The Outback Trail

Saturday, 13 April

Pack your swag, round up your mates and head out west to start the first day of your outback musical adventure. The first destination? Goondiwindi, where you'll settle along the tranquil banks of the mighty Macintyre River. 

The Outback Trail 2024 kicks off in grand style with our official launch in Gundy. It’s the opening ceremony of our extraordinary journey—a spirited invitation to all Queensland Music Trail-goers to saddle up for the trail ahead. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we've curated a day of great music, delicious food and boundless excitement for the good times on the horizon.

Sunday, 14 April

On the second day of The Outback Trail we find ourselves in charming Nindigully— affectionately dubbed "The Gully" by locals. 

Our journey brings us to the most famous and respected institution in town... The Nindigully Pub!

With roots dating back to 1864, The Nindigully Pub is revered as one of Queensland's oldest and continually licensed pubs. 

Mosey on down to The Gully Sessions for a relaxed afternoon of classic pub grub and live country music.

Monday, 15 April

On the third day of The Outback Trail, we roll into the quaint town of St George, nestled along the picturesque Balonne River. Today is your chance to tailor your journey to your interests – it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day! 

Grab a glass of vino and let the good times flow at Riversands Winery, where you’re guaranteed a “bush story in every glass”. Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Balonne River or crank it up a notch with a Sandytown River Cruise. For a unique experience, embark on the Self-Drive Cotton Trail starting at the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre, and learn a thing or two about the local cotton growing industry.

St. George is a treasure trove of outback activities – so let loose, have a blast and uncover the hidden gems that make this town an outback favourite! 

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland 

Tuesday, 16 April

Our next stop invites you and your fellow trail-goers to Charlotte Plains, a cherished family-owned and operated sheep station with a century-long legacy. Feel the warmth of a heartfelt welcome from owner Robyn Russell and her family as we gather for an intimate storytelling experience at Ballads and Bush Yarns. 

Here, we'll celebrate the spirited outback tales that define the heart and soul of Charlotte Plains. To complement the narratives we've thrown in the musical storytelling of Troy Cassar-Daley and Loren Ryan.

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland 

Wednesday, 17 April

On the fifth day of our outback adventure, we continue westward to Charleville, which we'll use as a base for the events to come. Today's agenda is a blank canvas, presenting an excellent opportunity for you to forge your own unique Outback adventure—and there's no town better suited for the task!  

Journey through the big outback sky and have its wonders explained by expert guides at the Cosmos Centre. Get up close with Australia's native wildlife, particularly the endangered bilby, at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Dive into the rich history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the Visitor Centre and step back in time at the WWII Secret Base.

No matter your interests, Charleville has something to captivate every trail-goer seeking an authentic Australian outback experience.

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland 

Thursday, 18 April

As the sun sets on the quaint town of Quilpie, day six will see us head out to The Lake for a once-in-a-lifetime fusion of degustation and artistic brilliance beneath the vast outback night sky.

Culinary Constellations extends a warm invitation to indulge in a decadent five-course degustation dinner curated by renowned celebrity chef, Mark Olive.

Between each delicious course, the evening will be enriched by the mesmerising musical performances. As the native cherry on top, you'll have the rare opportunity to engage in a stargazing journey.

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland 

Friday, 19 April

Giddy up for a nostalgic evening of toe-tappin' and boot-scootin' at The Big Bush Dance! Day seven of this offbeat adventure promises an unbridled celebration of traditional Australian bush dancing at the historic Tambo Town Hall.

The hall will come alive with dancers of all ages invited to join in and learn a bush dance guided by local professionals. Whether you're an experienced dancer or a green horse, everyone is welcome on the dance floor to relish the good ol'-fashioned joy of bush dancing. 

Saturday, 20 April

On the eighth day of our epic journey we trot into Charleville for the inaugural Outback Sounds— a one-day, family-friendly music festival proudly reigning as the pinnacle event of The Outback Trail. 

Outback Sounds will transform the Charleville Showgrounds into an outback oasis, where the spirit of music, arts, food and community bursts to life. 

Explore local market stalls between sets and savor delicious eats from food stalls scattered across the site. Outback Sounds is more than a festival; it's a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and community spirit against the captivating outback backdrop.

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland 

Event information coming early 2024

Sunday, 21 April

All good things must come to an end, but not without a worthy send-off! On the final day of The Outback Trail, we invite trail-goers and local legends to come together for a memorable last hurrah in Roma. 

Seize this opportunity to relax and unwind before heading homeward. It’s the perfect time to share tales of the wonderful moments we've experienced and the beautiful locations we've explored. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of outback Queensland one last time and bid farewell to both mates old and new.

Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland