The 2026 Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival has wrapped after recording the biggest festival in its 13-year history, with record box office results, increased national media coverage and the highest attendance ever recorded at the Royal Open Air Theatre.
Across nine days, Winton welcomed visitors from around the country for Australian film screenings, world premieres, live music, filmmaker Q&As, industry events and student showcases, further cementing the town's reputation as the Hollywood of the Outback.
The festival recorded its strongest box office to date, including a new attendance record at the historic Royal Theatre. A crowd of 330 people attended the 40th anniversary screening of Crocodile Dundee, surpassing the theatre's previous attendance record of 317 set during the screening of Barbie in 2023.
Festival highlights included opening weekend celebrations featuring the original Crocodile Dundee truck and performances by The Number Four Band, world premieres including Girl In The Shadows, the Griffith Film School Academy showcase in the Short Film Competition, and the presentation of new stars on the Winton Walk of Fame to acclaimed director Kriv Stenders and Australian screen icon Paul Hogan.
The festival welcomed filmmakers and industry guests including Tony Rogers, Lucinda Reynolds, James Litchfield, Delvene Delaney, Victoria Dombrovski, Kriv Stenders, Geoff Morrell, David Field, Tim Oxley, Shade Hadie, Stephen Knight, animator Cameron Tyler, and representatives from the Mackay International Film Festival and Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival.
Mayor of Winton Shire, Cathy White, said Winton was extremely proud to host the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival and see it continue to grow from strength to strength.
"Vision Splendid continues to put Winton on the map as the Hollywood of the Outback, attracting visitors, filmmakers and showcasing the best of Australian cinema. The festival delivers significant benefits for our community and local businesses, while providing a unique platform for Australian storytelling. Congratulations to the Vision Splendid committee, volunteers, sponsors and supporters on a record-breaking festival."
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival President, Trevor Love, said the festival's continued growth was a credit to the community, volunteers and partners who support it each year.
"Every year we see more people making the journey to Winton to experience Australian stories in a uniquely Australian setting. This festival belongs to our volunteers, our partners, our filmmakers and our community. Together we've built something that continues to grow each year."
Festival Marketing Manager, Shannon Stoter, said this year's atmosphere was unlike anything the team had experienced before.
"The energy around town was unlike anything we've seen before. So many visitors commented on the atmosphere and how welcoming Winton felt."
"People weren't just coming to watch films. They were chatting with filmmakers, meeting the Film School students, posing for photos, sharing recommendations and becoming part of the festival. That sense of connection is what made this year so memorable."
The festival also received its strongest media coverage to date, with features across ABC Western Queensland, Channel 7's Creek to Coast, and Channel 9's My Way, helping showcase both the festival and Winton to audiences across Australia.
Director Kriv Stenders, who attended the festival to present a retrospective of his work, said:
"It's been an absolute privilege to be part of Vision Splendid and to share my films with such warm and generous audiences. Receiving a star on the Winton Walk of Fame is an extraordinary honour, and one I'll forever treasure alongside the friendships and memories I’ve made in this remarkable community."
Vision Splendid extended its thanks to its visionary partners, Screen Queensland and Winton Shire Council, along with sponsors, supporters, volunteers, filmmakers, industry guests and everyone who travelled to Winton to be part of the festival.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, with organisers inviting new partners and sponsors to help support the festival's continued growth.
"We've demonstrated what's possible when a regional community backs arts, culture and tourism," Mr Love said.
"As Vision Splendid continues to grow, we're looking to partner with organisations that share our vision. Together we can continue bringing visitors to Outback Queensland, champion Australian storytelling and deliver lasting benefits for Winton and the wider region."
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival returns to Winton 25th June to 3 July 2027.