2026 Outback By The Sea Festival
The Carpentaria Shire Council is gearing up for the highly anticipated Outback By The Sea Festival scheduled to take place in Normanton and Karumba from September 26 to October 4, 2026.
Join the week-long festival celebrating the legendary barramundi, seafood, live music, Indigenous culture, film and arts and crafts. The festival kicks off with one of Australia's premier short film festivals and a range of workshops and activities for people of all ages and interests that bring participants closer to nature, food and adventure in this destination of contrasts. The closing evening concert at Karumba features a great lineup of well-known Australian artists.
Download the Festival Program below:
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
OUTBACK BY THE SEA FILM FESTIVAL

Come and join us to unveil the next batch of Australia’s best short film films.
Saturday 26th September 2026 from 6pm at the Karumba Recreation Club, with a licenced bar & food vendors.
Bring a picnic rug, bean bag or camping chair.
THIS IS A FREE EVENT
For more information please visit:
https://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au/Community/Events/2026-Outback-By-The-Sea-Film-Festival
https://www.outbackbytheseafilmfest.com.au/
ALBEM’S OUTBACK BY THE SEA FESTIVAL CONCERT
Featuring a great lineup of well-known Australian artists including Shane Howard, 19-Twenty & entertainment by The Crackup Sisters.
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Time: 7pm till late (Gates open at 6pm)
Location: Karumba Recreation Club
FREE ADMISSION
Concert Lineup
Shane Howard
We are glad to welcome back Shane Howard. he is a legendary figure in Australia music, best known as the frontman for the band Goanna. His powerful voice and commitment to social justice have made him a beloved artist for generations. Shane's Music, which often reflects people, continues to inspire and resonate. he remains a significant influence in the music industry with his iconic songs standing the test of time.
19-Twenty
19-Twenty are three best mates Kane, John and Jeremy raised in the pub scene in Oz, cutting their teeth in sticky-carpet bars and late-night jam sessions. What looks accidental from the outside is anything but — it’s the result of years of touring, slugging it out on the road, and a relentless hustle that’s forged them into one of Australia’s most dangerous live acts. A decade in, they’re still pushing just as hard — and people can’t stop coming back for more.
The Crackup Sisters
The Crackup Sisters are Australia's only female comedy rodeo clowns. Characters S.T. Ruth (Struthie) and Rowdy Rose Ruth have been touring rural and remote Australia since 2009, covering around 60,000km a year to entertain audiences of all ages at showgrounds, rodeos, festivals and outback events.
Beloved by kids and just as entertaining for adults, the Crackup Sisters know exactly how to work a crowd. Their shows combine comedy, acrobatics, Australian stock whip cracking and knockabout larrikin humour rooted deep in outback culture. You'll be bent over laughing before you know what hit you.
SPONSORS AND MAJOR MEDIA PARTNERS
2025 PHOTO GALLERY
Media Features
Carpentaria feature in Rex magazine 2024
Check out the coverage of the Gulf by Rex Airlines Magazine (Truly Aus), showcasing the beauty of our region!
This piece highlights the upcoming 'Outback by the Sea Festival' and the 'Ocean & Outback Film Festival' events that Carpentaria Shire Council, in collaboration with our affiliated partners, is actively supporting.
As we gear up for the new tourism season, the Carpentaria Shire Council is taking proactive steps to promote local businesses and ensure the community is well-prepared to welcome visitors.
Rex Airways Truly Aus Article
The North West Star's feature on Ocean & Outback Film Festival 2024
