Boots, beats and bush vibes: Inside the 2025 Gympie Music Muster

EVENT

By Taneil Thornberry

Published 3 weeks ago

When: 28 - 31 August 2025
Four days. Eight stages and thousands of boots scootin.
Where: Amamoor Creek State Forest, near Gympie, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Once a year, the quiet corners of Amamoor Creek State Forest explode with music, colour and campfire camaraderie as thousands roll in (caravans in tow) for one of Australia’s most iconic camping festivals. The Gympie Music Muster isn’t just a gig, it’s a rite of passage for music lovers, boot-wearers and anyone who loves their country with a bit of rock and blues on the side.

This not-for-profit festival sprawls across 50 hectares of bushland with eight stages, nine venues, quirky bars, and a legendary campsite culture. It’s got something for every kind of festivalgoer – from the rodeo crowd to ukulele strummers to the little tackers at Gympie 4 x 4 Kids Country.

This year’s headline acts? Just a few Aussie legends like Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, Adam Harvey, Casey Barnes, Choirboys, and James Johnston.

Plus, international country artists The Road Hammers, Dan Davidson and Alli Walker (CAN) and Kaylee Bell (NZ) are bringing serious star power to the outback stage.

Must-dos at the Gympie Music Muster

Sinigng at the Gympie Music Muster 2024 — Gympie Music Muster, Sunshine Coast

With more than 140 artists playing at the 2025 Gympie Muster, you can be forgiven for being a little overwhelmed. Here’s what not to miss.

Optus Hill stage: Soak up the energy where thousands gather on the hill each night with chairs, eskies and cold drinks to watch the big names bring it home. Keep your ears open for surprise collaborations – you never know when Kaylee Bell and the Wolfe Brothers might share a duet.

Bundaberg Rum Crowbar stage: Enjoy line dancing by day and big acts by night like Travis Collins, Thirsty Merc and the Wolfe Brothers.

Kombi Keg Bush Bar: Settle into the cool vibe of this venue and enjoy the talents of Australia’s emerging artists. You will even be able to catch Australian Idol country contestants Jake Whittaker and Keely Ellen, who also won the 2024 Gympie Muster Junior Talent Search competition.

Two-step your way through the genres

Festival goers taking part in a line dancing lesson at Gympie Music Muster — Gympie Music Muster, Sunshine Coast

Gympie isn’t just for country crooners. You’ll find blues at The Boss Hire Blues Bar, traditional country at the Great Northern Muster Club, and dust off the dance floor each day with line-dancing, rock ‘n’ roll dancing and the Muster Bush Dance with the Barleyshakes.

Explore the wild world of Muster campsites

The Muster Oztrail Campsite Competition is a whole thing. In 2024, camping mates came together to create amazing camp sites to compete for a share in over $13,000 in prizes. Each year, campers exceed expectations, and the buzz is that 2025 will be even bigger and better.

Soak up the bush fun

Rodeo performer rides a bucking bull at Gympie Music Muster — Gympie Music Muster, Sunshine Coast

Beyond the music, the Muster brings out all the bush magic.

Bush Poets Breakfast (daily at 8.30 am in the Great Northern Muster Club) – Start your day with a laugh and a QCWA fresh hot scone.
Snowy River Caravans Muster Arena – Laughing Stock Productions will present spectacular trick riding and whip cracking fun on Thursday 28^th & Friday 29^th of August. Don’t miss the thrills and bucking action on Friday 30^th and Sunday 31^st during the Gympie Muster Bull Ride.
Ukulele and songwriting workshops offer festival goers the opportunity to engage and interact. The Muster Country Choir & Americana Sing Along Sessions beginners are welcome, and no one minds if you’re a little out of tune.
Gympie 4x4 Kids Country - Entertainment from YouTube sensations The Mik Maks, Colin Buchanan Kids Show, Allioopsy and Magic Glen. Plus, daily activities to keep the little Muster mates enthralled, and there’s even a Parent Hub for feeding and changing the littlest ones. Also on the schedule: yoga in the mornings, trivia nights and camp cook-off contests.

Catch legends at sunset on the Optus Hill

Each night on the Hill Stage at sunset, settle in for a daily tribute to the greats. This year’s Legends at Sunset features:

Thursday: The Bushwackers
Friday: Adam Harvey
Saturday: Troy Cassar-Daley
Sunday: Daryl Braithwaite

Stallholder spotlight:

Get your retail therapy fix with these must-see market legends:

Ariat – Western wear royalty.
Country Trucker Caps – Big hats, even bigger personality.
Ozhatz – Aussie lids, top tier.
Aussie Footy Shorts – Loud, proud, and leg day approved.

Feeling peckish?

Fuel up with flavours from across the globe, with bites from:
Smokin Butts & Racks – Low and slow BBQ done right.
Bill’s Burgers – Classic burgers, big on flavour.
Boost Juice – Fresh, fruity, and full of energy.

While you’re in the neighbourhood...

Photo by Mary Valley Rattler via Facebook

The fun doesn’t stop at the festival in the forest. Stick around and explore some of Gympie’s best-kept secrets:

Mary Valley Rattler – A heritage steam train chugging through lush countryside. All aboard for vintage charm and epic views.
Mothar Mountain Rockpools – Nature’s version of a day spa, tucked away in the hinterland.
Rainbow Beach – Snap the coloured sands, jump in the 4x4 for a beach drive to Double Island Point, or visit nearby Tin Can Bay for dolphin feeding at dawn.
Kilkivan & Goomeri – Classic country towns west of Gympie with a big love for horses and even bigger skies.
Mary Valley villages – Visit surrounding Amamoor, Kandanga and Imbil for charming country vibes, local produce and friendly hellos.
Gympie Memorial Park – The perfect spot for a cuppa under blooming Jacarandas.
River to Rail Trail – Walk, ride or jog your way through Gympie’s scenic spots

Ready to roll into the Muster?

Whether you’re here for the music, the mateship or the pure fun of it all – the Gympie Music Muster is one for the memory books. Pull on your flanno, pack your esky and dust off the dance boots.

Pre Muster Entertainment - 4-day ticket holders can camp early and enjoy daily live entertainment in the Bundaberg Crowbar prior to the festival. The fun kicks off Saturday 23^rd until Wednesday 27^th August.

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