The Outback Trail is a self-drive adventure through South West Queensland, with iconic music moments at each stop. The trail takes place over 9 days from 13 – 21 April 2024 and features 7 music events in different outback locations.
The trail allows you to build your itinerary and tailor your adventure to your unique preferences. You can plan your journey to attend as many events as you desire and customise your experience by selecting the events and destinations that resonate with you.
Please note that transport and accommodation are to be booked by trail-goers and are not included in any event tickets (except for Quilpie which has camping options that can be booked via Moshtix along with your Culinary Constellations event ticket).
It’s your adventure, your way!
Yes. Each event is sold separately so you can create your own itinerary along the trail. If you’re keen on joining us for the entire trail, we recommend purchasing the Trail Traveller pass. This pass gives you entry to 3 events at a 20% discount. Events included are: The Gully Sessions in Nindigully, Ballads & Bush Yarns in Charlotte Plains and Outback Sounds in Charleville.
Please note that the Trail Traveller pass only covers these specified events and you will need to purchase tickets for any additional events you wish to attend.
No. Accommodation is not included with your event ticket, giving you the freedom to choose a stay that suits your style. For added convenience, some of our event venues do provide onsite accommodation and camping options:
The Gully Sessions in Nindigully: Caravans and campers are welcome to set up directly in front of the event venue, "The Nindigully Pub," alongide the scenic banks of the Moonie River. This accommodation is offered free of charge. If camping isn’t your style, there is a range of guest rooms with a shared bathroom facilities available at the pub, and swags are welcome on the pub verandas. Visit nindigullypub.com.au for more information.
Ballads & Bush Yarns in Charlotte Plains: Charlotte Plains has unpowered campsites available for reservation. Please note, the Cabins and Shearers Quarters are reserved for Event Staff and are not available for general booking. Visit charlotteplains.com.au to book.
Culinary Constellations in Quilpie: You can camp onsite at the event venue “The Lake”, this can be booked via Moshtix when purchasing your event ticket. The booking includes 1x Large Powered campsite for 2 people for the night of the event. If you wish to book additional nights and/or unpowered sites, these can be booked directly with The Lake via thelakequilpie.com.
Absolutely! The Outback Trail is a great family getaway with most events being all-ages and family friendly (except for Culinary Constellations in Quilpie which is 18+).
All ages events are free for little ones under 5 and have reduced prices for children aged 6-17. Families can also snag a Family Pass to select events, which covers 2 adults and 2 children for $160.
While we love making furry friends along the trail, please note that only certain events are pet friendly. The permissibility of pets is determined by the rules of each venue hosting the event. You can check out the pet-friendly policies below:
The Gully Sessions: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited within The Gully Sessions event, although Nindigully Pub allows pets at their campgrounds.
Ballads & Bush Yarns: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited within the Ballads and Bush Yarns event, although Charlotte Plains allow for pets at their campgrounds.
Culinary Constellations: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited. Please contact our team to let us know if you are bringing a registered assistance animal.
The Big Bush Dance: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited. Please contact our team to let us know if you are bringing a registered assistance animal.
Outback Sounds: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited. Please contact our team to let us know if you are bringing a registered assistance animal.
The Sundowner: Pets (except for registered assistance animals) are strictly prohibited. Please contact our team to let us know if you are bringing a registered assistance animal.
It’s a self-drive adventure, so trail-goers travel in their own transport. We recommend rounding up your mates and making the road trip part of the fun. The more the merrier!
We suggest hopping onto our Facebook group, Outback Trail-Goers. It’s the perfect place to share tips, exchange advice and make some mates before hitting the trail!
The Outback Trail is one big, vibrant travelling community where saying g’day to your fellow trail-goers is encouraged. We also recommend having a yarn with the welcoming locals in each town. This way, you’ll get the insiders scoop on the best places to see and things to do along the trail!
For an in-depth look at Aboriginal experiences that deepen your connection with the ancient heritage of this remarkable land, see below.
