It is with great sadness and disappointment that we advise we have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the 2026 Birdsville Big Red Bash.
Following the unprecedented rainfall and flooding across the region earlier this month, we learned that the festival could not proceed at the Big Red site this year, since water levels at the festival site will not dry in time for the festival. Options for a relocation of the festival in the Birdsville area were carefully explored but were found to be infeasible.
Ticket holders will shortly receive an email from Oztix with instructions on how to select one of the following options for your 2026 Big Red Bash tickets:
To provide adequate time to decide, these options will remain available until 19 June 2026. If you are happy to receive tickets for the 2027 Big Red Bash, you do not need to take any action.
We're incredibly pleased to share that we've had commitments from the majority of the fantastic line-up of Australian artists originally scheduled for 2026 for the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash. We will provide any changes to our line-up in 2027 by the end of April.
As part of our considerations in coming to this decision, we surveyed our patrons and volunteers for feedback to fully understand their feelings about the possibility of a relocated festival and their attendance intentions. The survey achieved an incredible 95% response rate, providing comprehensive insight into our patrons' thoughts and opinions.
We were also deeply grateful for the overwhelming support shown by many of our ticket holders, with countless messages encouraging us to relocate and do whatever we could to make the event happen. The passion and loyalty of the Big Red Bash community was incredibly humbling. A huge thank you to everyone who completed the survey and shared their feedback.
Like all major decisions regarding the Big Red Bash, the decision to cancel this year's event, whilst incredibly difficult, takes into account our patrons' best interests. We fully understand and appreciate the planning, excitement and anticipation our adventurous patrons have when they buy tickets and lock in plans to head into the great Australian outback for the Bash. We also know our own team's excitement and passion for delivering the festival in this unique and amazing location. It is a very special and spiritual place.
We can't express our gratitude enough to everyone who put their faith in us and purchased tickets to this year's Bash, and we sincerely regret the disappointment this will cause for so many people. Prior to the rain event, tickets were 90% sold, and we were so looking forward to another fantastic year with a great line-up of Australian artists.
We would also like to acknowledge the incredible support shown by our volunteer community throughout this process. Many of our volunteers reached out offering their help and encouragement as we explored options for this year's event, and their commitment to the Big Red Bash means the world to us.
A huge thank you to all of the artists who have shown their support during this challenging time. Their commitment to returning to Big Red in 2027 means a great deal to us and to the future of the Bash.
We extend our sincere thanks to Diamantina Shire Council, local stakeholders and partners for their support, input and collaboration throughout this process. Their commitment to the event and the wider Birdsville and Outback region has been invaluable as we worked through the many considerations involved.
The Big Red Bash is only possible because of the incredible community around it — our patrons, volunteers, crew, artists, partners and the Birdsville community. Thank you for your understanding and support throughout this challenging time, it means so much to us.
For those who choose to transfer your tickets to the 2027 Big Red Bash, held 6–8 July, or ultimately purchase tickets at a later date, we look forward to finally gathering with you under the wide outback skies near the Big Red dune on the edge of the Simpson Desert to celebrate this truly unique Australian festival experience together.
The Big Red Bash Team
Following the announcement on 27th March that the 2026 Birdsville Big Red Bash was officially cancelled, ticket holders have three options:
* Option 3 is only available until Mundi Mundi Bash tickets sell out. Tickets are currently over 90% sold — if you plan to choose this option, we recommend confirming as soon as possible.
To allow adequate time to make a decision, ticket holders have until Friday 19 June 2026 to choose a refund or transfer their tickets to the 2026 Mundi Mundi Bash (if still available). Ticket holders who don't select a refund or a transfer to the Mundi Mundi Bash by Friday 19 June will automatically receive the equivalent tickets to the 2027 Big Red Bash.
Koolaz is currently updating their website to allow you to select your preferred option.
Broken Hill, New South Wales. 20–22 August 2026. Another incredible Australian music festival in a spectacular outback setting and tickets are going fast.
Learn More
In late February and early March, a major rain event caused widespread flooding across the Australian outback. The Big Red Bash festival site has been inundated, and based on current conditions and local advice, the site will not dry sufficiently by July to allow the event to be held safely in this location.
We are now actively working to assess options for relocating the festival to an alternative site within the Birdsville region.
Every July, Birdsville’s iconic Big Red Bash kicks off under the open skies of Australia’s Simpson Desert. Thousands of people from around the country – and the world – make the journey to experience the most remote music festival on the planet.
After taking a break in 2025, the Bash is back, and it’s shaping up to be unforgettable. The year away has only made the return even more special.
It all starts with the journey. Whether you’re hitting the road, flying in, or jumping aboard the Rock’n’Roll Charter Bus, you’re in for an epic outback adventure. Birdsville’s concert is definitely off the beaten track, but that’s exactly what makes it so unique.
However you get there, you’ll soak up three incredible nights under the stars – dancing, singing and celebrating to the soundtrack of Australia’s favourite artists as they rock the Simpson Desert.
There’s never been a better reason to round up your family and mates and head into the outback. Bring your camping gear, hook up the trailer or caravan, or hire a tent – the choice is yours. Just don’t miss your chance to kick up the red dust at Australia’s ultimate all-ages outback music festival. Everyone’s welcome – you can even bring your dog!
2026 LINEUP
FAQs
PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE
Join our mailing list to be kept up to date with important event announcements!
Supported by
