Is there such a thing as a Christmas miracle? You better believe it!
We’re going back to where it all began with an intimate, one night only concert featuring the legendary John Williamson atop the iconic Big Red, like we did back in 2013. Just 1,000 tickets will be up for grabs for this never to be repeated event.
This is more than a concert – it’s a step back to the roots of the magic that is Big Red & the Aussie Outback. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history!
Take a moment to scroll through and check out all the info below – it’s packed with everything you need to know about the 2025 Big Red Sunset Concert. We can’t wait to share this experience with you all.
TICKETS
Ticket pricing and on sale date will be announced in 2025.
TICKET types & PRICES
CONCERT TICKETS
Your ticket includes entry to the John Williamson Big Red Sunset Concert 2025 (Tuesday 8th July) and the chance to camp overnight on exclusive private land in the most remote concert location in the world.
A Vehicle Pass is required for each vehicle – see the details below.
Ticket pricing will be released in 2025 prior to tickets going on sale. Register your interest.
VEHICLE PASSES
CAMPING VEHICLE PASS
Every vehicle that’s camping on-site must purchase a Camping Vehicle Pass. This vehicle pass is purchased along with your concert tickets and should be affixed to the passenger-side windscreen. The Camping Vehicle Pass is required per vehicle (not per person) and covers entry for the vehicle, all occupants and anything the vehicle is towing.
Camping vehicle pricing will be released in 2025 prior to tickets going on sale.
DAY PARKING VEHICLE PASS
If you’re not camping on-site, please park your car in the Day Parking area and ensure you leave by 9 am on the day of the concert. When you collect your concert wristband at Ticket Collection, you’ll receive a free Day Parking Vehicle Pass. Just attach it to the passenger-side windscreen.
Day parking stickers are free and there is no need to pre-purchase online.
ROLL IN & ROLL OUT
ROLL IN
Roll in on Tuesday 8 July from 12pm-6pm.
ROLL OUT
Day Parking Vehicle Pass (no camping): Roll out by 9pm on Tuesday 8 July.
Camping Vehicle Pass: Roll out by 10am on Wednesday 9 July.
NO DRIVING AT THE BIG RED CAMP! Once you’ve rolled in, choose your camping spot, set up and remain in place until roll out time. If you’re not staying overnight, you must leave your vehicle in DAY PARKING and roll out by 9pm on the day of the concert.
Please be sure to follow these times for smooth entry and exit.
GENERAL CONCERT INFO
EVENT SUMMARY
After 12 incredible years of the Birdsville Big Red Bash, we’ve decided to have a breather in 2025. From John Williamson’s performance in 2013 on top of the Big Red Dune, the Birdsville Big Red Bash has grown to an award-winning three-day multi-artist festival featuring performers such as Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Missy Higgins, Icehouse, Kate Ceberano, Paul Kelly, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Kasey Chambers, and so many more!
But let’s be real – we’re not ones to sit still for long. So, we’re taking it back to where it all began: a small, intimate concert atop Big Red, starring the legendary John Williamson. This heartfelt event will revive the magic of the Outback – its silence, its vastness – paired with the unmistakable sound of an Australian icon in one of the most unique and breathtaking settings imaginable.
The Big Red Sunset Concert will be happening on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. Roll in starts at 12pm. You can choose to camp overnight or just stay for the show. Imagine camping under the stars and waking up to a desert sunrise – pure magic!
This super exclusive event has a capacity of just 1,000 people. This is a once in a lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.
Let’s go back to the beginning. We look forward to seeing you at Big Red!
LOCATION
The 2025 Big Red Sunset Concert will take place in the very spot where John Williamson performed in 2013, marking the beginning of an iconic tradition.
Back in 2013, John was invited to perform a low-key concert to celebrate the first night of the runners undertaking their 250km, six-day marathon. With little more than some pallets and carpet for a stage, a generator borrowed from the Birdsville Airport, and a couple of speakers set up on the top of the Big Red sand dune. Word quickly spread, and hundreds of people travelled from far and wide to witness John’s performance – sparking the idea for a remote music festival in the desert…The Birdsville Big Red Bash.
In 2025, we’re returning to basics, recreating the spirit of that first unique and unforgettable gig at Big Red.
(Please note that Big Red is a 40-metre-high sand dune. Its soft, sandy surface can be challenging to navigate, particularly for those with mobility issues. We kindly ask all attendees to keep this in mind when considering their experience. Mobility services will be available for those who require assistance. Please refer to the section “Camping with a Disability” for more details.)
TICKET COLLECTION
Please note tickets will go on sale in late Jan/early Feb.
After purchasing your 2025 Big Red Sunset Concert tickets, you will receive an e-ticket by email from Oztix. Please note that there will be no physical ticket mailed to you.
Before you make your way to Big Red, you will need to exchange your e-ticket for a vehicle pass and a wristband. Head to Birdsville TOWN, outside Birdsville Visitor Information Centre to complete this exchange.
Due to extremely limited internet connectivity in Birdsville, we recommend that you download or print your e-ticket before you arrive.
TICKETING HOURS & LOCATION
Monday 7 July to Tuesday 8 July – 10am to 4pm
Located in the ticketing tent outside the Birdsville Visitor Information Centre.
ROLL IN & ROLL OUT
ROLL IN
Roll in on Tuesday 8 July from 12pm-6pm.
ROLL OUT
Day Parking Vehicle Pass (no camping): Roll out by 9pm on Tuesday 8 July.
Camping Vehicle Pass: Roll out by 10am on Wednesday 9 July.
NO DRIVING AT THE BIG RED CAMP! Once you’ve rolled in, choose your camping spot, set up and remain in place until roll out time. If you’re not staying overnight, you must leave your vehicle in DAY PARKING and roll out by 9pm on the day of the concert.
Please be sure to follow these times for smooth entry and exit.
DAY PARKING
You don’t need to camp at Big Red to enjoy the Big Red Sunset Concert! You can stay in Birdsville and drive to and from Big Red on the day of the concert in your own vehicle.
All vehicles entering the site must have a Vehicle Pass. Day trippers will receive a Day Parking Vehicle Pass at the Ticket Collection Office in Birdsville – free of charge! Simply affix the sticker to your vehicle’s windscreen.
You can roll in from 12pm on Tuesday 8 July, and you must roll out by 9pm that night.
Please note: unless otherwise advertised, no transfer bus services will be running from Birdsville, so plan your transport accordingly.
CAMPING
CAMPING AT BIG RED
The 2025 Big Red Sunset Concert will take place on private property, the organic cattle station Adria Downs. Camping is not usually allowed, and we’re privileged to have the land-owner’s permission to host this intimate, never to be repeated Sunset Concert. This experience will be very intimate and you’ll be camping with very few mates under the vast outback sky. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.
The camping rules outlined on this page ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on site and also help us take care of this unique, organic property on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Each vehicle that’s camping overnight must hold a Vehicle Camping Pass, which allows you to roll out at any time between 7am and 10am on Wednesday, 9 July.
You’ll only be allowed to enter the campground during the permitted Roll in dates & times. (see above). The Big Red Road (between Birdsville and Big Red) will open at 11am on Tuesday 8 July. There’s no need to queue earlier. If you arrive at the gate on the wrong day or outside of the permitted time, you won’t be allowed in.
Before heading to Big Red, make sure you’ve picked up your wristbands and vehicle pass from Ticketing in Birdsville town.
While there will be defined access roadways, campsites will be unmarked. Take as much space as you need while being considerate of those around you.
You’ll be camping on the dry, level lake bed east of Big Red. The campground is suitable for most vehicles, including motorhomes & caravans. Caravans with some off-road capability are best suited. However, if you’ve made it to Birdsville, your vehicle will suitable in the campground.
Please remember there is a no vehicle movement policy in place and you can’t move your vehicle until roll-out time on the following day.
If you want to camp as a group with other vehicles, you must arrive at Big Red together in convoy to camp together, as it will be difficult to locate your fellow campers, and as they are not permitted to save camping spots, others will be camped around them.
We recommend meeting in Birdsville and driving in convoy to Big Red.
To prevent the risk of a fire spreading in the campsite, you must place all structures at least 2 metres from your neighbours’ structures.
The fire services recommend this simple safety checklist to assist you in having a safer trip.
Before you leave home:
- Install a smoke alarm close to the sleeping area in your caravan.
- Test your fire alarm before leaving on holiday,
- Consider having a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the exit as well.
- Before you leave home, ensure that you turn off any pilot lights in your caravan.
While travelling:
- Gas cylinders on caravans should be external and secure, with valves facing away from the van.
- Regularly check your gas pipes and connectors. Make sure they are in good working order, particularly after driving on country roads.
At Big Red:
- Make sure you know how to get help in the event of a fire, and be familiar with the emergency evacuation points marked on the Map.
- Keep heaters away from the internal fittings in caravans.
- Never leave cooking unattended and always secure any matches and lighters.
- Turn off any lanterns and extinguish campfires completely (with water, not sand) before going to bed.
Camping in a tent:
- Consider buying a flame retardant tent.
- Never cook or smoke in tents.
- Locate campfires at a safe distance from any tents.
- More information is available on the NSW Fire + Rescue website.
If you’d like to camp as a group with other vehicles, you’ll need to arrive at the Big Red Sunset Concert site together. Meet in Birdsville and drive in convoy to Big Red, you won’t be able to save a spot for a later arrival.
We welcome patrons with a disability or accessibility requirements and will support your attendance in any way we can. Please note, you will need to register online if you would like to camp in the disability camping area, and to access other disability services.
More details below.
The Big Red Sunset Concert is a dog-friendly event, and camping with dogs is permitted throughout the entire camping and concert area. For more information, please see the Dog Attendance Rules.
Everyone on site, including campers, must follow the Big Red Camp Rules. Make sure you’re familiar with these – some require planning before you leave home.
If you’re camping on-site the night of Tuesday 8 July, please make sure to vacate between 7 – 10 am on Wednesday 9 July.
WHAT TO BRING
Camping in the desert is an amazing experience, and we’re here to help make sure you’re self-sufficient, bush-ready and prepared for an incredible time.
We know that some of you haven’t camped at Big Red before – maybe it’s even your first time camping in the outback! It can be hard to know where to start when you’re packing for a trip like this, so we’ve put this page together as a jumping-off point.
Winter in the desert is usually beautiful. Warm and dry during the day and cold at night, but it can get windy and sometimes it does rain, so come prepared for all weather:
- Somewhere to sleep: Tent / swag / camper trailer / camper van / caravan
- Sleeping gear: Mattress, pillows, sleeping bags / linen
- Shelter from the sun: Awnings, tarps, umbrellas, pop-up gazebos etc.
- Wet weather: Extra tarps or awnings especially for swags and canvas tents
- Lighting: Torch & spare batteries, camp lanterns etc.
- Table & chairs
- Firewood (no firewood sold or collected at the event)
Camping tips
- Bring a solid shelter with a waterproof floor.
- Bring a tarp – great for shelter from sun, wind or rain, protecting your tent floor or just a little privacy!
- Put a closed-cell foam mat under your inflatable mat for extra warmth and to protect from prickles
- Bring strong pegs for the red dirt, and a set of sand pegs can also be handy if your campsite is a bit soft.
- Avoid mesh-only tents – the dust comes right in.
- Cooking gear – Stove and plenty of fuel/gas. Pans / Saucepans / Kettle
- Keep it cool: Fridge / esky with ice (no ice will be sold on site)
- Cleaning gear: Wash-up tub / Tea towel / Sponge / Dishwashing liquid
- Grey water capture container: 20L drum or storage on your vehicle
- Plate / Bowl / Mug / Cutlery
- Hand sanitiser
- Rubbish bags
No glass is allowed in the concert, public or camp areas. Glass is allowed in your camp kitchen only.
Please take all grey water & black water back home with you – do not tip on the ground.
There will be a small number of food trucks on site, but we recommend bringing some food with you as well. You can buy basic groceries in Birdsville. There is no drinking water available, so make sure you fill up in Birdsville before heading out to Big Red.
- Plenty of food and snacks
- Drinking water (recommended 3L of drinking water per person per day)
- Extra water for washing up
- Cans/casks of alcohol
Food tips
- Wraps keep better than bread
- Individually wrap fruit and vegetables in newspaper and store them in a cardboard box to keep them fresh
- For quick and easy camp meals, pre-cook and cryovac or vacuum-pack your meals – soups, stews, curries and pasta dishes work great!
- Protection from the elements
- Hat, sunglasses
- Head net/fly net
- Lightweight scarf or ‘buff’ to cover your face if it’s dusty.
- Rain jacket / umbrella / windproof & waterproof jacket
Daytime:
During the day, it’s generally warm and sunny, so bring lightweight clothing to protect from the sun:
- Long sleeved shirts
- Long pants
- Comfortable shoes/boots for walking on the dirt
Night time:
It can get very cold at night, so bring plenty of warm clothing:
- Long-sleeved thermals and a fleece
- Warm jackets and pants
- Beanie, scarf, gloves
You might want to think about adding these things to your regular toiletries:
- Toilet paper
- Moisturiser and lip balm (it is very dry in the desert!)
- Hand sanitiser
- Towel
- Wet wipes (dry shower!)
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Women’s sanitary items
REMEMBER: You must bring ALL medications (there is no pharmacy in Birdsville or on site)
- Firewood (no firewood sold or collected at the event)
- Picnic blanket or chair for concert area
- Cash (credit card services for merchandise and food vendors are limited at Big Red)
- Car charger/portable power bank to recharge phone etc.
- Games and boogie boards for dune surfing
CAMPING RULES
Licensed drones will be operating during the concert. No other aircraft or drones are allowed over the concert or surrounding property for safety reasons.
Alcohol is permitted in cans, casks or plastic bottles but NOT IN GLASS. Glass is prohibited in the campsite and Concert Area (top of Big Red), and must be kept within your campsite kitchen.
It’s a concert, not a booze up, so please drink responsibly! Anyone who is intoxicated and causing a nuisance will be removed from the venue.
Quiet time in the campground kicks in at 10pm. Please keep the noise down. Quiet campfire chat is fine, but turn off the music. Respect one another and enjoy the desert!
The Big Red Sunset Concert is held on an organic cattle property. You must take ALL your black water (including toilet cassettes and any poo/wee in buckets or containers) & greywater (eg. dish water) back to the dump points near Birdsville. There is no black water or greywater disposal anywhere at the Big Red Sunset Concert site.
Campfires are permitted. Bring your own firewood supply, as collection of firewood on the surrounding private property is prohibited. There will be no firewood for sale on site.
Fires must be kept to a reasonable size for safety purposes (i.e., no bonfires) and must be put out with water (not buried in the sand). Campfires are permitted directly on the ground or in a fire pit. Ash from campfires can be left on the ground when you depart, please ensure there is no rubbish left behind.
E-bikes and e-scooters are permitted at the Big Red Sunset Concert. An e-bike must have pedals – unregistered motorbikes, petrol scooters and quad bikes are prohibited.
We do not recommend using scooters or bikes at the Big Red Sunset Concert due to the soft sandy ground surface. If you have sand tyres these will work best.
A 10km/h speed limit is strictly enforced throughout the event site, and riders must use the dedicated bike parking area located at the base of Big Red. There’s no public facility to charge these e-devices on site, so you’ll need to use your own generator (permitted to run between 8am – 8pm).
Firearms are not permitted at the Big Red Sunset Concert.
To prevent the risk of a fire spreading, you must place all structures, generators and fires at least 2 metres apart from each other. Marshals will enforce this rule.
If you are camping as a group, you must leave space between your cooking areas and other structures, and you must place all structures at least 2 metres apart from each other.
Fireworks are prohibited at the Big Red Sunset Concert. They cause alarm and can send dogs bolting across the campground and into the desert. If you see someone setting up fireworks, please inform an event official or volunteer straight away. If anyone is found in possession of or setting off fireworks, they will be evicted from the event.
Generators are permitted at Big Red but can only run between the hours of 8am and 5pm. If you need to run medical equipment overnight, please ensure it runs off a battery that can be charged during the day.
The Big Red campground is a glass-free site. Absolutely no glass on the Big Red Sand Dune Concert Area, any other public areas or around the campsite. Glass is allowed inside your camp kitchen only.
We strongly recommend that you bring a head torch or similar to the concert so you can find your way back to camp. The path from the campground to the top of Big Red will have lighting, however the general campsite and Day Parking areas will not.
Vehicles in the campground must stay parked and stationary at all times until roll out begins at 7am Wednesday, 9 July.
Unauthorised sales of products or services in the Big Red Sunset Concert are prohibited. This includes sales of ice, firewood, alcohol, internet or Big Red Sunset Concert branded merchandise.
- Drones & UAV’s
- Kites
- Chainsaws/Power tools
- Weapons (including firearms and whips)
- Fireworks
- Unregistered vehicles
- Glass
- Metal cutlery (including cheese knives)
- Umbrellas
- Tables, sunshades, tents or anything that will obstruct views of the stage
- Aerosols
- Folding chairs taller than 110cm when seated
There will be bag checks as you enter the concert area, and prohibited items will be confiscated. Organisers will not take responsibility for confiscated items.
Bins are provided next to the food vendors for use by pedestrians. If you are camping on site, you must take all your campsite rubbish with you and dispose of it at the Birdsville tip, located on the road back to town, after the event.
Please ensure that you take all your rubbish with you. Prior crowds have been amazing and left their campsites perfectly clean!
Aluminium cans and PET plastic recycling bins will be available in the Plaza, Concert Area and campground toilet blocks. Please collect your cans and PET bottles, drop them in the separate recycling bins and help us run a sustainable event!
There are no showers at the Big Red campground.
Showers are available in Birdsville at the caravan park (park patrons only).
There is no smoking/vaping within 10m of the concert area and the food vendors. Please keep and dispose of your butts!
You will find our hygienic, odourless, composting toilets and hand sanitiser in the campground and at the base of Big Red. These will be serviced regularly.
Only poo, wee and toilet paper should go into the toilets: chemicals and inorganic matter muck up the composting process! Please follow the instructions on the signs and use the bins provided for female sanitary items.
Please use the provided hand sanitiser both before and after you use the toilet facilities.
Unregistered motorbikes, buggies or other vehicles are not to be used on the concert venue or surrounding property. The concert is on private land, and Queensland Police and security will be in attendance.
FACILITIES
You have to bring EVERYTHING with you to the Big Red campsite. With Birdsville over 35 kms away and the closest capital city over 1000 kms away, we’re limited in the facilities we can provide for campers. It’s all part of the experience at Australia’s most remote concert!
- Composting Toilets in the campground & at the base of Big Red
- Hand Sanitiser at all toilet blocks
- Bins for the concert area & food vendor area rubbish only
- Recycling bins for cans and PET Plastics
- Food waste composting
- Food vendors
- Lighting near the concert area and on the track leading up Big Red to the concert area
- Blackwater & greywater disposal – the nearest blackwater and greywater disposal is in Birdsville
- Campsite rubbish disposal – keep your rubbish during the event & dispose of it at Birdsville tip
- Water
- Lighting in campground & Day Parking – bring a torch
- Showers – nearest showers are in Birdsville
- Electricity
- Fuel – nearest fuel is in Birdsville
- ATMs – bring cash, there are limited credit card facilities at Big Red
- Alcohol – BYO is allowed
- Phone reception
- WiFi
- Ice & Firewood – BYO. No collection of firewood on site is allowed.
WITH A DISABILITY
We welcome patrons with disabilities or accessibility requirements and are committed to supporting your attendance in any way we can. However, please keep in mind that the concert is in a remote area, atop a 40-metre high sand dune. While we will do our best to accommodate everyone, some of the disability facilities and surfaces found in urban areas may not be available. Unfortunately, the soft sand surface is not suitable for wheelchairs, so please consider this when planning your visit. If you’re unsure about your personal circumstances, please contact us and we’ll do our best to assist.
We will provide a special shuttle bus service to and from the bottom to the top of Big Red and also back after the concert for patrons who need help. Additionally, a disability camping area will be available, complete with an accessible toilet and proximity to the shuttle bus stop. To use the disability camping area and the shuttle service, you must register in advance. Please review the information below before registering. All personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
- If you have a disability and wish to camp in the disability area and/or use the shuttle bus, you must register so we can plan accordingly for space, toilets, and your needs.
- Vehicles with a government-issued disability parking permit can register to camp in the disability camping area that is approximately 200m from the Shuttle Bus Stop.
- If you are registered to camp in the disability area, you’ll receive a Transit Permit. This permit allows you to drop off passengers at the shuttle bus stop and park your vehicle in the Disability Parking Area nearby.
- Please be advised that due to the soft sand surface, the concert area unfortunately is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- The ground surface in the camping area and pathways to the concert area are sandy and uneven. There are occasional depressions and cracks in the dried lake bed.
- Due to the remote nature of the site, we cannot provide the same surfaces or pathways as you might find in city areas or at previous Bashes.
- Hard flooring is provided from the shuttle bus pick up and drop-off zones (base and top of Big Red), but not within the concert area.
- A designated disability seating area will be located near the disability shuttle drop off point to minimise the distance needed to navigate the soft sad surface of the dune. Only patrons with a disability wristband can use this area, and up to four companions can join you. For larger groups, you may use the general seating area.
- The soft sandy ground prevents an accessible toilet being located in the concert area. However, an accessible toilet will be located at the base of the dune, and the shuttle bus will operate for the duration of the concert.
- Campers in the disability camping area are allowed one additional vehicle with friends or family (without a disability permit) to camp with them.
- People with a disability in larger groups are welcome to camp with their friends in the general camping area. However, it could be several hundred meters from the Shuttle Bus Stop. If someone with a disability chooses not to camp in the disability area, they will not be issued a TRANSIT PERMIT and WILL NOT BE PERMITTED to drive around the campground for any reason. Any disability permit holders with restricted mobility are encouraged to camp in the disability camping area.
You need to book your tickets before registering for disability camping. Your disability camping registration is not your ticket.
- If staying in Birdsville, patrons with a disability can drive from town to the concert (approx 35km), drop off passengers at the disability access gate and park in the Disability Parking Area. Note that parking is not permitted at the drop-off area.
- Patrons with a disability wanting to use the disability seating area need to register.
- Patrons with accessibility requirements who do not have a government-issued disability parking permit cannot camp in the disability camping area, will not receive a Transit Permit, and cannot use a vehicle to drop off passengers at the disability drop-off zone.
- We encourage patrons with accessibility needs to obtain a government-issued disability permit before arrival if possible.
If you have a disability or accessibility requirements that you believe do not fit these guidelines, please Contact Us, and we’ll try to help.
WITH A DOG
The 2025 Big Red Sunset Concert is dog-friendly! As it’s an intimate, small-scale event, dogs are welcome throughout the site. However, we ask that all attendees remain considerate of others. Please follow these important dog-related guidelines:
- Dogs are not permitted within 10 metres of the food vending areas.
- You will need to pick up your dog waste and dispose of it in the available bins provided specifically for this purpose. This is a crucial role for our landowner usage! No general camp waste is permitted in these bins.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times
- All dogs must wear a tag with the dog’s name. We also recommend that the tag includes your contact information (name, car make/model/colour/number plate, and phone number) to facilitate the return of any lost dogs.
- You are responsible for your dog and are personally liable for any property or personal damage caused by your dog.
- Excessively and constantly noisy dogs, or dogs causing any other nuisance and impacting on the enjoyment of any attendees will need to be removed from the event to ensure the enjoyment of fellow attendees.
- Barking dogs must be attended to without delay to minimise disruption to fellow attendees.
- It is recommended that your dog is up to date with all of its necessary vaccinations and microchipped. Event organisers are not responsible for checking the vaccination status of dogs in attendance. It is the responsibility of the owner to assess the risks involved in bringing their dog to the event.
Please be aware that no veterinary services will be available on site.
WEATHER
The average temperature ranges for Birdsville in July are from around 6-21 °C. The average rainfall for the month is 14mm (1 day per month).
Please remember… we’re camping in the desert! This means it can get very cold at night (dropping down to 0°C) and very warm during the days (up to 26°C).
So you need to be prepared for these 2 extremes if they happen. Bring warm gear (jacket, beanies and gloves) for night times and early mornings. Check out our Gear Guide above for the ultimate packing list.
EMERGENCY
How to get help if there’s an emergency:
There is no phone reception at Big Red, so if you need emergency assistance from Medical – Fire – Police – Security:
- Use CB CHANNEL 5 on your car or handheld CB radio
- Call ‘Event Control’ ANYTIME 24/7
- Follow instructions from Event Control.
- CB5 is for EMERGENCY USE ONLY. Please help us keep CB5 open by using another channel for day-to-day communication.
FAQS
GENERAL
The Big Red Sunset Concert is in the Aussie outback. See the Gear Guide for tips on what to bring (and what to leave at home).
Yes, the Big Red Sunset Concert is a family-friendly event. Each youth/child under 18 will need a ticket, prices to be announced.
Big Red is a 40-metre-high sand dune, and its soft, sandy surface can make climbing challenging. We kindly ask patrons to keep this in mind when planning and considering the gear that you will be bringing into the concert area. We recommend lightweight chairs and backpacks that are easy to carry.
Patrons with limited mobility should keep this in mind during their planning.
If you have a disability and would like to access our disability services, please ensure you register in advance.
The Big Red Sunset Concert is a dog-friendly event. If you are bringing your dog to the Big Red Sunset Concert, please make sure to review the Dog Attendance Rules.
Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise will be available for purchase at the Merchandise Tent during the Big Red Sunset Concert. Both EFTPOS and cash are accepted. Merchandise does sell quickly, so make sure you get in early to grab your souvenirs! Merchandise tent hours will be announced closer to the event date.
The weather is usually mild, with temperatures averaging between 6-21°C. Rainfall averages at 11mm per month. Temperatures can range from zero at night to 26°C during the day – so come prepared and see Weather for more details.
The show will go ahead unless weather conditions are deemed to be too dangerous. Make sure to check the forecast and bring the appropriate gear for wet, dry, cold and warm weather. See the Gear Guide for some handy packing tips from seasoned Bashers.
tickets
There are two ticket categories available:
- Adult (18+)
- Youth & Child (0-17 years)
There are also two types of Vehicle Passes available:
- Camping Vehicle Pass
- Day Parking Vehicle Pass
If you’re camping on-site, you must purchase a Vehicle Camping Pass. This pass covers entry for your vehicle, all occupants, and anything your vehicle is towing.
For vehicles that are not camping on-site, you’ll receive a Day Parking Vehicle Pass (free) at Ticket Collection.
For more details about tickets and Vehicle Passes, please see the Ticket Info & Pricing section.
Pricing will be released in 2025 prior to tickets going on sale. Register your interest.
Yes, all vehicles entering Big Red require a Vehicle Pass.
- If you’re camping on-site, you’ll need to purchase a Camping Vehicle Pass.
- If you’re not camping on site, you’ll receive a free Day Parking Vehicle Pass when you collect your concert wristbands at Ticket Collection. Simply attach it to the passenger-side windscreen—no need to pre-purchase online.
Vehicle Passes are issued per vehicle (not per person) and cover entry for the vehicle, its occupants (who must also have a concert ticket), and any towed items.
EVERY vehicle camping at the Big Red Sunset Concert site requires a Camping Vehicle Pass, prices to be announced in 2025. This vehicle pass is purchased along with your concert tickets and should be affixed to the passenger-side windscreen. The Camping Vehicle Pass is required per vehicle (not per person) and covers entry for the vehicle, all occupants, and anything the vehicle is towing.
Camping Vehicle Passes allow you to camp the night of the 8th of July on site. This is an exclusive and unique experience as you’ll only be camping with a very limited number of campers. Please note you’ll have to roll out on Wednesday 9th July from 7am-10am.
You can buy a Camping Vehicle Pass from Oztix, either when buying your general admission ticket or at any time after buying your concert ticket, provided they haven’t sold out.
Passouts are not available for vehicles camping on-site. If your car is parked in the Day Parking Area, you can leave after the concert ends. Your wristband will grant you entry and exit to the Big Red Sunset Concert site. Re-entry is not permitted once you’ve left.
Please note, there are strict restrictions on vehicle movement within the campground. Your car must remain stationary at your campsite for the duration of the event, until it’s time to roll out. Passouts are not permitted for vehicles.
No, groups can book tickets in a single order or several orders – this has no bearing on whether or not you will be camped together or seated in the concert area.
Campsites are allocated to every vehicle displaying a Camping Vehicle Pass when they arrive, so if you want to camp with a group, you must arrive in convoy to be camped together, there is no saving spots for later arrivals.
