Event Information
Be a part of the legend
Since Dick Smith kicked things off in ’85 with the idea of “a drive in the outback with a few mates,” the Variety Bash has become a legendary road trip across some of Australia’s toughest and most scenic terrain. Each year, hundreds of road-trippers with a sense of humour and a taste for adventure hit the dirt in old cars. Want in? Sign up, do up a 25+ year-old car (or grab a past Bash car here), and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
What's the deal?
- Official Variety Bash car decals – door panels, windows, and sponsor stickers
- Monthly pub catch-ups before the event to meet your fellow Bashers
- Dedicated pre-event support team
- Fundraising tools, tips and resources
- Workshop day and car check before you roll out
- Mobile workshop support on the road
- All meals – brekkie, lunch and dinner sorted
- Nightly themed events and entertainment
- Morning musters and route notes
- Variety Bash merch
- Gear truck and logistics support
- Event officials and crew
- St John Ambulance on the road the whole way
- Professional event photography
- Help lining up your accom
- Trophies for fundraising legends
- Participation certs to prove you took the journey of a lifetime!
Plus, you’ll be part of a one-of-a-kind road trip through the outback, surrounded by good mates, great banter and a shared drive to help kids doing it tough.
What makes the Variety Bash unique?
The Variety Bash is about mateship, challenge, giving back, and having a laugh while doing something that matters.
Unlike other off-road events, the Bash takes you through the heart of regional Australia, where you don’t just pass through — you pitch in. From delivering grants to local schools to backing small towns with every stop, it’s impact you can see.
It’s fully supported, community-driven, and loaded with themed dress-ups, fun stops, and the kind of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else. With a legacy stretching back to 1985, the Bash didn’t just start the trend — it still leads it. Join the original, and the best.
Organise Your Car
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.
Sign Up
Entrants' fundraising efforts directly benefit kids and communities through grants, scholarships, and assistance provided along the journey.
Hit the Road
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.
Drive to change the lives of kids like Laya-Grace
Layla-Grace is a courageous and spirited 6-year-old who loves the outdoors and visiting new places. Layla-Grace is living with Cerebral Palsy and her old stroller was falling short in meeting her postural and mobility needs, hindering her from fully experiencing the joy of school excursions and community outings.
Variety granted Layla-Grace a carefully selected wheelchair to provide Layla with the freedom and independence she deserves and needs to thrive.
Now Layla-Grace can confidently traverse longer distances, socially interact with her peers and greatly improve her ability to explore and learn new skills. This contribution will not only improve Layla-Grace’s physical well-being but also enhance her social interactions and overall quality of life.
Start Your Engines
Get your mates together and sign up to drive change for kids in need
Join the Support Crew
Make a direct donation or sponsor a friend in their drive to help kids
Post and share on your socials
What makes the Variety Bash unique?
The Variety Bash is about mateship, challenge, giving back, and having a laugh while doing something that matters.
Unlike other off-road events, the Bash takes you through the heart of remote Australia, where you don’t just pass through - you pitch in. From delivering grants to local schools to backing small towns with every stop, it’s impact you can see.
It’s fully supported, community-driven, and packed with themed dress-ups, fun stops and the kind of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else. And with a legacy going back to 1985, the Bash set the standard - the others just followed. Join the original, and the best!
What's unique about the Variety Bash?
The Variety Bash is about mateship, challenge, giving back, and having a laugh while doing something that matters.
Unlike other off-road events, the Bash takes you through the heart of regional Australia, where you don’t just pass through — you pitch in. From delivering grants to local schools to backing small towns with every stop, it’s impact you can see.
It’s fully supported, community-driven, and loaded with themed dress-ups, fun stops, and the kind of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else. With a legacy stretching back to 1985, the Bash didn’t just start the trend — it leads it. Join the original, and the best.
