Bush bash: Crown land sites packed as thousands converge on Broken Hill for Mundi Mundi Bash

Broken Hill is enjoying a surge of visitors and rock and roll as more than 14,000 music lovers roll into the region for the Mundi Mundi Bash at Silverton.

Belmont Station, a Western Lands leasehold property on Crown land about 40 kilometres from Broken Hill, will roar to life as music and camping enthusiasts converge from 15-17 August to rock on the red dirt to a line-up of music acts at one of Australia’s biggest outdoor music events.

The Mundi Mundi Bash was first held in 2021 and continues to thrive, with ticket sales increasing from 12,000 in 2023 to 14,000 in 2024. The bash is gaining popularity due to its unique location, relaxed communal vibe, diverse range of music and high-profile acts attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, and its well-organised celebration of Australian culture.

This year’s festival, which includes iconic artists like Daryl Braithwaite, Vanessa Amorosi and the Living End, is an economic and cultural boon for Australia’s outback city, with organisers estimating it will generate about $10 million for the local economy.

The Mad Max film ‘Furiosa’ was filmed on the Mundi Mundi plains, with many festival goers expected to honour George Miller’s global film franchise by dressing up as characters featured in the series’ post-apocalyptic world.

Broken Hill’s population doubles in the festival lead-up, and Crown land sites including Penrose Park Recreation Reserve at Silverton and Broken Hill’s racecourse have been packed with campers, many of whom arrive early to holiday ahead of their trip to ‘Mundiville’.

The Broken Hill Regional Events Centre and Racecourse, which recently underwent infrastructure upgrades funded by a $182,000 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grant, has opened the course infield to visitors looking for an authentic outback camping experience. 

The Line of Lode reserve, now under the management of Foundation Broken Hill, is operating a coffee cart, with guests welcome to stop by and enjoy the best views of Broken Hill.

Penrose Park caretaker Marie Lawson said she is thankful for the community volunteers who help her team manage arrivals 

“About 600 people a night camp at Penrose Park in the lead up to the Mundi Mundi Bash,” Ms Lawson said.

“Local businesses are helping with catering, including the Shearers Cook at Silverton offering hearty meals such as casseroles and lamb curries at night, and in the mornings, we have the Silverton Bakery providing breakfast food including pastries and pies.”

Broken Hill Regional Events Centre and Racecourse Crown Land Manager Cheryl Krutli said her team is expecting over 3,500 caravans to camp out at the reserve over the next few days.

“At least 8000 people will come through our Reserve, which is amazing,” Ms Krutli said.

“Not only is our Reserve used to accommodate many of the campers before heading out to the Bash, but also for around 3600 ticket holders to collect their Music Festival wristbands and car passes. The revenue is an incredible boost to our coffers for the year allowing us to maintain this wonderful public facility and build on our amenities and infrastructure.

“The Mundi Mundi Bash is so important to Broken Hill. Not only do small business such as fuel stations, caravan parks and public reserves benefit, but the whole tourism sector as people from all around Australia travel to Broken Hill for the Bash and take the opportunity to spend a few extra days in the region to see all the amazing attractions.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the Mundi Mundi Bash continues to grow in popularity.

“The Mundi Mundi Bash is going strong three years in, and I'm thrilled a range of Crown land sites are helping accommodate and cater for the huge influx of visitors who will make a big contribution to Far West regional tourism and local businesses,” Mr Kamper said.

“The Bash is the most unique music festival in Australia, and this year’s event has broken its record by selling an incredible 14,000 tickets.

“The popularity of the festival shows people are hungry for a unique experience. It’s not just the music, it’s about coming to one of Australia’s most iconic places and experiencing a real sense of community.”