What is the Variety Bash?
The Variety Bash is not a race or a rally, but a fun and social event, or in the words of the originator Dick Smith, ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’. The WA Variety Bash runs for 9 nights and 8 days and the route and destinations change each year. The full route is announced at a launch event, shortly after the finalisation of the previous Variety Bash.
Bashers travel in pre-1997 Bash cars in groups of 2 or more, and each Bash car (and their participants) have a kid-friendly theme.
The event involves plenty of off-road driving in the old Bash cars, fun entertainment and engagement with the local communities, including school stop-offs to give out Variety grants and to entertain the kids. We keep you entertained at themed parties at night, along with plenty of fun-stops throughout the day to keep you in good spirits all day and all night long.
The Variety Bash has an exemplary safety record. All cars are tracked during the day by officials, who are in contact via HF radio and satellite phone, along with 24/7 support from experienced Officials on the event. The Variety Bash has its own team of paramedics and has full contact with hospitals, motor workshops and local authorities. In addition, all cars are checked over prior to the event, and a team of Mobile Workshop mechanics attend the event to assist entrants with car problems.
What do I need?
- A crew of two to four people with a sense of adventure
- A 2-wheel-drive, pre-1997 car prepared to Bash specifications. Need a car? Check out our Bash Cars for Sale page
- A fun theme with costumes for your crew and car
- Your entry fees and the minimum fundraising
For more information contact our events team – (08) 9355 3655 or via events@varietywa.org.au
What does it cost?
Car Entry Fee: $220 per Bash Car inc GST payable on entry
Participant Entry Fee: $1,650 per person inc GST
Minimum Fundraising: $4,000 per new Bash Car | $8,000 per returning Bash Car
What your entry fees include:
- All meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners)
- Entertainment
- Luggage transport
- Medical services
- Public liability insurance
- On-road mechanical support
Fuel and vehicle running costs are at your own expense.
How do I fundraise?
There are many ways to fundraise. You can obtain corporate donations, hold an event or run a raffle. Some workplaces even offer matched donations. We have plenty of fundraising resources to help you out, like this Fundraising Guide or the A-Z List of Fundraising Ideas.
When your Captain (the key representative for your car) signs up, they will be able to create their own fundraising page for your car, which you can share with friends, family and colleagues to make a tax-deductable donation.
The events team are also on hand to support you with your fundraising needs and you can give us a call at anytime to request assistance with your fundraising.
However you decide to do it, we're here to help you every step of the way. For help with your fundraising, don’t hesitate to call Variety WA on 08 9355 3655 or email events@varietywa.org.au
What is and isn't tax deductible?
Monies donated to Variety are generally tax deductible if they are an unfettered donation (if the donor has received no value in return for the donation). For example, entrance fees, raffle tickets and auction items are not tax-deductible, while donations made towards your fundraising page are tax deductible (if you haven't promised anything in return for them).
Variety assumes no liability for action taken as a result of these guidelines. In any instances where an entrant or a sponsor is uncertain of the tax implications of their involvement, they should consult their own accountant or tax adviser.
Who should I include in my crew?
The Variety Bash caters for couples, groups of mates or family teams. All participants must be 18+, but aside from that, all are welcome.
A minimum of 2 passengers are required. You can have as many passangers as your car is licensed to carry. The more, the merrier (and the easier the fundraising, too)!
If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know when you sign up so we can accomodate this where possible on the trip.
How do I fundraise?
You’ll be surprised how generous people will be when you let them know about the cause.
When your Captain (the key representative for your car) signs up, they will be able to create their own fundraising page for your car, which you can share with friends, family and colleagues to make a tax-deductable donation.
You can also host your own fundraising event such as a sausage sizzle, quiz night or something more creative. Make sure you check out our A-Z List of Fundraising Ideas to help you get off to a racing start on your fundraising journey.
When you register, you will be given a fundraising guide and extra tips to help you become Variety's next top fundraiser!
The events team are also on hand to support you with your fundraising needs and you can give us a call at anytime to request assistance with your fundraising.
What about baggage?
The Variety WA Bash travels with a B-Double trailer assembly with a 40 foot container for participants luggage. Each car is allocated a bay or two to carry your swag, baggage and extra gear that doesn’t fit in your Bash car. The baggage truck does not carry spare tyres, fuel or parts for your car.
How do I enter?
It’s easy to enter the Variety Bash! Click here to enter online today.
