Gympie Music Muster 2026
Every August, something magical happens in the Mary Valley.
The quiet corners of Amamoor Creek State Forest in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland 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 simply a concert — it’s a pilgrimage for country music lovers and a Queensland cultural institution that has been running for over four decades.
Set to welcome 15,000-plus patrons and inject close to $16 million into the local economy,
the Gympie Music Muster 2026 promises to be one of the biggest and most star-studded editions yet. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Muster veteran who still remembers the mud from years past, this guide covers everything you need to know — lineup, tickets, camping, getting there, and what to pack.
Quick Reference: Gympie Music Muster 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 August 2026 |
| Location | Amamoor Creek State Forest, QLD |
| Address | Amamoor Creek Rd, Amamoor Creek QLD |
| Tickets | From $110 (adult single day) |
| 4-Day Pass | From $535 adult / $220 teen |
| Children (12 & under) | Free (registration required) |
| Camping | Included with festival ticket |
| Festival Website | muster.com.au |
| Age Limit | All ages |
What Is the Gympie Music Muster?
The Muster started as a community fundraiser in 1982 and has now grown to a four-day festival attracting musicians from across Australia and internationally.
With the help of the Apex Club, local volunteers and the radio station 4QR, the first Gympie Music Muster was held on 24–26 September 1982 on 25 hectares of creek flats at Thornside — attracting 6,000 people and raising $15,000 for local charities.
Today it’s a very different beast.
Set across 50 hectares of bushland near Gympie, the not-for-profit festival brings together more than 140 artists across nine stages, alongside rodeos, bush poetry, line dancing and a campsite culture that’s become legendary in its own right.
The Muster is proudly owned by the Apex Club of Gympie and its fundamental purpose has always remained the same — to raise funds for those in need in the community.
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Gympie Music Muster, where great music, community spirit and the beauty of the Australian bush come together. Across multiple stages set within Amamoor Creek State Forest, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of performances from some of Australia’s best country music artists alongside talented performers from blues, folk, rock and heritage music traditions.
Gympie Music Muster 2026 Lineup
The Headliners
The 2026 edition is headlined by multi–Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence, who is also the festival’s 2026 Ambassador. Also performing are Aussie country legend Lee Kernaghan, 2025 ambassadors The Wolfe Brothers, veteran Queenslander James Blundell, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Beccy Cole and country star Graeme Connors.
Multi–Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence will be the Muster’s 2026 ambassador — an honour she is beyond ecstatic to accept in what will be her tenth appearance at Gympie. Australian country music legend Lee Kernaghan headlines the first artist drop, the ‘Boys From The Bush’ and ‘She’s My Ute’ hitmaker joined by fellow Aussie legend and 14-time Golden Guitar winner Graeme Connors.
Also leading the charge are US country star Larry Fleet and The Wolfe Brothers, backed by a huge lineup of artists including Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, Sara Berki, Taylor Moss and more.
Ambassador Amber Lawrence
This year’s ambassador role is a deeply personal milestone.
“This year will be my 10th Muster, and my first Muster was 20 years ago — can you believe those stats?” Lawrence said. “I feel its history is so important because of how long it’s been running and the number of Australian legends that have played on those iconic stages. Its location is also so special, and, of course, the people who attend, including people who have never missed a Muster, people who come weeks in advance to rope off their sites.”
The Second & Third Announcements
The 2026 Gympie Music Muster is shaping up to be one of its biggest and most diverse years yet, with a second artist announcement adding 36 new names to the bill. The beloved festival now boasts 68 announced acts, blending country, rock, blues and everything in between.
Among the additions is Steph Strings, who’s finally making her Muster debut. “I’ve heard so much about the Muster over the years, and I’m absolutely thrilled to finally be joining the lineup,” she said.
Catherine Britt, Robbie Mortimer and Jack Botts add further depth, alongside international acts from New Zealand including Jenny Mitchell and The Mitchell Twins.
Leading the third artist announcement are returning crowd favourites Kingswood, US outfit The Davisson Brothers Band, Canadian country party starters Tim & The Glory Boys, and Aussie folk icons The Bushwackers.
The Muster is also continuing its long-running support of emerging country talent, with several major talent quest winners earning spots on the 2026 lineup, including Jarrad Wrigley, Mackenzie Lee, Lucy Beveridge, Tia Hannah, Caitlin Drew, Sarah Hamze and Michael Purcell.
A Snapshot of the Full 2026 Lineup (Announced to Date)
Artists announced include Adam Eckersley Band, Ally Row, Amber Lawrence, The Barleyshakes, Beccy Cole, Belle Norman, Bo’Ness Brothers, Brett Wood, Brewn, Briana Dinsdale, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Brooke Schubert, The Bushwackers, Caitlin Drew, Cass Eager, Catherine Britt, Chase the Sun, Claudia Tripp, Collard Greens & Gravy, Davisson Brothers Band, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Furnace & the Fundamentals, Graeme Connors, Gretta Ziller, Jack Botts, Jake Whittaker, James Blundell, James Johnston, and 2026 Toyota Star Maker winner Jarrad Wrigley.
Check muster.com.au for the complete and continuously updated artist list.
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What to Expect at the Festival
The Music — and Then Some
From headline performances across multiple stages to intimate songwriter sessions and the vibrant campground community that returns year after year, the Gympie Music Muster offers a truly unique live music experience.
While country music sits proudly at the heart of the festival, the Muster lineup is renowned for its vibrant mix of musical styles. Across multiple stages set within the beautiful surrounds of Amamoor Creek State Forest, festivalgoers can experience a rich tapestry of genres including blues, rock, heritage, folk and acoustic music.
Program Director Bec Anderson summed up the 2026 philosophy perfectly:
“We’ve got international touring acts, iconic Australian artists, exciting emerging performers and artists pushing country music in new directions.”
Beyond the Stages
The Muster is far more than live music.
Staged deep within the natural surrounds of the Amamoor Creek State Forest, the Muster showcases a mix of country, roots, blues, folk and rock music as well as workshops, dancing, bush poets, kid’s country and much more.
- Gympie 4×4 Kids Country: Little festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment, daily activities and a dedicated Parent Hub.
- Markets: Browse the market stalls for western wear, hats, festival gear and handcrafted gifts — keep an eye out for favourites including Ariat, Country Trucker Caps, Ozhatz and Aussie Footy Shorts.
- Food: Fuel up with flavours from across the globe, including Smokin Butts & Racks (low and slow BBQ) and Bill’s Burgers.
- Rodeo: The Gympie Show Rodeo is one of the largest on the National Rodeo Association of Australia’s calendar and a stop on the international pro circuit.
The App
Make the most of your experience with the official 2026 Muster App — your ultimate festival companion. Stay up to date with the latest artist announcements, program updates, venue information, daily activities and festival news. Create your own personalised schedule, explore the festival map, discover food and market stalls, and never miss your favourite artists or events.
Gympie Music Muster 2026 Tickets
Single-day and four-day passes are available. Four-day passes include entry to all four festival days plus general camping. Children aged 12 and under are free, although registration is required.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Thursday (Adult 18+) | $110 |
| Friday (Adult 18+) | $190 |
| 4-Day Pass (Adult) | From $535 |
| 4-Day Pass (Teen 13–17) | From $220 |
| Children (12 & under) | Free (registration required) |
If you can’t commit to the full festival, limited single-day passes are available for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Prices vary by day and ticket type, with adult single-day tickets starting from $110.
Tickets are on sale now at muster.com.au.
Camping at the Gympie Music Muster 2026
Camping is the beating heart of the Muster experience — many devotees argue the campground is as much the festival as the stages themselves.
General Camping
General camping is FREE and included in the price of your festival ticket.
If you purchase a 4-Day Festival Ticket, you can even arrive the Saturday before and enjoy up to 9 days of early entertainment, relaxation and fun.
Set among the bushland of Amamoor Creek State Forest, the campground takes on a life of its own, with long-time Muster regulars creating iconic camp bars and welcoming newcomers in for a yarn.
Rope-Off
Seasoned Muster-goers know that securing a prime campsite is an art form.
The Gympie Muster has introduced a “DIY Priority Rope-Off” ticket to better manage Rope-Off day from 2026 onwards. Patrons who have purchased a rope-off for 3 consecutive years qualify for a “DIY Priority Rope-Off” ticket, allowing them to stake their claim before the general rope-off begins on Saturday 8 August 2026.
Banjo’s Tent Motel
Not quite ready to rough it?
Banjo’s Tent Motel offers a convenient accommodation option where your tent is set up and ready for you when you arrive.
Various tents sleep up to 5 people per tent, Wednesday through Sunday nights (2-night minimum).
All Banjo’s beds now include linen — sheets, a pillow and a blanket — though they don’t include towels or toiletries.
RVs & Caravans
Camping is a major part of the Gympie Music Muster experience, with thousands of patrons staying onsite each year in tents, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes. Many visitors bring caravans, motorhomes or camper trailers to enjoy the full festival camping experience in Amamoor Creek State Forest.
Important Camping Rules
-You can bring alcohol to your campsite, but the festival operates a strict no-glass policy to help protect the natural environment of Amamoor Creek State Forest. BYO alcohol is not permitted within the festival precinct.
-Pets are not permitted at the festival or campgrounds, with the exception of registered assistance animals.
-Campgrounds include shower and toilet facilities, potable water and waste stations.
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Getting to the Gympie Music Muster
Located 40 kilometres southwest of Gympie, the festival site is an easy 2-hour drive north of Brisbane.
If you’re travelling from the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, allow a little extra time and plan your route via the Bruce Highway.
Getting there:
- By car: Follow the Bruce Highway north from Brisbane to Gympie, then head southwest toward Amamoor Creek Road.
- By shuttle:
A shuttle bus runs between the Muster site and Gympie.
Check muster.com.au closer to the event for timetable and pricing details.
- EV drivers note:
The nearest public EV charging stations are located in Gympie, approximately 20–25 minutes from the festival grounds. Plan ahead and charge before arriving at Amamoor Creek State Forest, where charging infrastructure is limited.
