BAKER BOY, KATE MILLER-HEIDKE, PETER GARRETT AND LIME CORDIALE HEADLINE QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL’S FIRST 2026 ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

2026 is looking GOOD!

Queenscliff Music Festival, set against the windswept beauty of Wadawurrung Country in the historic Victorian seaside town of Queenscliff, has unveiled the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne and 35 kilometres from Geelong, the festival returns from 27–29 November, promising a weekend where the pulse of Australian music beats stronger than ever.

The initial lineup reads like a love letter to local music: Baker Boy, Kate Miller-Heidke, Meg Mac, Mia Dyson, Lime Cordiale, Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos, Magic Dirt, and more.

Queenscliff Music Festival

When: 27 – 29 November

Where: Queenscliff Township

2026 Queenscliff Music Festival Lineup (so far, alphabetical order)

Baker Boy | Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well | The Gnomes | Hussy Hicks | Jordie Lane | Kate Miller-Heidke | Lime Cordiale | Magic Dirt | The Maes | Meg Mac | Mia Dyson | Owelu Dreamhouse | Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos | Rupert Bullard | Steph Strings | Sunday Lemonade | Willie J’s 6V6s | Plus, for Kids: Zindzi & the Zillionaires

Earlybird Tickets On Sale Now

• 3-Day Adult: $290
• 3-Day Accompanied Youth 14–17: $139
• Children 1–13: $32 (with adult ticket)
• QMF Camping: $35 for 3 nights (per person), children camp free
• Rent-a-Tent: from $460 for 3 nights

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

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After a surprise, unscripted appearance at the 2025 festival, Young Australian of the Year and five-time ARIA Award-winning Yolngu rapper and dancer Baker Boy returns, riding the momentum of his second studio album Djandjay. Expect a performance that will transform Queenscliff into a jubilant celebration of rhythm, culture, and community.

Operatically trained pop visionary Kate Miller-Heidke also makes her return, bringing her uniquely soaring voice and five top-ten albums to the coastal stage. From Eurovision glory to spellbinding live performances, Miller-Heidke’s presence promises a blend of theatricality and intimate storytelling.

Meg Mac, armed with her rich, soulful voice and her vibrant new album It’s My Party—recorded between London and Los Angeles—makes her Queenscliff debut, bringing raw emotion and sweeping melodies that linger long after the final note.

In a much-anticipated homecoming, legendary Midnight Oil frontman and activist Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos will traverse five decades of iconic Australian music, from thunderous Oils anthems to acclaimed solo work.

Lime Cordiale, Australia’s beloved pop-rock duo, take the QMF stage for the first time, promising their signature raucous energy and euphoric live show, built on five platinum singles and a chart-topping album. Blues-infused rock icon Mia Dyson, whose guitar prowess has seen her share stages with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Stevie Nicks, will bring her fiery virtuosity to Queenscliff, while Geelong-born noise-rock legends Magic Dirt return with all the visceral power that cemented them as stalwarts of the Australian alternative scene.

Additional announcements include:

• Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well – infectious, award-winning newgrass with harmonies that lift and hollers that excite.
• The Gnomes – Frankston’s internationally acclaimed, hook-laden garage-pop outfit.
• Hussy Hicks – ARIA-topping blues duo whose soaring vocals and electrifying guitars have captivated audiences worldwide.
• Jordie Lane – Melbourne-born, Nashville-based roots troubadour, weaving wit and storytelling into every note.
• The Maes – Victorian sisters whose spine-tingling harmonies have graced four acclaimed albums.
• Owelu Dreamhouse – Melbourne’s cinematic fusion of Afrobeat, psychedelia, and soul.
• Rupert Bullard – Tasmanian teen folk prodigy blending country, blues, and heartfelt lyricism.
• Steph Strings – Melbourne guitar virtuoso whose debut album Feel Alive stormed the charts.
• Sunday Lemonade – infectious indie folk duo whose joyous live shows have won fans nationwide.
• Willie J’s 6V6s – high-voltage Melbourne rock trio, delivering pure Aussie rock ’n’ roll.
• Zindzi & the Zillionaires – ARIA-nominated Play School presenter Zindzi Okenyo brings family-friendly hip-hop and R&B to the stage.

Festival Director Claire Stickland says of the dynamic first lineup, “We’re thrilled to share the first wave of artists joining us at the 2026 Queenscliff Music Festival. This lineup reflects everything we love about QMF—celebrated Australian artists, exciting new discoveries, and a program designed to bring people together through unforgettable live music and shared experiences.”

Nestled among ancient cypress trees and overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff Music Festival draws over 10,000 music lovers each November for three days of discovery, celebration, and coastal charm. Audiences can wander the foreshore, indulge in the Bellarine’s acclaimed food and wine, camp beneath the stars, or simply soak in the atmosphere with thousands of like-minded souls.

Since its inception in 1997, QMF has been a hub of creative vitality, supported by a dedicated team of professionals and more than 500 volunteers. With family-friendly programming, a vibrant kids’ area, and convenient camping options—including hire-a-tent packages—Queenscliff Music Festival offers a relaxed, immersive experience for all ages.

For further information on Queenscliff Music Festival, head here.