QMF At A Glance

Who We Are

Not-for-profit music organisation established in 1999
Delivers the world class Queensland Music Trails (QMT), a statewide initiative that transforms the state into a stage.
The Trails bring artists, audiences, and visitors together in spectacular locations — from the outback to the reef — celebrating music, community, and Country.

QLD Music Trails is more than a series of music events — it’s a cultural invitation to discover the real Queensland.

As the flagship initiative of QMF, the Trails weave live music, storytelling, and place-based experiences into a powerful celebration of identity, connection, and regional pride. Across the Outback, the Reef, the Tropics, and the Scenic Rim, we transform iconic landscapes into vibrant stages — drawing audiences off the beaten path and into the heart of communities. The Trails program continues to grow and evolve each year, with locations and experiences shaped by new partnerships and opportunities.

By working in close partnership with local artists, Traditional Owners, local businesses and councils, we present experiences that are deeply rooted in place. From barefoot concerts on secluded shorelines to intimate gigs under outback stars, the programming is as authentic as the places that inspire it — designed not to impose culture, but to reveal it.

QLD Music Trails plays a unique role in reframing how audiences see and experience Queensland. We spotlight the places in between —the small towns, the rich cultures, the natural wonders — and give audiences the opportunity to experience Queensland through the lens of music.

The Outback Trail

"The Outback Trail introduced me to places I’d never been before. A tremendous music experience."

— 2025 Attendee

Driven by a spirit of adventure, The Outback Trail invites audiences on a self-drive musical journey through some of Queensland’s most remote and welcoming communities. From sunset concerts to red dirt dance floors, the Trail blends music, local storytelling and country hospitality into an unforgettable experience.

Trail-goers are experience-seekers—caravanners, road trippers, adventure seekers and curious travellers drawn to connection and discovery. The Trails invite them to slow down, take the scenic route, and uncover the stories that live beyond the highway. Whether it’s a detour to a historic pub or a night under the stars with prehistoric dinosaurs, every stop offers a deeper way to engage—with place, with people, and with the real Queensland.

GENRE Contemporary Country, Folk

PAST TALENT James Johnston, Ball Park Music, Paul Dempsey, William Barton, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley

Impact Highlights

ATTENDEES IN 2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE VISTOR NIGHTS ACROSS QLD

TOTAL VISITOR SPEND

AVERAGE NIGHTS STAYED IN REGION

OF ATTENDEES SAID THE TRAIL POSITIVELY IMPACTED HOST REGIONS

Case Study | Wade Forster

In 2024, Wade Forster was named the recipient of the prestigious Toyota Star Maker program at the Tamworth Country Music Festival – a career-defining award that has launched some of Australia’s biggest country music stars. Recognising the opportunity to build on this momentum, QMF established a new relationship with the Star Maker program, offering the winner a performance slot at Outback Sounds, held just four months after Tamworth.

Wade’s standout performance at Outback Sounds not only introduced him to new audiences but also positioned him for further industry opportunities. On the back of this showcase, QMF facilitated introductions to Unified Music Group, one of Australia’s leading management companies. This connection has since resulted in Wade securing a global management deal, setting him firmly on the path to national and international success.

Wade’s journey illustrates the value of QMF’s industry partnerships in creating clear pathways for emerging artists – from major festival stages to professional networks – ensuring Queensland talent can thrive on both the Australian and world stage.

The Reef Trail

"The beach setup, the music, the vibe — it was magical, even in the rain!"

— 2024 Attendee

A celebration of eco-conscious creativity, The Reef Trail features barefootin-the-sand concerts, music hikes, and coastal community gatherings. Events like Between the Tides (Cape Hillsborough) and Sundowner (Lake Proserpine) connect audiences to Country, culture, and coastline.

Trail-goers include nature lovers, conscious travellers, creatives, families, and mid-career professionals seeking meaningful experiences. Each Trail is designed to complement its surroundings—offering low-impact, inclusive programming that responds to the character of the place. Whether it's music on a tidal sandbar, in a rainforest clearing, or by the glow of a campfire, every event invites audiences to engage with the environment—not just as visitors, but as participants in something uniquely Queensland.

