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 8 days and the route and destination change each year. The full route is announced at a launch event, shortly after the finalisation of the previous Variety Bash. 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 with a central command post. 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 pre-1997 car prepared for the event - check out the guide HERE (*guide notes pre 1994, but this is now 1997). Need a car? Check out our Bash Cars for Sale page.
A fun theme with costumes for your crew and car.
Your entry, participant and provisional 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: $220 per Bash Car
Indidual Entry: $900 participant Fee + $TBD Provisional Levy per person (Provisional fees advised soon after the 1st road survey)
Minimum Fundraising: $4,000 per new Bash Car | $8,000 per returning Bash Car l $10,000 per Buddy cars.
What's included in the cost?
All meals, entertainment, camping fees, luggage transport, administration, route planning, merchandise, medical services, public liability insurance, and on-road mechanical support.
* accommodation, fuel and vehicle running costs are at your own expense.
Can I use fundraising to cover the cost of the trip?
No, your fundraising is made up of donations and as such needs to be receipted correctly by Variety WA. However, you may be able to obtain sponsorship from your supporters to cover your costs.
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. Whichever you decide, don’t hesitate to call the Variety Bash team on 9355 3655 or email events@varietywa.org.au if you need any assistance.
What is tax deductible?
Any donation made to Variety WA over $2 is tax deductible, provided no tangible benefit or value is received in return for the donation.
What kind of vehicle is required?
Any vehicle manufactured before 1997 are accepted. All vehicles must be 2WD vehicles.
Is accommodation provided on the Variety Bash for participants?
Camping is included in your participant/provisional fees. If you do not want to camp you can book (if it’s available) your own accommodation at your cost.
What meals are catered for on the event?
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are catered for you. Some are packed to go others are a sit down occasion.
How many people can I have in my car?
A minimum of 2 passengers are required, but you can have as many as your car is licensed to carry with lap sash seatbelts.
What about luggage?
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 swags 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.
Does Variety provide mechanical support during the Bash?
Yes. There are multiple Mobile Workshop (MW) crews who travel with the Variety WA Bash and are fully equipped to handle most repairs or if they are not able to fix the problem they will help you get to the nearest workshop who can. We do recommend travelling with RAC Ultimate to cover any major breakdowns.
