Queensland’s rugged heartland transforms into Australia’s grandest stage when QLD Music Trails: The Outback returns for its fourth year, 24 April – 9 May. From Charleville to Mount Isa, this one-of-a-kind self-drive adventure blends live music, unforgettable landscapes, and the warmth of country communities into a journey like no other.
The Outback Trail is more than a festival, it’s an iconic Australian road trip. Trade city skylines for red dirt horizons, dance under a blanket of stars, share meals with locals, and experience performances that stay with you long after the final note.
Charleville ➜ Tambo ➜ Barcaldine ➜ Winton ➜ Hughenden ➜ Julia Creek ➜ Mount Isa
The journey ends in Mount Isa at Outback Sounds, the Trail’s pinnacle open-air music festival, headlined by Kaylee Bell (2023 CMA Global Artist of the Year) and The Wolfe Brothers, with Zac and George, Taylor Moss, William Barton, Homegrown Trio, and the newly crowned '2026 Toyota Star Maker' Jarrad Wrigley!
Guiding audiences along the way are Trail Ambassadors Taylor Moss and Tori Darke, sharing their passion for country music and Outback culture across the Trail.
1. Buy your event tickets/bundle that suit your travel dates. 2. Plan and book your accommodation along the trail. Find accommodation options here. 3. Jump in a car, plane or train. Destination ➜ The QLD Outback. 4. Meet like minded travellers at your first gig! 5. Coast from town to town, hear the local stories & head to a new show in every town!
Tickets include entry to the event only.
The Outback Trail
April 24
Charleville
April 26
Tambo Racecourse
April 28
Barcaldine
April 29
Longreach
April 30
Winton
May 1
May 3
Hughenden
May 5
Julia Creek
May 8
Mount Isa
May 9
The Outback Trail is best travelled via vehicle. Stopping along the way to check out the towns, local providers and communities along the way. There are airports stationed in Mount Isa, Roma and Charleville if you were looking to travel by sky.
No. Outback Trail event tickets purchased via our website do not include camping or accommodation at event sites.
We encourage all trail travellers and event-goers to book accommodation directly with local providers in each town along the trail. Accommodation options, site layouts, and restrictions will vary, so we recommend checking with providers ahead of time.
Many Outback caravan parks can accommodate caravans and vehicles of various sizes. Local tourism and council websites are a great place to start your planning.
Accommodation resources by town:
Tambo
The purpose of our Trails is to make a meaningful impact through unforgettable experiences that connect people and places, strengthen communities, celebrate local identity and create lasting social, cultural and economic benefits. That includes working with local talent, local suppliers and local businesses.
The local communities represent a large percentage of our audiences at our events and we wish nothing more for them to have that opportunity.
Trail Travellers play an important role in supporting Outback communities, staying, eating, shopping and attending events injects valuable economic benefit into regional towns.
We know from talking to our community partners & councils they want us to hit the road and bring you all with us and support their communities.
We will maintain regular contact with the communities along the Trail to keep Trail Travellers and stakeholders updated if there are any changes or advice regarding fuel availability.
Yes – our Trail is designed to be accessible and safe along sealed highways with regular fuel stops and clear communication of next fuel stop.
The safety of our travellers and staff and the communities along the trail is our main priority.
At this point, we remained committed to delivering the Outback Trail while it is considered the safe and responsible option.
We are aware the fuel situation is evolving. We are monitoring the situation closely and are in regular contact with the communities we are travelling to and the relevant authorities.
Try to arrive before sundown. If you can’t, please avoid driving at night as much as you can. Kangaroos are most active at sunrise and sunset. Try to plan ahead to avoid driving at these times.
We will communicate regular updates via email, social media and our website.
We’re aware of recent flooding in parts of Outback Queensland. We are working closely with all venues and local partners so we can share any important updates with you.
Use qldtraffic.qld.gov.au to stay across the most up to date driving conditions.
You can call the QMF head office at 07 3010 6600 or email [email protected].
If you are trying to get in touch with our team during the Outback Trail 24-9th May please allow 24hours for our team to respond, we are out on the road just like you and may not have access to reliable reception.
