Queenscliff Music Festival's first lineup announcement lands

Australian music royalty, chart-topping favourites and a Geelong-born alternative rock institution are headed to the Bellarine this summer for the Queenscliff Music Festival.

After making a surprise appearance at last year’s festival, five-time ARIA Award-winning Yolngu rapper and dancer Baker Boy will officially return to Queenscliff as one of the headline acts for 2026.

Fresh from the release of his second album Djandjay, the former Young Australian of the Year will be joined by indie-pop favourites Lime Cordiale, making their Queenscliff Music Festival debut, and Kate Miller-Heidke, whose operatic pop has made her one of Australia’s most distinctive voices.

Indie-pop favourites Lime Cordiale will hit the Queenscliff stage in November. Photo: supplied.

Soulful vocalist Meg Mac, touring on the back of her latest album It’s My Party, is also set to perform, alongside acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Mia Dyson, one of Australia’s most decorated singer-songwriters.

Former Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett will return to Queenscliff for the first time in a decade. Appearing with The Alter Egos, his performance promises a setlist spanning five decades of Australian music, from classic Oils anthems to material from his solo career.

Geelong-born Magic Dirt, meanwhile, add a strong local flavour to the lineup, bringing one of the region’s most influential music exports back to the Bellarine.

Returning to Queenscliff from 27–29 November, the festival attracts more than 10,000 music lovers each year. Photo: Lucinda Goodwin.

Festival director Clare Stickland said the first artist announcement for 2026 captured the blend of established favourites and emerging talent that has become a hallmark of the festival.

“We’re incredibly excited to share the first wave of artists joining us at the 2026 Queenscliff Music Festival,” she said.

“This year’s 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.”

The Queenscliff Music Festival features more than 70 artists across a weekend of live music, local food and drink, arts experiences and family-friendly entertainment. Photo: Lucinda Goodwin.

Returning to Queenscliff from 27–29 November, the festival attracts more than 10,000 music lovers each year and features more than 70 artists across a weekend of live music, local food and drink, arts experiences and family-friendly entertainment.

Folk favourites The Maes, rising guitar virtuoso Steph Strings, roots troubadour Jordie Lane and blues duo Hussy Hicks are also among the first acts announced for this year’s festival, with more artists still to be revealed.

For more information, visit qmf.net.au