The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, The Waifs, King Stingray, Little Birdy and Cosmic Psycho's join Queenscliff Music Festival 2025
The Queenscliff Music Festival headliners announced today will head up three unforgettable days of music, community and coastal charm as the event that attracts more than 10,000 music lovers of all ages returns to the Bellarine Peninsula this November.
Victoria’s favourite beach festival will showcase these local legends as well as some new discoveries, a splash of international talent; offering a stellar mix of rock, indie, folk, hip hop, blues, country and beyond.
Queenscliff Music Festival 2025
- When: November 28, 29 and 30
- Where: Princess Park, Queenscliff
- Tickets: Early bird tickets on sale now
Lineup
- The Cat Empire
- Thelma Plum
- Donavon Frankenreiter
- The Waifs
- King Stingray
- Cosmic Psychos
- Little Birdy
- Pierce Brothers
- Didirri and Rowena Wise
- Squid Nebula
- Minor Gold
- Sex on Toast
- Opelousas
- Fenn Wilson &The Weather
- The Smith & Western Jury
- Riley Catherall
- Suneden
- Teeny Tiny Stevies
- More to come!
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The Cat Empire
Back in 2023, Aussie icons The Cat Empire returned 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. With their unmistakable sound and boundary-pushing spirit, The Cat Empire continue to build a global legacy. Don’t miss your chance to experience The Cat Empire at their most electric with their latest album Bird in Paradise.
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 her latest album I’m Sorry, Now Say it Back is set to bring a dreamy setlist mixing emotional new tracks with beloved bangers, all delivered with that signature warmth and powerhouse voice we know and love.
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.
The Waifs
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. 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. 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 emerged from their hiatus with a fervour that belies the passage of time. As they prepared 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 continues their storied musical journey.
Didirri and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, gained attention from both country music fans and newcomers to the genre. With strong festival & show experience under their belt, 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. Suneden has solidified their reputation with their signature soul-funkboogies, delivering a visceral sound that leaves audiences wanting more.
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.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.
Queenscliff Music Festival
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.
Festival goers are treated to the best the Australian live music scene has to offer while sampling the delights of local 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.
For more information, head here.
