With an uplifting music program locked in, the stage is set for one of Australia's standout Indigenous cultural tourism events in the surrounds of Coral Bay this Easter long weekend.

More than 1500 people will connect with Country, culture and community at the third annual Jamba Nyinayi Festival on WA's stunning, world heritage-listed Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) coast on the edge of Pilbara Country.

Hosted by Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation on the sprawling Cardabia Station, 2025's Connection theme was inspired by Baiyungu Traditional Owner and festival cultural director Hazel Walgar, honouring the deep, timeless interconnectedness of the Baiyungu people.

Ms Walgar said her people had long understood what newcomers were just beginning to discover, many of them at Jamba Nyinayi, which means 'sit for a while' in Baiyungu.

"As Traditional Owners, the Baiyungu People have always welcomed and guided visitors safely through Nyinggulu Country," she said.

"Nyinggulu is a special and unique place, which connects to our hearts and souls, continually drawing visitors back."

Ms Walgar said knowledge-sharing through cultural practice and language was extremely important for her people, and the Jamba Nyinayi Festival allowed younger generations to learn Baiyungu customs and language, and help preserve its unique heritage.

"Many younger Baiyungu people are involving themselves in the cultural learning experiences of the festival, which is a key motivator for us," she said.

Festival artistic director David Hyams said visitors can stay and camp on the station, while taking in some of the country's best Aboriginal musicians, dance storytelling, cultural workshops and, for the first time, film screenings in the Station's shearing shed.

The 2025 Connection theme had created an opportunity to unite national and local talent with immersive experiences, in "the most ambitious and inclusive program yet".

"We've been inspired by the deep timeless interconnectedness the Baiyungu people have with country, the Nyinggulu reef area and their ancestral stories," Mr Hyams said.

Music is woven through the fabric of the April 18-20 festival, with two nights of unmissable acts on a main stage, led by Shane Howard, one of our most influential writers and singers and founding member of legendary band Goanna and Black Arm Band, as well as more intimate 'campfire sessions'.

"It's a great honour to be invited to perform at Jamba Nyinayi 2025 … I've travelled through Baiyangu Country with my family, some years ago, but never performed there," the Solid Rock, Sacred Ground singer said.

"I hear that Hazel Walgar may be translating the song (Solid Rock, Sacred Ground) into Baiyangu."

Festival tickets and a range of station stay packages are on sale from 5 February, and early bird subscribers can use their discount code until 16 February.

The Victorian musician said he would also perform a song he wrote years ago for the 1946 Aboriginal Pastoral Workers strike, Clancy and Dooley and Don Mcleod.

"I think it's one of the most remarkable stories of modern Australia and quite possibly, the beginning of the Land Rights movement… it's history that should be taught in our schools," Mr Howard said.

"To be with Baiyangu, on their Country, that Tim Winton brought to life so beautifully in his writing, in the midst of the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef, will be awe-inspiring."

Also headlining are multi-award-winning duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse.

The duo's goose-bump performances have thrilled audiences across the country, with the incandescent vocals of Gina complemented by the guitar brilliance of Guy, as they sing in Noongar language under the stars on the desert dunes, with Nyinggulu as their backdrop.

Adding to the superb line-up are pedal/steel guitar legend Lucky Oceans, Yamatji rapper Razzy Mak and Yamatji country singer/songwriter and guitarist Fred Ryan, while the extraordinary Maatakitj (featuring Clint and Kylie Bracknell) will make his debut on Baiyungu Country.

Rising Indigenous singer-songwriter Lachy John will debut at the event, while talented locals and the festival's all-star Jamba Nyinayi Band also return.

Baiyungu dance group Coral Spawn and fellow Gascoyne dancers Pundarra Performance Group and Binmaga Yamatji dance group from the Mid-West will all share stories through contemporary Indigenous dance, with festival attendees encouraged to engage in dance, songwriting, instrumental, art, and creative workshops across the long weekend.

Ms Walgar, a Traditional Owner, will also weave new stories during the festival through dance, workshops and song.

Staying on Cardabia Station:

2025 camping options have expanded to offer tents and bedding from $125 a night (bookable up to five nights), shared quarters from $15 a night (adults, kids cheaper) and BYO tent sites from $10, while festival tickets start from $18, or $50 for families.

For more information or to book, visit the Jamba Nyinayi Festival website.