Festival of Outback Opera returns in May 2026!
Join thousands of music lovers from around Australia and the world who make the annual pilgrimage to the outback to experience majestic voices and big skies in beautiful harmony.
“…one of the most magical experiences you’ll ever have.” Australian Traveller
This is the Festival of Outback Opera.
The Festival of Outback Opera delivers a series of outdoor concerts in iconic locations set on a backdrop of sublime sunsets and scenery like you have never encountered. Frock up for a gala concert or join us for a casual singalong.
Book your own flexible itinerary, give in to the full week of activities with our affiliated festival tour operators Outback Aussie Tours or enjoy a day trip to the Outback with Sheehan Events. Regardless of your travel preferences, 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 bounty of new friendships.
Start making your plans today to attend the Festival of Outback Opera 2026, with tickets on sale from 16 September 2025.
Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, The University of Queensland and Haymans Electrical.
Schedule/Program
Winton & Longreach
Event Information
Festival of Outback Opera
19 - 24 May 2026
Winton - Longreach
Outback Queensland
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Relive the Magic
Relive the magic of opera under the vast Queensland sky in 2025. Festival of Outback Opera brought together unforgettable performances, breathtaking landscapes, and the spirit of community. From open-air concerts in iconic outback locations to intimate recitals and community workshops, this year’s festival was a celebration of music, connection, and place.
Soprano Sumi Jo headlined Dark sky Serenade and Singing In The Night, alongside OQ artists, members of the University of Queensland Orchestra and singers, and musicians from Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vanessa Scammell.
Relive the voices, the stories, and the spectacular scenery that make this festival one of a kind.
Videography: Tnee Dyer
Watch videoTour Packages
In collaboration with the Festival of Outback Opera official tour partners Outback Aussie Tours, Queensland Rail, Blue Bus Tours and Sheehan Events, we have created a variety of itineraries offering experiences from day trips to Winton or Longreach to 10-Day Outback Queensland experiences including all festival events. Explore the 2026 tour packages below and get in touch if you have any questions about these offers.
Tour Packages to attend Festival of Outback Opera 2026
Outback Aussie Tours: 10-Day Package Tour (Blackall, Winton & Longreach, includes Spirit of the Outback rail journey and all festival performances)
Outback Aussie Tours: 8-Day Package Tour (Longreach based, includes Spirit of the Outback rail journey and most festival performances)
Blue Bus Tours: 8-Day Package Tour (Longreach based, includes select festival performances)
Sheehan Events: 1-Day Trip Charter Flight to Winton
Sheehan Events: 1-Day Trip Charter Flight to Longreach
Contacts for tour package enquiries
Outback Aussie Tours: 07 4658 3000
Sheehan Events: 0409 638 765
Blue Bus Tours: 0419 712 786
Accommodation
Accommodation will be booked out soon in Winton and Longreach. We recommend travelling to Festival of Outback Opera with your own or a hired caravan and enjoy the road trip through Outback Queensland as part of the experience.
For recommended drive itineraries, visit outbackqueensland.com or drivequeensland.com
Opera Queensland is working closely with Winton Shire Council to provide more accommodation options for festival guests. To be among the first to hear about glamping options, please register your interest HERE.
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