By Chris Lambie.
QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026, Wadawurrung Country – 27-29 NOVEMBER
Queenscliff Music Festival Director Claire Stickland was born and bred on the Bellarine Peninsula. Her first QMF behind-the-scenes role was in 2006 as an event assistant. Her event management career path since has included Falls Festival (Lorne and Tassie), the AO (Australian Open) Live Stage, Rising and the Olympics. In recent years, she landed back on the regional coast, steering the QMF boat.
While she treasures her fond memories of past editions, Claire was surprised to hear about one of my favourite features. To end most nights, the music continues on the last shuttle buses leaving the site. Sometimes it even starts before boarding. Last year, led by various randoms, with lyrics on their phones, mass singalongs made the trip back to Point Lonsdale’s campground a hoot. ‘Better Be Home Soon’, ‘Country Road, Take Me Home’, ’Bohemian Rhapsody’…Tired bodies with mojo restored. Such is the community vibe of QMF. “It’s a great testament to that sense of community.,” Claire says. “That inclusivity, being part of it together.” Local volunteers add to the warm welcome.
The line-up this year is another cracker with something for everyone. Rock, blues, folk, desert reggae, soul, funk, punk, bluegrass, Afrobeat and the genre-defiant. To name a few: Baker Boy, Magic Dirt, Mia Dyson, Tim Rogers, The Bamboos, Kaiit, Kate Miller-Heidke, Matt Corby, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Jordie Lane, Lime Cordiale, Meg Mac, Hussy Hicks, The Maes, Owelu Dreamhouse, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Cam Walter Blues, Docker River Band, Kyle Brew, The Gnomes, Merpire, Wayne Jury and Midnight Chicken. Plus comedy, kids’ zone, art installations, food vans, Auslan interpreters and a sustainability focus.
Australia is blessed with festivals focussed on everything from Country music to EDM gatherings. Claire celebrates the difference of QMF. She says, “It’s pretty special to still be a multi-genre festival. There’s a powerful mix of iconic names and fresh [emerging] artists. You might come for the names you know but then start to follow those discoveries.” QMF has introduced artists on the Foot-in-The-Door stage or as buskers, who go on to star on main stages. “It’s always been important to us to give upcoming musicians a platform. Every great artist starts somewhere and festivals play a great role in that. We also deliver Amplify Queenscliff (formerly FReeZA) youth program. To create pathways to give them exposure. It’s hard not to be excited by this year’s line-up. You’ll leave with a few new favourites.”
“It’ll be the first time for Magic Dirt – such an iconic name – with Adalita stemming from this region. Peter Garrett is back after 10 years,” she says. “Baker Boy is returning,” This, following his unannounced guest spot with King Stingray in 2025. “That was a really special moment,” Claire recalls. “An artist of that stature wanting to just come and be part of it.” Who knows what surprises QMF may deliver this year? With The Bamboos and Tim Rogers both scheduled, could there be a little on-stage collaboration? Claire speculates, “And Matt Corby and Meg Mec have done performances together in the past…”
“It’s a full experience. Whatever age, it feels like the festival is made for you.” Beyond the main site, two quintessentially ‘Queenscliff’ venues will host gigs. Get on board the Queenscliff Ferry or board the Blues Train. Yes, The Train is back! “Busking is back around Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.” Of the seaside location, Claire says, “It’s surrounded by beautiful parklands and the charming township right beside it. The beach is on your back doorstep. We have some great venues in town. Like The Boatshed at the Maritime Museum, our beautiful Town Hall, The Espie hotel just across the road from the site. The Uniting Church is up the street which, as well as performances, hosts an art show, the op shop and you can have a cuppa and scones. It’s really a hidden gem.”
Operating for nearly 30 years, the festival has showcased a thriving range of local music. “We have the likes of the Pretty Littles, Jack Parsons, Immy Owusu, FARAH, Liv Cartledge. De Porsal and South Atlas.” Geelong high school band The Sweethearts have long been festival favourites. “There’s a number of local choirs and community bands, like Shedding The Blues doing a performance piece called Sing Out with The New Swell Choir.” Festival regular, Queen of the Bellarine, Sarah Carroll is back to join the pub choir-type experience.
DJs include Fee B-Squared, Joey Lightbulb and Vince Peach who always get punters grooving between staged gigs. “Vince was travelling last year and people were asking, ‘Where’s Vince?’ But he’s back this year.” With two main stages and the pavilion, the accessible grounds are big enough to avoid sound bleed. Claire adds, “But it’s still intimate enough to stroll between, check out what’s happening ‘over there’ and still go back and find your mates. You can come for the weekend or just for a day.”