Queensland Music Trails launches for 2023

The first three Queensland Music Trails for 2023 to the Outback, Scenic Rim and Southern Queensland have been launched.

The first headline acts of the Queensland Government’s $20 million Queensland Music Trails will hit the road in April and May to support Queensland jobs in tourism and the arts.

Lime Cordiale, C. W. Stoneking, Opera Queensland, Jem Cassar-Daley and Karl S Williams are the among the stellar line up secured for Queensland Music Trails.

Queensland Music Trails for 2023 to the Outback, Scenic Rim and Southern Queensland  was launched at Brisbane’s Riverstage by QLD Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, QLD Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch and Queensland Music Festival (QMF) Chief Executive Joel Edmondson.

Minister Hinchcliffe notes “these are first-class destination music events to encourage visitors to explore more of Queensland’s great lifestyle and awe-inspiring tourism experiences.

“Whether it’s opera in the Outback or indie favourites Lime Cordiale playing The Long Sunset at Canungra, Queensland Music Trails have something for everyone.

“Music Trails are part of our Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap for building new experiences to help visitors discover more of regional Queensland.

“A three-show Outback trial in 2021 supported 33 jobs and added $8.4 million to the visitor economy, so the potential to bring music to the ears of tourism operators is enormous.

“We know a strong pipeline of sporting and cultural events is absolutely important to maximise the opportunities on Queensland’s runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Delivered by (QMF), Queensland Music Trails will join the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar and promoted in Queensland and interstate by Tourism and Events Queensland.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch enthused “It’s exciting to see QMF partner with key Queensland artists and arts organisations, often leveraging significant investment through the arts portfolio, to collaborate on signature cultural events that will be integrated into the Music Trails, including the Festival of Outback Opera and Opera at Jimbour with Opera Queensland.

“The Music Trails align with the priorities of Creative Together, our ten-year roadmap to transform the state through creativity, and to provide rich cultural experiences for audiences.”

The Outback Trail from 13th-21st April starts at St George with Hussy Hicks, Karl S Williams and Jem Cassar-Daley, followed by Light It Up at the Outback River Lights Festival in Cunnamulla with Emma Donavan and the Putbacks and Alice Skye; then on to Charleville where C.W. Stoneking and His Primitive Horn Orchestra will lift the roof at The Big Base Party at the WWII Secret Base, ahead of The Sundowner with Harry James Angus and Barleyshakes Duo in Tambo.

Festival of the Outback Opera from 16th-22nd May joins the Outback Music Trail, featuring the Festival Opening at The Royal Theatre, Long Lunch and Dark Sky Serenade at Winton, and Singing in the Night at Camden Park Station, Opera Ball and Lady Sings the Maroons at Longreach.

Scenic Rim Music Trail visitors from 28th-30th April will be able to dine on gourmet picnics at The Long Sunset at Canungra with indie’s Lime Cordiale, Sycco and Tia Gostelow.

The Western Downs hosts the Southern Trail from 5th-7th May and includes the much-loved Opera at Jimbour featuring Opera Queensland and Ensemble Q and the Griffith University Conservatorium of Music Orchestra.

QMF Chief Executive and Creative Director Joel Edmondson said Queensland was a vast, spectacular and diverse place and shared “Queensland Music Trails events will create powerful engagement with the community, culture, heritage and natural appeal of our places, so that the world can experience the beautiful truth of what Queensland is, has been, and will become.”

Queensland Music Trail line-ups for the Reef, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Tropics and Gold Coast later in 2023 will be announced in coming months.

For Outback, Scenic Rim and Southern Queensland events, presale tickets begin on 8th February for subscribers to Queensland Music Trails at qldmusictrails.com

General ticket sales open on 14th February

Images from top: Scenic Rim Trail The Long Sunset Credit: Mitch Lowe; Southern Trail Opera at Jimbour House Credit: Mitch Lowe; Outback Trail Credit: Katrina Lehmann; Scenic Rim Trail The Long Sunset Credit: Mitch Lowe