Moondyne Festival
Once a year, Toodyay steps back into the 1860s. On the first Sunday in May, the main street fills with costumed locals, stilt walkers, Morris dancers and marching bands, while the town's famous bushranger, Moondyne Joe, runs rings around the colonial police.
It is free to attend, it is held in one of Western Australia's oldest inland towns, and it has drawn crowds of more than 12,000 people. This page covers everything you need to know: what happens on the day, the true story of the real Moondyne Joe, how the festival began and why it matters to Toodyay, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Moondyne Festival at a Glance
Here are the key details for planning your visit.
When: First Sunday in May (Sunday 2 May 2027)
Time: 9am to 4pm, with the parade and opening ceremony at about 10am
Where: Stirling Terrace (Toodyay's main street), the Colonial Village, Duidgee Park, St Stephen's Church grounds and Stirling Park
Cost: Free entry
Dress: Costumes are encouraged. Come as a floozie, swaggie, street urchin or temperance lady. Costumes are available to borrow.
Dress: Costumes are encouraged. Come as a floozie, swaggie, street urchin or temperance lady. Costumes are available to borrow.
Dogs: This is a dog-free event
Getting there: About an hour from Perth by car, or take the special event AvonLink train from Midland
Organiser: Toodyay Moondyne Festival Committee
Official website: moondynefestival.com.au
What Happens on the Day
The festival is a full day of theatre, music and heritage, with most of it within easy walking distance of the main street. These highlights are based on the 2026 program. The line-up changes each year, so check the official program closer to the date.
The Parade and Opening Ceremony
The day begins with a colourful march down Stirling Terrace led by the Police Pipe Band, followed by the opening ceremony on the street stage outside the Victoria Hotel.
In 2026 the parade set off from the east end of town just before 10am.
The Capture and Trials of Moondyne Joe
This is the heart of the day. Joe and his gang run riot through town, stealing a bridle from the blacksmith, robbing shops and dodging the colonial coppers.
When Joe is finally captured, he is put on trial in front of a gloriously corrupt judge on the stage outside the Victoria Hotel. The crowd cheers for Joe, the judge declares him guilty, and Joe, as always, escapes.
In 2026 there were two trials, at 11.45am and 2pm, plus staged captures at the CWA Hall and on the Rec Hotel balcony. It's worth finding a spot early.
When Joe is finally captured, he is put on trial in front of a gloriously corrupt judge on the stage outside the Victoria Hotel. The crowd cheers for Joe, the judge declares him guilty, and Joe, as always, escapes.
In 2026 there were two trials, at 11.45am and 2pm, plus staged captures at the CWA Hall and on the Rec Hotel balcony. It's worth finding a spot early.
The Colonial Village
The Colonial Village recreates Newcastle, the name Toodyay went by until 1910.
Watch the blacksmith at work, browse the Newcastle General Store, have your photo taken in the Newcastle Photo Room and taste stew and damper at the Swaggies Inn.
Bush poets and musicians keep things lively all day, and the 2026 program also included an Aboriginal artist, bush medicine displays and birds of prey.
Watch the blacksmith at work, browse the Newcastle General Store, have your photo taken in the Newcastle Photo Room and taste stew and damper at the Swaggies Inn.
Bush poets and musicians keep things lively all day, and the 2026 program also included an Aboriginal artist, bush medicine displays and birds of prey.
Music, Dance and Street Theatre
Expect Morris dancers, Scottish highland dancers, pipe bands, line dancers, school choirs and the Royal Australian Navy Band, with convict acrobats and stilt walkers roaming the street.
The Moustache Competition and Floozie Competition in the afternoon are a fun finish.
The Moustache Competition and Floozie Competition in the afternoon are a fun finish.
Duidgee Park and Stirling Park
Head down to the riverbank for rides on the Toodyay Miniature Railway, billy cart rides, horse and cart rides and a display of vintage cars and motorbikes.
There is also a World War One 10th Light Horse memorial display, and barbecues are available in the park. Carnival rides are set up in Stirling Park.
There is also a World War One 10th Light Horse memorial display, and barbecues are available in the park. Carnival rides are set up in Stirling Park.
Heritage Skills and History
Watch log chopping demonstrations near St Stephen's Church, where an 1860s-style church service is held on the lawn at 10am.
