Big Red Sunset and Stargazing Tour
Relax in luxurious air-conditioned comfort and hear colourful stories as you tour Birdsville, before heading to Big Red Sand Dune to experience a magical sunset over Munga-Thirri Conservation Park with great company, afternoon drinks and nibbles. Then, as night falls upon this vast land, the dark skies of the new moon provide ideal conditions for stargazing.
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 take in the sights of Birdsville, before travelling through the arid desert landscape to the iconic 40-metre high Big Red sand dune on the edge of the The Simpson Desert. Enjoy a colourful commentary from our local guides who are skilled at navigating the dune environment. Travelling onboard Big Red Tours 4wd coach, which is built for comfort, is the best way to experience big sandhill country.
Indulge in drinks and nibbles whilst you settle to witness nature’s very own light show, sunset on Big Red. 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 to connect with nature, spoil yourself and share the experience with like-minded travellers. It beats driving yourself any day.
Tours operate with 2 or more bookings.
Bookings essential.
2024 Stargazing Tour Dates
April 9 – New Moon
May 8 – New Moon
June 6 – New Moon
August 4 – New Moon
September 3 – New Moon
October 3 – New 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 star come out in all their glory in the dark sky over Big Red.
- After stargazing, we return to Birdsville.
What You Should Bring
- Water – please bring adequate water for the duration of your tour.
- Camera – the scenery at Big Red is truly photoworthy!
- Warm clothes – once the sun goes down the temperature drops.
- Fly repellent or net – depending on the time of year.
- FM radio or smartphone with a radio app – if you have hearing difficulties you can tune in to our broadcast to receive our commentary.
- Telescope – if you have a telescope this is the perfect place to use it.
- Download the SkyView app on android or iOS. It uses augmented reality to identify galaxies, stars, constellations, planets, and satellites.
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.