Charleville ➜ Tambo ➜ Barcaldine ➜ Winton ➜ Hughenden ➜ Julia Creek ➜ Mount Isa
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.
1. Buy your event tickets/bundle that suit your travel dates. 2. Jump in a car, plane or train. Destination ➜ The QLD Outback. 3. Meet like minded travellers at your first gig! 4. Coast from town to town staying where suits you, hear the local stories & head to a new show in every town!
Tickets include entry to the event only. From here, the best way to check out what accommodation is in the area of where you're headed is via the below links.
Charleville | Tambo | Barcaldine | Winton | Hughenden | Julia Creek | Mount Isa
Many of the Outback Towns the Trail events are hosted in have caravan parks and motels that accomodate all kinds of vehicles & set ups.
If you are interested to attend the Outback Trail key events, start with a Trail Traveller Pass. The Trail Traveller Pass unlocks the core Outback Trail experience & includes entry tickets the main 4 of the 8 events within the itinerary at 10% off.
From here you can the choose to select what other events on the itinerary suit your travel, and purchase all in the one transaction!
If you're here for a good time not a long time, Music by The Lake and Outback Sounds are bundled into The Northern Pass. This offers a condensed journey through the Trail’s northern route. Or, if you beat to the sound of your own drum - simply pick and choose individual events to build a trip that fits your time, interests, and travel plans.
Passes and tickets are strictly limited — start planning your Outback Trail journey today!
Experience the Outback Trail your way, grab your event Trail Traveller pass or pick and choose the event tickets that suit your travel stops
The Trail Traveller Pass is the ultimate way to experience the Outback, with entry to four of our iconic events along the way.
Your Trail Traveller Pass includes access to: ➜ Saddle Up➜ North Gregory Hotel (Exclusive to TTP)➜ Music By The Lake➜ Outback Sounds + an exclusive merch pack!
Short on time but still want the iconic Outback Trail experience? The Northern Pass gives you access to the Trail’s biggest final moments. Enjoy two of our signature events, set against the stunning landscapes of North Queensland.
Your Northern Pass includes access to:
➜ Music By The Lake ➜ Outback Sounds
Your Outback Trail adventure, your way. Select individual events that spark your curiosity, immerse yourself in local culture, and build a journey tailored to you. Some experiences along the Trail are only offered via individual tickets, allowing you to explore beyond the main stops and create a truly personalised adventure.
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.
From 4:30pm 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
From 2:00pm 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.
From 4:00pm 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 Mental Health 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.
From 5:30pm 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.
From 7:15pm 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.
From 6:00pm 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.
From 5:00pm 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.
From 1:00pm 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.
The Outback Trail
April 24
Charleville
April 26
Tambo Racecourse
April 28
Barcaldine
May 1
Winton
May 3
Hughenden
May 5
Julia Creek
May 9
Mount Isa
The Outback Trail is an adventure for the audience. Buy your event tickets that suit your travel dates, jump in a car, plane or train and meet all like minded Travellers at the first gig in Charleville.
The event tickets include entry to the event only, from here the best way to check out what accommodation is in the area of where you're headed is via the below links. Many of the Outback Towns the Trail is heading to host caravan parks and motels where you will very likely be staying alongside other Outback Trail goers.
Our Travellers are all on a joined Facebook group where they share travel tips, maps and a little bit about themselves. This is a great place to meet like minded people and see whether you wanted to join any tag alongs or get advice from seasoned trail goers. Find it here; https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DztrK83U2/ The event organisers will be at each event to also assist you where required at the box office entry.
You can call the QMF head office at 07 3010 6600 or email [email protected].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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"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
January 13, 2026
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April 3, 2024
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.