‘Nutbush’ world record smashed at Queensland outback music festival

Big Red Bash 2022. Image credit: Matt Williams

In what might be the most quintessentially Queensland scene of 2022 – the world’s largest ‘Nutbush’ dance session took place at the annual Birdsville Big Red Bash yesterday.

4,084 keen revellers boot-scooted their away around the red dirt of the Birdsville music festival, setting a new world record for the largest Nutbush City Limits dance. The previous record – an impressive 2,878 – was set at the very same festival back in 2021.

They donned their boots and an array of costumes (think: tutus, dinosaurs, wigs and mullets in a kaleidoscope of colours) as they kicked up dust to Tina Turner’s 1973 soul classic.

The incredible spectacle took place on one of Mother Nature’s most impressive stages, Simpson Desert’s legendary 40-metre-high Big Red sand dune – the largest of its kind in the world.

The desert dance sesh wasn’t just about securing bragging rights, to participate in the party festivalgoers paid $15 which raised more than $60,000 for the festival’s charity partner, the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

To date, the unique festival – which saw performances from legendary crooners like Jimmy Barnes and Kasey Chambers – has raised more than $435,000 for RFDS since 2016.

Want to get amongst the red dirt and good vibes of Birdsville? The rural town is absolutely worth adding to your country Queensland itinerary. Be sure to sink a cold one at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, snack on the local delicacy – a curried camel pie - and spend the day soaking up the sunshine at the Birdsville Billabong where you can yarn with the locals. There’s only 150 in total, so you’re sure to get a warm g’day.