QMF 2025 – The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, Donavon Frankenreiter (USA), The Waifs, King Stingray & More
The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, Donavon Frankenreiter (USA), The Waifs, King Stingray, Little Birdy plus The Cosmic Psycho’s head up Queenscliff Music Festival’s 2025 line up
Early Bird Tix on sale till July – Zip Pay available
BUY TICKETS HERE
On the last weekend in November the Bellarine Peninsula comes alive as music lovers of all ages flock to the coast to soak up the sun, sounds and chill vibes of Victoria’s favourite beach festival. Running across the 28, 29 & 30 November, the Queenscliff Music Festival returns for 2025, bringing three unforgettable days of music, community and coastal charm to the breathtaking Princess Park and the historic heart of Queenscliff’s Victorian streetscape. This year’s event showcases a bumper line up of Aussie legends and new discoveries, and a splash of International talent offering a stellar array of rock, indie, folk, hip hop, blues, country and beyond.
Festival headliners just announced include the masters of high energy vibes The Cat Empire, beloved Gamilaraay singer-songwriter, Thelma Plum, US surf rocker, Donavon Frankenreiter, festival folk favourites, The Waifs, Yolŋu surf rock sensations King Stingray, punk rock icons, Cosmic Psychos, the return of WA alt-rocker outfit, Little Birdy, the high energy twin sounds of the Pierce Brothers, new music collaborators, Didirri + Rowena Wise, cosmic disco groovers, Squid Nebula, sun dappled folk rockers, Minor Gold, genre defying collective, Sex On Toast, the swamp-soaked psychedelic blues of Opelousas, powerhouse vocalist Fenn Wilson & The Weather, alt country newcomers, The Smith & Western Jury, poetic lyricist, Riley Catherall and soul-funkboogie maestro’s, Suneden, plus for the kids the ever popular, Teeny Tiny Stevies and there’s plenty more names still to come.
“Queenscliff Music Festival is more than just a music event — it’s a full sensory experience,” said Claire Stickland, Festival Director. “With an unbeatable coastal setting, diverse lineup, and welcoming vibe for all ages, it’s the perfect escape for music lovers and experience seekers.”
Attracting more than 10,000 music lovers of all ages annually Queenscliff Music Festival is held on the last weekend of November and is the ideal weekend getaway for music lovers of all tastes and walks of life being just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Festival goers are treated to the best the Australian live music scene has to offer while sampling the delights of local craft produce, immersive arts and the creative heart of the local community. Always a family friendly event, Queenscliff also features a dedicated kids stage and programming. For the outdoorsy type, camping is just a short stroll through the main street to the festival site, or treat yourself and hire-a-tent.
With all this musical goodness set against a stunning backdrop of sandy beaches, pristine waters, cliff walks and historic piers of the Queenscliff Foreshore, punters should get their tickets quickly to ensure they’ll be heading down the Bellarine Highway this November to enjoy the hottest beach festival around. Take advantage of the Earlybird Tickets, which are on offer till 1 July.
Queenscliff Music Festival is staged on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. We respect and acknowledge their unique cultural heritage and pay our respects to their ancestors, descendants emerging leaders as the Traditional Owners of this country.
2025 EARLYBIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW
3 Day Adult – $285
3 Day Accompanied Youth 14-17 – $139
Children 1-13 – $32 (sold in conjunction with an Adult ticket)
QMF Camping – $30 for 3 nights (per person)
Rent A Tent – $460 for 3 nights
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET + CAMPING INFO
THE CAT EMPIRE
Aussie icons The Cat Empire catapulted in to 2023 with a fresh new line-up of band members, with Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill continuing on the legacy, while preserving the vibrant energy and exhilarating musicality that fans adore. In August 2023, they released their tenth studio album Where The Angels Fall which was met with great acclaim, debuting at #5 on the ARIA Charts. The Cat Empire illuminated stages across the globe, performing to sold-out crowds across Europe, UK, North America, and Australia. Their magnetic force captivating millions with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. In 2024, they set off on a massive 40-date world-wide tour across the UK, including Glastonbury Festival, Europe and North America, before heading home for a string of electrifying sold-out performances featuring their most beloved tunes and exuberant new music with Australian symphony orchestras.
