Route 2023

A rally, not a race, the Variety Bash is a fundraising adventure through regional parts of Australia with a group of like-minded legends. With plenty of opportunities to experience the ‘why’ we do what we do, this route provides the perfect balance of roads, sights, granting, giving and time to do what we do best on the Variety Bash...have a BLAST! 
 
The theme this year is all things motoring! There will be a whole range of motoring surprises along the route which will be revealed along the way. To kick things off, we’ll be doing a lap of the historic Winton Motor Raceway! No matter your Aussie motoring knowledge, we’re sure each and every one of you will be impressed with the surprises we have in store for the 2023 Variety Victoria Bash!  

Day One - Wednesday 16 August 2023

Melbourne VIC — Phillip Island VIC
Woiworung/ Boonwurrung Country


Day One is always full of anticipation, excitement and the opportunity to meet new members of the Bash Family. Leaving from an iconic location in Melbourne, we head south, yes south, via beautiful South Gippsland to Phillip Island, home of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, for our first overnight stay. Known for its pristine white beaches, penguins and hi-octane motorsports, there will not be many who do not have a nostalgic memory of this Island. 


Day Two - Thursday 17 August 2023

San Remo VIC — Benalla VIC
Woiworung/ Boonwurrung Country - Taungurong Country

A fantastic day is in store, with some equally amazing roads and locations. We wind our way east to central Gippsland and the Great Dividing Range. Rivers and creeks will be filling as the snow melts on Mount Baw Baw and adds to a picturesque drive. The day ends in the central Victorian town of Benalla, home of the renowned Benalla Art Gallery, high-speed action at the Winton Motor Raceway, street art, silo art, the nationally significant Winton Wetlands, events, cafes and so much more. 

Day Three - Friday 18 August 2023

Benalla VIC — Shepparton VIC
Taungurong Country - Ngurraiillam Country


Benalla to Shepparton, 60km by road, but not the Bash way! Expect a fun day exploring the Murray Valley and Goulburn Valley Regions. This area has been severely impacted by the recent floods and this will be a fantastic opportunity for our convoy to provide some Variety love to the community, before an evening in Shepparton, described as a kaleidoscopic destination of community, culture and character.


Day Four - Saturday 19 August 2023

Shepparton VIC — Yass NSW
Ngurraiillam Country - Waveroo Country - Wiradjuri Country - Ngunawal Country

Heading east again and into the upper Murray River region, you're in for a day of breathtaking landscapes. Today we cross the Murray River at lunch, and it will be a treat. Yass is in the Southern Tablelands is an historic heritage town and gateway to the cool climate wine region, so keep an eye out for the vines. 

Day Five - Sunday 20 August 2023

Yass NSW — Dubbo NSW
Ngunawal Country - Wiradjuri Country


Today, we head north. A landscape of rivers, dams, valleys and mountains (including a special mountain) await. Not saying too much, but lunch today will be iconic. We finish the day in Dubbo, in the Macquarie Valley. On the Macquarie River, Dubbo is home to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. 

Day Six - Monday 21 August 2023

Rest Day | Dubbo NSW
Wiradjuri Country


Hopefully your Bash car doesn't need a workshop and today you can play tourist!? Dubbo has museums, gorgeous gardens and clubs to keep you busy before an afternoon at the zoo, followed by a memorable dinner amongst the wildlife. 


Day Seven - Tuesday 22 August 2023

Dubbo NSW — Nelson Bay NSW
Wiradjuri Country - Wonnarua Country - Worimi Country

The coast calls as we leave central NSW. Parts of the day may seem like a winery tour for those that partake, but you’ll have to keep moving as there is so much to see. Our survey route was blocked due to floods, but it led us to a hidden gem where we will visit for lunch. Nelson Bay awaits at the end of the day; with amazing coastal views, this bustling fishing village in the Port Stephens area will have you pencilling in another visit, and no prizes for guessing what may be on the menu for those with seafood tendencies. 

Day Eight - Wednesday 23 August 2023

Nelson Bay NSW — Coffs Harbour NSW
Worimi Country - Biripi Country - Dainggatti Country - Gumbainggir Country

Today focusses on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Moving into the sub-tropical climate, the area is known for its waterways, beaches and hinterland forests. The most incredible little coastal hamlets are scattered along this stretch of paradise and our lunch destination is one of them. Fun fact - Coffs Harbour, renowned for its banana production, is the only place where the Great Dividing Range meets the pacific. 




Day Nine - Thursday 24 August 2023

Coffs Harbour NSW — Gold Coast QLD
Gumbainggir Country - Bundjalung Country


Last day of driving, but certainly not least, we head for the Gold Coast, but of course not via traditional routes.? You may be lucky on the way to see some spectacular country, forests and coastal hinterland before arriving within the Gold Coast Shire and our final check-in. You should have plenty of time to celebrate before we gather for dinner at a memorable location. 





Day Ten - Friday 25 August 2023

Party the Gold Coast Way!
Bundjalung Country

The day is yours to explore the sights and sounds of the Gold Coast region but save some energy for the party of all parties, because it will be, in true Gold Coast style.
You won’t want to miss this!
 

Want to join in on the fun?

Traditional owners of the land have been identified in accordance with the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia. Variety – the Children’s Charity acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their Elders past, present and emerging.