What's It All About?
Often imitated, never bettered, the Variety Bash is Australia's longest running and most iconic charity motoring event. Each year, the Variety Bash sees hundreds fundraise and hit the road for kids in need. Known for it's flare and fanfare, it's always a sight to behold when the Variety Bash comes to town!
The Variety Bash is typically a 8 - 10 day event that takes participants across the country in a colourful convoy. The route is always jam-packed with iconic Aussie tourist destinations, offroad adventures and includes stops at schools and small towns to show some love along the way.
In addition to the grants presented en route, the Variety Bash is welcomed by regional communities as the spending on fuel, food and tourism often results in their biggest trading days of the year. Sometimes, our outrageous crew even outnumber the locals!
With each car required to be at least 25 years old and decked out in a unique theme, there's colourful costumes and cars as far as the eye can see.
Entrants' fundraising efforts directly benefit kids and communities through grants, scholarships, and assistance provided along the journey.
On the Bash, you will get to see granting and community support in action by visiting schools and other organisations in rural and regional towns.
Why Join?
The Variety Bash is about adventure, mateship and making a difference in the lives of kids in need.
In 2025, our colourful convoy will be travelling across outback Australia, with the exact route to be announced shortly. In the meantime, entries are open so you can commence fundraising.
Take it off the Bucket List and put it on the To Do list...sign up with your mates today!
How You Make a Difference
Your fundraising efforts have a direct impact on Victorian children living with disabilities, illnesses, or experiencing disadvantage. Your contributions provide life-changing equipment and programs that make a world of difference.
Each year Variety - the Children's Charity extends support to numerous families and organisations. Through grants, we provide essential equipment like wheelchairs and all-abilities playgrounds, addressing practical needs of kids, schools, and organisations in need. Our programs empower and educate children who are often overlooked, while scholarships encourage the talents of those living with disadvantage or disability. Lastly, we organise joyous kids' events that illuminate the lives of children in need and their families.
Entry Costs & Fundraising
Costs are split between fundraising and event expenses.
With two to four people per car, fundraising is straightforward, and we're ready to assist! All donations go to Variety - the Children's Charity. The Variety Bash is organized by the charity for the charity.
First-time entrants (Rookies) must raise a minimum of $5,000 per car, and returning entrants, $7,000.
Each vehicle has the following fees:
- $880 entry fee
- $50 public liability insurance contribution
Meal costs, entertainment, venue costs and a merchandise pack are covered under an additional Provisions Levy. The Provisions Levy is advised one month before the event and is approximately $950 - $1,450 per person (incl. GST) depending on the destination.
How do I prepare my car?
Bash cars must be a minimum of 25 years old and vehicles must have current road registration and be in a roadworthy condition. All Variety Bash cars must attend one day over the Workshop Weekend arranged by Variety to allow a mechanic to check your vehicle and ensure that it meets the Variety Bash Vehicle Compliance criteria which includes special modifications to make sure your car is outback ready.
You can download the vehicle guide here.
Too much? No worries - you can purchase a pre-owned Bash vehicle here.
Support
The Variety team is here to support you on the entire journey, from registration all the way to the finish line. Our tribe of knowledgable motoring enthusiasts and fundraising experts have got you covered.
Before the Event
- Accommodation guide
- Fundraising guide
- Pre-event checklist
- Social media templates/guide
- 'Thank you' templates for your supporters
During the Event
For those who can’t tell an upper control arm from an interior light switch – fear not! Travelling with the Bash are Mobile Workshops (MW) crewed by qualified and experienced mechanics, engineers and technicians.
If you were to break down on a Bash route, one of our MWs will carry out a minor repair to keep you going. MWs have been known to perform miracles to get a car mobile and into the next town so the owners can arrange repairs. It is the owners responsibility to have the car fully repaired and made roadworthy again.
We guarantee, if we can’t get you going, we’ll get you to the closest town where you can make your own arrangements to get the car repaired or transported to another location.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics will also be on hand to support you in case of an emergency.Want to know more?
Learn how it all began, find out where we're headed, or get those key questions answered!
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