THELMA PLUM
Thelma Plum is a Gamilaraay woman, musician and creator. She grew up in Brisbane and spent many of her childhood years on her Grandparents’ farm in Delungra, a small country town in rural New South Wales. She has been making music her whole life and has told one chapter with her debut album Better in Blak a story about culture, heritage, love, and pain. With incredible strength, courage and heartbreaking tenderness, her debut album captures so deftly what it’s like to be a young Aboriginal woman in Australia. The album became one of the most successful albums of 2019, nominated for 7 Arias and spawning 3 Platinum and one Gold singles. The title track “Better in Blak” came in the top 10 of the Triple J Hottest 100, the highest result ever for an Indigenous artist at the time, as well as winning the prestigious Vanda and Young “Song of the Year” award.
DONAVON FRANKENREITER
For nearly two decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16. These days instead of surf competitions, it’s concert halls that bring Frankenreiter to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery. Frankenreiter released his first studio in 9 years on September 20, 2024. The album, entitled Get Outta Your Mind, marks the 20 year anniversary of his self-titled debut album.
THE WAIFS
From their inception, The Waifs traversed Australia playing every small town with a local paper, a local radio station, a pub or hall that would host live music, and someone willing to listen, of which there were many! Constant touring laid a broad foundation, musical chemistry, and an approachable relatability through their lyrics solidified a lifelong, dedicated fan base.The original independent avant-garde folk heroes turned multiplatinum-selling, multiple ARIA Award-winning, international touring outfit have released eight LPs, self-titled The Waifs (1996), Shelter Me (1998) and Sink or Swim (2000), Up All Night (2003), Sun Dirt Water (2007), Temptation (2011), Beautiful You (2015) and Ironbark (2017), and two live albums A Brief History (2004) and Live From the Union Of Soul (2009). They have headlined countless festivals stages and sold-out tours across the globe, opening for the likes of the legend himself, Bob Dylan.The Waifs continue to forge a proudly independent path 30 years on and show no sign of slowing down. Donna Simpson, Vikki Thorn, and Josh Cunningham (with ever faithful and long-standing rhythm section of David Ross Macdonald and Ben Franz on board as usual) continue to share their folk-infused, feel-good sounds with adoring, now multi generation audiences.
KING STINGRAY
From Northeast Arnhem Land, get ready to welcome Yolŋu surf-rock band King Stingray. Renowned for their euphoric live sets, the band channels their deep connection to Country with a blended sound of surf rock, reggae, Australiana, and even shades of shoegaze and psychedelica. Since the release of their acclaimed 2022 debut, they’ve exploded onto national and international stages, firing up crowds at Splendour in the Grass and Bluesfest, with headline tours across Australia and beyond. King Stingray deliver anthems that celebrate identity, language, place, and the pure joy of live music.
COSMIC PSYCHOS
The Cosmic Psychos are (almost) an Australian punk rock institution who formed in Spring Plains, Victoria in 1982, spearheaded by founding member and bass player Ross Knight. To date, the band have released 10 studio albums since their self-titled debut (1987) and their influence has been global, with UK band The Prodigy sampling their music on 1997’s ‘The Fat of the Land’ LP and Nirvana producer Butch Vig proclaiming them an influence on both Nirvana and the Seattle grunge scene of the 1990’s. In 2009, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam spoke candidly of the effect the band had on him growing up in Seattle. The band’s repetitive lyrics, fuzzed out guitar and wah-wah bass sound has remained unchanged over their 30 plus year career and continues to win over new audiences. A documentary by film maker Matt Weston, released in 2013, titled ‘Blokes You Can Trust’ featured a whose who of global indie tastemakers and music makers espousing the Cosmic Psycho’s legacy in Australian musical history. The documentary has given the band new life and they currently find themselves fielding touring and interview requests as far flung as Spain, Germany and Costa Rica. The Cosmic Psycho’s have survived the passing decades, musical trends and fashions with ease. Most fans will tell you they’re simple blokes (you can trust), just making straight-ahead, good-fun, Australian influenced punk rock.
LITTLE BIRDY
In 2024, Little Birdy emerges from their hiatus with a fervour that belies the passage of time. As they prepare to reunite on stage after two decades since their chart-topping album “BigBigLove,” the band’s essence remains unchanged: a dedication to their craft and an unwavering bond with their fans. With their iconic hits like “Beautiful To Me,” “Brother,” and “Come On Come On,” they promise a revival that resonates both with longtime followers and a fresh generation of listeners. For Katy Steele, Simon Leach, and Scott O’Donoghue, this moment is a reaffirmation that today is not their final act—it’s a new chapter in their storied musical journey.
DIDIRRI & ROWENA WISE
When two distinct artists unite, the results can be intimate and unexpected. Melbourne singer-songwriters Rowena Wise and Didirri, both acclaimed for their unique styles—Rowena’s poetic folk storytelling and Didirri’s raw, introspective songwriting—have crafted a deeply personal song exploring love, conflict, and commitment.
Their collaborative single, “No Cure For Love”, highlights their magical synergy, blending Didirri’s emotional depth with Rowena’s ethereal melodies. On their national tour, the duo performs together as one ensemble, presenting songs from their debut albums, solo material, and collaborative works in a special, extended band set.
PIERCE BROTHERS
For years twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce’s high energy duo Pierce Brothers has been a staple of the Australian indie-folk/ blues & roots scene. Exploding onto the world stage in 2014, the brothers started their journey as buskers on Bourke street (alongside other incredible busking acts Tash Sultana and Tones and I), and soon became a must-see act. Having established themselves as an integral part of the music scene in Australia and abroad, the brothers have toured relentlessly. The band’s music has grown with them and has seen them release a top 15 ARIA debut album and two Top 10 ARIA EPs as well as have amassing over 30 million global streams. The pair lived out their dream of headlining a maxed-out Forum Theatre in their hometown of Melbourne, before taking on a massive world tour, headlining venues all over the globe, playing arenas supporting Tash Sultana, as well as massive AAA festivals in North America, Europe, and Australia.
MINOR GOLD
Blending sixth sense harmonies with sun-dappled folk-rock, Minor Gold are an award-winning duo led by award winning vocalists and guitarists Dan Parsons (AUS) & Tracy McNeil (CAN). With heartfelt songs, free-spirited rhythms and an undeniable stage chemistry, their music floats you down desert highways and through coastal canyons. Living the life on international highways & backroads since they formed in 2022, the pair have won over the finest intimate listening rooms, official showcases, major festivals and supported Grammy Award winning songwriter Dan Navarro and the Teskey Brothers in the U.S. With their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Way to the Sun’ recorded in California by producer Dan Horne (Mapache, Cass McCombs), the album has been embraced by audiences on a global scale, landing major playlists and added to Double J, ABC Country, a sweet follow up to the debut release in 2023 which took home the 2024 ‘Folk Award’ in the Queensland Music Awards. Minor Gold are thrilled to be touring the album nationally back home in Australia.
FENN WILSON & THE WEATHER
Fenn Wilson and The Weather’s lyrics turn pain into poetry, laced with light; compassion and wisdom beyond their years imbue every line. Fenn is mesmerising on stage, either solo or surrounded by his skilled and sensitive sidemen, creating thunderstorm dynamics reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. Their songcraft is astounding; echoes of Nick Drake Mark Lanegan and Radio Head filter through their faultless guitar rhythms and cunning doubling of vocal melodies. Memorable hooks abound, without a trace of gimmick or cliché. And then there’s Fenn’s voice.
OPELOUSAS
A double female fronted electrical attack on your senses with the keys to a high performance short block percussive engine to drive their unique swamp-soaked psychedelic blues sound wherever the hell they feel like driving that thing…Opelousas have a unique and hauntingly hypnotic take on blues and rock that will leave you mesmerised. The rhythms of Opelousas seep right into your bloodstream and their powerful performances leave punters crying out for more.Inspired by the Louisiana spice capital of the same name, the Melbourne-based trio draws on the trio’s mutual love for the music of the deep south.Their second album Opelousafried, released in February 2024, was album of the week upon release on both RRR and PBS radio, and has been nominated for Music Victoria’s Best Blues Album of 2024. Their debut album Opelousified won the award in 2019. Their sound is a roux of Kerri Simpson’s dynamic vocals, electric guitar and baritone guitar, Alison Ferrier’s contagious guitar riffs, bucolic fiddle, and sultry vocal tones, seasoned with ARIA-award-winning Anthony “Shorty” Shortte’s expert swamp-soaked percussion.
