Join us for an evening of exciting opera moments live and on screen to kick-start Festival of Outback Opera 2026 in the beautiful location of The Royal Theatre Winton, one of the world’s most unique cinematic and live performance venues under the beautiful Winton sky.

The evening will begin with an official Opening Ceremony for the festival. Audiences are invited to attend the official welcome and speeches commencing at 6pm.

From 6:30pm there will be a 40-minute recital by an Opera Queensland artist followed by an interval before audiences enjoy a screening of acclaimed film Tinā under the stars commencing at 7:30pm.

Experience the power of storytelling on screen with Tinā, a moving New Zealand drama about love, family, and resilience. Set in the wake of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Tinā tells the story of Mareta Percival, a grieving Samoan teacher who finds hope through music. By forming a choir at an elite private school, she weaves the cultural symphonies of her heritage to connect with her students and heal. A moving portrait of resilience, community, and the power of song themes that resonate deeply with the Festival of Outback Opera.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Festival Hub in Cobb Lane from Tuesday 19 May at 4.00pm.

Doors to the outdoor cinema will open at 5.30pm.

Food and beverages will be available from the Cinema tuckshop.

Parking: Limited street parking available.

Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please see the venue volunteers on arrival. Please note the closest accessible bathrooms are located at the North Gregory Hotel.

Pets: Pets are not permitted at the Royal Theatre.

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.

Join Opera Queensland and Red Dirt Tours on a half-day birdwatching tour to experience the beauty of bird song and rugged rock formations in Bladensburg National Park. You will visit the old homestead of Bladensburg station for a morning tea and be serenaded by artists from the Festival of Outback Opera. Take a break from driving. Sit back, relax and let us take the dirt roads for you!

Bladensburg National Park is home to nearly every ecosystem in the Winton region - black soil plains with Mitchell Grass downs, riverine channel country, clay pans, jump up country, water holes and home to endangered animal species and is rich with European and Indigenous histories.

Meet outside the Tattersall's Hotel for pickup by Red Dirt Tours at 7:00am. The Balamara bakery will be open from 5:30am if you would like a light breakfast or coffee before departing. The tour will return to Winton at approximately 11:00am. (Please note, this means it will not be possible to attend both the Dawn Chorus Friday tour and the Long Lunch taking place in Longreach that day.)

Operated by Red Dirt Tours

This is a ticketed event. Morning tea is included in ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Festival Hub in Cobb Lane from Tuesday 19 May at 4.00pm if not sold out prior.

Accessibility: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain. Please call OQ on 07 3735 3030 for further information.

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.

As part of the Festival of Outback Opera, OQ invites all visitors and Winton locals to come together for a session of Music Trivia! Test your knowledge in this annual festival experience in a fun and engaging pub trivia that asks questions about all musical tastes. Grab a beverage and make your way to the historic North Gregory Hotel courtyard to play along, stick around afterwards to hear the bush poetry of Banjo Paterson performed by Gregory North.

This is a free event. Please pre-register your attendance.

Beverages will be available from the North Gregory Hotel Bar. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO.

Parking: Limited street parking available.

Accessibility: The venue is accessible by wheelchair and an accessible toilet is available at the venue (Banjo’s Beer Garden).

Pets: Dogs and Guide Dogs are welcome but required to be on a leash at all times.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with All Together Now!, a celebration of the power of song and the opportunity to sing your heart out. Starring Queensland’s own Jason Barry-Smith and singers from Opera Queensland’s Young Artist program, All Together Now! blends beloved operatic classics with toe-tapping sing-alongs, bringing audiences together with the magic of music. From timeless arias by Bizet and Puccini to feel-good favourites like Sweet Caroline and Waltzing Matilda, this show is a joyous reminder that music is the great connector. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or simply love to sing along, All Together Now! is the perfect night out to celebrate harmony in every sense of the word.

After the performance, the evening will continue with a sing-along piano bar. Request your favourites tunes and let your voice be heard.

