What is the Mundi Mundi bash?
A 3 day music festival, 40km north west of Broken Hill, NSW just outside of the iconic township of Silverton, on the Mundi Mundi plains celebrating Aussie artists. This year over 14000 people attended.
There is no electricity and no running water, therefore no showers, toilets are compostable, and limited phone service and wifi.
It is an incredible community of like minded people in a "pop up" village.
The organisation is phenomenal, considering the movement of over 6000 vehicles setting up over 3 days of early entry with most leaving on the Sunday and the remainder on the Monday. I believe the stats are between 500-600 vehicles an hour being cleared on the main exit day of Sunday!
The food vans are tasty and reasonably priced.
There are activities to amuse the kids (big and small). And pets are welcome.
As well as the music there are fun events; the Mundi Undie run, Nutbush Dance record, Mad Max World record, Big Blue Day World record, which raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Beyond Blue.
Our journey:
There were 3 vehicles in our little convoy.
Day 1: We left Tamworth bright and early on the Monday. First mechanical issue; one of the vehicles was choosing when it would start! A quick check by NRMA at Coonabarabran we were reassured that we were OK to continue. It was fascinating watching the landscape change from the broadacre farming of the slopes and plains to the edge of the outback at Cobar, and entertaining listening to my teenage grandson's frustration and dismay at losing service, lol.
571km later - 1st stop Meralba Station https://www.meraldastation.com/ - a unique farmstay experience run by the Barton family.
Day 2: 410km We continued on towards Broken Hill, a quick stop at Wilcannia for fuel (beware there will be line ups) and a snack, we discovered a slow leak in the valve stem of a tyre of another vehicle. It was decided not to risk the dirt roads from Wilcannia to Menindee and to continue to Broken Hill, where the tyre could be repaired. I dropped into the Racecourse to collect my wristband etc, super efficient; walked in & out with the goods. Luckily the tyre was repaired quickly, and we all regrouped to sit on the banks of the Menindee lakes at Copi Hollow Caravan park to watch the spectacular sunset. (I could have spent a few days here)
Day 3: 3rd (and final) mechanical issue - I had noticed a strange smell in my little van previously but was reassured that it wasn't a gas leak, I thought it must be normal but someone in our party had had a similar incident and thought it was the deep cell battery. With the generous assistance of staff at the park and innumerable calls to various battery and camping places in Broken Hill, I found someone to test and replace the battery. Thank you Westside Camping and Outdoors. My battery was indeed on the way out and potentially dangerous as it gives off hydrogen sulphide gas (the rotten egg smell) which is harmful if inhaled in large quantities and can catch fire or worse still, explode.
Finally sorted, two of us, (the other staying a night in Broken Hill) entered the line of caravans and vehicles making their way from Broken Hill to the festival site. This was our 1st experience of the incredible organisation that is Mundi Mundi Bash, it wasn't an hour from joining the queue just outside of Silverton until we were directed into our site.
Day 4, 5 & 6: After being joined by the 3rd in our party we soaked up the atmosphere, whether it was sitting in the concert area or dancing up a storm in the mosh pit. Mornings are a slower start, unless you participated in the daily morning yoga, hosted by yours truly at 8am! You can also join in with the other midmorning activities, then the music kicks off by late morning to midday. The music finishes by 9.30 pm with many returning to their campsite fires for a quiet drink around campfires. The atmosphere is very chilled not a rave.
Day 7: 2 of us stayed on at the festival site with 1 of our party returning to overnight in Broken Hill again. It was certainly a chilled atmosphere watching the majority of vehicles roll out on the Sunday (and again marvelling at the efficiency)
We made use of the shuttle bus to explore Silverton.
It is well worth visiting Silverton for the history, the Mad Max museum, dine at the Hotel and grab a cake, pastry or coffee at the bakery (it's delicious). If you're with Telstra you will also get service in town, if you are with Optus you'll have to walk up the hill to the left of the Mad Max museum.
Day 8: Rolling out at about 9am we headed to the Racecourse overflow camping at Broken Hill, where we enjoyed a powered site and in our case our first hot shower (and flushing toilets) in 5 days!
We spent the day exploring various parts of the town including the Palace Hotel (made famous in Priscilla Queen of the desert), the Line of Lode miners memorial, the RFDS experience, Pro Hart museum, a milkshake at Bells Retro Cafe and finally the sunset at the sculptures at the Living Desert State Park (in our case it was the moon rise).
Broken Hill is a little city with a big heart and not to be rushed or dismissed.
Day 9: Broken Hill to Nyngan 588km - We suddenly realised that we had stopped seeing the wild goats on the side of the road and emerged into broadacre farmland of green and gold. Overnight at Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park, which is well maintained and has unique accomodation options on the banks of the Bogan river. Of note is that they don't allocate the caravan or camping sites so it is first in best dressed.
Day 10: 441km return to Tamworth - we parted ways for the final leg of our return trip. I chose to head off across the black soils plains, the food bowl of the north west region via Quirindi.
Special note to visit the Crystal Kingdom in Coonabarabran, also there is suitable parking for vans on the left hand side just over the bridge and a lovely park to stretch your legs. Also grab a coffee and food at Cardians Coffee Lounge.
Good to know:
You will probably experience warm weather, cold weather and wind. There is a reason there are wind turbines on the hills within sight of the festival. Bring a range of clothes and extra tie downs for tents and awnings.
You must bring all your water and alcohol, and be prepared to take your rubbish with you.
There are well maintained (thank you dunny angels) composting toilets, it is essential to respect the process and use the toilets respectfully.
There were 532 volunteers (11,988 hours) who contribute immensely to the smooth running and friendly atmosphere of the bash.
There are prickles, it seems that every plant is covered in thorns.
The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular.
On our route there are many rest stops, please stop, revive survive.
Also consider your need to drive at night or dawn and dusk, as that is the prime time for wildlife and animals being on the roads.
Make sure you have the Mundi Mundi app, it is awesome with so many tips, especially for first timers.
Band favourites: (for me anyway)
Furnace and the Fundamentals - nonstop music and energy
Chocolate Starfish - really get the crowd involved
Bjorn Again - who doesn't love singing along to ABBA songs?
then I remember Vanessa Amorosi, John Stevens, the Baby Animals, James Reyne, really everyone was great....seriously there is something for everyone, even my young teen grandson enjoyed the music!
Be free to live your best life.
Angela xx
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