(Perth, Australia, April 27, 2012) "” From Friday, May 25 to Sunday, June 3, 2012, thousands will gather in Kununurra for the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster to celebrate East Kimberley life with an abundance of events and activities. Highlighting its extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is an all-embracing community celebration of the prodigious attractions found in the East Kimberley region.

 

From humble beginnings in 2001, the Ord Valley Muster quietly came to life as a simple one-night affair and pleasant dinner in the outback for local businesses. Now in its twelfth year, the festival has evolved into a popular 10-day-long event for Kimberley residents and the many visitors from around the nation and across the globe that the region attracts this time of year. Festival-goers will revel in the Ord Valley Muster's variety of entertainment, ranging from a diamond dig to mountain bike challenges to shopping in the Kununurra markets.

 

The highlight of the fun-filled muster will be the internationally acclaimed Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience Saturday, June 2, 2012.  The event takes place at the Jim Hughes Amphitheatre under the Kimberley moon and twinkling stars by the banks of the majestic Ord River and features Australian music legends, including Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, The Black Sorrows, among others. Audience members are invited to bring a rug, picnic hamper and cooler or indulge in the Kimberley Fine Diamonds Corporate Circle with fine wines and a delicious sit-down dinner by one of Western Australia's most dynamic chefs, Don Hancey. Tickets start at $107 USD.

 

Additional events during the Ord Valley Muster include the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts exhibit, street parties, movie nights, "Muster Idol" singing competitions, tours of local landmarks, the Kimberley Gospel Festival and Argyle Diamonds' cocktail party.  Adventure lovers will enjoy participating in Ride the Last Frontier, a horseback excursion in the outback, and the Gibb River Road Mountain Bike Challenge, a socially competitive 430-plus mile team relay event that raises community awareness and money for charity. Those seeking family-friendly activities will have a ball catching toads during Family Toad Busting night, watching riders compete in the Station Challenge Rodeo and digging through tons of sand for diamonds in the Argyle Diamond Dig.

 

The Kimberley region affords all types of accommodations for U.S. travelers who are making the trek to Australia for the Ord Valley Muster. El Questro Homestead allows guests to explore the outback without sacrificing luxury in an exclusive retreat perched atop the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge. The only thing rustic about this stunning destination is the rugged Kimberley landscape in the backdrop, as the resort provides guests with a swimming pool, tennis courts and several magnificent dining options. Visitors seeking the complete Australian outback experience will enjoy staying at the Indigenous Home Valley Station. From a rugged adventure in the safari-style Eco Tents to a comfortable retreat in the Homestead Guesthouse Rooms, Home Valley Station provides accommodation options for travelers of all preferences. Home Valley Station has an inspiring range of tours and activities to suit everyone, such as gentle gorge walks, relaxing boating, adventurous horse treks and cattle mustering.

 

See destination packages and booking information here http://swaintours.com/discovers/ord-valley-muster or call 1-800-227-9246.