Unconformity 2025 Has Kicked Off in Queenstown

With just days until the opening, organisers have confirmed final details for the event, which promises over 60 place-responsive events and features 121 local, national and international artists. The program spans installations, performances, live music and conversations, all designed to connect deeply with the West Coast’s unique landscapes, heritage and community, with over 80% of events being free to ensure broad access. The Unconformity 2025 festival is set to take place from October 16–19.

Media release – Unconformity 2025, 8 October 2025

With just days to go, organisers of The Unconformity 2025 have confirmed final details for one of Lutruwita/Tasmania’s most distinctive festivals. From 16–19 October, Queenstown will host more than 60 place-responsive events featuring 121 local, national, and international artists. Spanning installations, performances, live music, and conversations, the program connects deeply with the region’s rugged landscapes, heritage and community.

With over 80% of events free and the No Barriers: Pay It Forward ticketing initiative, the festival offers broad access and participation.

Shane Pitt, West Coast Council Mayor, said, “Queenstown is ready to welcome visitors from across Lutruwita and beyond. Local businesses, artists, and the community have been preparing for weeks, and it’s exciting to see the town come alive. From Moonland’s quiet reflection to the roar of The Unconformity Cup, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to celebrating together and sharing the West Coast with festival-goers.”

Final Programming Announcements:

• Moonland – the festival’s hub for talks, readings, workshops, and reflection — is headlined by keynotes from creative director, leader and thinker working at the intersection of experimental art, climate and systems change Erica McCalman and Palawa elder, writer, and activist Uncle Jimmy Everett – puralia meenamatta. Together, they lead a program offering profound and varied perspectives on the future, identity, and the West Coast. By day, Moonland also provides a calm retreat and reading room – a space to pause and reflect amidst the festival’s energy.

• The Unconformity Cup – The festival’s grand finale on Sunday 19 October sees the return of the biennial all-gender AFL match on Queenstown’s infamous gravel oval. This year’s clash features a special half-time show and lively commentary from broadcaster Peter Gee and Ange Burton, with audiences further afield also able to tune in to a livestream of the game online via the festival website.

• Grooved Erratic – The festival’s official late-night after-party takes over Queenstown’s Paragon Theatre on Friday and Saturday nights. Audiences can expect the unexpected, with a high-energy dancefloor, music, and surprise appearances from local and headline acts. Tickets are nearly sold out, so get in quickly to avoid disappointment.

“The Unconformity 2025 is set to run seamlessly across multiple sites in Queenstown. We encourage audiences to plan their days, check the festival website for road closures, and make the most of the walking-friendly layout of the town. With free buses from Burnie and Strahan, plus a wide range of ticketed and free events, there are plenty of ways for everyone to enjoy the festival safely and comfortably,” says Louisa Gordon, CEO of The Unconformity.

Transport Update
With accommodation in Queenstown largely booked out, organisers are running a free bus service from Burnie and Strahan, stopping at Tullah, Rosebery and Zeehan to ensure more locals and visitors can join the celebrations.

The Journey West
The drive to Queenstown is part of the festival experience. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and explore the region, making stops along the way to discover the West Coast’s natural and cultural highlights. Orr Street in Queenstown will have road closures in place to facilitate Crib Road events, so visitors and locals should check the festival website for details and plan ahead.

Festival Experience
The Unconformity invites audiences to immerse themselves in a dynamic, multi-sensory experience. Much of the festival action takes place within walking distance around the centre of Queenstown, encouraging exploration on foot. Visitors are reminded to be prepared for all weather: good footwear, layers, and a raincoat or umbrella are highly recommended — after all, there can’t be a rainforest without a little rain.

The Unconformity What’s On – Quick Guide
• Festival Dates – 16–19 October 2025
• Program Scale – 60 events, 18 world premieres, 121 artists from Australia and the Asia-Pacific
• Accessibility – Over 80% of the program free; No Barriers: Pay It Forward ticketing initiative
• Transport – Return buses from Burnie and Strahan, stopping at Tullah, Rosebery and Zeehan each day of the festival.

Full Program and Tickets: 2025

Image courtesy of The Unconformity. Constance.

Jane Howlett MHA, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, 16 October 2025

Festival opens door on the West Coast

Unique cultural experiences will be centre stage on the West Coast for this year’s Unconformity Festival.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said the festival has played a key role in the reinvention and revival of Tasmania’s West Coast.

“With the support of the Tasmanian Government, the Unconformity has evolved into a world-class event and helped build the region’s reputation for cultural and arts tourist experiences,” Howlett said.

“The place-based characteristics of the West Coast shape the experimental art, music and performances, with many of the experiences carved into the unique landscape.

“Events like these are an important driver of visitation to our State and have flow-on benefits to neighbouring towns and businesses during the surge in visitors.

“The Tasmanian Government is delivering for Tasmania as a major supporter of the Unconformity and we look forward to seeing Queenstown at full capacity during the festival.”

The Unconformity has been supported through the Tasmanian Festival and Event Support Fund to help expand festival content, production and marketing of the 2025 festival.

The funding will also enable the development of a new partnership with the West Coast Wilderness Railway in 2026.

The Unconformity runs from 16 -19 October.

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