A 60-second guide to the best outback events for 2026

From red-hot rodeos to First Nations fests, here’s what not to miss in the outback this year.

In 2026, the Aussie outback calendar is stacked to the brim with events that celebrate big landscapes and even bigger stories. Whether it’s music, culture, art or community that draws you in, these standout outback events promise unforgettable memories made under impossibly wide skies. So say yes to the journey, lean into the adventure – and see where the red-dirt roads take you.

Caltowie Chilled Out ‘n’ Fired Up Music Festival, SA

21 March, 2026

Caltowie music festival — Caltowie is all about good music and good vibes. (Image: Marc and Kai Fullager)

Strap in for high-energy rock, funk and folk – along with stripped-back soul – in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Caltowie , located about 2.5 hours north-west of Adelaide.

Parrtjima, NT

10–19 April, 2026

Parrtjima 2026 will explore the theme of Language through light, art, music and storytelling, celebrating the power of Aboriginal languages, from ancient songlines to contemporary expressions. Highlights include Electric Fields headlining on the opening night, hands-on language workshops, Blak Markets and bush food experiences.

Festival of Outback Opera, Qld

19–25 May, 2026

Ethereal voices and superb sunsets come together in perfect harmony at this annual series of outdoor concerts . Join a singalong, partake in music trivia or frock up for a dark sky serenade.

Barunga Festival, NT

5–8 June, 2026

One of Barunga’s main features is the Bunggul traditional dance. (Image: Tourism NT/Alana Holmberg)

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the region, Barunga’s yearly community fest features traditional dance, spear throwing, cooking and walking tours guided by juniors from Barunga School.

Alice Springs Beanie Fest, NT

19–22 June, 2026

Anyone is welcome to make beanies for the Beanie Festival.

Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks for one last hurrah – 2026 marks the 30th and final Beanie Fest at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs, where crocheting, creativity and good causes stitch together.

Outback Writers’ Festival, Qld

23–26 June, 2026

Now in its 11th year, the Outback Writers’ Festival in Winton promises thought-provoking book launches, panels and workshops spotlighting rural-based authors.

Birdsville Big Red Bash, Qld

7–9 July, 2026

This legendary music festival in the Simpson Desert is lighting up the outback once again with a 2026 line-up including Missy Higgins and The Teskey Brothers, while its NSW-based sister Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (20–22 August) will welcome the likes of Boy & Bear and Jessica Mauboy to the stage.

Garma Festival, NT

31 July – 3 August, 2026

Garma fesrtival — Garma showcases traditional art, music and storytelling. (Image: Peter Eve)

This four-day-long ode to Yolŋu customs and knowledge is one of Australia’s largest celebrations of Indigenous culture. Expect vibrant displays of traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song) and storytelling that stirs the soul.

Desert Harmony Festival, NT

1–4 August, 2026

Over four days each year, Tennant Creek comes alive with music, dance and creative workshops that support Indigenous communities in the Barkly Region.

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, Qld

7–9 August, 2026

rodeo action — Rodeo stars deliver heart-pounding action.

Saddle up for three heart-pounding days of bulls, broncs and rodeo stars in Queensland’s north-west outback. Don’t miss the Indigenous Rodeo Championships on the Sunday.

Coolgardie Outback Festival, WA

14–16 August, 2026

Coolgardie Festival — Three action-packed days of competitions and entertainment. (Image: Kirk Laurie Norman)

Spanning rodeo and barrel racing, live music and markets, the Coolgardie Outback Festival (558 kilometres east of Perth) is bursting with country spirit.

Desert Mob, NT

10 September – 25 October, 2026

Dessert Mob — Desert Mob brings together hundreds of artists to celebrate desert culture. (Image: Tourism NT)

Alice Springs is home to one of the country’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals . Stop by to discover works from more than 30 Indigenous art centres, plus enriching artist talks and a lively marketplace.

Deni Ute Muster, NSW

2–3 October, 2026

Rally the troops for two days of turbo-charged entertainment. Established in 1999 to put the country town of Deniliquin on the map, the Deni Ute Muster is an epic blend of concerts, ute comps and camping.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.