ONE of the biggest events in the Outback, Birdsville’s annual Big Red Bash, has been cancelled for 2026.
In a kick in the guts for tourism in the South-West, the announcement was made this morning with the decision coming as no surprise to many observers after flooding in the Channel Country.
“It is with great sadness and disappointment that we advise we have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the 2026 Birdsville Big Red Bash,” organisers posted on the event’s official website.
“Following unprecedented rainfall and flooding across the region earlier this month, we learned that the festival could not proceed at the Big Red site this year, since water levels at the festival site will not dry in time for the festival. Options for a relocation of the festival in the Birdsville area were carefully explored but were found to be infeasible.”
Ticket holders are soon expected to receive an email from organisers in relation to their options.
“Like all major decisions regarding the Big Red Bash, the decision to cancel this year’s event, whilst incredibly difficult, takes into account our patrons’ best interests,” the website says.
“We fully understand and appreciate the planning, excitement and anticipation 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 is a very special and spiritual place.”
PHOTO: Birdsville’s famous Big Red Bash….now axed for 2026.
POSTED: Friday, March 27 2026
POSTED: Friday, March 27 2026