Everything you need to know for 2023 Gympie Music Muster
More than 100 artists, international and local fame, four days of activities, interviews, talent searches and much more. The 2023 Gympie Music Muster is going to be one of the biggest yet and here is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know.
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Excitement is building with less than two weeks until the 2023 Gympie Music Muster, so here is everything you need to know.
Whether you’re a veteran attender or a first timer we have all the artists, parking information, accommodation and accessibility.
Gympie Music Muster 2022 | Gallery
Where is the Gympie Music Muster?
The Gympie Music Muster is held each year in Amamoor State Forest.
Amamoor is roughly 158km (2 hours) north of Brisbane, 21km south of Gympie, and 215km south of Bundaberg.
From Amamoor there is a 13.5km dirt road into the forest which is roughly a 20 minute drive (without festival traffic).
What date is the Gympie Muster?
The Gympie Music Muster 2023 dates are Thursday, August 24 to Sunday, August 27, 2023.
How long does the Gympie Muster go for?
Gympie Muster goes for four days and draws leading Australian and international country music acts and offers of course, festival camping.
How long does it take to get to the Gympie from Brisbane?
It takes more than two hours to get to Gympie from Brisbane. The muster however, is between Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, but west of Noosa in Amamoor State Forest.
The campsite is roughly 158km north of Brisbane, you’ll want to schedule about 3 hours of driving to arrive due to traffic and roads.
The road from Amamoor to the Gympie Muster site is a dirt road.
How do I get to the Gympie Muster?
To get to the Gympie Muster from Brisbane you can take the M1 north until exit 253 towards Traveston.
After this exit follow Blackgate Rd, Mary Valley Rd, Amamoor Creek Rd and finally Busby Rd. Follow the signs to Amamoor State Forest.
The Gympie Music Muster will have clear sign signalling the way once you arrive at Amamoor.
There are user-pay shuttle services from Gympie to the Muster during the festival’s four days.
What happens at the Gympie Muster?
The Gympie Music Muster is four days of live musical acts, kids entertainment, awards, talent searches, interviews and conversations with artists, barn dancing, line dancing, workshops and much more.
Are dogs allowed at the Gympie Muster?
Gympie Muster does not allow dogs (or pets) in the Gympie campground.
Assistance animals with approved owners must display their handler identity harness on the animal.
Where to park?
There are designated parking for both campers and day visitors and a volunteer will direct cars to the best car park.
A free shuttle bus will be available during the four days of the festival, doing a loop of the campsites as well as the day car parks.
Nearby accommodation?
Nearby accommodation in Gympie, Imbil, Amamoor, Kandanga and Kenilworth is available, but the options fill up quickly. Feel free to check Airbnb or Stayz for any last minute cancellations.
Family friendly activities?
Family friendly activities include the Gympie Mazda Kid’s Country stage which includes a variety of creative activities for kids including, kids Olympics, workshops, laser tag, face painting and a silent disco.
Another family friendly activity is the Newgen Muster Arena which includes horsemanship and bullrides over the four days.
Transport (parking shuttle buses, walking distances)?
Transport is provided by a free shuttle bus doing a loop of the campsites as well as the day car parks during the four days of the festival.
Within the festival site itself is around half a kilometre from one side to the next direct.
Parking and camping walking distances cover up to 2-3km in the festival surrounds.
Accessibility?
Paths within the festival site are accessible for prams and wheelchair use and include accessible toilets.
The Hill stage has a two purpose built concrete viewing platforms for wheelchair users and their carers, the Muster website says.
There is a designated camping area with accessible toilet and shower facilities for anyone with a government issued disability permit.
A dedicated disability shuttle will operate this year from the designated camping area and the disabled carpark to the front gates of the festival.
There are two disabled parking areas, one reserved for high dependency wheelchair users. A complimentary event pass can be purchased for carers.
Who is playing at the Gympie Music Muster 2023?
With a line-up of more than 100 artists there is sure to be much in the way of an old-fashioned boogey, and energetic head bang, barn dance or something you can just sit back and enjoy.
Adam Brand
Since releasing his first debut album in 1997, this Australian country singer-songwriter has gone on to become an iconic part of the Australian country soundscape.
His career highlights include a record deal with Arista Records, touring with Taylor Swift, winning Dancing With The Stars and the success of his band, Adam Brand and the Outlaws, his website says.
Catch his set at 7.15pm at the Optus Hill Stage on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Amy Ryan
Amy Ryan’s website describes her as “a young girl with big dreams and nothing will get in her way.”
At 12 years old, she recorded her first single “Sitting Pretty” (2021).
Where to see this young, emerging, award-winner muso?
11.30am at The Grove on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
4pm at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
3pm at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Andy Golledge
“Sounds like Neil Young, with the energy of Springsteen, and a vulnerability all his own” is how Andy Golledge’s website describes his music.
When Andy left his hometown of Tamworth he became a “household name in Sydney’s live music pub scene.”
Andy speaks frankly about the anxiety, depression and the complications of ADHD within his musical energy.
Catch Andy in conversation at 1pm at the Great North Muster Club on Friday, August 25, 2023.
He will be playing three sets during the muster:
3.30pm at the Optus Hill Stage on Friday, August 25, 2023.
6.45pm at Campbell’s Dodge Tavern on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
4.15pm at The Grove on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
Anna Farquhar
Unapologetically honest and unafraid of the truth is how Anna’s website describes her song writing.
She draws her musical inspiration from Missy Higgins, Amy Shark and Fleetwood Mac.
Catch this “to watch” singer-songwriter at 5.45pm at Kombi Keg Bush Bar on Friday and then again at 3pm Saturday at Campbell’s Dodge Tavern.
The Angels
This timeless Australian band who contributed countless tunes to the pub rock scene for decades from the 1970s are still kicking it on stage today with new and old members.
You’ll not want to miss this set at 9.30pm at the Bundy Crowbar on Sunday, August 27.
Angus Gill
This restless singer-songwriter who has been writing and playing music since he was 10 years old wrestles with many things in his music – slow evolution to haphazard experimentation, his website describes.
See this self-described country, but not country, artist play at 6.15 at the Great Northern Muster Club on Thursday, and again at the 5.15pm Friday at The Grove.
Asa Broomhall
“Supercharged guitar, soaring voice, vamping harmonica and evoking lyrics” is how this musician’s website describes Asa Broomhall.
The guitarist has played all over Australia and regularly performs in England, United States and Canada.
You can catch Asa’s set at 1.30pm, Friday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar.
Ash Grunwald
For more than 20 years Ash Grunwald has been making sounds in the Australians blues music scene with no sign of stopping.
Hear him play at:
2pm, Saturday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar
9.45pm, Saturday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar
5.15pm, Sunday at The Grove
Ashleigh Dallas
This golden girl from Tamworth is an award-winning staple in the music scene as a five time CMAA Golden Guitar winner.
Catch her at:
1pm, Sunday at the Great Northern Muster Club (in conversation)
7:45pm, Sunday at the Great Northern Muster Club
The Barleyshakes
The Barleyshakes describe themselves as: “Brewed in Ireland and distilled in Australia. Fiddles, banjo, flutes, bass, drums, guitar, mandolin, and vocals, the Shakes are a collaboration of Irish and Australian performers.”
They’re set to take over Campbell’s Dodge Tavern at 6.45pm on Friday, followed by a Barn Dance at 7.45pm.
Barry Charles
A blues rock guitar and voice hero of Yandina, Barry Charles’ facebook page describes his voice as one that “reaches you, touches you and moves you”.
Hear him play his tunes at 1.30pm, Thursday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar.
Bill Chambers
From hillbilly music to rock’n’roll, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, Bill Chamber’s website says he’s known for the “swag of guitars showcasing his connection to different styles of music that he’s been influenced by over the years”.
See his set at 9.15pm, Saturday, at the Great Northern Muster Club.
The Bobkatz
For three decades this band has been on the scene picking up Golden Guitar Nominations and winning countless Tamworth songwriting awards.
Sarah, daughter of founding member Garry Koehler, took up the lead vocals when he died from cancer in 2019 and continues to pay tribute to her father, by performing and reimagining many of his songs with the band.
Discover, or rediscover their tunes at 4.15pm, Thursday at Campbell’s Dodge Tavern.
Boi & Eskae
This musical duo are described on their website as “sexy, dark and moody, totally of this moment but eternal”.
You can catch their set at 7pm, Thursday at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar.
Bondi Cigars
A four-piece blues/R&B band rising out of the 1989 Sydney scene, and sparked onward by the blues revival, this band describe themselves as “true survivors to become a leading force in Australian R & B”.
See them take to the stage at 9.45pm, Thursday and 8.15pm, Friday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar.
Brendan McMahon
From a small town in South Australia to a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter, Brendan McMahon’s music “takes listeners on a captivating journey”.
See Brendan McMahon play at 7pm, Sunday at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar.
Briana Dinsdale
A Brisbane-based teen, Briana Dinsdale is said to “bring a refreshing style of country-American music to crowds around Australia”.
Check her set out at 5pm, Thursday at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar.
Briannah Grace
This Sunshine Coast singer/songwriter is a Gympie Music Muster staple and this will be her sixth year on stage at the muster.
Hear her play at 2.30pm, Sunday at the Great Northern Muster Club.
Brittany Elise
Last year’s Gympie Music Muster talent search winner, Brittany Elise has started to make her mark on the country-pop music scene in Australia and abroad.
Catch her set at 3pm Thursday at the Kombi Keg Bush Bar and 5.15pm Saturday at the Bundy Crowbar.
Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley
The musical duo Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley are the hottest thing right now after taking home three awards at the 2023 Tamworth Golden Guitar awards.
See them play:
6.15pm Saturday at The Grove
1pm Sunday at the Great Northern Muster Club (conversations)
8pm Sunday at the Bundy Crowbar
Brooke Schubert
With songs that “move seamlessly between rock and country”, Brooke Schubert describes her style of music as “the dirtier sound of Country, it’s where I feel most comfortable singing and writing”.
