The spotlight is ready to shine on Australia’s next wave of live music stars, with entries now open for Passport to Airlie – a national talent search offering unsigned musicians the chance to make their mark at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music from November 6-8.
Designed to uncover and support emerging, original artists Australia-wide, Passport to Airlie provides a rare opportunity for any genre of bands, duos and solo performers to step onto a major festival stage in one of the country’s most iconic locations.
Held in the Whitsundays annually on the weekend after the Melbourne Cup, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music combines a multi-day, star-studded musical lineup with a vibrant coastal setting on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.
Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said having been a part of the program since its inception in 2013, the ‘Passport’ had since evolved into a movement in its own right, proving less of a competition than a launchpad for Australia’s next generation of live, original-music acts.
“Passport to Airlie is about fostering new talent, championing Australian music, and giving emerging artists a career-boosting, genuine pathway to a national stage, where they can reach new audiences, gain industry exposure, and perform alongside some of the country’s most respected musicians,” he said.
“From buskers to the most influential names in modern music, every headliner started somewhere, usually by hustling, grinding and proving that live, original music deserves a crowd.
“We’re here to accelerate that journey, giving bands and individual artists the chance to ignite their hometowns before battling it out right here at the festival for the ultimate win – their very own performance slot on next year’s lineup alongside some of Australia’s best-known acts.”
2023 winners, Avalanche, are a ‘case-in-point’, entering the ‘Passport’ experience as a four-piece hard rock band from Western Sydney, and emerging with a description by ‘Rolling Stone Australia’ as “one band you need to watch”.
Fast-forward to 2026 and Avalanche are now attracting attention on a global scale, receiving widespread media coverage and airplay on both mainstream and community radio charts.
Fresh from a supporting Airbourne on their European ‘Armed to the teeth’ tour, band member, Stephen Campbell, described Passport to Airlie as a catalyst, encouraging other aspiring musicians to give it a go.
“It’s a great way for bands to gain experience and truly see what it’s like to perform at the next level of the industry,” he said.
For 2025 winners, Melbourne pop-rock band, Monroe, similar results are hopefully ahead, with their larger-than-life performance at last year’s finals considered “unforgettable” by the panel of judges and earning them a paid slot on this year’s festival line-up alongside the likes of Xavier Rudd, Mental As Anything, The Whitlams and more.
Lead Guitarist, Rocco Lai, said he and his band mates were “super excited” by the prospect of bringing a full setlist to the main stage, and grateful for the increased exposure which had already begun as a direct result of having won.
“Opportunities like these are what’s keeping Australia’s local scene alive – it seriously means the world to us that Butto and the team take chances on emerging acts to showcase their talents,” he said.
Passport to Airlie applications are open to original acts nationwide, with the sole criteria that no cover songs or tributes are allowed.
The competition starts with regional heats, held from June to September in Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Bells Beach, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
The act who wins their regional heat must be available to travel to Airlie Beach from November 6-8, where they will receive four nights’ accommodation, VIP tickets to the Airlie Beach Festival of Music (valued at $1,150 each), and go head-to-head with the other regional winners for the chance to win the ultimate prize.
Judged by a panel of industry professionals (with previous judges including Superjesus frontwoman, Sarah McLeod, and Dave Gleeson from The Screaming Jets), the overall winner secures a professional photography package, a main stage performance slot in 2027, and tiered prize money based on act size, with $500 awarded to solo artists, $1,000 to duos, $1,500 to trios and $2,000 to full bands.
To enter, head to www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au and tab to the Passport to Airlie landing page.
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and was one of just four finalists in the 2026 Queensland Music Awards for the People’s Choice Award ‘Festival of the Year’.
FAST FACTS
What: Passport to Airlie national talent search
Who: Emerging and unsigned Australian artists
Regional Heats: Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts
Final Location: The Whitsundays, Queensland, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Entries: www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/passporttoairlie