As QMF continues to strengthen partnerships across the state, we acknowledge the invaluable support of our collaborators, communities, artists, volunteers and stakeholders.

More music for more people in more places

As a not-for-profit, our purpose is simple yet powerful: to connect people through music. We believe music can do more than entertain — it can shift perceptions, spark pride of place, support local economies, and strengthen cultural identity.

By presenting the QLD Music Trails, we are shaping a distinctly Queensland experience that delivers lasting cultural, social, and economic benefits while contributing meaningfully to the growth of the regional visitor economy in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Social, Cultural and Economic Impact

Building on the strong success of previous years, the 2026 Outback Trail, presented by QMF, achieved a 95% increase in attendance compared to 2025. Direct visitor nights across host communities increased by 57%, while out-of-region visitation grew by 33%. These results further demonstrate QLD Music Trails’ growing contribution to cultural tourism and regional economic development.

The Outback Trail helped bring funds back into communities across Outback Queensland by driving economic growth, boosting tourism, creating local jobs and celebrating regional identity through cultural events along the trail. The trail takes tourists, locals and visitors alike on a unique experience that fills caravan parks, pubs and small businesses along the way.

On the Road

This year, we welcomed over 300 Trail Travellers who contributed to the event’s success. Running from 24 April to 9 May and spanning 8 regional locations, our travellers spent 16 days on the road, contributing economic impact at each destination:

As Mount Isa City Council Mayor Peta Macrae said: “I think all of the economies along these trails rely on tourism, so it’s important to have something worthwhile for them to come and see while they’re here and experience as well.”

Murweh Shire Council Mayor Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge added: “All we need is more investment to make this happen more often.”

Our Partners

We’d like to give a special thank you to our partners, who helped bring this year’s trail to life.

Trail Partners:
Queensland Government, Australian Government through Creative Australia, Rex, iHeartCountry Australia and Outback Queensland Tourism Association.

Local Government Partners:
Barcaldine Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Longreach Regional Council, McKinlay Shire Council, Mount Isa City Council, Flinders Shire Council and Murweh Shire Council.

Event Partners:
Hampshire Holidays, ibis Styles (Mount Isa), Longreach Tavern, McCullough Robertson Lawyers, NED Australian Whisky, Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies, Qantas, Qantas Founders Museum, Tourism and Events Queensland, The Birdcage Hotel Longreach and The Outback Distilling Co.

Thank you to every community, artist, partner, crew member, supporter and volunteer who made this year’s trail happen. We look forward to welcoming you all again in 2027.

Tickets for the 2027 Outback Trail are on sale now.

The 2026 QLD Music Trails program was supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.