Hear Brooke Schubert’s set at 8pm, Thursday at the Bundy Crowbar.
Busby Marou
Melodic guitar riffs define Busby Marou, a duo comprised of a Queenslander and a Torres Strait Islander who met in Rockhampton and have been on the musical scene for more than ten years.
Catch their set at 6.45pm Thursday at the Optus Hill Stage.
Caitlyn Shadbolt
Gympie’s golden girl who went from an X Factor 2014 contestant, to a CMC Award for Best New Artist (2016), to signing on to ABC Music in 2017, Caitlyn Shadbolt is set to grace the Gympie Music Muster once again.
See her play at 4.15pm Thursday at The Grove and again at 10am Saturday at the Gympie Mazda Kid’s Country.
Casey Barnes
This musician has been kicking some massive goals this year, ever-growing his long-list of awards and accolades, and playing at the Muster is sure to be a highlight.
Catch his set at 8.50pm Friday at the Optus Hill Stage.
Cass Eager
An R & B soul singer with “vintage sonic swagger” Cass Eager is described by Mark Winkler on her website as the love child between Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones.
Hear the soul in her voice at 4pm Sunday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar.
Catherine Britt
At 17 years of age, Catherine Britt moved to Nashville to follow her musical dreams after Elton John passed around her albums, helping her score a record deal, her website says.
Since then it has been a life of entertainment, music and a long list of awards for her.
See her set play:
6.15pm Thursday at The Grove
12pm Friday at The Grove
9.15pm Friday at the Great Northern Muster Club
Chad Morgan
Seventy years on “the Sheik of Scrubby Creek” is still doing what he loves on stage.
Catch this superstar from Wondai at:
1pm Saturday at the Great Northern Muster Club (conversations
3pm Saturday at the Optus Hill Stage
Col Finley
A country music veteran from the Sunshine Coast Col Finley is living his best life.
See this local muso take the stage at 3.45pm Sunday at the Great Northern Muster Club.
The Cousins Webb
With an Australian father and an American mother, musician Suzy Boles draws on inspiration from the legendary Brothers Webb and mixes in her own Californian style.
Check her music out at 2pm Sunday at the Optus Hill Stage.
Dan Davidson
Hailing all the way from Alberta, Canada, Dan Davidson has taken out numerous awards with top charting singles and touring internationally, his website says.
See him play live:
9.30pm Thursday at the Bundy Crowbar
4.15pm Saturday at The Grove
3.30pm Sunday at Optus Hill Stage
Dan Horne
“A foot stompin’ folk infused blues and roots multi instrumentalist” is how Dan Horne’s website describes his music.
Get your dancing shoes on to see him play at 12pm Thursday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar
Dave Hole
Australia’s hit bluesman and slide guitar hero, Dave Hole’s international acclaim sees him continuously playing for audiences around the world.
See this headlining act at 6.45pm Saturday at the Boss Hire Blues Bar.
Dee Jaye Bux
A country DJ like no other, Dee Jaye Bux’s music is described on his website as “country and funky” remixing party anthems and “turning the country music genre on its head”.
Put your party pants on for his late night sets:
12am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Bundy Crowbar
10.30pm Sunday at the Bundy Crowbar
Delsinki
“Shape-shifting uncategorizable postcolonialist” is how Delsinki describe themselves after creative collaborations with an array of musicians over the years.
Check their tunes out at 5.30pm Friday at Campbell’s Dodge Tavern.
Dennis Comino
Don Walker
Drew Blundell
Ella and Sienna
Emily Hatton
Emily Wurramara
Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham
Gina Jeffreys
Gord Bamford
Gusto
Harmaniax
Hat Fitz and Cara
Hayley Jensen
Hoodoo Gurus
Hussy Hicks
Ishka Celtic Rock
Jack Raymond
James Blundell
The James Brothers
James Desbrow
Jason McDaniel
Jayne Denham
JB Paterson with his band
Jeff Lang
Josh Setterfield
Jukejoint
Julian James & the Moonshine State
Karl S Williams
Kasey Chambers
Keely Ellen
Kelly Brouhaha
Kelly Cork
Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes
Lachy Doley and the Horns of Conviction
Lance Friend
Larry Mitchell
Linc Phelps
The Long Johns
Loren Ryan (2023 Toyota Star Maker)
Matt and the Mayor
Melinda Schneider
Melody Moko
Midland
Minnie Marks
Morgan Evans
Nine Year Sister
Owen Campbell & the Cosmic People
Round Mountain Girls
Sammy White
Sarah Savannah
Sara Storer
Sari Abbott
The Screaming Jets
Sons of Atticus
Southbound xo
The Spirits
Sunny Cowgirls
Sweet Talk
Tanya George
Taylor Moss
Tennessee Lights
Travis Collins
Troy Cassar-Daley
Uncle Bobs Jug Band
The Viper Creek Band
Vixens of Fall
The Weeping Willows
Will Day
The Wolfe Brothers
Wolfmother
Yazmindi
Zac & George
Zac Cross Band
Z-StarTrinity
19 Twenty
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Originally published as Everything you need to know for 2023 Gympie Music Muster
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