Outback Australia sure knows how to throw a party.
As 2024 unfolds, you’ll find an array of festivals in regional, rural and outback Australia that capture the spirit of the land down under. Here are 24 outback festivals in 2024 that promise a unique and unforgettable year ahead for the adventurous traveller.
Parkes Elvis Festival, NSW
When: 10-14 January
Celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in style at the Parkes Elvis Festival! This iconic event transforms this town into a dazzling, sequin-studded tribute to Elvis Presley. From electrifying performances to vibrant parades, immerse yourself in a world where Elvis lives on in a spectacle like no other.
Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
When: 19-28 January
Held across 10 days in Australia’s country music capital, the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival is recognised as the largest and longest country music festival in the southern hemisphere. This year’s lineup features country music royalty Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley and more!
Riverboats Music Festival, VIC
When: 16-18 February
Cruise down the Murray River with the Riverboats Music Festival in the twin cities of Echuca-Moama. This Victorian gem combines a love for music with the charm of paddle steamers. While the weekend away with faves such as Kasey Chambers, Mia Dyson, Missy Higgins, Regurgitator, Tim Rogers, Peter Garrett and more!
Nannup Music Festival, WA
When: 1-4 March
In the heart of the southwest, the Nannup Music Festival is a family-friendly event featuring folk, blues, and indie tunes from local and international acts. The charming town of Nannup transforms into a haven for music lovers.
Taste of the Huon, TAS
When: 10-11 March
Indulge in the culinary delights of Tasmania at the Taste of the Huon festival. Set in the idyllic Huon Valley, this event showcases the region’s finest food and wine amid lush greenery. One of Tasmania’s most popular regional events, it draws 20,000 visitors over its two-day program.
Blazing Swan, WA
When: 27 March – 2 April
Australia’s answer to Burning Man is Blazing Swan, a celebration of art, performance and community held across seven days at a location just outside the town of Kulin in Western Australia. Blazing Swan is part of the worldwide community of more than 80 Burns, drawing inspiration from Burning Man in the US, each with a very local flavour and expression.
Roma Easter in the Country, QLD
When: 28 March – 1 April
Recognised as one of Queensland’s premier Easter events, Roma Easter in the Country offers a range of activities for the thrill-seeker, the cultural and culinary buff, those who like to take things a little more leisurely and without a doubt – 2024 once again will see Roma showcase some of the best entertainment you will experience over the Easter weekend!
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, NT
When: 12-21 April
Under the starry skies of Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Parrtjima lights up the desert and MacDonnell Ranges with spectacular light installations, music and talks. It is the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind and since its debut in 2016, visitors from across Australia have been drawn to this celebration of Indigenous culture in growing numbers. The highly anticipated 2024 festival promises to be breathtaking.
Queensland Music Trails’ Outback Trail 2024, QLD
When: 13 – 21 April 2024
Lovers of music, food and Queensland’s iconic outback should set their sights on the Queensland Music Trail. Across nine action-packed days and 2,200km, visitors can enjoy the musical road trip of a lifetime, featuring soulful folk melodies and foot-stomping country tunes from a mix of beloved local and national musicians.
Outback River Lights Festival, QLD
When: 19-21 April
The Outback River Lights Festival transforms the banks of the Warrego River into a dazzling display of colour and creativity with spectacular light installations. This vibrant community event has family-friendly activities, outback entertainment, food stalls and more, set against stunning outback scenery.
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival, QLD
When: 19-20 April
The tiny outback town of Julia Creek comes alive for a dusty weekend in April at the Dirt n Dust Festival. Get ready for outback fun and wild adventures: from Australia’s Best Butt competition to an Outback Adventure Run, Dirt n Dust Rodeo, Artesian Express Horse Races, and live concerts under the stars.
Festival of Outback Skies, QLD
When: 3-5 May
Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies is a 3-day festival embracing the essence of the outback, showcasing live music, art, workshops and events against the backdrop of our impressive big skies.
Festival of Outback Opera, QLD
When: 14-20 May
Join music lovers from around Australia and the world to make the annual pilgrimage to the Winton for the Festival of Outback Opera. Get ready to indulge in big voices and big skies blended in beautiful harmony.
The Shearers Shindig, QLD
When: 25-26 May
Two days of family fun, this is an epic outback adventure in Thargomindah. The Shearers Shindig brings a full day of entertainment with market stalls, food vendors, a big stage open mic, and the Quick Shear Competition.
