A first-timers guide to the Birdsville Big Red Bash

The Birdsville Big Red Bash might be the world’s most remote music festival, but don’t let the distance put you off.

It’s far from desolate, which may come as a surprise considering you’ll find it on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Since its inauguration, this family (and dog) friendly music festival has grown in size, drawing over 9000-people to this corner of Queensland.

If you’ve ever wanted to rock out in the desert, we have everything you need to know about this music festival with a difference.

How many people go?

For a town that normally has 100 people to its name, Birdsville … or the desert just behind Birdsville does a great job of swelling to accommodate the 9000-odd crowd who come each July.

When is it?

This three-day music festival, falls within the July school holiday period (7-9 July 2020) – when the days are cooler and families have enough time to make the journey out.

Where is it?

The festival takes place on Big Red, the 40m high dune (about the size of a 10 story building) and the first of over 1,000 dunes of the Simpson Desert.

Who should come?

The real question is who shouldn’t come. The Bash is perfect for families, couples, first time outback travellers, backpackers and grey nomads. It’s also pet-friendly, so no one needs to be left at home.

Who’s playing?

This year will see a stellar lineup with Australian music royalty Paul Kelly headlining the Big Red backdrop stage. He’ll be followed by a slate of other artists including Ian Miss, Kate Ceberano, and Thirsty Merc.

Where do I stay?

We hope you like camping, because The Bash is held on an organic cattle station, where camping comes complimentary with your ticket.

Camping in ‘Bashville’ might not have five stars in the traditional sense, but you’ll sleep under a million real ones.

No camping gear? No stress! There’s plenty of other options on offer including Rent-A-Tent to take the set up and set down out of your festival experience.

How to get there?

If you’re the kind of person who thinks the journey is all part of the adventure, you’re going to love the road trip to Birdsville.

There’s no shortage of must-sees along the way:

• From WA – be sure to stop off at Uluru
• From Hobart – pay a visit to Griffith for an impromptu wine tour
• From Brisbane – take in the view from Picnic Point Lookout
• From Darwin – wallow in the thermal hot springs at Douglas Hot Springs
• From Melbourne – stop off in Willandra National Park
• From Sydney – stay the night at Bourke to experience Poetry on a Plate

What else is there to do besides The Bash?

#OutbackQueensland photo by @mrcourtneyatkinson

For a small town on the edge of the desert, Birdsville is anything but boring.

A visit to Birdsville isn’t complete without wrapping your laughing gear around a coldie from The Birdsville Hotel, an institution who’ve been pouring beers since 1884.

Feeling hot? Cool down at some of Birdsville’s favourite watering holes including the Diamantina River and Birdsville Billabong, the perfect place for a spot of kayaking, fishing or bird watching.

It doesn’t stop there; here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Birdsville.

Post Sponsored by Birdsville Big Red Bash.

For more information, visit www.bigredbash.com.au

Have you been to the Big Red Bash? What did you think?