Big Red Sunset and Full Moon Tour
Take in the sights of Birdsville, in luxurious air-conditioned comfort, before heading to Big Red Sand Dune for a breathtaking sunset over Munga-Thirri (The Simpson Desert) with great company, drinks and nibbles. As night falls, take in the wonder of the arid outback landscape illuminated by the glow of the full moon.
Pick-up from Birdsville Visitor Information Centre
$75/$150 Children/Adults
Departing 4pm* daily April to October
4 - 4.5 hours
Big Red Tours Depart 4pm* Daily
From Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre, 29 Burt St, Birdsville, Queensland, Australia. Scheduled pickups available upon request.
*time approximate – subject changes according to sunset time
Details & Itinerary
Relax and check out the sights of Birdsville, before travelling through the beautiful desert landscape to Big Red. The magnificent 40-metre high sand dune on the edge of the The Simpson Desert overlooks Munga-Thirri National Park, Queensland’s largest protected area, covering over a million hectares in the arid outback. Travelling onboard our purpose built Big Red Tours 4wd coach is the best way to experience the incredible natural environment of big sandhill country. Enjoy a colourful commentary from our local guides who are skilled at navigating the dune environment.
Indulge in drinks and nibbles whilst you settle to witness nature’s very own light show, sunset on Big Red, followed by the full moon rising. With the wide open spaces and lack of light pollution, taking in the night sky at Big Red is a different experience.
Take time out, spoil yourself and share the experience with like-minded travellers. It beats driving any day.
Bookings are essential. Tours operate with 2 or more bookings.
2024 Full Moon Tour Dates
April 24 – Full Moon
May 23 – Full Moon
June 22 – Full Moon
July 21 – Full Moon
August 19 – Full Moon (-1 day)
September 17 – Full Moon (-1 day)
October 17 – Full Moon
Schedule
Explore Birdsville and hear yarns about life in the outback. See:
- The world famous Birdsville Racetrack, Burke and Wills tree and the Birdsville Hotel. Old Diamantina Crossing, the Windmill, the Great Artisan bore and the Billabong that is fed by overflow from the bore.
- Aboriginal Dreamtime story place of Thutirla Pula—the Two Boys.
- Travel through cattle country – Roseberth and Adria Downs Stations.
- At the entry into big sandhill country your guide with stop and adjust the Big Red Tour bus in preparation to ascend Big Red sand dune.
- Atop Big Red stretch your legs and explore the dune or simply sit back (chairs provided) and take in the amazing sunset views. Top the day off with good old fashioned country hospitality, a cold one and some tasty snacks.
- As night falls watch the full moon rise over Big Red.
- After watching the moon rise, we return to Birdsville.
What You Should Bring
- Water – please bring adequate water for the duration of your tour.
- Camera – the scenery is amazing at Big Red, you’ll want to capture memories of this experience.
- Warm clothes – once the sun goes down the temperature drops.
- Fly repellent or net – depending on the time of year (before winter the flies may be about).
- FM radio or smartphone with a radio app – if you have hearing difficulties you can tune in to our broadcast and receive your guide’s full commentary.
Chairs are provided by Big Red Tours.
Frequently Asked
Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to BYO. We will provide a selection of beer, wine and softdrinks, however if you have specific tastes or would like to drink more than the 2 drinks we are permitted to serve (QLD Liquor Licensing Laws).
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, we offer dairy-free and gluten-free nibbles. Please advise of dietary requirements when booking. If you have severe allergies, you may wish to bring your own snacks, to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
Are there toilets at Big Red?
There are no toilet facilities at Big Red. Please be mindful of where you are and the amount you consume.
Do you pick-up from any other locations?
Yes, we can pick-up from the Town Common by prior arrangement.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy
We understand that travel plans in the Outback can change, that’s why we offer full refunds up to 48 hours prior to your tour’s commencement.
Book with confidence and take advantage of our free rescheduling of tour dates, up to 1 day prior to your scheduled tour. Changes to tour dates can be self-managed through our booking site or get in touch with our friendly team for assistance with your booking.
Terms and Conditions
By booking you agree with these terms and conditions:
• Participating in our tours is at your own risk and participants are expected to ensure they have water and suitable PPE.
• Our weather can be extreme, heat, cold, flood and the big one dust storms blocking visibility to meters. In the event of unexpected acts of nature or extreme weather the tour may be cancelled, finish early, or rescheduled to another day or time. If this occurs mid tour you will be given an option to reschedule free of charge.
• Tour times are approximate – start and finish times may fluctuate due to circumstances beyond our control.
• It is the participants responsibility to be at the designated pick up location to commence your tour.
• An act of booking implies you will comply with COVID-19 and government health regulations.
• Persons under 18 years old remain the responsibility of the designated parent or guardian.
Local Expert Guides
Our experienced local guides live, work and volunteer in the community of Birdsville. We are passionate and knowledgeable about the region and share the yarns, stories, history past and not so past that keeps the locals living and loving our small quirky outback community.
Drinks and grazing box included
Choose up to two drinks from a selection of beer, bubbles, wine, bottled water and soft drinks plus an individual grazing box with a selection of dried fruit, olives, cheese, crackers and dip. Please inform any dietary requirements upon booking.
Luxury Transportation
Our air-conditioned all terrain vehicles are purpose built for visibility, comfort and reliability with roomy seats, and oversized tyres to ensure a smooth ride across the undulating landscape of the sand dunes.