In May, the Ord Valley Muster in Kununurra, Western Australia, marks 25 years since its inception, a regional festival that aims to showcase the area’s produce, people and landscapes. The event has grown from a modest plan to attract visitors into a renowned gathering that reflects the character of this remote corner of WA.
The Muster began with a straightforward goal: draw people to a town that sits in the upper reaches of the Kimberley during a shoulder season. Since then, it has evolved into a signature fixture on Western Australia’s regional calendar, offering a program that blends agriculture, food, arts and family-friendly activities.
What we know
- The festival started as a simple idea to draw visitors to Kununurra in May.
- Over the decades it evolved into a staple on WA’s regional calendar, offering a mix of farming, markets, arts and family-friendly entertainment.
- Local communities view the Muster as a catalyst for tourism, supporting hospitality and local services across the region.
- The event is widely recognised as a hallmark of the Ord Valley and Kimberley, drawing attendees from across the state and beyond.
- The 25th edition is framed as a milestone that highlights growth, resilience and community collaboration behind the festival’s ongoing appeal.
In its quarter-century, the Muster has reflected broader shifts in regional Australia—from a tight focus on agriculture to a broader celebration of local producers, food, storytelling and performance art, with the landscape providing a dramatic backdrop to the programme.
What we don’t know
- How organisers will balance continued growth with the sustainability of the town’s resources and environment.
- Whether attendance will hold steady as travel costs and patterns change in coming years.
- What fresh ideas will be introduced to keep the Muster relevant for locals and visitors alike.
- How partnerships with industry and government will shape ongoing funding and strategic priorities.
- What measurable community benefits will be used to assess the festival’s broader impact beyond tourism numbers.
Despite the questions, the Ord Valley Muster remains a vivid example of how a regional idea can take on a life of its own, weaving farms, markets and sunset-lit stages into a distinctive Western Australian experience.
