Gympie Muster

The Muster, held over six magical days and unforgettable nights among the towering gums of Amamoor Creek State Forest Park, celebrates the true spirit of country Australia. It's a phenomenal experience rooted in music and community, far removed from ties and clocks, suits and schedules. Thousands of patrons flock to this iconic event, attracted each year by the smorgasbord of diverse programs rich with our country's finest musicians, the bushland setting laced with inviting whiffs of campfire cooking and fresh bush eucalypti, the easy camaraderie created by convivial patrons all set to simply enjoy themselves... 'there are no strangers at the Muster, just friends you haven't met yet..'

Over the years, the growth of the Muster has enabled the entertainment line up to diversify into an exciting mix of musical genres while still maintaining its strong country focus. As well as traditional and modern country, entertainment within 13 other stages and venues includes an aural collage ranging from folk, bluegrass, balladeers and gospel, to blues, bush poetry, clogging, line dancing, salsa and rock 'n roll ... there's even a theatre production, celebrity guest debate and the serious competition of the Maton Talent Search where future careers are established.

The Muster's picturesque 50-hectare site is an ideal location for this great festival. The site, 2 hours drive north of Brisbane, 40 minutes from Noosa and 1 hour from heritage listed Fraser Island, is easily accessible by large vehicles - just watch for meandering cows!

The forest becomes a mini-city at the end of August each year, with a general store, sit-down and take-away food and bar outlets, phones, EFTPOS and other essential services. A massive dual Main Stage is in the heart of the entertainment precinct, which also contains 13 other diverse venues. All venues are within easy walking distance and all only a short stroll through forest paths to the camping areas.

Clearly laid out camping grounds surround the entertainment area and plenty of regularly serviced toilets and hot showers are distributed throughout the site. Camping costs are included in the one ticket price (camping only available for the duration of the ticket purchased) and grounds are accessible by caravan, motorhome, bus and other large vehicles.

If bringing your own tent is a 'chore' take advantage of the on-site accommodation already set up for you, with a number of packages, including Banjo's B&B, Banjo's Gold B&B and Budget, being available.

Banjo's offers private cabin-style tent accommodation. Your tent is ready for you when you arrive, with internal lighting, carpet and beds. Just bring your own bedding, towels and personal requirements.

Banjo's Gold offers patrons the same benefits but with motel-like service. Linen and pillows are provided and beds are made ready for your arrival. Both packages include 4 nights accommodation (Thurs 26 - Sun 29 August 2010 incl) with breakfasts. Accommodation for Tues 24/Wed 25 August is available upon request for both Banjo's and Banjo's Gold. Budget offers roomy cabin-style tents, ready for you when you arrive. Complete with internal lighting, carpet and camp-style beds, you need only bring your own bedding, towels and personal requirements. Packages from 1 - 6 nights.

Alternatively there is accommodation available within an hours drive both on the Sunshine Coast and the Cooloola Region.

Over 50 community groups and 2000 volunteers annually help the event organisers, Gympie Apex Club Inc, to stage this non-profit community-based festival to raise funds to assist charities Australia-wide. Since it's inception in 1982, the Muster has raised over $12M for charities and community groups. The Muster also raises funds through it's Rural Aid Appeal, annually raising up to $100,000 for it's nominated charity. Funds are raised through sales from a range of merchandise which includes CDs & DVDs, shirts, caps, leathergoods and Bundaberg Rum and XXXX merchandise.