John Williamson to Headline Big Red Sunset Concert in Birdsville

Australia’s iconic Outback is set to welcome a once-in-a-lifetime musical event with John Williamson headlining the Big Red Sunset Concert in Birdsville on 8 July 2025. This exclusive performance, staged atop the towering Big Red sand dune, promises to be a magical evening under the outback skies, celebrating the spirit of Australia and the 55-year career of one of the country’s most beloved artists.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event

The Big Red Sunset Concert is a special one-off event that will take place in 2025, as the Birdsville Big Red Bash takes a break for the year. It will mark 12 years since John Williamson’s unforgettable 2013 performance at the same location—a moment that helped to spark the creation of what is now one of Australia’s most popular and unique music festivals.

Williamson, known for his timeless hits like True Blue, Raining on the Rock, and Cootamundra Wattle, will take the stage once again at Big Red, the iconic 40-meter-high sand dune that has become synonymous with the Big Red Bash. For fans, this concert offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the roots of the festival, and to witness Williamson’s emotive storytelling in the heart of the Outback.

“It’s an honour for me to be chosen as the only artist to perform on the Big Red sand dune at Birdsville next July,” said Williamson. “I remember the first time I played there in 2013—it was a magical night, the sound is perfect on sand, and it feels like you’re truly surrounded by the spirit of the land. It’s the ideal setting for my Aussie songs, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my 55 years in the business.”

A Tribute to the Beginning

The Big Red Sunset Concert is a tribute to the humble beginnings of the Big Red Bash. Greg Donovan, the festival’s founder, recalls the first performance in 2013 after a charity run in Birdsville. Since then, the festival has grown into a major event, attracting music lovers and visitors from around the world. But in 2025, the focus will return to its roots with a smaller, more intimate gathering.

“The decision to take a breather for the Birdsville Big Red Bash in 2025 was tough, knowing how much it means to our loyal festival-goers and the Outback businesses that rely on the tourism it generates,” Donovan explained. “But we wanted to find a way to keep the spirit of the event alive and offer a unique experience that connects people with the history of the Big Red Bash. Having John Williamson return for a special sunset performance felt like the perfect way to do that.”

An Iconic Setting

The concert will take place at sunset, with the sweeping views of the Simpson Desert as a stunning backdrop. Known for its breathtaking, fiery sunsets, Birdsville’s Big Red sand dune will provide the perfect setting for an evening of Australian music. The performance promises to be a celebration of Australia’s culture, landscapes, and the connection to the land that has been central to Williamson’s career.

Williamson’s music, filled with themes of country, heritage, and identity, has resonated with Australians for decades. Performing on Big Red, where the Big Red Bash began, brings his music full circle, perfectly complementing the region’s natural beauty and history.

Supporting Outback Tourism

While the concert will be smaller in scale compared to the full Big Red Bash, it will still attract visitors from around the country and beyond, providing a much-needed boost to Outback Queensland’s tourism industry. The event is expected to bring tourism dollars to the region, supporting local businesses and the communities that have been a part of the Big Red Bash journey.

“We’re thrilled to have the concert come to our region,” said Cr Francis Murray, Mayor of the Diamantina Shire. “While the numbers won’t be as large as the Big Red Bash, it’s still going to be a huge win for the local economy and a fantastic way to showcase the beauty of Outback Queensland to travellers.”

The event has been met with excitement from tourism operators as well. Denise Brown, CEO of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, said, “This Sunset Concert is a wonderful opportunity for travellers to experience one of Queensland’s most spectacular locations. It’s a unique event that will inspire people to explore the wider region, and we’re excited to see the Outback come alive once again.”

Limited Tickets for an Exclusive Experience

Tickets for this special performance will be strictly limited, as the space on top of Big Red is limited. Fans eager to experience this unforgettable sunset concert should keep an eye out for ticketing details, which will be released in January 2025.

This event, supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, is set to be a highlight of the 2025 calendar and a must-attend experience for music lovers and Outback enthusiasts alike.

The John Williamson Big Red Sunset Concert offers a rare and intimate chance to experience the magic of John Williamson’s music in the heart of Australia’s Outback. A celebration of the country’s spirit, landscape, and heritage, this one-off concert will undoubtedly be an unforgettable event in 2025. Mark your calendars—this is one concert you won’t want to miss!