Road trip blends music and Outback adventure
Explore nine iconic towns, unforgettable performances, and authentic Outback experiences on Australia’s ultimate road trip festival.
Queensland’s rugged heartland becomes Australia’s grandest stage when QLD Music Trails – The Outback returns for its fourth year from 24 April to 9 May 2026.
This flagship event is a one-of-a-kind self-drive musical adventure, taking audiences off the beaten track and deep into the Outback.
From Charleville to Mount Isa, the 2026 route charts a new course through iconic towns, with music as the compass on a journey through country communities, cherished traditions, and unforgettable landscapes.
QMF CEO Daryl Raven said the Outback Trail had captured the nation’s imagination by blending music, travel and adventure in a way that feels distinctly Queensland.
“The Outback Trail is more than a festival, it’s an iconic Australian road trip,” Mr Raven said.
“At each stop, travellers can expect to swap city skylines for red dirt horizons, discovering unforgettable performances, heartfelt community moments and the kind of country hospitality that lingers long after the journey ends.
“The Outback Trail proves that music can be a powerful compass, guiding travellers into places they might never have ventured and creating moments they will never forget.”
Trail ambassadors Taylor Moss and Tori Darke will lead the journey across Queensland. Moss, fresh from touring with LeAnn Rimes and serving as ambassador for the 2025 Outback Trail, is joined by Darke, who recently toured alongside Lee Kernaghan and continues to carve out a strong reputation on both the Australian and international country music scene.
“These are just some of the moments awaiting Trail-goers on a journey where no two towns and no two nights are ever the same,” Raven said.
“Beyond the stage, Trail-goers can embrace the joy of true Outback life, trying their hand at line dancing, cheering on chicken races, swapping yarns with bush poets or simply sharing a meal around a long table dinner with locals.”
QLD Music Trails – The Outback
- When: 24 April – 9 May 2026
- Where: Various locations across Outback Queensland
- Tickets: Trail Traveller Passes start from $149 – $170.
- More info: Tickets and full itineraries at qldmusictrails.com.
Trail highlights
Charleville – Saddle Up (24 April)
Trail opener featuring live music under the stars, featuring Trail Ambassador Tori Darke, Luke Geiger, Cracker & Jess plus Daryl Kirkup as your MC. Included as part of the 2026 Outback Trail Traveller Pass.
Tambo – Bush Dance (26 April)
Live music and line dancing, join the locals for a stomping good night out with Good Will Remedy,Blake Benecke and Leilani from Charleville Dance House Ticketed event.
Barcaldine – Outback Exchange (28 April)
Set beneath the historic Tree of Knowledge, this pay-what-you-wish event invites budding musicians to gain first-hand advice from superstar Tori Darke, Will Lebihan (Good Will Remedy) and more to be announced. Free event.
Winton – Crackup Sisters in the Dust Arena (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.
Hughenden – Music by the Lake (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.
Dinner Under The Stars - Julia Creek – (5 May)
Experience the true heart of the Outback in Julia Creek with Dinner Under The Stars fireside with music from Taylor Moss and some local legends.
Mount Isa – Outback Sounds (9 May)
A jam-packed festival finale featuring headline artists Kaylee Bell and The Wolfe Brothers, Zac & George, Taylor Moss, William Barton, Homegrown Trio and the 2026 Toyota Star Maker.
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