People outside of Western Australia might not be acquainted with the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster, but the festival is no newcomer. The muster celebrates its 25th year in May, with a 10-day line-up running from May 15 to 24 in and around the town of Kununurra, in the beautiful East Kimberley.

This is a festival worth travelling for – a family-friendly gathering set against one of Australia’s most impressive destinations. And whether you’re interested in live performance, food, cultural programming or outback adventures, there really is something for everyone. Read on for our top picks from this year’s line-up.

Live entertainment 

The main musical event this year is the B2B Kimberley Moon Experience, which unfolds over the festival’s final night, on Saturday May 23. Australian icon Tina Arena is headlining, with a robust songbook reaching beyond her 1990s and 2000s hits. Supporting her will be Sydney indie folk ensemble Boy & Bear, who have won multiple Aria awards as well as the Australian Music Prize, and Budjerah, a Coodjinburra singer-songwriter who has also won multiple Arias, despite only being in his mid-twenties. 

To truly level up the Kimberley Moon Experience, start your evening at the Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, a black-tie dining experience centred around a multi-course meal alongside canapés and champagne. The dinner starts at 4pm, with plenty of time to eat, drink and chat before the headliners. Then cut loose after Tina Arena with Perth DJ Jamilla, who will perform until 11.30pm.

On Thursday May 21, Wonder is a playful tribute to the pantheon of one-hit wonders. This two-hour, all-ages event in Celebrity Tree Park sees singer and actor Luke Kennedy and country star Brooke Schubert belting out some of the most beloved flukes in chart history – with a full band behind them.

Rounding out the live performances, Comedy in the Park is exactly what it sounds like. The three-hour laugh fest on Tuesday May 19 showcases award-winning comics like America’s Eddie Ifft, Far North Queensland native Danielle Walker, Melbourne broadcasting staple Troy Kinne and viral Chinese-born, Australia-based comedian He Huang. The comedy night is a firm muster favourite, earning a devoted following over the years.

Must-do celebrations

Get the lay of the land during the Horizon Power Party in the Park, a six-hour celebration on the festival’s opening night. It’s a free event (although you’ll still need to register for tickets) spanning workshops, live performance and family-friendly fun.

You don’t need to be a rodeo veteran to appreciate the skills and daring on display at the Frontier Helicopters Rodeo on Saturday May 16. Riders from near and far will compete to ride all manner of unruly steeds – with some serious money at stake. Unfolding at the riverside Kununurra Rodeo Grounds, the event also features food stalls, a full bar, live music and more.

East Kimberley First Nations artists will gather for Colours of Country, a brand new evening celebration at Celebrity Tree Park on Sunday May 17. Expect live music, artworks, local runways and bush food experiences. It’s all hosted by Balanggarra and Yolngu artist and storyteller Molly Hunt.

Kimberley experiences

The festival presents an opportunity to explore the stunning Kimberley region, one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. For starters, a handful of Ord Valley Muster events take visitors well beyond Kununurra. A full-day tour of El Questro starts with a cruise to the gorges and escarpments along the Chamberlain River with Ngarinyin traditional owners, followed by a bush-tucker lunch, healing rituals and storytelling. 

There are plenty more water-based adventures, including an “eco-noeing” day trip with a personal guide, and the many water-borne experiences of Muster Afloat including yoga, painting and sound bowls. An overnight 4WD safari in Purnululu National Park – home of the Bungle Bungle Range – offers breathtaking hikes and an optional morning helicopter ride, while the  includes wine and bites on a scenic cruise followed by a cliffside barbeque with live music.

Outside of the festival, the East Kimberley region is absolutely chockers with springs, waterfalls, lakes and gorges. The stunning Mirima National Park and Black Rock Falls lie north of Kununurra. The town is also just a few hours’ drive from the northern end of the Bungle Bungles, with ancient rock formations like the iconic Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. But given just how many walks, trails and lookouts await, you’ll want to make it more than just a daytrip.

View the program and get your tickets at ordvalleymuster.com.au. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.