Earlier this month, The Music reported that the return of this year’s Birdsville Big Red Bash could be in doubt, as organisers were seeking a new venue for their July event. Now, it’s been confirmed that “relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026” and the event has been cancelled.
News of the potential site change for the July event was communicated to patrons on 9 March. Organisers explained that it was due to a “major rain event associated with a tropical low moving south [which] caused widespread flooding across the Australian outback” throughout late February and early March.
So, Birdsville, which is located on the edge of the Simpson Desert and borders Queensland and South Australia, received more than its annual average rainfall in a matter of days, while stations north of the town received up to four times its annual rainfall.
Some locals had “compared the scale of this event to the record floods of 1974.” Organisers added that road access to Birdsville was hindered due to flooding in the Diamantina River.
Today, it was announced that the festival – taking place from Tuesday, 7 July, to Thursday, 9 July – will not proceed this year. However, it’s been confirmed that it will return next year, with a majority of the line-up committed for 2027.
The Big Red Bash team had worked “tirelessly” to relocate this year’s festival since learning it couldn’t proceed at its usual Birdsville site.
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“After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026,” said Event Founder/Owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group, Greg Donovan. “We surveyed our patrons to fully understand their feelings about a relocated festival and their attendance intentions.
“The survey achieved an incredible 95% response rate, which provided comprehensive insight into their thoughts and opinions. The decision to cancel this year's event, whilst difficult, is based on what we believe is in the best interest of the event and patrons.”
Ticket holders can either request a refund, which will be processed immediately by Oztix, transfer their tickets to the 2027 event (no action required), or transfer them to this year’s Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, taking place in August. Punters will have until 19 July to make a decision on the matter.
Stuart Field, Oztix Co-Founder and Managing Director, noted that this year’s Big Red Bash was 90% sold out before organisers decided to cancel the event.
“This is an incredibly tough call for Greg Donovan and the Big Red Bash team, particularly with the event 90% sold out,” Field said.
“The way Greg and his team have engaged directly with patrons and made this decision in their best interest, is a testament to the integrity and reputation they’ve built over many years. He is one of the most trusted and respected promoters in the country, always doing the right thing by his Bash community.
“Having partnered with the Big Red Bash for more than 10 years, we’ve seen first-hand the significant economic impact the event delivers to communities across Outback Queensland, and our thoughts are with the local businesses, suppliers and communities who are also affected by the weather events.
“We’ll be doing our part to ensure customer refunds are processed efficiently and, importantly, supporting Greg and the team to bring the Bash back next year.
“Its significance on the Australian events calendar is unmatched - as one of the most unique and remote festivals in the world.”
The 2026 line-up was set to feature Australian music icons across all genres, including Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Howard, Jem Cassar-Daley, and more.
“A huge thank you to all of the artists who have shown their support during this challenging time,” Donovan said. “Their commitment to returning to Big Red on the edge of the Simpson Desert in 2027 means a great deal to us and to the future of the Bash.”
The three-day festival typically draws approximately 10,000 campers to Birdsville, who enjoy the music and cultural offerings. But the event is also home to numerous volunteers, who Donovan says will have “first option” for roles at the 2027 event.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Bash events and do a phenomenal job. We appreciate their support and continued commitment to our events,” Donovan said. “Many have worked alongside us for several years – some for the entirety of the event history. And some have become valued staff.
“We know there will be disappointment that the Big Red Bash isn’t going ahead, so we will ensure they have priority for the next event.”
The 2026 edition of the Big Red Bash was planned to be the first held by organisers since 2024, following a fallow year in 2025.
