In the last decade alone, we’ve gone from the international chaos of Big Day Out and Soundwave, to the peak streak of Splendour, to a strange new phase where festival programming often feels formulaic.
Thanks to a passionate and musically minded collective, Queenscliff Music Festival continues to innovate, and remains a staple of the Aussie festival calendar. A festival rooted in community spirit, its strength is its ability to make the most of its stunning location on the Bellarine -celebrating the place, people and music in equal measure.
Queenscliff Music Festival
- Where: Queenscliff, Victoria
- When: 28-30 November
Full Queenscliff Music Festival lineup:
- The Badloves
- Bones & Jones
- The Cat Empire
- Cool Out Sun
- Cosmic Psychos
- Dom Turner & The Rural Blues Project
- Didirri + Rowena Wise
- Donavon Frankenreiter
- Ella Hooper
- Fenn Wilson & The Weather
- King Stingray
- Lewis Love
- Little Birdy
- Madeline Cope
- Mama Kin Spender
- Minor Gold
- The Mojo Corner
- Opelousas
- Pierce Brothers
- The Preatures
- Riley Catherall
- Romanie
- Ruby Mae
- Sex On Toast
- Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats
- The Smith & Western Jury
- Squid Nebula
- SUNEDEN
- Tex Perkins & Matt Walker
- Thelma Plum
- Velvet Trip
- The Waifs
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“We’re really lucky here,” says festival director Claire Stickland. “So many different people and groups are involved in the festival, each adding their own touch.
“It isn’t just about the music, it’s about creating an experience for people, and I think the festival experience is pretty special. You get to immerse yourself in an environment and escape. Feel that sense of freedom, excitement and feel a real sense of connection with family, friends or fellow music lovers.”
“It’s really about the diversity of offering and that atmosphere that makes it so special.
“We operate these beautiful, quaint, quirky venues throughout the festival, things like an old church hall to a beautiful grand dining room. We’ve got a boat shed at the Maritime Museum, and this year the Princess Peninsula Ferry is going to be a venue.
“You’ll get to ride on the ferry, enjoy the music, and the scenic views of the bay. People are coming here for awesome music and the coastal charm, so we want you to experience both as part of the festival.”
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While a non-music offering isn’t new, Queenscliff Music Festival really levels up the festival away from the main stages. You won’t be bored during your weekend in the west, you can choose your own adventure over the three days.
“Soak up the street or harbour with a morning coffee, start your day with comedy, yoga, a beach swim or pop into one of the festival town venues to discover a local emerging artist before making your way into the festival site.”
“Once in the main site, we’ve got a Bellarine wine bar showcasing great local wineries and a TARRA Queenscliff oyster pop up bar so you can have a wine and an oyster and settle into the afternoon.”
There are no age restrictions either. Young and old will have a killer weekend at the QMF – there’s something on offer for everyone.
“We’re a festival that you can experience in a way that works for you. For young and old, there’s arts & crafts, instrument workshops and interactive art installations that will tap into all the senses. We are truly family-friendly.
“If you’re in your 30s, you kind of feel like it’s a festival made for you. If you’re in your 50s, I think you do feel surrounded by kindred spirits. And I think if you’re 10 years old, you come here and can feel completely at home.
“QMF is truly a festival for all ages and I think that creates a really beautiful community and experience once you’re here.”
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As for the lineup? There are icons like Thelma Plum, King Stingray, The Badloves, The Cat Empire, Tex Perkins, Little Birdy, The Preatures and The Waifs (we could go on), up-and-comers like Romanie and Bones and Jones, a suite of amazing local performers, plus internationally renowned artists like Donovan Frankenreiter and a legendary surprise headliner in the Cosmic Psychos.
“QMF has been really steadfast in showcasing Australian music. This year, we’ve made a commitment to having about 95% of the lineup as Australian. I think the lineup is really a powerful mix of those iconic names that we’ve grown to love and will always love.
“Whenever you see the likes of The Cat Empire, The Waifs or The Preatures – on a lineup, it creates a sense of excitement and nostalgia. We can all remember a time back when we were all at Falls or another great festival and got to experience the energy of these acts. That’s the beauty of festivals; you get to experience so many acts in one go. You also get to wander around and discover new acts that you may not have even heard of.
“By the time you leave, they’re the ones you’re playing on your Spotify mix on the way home and getting really excited about the next time you see them on a lineup.”
Queenscliff Music Festival hits Queenscliff November 28 – November 30. More info can be found here.
Beat is a proud media partner of Queenscliff Music Festival.
