Outback River Lights 2026
The Outback River Lights Festival is a celebration of community, culture, and creativity set along the banks of the Warrego River in Cunnamulla, Queensland.
Get ready for a weekend of intimate food experiences, free live entertainment, art & culture workshops and dazzling light shows under the stars.  It’s one magical weekend you won’t want to miss, thanks to our Platinum Partners Precision Sports Lighting and Paroo Shire Council.
Precision Sports Lighting
Paroo Shire Tourism Logo

What’s Happening in 2026!

Free Live Performances

Creatures of Habit Band

Get ready for a high-energy performance packed with powerful stage presence and all your favourite classic rock hits!

Lloyd Saunders

A seamless blend of First Nations and folk sounds, featuring relaxed acoustic covers and originals enriched by guitar, harmonica, and didgeridoo.

Twin Flame Fire Twirlers

A dynamic country duo made up of Katelann Maree and Maddie Cail, bringing crowd-favourite country hits and high-energy originals to the main stage.

Twin Flame Fire Twirlers

A captivating fire-twirling duo delivering a hypnotic, rhythmic performance set to music—an unforgettable visual and musical experience.

Food Experiences

Long Table Dinner and Show
Friday 17th April from 7-9pm
Ticketed Event: $130pp (Max 60 pers.)

Savour a 3-course Bush Tucker-inspired feast with drinks and canapés on arrival, while enjoying performances by Indigenous solo artist Lloyd Saunders and mesmerizing fire twirlers—all beneath the Outback night sky. Limited to 60 guests, this unforgettable evening is not to be missed!

Nullawokka Bush Tucker Cooking Masterclass
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April from 10am – 12.30pm
Ticketed Event: $100pp (Max 6 Per Class)

Join Nullawokka First Nations Tours for a hands-on Bush Tucker cooking class using locally sourced ingredients. After cooking, enjoy an intimate lunch with your hosts. Limited to 6 participants per class, with two classes available—an authentic and personal culinary experience.

Bush Tucker Cooking Demos

Free Bush Tucker Cooking Demo’s and Tastings with Nullawokka First Nations Tours.

Ranger Nick Camp Oven Cooking Demonstrations

Free Camp Oven Cooking demonstrations and tastings with Ranger Nick Bush Cook. 

Spit Roast Goat

Free Spit Roast Goat Cooking Demonstration and Tastings with Ranger Nick.

Arts Hub & Workshops

Lantern Making in the Arts Hub

Create your own unique lantern for the Festival Lantern Parade

Fire Twirling and Circus Workshops

Learn the art of fire twirling or circus skills with our Free Circus & Fire Workshops!

Face Painting in the Arts Hub

Capture the imagination with UV face paint, ready to hit the Glow Zone once the sun goes down!

Boomerang Painting

Paint your own boomerang using traditional techniques and learn how to throw it on the village green

Festival Competitions

Adopt and Light Up A Tree Competition
All New Competition! Adopt & Decorate a Tree in Centenary Park to be in the running for Cash Prizes!
Festival Art Competition
The Annual Open Art Competition is back again, with cash prizes and people’s choice awards.
Festival Sculpture Competition
The Annual Sculpture Competition is back again, with cash prizes and people’s choice awards.

Festival Favourites and Cultural Highlights

Festival Lantern Parade sponsored by All About Aquatics

Join the locals for the iconic Festival Lantern Parade along the banks of the Warrego River

Fireworks over the Warrego River

Be awed at the beautiful Fireworks display both in the sky and reflected in the river below

Interactive Light Installations

There will be plenty of interactive light installations lighting up the night throughout the entire festival

All New for 2026! Welcome to the Glow Zone, where UV lights make everything glow in the dark – be sure to get your face painted first!

Bush Poets Breakfast

Join Gary Fogarty and Ranger Nick on Sunday morning as they cook a giant camp-oven damper and entertain with stories that will make you laugh and cry. Walk-ups welcome!

Kunja Elder Welcome Address

Hear from one our Kunja Elders, the traditional owners on the land where the Outback River Lights Festival takes place as they officially welcome you to Country.

Festival Community Markets

Enjoy a great day out in the park as you browse local stalls from homemade delights to locally grown produce and everything in between!

Campfire Stories & Songs

New for 2026! Wrap up the festival with Campfire Stories and Songs—a relaxed, BYO gathering around the campfire where anything goes. Bring an instrument, share a tale, and finish the festival in style.

Sponsor thank you banner

Platinum Sponsor

Precision Sports lighting

PLATINUM PARTNER

Gold Sponsors

RPQ Group (Downer)

Main Stage Sponsor

Yarning Tent Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Murphys Coffee House

Long Table Dinner Sponsor

All About Aquatics Cunnamulla

Festival Lantern Parade Sponsor

Charlotte Plains

Arts Hub Sponsor

Sponsorship Still Available

Festival Competitions Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Holding Redlich
Cunnamulla Tourist Park
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park
Sponsorship Still Available
Sponsorship Still Available
Sponsorship Still Available
Sponsorship Still Available

Business Partner Offers

Charlotte Plains

Charlotte Plains is offering Festival-Goers a 10% discount on camping & accommodation.  Use code CPRL10 when booking online to claim the discount.