Saddle Up: Your outback long weekend guide to Charleville

The Outback Trail

Got your tickets to Saddle Up yet? Make it a long weekend escape!

There’s something about Outback Queensland that slows your heartbeat and sharpens your senses. The horizon stretches wide, the nights sparkle brighter, and country music just sounds better under a sky full of stars.

The best part? You can savour it over a long weekend, and you don’t need a car, caravan or weeks of annual leave to do it.

If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the Queensland Outback (or know someone who needs a gentle nudge), this is your sign to saddle up and join us.

With the talented line-up of Tori Darke, Lee Kernaghan, and Luke Geiger kicking off the QLD Music Trails - Outback Trail by headlining Saddle Up, and a weekend of authentic Outback Queensland experiences awaiting, Charleville is calling.

A WEEKEND OUTBACK ADVENTURE ➜ MADE EASY

Thanks to our travel partner Rex, getting to the heart of Outback Queensland is easier (and less expensive) than you might think, even for a long weekend.

For a limited time, you can fly Brisbane to Charleville for just $254 each way, making it more accessible to experience the Outback Trail. Base yourself in town, get to know the locals, and soak up the atmosphere — no road trip commitment required.

Know someone who’s been “meaning to get around to” experiencing Outback Queensland or has it on their bucket list? Send this link to them!

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Couple relaxing at Lake Moondarra

WHAT YOUR QLD MUSIC TRAILS - OUTBACK TRAIL ITINERARY COULD LOOK LIKE

Thursday 23 April: Touch down in Charleville.

Arrive in Charleville on Rex and settle into your local accommodation.

As the sun dips low, the red dirt landscape reveals its magic — a warm welcome to Outback Queensland.

Spend your first few hours here strolling the main street, grabbing a pub meal or simply enjoying the quiet hum of a country town preparing for a big weekend.

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FRIDAY EVENING ➜ SADDLE UP UNDER THE OUTBACK QUEENSLAND SKY

Friday night marks the official kick-off of the QLD Music Trails – Outback Trail with Saddle Up, an all-ages celebration of Australian country music.

Set against the backdrop of wide-open skies, this unforgettable evening features:

Tickets are just $30 making it an accessible live music experience in Regional Queensland. This event is Auslan interpreted.

Buy tickets now!

Couple walking in to Outback at Isa
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SATURDAY 25 APRIL ➜ EXPLORE CHARLEVILLE'S HIDDEN GEMS

There’s no rush and nowhere else to be. Saturday is all about slowing down and letting Charleville surprise you. Here’s your top 5 must-do experiences in Charleville.

Spend the day discovering the hidden magic of this town:

  • Meet cute bilbies at the Charleville Bilby Experience
  • Stargaze beneath some of Australia’s clearest night skies at the Charleville Cosmos Centre
  • Dive into local stories of outback heritage and history at Hotel Corones
  • Uncover wartime secrets at the WWII Secret Base
  • Stroll the Warrego River Walk and experience wildlife and history along the way, including the local indigenous story of Mundagudda and the Rainbow Serpent.

Charleville has a way of revealing itself gently through welcoming conversations, unexpected moments, and unique experiences that will linger long after you’ve left.

SUNDAY 26 APRIL ➜ ONE LAST DANCE ON THE TRAIL

Not ready to leave just yet? Linger a little longer and dust off your line-dancing boots for a true Outback hoedown farewell at the Tambo Bush Dance on the Sunday afternoon.

TRAVEL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

After devastating floods and the impacts of fuel shortages, locals in Outback Queensland are keen to welcome visitors back and show you some genuine hospitality.

Ready to Saddle Up?

  • Book your flights to Charleville with Rex
  • Book your accommodation in Charleville
  • Secure your tickets to Saddle Up

Support for this event has been provided through the jointly funded Australian-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principle arts investment and advisory body.

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Unique landscape to enjoy sunsets just outside of the town of Mount Isa

SUPPORTED BY

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Images Courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.