Australia’s most iconic desert music festivals are back and bigger than ever! After a well-earned breather, the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash are gearing up for unforgettable celebrations in 2026, with epic line-ups and those inimitable Outback vibes.
Between July 7–9, the Simpson Desert will once again come alive as the Birdsville Big Red Bash takes centre stage at the foot of the towering Big Red sand dune. Following in its tracks, the Mundi Mundi Bash will hit the vast plains outside Broken Hill from August 20–22. Both festivals promise magical moments with some of the biggest names in Australian music headlining stages like no other on Earth.
Star-Studded Line-Ups in the Red Dust
Music royalty will shine under the endless skies, with the 2026 line-ups bringing an unbeatable mix of homegrown talent.
Birdsville Big Red Bash Headliners
- Missy Higgins (exclusive to the Big Red Bash), bringing her soulful melodies to the desert.
- Hoodoo Gurus, back by popular demand after a legendary 2023 set.
- The Teskey Brothers, making their Bash debut with their signature bluesy sound.
- The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, and more.
- Family favourites like The Whitlams, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Kate Ceberano, who’ll perform alongside her daughter Gypsy Lee in a special mother-daughter moment.
Mundi Mundi Bash Highlights
- John Butler and Jon Stevens, lighting up the plains with powerhouse performances.
- Boy & Bear and The Teskey Brothers, bringing soulful tunes to the desert air.
- Classics like Leo Sayer, Wendy Matthews, and The Radiators.
- Returning legends like Jessica Mauboy, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Chocolate Starfish, adding to the magic.
For Greg Donovan, founder of the Outback Music Festival Group and mastermind behind the events, the return of the full Birdsville Big Red Bash after its 2025 hiatus is a celebration in itself. “Our team are recharged and ready to give festival-goers an unforgettable Outback adventure,” he said.
A Festival Beyond Music
The Bash festivals are about more than just incredible live music. They’re about creating true blue Aussie moments unmatched by anything else.
“Watching families dance in the shadow of the 40-metre-high Big Red sand dune as the sun sets, or seeing thousands on the Mundi Mundi Plains under that infinite sky with the Barrier Ranges behind them, is pure magic,” Donovan shares.
Festival-goers can expect not only three days of live tunes but also a range of one-of-a-kind Outback fun, including comedy shows, outdoor film nights, camel rides, and charity fun runs. While the famous Nutbush world-record dance-offs are hanging up their boots, organisers promise an exciting new activity to keep the communal spirit alive.
Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly, and BYO
Both festivals offer something special for everyone. Bring the whole family (kids under 18 enjoy discounted tickets) and even your four-legged friends – yes, the events are dog-friendly! Plus, with BYO options, attendees can roll into the desert feeling right at home.
Prefer to keep things simple? A diverse range of food vendors will be serving hot and cold dishes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Getting to the Bash
While the festivals are set in remote locations, they’re surprisingly accessible.
- Big Red Bash, Birdsville: Located just outside the small town of Birdsville, the festival site is reached via sealed roads, with a short stretch of graded gravel at the end.
- Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill: A sealed road leads directly to the event site, making it easy for all vehicles.
Whether you’re planning a self-drive, catching a bus tour, hopping on a flight, or arriving by train to Broken Hill, getting there is all part of the adventure!
Artist Excitement
Missy Higgins, set to headline the Big Red Bash, is already counting down the days. “Surrounded by giant sand dunes and people having travelled miles in their dusty caravans to get there… it’s so unique and so Australian,” she says. “There is an incredible line-up set for 2026, and we’re all thrilled to be invited back to play again.”
For The Teskey Brothers, 2026 marks their Bash debut. “We’ve heard a lot about these desert shows from our friends,” says Josh Teskey, “and we can’t wait to get out there in the red dust and see what it’s all about.”
Meanwhile, Hoodoo Gurus frontman Dave Faulkner can’t wait to return to Birdsville after their unforgettable 2023 set. “Gathering in the back-of-beyond to enjoy music, mirth, and merriment? It’s amazing, and I can’t wait to experience it again!”
Tickets and Volunteer Opportunities
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action in 2026.
- Birdsville Big Red Bash tickets go on sale from 10AM AEDT on 23 October 2025.
- Mundi Mundi Bash tickets will be available from 10AM AEDT on 24 October 2025.
Interested in volunteering? Applications open from 18–22 October for past volunteers and from 22 October for new recruits.
Make 2026 Your Year of Outback Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned Bash-goer or a first-timer eager to experience desert magic, the Birdsville Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash promise unforgettable adventures under Australia’s vast and breathtaking skies. Dust off your boots, pack your camping gear, and get ready for the ultimate Outback escape.
For tickets and more information, visit bigredbash.com.au and mundimundibash.com.au. See you under the stars!
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