The Dustarena is a unique space and a quintessential representation of Outback Queensland offering an extraordinary setting that embodies the spirit, architecture, and vibe of the Central West Region under the lights of the Milky Way.

This is a free event. Please pre-register your attendance.

Tickets can be booked online or at the Festival Hub in Cobb Lane from Tuesday 19 May at 4.00pm.

Parking: Limited street parking available. We recommend you park along Elderslie Street.

Food and beverages will be available from the bar at the Dustarena. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO.

Seating: A limited amount of chairs are provided, please bring your own camping chair if possible.

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair accessible seating available, please contact OQ for further information. Please note that there are no accessible bathrooms at this venue, however hotels and pubs with accessible bathrooms are nearby.

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.

Join us at the iconic North Gregory Hotel in Winton for a lively panel discussion on opera’s unique role in regional life. Together we’ll explore how this multifaceted artform not only connects communities through music and storytelling but also drives cultural tourism when presented in regional spaces. The conversation will also consider how a commitment to sustainable, greener practices in the performing arts can strengthen this impact and help shape a vibrant, resilient future for regional cultural tourism.

Pre-event entertainment provided by the University of Queensland will start at 11.45am. Please make your way to the North Gregory Hotel Beer Garden in time to enjoy the performance.

Grab a drink and be a part of an exchange of ideas about the importance of the arts for regional Queensland tourism along with guest Industry experts.

Panel members will be announced closer to the event.

This is a free event. Please pre-register your attendance.

Tickets can be booked online or at the Festival Hub in Cobb Lane from Tuesday 19 May at 4.00pm.

Food and beverages are available from the North Gregory Hotel. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO.

Parking: Limited street parking available.

Accessibility: The venue is accessible by wheelchair and an accessible toilet is available at the venue (Banjo’s Beer Garden).

Pets: Dogs and Guide Dogs are welcome but required to be on a leash at all times.

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.

Enjoy glorious music and dazzling night skies.

Dark Sky Serenade returns to the picturesque Jump-Up at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, for a concert 75 metres above the breathtaking surrounding landscape. As the sun sets, sublime music fills the crystal clear air, with breathtaking views and constantly transforming skies as you look out across the vast landscape. As night falls, the stage becomes a cathedral of light amidst the infinite starry sky. This is opera as you have never experienced before.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be booked online or at the Festival Hub in Cobb Lane from Tuesday 19 May at 4.00pm.

Self-Drive tickets require own transport to and from the venue. Winton to AAOD is an approximate 30 minutes travel time, Longreach to AAOD is an approximate 2-hour travel time. Parking is available at the venue. The venue will not be accessible until 4:00pm.

Tickets including a bus transfer to the event location will have an approximate 30 minutes travel time from Winton or 2 hours from Longreach. Please refer to your ticket for the departure times.

Winton bus departure / return location: Waltzing Matilda Centre

Longreach bus departure / return location: Longreach Railway Station

A Winton Locals ticket will be available for residents of the Winton Shire Council (postcode area 4735) at a 40% discount. These tickets will be available to purchase at the Festival Hub from 19 May 2026. The Winton Locals ticket does not include a bus transfer and is self-drive only. Limited availability.

Food and beverages will be available from the bar at the venue. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO. The bar remains open after the event for guests departing on a later bus service.

Pets: Please note this event takes place on museum grounds, no dogs allowed except service animals. Please inform Opera Queensland if you are intending to bring your service animal.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue with accessible bathroom. Please contact Opera Queensland for more information.

Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, and Haymans Electrical.

Dine in style with friends and other festival guests at the first Longreach Long Lunch, celebrating all things outback cuisine.

Our Long Lunch features an exquisite Chef's menu paired with a selection of fine wines, accompanied by a degustation of songs performed by some of the stars of the festival. As the flavours dance on your palate, the music takes flight. Rich arias and delicious duets make this an afternoon to remember.

We are pleased to be supported by surrounding communities in the delivery of this event, including produce from local farms. Students from the Big Red Truck Outback College of Hospitality will serve your meals.

Enjoy a cocktail and canapés on arrival and exclusive access to the museum. Then be seated for a three course meal paired with a selection of fine wines and music.

EVENT DETAILS

11.30am arrival for exclusive access to a part of the museum exhibition as you enjoy your cocktail and canapés.

12.15pm join the table inside the museum for the Long Lunch, surrounded by artefacts connected to the history of Qantas and Outback Queensland

This exclusive event sells out quickly - book now to avoid disappointment.

This is an all-inclusive event (food, beverages, entertainment and museum entry).

Opera Queensland will contact you following your booking to confirm dietary requirements and guest names.

Travel: Bus transfers are available for this event from Longreach Station. If you are attending this event from Winton, please allow a 2-hour self drive travel time.

Self-Drive tickets require own transport to and from the venue. Winton to Qantas Founders Outback Museum is an approximate 2-hour travel time, Longreach to Qantas Founders Outback Museum is an approximate 15 minutes travel time. Parking available at the venue.

Longreach has one taxi which can be booked under 0429 000 900 if required - book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tickets including a bus transfer to the event location will have an approximate 15 minutes travel time from Longreach Railway Station. Please refer to your ticket for the departure times.

Accessibility: Accessible car parking is provided within 10 metres of the museum entrance. The Museum is all on one level and is wheelchair accessible. Accessible bathrooms with braille signage are available at both the front and rear of the building.

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.

The Adventures of Figaro is a high-energy, colourful riot of sunny-Spanish madness in which three young opera talents sing, dance and act their way through a 50-minute version of Rossini’s much-loved opera, The Barber of Seville.

Directed by the multi-award-winning team at Shake & Stir Theatre Co, this madcap tale follows the lively Figaro as he attempts to help Count Almaviva find the courage, nerve and skills to tell Rosina she has the perfect singing pipes to be in his band!

Come along to this fun and energetic family show.

This is a free event supported by the Winton Shire Council.

This performance is recommended for children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility: The Winton Shire Hall is wheelchair accessible. Please contact Opera Queensland for further information.

Join us at the iconic "Way Out West" sign in Winton for sunset and a gin tasting hosted by Western Queensland Spirit. This free event is the perfect way to unwind on the last evening of the festival in Winton.

OQ will provide a musical backdrop whilst our professional photographer captures your portrait in this iconic Outback location, ensuring you leave with the perfect memory of what is guaranteed to be a spectacular afternoon.

Pre-register your interest to walk-on down and let the music and spirit of the Outback be matched with the taste of native Australian botanicals.

Standing event only. This is a free event. Please pre-register your attendance.

Parking available on Vindex St on the extension off main road.

Accessibility:Loose soil, uneven grounds and short walk to event site required. Please note that this venue has no bathroom facilities and is a standing only event.

Pets: Guide Dogs welcome.

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.

Singing in the Night returns to Camden Park Station again in 2026!

This majestic concert takes place on an 18,000-acre working cattle station with 360-degree views of uninterrupted horizon, which has played host to everyone from the country’s first stockmen to Queen Elizabeth II.

On this very special evening some of Opera Queensland’s finest singers perform under the stars, accompanied by an orchestra joined by musicians from the University of Queensland.

As the sun sets over the desert horizon, the performers are illuminated by the spellbinding colours of the outback complemented by Bernie Tan-Hayes' spectacular lighting. Get out your cameras, this is Insta-grand!

This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be booked online or at the Festival Hub in front of the Longreach Visitor Information Centre from Tuesday 19 May.

Self-Drive tickets require own transport to and from the venue. Longreach to Camden Park Station is an approximate 15 minutes travel time. Winton to Camden Park Station is an approximate 2-hour travel time. Parking is available at the venue.

