The Birdsville Big Red Bash is the most remote music festival in the world, located on the edge of the Simpson Desert against a backdrop of rolling red sand dunes. The festival takes place on Big Red, a 40m high dune, which is the first of over 1,000 dunes of the Simpson Desert.
Every July, thousands of people from around Australia, and the world, head into the desert for this unique event. The festival features a stellar line-up of iconic Australian musicians. Past artists have included the likes of Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Missy Higgins, The Living End, and the Hoodoo Gurus.
The festival is more than just music. You can dance your way into the record books, take a helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of the festival, try a camel ride, or even participate in the Outback Air Guitar Championship. It’s a family-friendly event, and you can even bring your dog!
The journey to the festival is an adventure in itself. Whether you set out on a road trip, hop on a plane, or jump on the Rock’n’Roll Charter Bus, you’re in for an epic outback adventure. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, the Birdsville Big Red Bash is a bucket list event you simply must tick off!
Please note that all information below is subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Big Red Bash Website – Big Red Bash Facebook
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Ticketing Information for 2024
Tickets for the Birdsville Big Red Bash can be purchased from their official website. Here’s a breakdown of the ticketing information, correct as of April 2024:
Festival Entry Ticket: This gives you entry to the 3 days and nights of music (Tue 2nd – Thur 4th), and on-site camping for up to 7 nights (Sat 29th June – Fri 5th July, 2024), depending on which Vehicle Entry Pass you purchase. The ticket prices include a booking fee and a 2.5% processing fee.
Vehicle Entry Pass: In addition to your festival entry ticket, a Vehicle Entry Pass is required for each vehicle entering the festival. The pass allows you to access either Bashville Campsite or Day Parking with no further tickets or passes required2. The pass needs to be purchased per vehicle (not per person) and covers entry for the vehicle, all occupants in your vehicle, and anything that your vehicle is towing.
Early Entry Vehicle Passes: These provide extra flexibility allowing you to enter the festival site from the date of your Early Entry Vehicle Pass. The prices vary depending on the entry date.
Pay Over Time Purchase Option: This option is available on ticket types priced over $100 each. This allows you to pay for these tickets over 5 instalments.
Please note that all ticket and pricing information is available on their official website2. Make sure to check their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Camping Information
Camping at the Birdsville Big Red Bash, also known as Bashville, is a unique experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Accommodation Options: In addition to camping at Bashville, there’s also the Birdsville Caravan Park (powered & unpowered camping sites) and a free camping area on the Common, south of town between the first cattle grid and the Diamantina river bridge (no facilities).
Camping at Bashville: The festival provides on-site camping for up to 7 nights. However, you need to bring everything with you to the Bashville campsite.
Facilities Provided: The festival provides composting toilets in the campground, plaza & concert area, hand sanitiser at all toilet blocks, bins for concert area rubbish only in plaza and concert area, recycling bins for aluminium cans in plaza, PET plastics, food waste composting, food vendors, lighting near the concert area, greywater disposal (e.g., dishwashing water, etc.), and paid WIFI will be available in the plaza. A limited supply of firewood and ice is sold.
Facilities Not Provided: The festival does not provide blackwater disposal (e.g., toilet cassettes), campsite rubbish disposal, water, lighting in campground & Day Parking, showers, electricity, fuel, ATMs, and phone reception2.
