Patrons with a disability
We want everyone to enjoy their time at the Big Red Bash, and we’ll do our best to support your attendance. As an outdoor festival in a very remote outback location, a lot of the facilities and surfaces you may be used to in an urban setting aren’t available. Understanding the conditions will help you plan your visit.
Register now →What to expect at the Bash
The Big Red Bash takes place on a natural outback site, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, which is returned to its original state after each event, so permanent paths and hard surfaces are not installed.
The campsite, walkways and concert area have natural, unsealed surfaces that can vary considerably. Some areas are firm and compacted, while others are soft, sandy and dusty, which can make moving around difficult, particularly for people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
After rain, the ground becomes clay-like and soft and slippery in places. Clay can also build up on shoes, wheels and other parts of mobility aids as you move around, making walking difficult and using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or other mobility aid particularly challenging.
Please consider these conditions when planning your visit and choosing any mobility equipment.
If you hold a valid Companion Card, you’re eligible for a complimentary admission ticket for your companion to attend with you. Please purchase your own admission ticket first, along with any other paid tickets you require, then contact us to arrange the complimentary ticket for your companion. Your complimentary companion ticket will still be available even if the event sells out, provided you’ve secured your own admission ticket.
Register before you arrive
Please register before you arrive if you wish to camp in the disability camping area or use the Concert Area Disability Access Gate. Registration helps us plan the camping space and facilities required, and understand how we can best support your visit.
To register, you’ll need a current government-issued disability parking permit or a letter from your doctor briefly outlining the nature of your disability.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
Please purchase your festival tickets before registering. Disability registration does not replace your festival admission tickets or Vehicle Entry Pass.
Camping Options
Disability Camping Area
Our dedicated Disability Camping Area is approximately 100m from the plaza, and up to 300m from the Concert Area Disability Access Gate. Disability toilets are available in the Disability Camping Area. There are no showers anywhere at Bashville, including in the Disability Camping Area.
To camp here, you’ll need to register before you arrive. You’ll receive a disability vehicle sticker, which must be displayed on your vehicle.
You can also register one additional vehicle so friends or family can camp with you in this area. That vehicle must display its own disability vehicle sticker.
If you need to drive a passenger to the concert area Disability Drop-off Point, please indicate this when completing your registration. If you are the driver and have a disability parking permit for mobility reasons, you may use the nearby Disability Parking.
General camping area
You’re welcome to camp with friends or family in the general camping area, particularly if you’re travelling with a larger group. Campsites may be up to 700m from the plaza.
The regular no vehicle movement policy applies to patrons camping in this area. You will not be permitted to drive between your campsite and the Disability Drop-off Point or Disability Parking. If you need these facilities, please choose the Disability Camping Area.
A Camping from Saturday Vehicle Pass gives you the earliest entry to the campground and the best opportunity to camp closer to the concert area, although a nearby campsite cannot be guaranteed.
Getting to the concert area
Transit permits and drop-off
If you’re staying in the Disability Camping Area and need to drive a passenger to the concert area, you can indicate this when completing your disability registration, so we can issue you with a Transit Permit.
A Transit Permit allows you to drive between your campsite and the Disability Drop-off Area, approximately 25m from the Concert Area Disability Access Gate. After dropping off your passenger, you must return your vehicle to your campsite. Parking is not permitted in the Disability Drop-off Area.
Disability parking
If the person with a disability is the driver, the Disability Parking Area is approximately 50m from the Concert Area Disability Access Gate, allowing you to park nearby.
Transit permits, disability drop-off and disability parking are not available to patrons staying in the general camping area. If you need these facilities while camping on site, please register for the Disability Camping Area.
Concert access and seating
Early access and seating
The stage and big screens are visible throughout the concert area. Apart from the mobility seating area described below, there are no reserved seating sections for patrons with a disability.
The Concert Area Disability Access Gate opens up to one hour before general public concert area access, giving registered patrons with a disability the opportunity to enter early and choose their preferred seating location. Registered patrons with a disability can opt to have up to 4 friends enter with them via the Concert Area Disability Access Gate.
Mobility seating area
A dedicated seating area for patrons with mobility impairments is located just inside the concert area, near the Concert Area Disability Access Gate. Festival staff will discuss individual needs with registered patrons to determine whether this area is suitable for them.
Disability facilities and support
Disability toilets
Disability toilets are available in the Disability Camping Area, with additional disability toilets at the Concert Area Disability Access Gate.
Wheelchair charging
An electric wheelchair charging station is located near the Event Office.
Disability access for day visitors
If you’re staying in Birdsville, you can drive to the festival each day—a journey of approximately 38km.
Please complete your disability registration before you arrive to use the Concert Area Disability Access Gate.
Drop-off and parking
Passengers with a disability can be dropped off at the Disability Drop-off Area, approximately 25m from the Concert Area Disability Access Gate. Parking is not permitted in the drop-off area, and you will need to return to the Day Parking Area.
If the person with a disability is the driver, the Disability Parking Area is approximately 50m from the gate, allowing you to park nearby the Concert Area Disability Access Gate.