Queensland's iconic Big Red Bash music festival has been cancelled due to widespread outback flooding.
Organisers had been attempting to relocate the festival from its Birdsville location after intense rainfall flooded the region.
"After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026," event founder and managing director Greg Donovan said.
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"Mother Nature is the highest authority; this year she has spoken and we have heard the message."
He said patrons were surveyed before the decision was made to cancel.
The event was 90 per cent sold out.
The 2026 line-up included Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, among others.
Organisers say next year's event will go ahead with the majority of this year's line-up confirmed for 2027.
The three-day event has drawn thousands of campers to the edge of the Simpson Desert for more than 10 years.
"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," Donovan said.
"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."
Ticketholders can request a refund via Oztix, transfer their tickets to the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash or transfer to the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash from 20–22 August 2026.
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