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 6000-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 6000-odd crowd who come each July.
When is it?
This three-day music festival, falls within the July school holiday period (16-18 July 2019) – 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 Midnight Oil headlining the Big Red backdrop stage off the back of their European tour. They’ll be followed by a slate of other artists including The Living End and Casey Chambers.
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?
For a small town on the edge of the desert, Birdsville is anything but boring.
See what Outback Queensland cuisine is all about with a curried camel pie at The Birdsville Bakery or wrap 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.
Post Sponsored by Birdsville Big Red Bash.
For more information and to book your ticket, visit www.bigredbash.com.au
Have you been to the Big Red Bash? What did you think?
Am I able to buy 2 adult tickets to the big red bash? We are first timers and would dearly like to come.
Do you allow camp fires – and if so, do we have to bring our own wood.
Hi Pam,
You can buy tickets online here: http://www.bigredbash.com.au/bigredbash/index
Camp fires are permitted. Bring your own firewood supply as collection on the surrounding property is prohibited. A limited supply of firewood is sold on site.
Hi, we have tickets including our dog, however, we are not bringing the dog now. Will we still be in the tent area with the dogs?
G’day Pam,
Please get into contact with the Big Red Bash about your ticketing at http://www.bigredbash.com.au/bigredbash/contact-us and they will be able to assist you.
Hi,
I note you don’t have things to see from Adeliade ????
G’day Mate,
You can find more travel itineraries with the Bash here: http://www.bigredrun.com.au/bigredbash/adelaide-to-birdsville-travel-guide
Hi when will 2019 tickets be available?
Tickets will be on sale within the next month!
Hi Looking Forward to the 2019 bash tickets being available.
As I`ll be a first timer, just a query is there any water supply/purchase facilities on site? or do you have to bring everything in you need.
If so is there anywhere in Birdsville where water can be provided/purchased?
Hi Kirby,
Best to bring water supplies with you to the Big Red Bash. Water can be purchased in town in Birdsville and bottled water can be purchased from some food vendors at the event.
Hello ? really looking forward to our first red bash. Just a few questions. Can you bring your own portable shower on ur camp site. And what do u reccomend wearing like its July does it get cold in the desert
G’day Michelle,
Yes you can bring your own shower but please be mindful that Bashville is held on an organic cattle property and therefore you’re not permitted to dispose of any grey water on the ground. If you’re unable to store and remove all your grey water, you can make use of the grey water disposal tanks at each toilet block. If doing this, bring a 20L container to carry your grey water to the nearest disposal tank.
The days in July are lovely, but can get warm in the sun. Nights can drop below zero degrees, so we recommend rugging up with your best winter woolies and building a great camp fire.
We desperately would love to go but we are not sure if the trip would be too rugged for our brand new car and caravan. We are not worried about dirt but how rough a drive is it please coming from Sydney via QLD.
G’day Katrina,
The road from Windorah to Birdsville is about 100km of sealed followed by another 300km of unsealed roads. Majority of travellers to the event take caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers on this road. You can check with the Birdsville Information Centre for the latest road conditions on 07 4564 2000.
Hi, I assume there is no power for caravans on site. Are gen sets allowed for limited time periods. Yes we do have solar panels…
Cheers
Thomas
G’day,
Yes there is no power onsite. Generators are permitted.