RILEY CATHERALL
Riley Catherall is a Singer-Songwriter based in Melbourne whose patient lyricism has received critical acclaim since his emergence onto the scene about a decade ago. Fresh off the back of sell out shows across the UK and Scandinavia promoting his new record “The Light, The Beautiful Liar”, Riley has built a credible status as a one of Australia’s most promising songwriters through his poetic sincerity and alluring live shows.
SEX ON TOAST
Sex on Toast are an enigma. A 7 legged beast, a phenomenon, and an auditory and visual feast. Explorers of funk, soul, theatrical rock and beyond, with all manner of line ups, SOT are lifers, plain and simple. From the Quincy Jones and Miami Sound Machine inspired early 80’s bangers and deep talk-box laced slow jams of their 2014 debut to the bright, horn drenched live band yacht-funk sound of 2016’s to the new jack swing, quiet storm, Minneapolis funk and heavy metal of 2018’s. With each change in sound came a change in look and totally unique live show.
THE SMITH & WESTERN JURY
The Smith and Western Jury will make you feel like you’ve just been hit by a rolling freight train. An Alt-Country band from Naarm/Melbourne. Making their mark with a distinctive take on country music, their debut album ‘Hotel Texas’ released in June 2024, has gained attention from both country music fans and newcomers to the genre. Hotel Texas was named ‘Feature Album Of The Week’ by ABC Country in early July and has received strong support from programs like ‘Saturday Night Country’ with Beccy Cole, ‘Edge Of Country’, and Double J’s ‘Tower Of Song’ with Henry Wagons. Their videos for Button That Collar and Hotel Texas have also been featured on CMT Australia. With strong festival & show experience under their belt, including appearances at Out On The Weekend, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Meatstock and supporting Aussie rock royalty such as Ella Hooper & Henry Wagons, The Smith & Western Jury put on a live show not to be missed!
SQUID NEBULA
Fronted by the hypnotic soul vocals of Noongar musician Bumpy and backed by a band that includes members from Quality Used Cars, Bohjass and Jake Amy’s band, Squid Nebula have spent the better part of a decade lighting up dancefloors around Victoria, pairing cosmic groove with psychedelic disco. Along the way they’ve made their way from regular residencies for Cherry Bar’s Soul Night on AC/DC lane in 2015 to head-turning sets at some of the country’s finest stages.
SUNEDEN
Suneden have long been known for their trademark soul-funkboogies, and with their upcoming second album, the band is evolving in exciting new directions. Following the success of their acclaimed debut Smooth Groove, Suneden has captivated audiences across Australia’s vibrant music scene — from commanding stages at festivals to igniting dancefloors in packed venues. In 2025, the band stepped into the spotlight as finalists in the Bluesfest Busking Competition, where they took the stage at the iconic Byron Bay festival, bringing their unique sound and energy to one of Australia’s most iconic stages.Recent singles Fire and Mumma Told Me have made waves across the airwaves, building serious buzz ahead of the band’s second album. Suneden has solidified their reputation with their signature soul-funkboogies, delivering a visceral sound that leaves audiences wanting more. With their unmatched stage presence and ever-evolving sound, Suneden are setting the stage for a massive 2025.
TEENY TINY STEVIES
Beginning as a side hustle from their already established indie-folk band, The Little Stevies, in 2015, inspired by the need to teach Byll’s three-year-old about the challenges of toilet training, sisters Byll & Beth started playing around writing children’s songs. What began as a side-hobby became so fun and effective that before they knew it, their debut album ‘Useful Songs for Little People’ had become a word-of-mouth sensation around Australia.They’ve since released 4 albums through ABC Music, won an ARIA and two AIR Awards, appeared on Play School & Gardening Australia Junior, been commission to write for Sesame Street in the US & signed a book deal with Harper Collins.Their first book, Boss of Your Own Body, was nominated for the 2022 ABIA Best Children’s Book Award and has become a bestseller. They’ve also licensed countless music videos to ABC Kids TV, which are played on air regularly and racked up over 21 million streams on the ABC KIDS iView app.Their live shows are the ultimate live gig experience for young families. The old feel young, the young feel like grown ups and everyone just meets somewhere in the middle for a rocking good time.
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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