The 25th Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster has come to a close, capping ten extraordinary days of music, culture, food and Kimberley adventure with a Kimberley Moon Experience that drew thousands of people to the banks of the Ord River for one of the most celebrated nights in the festival’s history.
Budjerah opened with the kind of set that silenced any first-timer who didn’t know what was coming, a proud Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung nation commanding the stage with a voice well beyond his years. Boy & Bear settled the crowd into the warm Kununurra evening, their layered harmonies carrying across the river flats as the stars appeared overhead. And then Tina Arena. Thousands swayed, sang, and didn’t want it to end.
The 2026 program delivered across the board. The Horizon Power Party in the Park sold out, with 3,400 people registering for free tickets to open the festival on 15 May.
The Frontier Helicopters Rodeo was a capacity crowd at the Kununurra Rodeo Grounds and Comedy in the Park drew nearly 850 people to the Muster Hub for a night of stand-up from Eddie Ifft, Troy Kinne, Danielle Walker and He Huang.
Colours of Country, a vibrant new addition to the 2026 program, proved its place in the Muster lineup. Despite the rain. hundreds of guests stayed for the world premiere of the Boonkaj II Collection from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, cheering on local models, artists and designers during the fashion parade.
Visitors browsed works from artists and art centres across the East Kimberley, and Blak Tapas and local knowledge holders served bush food around the fire, including crocodile ceviche and goanna.
The Waringarri and Blak Tapas Cultural Culinary Adventure was fully subscribed for both nights, with guests enjoying a Waringarri Aboriginal Arts experience before gathering at a beautiful secret location on country, overlooking ancient rock formations as the sun went down, for a tasting of native foods prepared by Blak Tapas.
Satellite events Muster Idol talent contest at Hotel Kununurra and Lake Argyle Sundown Soiree which included a sunset cruise and sit-down dinner also sold out.
Winner of Muster Idol Adrean Pascal, who has been living in Kununurra for seven months, opened the stage at the Kimberley Moon Experience singing Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
Western Australian Minister for Tourism the Hon Reece Whitby MLA travelled to Kununurra and attended a Sponsors function and the Kimberley Moon Experience.
“There’s nothing quite like the Kimberley, and there’s nothing quite like being in Kununurra at this time of year.
“The Ord Valley Muster is a fantastic event, you’re in the top end of Western Australia and it’s an excuse to wear black tie and beautiful gowns and be under the stars of the Kimberley.”
Minister Whitby used the occasion to announce three additional years of Government funding for the Ord Valley Muster.
“The Cook Government will continue that funding for a further three years. That gives certainty to the organisers that they have the support of the Western Australian Government. It’s a great event and we want to see it continue to flourish and grow.”
Ord Valley Events Chairperson Sophie Cooke said the 25th anniversary had exceeded every expectation.
“Twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement for any community-led event, and this year reminded us exactly why we do it,” Ms Cooke said.
“The crowds were extraordinary with overwhelmingly positive feedback and the artists fell in love with the East Kimberley.
“Our partners have continued their support including Boab Metals, our Principal Partner continuing their partnership, and the community showed up, as it always does, with generosity and pride.”
Kimberly Moon Experience artists love Kununurra
The festival’s off-stage moments proved just as memorable as the headline acts.
Upon arrival, the artists and crew received a special Welcome to Country and blessing was delivered by Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng Elders the banks of the Ord River. They were then introduced to Kununurra through a small spread of food prepared with native ingredients by Blak Tapas.
Budjerah visited Waringarri Aboriginal Arts to explore the gallery and spend time with some of the artists, a visit that left an impression on both sides.
All five members of Boy & Bear took to the skies over the Bungle Bungles on a scenic flight with Aviair Helispirit. Guitarist Tim Hart, a keen fisherman, was taken barramundi fishing on the Ord by a local after Muster organisers learned of his passion.
“This place is awesome, I’m definitely coming back with my family,” said Tim Hart.
The entire Kimberley Moon Experience artist and crew contingent were treated to a two-hour river cruise along the Ord River, courtesy of the Ord Valley Muster, Triple J Tours and Tourism Western Australia. Phones were whipped out to capture the striking towering rock gorges and rock wallabies as they cruised past the ancient landscape.
The cruise stopped at Echo Point for light refreshments and Budjerah, Tina Arena, and Tina Arena’s drummer could not resist testing how the spot got its name, their voices boomeranging back to the gasps of the rest of the group.
Next Year – Mark your Diaries
The Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster returns 14–23 May 2027.
Kununurra accommodation fills fast, particularly around the Kimberley Moon Experience weekend, and visitors are encouraged to book early.
Flights are available daily through Airnorth and Virgin Australia. Stay across all announcements and ticket releases at ordvalleymuster.com.au.
Run by Ord Valley Events Inc., a passionate volunteer board, the Muster continues to showcase the very best of the East Kimberley, its people, landscapes, creativity and community spirit. The Western Australian Government proudly supports the event through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, funded by Royalties for Regions.
