Frequently Asked Questions

Doing something new always comes with a question or two! Here are out most frequently asked questions about the Variety 4WD Adventure.

Taking Part

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

When and where does the event happen?

The 2025 Variety 4WD Adventure is a South Australian spectacular! The dates and locations are as follows:

Day 0 Barmera - 4WD experience at Loveday & optional welcome dinner
Thursday May 15, 2025

Day 1 Barmera To Bendleby Ranges
Friday May 16, 2025

Day 2 Bendleby Ranges
Saturday May 17, 2025

Day 3 Bendleby Ranges to Mt Freeling
Sunday May 18, 2025

Day 4 Mt Freeling
Monday May 19, 2025

Day 5 Mt Freeling to Willow Springs
Tuesday May 20, 2025

Day 6 Willow Springs
Wednesday May 21, 2025

Day 7 Willow Springs to Clare
Thursday May 22, 2025

Day 8 Clare to Robe
Friday 23 May 2025

Day 9 Robe beach driving
Saturday 24 May 2025

Day 10 Robe to Home
Sunday 25 May 2025

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Do I need 4WD experience?

The Adventure caters for both the experienced and inexperienced four-wheel drive enthusiasts. If you are looking for an outback adventure with all the excitement of 4WD driving, with a group of fun loving, like-minded people then consider Variety’s 4WD Adventure!

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

What type of caravan or camper can I bring?

Off-road or semi-off-road vans and campers are welcome!

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

What support systems are available?

As with all Variety events, safety is a major consideration. Our experienced outback team includes medical teams, mechanic and tyre experts, 4WD specialists, a fully set up radio communications vehicle with satellite phones.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

What does it cost?

There will be an entry fee of $660 (Inc GST) per car and a participation fee of approximately $950 per person. This covers all event meals, entertainment, fun stops, event commemorative gift and additional services on the event such as mechanical, medical support etc.

A minimum of $5,000 of donations per car is to be fundraised to enter the event and this is tax deductible.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Do I need to know anything about cars?

Not at all! We provide a full vehicle checklist, advice, and a pre-event workshop to ensure your car is adventure ready. We also travel with mobile workshop crews to help you out with any issues on the road.

If your 4WD breaks down, the workshop crew will do what they can to help you repair it on the side of the road. We aim to keep you moving and get you to the finish line in one piece.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

What kind of car can I take?

Your 4WD must comply with the information in the Variety 4WD Adventure Vehicle Checklist. Registration covering the period of the Variety 4WD Adventure event is compulsory. You can download the checklist here.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Do I need any special equipment?

To ensure your vehicle meets the challenge, it will need to have 4WD with High and Low range and quality All Terrain Tyres. Most 4WD are ready to go off the showroom floor and you are also able to hire them for the event.

Additional Items you will require are:

- Snatch strap and suitable bow shackles (min 3 tonne rating)
- Adequate recovery points on front and rear of your vehicle
- Two extra spare tyres on rims
- Spare Air Filters
- Suitable spares and tools as your experience of the vehicle dictates
- Fire extinguisher
- First Aid kit
- Camping gear, swags/tent (optional)
- Air Compressor (optional)
- UHF radio, fitted to vehicle
- 20L container of water
- Fuel Container – the ability to carry additional fuel if required in an approved container

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How many crew members can I have?

The minimum number to make up a 4WD crew is two – a driver and a navigator - and the maximum is the legal capacity of the vehicle. Bear in mind the size of your 4WD and the amount of luggage you have on board though, when picking the size of your crew!

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Is there an age restriction?

Yes, this event is for those 18 years and older.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Can I bring my pet/ animal?

Unfortunately animals are not allowed on the Variety 4WD Adventure, unless they are an assistance animal (e.g. Guide Dog).

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Do I need a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?

Yes! This one is a non-negotiable for all Variety Motoring Event entrants. No WWCC, no entry. Your WWCC will need to be submitted prior to leaving.  If you haven’t already got a WWCC, it can take up to 6 weeks so please apply soon. Applications are free and easy to process online here.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Can I use fundraising money to cover my event costs?

No. Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the Variety 4WD Adventure. Fundraising cannot cover the registration fee, meals, accommodation or costs of your car. Individual accommodation, refreshments, merchandise, fuel costs, mechanical repairs, car shipping and other out of pocket expenses are at your own expense and should be considered in your budget when preparing for the event.

Got a different question?

Getting Donations and Support

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How do people donate and support my car?

Your fundraising page is your greatest ally! Once you sign up, it will be set up immediately, allowing supporters to donate directly to you or your team. Simply share the link on socials and via the email template provided in your dashboard to ask for support. 

