Variety Brats Bash
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Doing something new always comes with a question or two! Here are our most frequently asked questions about the Variety Victoria Brats Bash.
Where and when is the Variety Brats Bash happening in 2023?
The 2023 Variety Brats Bash departs Melbourne on Sunday 10 April 2022 bound for Warrnambool, via Mildura, White Cliffs, Silverton, Quorn, Rawnsley Park, Angorachina, Hahndorf and Robe. You can view the full route here.
Do I need to know anything about cars?
Not at all! We provide a full vehicle checklist, advice, a pre-event workshop to check your car is in good shape for the journey AND we have mobile workshop crews to help you out on the road.
If your vehicle breaks down, the workshop crew will help you repair it on the side of the road. We aim to keep you moving and get you to the finish in one piece.
What kind of car can I take?
You can bring along any vehicle, however we recommend a 4WD, SUV or Variety Bash Car. The vehicle must comply with the information in the Variety Brats Bash Vehicle Checklist. Registration covering the period of the Variety Brats Bash event is compulsory.
How many crew members can I have?
The minimum number to make up a Brats Bash 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 car and the amount of luggage you have on board.
Where do we stay and how are meals arranged?
We always let you know the best places to stay in town as soon as the overnight stops on our itinerary are announced. Accomodation in each location can vary from hotel/motel, bed & breakfast, cabins, caravans, hostels and sometimes we even camp out under the stars!
Our helpful Variety Brats Bash Committee take the hard work out of it and book all accommodation on your behalf. We’ll advise of costs in advance. As for meals along the journey, our Committee and Motoring Events Manager arranges for local organisations to cater for our crew. This ranges from restaurants and pubs, to local community groups like the Lions Club.
What does the Variety Brats Bash cost?
The Brats Bash costs are
A $550.00 entry/registration fee (incl. GST)
Minimum of $750 of donations.
Public Liability Insurance of approx. $45.00 per car incl. GST
Meal and accommodation costs for you and your family will be calculated and provided in the lead up to the event. We estimate between $400-$500 per adult and $300-$400 per child for Meals, Accommodation of course depends on your preference (camping etc).
Do I have to be from the Variety Bash to enter?
Absolutely not! You’re sure to meet some of our Variety Bash crew, but this one is open to all families and we love rookies! The Variety family is always growing and we love meeting new people from all walks of life.
What if my car breaks down?
We travel with several Mobile Workshop Teams, including a tow-truck, out on the road with us. That means, we’ve got highly experienced mechanics to assist you with any automotive issues you might run into along the road. We aim to keep you moving and get you to the finish.
Do we have to have a theme or dress up?
Nope, that’s entirely up to you and your crew. We make a few stops at schools and community groups along the way, and costumes are always encouraged and a hit with the kids, but not essential. However you choose to participate, dress-ups or not, your family are welcome to join in the fun.
Do I have to have a Working With Children Check?
Yes! This one is a non-negotiable for all Variety Motoring Event entrants aged 18 and over. No WWCC, no entry. And we will be checking. Both in the lead up and on the event, where you must carry the card with you at all times. If you haven’t already got a WWCC, don’t stress. Applications are free and easy to process online here.
How do I fundraise?
In case you haven’t realised by now, the Variety Brats Bash is run by Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria. All funds raised from the event go directly to helping kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
We know that getting started with your fundraising can be daunting, so we’re here to help!
We can provide advice and support on how to start rattling tins or cooking some snags to raise some big bucks!
Can we use fundraising money to cover event costs?
No. Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the Variety Rally Around Victoria. 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 pockets expenses are at your own expense, and should be considered in your budget when preparing for the event.
Where does the fundraising money go?
All money raised from the event goes to supporting kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs through Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria. Variety Victoria are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and have been delivering vital support to kids across the country for more than 40 years. If you join the event, you’ll even get to see some very special grant presentations out on the road.
Can't find your question above?
Give us a call on 03 8698 3900 or email motoringevents@varietyvic.org.au
