For music lovers and campers alike, the Gympie Music Muster is widely regarded as Australia’s quintessential outdoor country music festival. In 2025, the event returns from August 28 to 31, set once again amid the towering hoop and bunya pines of Amamoor Creek State Forest, just southwest of Gympie on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland.
A Legacy of Australian Heritage & Record-Breaking Growth
Since its origins in 1982—when it began as a fundraiser on a family property before relocating to Amamoor State Forest—the Gympie Music Muster has grown into Australia’s largest outdoor country music festival . The event is more than music; it’s a celebration of culture, bushland camaraderie, and local philanthropy.
The 2024 edition shattered attendance records, drawing an estimated 50,000 visitors over the pre-Muster and main festival days, up from around 40,000 in 2023.Importantly, the festival also raised over $101,000 for the charity Rural Aid, reinforcing its community-driven roots .
What to Expect in 2025
Lineup & Performers
The first artist announcement unveiled iconic names like Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, Fanny Lumsden, Thirsty Merc, and Canada’s The Road Hammers. The Wolfe Brothers have been named official Muster ambassadors and will perform on the Hill Stage Saturday, August 30.
Evolving the lineup further, the festival has added 41 new artists to the 58 previously confirmed, creating a diverse bill of over 140 performers across multiple genres.
Festival Experience
Spanning nine days of camping from August 23 to September 1 for four-day ticket holders, the Muster offers a full immersion in bushland festival life.
Located across 50 hectares of forest, the event features eight stages and nine venues, including unique spots like the Optus Hill Stage, Bundaberg Rum Crowbar, and Kombi Keg Bush Bar . Expect workshops (ukulele, songwriting, choir), dance events from line dancing to the iconic Muster Bush Dance, kids zones, and charming rodeo-style spectacles like whip cracking and trick riding.
Weather & Facilities
Organizers predict perfect weather for all four days—clear skies, day temperatures peaking at 27°C on Thursday before dropping to 19°C by Sunday, with overnight lows as cool as 5°C. Recent upgrades include enhancements to key venues like the Crowbar and Grove, and expanded camping areas will accommodate surging attendance, especially during anticipated Saturday crowds of 10,000–11,000.
Getting There & Nearby Attractions
Travel Logistics
The festival lies about 160 km north of Brisbane Airport (~2-hour drive)—the main gateway for domestic and international travelers. Other accessible airports include Sunshine Coast (Marcoola), Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, and Gold Coast, which offer varying convenience and routes.
Local Adventures
Extend your Muster experience with regional highlights:
- Mary Valley Rattler: Take a heritage steam or diesel rail journey from Gympie to Amamoor through scenic countryside, passing past festival grounds.
- Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum: Dive into the region’s 1860s gold rush roots.
- Gympie Town: Discover Victorian architecture, local cafes along Mary Street, or attend the annual Short Film Festival in town.
Why the Gympie Music Muster Stands Out
- Heritage & continuity: A beloved event since 1982 with deep cultural roots.
- Eclectic line-up: Features both legendary and emerging artists across country, blues, folk, and rock.
- Bushland immersion: Festival-goers camp under forest canopy for a full outdoor experience.
- Charity impact: Significant contributions to rural communities through fundraising.
- Inclusive atmosphere: Activities suit families, music fans, dancers, and nature lovers alike.
Tips for Visitors
- Book early: Season passes sell quickly—2024 sold out and drove record attendance .
- Prepare for weather swings: Bring warm clothing for chilly overnight temperatures.
- Explore side experiences: Don’t miss the Mary Valley Rattler or local heritage spots before or after the festival.
- Use official resources: Download apps like Frontstage for schedules, maps, and alerts.
Wrap-Up: A Cultural Bushland Feast
The Gympie Music Muster 2025 promises an unforgettable convergence of music, bushland camaraderie, and Australian culture. From its rich history to record-breaking growth and immersive outdoor festivities, the Muster remains a standout event on the international festival calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned Muster Mate or a first-timer, pack your boots and get ready for a legendary August in Queensland’s forest.
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