Each May, Kununurra bursts into life for the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster, a two-week festival that celebrates the region’s extraordinary landscapes, culture and community spirit. Set against the backdrop of Kununurra’s striking ranges and the mighty Ord River, this is the Kimberley at its most vibrant: a time of live music, dining under the stars, art, rodeo, and adventure.
A Festival Born from the Heart of the Kimberley
Born more than two decades ago as a community event, the Ord Valley Muster has since grown into one of Western Australia’s most iconic regional festivals. What started as a gathering of locals has evolved into a multi-day celebration that draws visitors from across Australia, all here to experience the unique energy of the East Kimberley at the start of the dry season.
Held each May, the Muster showcases the best of Kununurra’s creativity and hospitality, from open-air concerts and cultural performances to scenic tours that invite you to explore the region’s rugged beauty.
Warringarri dancers at the Ord Valley Muster.
The Kimberley Moon Experience
At the heart of the festival is the Kimberley Moon Experience, a spectacular evening of music and celebration on the banks of the Ord River. Festivalgoers spread out on picnic rugs or dance the night away under the stars, framed by the soft glow of the full moon.
Past performers have included some of Australia’s biggest names — think Paul Kelly, Amy Shark, Birds of Tokyo, Jimmy Barnes, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum and Lime Cordiale, and the atmosphere is pure Kimberley magic. Whether you choose the laid-back lawn experience or the black-tie Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, it’s a night to remember.
Art Show during the Ord Valley Muster.
A Festival with Many Faces
The Ord Valley Muster is far more than a music event. Over the course of two weeks, the program spans art, food, adventure and community experiences. You might start your day with a yoga session at sunrise overlooking Lake Kununurra, then browse local art exhibitions, learn about Miriwoong culture, or join a guided walk through nearby national parks.
Other highlights include the action-packed Kununurra Rodeo, cliffside dining experiences that showcase fresh local produce, comedy nights, and storytelling events that reveal the depth of Kimberley culture. Each year’s program offers something new, but the spirit remains the same - a celebration of place, people, and the outback lifestyle.
Kununurra Rodeo
Exploring the Kimberley During the Muster
The festival coincides perfectly with the start of the dry season, when waterfalls still flow, the roads are open, and the weather is ideal for exploring. Many visitors combine the Muster with a journey through some of the Kimberley’s most spectacular natural attractions.
From Kununurra, you can take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range, cruise the Ord River or Lake Argyle, or follow the Gibb River Road to explore ancient gorges and hidden swimming holes. With so much to see, the Muster is both an unforgettable event and the perfect reason to start your Kimberley adventure.
Ivanhoe Crossing, Kununurra.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets for the Ord Valley Muster typically go on sale early in the year, with the festival taking place in May. Accommodation in Kununurra can book out quickly, so it’s worth planning ahead and giving yourself time to explore everything the region has to offer before or after the celebrations.
Whether you come for the music, the landscapes, or the sense of community that defines this remarkable corner of Australia, the Ord Valley Muster promises a once-a-year celebration unlike any other!
