Published on
August 27, 2025
The Gympie Music Muster returns in 2025 from August 28 to 31, continuing a tradition that began in 1982. Held in the picturesque Amamoor Creek State Forest near Gympie, Queensland, this iconic festival is a celebration of country music and community spirit. After a pause during 2020 and 2021, the event remains a highlight on Australia’s cultural and tourism calendar, drawing music lovers from across the country and beyond.
Gympie Music Muster 2025: Australia’s Original Camping & Music Festival
Australia’s iconic community camping and music event, the 2025 Gympie Music Muster, returns to the Amamoor State Forest in Queensland from August 28 to 31. Celebrated as the country’s original bushland music festival, the Muster will feature over 140 performers across 9 stages, spanning genres like country, blues, folk, roots, and rock. Renowned for its family-friendly vibe, the festival invites attendees to stay longer and soak up the atmosphere with up to nine days of camping in a truly scenic setting.
2024 Gympie Music Muster Sets New Attendance Record, Marking Festival Milestone
The 2024 Gympie Music Muster set a new benchmark with a record crowd of 50,000 attendees, making it the most well-attended edition in the festival’s history. This milestone reflects the event’s rising appeal and its strong position as a cornerstone of Australia’s music and camping festival calendar.
Countries Represented at the Gympie Music Muster
- Australia – Host country and main audience base.
- United Kingdom – Visitors from England attended the 2024 event.
- Canada – Artists from Canada are part of the 2025 performer lineup and ambassador roles.
Gympie Music Muster 2025 – Event Schedule
| Date | Event | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23–27 (Sat–Wed) | Pre-Muster Entertainment | From 3:00 PM | Early live music at Bundaberg Rum Crowbar; exclusive to 4-day pass holders |
| Aug 28 (Thu) | Main Festival – Day 1 | ~2:00 PM–10:00 PM | Opening day with multiple artist performances across 9 stages |
| Aug 29 (Fri) | Main Festival – Day 2 | ~2:00 PM–10:00 PM | Full day of music, dancing, and family-friendly activities |
| Aug 30 (Sat) | Main Festival – Day 3 | ~2:00 PM–10:00 PM | Peak performances and headliners; large crowds expected |
| Aug 31 (Sun) | Main Festival – Day 4 (Final Day) | ~2:00 PM–10:00 PM | Closing performances and farewell celebrations |
Key Activities and Experiences at the 2025 Gympie Music Muster
Music and Performances
- Live performances across 9 stages
- Over 140 artists spanning country, blues, folk, roots, and rock genres
- Evening headliners and daytime emerging talent
Dance and Cultural Activities
- Line-dancing sessions and workshops
- Rock ’n’ roll dancing events
- The traditional Muster Bush Dance
Camping and Festival Life
- Up to 9 days of camping starting August 23
- General camping included with festival tickets
- A lively, social festival village atmosphere
Transport and Logistics
- User-pay shuttle services between Gympie and the festival site
- On-site services and facilities for convenience
- Refund booth for leftover wristband balances at the foyer gate
Extra Experiences
- Pre-Muster live music from August 23–27 at the Bundaberg Rum Crowbar (for full pass holders)
- Workshops, family zones, and chill-out areas
- A fun, inclusive, and family-friendly environment
Airports Near the Gympie Music Muster and How to Get There
- Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
- Located in Marcoola, approximately 100 km south of the Gympie Music Muster site, Sunshine Coast Airport is a convenient regional option with domestic flights from major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Amamoor State Forest, making it a practical choice for festivalgoers attending the Gympie Music Muster from other parts of Australia.
- Hervey Bay Airport (HVB)
- Situated around 150 km north of the event site, Hervey Bay Airport serves regional flights mainly from Brisbane and Sydney. It offers car rentals and bus connections, making it an option for those traveling to the Gympie Music Muster from Queensland’s Fraser Coast or northern regions.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE)
- As the nearest major international and domestic gateway, Brisbane Airport is about 2 hours (160 km) south of the Gympie Music Muster. With frequent flights from all major Australian cities and international hubs, it’s the most accessible airport for interstate and overseas visitors. From here, you can rent a car or take public transport to Gympie and then on to the Amamoor Creek festival grounds.
- Bundaberg Airport (BDB)
- Bundaberg Airport lies about 180 km north of the Gympie Music Muster and provides flights primarily to Brisbane. It’s suitable for festivalgoers coming from central and northern Queensland who prefer a quieter regional terminal before continuing their journey south to Amamoor State Forest.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
- Though farther away (approximately 270 km), Gold Coast Airport serves as another international and domestic hub with flights from across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Travelers attending the Gympie Music Muster from the southern Gold Coast or northern NSW might choose this airport and then drive north to the festival.
- Gympie Airport (GYP)
- This small, local airport handles mostly general aviation and charter flights. While not serviced by commercial airlines, Gympie Airport offers a quick arrival point for private aircraft or helicopter transfers heading to the Gympie Music Muster. It is the closest landing strip to the event itself.
Airlines Serving the Gympie Music Muster Region and How They Connect to the Festival
- Jetstar
- Jetstar is a major low-cost carrier offering frequent domestic flights to Sunshine Coast Airport and Hervey Bay Airport. For travelers attending the Gympie Music Muster, Jetstar provides an affordable and convenient option from cities like Sydney and Melbourne. From the airport, visitors can drive or take a shuttle to the festival site in Amamoor State Forest.
- Virgin Australia
- Virgin Australia serves multiple nearby airports including Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay, with domestic connections from major cities. The airline’s extensive route network makes it easy for attendees of the Gympie Music Muster to plan flexible and comfortable travel to the region. Virgin also offers options for luggage and sports gear, useful for campers heading to the event.
- Qantas Airways
- As Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas and its regional partner QantasLink operate flights to Sunshine Coast Airport, Hervey Bay, and Bundaberg. Qantas offers premium service for travelers flying in for the Gympie Music Muster, especially those connecting through Brisbane Airport. From there, festivalgoers can rent a car or catch a bus to Gympie and continue to Amamoor State Forest.
- Air New Zealand
- Air New Zealand offers seasonal international flights to Sunshine Coast Airport, providing a direct gateway for international visitors from New Zealand. Attendees of the Gympie Music Muster coming from Auckland and other NZ cities can travel conveniently to Queensland’s coast and reach the event grounds with a short drive north to Gympie.
Accommodation Options for Gympie Music Muster Attendees
- Amamoor Lodge
- A serene adults-only lodge nestled in Amamoor, about a 10-minute drive from the Gympie Music Muster site in Amamoor State Forest. Set on 50 acres of native gardens with a lagoon-style pool, private kitchens, and peaceful surroundings—perfect for festivalgoers seeking a quiet retreat after a day of music.
- Stay Motel (formerly Room Motels Gympie)
- A modern 3.5-star motel in central Gympie, featuring air-conditioned rooms, kitchenettes, smart TVs, free Wi‑Fi, and pet-friendly options. Rated highly for comfort, location, and cleanliness—an excellent base for those attending the Gympie Music Muster, with easy access to shuttle services or a short drive to Amamoor State Forest.
- Gympie (local hotels and motels)
- The broader Gympie area offers several accommodation options—such as Gympie Muster Inn, Shady Rest Motel, and Victory Hotel Motel—with complimentary parking and Wi‑Fi. These establishments provide a convenient launchpad to the Gympie Music Muster, located just 40 km away in Amamoor State Forest.
Top Tourist Attractions Near the Gympie Music Muster
- Amamoor State Forest
- Situated about 20 km southwest of Gympie, this lush riverine rainforest is the very location where the Gympie Music Muster takes place. Known for its towering hoop and bunya pines and home to platypus and endangered frogs in Amamoor Creek, the forest provides the perfect natural backdrop for the festival’s stages and campgrounds.
- Mary Valley Rattler
- A heritage train experience departing from Gympie Station and winding through the Mary Valley to Amamoor—right past the festival grounds. The steam and diesel journeys on restored vintage carriages offer festivalgoers a charming, slow-paced way to reach the Gympie Music Muster site, immersing them in local history and picturesque landscapes.
- Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum
- This extensive museum charts the region’s gold rush origins, showcasing artifacts from the 1867 discovery through modern times. Located close to Gympie town, it offers a fascinating day out for Gympie Music Muster attendees interested in local heritage and mining history.
- Woodworks Museum & Interpretive Centre
- Highlighting Gympie’s timber industry, this interactive museum features live demonstrations of forestry machinery, historical hand tools, and a restored 1925 winch truck. It’s an engaging cultural stop for Gympie Music Muster visitors curious about the region’s logging heritage.
- Lake Alford Recreational Park
- Also known as “the Duckponds,” this family-friendly park borders Gympie town and offers picnic areas, all-abilities playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and off-leash dog zones. It’s ideal for Gympie Music Muster guests seeking a peaceful spot to relax before or after festival events.
The Gympie Music Muster is more than just a music festival—it’s a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and the natural beauty of Queensland. Set in the stunning Amamoor State Forest, the event blends top-tier live music with authentic Australian experiences like camping, dancing, and local heritage. With nearby attractions such as the Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum, and Lake Alford Park, attendees can easily turn their festival visit into a well-rounded getaway. Whether you’re a music lover, outdoor enthusiast, or cultural explorer, the Gympie Music Muster offers something memorable for everyone.