Visit the Toodyay Historical Society display, the Historical Cycle Club and the WA Police Historical Society, and browse the flea market in the Memorial Hall.
Families will also find a petting zoo, the Lions Wiggly Worm and Devonshire teas at the CWA Hall.
Visit the Toodyay Historical Society display, the Historical Cycle Club and the WA Police Historical Society, and browse the flea market in the Memorial Hall.
Families will also find a petting zoo, the Lions Wiggly Worm and Devonshire teas at the CWA Hall.
The History of the Moondyne Festival
The Moondyne Festival was first held in 1984 to celebrate the life and times of Moondyne Joe. In its early years it was run by the Toodyay Tourist Centre, and the second festival, in August 1985, was sponsored by the television network GWN. Today it is organised by a volunteer committee and supported by the Shire of Toodyay, Lotterywest, Bendigo Bank, Healthway and the State Government.
It has grown from a local event into one of the biggest days on the Wheatbelt calendar. The festival was part of the national Year of the Outback celebrations in 2002 and was a finalist in the 2012 Perth Airport Events and Tourism Awards. A special event train from Perth now runs for the festival, and attendance has climbed. An estimated 12,000 people came to the 40th festival in 2024, a similar crowd came in 2025, and local reports described 2026 as another record crowd.
The festival depends on volunteers, including Toodyay Locals Care, the Moondyne Men and the Toodyay SES. Its committee says the goals are to promote Toodyay and the surrounding Wheatbelt, support tourism and local business, and bring the community together.
Festival Milestones
1984: First Moondyne Festival
1985: Second festival, held in August
2002: Part of the national Year of the Outback celebrations
2012: Finalist, Perth Airport Events and Tourism Awards
2024: 40th festival, with an estimated 12,000 visitors
2025: Another crowd of about 12,000
2026: Reported record crowd
2027: Sunday 2 May
1985: Second festival, held in August
2002: Part of the national Year of the Outback celebrations
2012: Finalist, Perth Airport Events and Tourism Awards
2024: 40th festival, with an estimated 12,000 visitors
2025: Another crowd of about 12,000
2026: Reported record crowd
2027: Sunday 2 May
Who Was Moondyne Joe?
Moondyne Joe was Joseph Bolitho Johns, a Welsh ironworker who was sentenced to ten years' transportation in 1849 for stealing food. He arrived in Western Australia as a convict in 1853, and by 1860 he was living near Toodyay at Moondyne Springs on the Avon River, rounding up stray horses and, it was suspected, branding unbranded ones as his own.
In 1861 he was arrested for branding a wild horse, broke out of the old Toodyay lock-up and rode away on the same horse, with the magistrate's saddle and bridle. He was recaptured within days, but the legend had begun.
Sentenced again in 1865 for killing an ox, Joe escaped from Fremantle Prison more than once. The governor had a tiny "escape-proof" cell built for him, lined with jarrah planks and studded with nails, and Joe still got out in 1867 using a clever trick. The name Moondyne Joe appeared in the newspapers for the first time around this escape.
He spent almost two years on the run in the hills east of Perth, helped, it is thought, by settlers who admired him, until police ran into him as he fled a Swan Valley winery in 1869.
Joe was released in the early 1870s and finally settled down, working as a stockman, timber-feller and shipwright, and marrying in 1879. He died in the Fremantle asylum on 13 August 1900. The real Joe was a petty thief rather than a violent outlaw, which is why Toodyay is happy to celebrate him.
In 1861 he was arrested for branding a wild horse, broke out of the old Toodyay lock-up and rode away on the same horse, with the magistrate's saddle and bridle. He was recaptured within days, but the legend had begun.
Sentenced again in 1865 for killing an ox, Joe escaped from Fremantle Prison more than once. The governor had a tiny "escape-proof" cell built for him, lined with jarrah planks and studded with nails, and Joe still got out in 1867 using a clever trick. The name Moondyne Joe appeared in the newspapers for the first time around this escape.
He spent almost two years on the run in the hills east of Perth, helped, it is thought, by settlers who admired him, until police ran into him as he fled a Swan Valley winery in 1869.
Joe was released in the early 1870s and finally settled down, working as a stockman, timber-feller and shipwright, and marrying in 1879. He died in the Fremantle asylum on 13 August 1900. The real Joe was a petty thief rather than a violent outlaw, which is why Toodyay is happy to celebrate him.
