Trip Preparation

Check out the full vehicle checklist in the below section to make sure your rig’s good to go. You can fix up a car of your own or visit our Bash Cars for Sale page to pick up a pre-prepped car.

• All Variety Bash cars must be at least 25 years old (built in 2001 or earlier).

• Run-on models (e.g. built in 2001, plated in 2002) may be accepted at the discretion of the Motoring Events Manager.

• 4WDs that are 30+ years old may also be considered — chat with the team first.

• Your vehicle must be road registered and roadworthy — no exceptions.

It is compulsory for all Variety Bash Vehicles to have a minimum of third-party insurance for the duration of the event.

Before we hit the road, you’ll get a set of removable Bash decals. Slap them on your driver and passenger doors — they help us stand out, spread the word, and show what you're doing for kids in need.

Once the checklist’s sorted, your car has been checked by our pre-event workshop, the tank’s full and you’ve got your crew on board — it’s go time.

See you at the start line.

Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve reached your fundraising target. First-time Bashers need to raise a minimum of $5,000, while returning legends are aiming for $7,000 — every dollar goes towards helping Variety support kids living with disability, illness or disadvantage.

Not quite there yet? Now’s the time to rally the troops. Reach out to your mates, share your story, and remind them their support can make a real difference for a kid doing it tough. You’re nearly there — finish strong.

Need a hand? Give us a call on (03) 8698 3900. We’re here to help.

Once your signed up, make sure you join the Variety Vic Bash Entrants Facebook group and, if you can, join the monthly pub nights (generally held in South Melbourne).

You'll get to meet a great bunch of people and ask any questions you may have about preparing your car, getting ready for the trip and fundraising.


Join Facebook Group

Pre-Event Vehicle Check: What You Need to Know

Before the Bash kicks off, every vehicle must attend a Mobile Workshop Weekend for a mechanical inspection. This is on top of your legal responsibility to keep the car roadworthy.

Standards
Your car needs to meet (or beat) the Bash compliance standards outlined in the official checklist before the workshop weekend.

Booking
Bookings are essential — Variety Victoria will give you the dates, times and locations.

Repairs
If your car needs work after the inspection, you’ve got two options:

• Bring it back to a Bash-approved mechanic within 10 days of the event (at your cost), or

• Submit proof of repairs (photos and receipts) to Variety within the same timeframe.

No compliance = no Bash. Cars that don’t meet the standards won’t be allowed to start.

What to Bring

• Proof of current registration

• Proof of vehicle insurance

• Valid driver’s licences for all crew

Don't forget to pay your provisions fee which covers your meals, car decals, mechandise, nightly events, entertainment  and other essential Variety Bash items. The fee is advised one month before the event and is approximately $950 - $1,450 per person (incl. GST) depending on the destination.

Vehicle Essentials

• Valid driver’s license

• Full tank of fuel 

• Spares as per the Vehicle Checklist in the next section and spare part list

• Phone mount and car charger

Clothing and Personal Items

• Rally t-shirts or team outfits

• Casual daytime clothing (enough for 3 days)

• Costumes if you are creating a theme

• Warm jacket or hoodie for evenings

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Slides or thongs

• Hat and sunglasses

• Sleepwear

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

• Hairbrush or comb

• Makeup and grooming items

• Medications 

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Reusable water bottle

• Day bag or small backpack

• Chargers for all devices

Hotel and Overnight Items

• Small laundry bag for used clothes

• Booking confirmations 

Food and Snacks

• Healthy snacks for the road (muesli bars, fruit, trail mix)

• Treats or lollies to share

• Water or hydration drinks

• Mints or chewing gum

And a Whole Lot of Team Spirit!

Prior to the event you will receive an invitation to a Whats App group so we can communicate with you on the road.

Make sure you've downloaded the app on your phone, either by searching for Whats App on Apple App Store on your iPhone or Google Play on your Andriod device.

Each car will be need to be equipped with a UHF radio so officials can contact you in remote areas (and you can chat with your mates in other Variety Bash cars!)

There are a few formalities to take care of before you hit the road. The motoring event team will send you medical and dietary forms amongst others. 

Make sure these have been submitted before the event.

All participants must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) to take part in the Variety Brats Bash. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for a free volunteer check through the Victorian Department of Justice website. Please note: your WWCC must be completed at least six weeks before the event, so be sure to get your application in early to avoid any delays.

Below are some must have and suggested mechanical mods to make sure your beast can handle outback tracks, mud, water and more!

If you pick up a past Variety Bash car for Sale most, if not all, of this work will be done already!

Note: It is compulsory to always carry a list of your spare parts in the vehicle during the event. You will also be required to provide a copy of this list to the Variety Motoring Events team prior to the event.

We run our workshop days with plenty of time to correct any missing or non-compliant items on the checklist prior to the event.