What to Bring

What to Bring to the Big Red Bash

Camping on the red dirt is an unforgettable experience, and being well prepared will make it even better.

The Big Red Bash is held in a remote desert location, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient and ready for a few days of outback camping.

If this is your first time at the Bash – or your first time camping in the desert – this guide will help you pack with confidence.

Your Camp Setup

Winter in the desert is usually beautiful — warm and dry during the day, cold at night. It can be windy, and occasionally we experience rain, so it’s important to be prepared for a range of conditions.

Somewhere to Sleep

Tent / swag
Camper trailer
Camper van
Caravan

Sleeping Gear

Mattress
Pillows
Sleeping bags or linen
Extra blankets for cold nights

Shelter

Awnings
Tarps
Umbrellas
Pop-up gazebos

Wet Weather Protection

Extra tarps
Additional awning coverage (especially for swags and canvas tents)

Lighting

Torch or headlamp
Spare batteries
Camp lanterns

Camp Comfort

Table
Chairs

Camping Tips

Bring a solid shelter with a waterproof floor.
A tarp is incredibly useful — for shade, wind protection, rain cover or privacy.
Put a closed-cell foam mat under your inflatable mattress for warmth and protection from prickles.
Bring strong pegs for the desert. Sand pegs can also be useful if your site is soft.
Avoid mesh-only tents, dust can easily blow through.

Your Camp Kitchen

Cooking Equipment

Stove and plenty of fuel or gas
Pans / saucepans
Kettle

Keeping Food Cool

Fridge or esky
Ice (limited supply available for purchase at the Bash)

Cleaning & Waste

Wash-up tub
Tea towel
Sponge
Dishwashing liquid
Greywater capture container (20L drum or vehicle storage system)
Rubbish bags
Hand sanitiser

Eating Gear

Plate
Bowl
Mug
Cutlery

Please note:

No glass is allowed in the concert area, public areas or campground.
Glass is permitted in your camp kitchen only.
All greywater (including dishwater) must be taken to designated dump points — do not tip on the ground.

Eating & Drinking

You can purchase basic groceries in Birdsville, and there’s a range of food vendors at the Bash. However, we recommend bringing some food with you.

There is no drinking water available at Bashville, so please fill up in Birdsville before heading out to Big Red.

Bring:

Plenty of food and snacks
Drinking water (recommended 3 litres per person per day)
Extra water for washing up
Alcohol in cans or casks (no glass)

Food Tips

Wraps tend to keep better than bread.
Individually wrap fruit and vegetables in newspaper and store in a cardboard box to extend freshness.
Pre-cooked, vacuum-packed meals (soups, stews, curries, pasta dishes) are easy and convenient for camp cooking.

Clothing

Desert conditions can vary from warm days to very cold nights.

Protection from the Elements

Hat
Sunglasses
Head net / fly net
Lightweight scarf or buff (useful in dusty conditions)
Rain jacket or windproof waterproof jacket

DAYTIME

Days are generally warm and sunny.

Bring:

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
Long pants
Comfortable walking shoes or boots

NIGHT TIME

Evenings and early mornings can be very cold.

Bring:

Long-sleeved thermals
Fleece layers
Warm jackets and pants
Beanie, scarf and gloves

Toiletries

In addition to your usual items, consider bringing:

Toilet paper
Moisturiser and lip balm (the desert air is very dry)
Hand sanitiser
Towel
Wet wipes
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Women’s sanitary items

Important: You must bring all medications with you. There is no pharmacy in Birdsville or at the Bash.

Nice to Have

Firewood (pre-orders available; no collection allowed at the event)
Picnic blanket or low chair for the concert area
Cash (card facilities are limited)
Car charger or portable power bank
Games
Boogie boards for dune surfing
A fun outfit for the Bashville Drags race

Concert Gear Guide

Bring the right gear into the concert area by checking out the Concert Gear Guide video or table below.

Some Bashers bring a small wheeled trolley to carry their items to and from the concert area. These are permitted as long as they do not obstruct the view of other patrons.