Birdsville Carnival

Next date: Wednesday, 08 July 2026 | 10:00 AM to Thursday, 09 July 2026 | 11:00 PM

The Birdsville Carnival 2026 returns with a refreshed two-day program celebrating the stories, spirit and character of the outback.

Held on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July, the Carnival brings together history, culture, music and community in one of Australia’s most iconic remote towns.

At the heart of the program is the ‘Birdsville – The Black Book’ exhibition, inspired by the work of Frances Gage McGinn, on display at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre. This unique showcase offers a glimpse into the people, stories and cameleering history that helped shape the region.

Visitors can also explore the Birdsville Courthouse Police Complex & Aboriginal Tracker’s Hut Museum, open daily throughout the event, with new installations adding depth to Birdsville’s frontier and policing history.

Over the two days, the Carnival offers a relaxed mix of family-friendly entertainment, open-air film screenings under the stars, and a selection of markets serving food and merchandise. With a more intimate format, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience Birdsville at its most authentic.

Take time to explore beyond the program—soar above the Channel Country on a scenic flight, head out to Big Red for an unforgettable desert experience, or enjoy a famous camel pie from Birdsville Bakery.

The Carnival comes alive at the Birdsville Hotel beer garden, where live music brings locals and visitors together in true outback style.

More than just an event, the Birdsville Carnival is a celebration of place—rich in history, grounded in community, and set against one of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes.