Step Off Music Festivals – Caravan Musters are Australia’s New Social Event!
Over the past few years, social media has been flooded with complaints of poor organisation and accessibility issues, during or after popular Australian festivals. Recently, Laneway Festival on the Gold Coast was met with scathing reviews, recounting that water had run out by the afternoon, and some shows were missed due to overcrowding. But, while the Aussie music festival scene is struggling, Caravan Musters are on the rise. And because these events are run by lovers of caravanning and camping, they know how to plan something that people will love!
Caravan Musters Nip at the Heels of Music Festivals in Australia
Caravan musters have become popularised by the Australia Caravan Club (ACC). With their first National Muster in 2007, the ACC has grown to 52 branches all over the country, with each holding at least six musters a year! The most recent National Muster was a huge success, hosted in the inner-south Queensland locality of Charleville with over 120 caravans.
But what is a caravan muster? They are about more than just entertainment. Like-minded individuals and families that love travelling with their caravan and campers can gather for a refreshing and exciting social event. It takes the worst part of music festivals – camping – and makes it the most memorable part. Campers share stories and tips around a bonfire, delight with some food and drink, take part in activities and exploration and of course, sit back, relax and enjoy some live music. Especially at smaller events, you might discover some truly local talent.
Australia’s Caravan Culture is Growing Rapidly
Every year, caravan musters around Australia are attracting increasing numbers of attendees and have now grown beyond the regular Australia Caravan Club events. Individuals and organisations all over the country are hosting their own caravan musters, further cultivating Australia’s caravan and camping culture.
Thousands of caravan owners are part of a club, whether that is the ACC, CMCA or their state or local club. Community plays a huge part in caravan culture, breaking down the misconception that camping is a solitary adventure. There are always friends to make and things to learn. The same goes for the dozens of caravan and camping exhibition shows that are littered all throughout the year.
The culture of connection runs deep. Campers loyal to brands like Austrack and JAWA can score invite-only tickets to caravan musters for an exclusive get-together.
And for those who may have had a bad experience at a caravan park before, caravan musters usually book entire campsites and attract the kind of audience that have a passion for camping. Everyone at these events wants people to enjoy it as much as they do, keeping things respectful, kind and friendly.
Musters Among the Most Highly Anticipated Events This Year
ACC National Muster 2026
The Australian Caravan Club combines its National Muster with its AGM Meeting around October each year. This year they are heading down to Mudgee in NSW and registrations open for members from the 1st of May. The National Muster features happy hours, crafts, activities, special talks, trivia, dinners and so much more.
The Big Red Bash
The Birdsville Bid Red Bash is a combined caravan muster and music festival in July featuring some of the hottest artists you don’t want to miss. This year the lineup features Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, Birds of Tokyo, Jessice Mauboy and more. The festival runs for three days while camping is week-long. Tickets are currently paused due to major flooding in early March, so keep up-to-date on their website.
Gympie Music Muster
Similar to the Big Red Bash, the Gympie Music Muster is a combined camping and musical festival. Running in August, tickets include a four-day festival pass and up to 9 days of camping. The lineup features a range of Australian artists, with country music as the main focus but with plenty of blues, rock, folk and more to enjoy.
JAWA Owners Annual Campout
These events host over 100 JAWA caravans! JAWA’s musters tend to be pet-friendly for those who like to camp with their furry friends. The annual campout is held around October, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page for details later in the year.
Living the Aussie Lifestyle Has Never Been Better
Aussie campers are ditching the mess of music festivals and discovering caravan musters, and they’re always looking for more people to join. Are you going to explore the unique camping culture that Australia has cultivated?
