From 13 - 21 April 2024, join us on a thrilling nine-day musical journey through the rugged heartland of Queensland.
This offbeat adventure kicks off 4 hours outside of Brisbane and promises to guide you through the outback's most breathtaking destinations, with each stop inviting a celebration of iconic music moments, enriching cultural experiences and heartfelt local hospitality.
Crafted as a self-driving adventure, the trail allows you to build your itinerary and tailor your adventure to your unique preferences. Plan your journey to attend as many events as you desire and customise your experience by selecting the events and attractions that resonate with you.
The Outback Trail beckons the extraordinary, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can only unfold in the distinct realm of the outback.
Grab your swag, pack your tucker bag and join the trail – the outback is waiting for you!
Check out the itinerary below and choose one, some or all of the events you wish to attend along the trail and buy tickets to each.
Camping, glamping, caravanning or 4WD-ing! You can book the accommodation that suits you around the events and attractions you've planned.
Pack up the car with all the essentials you'll need for the road, get Google Maps up and start planning your drive.
We'll see you in Goondiwindi on 13 April, or wherever you decide to start your outback adventure!
Saturday, 13 April
Pack your swag, round up your mates and head out west to start the first day of your outback musical adventure. The first destination? Goondiwindi, where you'll settle along the tranquil banks of the mighty Macintyre River.
The Outback Trail 2024 kicks off with a free event Saddle Up—a spirited invitation to Trail-goers and locals to join us at the Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre for our official launch event. Bring a picnic lunch, mix and mingle with fellow Trail-goers and enjoy live tunes from homegrown heroes Split Image and country pop rising star Chloe Styler. If you're keen to keep the good times rolling, those aged 18+ can head to the beloved Goondiwindi Picnic Races for even more celebration.
Sunday, 14 April
On the second day of The Outback Trail we find ourselves in charming Nindigully— affectionately dubbed "The Gully" by locals.
Our journey brings us to the most famous and respected institution in town... The Nindigully Pub!
With roots dating back to 1864, The Nindigully Pub is revered as one of Queensland's oldest and continually licensed pubs.
Mosey on down to The Gully Sessions for a relaxed afternoon of classic pub grub and live country music.
Get to the gully
Monday, 15 April
On the third day of The Outback Trail, we roll into the quaint town of St George, nestled along the picturesque Balonne River. Today is your chance to tailor your journey to your interests – it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day!
Grab a glass of vino and let the good times flow at Riversands Winery, where you’re guaranteed a “bush story in every glass”. Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Balonne River or crank it up a notch with a Sandytown River Cruise. For a unique experience, embark on the Self-Drive Cotton Trail starting at the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre, and learn a thing or two about the local cotton growing industry.
St. George is a treasure trove of outback activities – so let loose, have a blast and uncover the hidden gems that make this town an outback favourite!
Tuesday, 16 April
Our next stop invites you and your fellow trail-goers to Charlotte Plains, a cherished family-owned and operated sheep station with a century-long legacy. Feel the warmth of a heartfelt welcome from owner Robyn Russell and her family as we gather for an intimate storytelling experience at Ballads and Bush Yarns.
Here, we'll celebrate the spirited outback tales that define the heart and soul of Charlotte Plains. To complement the narratives we've thrown in the musical storytelling of Troy Cassar-Daley and Loren Ryan.
Gather 'Round for a Yarn
Wednesday, 17 April
On the fifth day of our outback adventure, we continue westward to Charleville, which we'll use as a base for the events to come. Today's agenda is a blank canvas, presenting an excellent opportunity for you to forge your own unique Outback adventure—and there's no town better suited for the task!
Journey through the big outback sky and have its wonders explained by expert guides at the Cosmos Centre. Get up close with Australia's native wildlife, particularly the endangered bilby, at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Dive into the rich history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the Visitor Centre and step back in time at the WWII Secret Base.
No matter your interests, Charleville has something to captivate every trail-goer seeking an authentic Australian outback experience.
Thursday, 18 April
As the sun sets on the quaint town of Quilpie, day six will see us head out to The Lake for a once-in-a-lifetime fusion of degustation and artistic brilliance beneath the vast outback night sky.
Culinary Constellations extends a warm invitation to indulge in a decadent five-course degustation dinner curated by renowned celebrity chef, Mark Olive.
Between each delicious course, the evening will be enriched by the mesmerising musical performances. As the native cherry on top, you'll have the rare opportunity to engage in a stargazing journey.
Elevating the culinary spectacle is a live performance from William Barton, Australia’s leading didgeridoo player and highly-esteemed composer, instrumentalist and vocalist.
Taste the Outback
Friday, 19 April
Giddy up for a nostalgic evening of toe-tappin' and boot-scootin' at The Big Bush Dance! Day seven of this offbeat adventure promises an unbridled celebration of traditional Australian bush dancing at the historic Tambo Town Hall.
The hall will come alive with dancers of all ages invited to join in and learn a bush dance guided by local professionals. Whether you're an experienced dancer or a green horse, everyone is welcome on the dance floor to relish the good ol'-fashioned joy of bush dancing.
Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes
Saturday, 20 April
On the eighth day of our epic journey we trot into Charleville for the inaugural Outback Sounds— a one-day, family-friendly music festival proudly reigning as the pinnacle event of The Outback Trail. Headlining the night is Ball Park Music, Paul Dempsey, Pierce Brothers + More
Outback Sounds will transform the Charleville Showgrounds into an outback oasis, where the spirit of music, arts, food and community bursts to life.
Explore local market stalls between sets and savor delicious eats from food stalls scattered across the site. Outback Sounds is more than a festival; it's a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and community spirit against the captivating outback backdrop.
Rock Out in the Outback
Sunday, 21 April
All good things must come to an end, but not without a worthy send-off! On the final day of The Outback Trail, we invite trail-goers and local legends to come together for a memorable last hurrah in Roma.
Seize this opportunity to relax and unwind before heading homeward. It’s the perfect time to share tales of the wonderful moments we've experienced and the beautiful locations we've explored. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of outback Queensland one last time and bid farewell to both mates old and new.
Catch the Sunset
NRL legend Sam Thaiday is joining The Outback Trail! He'll take he lead on our epic adventure, cruising behind the wheel of an Apollo Motorhome for the entire 9-day itinerary.
Prepare to witness and join in on his adventures, as he stops at each event and destination along the trail, getting among the fun and saying g'day to fans!
Hold onto your Akubras, Travis Collins fans! Following his electrifying performance at The Gully Sessions on Sunday 14 April, the country sensation will be sticking around for an exclusive meet & greet.
From 5:15 pm to 5:45 pm, ticketholders of The Gully Sessions will have the incredible opportunity to say g'day to the country music legend.
The Outback Trail
April 13
Gunsynd Park
April 18
The Lake, Quilpie
April 16
Bore Camp, Charlotte Plains
April 20
Charleville Showgrounds
April 19
Tambo Shire Hall
April 21
Western Queensland Distillery, Roma
April 19 - 21
April 14
The Nindigully Pub
Goondiwindi Waggamba Community Cultural Centre
The Trail Traveller Pass grants entry to three of our premier Trail events at a remarkable 20% discount.
Tickets are $128 for adults and $102 for children aged 6-17, children under 5 are free!
Your Trail Traveller Pass includes 1x ticket to each of these events:
Sunday 14 April: The Gully Sessions in Nindigully Tuesday 16 April: Ballads & Bush Yarns in Charlotte Plains Saturday 20 April: Outback Sounds in Charleville
These tickets are limited, so you’ll need to get in quick!
Choose your own adventure with individual tickets to any of the events along The Outback Trail.
Tickets don't include camping or transport. More detailed information and FAQs to be released soon!
From general event information to outback travel tips, our FAQs cover it all. We've gathered the most asked questions to make sure your adventure along The Outback Trail is as smooth as your favourite track.
So, pump up the volume and check out the FAQs below. We're here to make sure your experience is off the charts fun and as stress-free as possible!
Drought Angels is joining the Outback Trail as our official charity partner, passionately supporting Aussie farmers and rural communities doing it tough.
They provide crucial financial assistance, food hampers, care packs and mental wellbeing support to over 4,800 primary producers battling the harsh realities of natural disasters across Australia. Their on-farm visits and heart-to-heart phone conversations act as a lifeline, helping farmers stay on the land—an indispensable service that contributes profoundly to Australia's regional economies, food security and the social well-being of rural communities.
Stand with us in supporting Aussie farmers and outback communities navigating tough times. You can donate to Drought Angels when purchasing event tickets through Moshtix or look out for donation points at all Outback Trail events.
As a not-for-profit organisation, every dollar we earn goes directly back into the heart of communities, fostering local talent development and creating a positive impact that ripples across the region.
Immerse yourself in the true essence of Queensland's outback! We're dedicated to championing local suppliers and vendors at every turn along our trails, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience for all.
Through initiatives such as MobTix, Local Legends, accessible venues and facilities, we pride ourselves on creating events that ensure everyone can enjoy the vibrant spirit of Queensland.
QMF respectfully acknowledges the Bidjara, Bigambul, Dharawala, Kamilaroi, Kooma, Kunya, Mardigan and Wadjabangai Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, waters and skies where the Outback Trail unfolds. We extend our respects for their enduring connection to the remarkable terrain, where creative works take place, performances resonate, and celebrations come to life. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders of all communities who also work and live on this land. We recognise the importance of First Nations leadership and collaboration, and QMF commits to walking together on a journey of shared learning and culture.
Join the Southern Trail for the latest in events, news, promotions and competitions. See you on the trail!
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April 3, 2024