Outback Events for your 2022 Calendar
Australia’s Outback is packed with a lot more than red dirt. Crowds gather in our town squares, outback pubs and natural outdoor venues, from the dunes of Big Red to the ranges of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. There’s a whole lot of music, bush foods, local brews and friendly people. Yes, that’s right, we’re talking about Outback events and festivals!
Events and festivals the Outback way
The Outback might not be the world’s best-known events destination but we certainly put on a good bash. Whilst Covid-19 may have put a damper on our events calendar for a couple years, a number of them are back in full force from 2022 and ready to show you a good time. Attend the most remote festival in the world, or perhaps one dedicated to bush food. Events out here are quintessentially Outback and you’ve never experienced anything like them.
So plan your trip, book your tickets and make the amazing pilgrimage to an Outback festival. Here are five of our top picks.
Birdsville Big Red Bash
Big Red Bash is an excellent choice of festival for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere. In 2022, this Birdsville festival was as memorable as ever! Under the skies of Australia’s Simpson Desert - literally surrounded by nothing but wide open spaces - Big Red Bash will have you revelling in an Outback aura amongst thousands of people from around Australia and the world. Whether you fly in or make the drive out, your adventure is bound to be an epic one. Camp under the stars and dance in the desert by night, then enjoy activities all day with your friends or family. Will you be joining us?
Quandong Festival
Foodies, listen up! There’s a food festival in the Outback that’s calling your name. Celebrating bush foods, botanicals and sustainable living, the inaugural Quandong Festival in Quorn will be held on the 6th of August 2022. Quandong Festival brings together not only chefs and growers but academics, scientists and authors, all with an interest in bush foods and sustainability. Through educational workshops, culinary experiences and family activities, you’ll learn a little and enjoy a lot! So, if you’re craving some Kakadu plum, quandong or some finger lime, you know where to find it.
Rock the Ranges
Hosting rock music and bands from across the country, this outback event is held in the absolutely knockout outdoor venue of Pichi Richi Park in the Flinders Ranges. Find a friendly, energetic crowd, on-site camping, plenty of food trucks and a great lineup in October 2022. The merriment starts on Friday night and starts up again on Saturday - so stay for the whole weekend!
The Outback Car Trek
Car fans take note - it’s not only about music, food and drink at Outback events. Since 1990, the Outback Car Trek has been holding car treks and has raised $32,000,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service! The Trek is well known as the premier Charity Car Rally in rural Australia today. In 2022, the event will be held from the 4th - 11th June and everyone is welcome to enter! Rev your engines car fans, this is an event you have to attend at least once in your lifetime!
Mundi Mundi Bash
Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a new Outback bash in town! As Australia’s newest Outback music festival, Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash is brought to you by the same iconic producers of Birdsville Big Red Bash. Popping off in front of the beautiful Barrier Ranges, this new Outback event can be accessed only 35km outside of Broken Hill on sealed roads, making it super easy to access. Once you arrive, sit back and let the stellar lineup lead the way. Throughout the afternoon and evening, enjoy the sounds of Aussie music, before heading back to your tent or campervan under the star-studded Outback sky. This just might be an adventure of a lifetime, and if you attend this year, you could experience it before everyone else in Australia.
The Outback Loop
We know what you’re thinking; is there anything the Outback can’t do? Hosting a number of events throughout the year, our ancient land is a holiday destination for just about anyone! Family and friend groups will find tickets for anything they like and we’re pretty sure they’ll come running back in 2023.
After dropping into an Outback event this year, let The Outback Loop help you uncover Australia. We live and breathe all things Outback. Take a helping hand from us as we help you navigate our big red deserts and locate the best bits, remote towns and cultural spots. For more information, check out our map.