Outback Queensland Masters, QLD
When: 15 June – 21 July 2024
The Outback Queensland Masters, Australia’s award-winning and most remote golf series, returns in 2024, teeing off at six unique courses across the outback. Spanning 1600km, it’s a fantastic experience for professional and amateur golfers alike. And there’s the chance to win big on the Million Dollar Hole-In-One at the series’ last stop, Mount Isa.
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, QLD
When: From 21 June
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is Australia’s only Outback film festival and the only film festival in the world dedicated to the profiling and supporting the Australian film industry. The Festival has made its home in The Royal Theatre, Winton’s open-air theatre, which is one of only two open-air theatres in the country.
Coober Pedy Opal Festival, SA
When: June, dates TBA
An outback festival like no other, this annual community event brings Coober Pedy to life! Perfect for families, Coober Pedy Opal Festival showcases events over the weekend that celebrate Coober Pedy’s vibrant and culturally diverse community, opals and mining heritage. With a grand parade, games and workshops for the kids, food stalls, markets and entertainment, this is a fun and social festival for all ages.
Birdsville Big Red Bash, QLD
When: 2-4 July
Head to Queensland for the Birdsville Big Red Bash, where the world’s most remote music festival takes place amidst the Simpson Desert’s red dunes. This festival is a true bucket-list experience for those seeking a unique blend of music, community and outback adventure. This year, catch Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Colin Hay and more iconic acts.
Mildura Writers Festival, VIC
When: 18-21 July
Local and international writers descend on Mildura for a four day festival of words, food and wine. Mildura Writers Festival provides cultural enrichment for writers and readers with discussions around wood fires, intimat book readings and dinners showcasing local cuisine.
Boulia Camel Races, QLD
When: 19-21 July 2024
The Boulia Camel Races are the ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing’ and an outback event you don’t want to miss. The 1500-metre Camel Cup is the longest camel race in Australia, and these epic creatures are a sight to behold as they come thundering towards the post in a plume of red dust. Stay for the live entertainment, fireworks, novelty races and scenic helicopter flights over the Outback landscape.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, QLD
When: 8-11 August 2024
If there’s one rodeo you travel to experience this year, make it the largest and richest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere – the Mt Isa Mines Rodeo. Strap in for four days of thrilling rodeo action, with bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, rope and tie, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. There’s also live entertainment, a street party, rodeo rock concerts, outdoor markets and more.
The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, NSW
When: 15–17 Aug 2024
The Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash is an all ages family friendly festival. Whether you’re a lover of camping, caravanning, outback adventure or great Aussie music, the Bash has something for you, your family and friends. This year features big names like James Reyne, The Living End, Daryl Braithwaite and Vanessa Amorosi!
A Taste of Italy, NSW
When: 19-25 August
Celebrate Griffith’s authentic Italian culture and heritage at A Taste of Italy with seven days, with food, wine, music, dancing and an abundance of good times with local hospitality at its best. Take the family to the Griffith Italian Festival or the Festa Del Salsicce e Salami; or witness the salami judging to find the best homemade salami. Experience a cooking class, or opera in the garden; relax with a macchiato and cannoli or try one of the iconic rocket toppas at one of our many Italian eateries.
Broken Heel Festival, NSW
When: 5-9 September
The Broken Heel Festival pays homage to the iconic Aussie film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with three days of drag, discos and divas. There’s cabaret, comedy, live music and social activities – and don’t forget your feather boa!
Birdsville Races, QLD
When: September, dates TBA
Don your fascinators and make the pilgrimage to Birdsville for the iconic Birdsville Races. Birdsville comes alive for a race day like you’ve never seen before, with live entertainment, a fun run and laughs all round.
Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
When: Usually held from 27 Dec to 1 Jan, with 2024/2025 dates TBA.
Known as one of Australia’s largest folk festivals, Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland is a cultural extravaganza. Expect a diverse lineup of music, dance, talks, workshops and arts, all set against the backdrop of the lush Woodfordia grounds.
Enjoyed this article on the best outback festivals in 2024? Check out the best coastal festivals as well!
Plus, even more great festivals await on this list of top cultural experiences in Australia! And we discuss Australia’s most iconic outback destinations in this comprehensive guide!
Travel to these events
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