Nullawokka First Nations Gallery & Tours: Travelling along the Adventure Way on your way to Cunnamulla you will find the Nullawokka First Nations Gallery & Tours in the picturesque town of Bollon. Nullawokka means “black tracks” – an appropriate name for a company that has introduced travellers to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes with a traditional and cultural view. Located in the historic 140-year-old post office building you can browse their carefully curated range of authentic Indigenous artworks, gifts and souvenirs, or book a tour with Uncle Bill, a local Kooma Elder for a cultural experience you will never forget. Welcome to Nullawokka First Nations Gallery and Tours
Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre and Art Gallery: Adjacent to the hot springs, you can be transported to a time when the Eromanga Sea covered the Outback. Discover the stories and culture of local Indigenous peoples and see the collection of some of the best local artworks on display at the Art Gallery and Heritage Museum. Cunnamulla Tourism – The Hot Springs Capital of Australia
Red Ridge – Blackall: Venture an hour from Tambo to visit Red Ridge in Blackall, and buy a piece of Indigenous art for yourself. Red Ridge is a not-for-profit community organisation that undertakes a wide range of community and public art projects, including visual and performing arts, fashion design, craft and textiles. Red Ridge the Label features central western Queensland Aboriginal artists – with their stunning artworks presented via the beautiful fashion brand. Red Ridge Interior Queensland
Indigenous Cultural Trail - Yumba Trail: Head 87km west of Roma to Mitchell, and visit the culturally historic Yumba. Yumba holds the rich history of Mitchell’s original Aboriginal settlement where the Gunggari, Bigara, Kooma, Kamilaroi and Mandandanji people once lived. Today, it serves as a sacred space for ceremonies, celebrations and learning experiences. The best place to learn about the local Indigenous community and its history is along the interpretive walking trail and The Old Schoolhouse Yumba Museum. Mitchell QLD - Indigenous Cultural Trail.
Of course! We're currently on the lookout for volunteers to help make our events unforgettable. No prior event experience is required—as long as you're willing to give it your best shot. In return for your time, you'll receive a complimentary general admission event ticket.
Outback Queensland can be accessed by air, rail and road, and there are a couple public transport options available.
Queensland Rail's Westlander Service operates between Brisbane and Charleville every Monday and Friday. Discover more details at queenslandrailtravel.com.au.
Greyhound Bus Service operates between Brisbane and Charleville Monday to Friday. Book via greyhound.com.au.
For those preferring air travel, QANTAS offers direct flights from Brisbane to Blackall, Charleville and Roma. Rex Airlines has flights from Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns to various outback destinations including Cunnamulla, Charleville, Roma and Quilpie.
Larger towns including Goondiwindi, St George, Blackall, Charleville and Roma have hire car options but it’s best to check with the town or company in question. It’s also recommended you book car hire in advance.
We highly recommend refraining from driving in the dark, especially in rural areas. The outback is home to kangaroos and emus who love to jump across the road and you won’t see them at night. To ensure your safety, we suggest reaching your destination before dusk. Plus, arriving early allows you to enjoy the breathtaking outback sunsets!
Always take snacks and extra water for the journey, as well as a spare tyre, map and small first-aid kit. It’s not necessary but can also be handy to have a satellite-phone or Telstra mobile and a jerry can of spare fuel.
Sure is! RACQ services outback Queensland and can be contacted on 13 19 05.
If you encounter car troubles, resist the temptation to abandon your vehicle. The unfamiliarity of your surroundings could lead to getting lost in the outback, exposing you to potential harm from minor injuries or wildlife encounters. Remaining with your vehicle guarantees the safety of both you and your companions until you can safely continue along the trail.
Always be mindful of how much fuel you have left. Each of our trail locations has a petrol stop (except Charlotte Plains, where the town Cunnamulla has the petrol stop), so we recommend fuelling up at each stop.
Fuel stations on major highways can generally be found every 200km, but they often only operate from 9am-5pm. However, if you do come across a “no fuel” sign, it means exactly that!
Yes, there are conveniently located EV charging stations in trail stops including Goondiwindi, St George, Cunnamulla, Roma and Charleville. To explore the entire network of Queensland’s EV charging stations, you can refer to RACQ’s Queensland Electric Super Highway map.
Expect pleasantly warm weather in South West QLD throughout April. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 30 degrees celsius, but be sure to chuck a jumper in your bag as evenings tend to cool down to around 15 degrees celsius.
We recommend checking the latest weather conditions before hitting the road to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
In most towns, Telstra provides reliable mobile coverage, while other networks have more limited coverage. Coverage is limited but improving on roads between towns, so you may wish to bring a satellite phone for added assurance. If you’re stuck in a pinch with mobile coverage, you can still pick up a public phone in all towns. Standard national and mobile calls are now free from Telstra pay phones and some are also fitted with free Wi-Fi.
Outback Queensland is home to an extraordinary range of native wildlife. While some of these animals may pose potential dangers, the likelihood of getting hurt is very low when exercising necessary precautions. Never disrupt or interfere with wildlife and always remember that these are wild animals that must be treated with respect.
Yes, when there is no fire ban or restrictions in place. When a fire prohibition is in place, no campfires are permitted to be lit in the prohibition area. To see if there is a fire ban currently in place, visit qfes.qld.gov.au for more information.
Information can also be obtained at any time by phoning free call: 1800 020 440.