Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, Western Australia
April 2, 2012
Sport, entertainment, art, culture, food and spectacular landscape.... explore the rugged beauty of the East Kimberley during this year’s 10-day Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster.The spectacular East Kimberly region in the North West region of Western Australia sets the stage for the 12th Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster from 25 May to 3 June. The inspiration for the movie ‘Australia’, the Kimberly region offers some of Western Australia’s (WA) most unique wilderness - vast wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular gorges and thundering waterfalls – providing the perfect backdrop for a holiday adventure in Western Australia’s (WA) north.
The event features an outstanding line-up of concerts and events, highlighting its extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality that make up the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, an all embracing community celebration of the prodigious talent to be found in the East Kimberley region. There are 27 specially themed events across 38 programmed activities, which set the scene for a fabulous 2012 festival of music, arts and culture in the East Kimberley.
Program highlights
Wagingarri Aboriginal Arts and Corroboree Performance, 29 May
Experience the vitality of Miriwoong cultural identity with a traditional corroboree (aboriginal ceremony) performance; as well as a ground cooked beef and damper supper. View an outdoor art exhibition of new works by celebrated Waringarri Artists at the wholly indigenous owned Waringarri Aboriginal Arts which operates an artists’ studio and gallery specializing in contemporary collectable art of the East Kimberley .
Argyle Diamond Mine Tour , 25 and 29 May, 1 June
Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine, the world’s largest supplier of diamonds, producing approximately 20 million carats yearly, offers tours for visitors to gain a rare insight into the scope of a large mining operation and the history of its relationship with the traditional owners. Visitors get to witness firsthand the mining techniques used to unearth the stunning white, champagne and highly prized pink diamonds synonymous with Argyle.Kimberley Kitchen with Poh, 30 May
Malaysian born Australian Poh Ling Yeow, first runner up of the Masterchef Australia 2009 and star of her own cooking show on ABC TV “Poh’s Kitchen” will be one of the key highlights in the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. The author of “Poh’s Kitchen – My Cooking Adventures”, Poh will be demonstrating her sensational cooking skills, using local produce, at an event called “Kimberley Kitchen with Poh” in Celebrity Tree Park in the town of Kununurra.
Ride the Last Frontier (Yee Haa Overnight) 31 May
Family Toad Busting Night, 31 May
For some “Toad-ally” different fun, there is the Family Toad Busting Night featuring indigenous leader, Ju Ju Wilson and her toad busting team of indigenous youth with prizes given out for the most toads caught, the largest individual toad caught, the heaviest toad caught, and the most number of native species recorded for the night.
Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience, 2 June
The highlight of the festival is the lively outdoor entertainment under the Kimberley moon by the banks of the majestic Ord River at the Jim Hughes Ampitheatre with performances by Australian music legends - Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and The Black Sorrows - and exceptional singer/song writers - Justin Walshe, Rachel Gorman and Albert Wiggan. Bring a picnic hamper and a rug. www.ticketmaster.com.au
Alternatively, 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.
For a full line-up of the events and ticketing details, visit www.ordvalleymuster.com.au
Adventure seekers get to experience the life of an outback stockman on horseback through Yee Haa Trail Rides, This overnight ride takes riders along the legendary drovers’ stock route where they will get to sample the traditional billy tea and damper bread under a boab tree. Guitar playing around a raging campfire and a hearty meal add to the atmosphere while a swag under the stars serves as bed for the night.
Getting there
There are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to Perth and from Perth to Kununurra. Flying time from Perth to Kununurra is about three hours. Travel Packages are available from Kununurra Travelworld http://www.travelworld.com.au/kununurra/
For information on the Kimberley and the rest of Western Australia, visit www.westernaustralia.com
