Variety 4WD Adventure is an experience with heart. Enjoy bucket list locations and stunning scenery in a stress-free package. Explore remote and regional areas while raising funds for kids in need and making a genuine difference in the lives of Australian families.
More than just a trip, this is an adventure for the soul. Breathe in the freshest air you've ever experienced, let the stunning vistas fill your heart with wonder, and reconnect with the spirit of exploration that never truly fades.
You will join a legacy of generous adventurers, sharing the journey with fellow Aussies who, like you, possess a thirst for adventure and a passion for making a difference. Together, you'll contribute to helping children in need, experiencing the unique reward that comes from knowing your travels are making a real impact on young lives.
This isn't just a vacation, it's an unforgettable experience. Each day unfolds with new discoveries, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to forge lasting friendships with like-minded adventurers. Imagine evenings spent sharing stories around a campfire, the camaraderie a testament to the shared journey.
Where are we headed?
The 2025 Variety 4WD Adventure starts on Saturday 22 March 2025, the event will run for a week with our final night dinner being held on Saturday 29 March 2025.
Prepare to explore hidden gems and national treasures over seven unforgettable days:
Day 1: Our adventure begins in the stunning beauty of Malua Bay. From there, we’ll venture into the remote wilderness of Deua National Park, with its limestone cliffs, hidden valleys, and vibrant pinkwood rainforests. Step back in time as we explore the historic mining town of Captains Flat before arriving in the vibrant capital city, Canberra.
Day 2: Time to hit the trails! We’ll trek through the rugged beauty of Brindabella National Park, then discover the charming village of Wee Jasper nestled in its idyllic valley. Our journey continues full circle back into Canberra.
Day 3: Time to explore the backroads through NSW Southern Tablelands and historic villages along the way like Taralga, known for its fine collection of nineteenth century buildings. Prepare to be awestruck by the majestic Blue Mountains National Park, approached from the south for a unique perspective.
Day 4: Nature lovers rejoice! We’ll visit Abercrombie River National Park, a haven for native wildlife, before reaching the charming town of Orange for the evening.
Day 5: Calling all history buffs – today we head to Hill End, home to the world’s largest gold specimen. Explore the town’s rich past and the iconic Bridle Track before resting up for the night in Bathurst.
Day 6: Our journey takes us along the Turon River and into the historic Turon National Park, which was one of the 1851 gold rush sites. From there, we will get to rock and roll on some great four-wheel drive tracks in Marrangaroo National Park
Day 7: The grand finale awaits! We depart the Central Tablelands region and work our way into the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, culminating in Katoomba, a fitting end to your unforgettable adventure.
Event Itinerary
Day 0 Saturday 22 March Meet at Malua Bay
Day 1 Sunday 23 March Malua Bay – Deua National Park – Canberra
Day 2 Monday 24 March Canberra – Brindabella National Park – Canberra
Day 3 Tuesday 25 March Canberra – Blue Mountains National Park – Oberon
Day 4 Wednesday 26 March Oberon – Abercrombie River National Park – Orange
Day 5 Thursday 27 March Orange – Bridle Track – Bathurst
Day 6 Friday 28 March Bathurst – Turon National Park – Bathurst
Day 7 Saturday 29 March Bathurst – Marrangaroo National Park – Katoomba
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
1985
The iconic Variety Bash started in 1985, when entrepreneur and adventurer Dick Smith took a group of intrepid motorists from Bourke NSW to Bourketown Queensland in old cars, raising $250,000 for charity along the way.
1986 - 2005
The Variety Bash grows in popularity and impact. Over this time, the event spreads out and is run by each individual state both maximising the access for those to join in and funds raised for kids in need.
2006
The inaugural 4 x 4 Challenge is held from Gosford to West Wyalong. Travelling up to Nelson Bay and through Scone. This becomes the first of an annual event which held around the country.
TODAY
Since that first event, hundreds of tracks have been explored and millions of funds has been raised for kids in need.