Queensland's outback braces for tough tourism season after Big Red Bash cancelled for 2025

Queensland’s outback towns are bracing for a sluggish tourism season next year as the cost of living crisis puts a damper on iconic events.

From races and rodeos to festivals and fairs, event tourism is the lifeblood of many businesses.

But a growing number of cancellations is leaving communities vulnerable.

Last week, organisers of Australia’s most remote music festival, the Birdsville Big Red Bash, announced they would be taking a break in 2025, with plans to return in 2026.

crowd watching the scene — Big Red Bash won’t be happening next year, but organizers say the festival will return in 2026. (Provided by Matt Williams )

The move follows news of uncertainty over next year’s Mount Isa rodeo after the state government rejected requests for a $500,000 bailout. A decision on the rodeo is expected this week.

Both events attract thousands of travellers and are important economic drivers for the Queensland hinterland.

Local councils and tourism groups will hold urgent talks today to help secure the 2025 tourism season.

Costs are rising, numbers are falling

Drone shot of a vehicle driving on an outback road — Outback tourism stakeholders meet to discuss ways to attract visitors. (ABC Western Queensland: Hannah Walsh)

Outback Queensland Tourism Association chief executive Denise Brown said they were already working on ways to reframe events in 2025 to continue to drive business in the regions.

“We are doing everything we can to try to breathe new life into these events,” she said.

“The cost of living crisis and changes in consumer spending have led to a significant decline in the number of events across the country.

“The costs of insurance, construction of stages and VIP marquees also continue to rise.”

Horses burst out of the starting gates onto a dirt track, dust flying behind them. — The Birdsville Races are held every year. (Provided by Matt Williams)

She said the outback also competed with the lure of cheaper overseas destinations like Bali.

No party, no crowd

In recent years, the Big Red Bash has drawn crowds of 8,000 to 12,000 people to Birdsville, more than 1,500 kilometres west of Brisbane.

Birdsville Town Sign — Birdsville has a population of around 100 people, but this swells to as many as 10,000 when the Big Red Bash takes place. (ABC Western Queensland: Hannah Walsh)

Travellers then often visit other events and towns during their stay, injecting millions of dollars into the Western Queensland economy.

Outback event organizers fear that without the Bash to draw large crowds, tourists would not make the trip.

The Bedourie Camel Races take place the weekend after the Bash, with 90% of the participants coming directly from Birdsville.

Camel racing — Bedourie camel race organisers say 80% of the participants come from the Big Red Bash. (Provided)

“It’s going to cost us dearly because it’s going to take 60 or 70 per cent, maybe more, of our income for those few weeks,” said Robbie Dare, chairman of the Bedourie Amateur Race Club.

“All these small towns are powered by the income from fuel and food sales to and from Birdsville.”

Mr Dare is determined that the Bedourie camel races will go ahead next year but said it would be difficult.

Much more than major events

family sitting outside a cafe — The Rowlands family opened a cafe in Birdsville three years ago. (ABC Western Queensland: Hannah Walsh)

For Wangkangurru Yarluyandi woman Thiwi Rowlands, this will be the first year her family cafe will operate without events like the Bash and the Simpson Desert Ultra marathon, which has also been cancelled in 2025.

She said while it would be a huge success, they were banking on Birdsville itself being a must-see destination.

“We are much more than big events, so I hope that this way we will not be so exhausted and we can share our country with everyone, because that is what we want to do,” she said.

A woman operating a cash register in a store. — Thiwi Rowlands grew up in Birdsville. (ABC Western Queensland: Hannah Walsh)

“I have always believed that the community, together with council, should work together to develop a strategic plan for how we can encourage more visitors to visit outback Queensland.”