After an epic weekend at our favourite true-blue country music festival, the Gympie Music Muster, Yelo music editor Penny Brand has put together her ‘Muster Musts’ to survive this incredible family-friendly, all-Aussie weekend.

1. Camping is a must. I booked a motel in Gympie (duh!), but the festival is actually a 40 minute drive from Gympie into the pristine Amamoor state forest, so it’s best to stay on-site. I probably (no, definitely) should have checked the website before I came, but then again, I’ve always hated manuals. So I learned the hard way. Don’t be like Penny.
2. Don’t trust the GPS. My GPS told me the Muster was in the middle of Gympie, a one min walk from my motel (LOL). This address is for the Muster admin office. It’s in the forest guys, not Gympie CBD. D’oh, Penny!
3. Glamping over camping. If you don’t have camp gear or a fancy shmancy caravan, you can check into the ‘Banjo Motel’. This hassle-free tent town offers lighting, stretcher beds, linen, pillow, and table/chairs. Each tent sleeps up to 5 people. Sign me up, Sally!
4. Stake your claim. Did you know you can ‘bags’ your spot at the campsite before the event? Don’t forget to bring your rope and stakes to mark out your site (up to 9m x 11m) in any of the general camping areas. And if you can’t do it yourself just contact the Muster folks and they will do it for you!
5. Bring a chair. Yes, a camping chair (doesn’t have to be event-size) is essential. Set it up in front of the main stage and that will be your respite for the day. Trust me, you will need it. This is especially true for day-trippers, if you don’t mind a long and winding road in and out of the forest (approx 1 hour, 10 mins from the Sunshine Coast).
6. Bring the kids. This place is a magical, all-ages-friendly event, full of fresh air, dust, camp fire smells, loads of other kids to become overnight besties with in the idyllic national forest, and Muster activities tailored especially to them. Ditch the screens and show them what a true fairytale is.
7. Download the Muster app. There is a festival map on there and loads of important event information. You can even plan your day choosing which bands you want to see, and it will send your phone reminders so you won’t miss anything!
8. A country hat is a must. Country people sure are sun smart! If you want to blend in, you’ll need an Akubra or similar, or a trucker hat. It’s literally a sea of both. Get amongst it I say.
9. Wear layers. Jeans and a tee are a perfect combo as it can get pretty warm during the day, but it does get chilly soon enough. I recommend laying a t-shirt, with a thin jumper (or flanny like me!) and a warm coat/rain jacket. If it does rain you don’t want to get caught out.
10. Be like Dora The Explorer and take a backpack. This is most important for day-trippers. You’ll need water, hat, suncream, medication you might need, and don’t forget that raincoat. You don’t want to be walking back and forth to your car for supplies.
11. Refund your ‘Muster money’. Don’t forget to check where the MAIN entrance is, because if you want a refund on your ‘muster money’ (a requisite which puts your money onto your wristband, they are super tech-smart here) then the only place to have it refunded is at the main entrance. Otherwise, you may end up exiting from another direction rather penniless, especially if you are too tired to walk to the other side like I was. Remember, this place is a mini village.
12. It’s dusty. If you are asthmatic or can’t handle a lot of dust down the wind pipes, consider a scarf to wrap around your face, and don’t forget your puffers and allergy tablets! I took mine and needed both.
13. These boots were made for walking. I wore a pair of Merry People boots, which are just glorified gumboots, but more to the point they were perfect. Comfy, water-proof, dust-proof, everything-proof. If it’s not raining, your RMs or similar will be just fine.
14. Print out the festival map in case you don’t get reception. In 2023 Optus was a major sponsor, so if you had Optus you were covered. But you don’t want to be caught out. There’s very little signage anywhere here so it’s a must. Again, be like Dora.
15. Battery pack for electronics. My phone nearly died and it was only 3pm. Mind you I was taking excessive amounts of videos and photos, because hello – we’re making memories, people!
16. Don’t be a dick head. Kasey Chambers famously said her dad Bill always told her “don’t be a dickhead”. Straight-forward, solid advice. Mind you, I didn’t see one dickhead the entire weekend. But let’s keep it that way. Good wholesome-vibes only.
17. Have the time of your life. No really, while this might all seem like a bit of planning ahead, it will be so worth it. You’re about to have one of the best experiences of your life. Take a little time to organise your weekend or day trip, and you will be sure to have Muster memories that will last a lifetime.

Do you have a ‘Muster Must’? LET US KNOW!

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