Queensland Music Trails – The Outback Returns for 2026

Queensland’s rugged heartland becomes Australia’s grandest stage when QLD Music Trails – The Outback returns for its fourth consecutive year from 24 April – 9 May 2026.

Bigger, bolder and more breathtaking, QLD Music Trails’ flagship event is a one-of-a-kind self-drive musical adventure that takes audiences off the beaten track and 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.

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,” Raven said.

“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.”

The 2026 Trail offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, with each stop unveiling its own unique magic.

Among the highlights, Charleville Saddle Up kicks off the adventure with a lively mixer under the stars (24 April); Tambo Bush Dance invites generations to swing and stomp at the Tambo Racecourse (26 April), transforming the track into the town’s biggest dance floor; Hughenden’s Festival of Outback Skies presents a lakeside evening of performance led by internationally acclaimed artist William Barton, complete with a lantern parade (3 May); and the journey culminates in Outback Sounds in Mt Isa (9 May), a grand finale headlined by some of Australia’s biggest acts alongside emerging local talent.

Artist highlights include Kaylee Bell and The Wolfe Brothers, who will headline the Mt Isa finale, with Taylor Moss and Tori Darke announced as 2026 Trail Ambassadors.

New Zealand’s Kaylee Bell – named the 2023 CMA Global Artist of the Year – has become one of country music’s brightest rising stars, recently performing to stadium crowds as part of Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics World Tour.

Joining her are Tasmanian powerhouses The Wolfe Brothers, now recognised as Australia’s most awarded country rock duo with 20 chart-topping singles, 10 Golden Guitars and four ARIA nominations to their name.

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.

“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.”

To make the journey even more accessible, QLD Music Trails has introduced the Trail Traveller Pass, starting from just $149 for first release.

Capped at only 400 tickets, the pass bundles together key events across Charleville, Winton, Hughenden and Mt Isa, offering audiences the chance to experience the very best of the Trail in one easy itinerary.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Outback Trail draws locals and visitors to extraordinary cultural experiences that celebrate uniquely Queensland landscapes with the very best music talent.

“Unique events such as the Charleville Saddle Up, the Festival of Outback Skies and Outback Sounds will enable homegrown and national artists to reach new audiences in iconic locations and generate economic benefits across regional Queensland,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Crisafulli Government’s 10-year arts and culture strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, prioritises access to high-quality arts and culture for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae said the opportunity to host the finale of The Outback Trail in 2026 was a milestone moment for the city.

“Mount Isa is buzzing with excitement to welcome thousands of visitors for this landmark finale,” Cr MacRae said.

“We can’t wait to turn Mount Isa into the ultimate stage on 9 May.”

The Trail’s impact is already profound. In 2025, more than 3,900 attendees travelled the route – a 54% increase year on year – injecting $1.94 million in visitor spend into regional Queensland and almost tripling attendance since its inception.

And with new destinations on the map for 2026, Raven said momentum was set to grow.

Tickets on sale from Tuesday 14 October. The full program will be revealed in November 2025. Travellers are encouraged to book early to secure their place on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

QLD Music Trails – The Outback is proudly presented by Queensland Music Festival (QMF) with support from the Queensland Government and Mt Isa City Council, Murweh Shire Council, Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Flinders Shire Council and Rex Airlines.

For more information, visit qldmusictrails.com