You must exchange your e-ticket for vehicle passes and wristbands in BIRDSVILLE TOWN before you head to Big Red.
TICKETING HOURS & LOCATION
Monday 7 July to Tuesday 8 July – 10am to 4pm
Located in the ticketing tent outside the Birdsville Visitor Information Centre.
Yes, anyone can exchange a valid e-ticket for a wristband meaning a single person can pick up wristbands for a group without you being present. Every person must be wearing their wristband when they arrive at the concert site, so it’s important to plan to receive the wristband ahead of rolling in.
E-tickets can only be scanned once in exchange for a wristband, and wristbands are not replaceable if lost or stolen, so only pass your e-ticket onto a person you know and trust.
No. We will be issuing heavy duty wristbands that will last for the duration of the event. We are unable to reissue or replace wristbands so please treat it like cash.
No. Concert tickets are not refundable.
As per terms and conditions, tickets may not be resold, unless at the point of sell out via an official Oztix resale facility.
Oztix is the only authorised ticket seller, tickets purchased from any other source are not guaranteed to be genuine tickets. We recommend avoiding purchasing tickets privately, and purchase only through Oztix or our authorised ticket reseller.
Relocated
Due to the possibility of adverse weather conditions affecting the access and safety of the proposed event venue, The Big Red Sunset Concert reserves the right to change the venue location to alternative sites within the Birdsville area at any time prior to or during the event.
Cancellation of Event
If the event is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, ticket holders will be refunded the amount of their tickets purchased via Oztix.
GETTING THERE
The Big Red Sunset Concert will be held atop Big Red, a sand dune standing at 40 metres in height and situated just 35 kilometres from Birdsville; the famous Big Red Sand Dune is the first of 1,140 parallel dunes in the Simpson Desert, the spectacular sunsets from the top of Big Red are an experience not to be missed.
Once you’re in Birdsville, head west on Adelaide street and continue for 35kms to reach Big Red. The road is sealed between Birdsville right up until the turn off to the concert.
Birdsville has a range of basic facilities including petrol, groceries, pub, bakery, post office, police, medical clinic and tourist information.
Yes, you can stay in Birdsville and commute to Big Red for the concert (35km away). When you collect your wristbands, you’ll receive a Day Parking Vehicle Pass, which grants access to the designated Day Parking area. Please note that all vehicles must have a Vehicle Pass to roll into Big Red.
No, there will be no transfer bus from Birdsville to Big Red at the Big Red Sunset Concert.
You can reach Birdsville and Big Red by 2WD. If you’d like to explore the desert or sightsee on the way, you’ll get further with a 4WD.
Our tyres policy is based on the advice of Adam Plate, the old owner of the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta who we met in the late 90s and early 2000s. Adam was a legend in outback SA driving and was a key figure in raising awareness of the advantages of lower pressures on rough roads.
In our event vehicles we drop all tyre pressures and since doing so have seen a noticeable decrease in tyre damage and cost. We adopt the same tyre pressure guidelines for all vehicles: 2WD, small AWD like Subarus, 4WDs whether lightly or heavily laden, our event trailers and heavy rigid trucks. For smaller vehicles on gravel roads we drop by about 20% below highway pressures and the larger vehicles like event trucks we drop to about 55% of highway pressures. We take about 15 vehicles out to the Bash each year and have very few damaged tyres since using these guidelines.
CAMPING
If you have a Camping Vehicle Pass, you’re welcome to camp on the night of Tuesday, 8th July.
Campsite roll out will be from 7am to 10am on Wednesday, 9th July.
Please note that campers are not permitted to stay for additional nights.
Individual campsites are not marked out, but there is plenty of room available. Please don’t take up more space for your camp than you need and pay attention to the fire separation guidelines.
If you want to camp with a group, you must arrive in convoy to be camped together, there is no saving spots for later arrivals. We recommend meeting in Birdsville and driving in convoy to Big Red.
No, for the safety and comfort of all campers, we have a no vehicle movement policy in place. Once you’re set up at camp, your vehicle must remain parked at your campsite.
The campsite has limited facilities due to the remote nature of the event.
Facilities that we do provide:
- Composting Toilets in the campground & at the base of Big Red
- Hand Sanitiser at all toilet blocks
- Bins for the concert area & food vendor area rubbish only
- Recycling bins for cans and PET Plastics
- Food vendors
- Lighting near the concert area
Facilities that we DON’T provide
- Blackwater & greywater disposal – the nearest blackwater and greywater disposal is in Birdsville
- Campsite rubbish disposal – keep your rubbish during the event & dispose of it at Birdsville tip
- Water
- Lighting in campground & Day Parking – bring a torch
- Showers – nearest showers are in Birdsville
- Electricity
- Fuel – nearest fuel is in Birdsville
- ATMs – bring cash, there are limited credit card facilities at Big Red
- Alcohol – BYO is allowed
- Phone reception
- WiFi
- Ice & Firewood – BYO. No collection of firewood on site is allowed.
