Understand the Outback Trail

The Outback Trail

QLD Music Trails: The Outback returns for its fifth year from 8 - 22 May!

Charleville ➜ Blackall ➜ Barcaldine ➜ Longreach ➜ Winton ➜ Julia Creek ➜ Mount Isa

We invite you to let the music take you on a one-of-a-kind self-drive adventure that blends live music experiences, unforgettable landscapes, and the warmth of country communities into a journey like no other.

The Outback Trail is anchored in music, a journey rich in the legacy of country music, bush balladry, folk music and storytelling, to reflect the cultural traditions and heritage of the Queensland Outback.

What makes the Outback Trail unique is when you join Trail, it’s not the band going on tour, it’s you! Every year more than 300 caravanning road-trippers - we call them our Trail Travellers - pack up, roll out and journey with us from town to town.

At every stop, we present a live music experience that blends local musicians with iconic Australian artists. From the local pub or racecourse to iconic attractions, we present a program of unforgettable music experience for residents and travellers alike.

Part road trip, part music pilgrimage, and entirely outback Queensland.

QMF, QLD Music Trails The Outback, Tambo Bush Dance 26 Apr 2026 Picture Crowd Photographer Aaron Skinn (26) (2)

HOW IT WORKS

Decide on your Trail journey

Choose to explore an entire trail as a Trail Traveller or pick and choose the events that resonate with you most.

Tickets do not include any travel or accommodation. Tickets provide entry to QLD Music Trails events only; however, we provide detailed information about travel, accommodation and local attractions for you to enjoy having the freedom to make your self-drive journey perfect for you.

If you have any questions, please contact us on 07 3010 6600 for more support and information.

Buy your tickets

The 2027 Outback Trail offers two Trail Traveller passes, depending on what you're after for your self-drive adventure.

Trail Traveller Super Pass
The Trail Traveller Super Pass is your "all access" pass to every event along the Outback Trail.

One ticket = eight events including two Trail Traveller Exclusives, a welcome event in Charleville and Dinner Under the Stars in Julia Creek.

Whats included?

Join us for eight Outback Trail events: the Trail Traveller welcome event in Charleville, Saddle Up, Blackall Bush Dance, Outback Exchange, Dusty Days, Diamonds in the Dust, Dinner Under the Stars (a Trail Traveller exclusive), and Outback Sounds.
An invitation to an exclusive Trail Traveller welcome event in Charleville on Friday 7 May, where you'll meet fellow travellers and kick off your Outback Trail adventure.
Pass-based entry to every Outback Trail event. Your lanyard is your ticket to all events for convenience.
Priority entry at Saddle Up, Dusty Days and Outback Sounds so you can skip the lines.
Reserved grandstand seating at Outback Sounds, plus two complimentary drinks to redeem at the bar (applicable for Outback Sounds only).
An exclusive merch pack, plus 15% off QLD Music Trails: The Outback merch (excludes artist merch).
First access to pre-sale offers for any additional Outback Trail events that go on sale, sent to the email address linked to your ticket order.
Exclusive discounts on attractions, accommodation, and venues along the Trail.
Dedicated Trail Traveller customer support by phone or email.
Explore the Trail Traveller Super Pass here.

Trail Traveller Headliner Pass
The Trail Traveller Headliner Pass gives you access to our headliner weekend events while offering you the freedom to choose your own adventure in between with all the perks of being an Outback Trail Traveller.

One ticket = four events including one of our Trail Traveller Exclusives, the Welcome Wagon event in Charleville.

Whats included?

Join us for four Outback Trail events: the Trail Traveller welcome event in Charleville, Saddle Up, Dusty Days, Diamonds in the Dust, and Outback Sounds.
An invitation to an exclusive Trail Traveller welcome event in Charleville on Friday 7 May, where you'll meet fellow travellers and kick off your Outback Trail adventure.
Pass-based entry to every Outback Trail event. Your lanyard is your ticket to all events for convenience.
Priority entry at Saddle Up, Dusty Days and Outback Sounds so you can skip the lines.
Reserved grandstand seating at Outback Sounds, plus two complimentary drinks to redeem at the bar (applicable for Outback Sounds only).
An exclusive merch pack, plus 15% off QLD Music Trails: The Outback merch (excludes artist merch).
First access to pre-sale offers for any additional Outback Trail events that go on sale, sent to the email address linked to your ticket order.
Exclusive discounts on attractions, accommodation, and venues along the Trail.
Dedicated Trail Traveller customer support by phone or email.
Explore the Trail Traveller Headliner Pass here.

Individual event tickets
A great option if you're flying or training into an Outback Queensland hub for a single event, renting a car to drive a section of the Outback Trail, or a Regional Queensland local interest in making the most of music and culture near you.

With seven events to choose from in seven towns across the Outback Trail schedule, there's something for everyone, wherever, whenever, and whatever you're into.
Browse all event listings here to explore your options.

QMF, QLD Music Trails The Outback, Tambo Bush Dance 26 Apr 2026 Picture Crowd Photographer Aaron Skinn (44)

Plan your itinerary

It's time to map out your experience. Customise your itinerary to suit your schedule and interests, whether you prefer a laid-back journey or a jam-packed adventure, the choice is yours.

Travel
QLD Music Trails: The Outback suits all types of travellers, whatever your style.

Road trip it in your RV, caravan or 4WD. Pack up and get ready for an epic camping adventure across Outback Queensland. Many Trail Travellers choose this optin for the freedom to camp along the route.
Drive the trail and stay in comfort. Prefer motels, hotels or holiday parks? There's a great range of accommodation available all along the way. Take the road trip from home in your own car or pick up a rental car from the airport of key Outback Queensland locations.
Looking for flights to fly into an Outback Queensland location? Qantas and Rex Airlines are great regional airline providers to check out.
If you're wanting to travel via rail, Queensland Rail has various lines to Outback Trail locations such as Charleville, Barcaldine, Longreach, and Mount Isa. Find out more here.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in any QLD Music Trails: The Outback tickets. Tickets provide entry to Trail events only as outlined in your ticket type.

This is part of the fun to customise and have the freedom of your own self-drive journey; however, we've put together an accommodation guide here to help get you started.

Meet fellow Trail Travellers

Want to connect with others before you hit the road? We've set up a Facebook group called Outback Trail Travellers, where you can swap tips, get recommendations, and get to know fellow travellers heading the same way.

Many travellers go solo, it's a great place to introduce yourself and find some familiar faces before your journey begins.

Extra activities along the Outback Trail

Outback Queensland is packed with hidden gems from unique activities and landscapes to rich culture and history. Be sure to build in some time to explore along the way.

Check out the pages below from Outback Queensland for inspiration.

Hit the road

With everything ready to go, pack your bags, gear up, and hit the road!

Pre-event comms for all ticket holders will be sent direct to your email inbox closer to the Outback Trail to give you all the information you need to know for your event experience.

Information will also be shared via social media and the Outback Trail Travellers Facebook group, and on the QLD Music Trails website.

SUPPORTED BY

The QLD Music Trails are presented by Queensland Music Festival (QMF) and funded by the Queensland Government, via Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland. QMF is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funding through Creative Australia and the Australian Cultural Fund.

The Outback Trail is supported by Outback Queensland Tourism Association, Murweh Shire Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Longreach Regional Council, McKinlay Shire Council and Mount Isa City Council.

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