BIG RED BASH BIRDSVILLE -
Getting there was part of the excitement. The roads to Birdsville were tough going, but we made it relatively unscathed. However, quite a few vans came in with damaged plumbing and electrics underneath. Thanks to the advice from Jurgens on shielding we were OK.
We stayed at the Birdsville Caravan Park for 3 nights prior to the event. Many caravanners also stayed in the Birdsville Common which allows free camping.
We headed out early on the Monday morning to “Big Red” with our van in tow as the queues at the Bash can be long. There was an air of excitement building as we waited in the lineup of caravans snaking through the dessert. Cheers broke out as we moved into the venue. We were directed into an area and told to set up wherever we like.
Everyone set up “higgledy piggledy”. We had joined up with another Jurgens caravanning couple, so we set up with our caravan main doors facing each other and the awnings almost touching. We set up camp and felt totally safe leaving everything outside. We went around and met the neighbors and everyone was in great spirits helping each other park into spots etc.
The Bash officially opened on the Tuesday. The Crack Up Sisters were a laugh and Missy Higgins was very good.
On Wednesday drag queens put on a hilarious “Drag Racing” event running from Big Red to the main area. After that we set up our chairs in anticipation of the concert starting for the day.
It was simply the best concert we have ever been to and we were reliving our youth. The performances were first class. Kate Ceberano and James Raine were amongst our favourites. There were some sound problems but it didn’t spoil things at all. Brian and I even went into the mosh pit which was an unforgettable experience.
Brian topped it off by climbing the Big Red dune and got a great view of back stage.
Thursday was the final day with Country and Western. Lee Kernaghan was the main attraction, but he wasn’t really our cup of tea.
There were big queues again leaving. It was slow enough that you could get out of the car and into the caravan to make lunch. But everyone was patient and still having fun.
In addition to the performances, the whole thing was a great experience. The food was very reasonably priced. Camaraderie was great with young and old. The volunteers had a great attitude.
We are so glad we did it. Our advice is to appreciate things don’t happen quickly in the outback particularly with big crowds and do it in a well-built caravan.
CHRISTINE AND BRIAN CHARLES – CARAVANNING OZ