
“Remote outback towns, singalongs over a beer, friendly folk and sublime arias sung by top artists under the stars. There’s nothing else like it.” Australian Financial Review
Join music lovers from around Australia and the world who make the annual pilgrimage to the Outback to indulge in big voices and big skies blended in beautiful harmony.
This is the Festival of Outback Opera.
Unlike any other music event you have experienced. Your destination delivers a series of outdoor concerts in iconic locations set on a backdrop of insta-worthy sunsets and scenery on a grand scale. Frock up for the Gala or join us in the pub for a casual singalong. Gather with us under the night skies for Dark Sky Serenade or enjoy an afternoon of beautiful singing and fine dining at the Long Lunch.
With a flexible itinerary, the program allows you to immerse yourself for a long weekend or completely give in to a full week of activities. This is song and scenery on a grand scale. And while the space is vast, the feeling is intimate, leaving you with a smile on your face and a swag of new friendships.
Featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Classically trained, Kate has been widely praised for her unique ability to effortlessly traverse the worlds of opera, contemporary pop, folk, and musical theatre. Joining Kate will be tenor Rosario La Spina, direct from his appearance in Opera Queensland’s new Brisbane-based Brisbane Bel Canto festival and soprano Rachelle Durkin who returned to Australia from New York during the pandemic. She recently starred in West Australian Opera’s La Bohème and was last seen in Queensland playing the title role in Opera Queensland’s Tosca. As well as Shaun Brown, Hayley Sugars and a host of other artists will perform alongside the University of Queensland Pulse Chamber Orchestra joined by musicians of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
It’s an experience the city cannot match. Start making your plans today. As with previous years, the festival will sell out quickly.
Please note
There is limited accommodation available in Winton and Longreach. Bus transfers will be available between Longreach and Winton with additional camping and caravan options. We recommend confirming travel and accommodation arrangements before purchasing tickets. Refunds will not be available due to an inability to secure accommodation.
More details to come.
The Festival of Outback Opera is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, The University of Queensland, QMF and Haymans Electrical.
Schedule/Program
Gallery
Relive the Magic of Festival of Outback Opera 2023
“Under Patrick Nolan’s artistic directorship, last year’s Festival of Outback Opera set the bar incredibly high in its mission to enrich rural communities through the power of music.
Could the success of previous years be matched, or even bettered?
The answer is a resounding ‘yes’ on both counts.”
– Limelight ★★★★★