QMF presented QLD Music Trails – The Reef for the fourth year running from 2–4 July 2026, bringing some of Australia’s most celebrated artists to Ngaro and Gia Country for two very special events: Sundowner at Lake Proserpine and the award-winning Between the Tides at Airlie Beach Foreshore.

Driving Economic Growth

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 Reef Trail achieved a 48% increase in attendance compared with 2025, with 1,959 tickets sold across both events. Direct visitor nights in the host community rose by 95% and out-of-region visitation grew by 90%.

QMF also directly and indirectly employed 45 Queenslanders, 26 First Nations artists and arts workers, and 35 contracted regional Queensland artists and arts workers for The Reef Trail, contributing to cultural tourism and regional economic development.

QMF also worked with a Community Advisory Group of locals who guided the program’s themes, venues, talent and engagement. The result was a program shaped by the region, building community ownership and delivering cultural experiences that were authentic and connected to place.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Sundowner at Lake Proserpine

Set on the traditional lands of the Gia people, just 30 minutes inland from the coast, Sundowner offered a relaxed space overlooking the setting sun across Lake Proserpine.

The lakeside gathering and community event combed live music, nature, and local storytelling. Karl S. Williams headlined the evening, joined by Andrea Kirwin and local artist Josiah Samuel.

Between the Tides at Airlie Beach Foreshore

The award-winning Between the Tides was presented for the first time at its new home on Ngaro Country, along the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Boy & Bear headlined the afternoon, supported by Jem Cassar-Daley, Mid Drift, Tjaka, Georgia Corowa, local singer Kaylee West and Miss Katalyna. DJ sets, Pasifika highlights and dance classics rounded out the program.

Alongside the music, audiences enjoyed a range of First Nations celebrations, including a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, cultural dance, and free workshops alongside children’s rock painting and an artefact presentation delivered by Ngaro Traditional Owner Robert Congoo and the Yooribaya Cultural Experiences team.

An 80m sand artwork delivered by Warrangu, Kaanju, and Kaurareg artist Leon Namai, including local totem animals such as the humpback whale and whale dreaming stories.

Main stage performances by Bundjalung, Innigai and South Sea Islander musician Georgia Corowa, Jabirr Jabirr group Tjaka, and Bundajlung and Gumbaynggir artist Jem Cassar-Daley.

Follow the Music in 2027

We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Reef Trail in 2027.