Outback Queensland’s must-see events in 2026

Queensland Holidays
Small-town spirit, stunning scenery and classic larrikinism will combine for these unmissable Outback Queensland events in 2026.
Opera Queensland will visit Winton and Longreach in 2026.
The Festival of Outback Opera will include stops in Longreach and Winton in 2026.

Outback River Lights Festival

When: 17–19 April 2026

Cunnamulla’s Outback River Lights Festival celebrates the Outback through art, music, storytelling and light. Enjoy live music and bush poetry, take part in a creative workshop or see bush tucker and camp oven cooking demonstrations at this three-day celebration that’s suitable for all ages.

Where: Various venues throughout Cunnamulla

Tickets and info: cunnamullatourism.com.au/outback-river-lights-festival/

Queensland Music Trail

When: 24 April – 9 May 2026

Qld Music Trails’ flagship event is a one-of-a-kind self-drive musical adventure that will take audiences deep into the Outback. From Charleville to Mount Isa, the 2026 route charts a brand-new course through nine iconic Outback towns, with music as the compass on a journey through country communities, cherished traditions and unforgettable landscapes.

Where: Various locations across Outback Queensland

Tickets and info: Tickets and full itineraries at qldmusictrails.com

The Queensland Music Festival will  hit the Outback trail again in 2026.

The 2026 Queensland Music Trail will stretch from Charleville to Mount Isa.

Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival

When: 1–4 May 2026

The Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival showcases the community spirit and history of Barcaldine and Outback Queensland. Program highlights include a street party, live music, markets and workshops.

Where: Various locations throughout Barcaldine

Tickets and info: treeofknowledge.com.au/

Music in the Mulga

When: 14–17 May 2026

Music in the Mulga will take place in the country music capital of Queensland, Thargomindah. Enjoy four days of country music, yabby races and more.

Where: Thargomindah

Tickets and info: musicinthemulga.com.au

Festival of Outback Opera

When: 19–25 May 2026

Opera Queensland's (OQ) Festival of Outback Opera brings world-class performances to the breathtaking landscapes of Winton and Longreach. Unlike any music event you have experienced, the Festival of Outback Opera showcases extraordinary music against the backdrop of iconic Outback locations.

Where: Winton (19– 2 May 20206) and Longreach (22-25 May 2026)

Tickets and info: www.oq.com.au/whats-on

The Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge.

The Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival showcases the community spirit and history of the region.

Stars of Charlotte Plains

When: 25–28 June 2026

Hosted at Charlotte Plains, this three-day, family friendly camping event combines the very best of the bush with live music, kids’ activities, local food vendors and all the usual trappings of Charlotte Plains including their artesian baths and hot springs.

Where: Charlotte Plains, Cunnamulla

Tickets and info:
charlotteplains.com.au

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

When: 26 June – 5 July 2026

This highly regarded Outback Film Festival celebrates Australian storytelling through film. The festival’s program includes special events, film location tours, a short-film competition as well as premier screenings. Set against the backdrop of the historic Royal Open-Air Theatre in Winton, this is a must-do event for film lovers and history buffs alike.

Where: Winton

Tickets and info: visionsplendidfilmfest.com/

Big Red Bash

When: 7–9 July 2026

Birdsville’s Big Red Bash is back in 2026 with an epic lineup of Australian music royalty including Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish and more. Known as the world’s most remote music event, the festival offers three days of live music and unique entertainment including charity fun runs, camel rides and outdoor film nights.

Where: Big Red Sand Dune, Birdsville

Tickets and info: bigredbash.com.au

Desert Champions Way – Outback Camel Trail

When: July 2026

Enjoy all the thrills of camel racing with the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. This epic journey follows major racing events from Jundah and Birdsville through to Bedourie, Boulia and Winton. More than just a sporting spectacle, the Desert Champions Way is a cultural experience, celebrating the legacy of the cameleers who shaped the region.

Where: Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton

Tickets and info: thediamantina.com.au

Mount Isa Rodeo

When: 9 August 2026

Australia’s biggest, boldest and richest rodeo takes place each year in Mount Isa. For three epic days, you can see the power of bulls, broncs and Australia’s toughest rodeo stars live in action. Expect world-class competition, big-name entertainment, family fun and a buzzing atmosphere.

Where: Buchanan Park, Mount Isa

Tickets and info: mountisarodeo.com.au

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