The Outback Music Trail

The very first Outback Music Trail in 2021 got Aussies out of the big smoke, and into that great big beautiful backyard we all call the Queensland outback. We said see-ya-later to traffic jams and offered up a fresh alternative to doom scrolling your way through to 2022. We completely reimagined the Aussie road trip, turning the festival format on its head and putting on a bunch of unique events in some damn fine locations.

The Outback Music Trail kicked off with three days of intimate opera and chamber music performances at an evolved version of the iconic Opera at Jimbour. Think wine, cheese and world-class opera taking place within the grounds (and house) of the historic Jimbour House. It’s a bit fancy!

Next up, the small town of Charleville came to life as pop icon Kate Miller-Heidke and acclaimed Kalkadunga artist William Barton delivered Music For Stargazing, a concert inspired by astrological arrangements, Aboriginal navigation and traditional stories of Charleville.

Next, it was over to the remote town of Quilpie, for Echoes In the Dust. Here, musical soundscapes from Topology and giant puppets from Dead Puppet Society transported travellers to ancient times in a one-of-a-kind performance, with the magnificent Baldy Top lookout providing the backdrop to an immersive musical experience.

After a long and musical journey into the outback, the final week of Queensland Music Trails came to a dramatic conclusion, with countless Aus rock icons taking to the stage over three days at the iconic Big Red Bash.

The 2021 Outback Music Trail married the best of Queensland’s southern outback across small towns, big cities and natural wonders with ripper live music. But this was just the beginning. With plans for future trails in our sights, we'll be back on the road before you know it.