor Creek State Forest is a must. And best yet, camping is free for anyone purchasing a four-day ticket. Festivalgoers can arrive as early as Saturday 23 August to extend the four days into a nine-day event, complete with pre-festival activities and entertainment leading up to when the Muster kicks off on Thursday 28 August.
Arriving early is a great way to secure your spot, get your camp set up and have some spare time to explore the surrounding region before the festival officially begins.
There are several general camping areas available, each with their own perks, whether that’s being only a stone’s throw from the action or further out to enjoy a more serene camp environment. The campsites are 100sqm, accommodate up to six adults and suitable for caravans and RVs as well as tents, swags and rooftop camping. All campsites are unpowered, but festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own generators.
Camp wardens will be on site from 23 August to help festivalgoers find a suitable spot for their caravan or RV.
All campgrounds will have toilets and showers available during the official festival period (from 23 August), and other onsite amenities include drinking water refill stations and dump points, and pump outs and water top-ups will be available for a fee via the festival supplier.
Muster camping in the Amamoor Creek State Forest
Campers can bring their own food and beverages for the duration of the event. Some camping essentials, such as firewood and ice delivery, will be available from the festival campground during 28–31 August. The onsite Muster General Store will also have a range of supplies for sale, including freshly baked scones from the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA).
If you’d like to arrive even earlier (from 9 August) to secure your campsite and have plenty of time for exploring the region (keep reading for some inspiration), purchase a Rope Off ticket. Your camping setup must be self-sufficient as no amenities will be available before the official Muster camping begins. Head to the festival website to find out more.
Alternatively, if you just want to arrive and not worry about setting up camp, then Banjo’s Tent Motel is for you. Banjo’s offers fully setup tents with stretcher beds, mattresses, linen and daily hot breakfasts. A short shuttle bus ride will take you to the festival entry each day. However, be sure to book early as Banjo’s may sell out in the lead up to the festival.
Please note, domesticated animals (including dogs) are not permitted prior or during the Muster. If you have a certified assistant dog, please see the information and policy on the festival website to find out more.
When packing for the trip, remember that the festival takes place in late winter. Be prepared for typically warm and enjoyable days, but chilly nights. Pack warm clothes and bedding, hats and wet weather gear just in case.
Head here to find out more about camping at the Gympie Music Muster.
The Snowy River Caravans Muster Arena is the place to be for the horse shows on Thursday and Friday and the Bull Ride on Saturday and Sunday
Explore the region
While the Gympie Music Muster is the main event, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding region before or after the festival.
Destinations
Mary Valley: Explore the stunning Mary Valley region, with its country hospitality and charming country villages, including Imbil, Kandanga, Dagun and Amamoor — home of the Gympie Music Muster. This area of Queensland is renowned for its lush, fertile environment, so make sure you sample some local produce at farm gates and markets.
Kilkivan and Goomeri: A short drive west of Gympie, these charming villages are great stopping points on your way to the South Burnett wine region.
Rainbow Beach: Only an hour’s drive northeast of Gympie, Rainbow Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Experience the stunning sand cliffs, which feature more than 72 different colours, and don’t miss visiting Carlo Sand Blow. If you enjoy four-wheel driving, explore Double Island Point and Inskip Point with their breathtaking views of the coastline. To keep the adventures going, organise a ferry ride from Inskip Point over to K'gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world (tickets and permits must be organised in advance).
Tin Can Bay: With its protected coastline and calm waters, this peaceful coastal town is great for families and anyone who loves water sports, sailing and fishing. Plus, it’s one of the only two places in Queensland where you can handfeed dolphins!
The Sunshine Coast: Further south along the coast, the Sunshine Coast is Gympie’s neighbouring region and is an adventure lover’s playground of things to see and do. Plus, Noosa is only an hour’s drive from the Muster festival site.
Local activities
Mary River Rattler: Take a ride on the iconic steam train, which departs from Gympie Station and returns multiple times a week. Plan your trip so you arrive back in Gympie on the Wednesday before the festival begins.
Borumba Dam: Located an hour south of Gympie (by car), Borumba Dam is ideal for water activities and hiking.
Imbil: Explore this charming country village and make sure you stop by the local pub, bakery and popular Wild Vine Cafe.
Gold Mining and Historical Museum: Learn more about Gympie’s unique and colourful history.
Gympie Regional Gallery: Located in Gympie’s CBD, the gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Explore nature: The Gympie region is a natural wonderland of places to explore. If you want to stick close to the Muster, check out Amamoor State Forest and Mothar Mountain Rock Pools.
Ewe must put the Gympie Muster on your bucket list
Other events to attend in 2025
- GourMay Mary Valley (1–31 May 2025): Celebrate food, art and culture in the beautiful Mary Valley during its ‘feasting season’. Events include farm tours, cooking workshops, competitions, live performances and music, dancing and plenty of fantastic food using local produce.
- Gympie Show (15–17 May 2025): Enjoy an immersive experience at one of Queensland’s best regional shows, complete with rodeo events, woodchop competitions, ring events, livestock displays, nightly fireworks and so much more.
Plan your muster adventure
The Gympie Music Muster 2025 is shaping up to be another fantastic event, and whether you come for the music, the camping, the activities, the community or all of the above, this iconic festival has something for everyone. Mark your calendar now and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable event in one of Queensland’s most beautiful natural settings.
Head to the festival website for further information and tickets.
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