The Best Events in the North West in 2020
Planning a road trip up north to #holidayherethisyear? Why not plan your trip around one of the many great festivals and events! Here are some of the best:
Ord Valley Muster
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, the Kimberley’s biggest annual festival takes place in Kununurra in the East Kimberley. The ten day program features 30 different events and has something for everyone – from a morning yoga class on a boat on Packsaddle Lagoon, secret suppers, and Corroboree Under The Stars (a traditional Corroboree by the Miriwoong Gajeroong people) to mustering sessions and the Muster Rodeo. The Aviair Helispirit Kimberley Moon Experience is on May 16 and this year the concert is headlined by Jessica Mauboy and Jon Stevens; they will be supported by Busby Marou, Emily Wurramara, and DJ Feline.
15- 24 May 2020
North West Festival
The festival, held in Port Hedland, is the Pilbara’s premier music event and has been running annually since 2012. While the festival is for ages 18+ on Saturday night, the Sunday Sundowner is family friendly. Last year’s lineup featured Amy Shark, Baker Boy, Ash Grunwald, Pierce Brothers, The Potbelleez, and local Pilbara bands. Acts in the past have also included Xavier Rudd, Bliss & Eso, Peking Duk, Hilltop Hoods, Angus & Julia Stone, Vance Joy, and Boy & Bear. Keep an eye out for this year’s lineup when details are released later on in the year.
Photo by @misterdangrant
22 – 23 August 2020
Shinju Matsuri
Shinju Matsuri (which is Japanese for ‘The Festival of the Pearl’) celebrates Broome’s pearling history and this year is marking its 50th anniversary. The Sunset Long Table Dinner, held on Cable Beach, is a highlight of the festival and the four course dinner sells out quickly. While this year’s official program is yet to be released, events in the past have included the Floating Lantern Matsuri at Gantheaume Point, where you can launch your own decorated lantern out to sea at sunset, as well as walking tours, Yawuru language classes, float parade and art workshops.
28 August – 6 September 2020
The Karijini Experience
Held during the school holidays, this five day event in Karijini National Park celebrates culture, music, food and art. There are a number of free and ticketed events which in the past have included guided walks, art classes and workshops, yoga in the gorge, astronomy and photography classes. Ticketed events already released for this year’s Karijini Experience include concerts in the gorge, bush tucker high tea, a long table ten course degustation and will be officially opened on April 14th with a Welcome to Country and corroboree followed by local musicians (free but ticketed). The full program, featuring free activities and workshops, will be released soon.
14 -18 April 2020
Derby Boab Festival
Held during the July school holidays, this two week festival celebrates the West Kimberley lifestyle and features the world’s only Mud Crab Races! Other Boab festival events include the West Kimberley Football League Boab Cup (AFL), Larrkardi NAIDOC Ball, basketball carnival and NAIDOC family fun day. It kicks off with a float parade and the Make Smoking History Boab Festival Mardi Gras on Friday 3rd July. Also being held during this time, on 8-10 July, is the Mowanjum Festival; it’s one of WA’s largest cultural celebrations and has been described as one of the most spectacular Indigenous festivals in Australia.
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Photo by @rebeccamansell
3 -19 July, 2020
Staircase to the Moon
This natural phenomenon occurs between March and October each year when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats, giving the appearance of a natural staircase leading to the moon. While Broome may be the most known town in Western Australia to watch this natural phenomenon, the towns of Onslow, Dampier, Cossack, and Port Hedland in the Pilbara also offer great views. Twilight and night markets are held in Broome and Port Hedland. This year Staircase to the Moon will be visible on: March 10-12, April 8-10, May 8-10, June 6-8, July 6-8, Aug 4-6, Sept 3-5 and Oct 2-4.
Photo by @littlereddotphotography
Full moons between March and October
More like this:
The Best Things to do in Broome
The Best Things to do in Karijini National Park
The Best Spots Along the Gibb River Road
The Best Spots in the West Kimberley
The Best Spots in the East Kimberley
Article by Perth Is OK’s North-West correspondent – Alex Pantazis.