At every event, there will be a box office team who you can always reach out to.
Tickets will be emailed to the nominated email address provided during booking. You can log into your Ferve account using your purchase email to retrieve these if misplaced.
At every event, we will have a friendly box office team that you can also reach out to to find your tickets.
In many cases our events are not pet friendly.
Service animals are accepted but must present at box office with a valid GOVT issued identification and the animal must be on leash/contained and wearing the appropriate support/service certification inside the event.
The only events on the Outback Trail that are accepting pets are Julia Creek and Barcaldine. Please note animals must be on leash or restrained at all times.
Pleae check both your order and individual ticket name.
In many cases our events extend across multiple days or you have purchased a bundle ticket with multiple days.
Each ticket will stipulate the event date or name that this is valid for. Trail travellers, please use your individual event barcoded ticket for entry into each event.
While we understand that rising fuel costs are impacting travel plans for some people, our ticketing policies remain in place and we are not offering refunds.
These Terms and Conditions are clearly communicated at the time of purchase and are in line with Live Performance Australia guidelines. For those who can no longer attend, tickets can be resold via our official resale platform, Tixel.
Currently all events are going ahead and our team along with the communities are getting ready to welcome you to the Outback across April & May.
The majority of our audience are locals from Outback communities, and these events are created as much for them as they are for visitors. Keeping events affordable and ensuring they can go ahead for these communities is a key priority for us and core to our purpose.
The Outback Trail team will remain in contact with our Ticket holders to provide all updates where required. All ticketholders will also be sent a full digital program inclusive of weather and road information closer to the Trail beginning.
For specific information and a full list of items, check the individual event pages on our website.
All Accessibility Information
We want to ensure that the event is inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for all of our patrons. If you have any access requirements (eg accessible seating/parking, assistance animals, companion tickets), let our team know by submitting an Access Request. This form covers most access requirements but also has room to indicate additional questions or concerns you might have for our team. We will do our very best to tailor our support so that you have an excellent experience at the event.
Each Qld Music Trail Event is different. Unless specifically indicated a special viewing deck or accessible seating may not be available. However, we are determined to ensure everyone has a great experience so please reach out to us with your concerns by submitting an Access Request here.
From red dirt towns to lakeside performances, the Outback Trail takes you on a journey through vibrant communities, unforgettable music, and authentic Aussie experiences. Use this itinerary as a guide to plan your adventure along the Trail.
Kick off your Outback Trail adventure in Charleville with Saddle Up, the official launch event. Expect a lively welcome from locals and travellers alike, cold drinks in hand, and a true taste of Outback spirit.
The night is powered by Tori Darke, one of Australia's most dynamic country artists, delivering powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Joining her is Luke Geiger, bringing high-energy 'cowboy party' vibes, alongside homegrown favourites Cracker & Jess, with legendary MC Daryl Kirkup keeping the night rolling.
It's the perfect mix of community, celebration, and music to start your journey.
VIEW EVENT
Put on your dancing boots and get ready to kick up your heels at the Tambo Bush Dance.
Learn line dancing from Leilani of Charleville Dance House, then take the floor as Good Will Remedy light up the night with live music. Even if you've got two left feet, the friendly crowd and high-energy tunes make this an evening of fun, laughter, and true Outback camaraderie. It's a classic hoedown where everyone can join in, whether dancing or just soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Enjoy a warm Outback welcome under Barcaldine's Tree of Knowledge at the Outback Exchange, celebrating storytelling, music, and connection. The afternoon features poetry and performance by Leroy Wilson with the CWAC Poetry Program, followed by a Q&A panel with Leroy, Will Remedy, and Tori Darke, who also delivers a special live set. Enjoy a classic sausage sizzle, meet locals, and soak up genuine Outback hospitality at this pay-what-you-want event — the perfect way to relax and connect on your Outback Trail journey.
This one-of-a-kind concert sees Lee Kernaghan perform live at the legendary Qantas Founders Museum, surrounded by towering aircraft that helped connect a nation. With historic planes framing the night sky, this is more than a concert, it’s an unforgettable Outback moment where music, place, and story collide.
Supporting Lee on the night is local talent Riley Ziskey, an emerging local country artist from Longreach, whose high-energy sound blends modern country with a nod to the 90s tradition he grew up on. From cattle stations to national festival stages, Riley’s rise has been fast, and performing in his hometown makes this event especially meaningful.
Support for this event has been provided through the jointly funded Australian-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Join us at The Royal Winton Theatre for a special screening of A Journey: Between the Fires, an intimate documentary following Troy Cassar-Daley as he returns to his childhood home on Gumbaynggirr Country to create his most challenging album, navigating grief, loss, and healing through music. Set beneath the Outback sky at one of Australia’s last operating open-air theatres, this is a unique cinematic experience in a historic, lovingly preserved venue. Tickets are limited, secure yours now.
Step into the whimsical world of The Dusty Hour, hosted by The Crackup Sisters at the Outback's newest venue, The Dustarena. Original music from Niq Reefman and Matt Hill blends with circus acts, comedy, and audience participation for an interactive evening of fun. Set against a stunning Outback sunset, the show brings laughter, charm, and a uniquely Queensland experience that combines storytelling, music, and theatrical flair — a night that leaves you with memories as vast as the western sky.
This Trail Traveller Pass-exclusive event at the iconic North Gregory Hotel brings live music and community together mid-journey. Taylor Moss hosts, while Tori Darke and her full band deliver a dynamic set, Mack Geiger pumps out high-energy country grooves, and local favourite Jess White charms with heartfelt songs. It's an intimate yet vibrant night where travellers and locals mingle, sharing stories over drinks and enjoying Winton's lively music scene in a classic Outback venue.
As the grand finale of the Festival of Outback Skies, Music by the Lake offers a magical night of culture, music, and visual spectacle. William Barton headlines with didgeridoo and vocals that resonate across Hughenden Lake as the sun sets. Following him, the Yirendali Cultural Dancers lead a breathtaking lantern parade, while Carolyn Lloyd-Doolan, Meagan Morris, and Junkyard Beats provide supporting performances. It's a blend of Outback music, culture, and natural beauty that creates an unforgettable evening for all.
Experience authentic Outback hospitality at Julia Creek's Bush Dinner, sharing homegrown produce and local stories around the fire. Trail Ambassador Taylor Moss sets the soundtrack with her signature country charm, complemented by a special performance from local legend Kelli Shaun. As the sun sets and the stars appear, the combination of food, storytelling, music, and warm community spirit makes this a quintessential Outback evening. Choose from Dinner & Show or Show Only tickets for this immersive experience.
The Outback Sounds finale in Mount Isa is a full-on country music festival under the stars at Buchanan Park. Headliners Kaylee Bell and The Wolfe Brothers bring powerhouse vocals and foot-stomping energy, joined by William Barton, Taylor Moss, the Homegrown Trio, and the 2026 Toyota Star Maker, delivering a mix of contemporary and traditional country music. With line dancing, live sets, and a buzzing festival atmosphere, it's the ultimate celebration to cap off your Outback Trail journey.
"Being able to take my kids to see James Johnston was amazing! We'd never be able to get to his concert otherwise, or go to any other concert ... as they're usually in other areas. This event has made high quality artists accessible to us too".
Carly, Charleville, QLD
"The music and the set places to [visit] enables us to plan our route and feel confident in our first outback trip ... [It] helped our confidence when travelling in the outback".
Wendy, Sunshine Coast, QLD
"Belonging to a community is a powerful thing... it was very special being a part of it".
Doug, Hobart, TAS
April 22, 2026
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QMF respectfully acknowledges the Bidjara, Iningai, Koa, Yirendali, Mayi, Malintji, Kuunkari and Kalkadoon Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies on which The Outback Trail unfolds. We honour their deep and unbroken connection to Country, culture and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise that music, art and story have echoed across these lands since time immemorial, shaped by generations of knowledge holders whose songs, rhythms and cultural practices continue to influence and inspire the creative landscape experienced throughout The Outback Trail.