A Must-Do for Experience-Hungry Travellers: Australian Festival of Chamber Music
As the travel landscape around the world shifts towards meaningful and immersive experiences, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) has emerged as a premier cultural destination that embodies the very essence of experience-led travel. Images here
A recent report by *McKinsey & Company highlights a profound shift in global travel behaviour, with modern travellers prioritising unique, authentic experiences over traditional sightseeing. This evolution aligns seamlessly with AFCM’s offering: an annual festival that transforms northern Queensland into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and exploration.
AFCM Artistic Director Jack Liebeck said the Festival is more than just a series of concerts—it’s an invitation to connect deeply with the region, its people and each other.
“Each year, we design programs that not only celebrate extraordinary music but also invite audiences to experience the landscape, cuisine, and hospitality that make northern Queensland so special,” Liebeck said. “We also curate thought-provoking events as part of the AFCM Illuminate series because we know our patrons want immersive, stimulating experiences; they want greater engagement and interaction as opposed to passive, albeit fabulous musical moments.”
An Experience for Every Traveller
According to McKinsey, travellers now segment their spending into categories that prioritise unique, authentic, and personalised experiences. AFCM’s diverse offerings cater to all five consumer segments identified in the report:
- Cultural Connoisseurs: AFCM creates world-class chamber music concerts featuring international artists.
- Curious Explorers: AFCM offers incredible music moments in a region famed for its natural beauty, coast and Wintersun, as well as events this year on magnificent Magnetic Island-Yunbenun and Orpheus-Goolboddi Island.
- Hands-On Learners: AFCM offers conversational and engaging experiences, masterclasses and workshops.
- Culinary Adventurers: AFCM collaborates with local restaurants and this year begins the Festival with a Long Table Lunch.
- Social Seekers: AFCM is famous for the opportunities it provides for music lovers to connect with artists, fellow travellers, and the local community.
Beyond the Music
Festival holiday packages make it easy for ticket holders to experience the region, while the music program extends well beyond theatres and music halls, to churches and even the region’s two most famous islands in Magnetic and Orpheus.
AFCM Executive Director, Ricardo Peach said AFCM was a standout example of how cultural events can drive tourism and economic growth while offering unforgettable experiences for travellers. “We’re proud to be part of this movement that values quality, authenticity, and genuine connection. AFCM is proof that festivals can be so much more than just events—they can be transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact.”
About AFCM
This year, from 25 July to 2 August, a total of 36 extraordinary musicians including 11 international artists, two making their Australian debut, 13 artists making their AFCM debuts and three ensembles, will travel to Townsville-Gurambilbarra for what has become one of the most famous chamber music events in the world.
Now in its 34th year, the AFCM features over 30 concerts, workshops, and special events, the festival attracts visitors from around the world for an unforgettable celebration of music and culture. It begins this year with the inaugural Long Table Lunch, before the Opening Night Concert. Concert Conversations returns, along with AFCM Illuminates, Sunset Series, the free Queens Gardens Concert, the Festival Garden program, the unique Orpheus-Goolboddi Island Concert, and the International Masterclasses Concert.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 August
Tickets on sale now
www.afcm.com.au | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | #afcm
AFCM principal partners include Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland, and Townsville City Council. AFCM is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.
Contact details:
Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]
