By Chris Lambie.
Queenscliff Music Festival 2025, November 28 – 30, Wadawurrung Country
There’s something about this enduring event that seems to delight performers and punters equally. Maybe it’s the cruisy coastal setting or the time of year itself, as festival season really kicks in. As the year’s final live outing for many acts, they tend to give that little bit extra. QMF 2025 hosted 11,000 ticket holders, 75 artists and 550 delightful volunteers. Festival favourites delivered the goods to adoring audiences while fresh voices gained new fans.
The big guns drew packed houses, the throng both chilled and enthusiastic. Friday kicked off with Fenn Wilson & The Weather bringing a big bold sound. Tex Perkins and Matt Walker are experienced collaborators across the music scene and work so well together. Songs from The Cruel Sea and Tex, Don & Charlie albums delivered a unique charm in duo format. New material was also well-received. The late cancellation of an injured Little Birdy was remedied by Ella Hooper and band doing their Linda Ronstadt tribute thang. Without rehearsal, their minor blips were forgiven and the gig ended up a highlight. Hooper’s joyful Sunday gig with new band and new songs confirmed her chops on Country style vocals.
On the big stage Friday night, King Stingray all but blew a hole in the big top. Surely one of the country’s top live bands, with Yolŋu surf rock and traditional dance moves, they were a major hit. Great to hear their cracking cover of Warumpi Band’s ‘Waru (Fire)’. And an unscheduled Baker Boy joining them on stage on didgeridoo? Yeah. That happened! Meanwhile, over on the Hippos Stage, the white-clad juggernaut that is Sex On Toast kept on busting moves to funky grooves til late. Sweaty, soulful fun for all.
Saturday served up gleeful Noongar woman Bumpy fronting Squid Nebula with their hypnotic signature sound. An abundance of young established acts gave heart-on-sleeve performances. From impressive alt-folk and alt-pop songwriting (Didirri & Rowena Wise, Bones & Jones,Skyscraper Stan & the Commission Flats) to rocking Southern blues by new favourite the Otis Namrell Band.
Forecast rain mostly held off during my first time riding the Peninsula Princess ferry. Minor Gold (Tracy McNeil and Dan Parsons) somehow stood steady, while harmonising on the listing stage. Their gorgeous set, with an ocean backdrop (plus early beverages included) was a great way to change up the day. Township venues included the Esplanade Hotel where the super smooth Bellarine locals Suneden got everyone up for a boogie. Decked out in the finest retro outfits of the weekend, they totally let the sunshine in. A cover of Boney M’s ‘Daddy Cool’ proved irresistible for a singalong. Too much funky fun. Cool Out Sun provided World Music flavours with their cross-cultural Afro folk / Afro-Beat and Hip Hop.
Having seen Thelma Plum over recent years, her QMF Saturday set suggests even bigger things ahead on a grand scale. With that divine voice, natural charm and impressive setlist she inspired big love from devotees of all ages. Likewise, Mama Kin Spender who were joined by the 37-piece Acabella choir on Sunday. A big festival wouldn’t be complete without some big names. Some returning after previous QMFs. The bouncy, brassy party vibe of The Cat Empire endures with a refreshed Latino jazz flavour courtesy of newer members. Who doesn’t love The Waifs? Stories from the wistful to the wacky, iconic hits and peerless musicianship (especially Vikki Thorn’s harmonica work) always wrap listeners in a warm hug. Their AUSLAN interpreter got one from Donna Simpson when called across to the stage. The Badloves warmed up with a tasty take on ‘Green Onions’ before bringing out the hits.
If harder rock’s your thing, you couldn’t go past The Preatures rocking their bums off. And for the truly hardcore, those ‘blokes you can trust’. Cosmic Psychos blistering beer-fuelled barrage is a timeless wonder. Yep, Macka got his shirt off. Dan Peters (Mudhoney) belted the kit into submission and Knighty spat out their familiar pub/punk proverbials. Nice day to be in the tent.
Blues fans were treated to Dom Turner & The Rural Blues Project. A short step from The Backsliders, piano accordion in place of harp, the trio were slick and satisfying. ARIA-winning blues greats Opelousas nailed the late-night swamy smoky Louisiana mood at Hippos. Kerri Simpson, Alison Ferrier and Chris Tabone (in place of Anthony ‘Shorty’ Shortte) could show renowned bayou-based blues-icians a thing or two. Downright mesmerising.
Donavon Frankenreiter and band closed the fest with polished Californian soul. Frankenreiter’s son Hendrix got to do a song of his own, proving talent beyond nepo baby status. Kids entertainment, Foot-in-the-door discoveries and buskers around the streets left no music-lover stone unturned.
Queenscliff Music Festival 2026: 27–29 November 2026