Why the Moondyne Festival Matters
On the surface it's a day of costumes and fun. Underneath, the festival tells some of the bigger stories of Toodyay and Western Australia.
A Town Built Around a Convict Depot
Convicts were sent to Western Australia between 1850 and 1868, nearly 10,000 men in all. In 1851 a convict hiring depot was set up at Toodyay, and the town of Newcastle, renamed Toodyay in 1910, grew up around it.
Convict labour built roads and public buildings, including the Newcastle Gaol, and Stirling Terrace still reflects that era.
The festival keeps this history alive, and the 2026 program even included a street performance called Watch Convicts Construct Toodyay Gaol.
Convict labour built roads and public buildings, including the Newcastle Gaol, and Stirling Terrace still reflects that era.
The festival keeps this history alive, and the 2026 program even included a street performance called Watch Convicts Construct Toodyay Gaol.
The Outlaw as Folk Hero
Australians have a long tradition of cheering for a rebel who stands up to authority, and Joe fits the mould. He wasn't a violent man, and his story is one of small victories over a harsh system.
That's why many settlers quietly helped him, and why the crowd still cheers for Joe at the festival while the judge declares him guilty.
A Legend in Books and Song
Joe's story has been retold many times.
John Boyle O'Reilly, an Irish rebel and convict who escaped from Western Australia in 1869, wrote a novel inspired by him called Moondyne. Serialised in 1878 and published in 1879, it is believed to be the first novel set in Western Australia, and Joe probably never knew he was its inspiration.
Later retellings include the 1978 book Moondyne Joe: The Man and the Myth and The Ballad of Moondyne Joe by John Kinsella and Niall Lucy, and there has been a film.
His name lives on in places too, including the Moondyne Nature Reserve in the Avon Valley National Park, west of Toodyay, and Moondyne Cave in the south-west.
John Boyle O'Reilly, an Irish rebel and convict who escaped from Western Australia in 1869, wrote a novel inspired by him called Moondyne. Serialised in 1878 and published in 1879, it is believed to be the first novel set in Western Australia, and Joe probably never knew he was its inspiration.
Later retellings include the 1978 book Moondyne Joe: The Man and the Myth and The Ballad of Moondyne Joe by John Kinsella and Niall Lucy, and there has been a film.
His name lives on in places too, including the Moondyne Nature Reserve in the Avon Valley National Park, west of Toodyay, and Moondyne Cave in the south-west.
Country and Context
Toodyay sits on Ballardong Noongar country, and Noongar people have lived in the Toodyay valley for more than 45,000 years. Moondyne was an Aboriginal name for the area before it became attached to Joe, and the name Toodyay is often linked to the Noongar word Dudja, meaning mist, although its exact origin is debated.
The festival is a light-hearted celebration of a harsh period, when convicts were held in irons and settlement changed life for Noongar people forever.
For other sides of the story, visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum, which includes the Native Cell where Aboriginal prisoners were chained, and learn about Noongar heritage at places such as Duidgee Park, Pelham Reserve and Red Bank Pool.
The festival is a light-hearted celebration of a harsh period, when convicts were held in irons and settlement changed life for Noongar people forever.
For other sides of the story, visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum, which includes the Native Cell where Aboriginal prisoners were chained, and learn about Noongar heritage at places such as Duidgee Park, Pelham Reserve and Red Bank Pool.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to get to Toodyay, dress for the day and make the most of it.
Getting There
By car, Toodyay is about an hour from Perth along Toodyay Road. In recent years Stirling Terrace has been closed to traffic between Oddfellow Street and Piesse Street on festival day, so allow extra time to park and walk in.
By train, Transwa runs a special event AvonLink service from Midland. In 2026 it left Midland at 9.05am, arrived in Toodyay at 9.57am and returned at 4.26pm. Seats are limited and the service has sold out in previous years, so book early and check the Transwa website for the 2027 times.
By train, Transwa runs a special event AvonLink service from Midland. In 2026 it left Midland at 9.05am, arrived in Toodyay at 9.57am and returned at 4.26pm. Seats are limited and the service has sold out in previous years, so book early and check the Transwa website for the 2027 times.