GENRE Contemporary Alternative, Coastal

PAST TALENT Busby Marou, Josh Pyke, Christine Anu, Xavier Rudd

Impact Highlights

TICKETS SOLD IN 2025

OUT-OF-REGION AUDIENCE IN 2025

PEOPLE REACHED THROUGHOUT CAMPAIGN

WEBSITE VISITS

OF ATTENDEES AGREED BETWEEN THE TIDES ENHANCES THE REGION'S CULTURAL LIFE

Did You Know?

Between the Tides - QMF’s award-winning event on the Reef Trail - is staged entirely between the tides on the beach within Cape Hillsborough National Park and sacred Native Title land. The stage is wheeled on and off the beach as the tide shifts, creating a powerful, time-limited experience. Delivered in close partnership with Traditional Owners and designed with strict environmental care, this low-impact, high-impact event earned Silver at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards and won Best Music Tourism Initiative at the global 2024 Music Cities Awards.

The Tropics Trail

"This was about more than music. It connected me to a place and people in a whole new way."

— 2024 Attendee

A cultural celebration led by First Nations voices, the Tropics Trail offers audiences a rich and immersive experience in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Anchored by the Dream Aloud Festival in Cairns, the Trail champions Indigenous music, storytelling, and language—bringing together acclaimed artists and emerging talent in spaces that hold deep cultural and historical significance.

Trail-goers include young families, First Nations communities, culture seekers, and experience-driven travellers seeking more than just a holiday—they’re looking for connection. Through the Tropics Trail, QMF offers a platform for stories that are too often overlooked, and a blueprint for cultural tourism that is respectful, authentic, and led by those to whom the stories belong

GENRE First Nations-led; Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock

PAST TALENT King Stingray, Jessica Mauboy, Bumpy, Baker Boy

Impact Highlights

ATTENDEES AT INAUGURAL EVENT

FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS & ARTS WORKERS EMPLOYED

VISITOR NIGHTS CREATED

OF ATTENDEES AGREED THE EVENT POSITIVELY IMPACTS QLD'S CULTURAL REPUTATION

Case Study | R3B

In 2024, QMF discovered R3B - a dynamic Cairns-based Torres Strait Islander hip hopgroup - whose raw talent and authentic storytelling were making waves in their local community. Recognising their potential, QMF programmed R3B for their first ever large-scale performance as part of the inaugural Dream Aloud concert. Performing in front of an audience of 2,000 people, this milestone marked a turning point for the group, providing them with a professional platform to share their music and culture on a major stage.

R3B’s journey demonstrates the impact of QMF’s commitment to identifying and nurturing First Nations artists, creating opportunities that support cultural expression, confidence, and industry connection.

The Scenic Rim Trail

"The music, the vibe, the scenery, and the family-friendly feel made for a perfect weekend"

— 2024 Attendee

Tucked in the green heart of South East Queensland, the Scenic Rim Trail offers a boutique festival experience that celebrates music, nature, creativity and community. Anchored by QMF’s flagship event, The Long Sunset, the Trail transforms a lush rural landscape into a haven of sound and connection.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a compelling example of how music can activate place, boost the visitor economy, and shine a spotlight on one of Queensland’s most distinctive and beautiful regions.

GENRE Indie Pop, Folk, Soft Rock

PAST TALENT Angus & Julia Stone, Lime Cordiale, Matt Corby, Angie McMahon

Impact Highlights

ATTENDEES IN 2024

$M+

TOTAL VISITOR SPEND

VISITOR NIGHTS ACROSS QLD

OUT OF REGION AUDIENCE

OF ATTENDEES AGREED THE TRAIL POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTED TO HOST REGIONS

Case Study | Lyric

Lyric is an emerging artist from the Gold Coast whose career trajectory has been supported and amplified through QMF’s commitment to showcasing and nurturing regional talent.

Identified through our involvement in the Road to BIGSOUND program in partnership with QMusic, Lyric was first introduced to the QMF audience as part of this development initiative. Building on that momentum, Lyric was invited to perform at The Long Sunset - our flagship Scenic Rim Trail event - providing a major platform to reach new audiences and perform alongside some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists.