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 will stay with you long after the final note.
Charleville ➜ Tambo ➜ Barcaldine ➜ Winton ➜ Hughenden ➜ Julia Creek ➜ Mount Isa
The journey culminates in Outback Sounds at Mount Isa, the Trail’s pinnacle open-air music festival, headlined by none other than Kaylee Bell, 2023 CMA Global Artist of the Year, and The Wolfe Brothers, Australia’s most awarded country rock duo.
Guiding audiences along the way are Trail Ambassadors Taylor Moss and Tori Darke, sharing their passion for country music and Outback culture at every stop.
Make the journey your own with the Trail Traveller Pass, your all-in-one ticket to the very best of the Outback Trail. Passes are limited — don’t miss your chance.
The countdown is on with tickets on sale Tuesday 14 October 2025, sign up below to be the first to know!
Don't miss out on your chance to experience the ultimate Outback adventure! Sign up to be the first to know when tickets go on sale and more details arrive.
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Friday 24 April - Saddle Up!
Saddle Up kicks off QLD Music Trails: The Outback with live music under the stars, featuring Trail Ambassador Tori Darke.
More details to come soon. This is a ticketed event.
Tambo Bush Dance
Sunday 26 April
Live music and line dancing, join the locals for a stomping good night out.
More details coming soon. This is a ticketed event.
Outback Exchange
Tuesday 28 April
Set beneath the historic Tree of Knowledge, we invite budding musicians to gain first-hand advice from country music stars.
More details coming soon. This is a free event
Crack-Up Sisters in the Dust Arena
Friday 1 May
Step into the Crackup Sisters’ backyard for a rollicking 1970s-style game show with circus, comedy and music from Niq Reefman and Matt Hill, followed by a special ticketed performance at the North Gregory Hotel.
More details coming soon.
Music by the Lake
Sunday 3 May
A lakeside evening of lanterns, culture and music as part of the Festival of Outback Skies, headlined by internationally acclaimed artist William Barton, with a Welcome to Country and performances by local Yirendali dancers.
Tuesday 5th May
Details coming soon.
Outback Sounds
Saturday 9th May
On the final day of our epic Outback adventure, we touch down in the legendary town of Mount Isa for Outback Sounds — an open-air, family-friendly music festival and the flagship event of QLD Music Trails: The Outback.
The Mount Isa Showgrounds will transform into an outback oasis, where music, arts, food, and community come alive. Kaylee Bell and The Wolfe Brothers headline a star-studded lineup, with more incredible acts to be announced soon.
Tickets go on sale 14 October — don’t miss your chance to be part of the outback’s ultimate music celebration!
Full line-up and more details coming soon.
"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 15, 2025
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QMF respectfully acknowledges the Bidjara, Wadjabangai, Dharawala, Iningai, Koa, Yirendali, Mayi, and Kalkadoon 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.