Organisers of the Big Red Bash outback music festival in far western Queensland are assessing options to relocate this year’s festival due to flooding in the region.
In a statement, organisers said they had not anticipated the extent of water inundation at the event site — the Big Red sand dune near Birdsville.
“Based on current conditions and local advice, the site will not dry sufficiently by July to enable the event to be held safely in this location,” the Big Red Bash statement said.
Big Red Bash is usually held at the Big Red sand dune, on the edge of the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert. (Supplied: Matt Williams)
Ticketholders were notified via email on Monday afternoon that organisers were searching for an alternative location nearby.
“As a result, we are now actively working through the operational and logistical requirements with key stakeholders and local authorities to assess options for relocating the festival to an alternative site within the Birdsville region.”
Big Red Bash stage in 2024. (Supplied: Matt Williams)
Rainfall drains through Lake Eyre basin
In February, a tropical low over central Australia impacted western Queensland and the Northern Territory, dumping annual levels of rain over Birdsville.
As resulting floodwater continues to make its way through western Queensland, Lake Eyre could fill for the first time in decades.
The Big Red sand dune’s neighbouring Lake Nappanerica usually lies barren but it has filled with water due to the rainfall.
Despite the rain’s potential impact on the Big Red Bash, Birdsville Hotel general manager Ben Fullager said the lake, now alive with birds and wildflowers, had introduced a different drawcard for tourists.
“We’re able to showcase it looking absolutely magnificent, something that only happens very rarely,” Mr Fullager said.
(Supplied: Lyn Rowlands)
Lake Nappanerica has burst into life after large amounts of rainfall in the region. (Supplied: Ben Fullagar)
“The last time we’ve seen this kind of water in that particular area around Big Red was back in 2010, in fact.”
He said he was optimistic about the Big Red Bash finding a new location and an enriched experience for festivalgoers.
“While people are here, they’ll be able to go out to Big Red and experience that unbelievable sunset with a huge lake and ecosystem that is now in place.”
Rainfall creates soggy festival grounds
It is not the first time the Big Red Bash has dealt with the aftermath of wet weather.
Unusual mid-winter rain caused muddy grounds at the 2023 and 2024 events.
The Big Red Bash site was muddy after unseasonal winter rain in 2023 and 2024. (ABC Western Queensland: Peter Quattrocelli)
Then in 2025, the event was scaled back with organisers deciding to take a break from the logistically-challenging event.
Instead, country musician John Williamson performed two concerts at Big Red.
Organisers said if they could not successfully relocate the 2026 event, customers would receive a full refund.
“We know many of you are already planning your journeys to Birdsville, and we will provide further updates as soon as possible when more information is confirmed,” the statement said.
The festival, founded in 2013, has helped raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and diabetes organisation Breakthrough T1D.