Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera returns to Winton and Longreach in 2026 with a dynamic program of concerts, long lunches, twilight events and open-air performances that will shape the west into a lively hub of music for an entire week. Headlined by acclaimed tenor Filipe Manu, the festival unites world-class performers for a vibrant line-up of live performances, community moments and outback galas.

What began as a regional initiative has grown into one of Queensland’s most exciting music events, drawing visitors from across the state for a one-of-a-kind outback experience across some of the region’s most striking locations.

The festivities begin at Winton’s historic Royal Theatre, where alfresco performances and a warm country welcome set the tone. The Crackup Sisters will open Winton’s famed Outback Opera House (aka The Dustarena) for a joyful community sing-along and a performance of All Together Now!, inviting festivalgoers to jump straight into the fun.

Dark Sky Serenade takes audiences to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, where an open-air opera concert unfolds atop a 75-metre-high mesa as the colours of the outback shift from daylight to dusk.

Families can settle in for The Adventures of Figaro – a brand-new children’s opera – at the Winton Town Hall, while those chasing something a little more indulgent can savour the Longreach Long Lunch at the Qantas Founders Museum, pairing fine dining with incredible live performances from festival stars.

The festival then moves to Camden Park Station for Singing in the Night, an unmissable evening of opera beneath wide-open skies and an historic outback backdrop.

The week wraps with community sing-along Sing Sing Sing in Longreach and the beloved Opera Ball along the coolabah-fringed Thomson River – a fitting finale to a festival that aims to bring both seasoned opera fans and the opera-curious in true Outback Queensland style.

The festival also offers flexible itinerary packages, whether you’re dropping in for a long weekend or committing to the full week. Opera Queensland’s partnership with Queensland Rail and Outback Aussie Tours brings world-class opera onboard the Spirit of the Outback, with live performances and curated tour packages for rail travellers. For a quicker escape, there’s also one-day return charter flights (with a champagne breakfast) to Winton or Longreach for the Dark Sky Serenade or the Camden Park Station gala.

Events and packages are selling fast, be quick to book!

Image 1: Peter Wallis
Images 2–3: Murray Summerville
Images 4–6: Glenn Hunt