In yet another blow for Australia’s music festival circuit, organisers of the Birdsville Big Red Bash have announced today that they have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the 2026 edition of the iconic Outback music festival. However, unlike some others, the organisers will not leave punters in the lurch
The experienced and dedicated festival team had been working tirelessly on relocation options since learning the festival could not proceed at the Big Red site this year due to rain and water that will not dry before July.
“After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026. 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,” said event founder/owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group Greg Donovan.
Ticket holders will be given three options for their tickets that will be available until June 19, 2026.
• Request a refund – that will be processed immediately by Oztix
• Transfer your tickets to the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash (6-8 July 2027) (no action required)
• Transfer your tickets to the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (20–22 August 2026)
Stuart Field, Oztix Co-Founder & Managing Director said, “This is an incredibly tough call for Greg Donovan and the Big Red Bash team, particularly with the event 90% sold out.
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.”
Event organisers have also promised current volunteers they will have first option on roles for next year’s Big Red Bash event. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Bash events and do a phenomenal job. We appreciate their support and continued commitment to our events. 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 will ensure they have priority for the next event,” said Greg Donovan.
For more than a decade, the foot of Big Red has served as the sprawling temporary township known as Bashville for the three-day desert concert – that typically draws just over 10,000 campers to the edge of the Simpson Desert.
“We fully understand and appreciate the planning, excitement and anticipation all our adventurous patrons have when they buy tickets and lock in plans to head into the great Australian outback for the Bash. We also know our own team’s excitement and passion for delivering the festival in this unique and amazing location. It’s a very special and spiritual place,” said Greg Donovan.
“Mother Nature is the highest authority; this year she has spoken and we have heard the message. We can’t express our gratitude enough to everyone who put their faith in us and purchased tickets to this year’s Bash, and we sincerely regret the disappointment the cancellation will cause for so many people. Prior to the rain event, tickets were over 90% sold and we were so much looking forward to a fantastic year with another great line-up of Australian artists.”
The 2026 line-up was set to showcase a sweeping cross-section of Australian music legends including Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Ross Wilson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Shane Howard, Wes Carr, Jem Cassar-Daley, Tom Busby and Gypsy Lee.
“A huge thank you to all of the artists who have shown their support during this challenging time. Their commitment to returning to Big Red on the edge of the Simpson desert n 2027 means a great deal to us and to the future of the Bash.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Diamantina Shire Council, local stakeholders, the community and partners for their support, input and collaboration throughout this process. Their commitment to the event and the wider Birdsville and Outback region has been invaluable as we worked through the many considerations involved,” added Greg Donovan.
Despite the cancellation, Donovan urged travellers not to abandon plans to visit Outback Queensland.
“Although attending the Big Red Bash sadly won’t be possible this year, the outback will be wide open and looking forward to welcoming travellers with true outback hospitality,” he said.
“After the recent rains, the greenery and wildflowers will be stunning. It will be a fantastic year to get out there, so we urge our patrons not to cancel travel plans and to head out to enjoy everything our beautiful outback offers. For those still planning to travel to the Outback your support of local businesses will hopefully offset some of the $20m spending boost the Big Red Bash normally delivers to Outback Queensland each year. And if they want a Bash experience, we’d love them to join us at the Mundi Mundi Bash in August,” added Donovan.