In the three years he has been with
Getaway, Jason Dundas has experienced some amazing places around the world. He's trekked China's Great Wall, snowboarded down the slopes of Whistler in Canada and experienced the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt.
While every destination gives a different sort of thrill, Jason just loves going to rural Australia and he went to the Gympie Music Muster to get in touch with his inner cowboy.
Held each August in the Amamoor Creek State Forest Park near Gympie, around 70,000 people turn up for the festival and most of them camp out.
The six-day and six-night festival has 13 venues, all a short walk from the campsites or on-site accommodation.
While it has a strong country influence, the festival also has a mix of blues, folk and contemporary acts. There's bluegrass, bush poetry, comedy acts, balladeers, theatre, dance, street theatre, wine tastings, campsite competitions, markets and play areas for children.
Wander along forested pathways and you never know who or what you will come across. There's something for everyone. It averages around 170 shows across 227 hours of performances.
It's all about music and community in a bushland setting with the aromas of eucalypt and campfire cooking. It's far from clocks and schedules and many people make it their annual holiday and meet up with friends from years before. Many of the people Jason spoke with said it was a mix of loving the music and mateship that kept them returning.
This site has more than 50 hectares of well-maintained, planned camping facilities. There are plenty of hot showers and toilets, and a central entertainment precinct.
Everyone was there to see Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Shannon Noll, Evermore, Kisschasy and James Blundell. When the curtains open the crowds erupt. They are all favourites with the crowds and get them clapping and foot-tapping in no time. Generally the older people sit on fold-up chairs half-way up the hill and the younger audience crowd is down the front in the mosh pit.
A few competitions are run for fun, including awards for the most environmentally friendly campsite, Bundaberg Rum campsite and Muster campsite. The Muster campsite needs to be wacky and inventive.
Location
Amamoor near Gympie, around two hours from Brisbane.
Cost
National Country Music Muster will be held between August 24 and 29, 2010. Tickets start at $55 and include entry to all 13 venues and camping.
Virgin Blue has flights to Brisbane.
One-way fares to Brisbane from:
- Sydney $89
- Canberra $119
- Melbourne $129
- Adelaide $139
- Hobart $179
- Darwin $199
- Perth $279
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are subject to change.
Prices correct at June 17, 2010.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Gympie Music Muster
199 Mary Street
Gympie 4570
Ph: (07) 5482 2099
www.muster.com.au
info@muster.com.au
