But organisers of the iconic Big Red Bash festival in Birdsville have thrown a lifeline by announcing a scaled-back event featuring Australian country music legend John Williamson.

A 66-year-old airlifted to Birdsville after five days trapped by floodwaters that threatened to sweep away his vehicle says he's had the adventure of a lifetime.

In short: A 66-year-old South Australian man has been airlifted to Birdsville in a stable condition and high spirits. He was stranded for five days in the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert when heavy ...