Sadly, an unwanted offshoot of the fuel crisis has been the forced cancellation of a number of Outback events that typically provide a huge economic boost to regional areas.
However, those that are going ahead are urging grey nomads and other travellers to get out there if they can, and even areas that have seen festivals axed are still hoping travellers will make the effort to visit.
The highest profile event to be cancelled in recent days has, of course, been the Birdsville Big Red Bash, which fell victim to a mixture of heavy rainfall in the area and the fuel crisis.
News.com.au reports that the 10,000 revellers and caravanners were projected to inject around $25 million into Outback Queensland and the surrounding regional communities this year – up 30% from 2024, when the event was last held.
Not this year! Scenes like this from the 2023 Big Red Bash will not be repeated in 2026. PIC: Matt Williams / Big Red Bash
TEQ CEO Craig Davidson said despite the postponement of the Big Red Bash, Outback Queensland was very much open for business.
“This season Outback Queensland will be alive with colour and vitality, and it’s a fantastic time to experience this breathtaking landscape and its unforgettable experiences,” Mr Davidson told news.com.au. “Visitors can gaze at the clearest night skies in the country and discover world class fossils along the Dinosaur Trail, along with iconic towns and pubs bursting with country hospitality.”
Organisers say that, after the recent rains, the greenery and wildflowers will be stunning, and they urged would-be attendees not to cancel any plans to visit Outback Queensland if they were still able to get out there.
Acrosin WA, the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation has made the difficult decision to cancel the Karijini Experience 2026 ‘as a result of the ongoing uncertainty and risk of insufficient fuel supply across regional Western Australia’.
“The increasing pressure on supply and transport networks has created significant logistical and operational risks for an event of this scale in a remote location,” it said in a statement. “We acknowledge this decision is disappointing and it was not made lightly.”
However, many events are still going ahead. The Outback Queensland town of Eromanga is welcoming visitors back this weekend for the much-loved Eromanga Campdraft, Rodeo & Junior Horse Gymkhana, an event that has been the lifeblood of this tight-knit community for 27 years.
Sarah Molineux, Secretary of the Eromanga Campdraft, Rodeo & Junior Horse Gymkhana, said organisers were hoping for a much-needed tourism boost from the popular event.
“It’s a chance to showcase the beauty of our red earth landscape, support local businesses, and remind people just how special this part of Queensland really is,” she said. “We have a strong fuel supply, and the countryside has never looked better, and we have strong entries – and they’re remaining strong … overseas travel is off the cards for many at the moment but we’re accessible by bitumen road all the way from Brisbane.”
WIN A COBB GRILL GAS+
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win a Cobb Grill Gas+, the ultimate portable barbecue option for those who live life on the road.
The just-released grill connects directly to LPG, adding extra versatility to the existing Cobb range which already includes charcoal and Butane gas options.
The Cobb Grill Gas+ also has built-in Flame Failure Device (FFD), a wind-resistant burner design, a cool-to-touch outer base, and is easy to clean.
Retailing for $479, the Cobb Grill Gas+ comes with a cooking plate, 1.5-metre hose & regulator, lifting fork, and a carry bag.
Hi just where is Eromanga Qld & WHY is it that this is the only time that I have never heard of this Town, and its Annual Camp Draft Rodeo EVENT until now .
Well known town in South West QLD, West of Charleville.