What to Wear
Dress for the 1860s if you can. Floozies, swaggies, street urchins, coppers, convicts and temperance ladies are all welcome, and the committee lends out costumes.
Whatever you wear, bring comfortable shoes, a hat and layers, because autumn mornings in the Avon Valley can be cool.
Whatever you wear, bring comfortable shoes, a hat and layers, because autumn mornings in the Avon Valley can be cool.
Making the Most of the Day
To make the most of the day, arrive early as the parade sets off just before 10am, and be sure to catch the blacksmith demonstration, which is a great way to start your visit. Find a good viewing spot for the trials, which in 2026 were held at 11.45am and 2pm outside the Victoria Hotel.
Pick up a program and map from the information booth in the Colonial Village, or track down the Town Crier for details on the day's activities. When you're ready for a break, head to Duidgee Park by the river, where you'll find a playground, barbecue facilities, and the popular miniature railway.
Pick up a program and map from the information booth in the Colonial Village, or track down the Town Crier for details on the day's activities. When you're ready for a break, head to Duidgee Park by the river, where you'll find a playground, barbecue facilities, and the popular miniature railway.
Eat, Drink and Stay
Food stalls line the festival, the Swaggies Inn serves stew and damper, and the CWA Hall serves Devonshire teas.
The historic pubs on Stirling Terrace, including the Victoria Hotel and The Rec, host stages and entertainment on the day.
For more options, see Where to Eat and Drink in Toodyay. If you're staying for the weekend, book early and see Toodyay Accommodation.
The historic pubs on Stirling Terrace, including the Victoria Hotel and The Rec, host stages and entertainment on the day.
For more options, see Where to Eat and Drink in Toodyay. If you're staying for the weekend, book early and see Toodyay Accommodation.
Visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum
Make time for the Newcastle Gaol Museum on Clinton Street, which tells Moondyne Joe's story in its Moondyne Joe Gallery alongside displays on convict life and the tiny cells of the 1865 gaol.
Joe's famous Toodyay escape happened in 1861, before this gaol was built, but the museum is the best place to see what justice was like in the colony.
It is open daily from 10am to 3pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday), and an admission fee applies. On festival day, ask for directions at the Toodyay Visitor Centre on Piesse Street.
Joe's famous Toodyay escape happened in 1861, before this gaol was built, but the museum is the best place to see what justice was like in the colony.
It is open daily from 10am to 3pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday), and an admission fee applies. On festival day, ask for directions at the Toodyay Visitor Centre on Piesse Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Moondyne Festival?
On the first Sunday in May each year. The 2027 festival is on Sunday 2 May, from 9am to 4pm.
On the first Sunday in May each year. The 2027 festival is on Sunday 2 May, from 9am to 4pm.
Is the Moondyne Festival free?
Yes, entry is free. Food, rides and purchases from stalls cost extra.
Yes, entry is free. Food, rides and purchases from stalls cost extra.
Do I have to dress up?
No, but costumes are encouraged and add to the atmosphere. Costumes are available to borrow from the committee.
No, but costumes are encouraged and add to the atmosphere. Costumes are available to borrow from the committee.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The Moondyne Festival is a dog-free event.
No. The Moondyne Festival is a dog-free event.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There is a petting zoo, the Toodyay Miniature Railway, billy cart rides, amusement rides and the Lions Wiggly Worm, and children love joining in the costumes and the chase.
Yes. There is a petting zoo, the Toodyay Miniature Railway, billy cart rides, amusement rides and the Lions Wiggly Worm, and children love joining in the costumes and the chase.
How many people go?
An estimated 12,000 people attended in previous years.
An estimated 12,000 people attended in previous years.
Was Moondyne Joe a real person?
Yes. Joseph Bolitho Johns was a convict who arrived in Western Australia in 1853 and died in Fremantle in 1900. He became famous for his prison escapes.
Yes. Joseph Bolitho Johns was a convict who arrived in Western Australia in 1853 and died in Fremantle in 1900. He became famous for his prison escapes.
Travel Tip - Stay the weekend. Join the Toodyay Historic Walking Tour, visit Connor's Mill and the Newcastle Gaol Museum, and walk the Bilya Walk Track along the Avon River. See the Toodyay Getaway Guide to plan your trip.
Planning more trips? See what else is on at Toodyay Events.