Yes, dogs are allowed to camp anywhere. If you’re bringing your dog, please make sure to review our Dog Attendance guidelines.
Absolutely! Campfires are allowed. Please bring your own firewood, as there will be no firewood available for sale, and collecting firewood from the surrounding private property is prohibited.
For safety reasons, fires should be kept to a reasonable size (no bonfires), and must be fully extinguished with water (not buried in sand) before you go to sleep or leave. You can either light your fire directly on the ground or use a firepit.
No, all sites at the Big Red Sunset Concert are unpowered.
Generators are permitted at the Big Red Sunset Concert but can only run between the hours of 8am and 8pm. If you need to run medical equipment overnight, please ensure it runs off a battery that can be charged during the day.
Prohibited items:
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s)
- Kites
- Fireworks
- Chainsaws/Power tools
- Weapons (including firearms and whips)
- Unauthorised selling of goods and services
- Unregistered vehicles
- Glass – must stay in your camp kitchen (no glass in concert, public or camp areas).
- We also have rules on blackwater & toilet cassettes, greywater, rubbish, recycling and more.
CONCERT & ENTERTAINMENT
The Big Red Sunset Concert schedule will be announced closer to the event date.
No, there will be no activities.
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol & food in. Please drink responsibly, no BBQs, and eskys of a reasonable size only. Keep in mind that you will need to carry your belongings up the sandy Big Red dune, so only bring the necessities to the concert.
- Non-alcoholic drinks & water
- Cans/casks of alcohol – glass not permitted
- Snacks – food vendors open till late
- Esky – we recommend a small size or backpack style for ease of carrying up dune.
- Chair – no taller than 110cm when seated. Lightweight recommended to carry up dune.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Warm clothes and a blanket for night time
- Off-road trolley is not recommended as it will not be able to navigate the soft sand on the dune.
Prohibited items in the concert area:
- Glass
- Metal cutlery
- Umbrella
- Tables, sunshades, tents or anything that will obstruct views of the stage
- Aerosols
There will be bag checks as you enter the concert area and prohibited items will be confiscated.
No, there’s no smoking or vaping anywhere within the concert area. You must go outside and at least 10m from the boundary fence to smoke.
Yes, bins are provided in the concert area for rubbish, aluminium cans and PET plastic bottle recycling. These are only for use by pedestrians in the area – no campsite rubbish.
ACCESSIBILITY
We welcome patrons with disabilities or accessibility requirements and are committed to supporting your attendance in any way we can. However, please keep in mind that the concert is in a remote area, atop a 40-metre high sand dune. While we will do our best to accommodate everyone, some of the disability facilities and surfaces found in urban areas may not be available. Unfortunately, the soft sand surface is not suitable for wheelchairs, so please consider this when planning your visit. If you’re unsure about your personal circumstances, please contact us and we’ll do our best to assist.
Patrons who have a government issued disability parking permit may register to use our disability services. If you don’t have a government issued permit, we recommend that, if eligible, you apply for one before the event.
To register online, you’ll need to upload a government-issued mobility permit. If you don’t have one of these yet still require the facilities, please get in touch with us via the Contact Us Portal and we’ll see what we can do to help.
Yes, get in touch via the Contact Us Portal and we can organise a free companion card ticket for you.
FOOD, DRINKS & FACILITIES
There’ll be a small number of food vendors at the event selling hot & cold food as well as coffee and non-alcoholic beverages. Most campers bring some of their own food too.
Food vendors will operate from Tuesday 8th July to Wednesday 9th July.
No, it’s a BYO event, and no alcohol is for sale on-site. The Birdsville Pub is the closest place to buy takeaway alcohol, so call in on the way to Big Red.
No, please bring your own. Birdsville town has drinking water available from various locations.
Yes! Aluminium cans and PET plastic bottle recycling bins will be available in the Concert Area. Separate your cans and plastic bottles for recycling, and help us run a sustainable event!
EFTPOS facilities can be limited at Big Red, so we recommend that you bring plenty of cash as a backup.
Merchandise Stand will have EFTPOS available, along with a cash out facility.
Most food vendors will have EFTPOS.
Some food vendors may not have EFTPOS.
Yes, a small first aid facility will be available at the Sunset Concert. Services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Primary Health Centre in Birdsville, ensure that more serious medical issues can be handled. However, these services have limited capacity, so we recommend addressing any health concerns before you arrive.
No, you’ll need to bring all the medications that you’ll need for the duration of the event.
Lost property is located at the Event Tent at Big Red. After the event, any lost property that hasn’t been claimed will be handed to the Birdsville Police Station.
VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we’ll be offering a very limited number of volunteer positions for the Big Red Sunset Concert. Applications will open in January, and more details will be available soon.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds to ticket holders if they choose to sign on to volunteer.
Volunteers will receive a complimentary concert ticket, a vehicle pass to camp on-site, and an exclusive Big Red Sunset Concert T-shirt.