Tickets including a bus transfer to the event location will have an approximate 15 minutes travel time from Longreach Railway Station. Please refer to your ticket for the departure times.

A Longreach Locals ticket will be available for residents of the Longreach Regional Council (postcode area 4730) at a 40% discount. These tickets will be available to purchase at the Festival Hub from 19 May 2026. The Longreach Locals ticket does not include a bus transfer and is self-drive only. Limited availability.

Food and beverages will be available from the bar at the venue. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO. The bar remains open after the event for guests departing on a later bus service.

Pets: Please note this event takes place on a private property, dogs on leash are permitted. Please inform Opera Queensland if you are intending to bring your dog to this event.

Accessibility: Assisted wheelchair accessible venue with accessible bathroom. Please contact Opera Queensland for more information.

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.

Treat yourself to fabulous singing and socialising, led by talented Opera Queensland artists.

Sing Sing Sing is a fun-filled session of music making and merriment for singers of all levels of experience and ability. Revel in your love of song in the fresh morning air outside The Drover's Place across from the iconic Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.

This is a free event. Chairs are provided, please pre-register your attendance.

Snacks and beverages will be available at The Drover's Place. This is a licensed area, strictly no BYO.

Parking: Limited parking available at the venue. Please use the car park of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame further down the road (walking distance).

Accessibility: This is a wheelchair accessible venue with accessible bathrooms.

Pets: Guide Dogs welcome.

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.

Come in your riding boots and ballgown and be ready for a gala like no other.

An evening of fine dining, sublime singing and dancing set among the coolaibah tree-lined Thomson River at Smithy’s Camp. This relaxed, yet stylish gathering embodies the spirit and iconography of the Outback with just enough glitz to ensure the evening is a memorable one.

Atmospheric lighting sets the mood as some of Australia’s finest singers deliver a series of opera favourites throughout the 4-course meal, each perfectly paired to the culinary offering. After dessert, the dancefloor opens with an upbeat DJ set and you’re invited to continue the celebrations as the bar remains open while you dance the night away.

Looking for something extra special? Start the evening with an optional Sunset River Cruise or Silverbullet Rail Experience to make the most of your Festival of Outback Opera experience in Longreach.

Smithy’s Sunset Cruise and Rail Experience are available at an extra charge and must be selected in the booking process. Departure for the Sunset Cruise is at 3:45pm from the Longreach Railway Station and the Train departs at 4:15pm from the Longreach Railway Station.

Please note, seat selection secures you a seat at your selected table. The seat position at the table may differ.

Opera Queensland will contact you following your booking to confirm the names of all ticketed guests and their dietary requirements.

Tickets include canapes, 2 course sit down meal and damper plus drinks package until 8.30pm.

Tickets include a transfer to the event location from Longreach Railway Station either by bus or train. Please refer to your ticket for the departure times and mode of transport.

Guests have the opportunity to book a sunset cruise or scenic train ride prior to the event. Limited capacity.

Return shuttle will commence after dessert every 30 minutes until 10.30pm.

Accessibility: The venue is accessible by wheelchair, however assisted wheelchair is recommended due to gravel and uneven grounds. An accessible toilet is not available at this venue, however the general bathrooms are accessible via a ramp.

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.

based on Rossini’s The Barber of Seville

The Adventures of Figaro is a high-energy, colourful riot of sunny-Spanish madness in which three young opera talents sing, dance and act their way through a 50-minute version of Rossini’s much-loved opera, The Barber of Seville.

Directed by the multi-award-winning team at Shake & Stir Theatre Co, this madcap tale follows the lively Figaro as he attempts to help Count Almaviva find the courage, nerve and skills to tell Rosina she has the perfect singing pipes to be in his band!

Come along to this fun and energetic family show.

This is a free event supported by the Longreach Regional Council.

This performance is recommended for children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility: The Longreach Civic Centre is wheelchair accessible. Please contact Longreach Regional Council for further information.