You can also set up a Facebook fundraiser from your dashboard and all donations from your friends there will be linked to your page and help you towards your goal.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How do I keep supporters updated on my journey?

Here are a few helpful ways for your supporters to stay updated on your progress and understand why you're taking part in the Variety 4WD Adventure supporting Variety the Children's Charity:

Your Pre-Journey Prep – Your prep diary is your blog. You can find it on “My Page” in your fundraising hub. Post all your updates here - whether it be fundraising events, choosing your costumes or building your car - and invite your sponsors to visit your page for regular updates.

Send Emails Directly – From your fundraising hub on “My Dashboard,” go to “Get Support.” Here, you can send emails to your contacts and share your page directly on your social media.

Post Your Journey on Social Media – By posting on social media and tagging us @varietyvic you can keep your supporters updated on your journey towards the competition and why you are fundraising for Variety

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How do I set up a linked Facebook fundraiser?

Facebook fundraising can significantly boost your efforts. On average, participants have raised $1,500 more through this method. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to your Variety 4WD Adventure Dashboard: Go to your dashboard by logging in at https://fundraise.variety.org.au/event/4WDadventure
  2. Use your individual page for fundraising as all funds will feed up to your Car page. 
  3. Create Your Fundraiser: Click on the "Create a Facebook Fundraiser"  (the big blue button on your cover image)
  4.  Follow the Prompts: Go through the setup process.
  5. Go Live: Share your new fundraiser on Facebook!
expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, all donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible. A tax receipt will be sent to you via email.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Is there anything I can use to help promote my fundraiser on social media?

Yes! We're creating social media tiles for you to share - make sure you also share your fundraising page link with each post! These will be available in your dashboard once you sign up.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

Do you have any fundraising tips?

  1. Download our Motoring Events Fundraising Guide
  2. Set Up Your Fundraising Page
      • Personalise your page with photos and your story to engage supporters.
      • Clearly explain why you are participating and supporting Variety the Children's Charity.
    1. Download Our Resource Kit
      • Access valuable resources and templates to help with your fundraising efforts. The kit includes email templates, social media graphics, and fundraising tips. (link coming soon!)
    2. Leverage Social Media
      • Share your fundraising page on all your social media platforms.
      • Regularly update your followers with your progress and upcoming events.
      • Use relevant hashtags, such as  @varietyvic to increase visibility.
    3. Email Campaigns
      • Send personalised emails to friends, family, and colleagues, explaining why you’re participating and how they can help.
      • Use the pre-written email templates from the Dashboard to save time.
    4. Engage Your Workplace
      • Ask your employer about matching donations.
      • Share your fundraising efforts with colleagues and ask them to spread the word.
    5. Host Events
      • Organise online or in-preson events like trivia nights, garage sales, sausage sizzles and more (there are ideas in yur welcome pack).
    6. Thank Your Supporters
      • Show appreciation by sending thank-you notes or emails to your donors.
      • Publicly acknowledge their support on your social media or training diary.
    7. Collaborate with Local Businesses
      • Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship or to host fundraising events.
      • Offer to promote their business in return for their support.
    8. Stay Persistent and Positive
      • Fundraising can take time, so keep reaching out and sharing your passion for the cause.
      • Celebrate small wins and keep your supporters motivated with your enthusiasm.

    By following these tips and utilising the resources available in our kit, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fundraising goals and making a significant impact. 

Variety - the Children's Charity

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

What is Variety - the Children's Charity?

Variety – the Children’s Charity has a network of 40 offices in 14 countries, and many millions of individual children around the world live a better life because of the generosity of Variety’s communities of supporters.


expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How does Variety help kids?

Variety - the Children's Charity Victoria help kids who are experiencing disability, disadvantage or illness.

Variety provides support to families and organisations through providing grants for a range of equipment, such as wheelchairs or all-abilities playgrounds to provide practical help to kids, schools and organisations in need.

We run programs to educate and empower kids that are falling through the cracks.

We give scholarships to encourage the talents of kids living with disadvantage or disability.

And last but certainly not least, we hold kids’ events to bring joy, light and laughter to children in need and their families.

expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

How many kids does Variety help?

Last financial year Variety impacted 17,010 Victorian children and 181,281 Australian children with 7,381 Individual and Community Grants provided and
28 Variety Heart Scholarships issued.
expand_circle_down expand_circle_down

When my friends donate, where does the money go?

All funds raised will support Variety - the Children's Charity to deliver a range of grants across the year. Variety reports on distrubution in our monthly Heartbeat news, social media and our end of year report. 

We will also distributre grants along the route so you can see the impact of your fundraising first hand!

Ready for adventure?

Let's stay in touch!

Subscribe to stay up to date with important event information and exciting news!

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS

By submitting this form you are opting in to receive email communications from Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria