Event Update 2026
Cancellation of the 2026 Birdsville Big Red Bash
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 Holder Options
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.
Thank You to the Big Red Bash Community
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.
Looking Ahead to 2027
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
Big Red Bash Update – 20th March 2026
Following our recent updates regarding the Big Red site being unsuitable to safely hold Big Red Bash 2026, we wanted to provide a further update as promised.
Our team continues to work closely with council, key stakeholders and partners as we assess the available options for this year's event. These discussions involve a number of important operational, logistical and planning considerations, and are now progressing through the final stages. While we had hoped to provide a confirmed outcome at this point, we are not yet in a position to do so.
We'd like to sincerely thank the 95% of ticket holders and volunteers who responded to our recent survey. Your valued feedback is playing an important role in helping to inform our ongoing planning.
We appreciate that many patrons are seeking clarity, and we want to ensure that any final decision is made with the care and consideration it deserves.
We are working hard towards reaching a final decision and will provide a further update to all ticket holders by Friday 27th March.
We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and support while we work through the final stages of this process and wish to reaffirm that if the festival cannot proceed, ticket holders will receive a refund in accordance with the ticket terms and conditions.
The Big Red Bash Team
Big Red Bash Update – 13th March 2026
Following our update earlier this week, our team has continued working closely with local authorities, council and key stakeholders as we assess the available options for this year's event.
As expected, there are a number of operational and logistical considerations involved, and we are carefully working through these as discussions continue.
As part of our planning process, ticket holders and volunteers have been sent a short survey via email to help us better understand their travel plans and assist with operational planning.
If you hold tickets for the 2026 Big Red Bash, or are volunteering, please check your inbox and take a minute to complete the survey.
We greatly appreciate the patience and support our patrons and volunteers have shown while this work is underway.
We expect to provide a further update following discussions scheduled early next week and will share more information with ticket holders by Friday 20th March.
The Big Red Bash Team
Big Red Bash Update – 9 March 2026
In late February and early March, a major rain event associated with a tropical low moving south caused widespread flooding across the Australian outback.
Birdsville recorded more than its annual average rainfall in just a few days. Stations north of Birdsville however have received up to four times their annual rainfall, and many locals have compared the scale of this event to the record floods of 1974. Whilst the Diamantina River is currently experiencing moderate to major flooding, this is anticipated to subside, restoring road access to Birdsville.
What wasn't anticipated was the extent of the inundation at the Big Red Bash festival site. 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.
As a result, we are now actively working through the operational and logistical requirements with key stakeholders and local authorities to assess options for relocating the festival to an alternative site within the Birdsville region.
This update ensures our patrons are aware of the situation as early as possible and as it unfolds.
Please be assured that if the festival cannot be relocated and cancellation is necessary, all ticket holders will receive a refund in accordance with our ticket terms and conditions.
We appreciate that many of you are already planning your journeys to Birdsville, and we will provide further updates as soon as possible when more information is available. Thank you for your understanding, support and patience.
The Big Red Bash Team