All you need to know about the 2026 Variety Adventure Ride

Where we are going?

The 2026 Variety Adventure Ride route is locked in! Here’s what you can expect on this unforgettable adventure.

Join us from 13-18 September 2026 as we ride from the Southern Highlands across the mountain ranges of the Great Dividing Range and down to the Sapphire Coast - conquering flowing gravel, forest connectors, quiet country roads and iconic coastal hinterland tracks. It’s the kind of terrain that inspires early starts, shared stories at day’s end and the satisfaction of riding exactly where your bike was built to go.

This year's ride is designed for thrill-seekers, with a route that’s designed for your adventure bike and packed with adventure, breathtaking country and fantastic people. You'll discover sweeping mountain curves, crisp highland air and the unmistakable rhythm of the open road.

The Variety Adventure Ride is about so much more than the riding. As you travel through regional communities you'll see firsthand the impact of your fundraising on the schools and communities we visit. So gather your mates and join us for hundreds of kilometres of expertly planned, fully supported two-wheeled adventure!

Dates and Locations

Day 0: Mittagong
Day 1: Berrima – Oberon – Goulburn
Day 2: Goulburn – Moruya – Narooma
Day 3: Narooma – Bermagui – Merimbula
Day 4: Merimbula – Bodalla – Batemans Bay
Day 5: Batemans Bay – Bungendore – Goulburn
Day 6: Goulburn - Berrima

What it takes to join the fun

• You must be over 18 years of age with a spirit of adventure, a tolerance to dust and a current motorcycle licence.
• "P" Plates riders are welcome. Learners Permits are not acceptable.
• Come on your own or gather your mates and put together a team.

Cost of Entry

Entry Fee
A $500 (ex GST) Entry Fee is required per Entrant. This secures your spot in the event and is non-refundable.

Provisions Fee
A Provisions Fee is charged per person and will be confirmed closer to the event. This covers a selection of meals, event merchandise, signage and support services such as mechanical and medical support.

Accommodation and all other out-of-pocket expenses are your own responsibility.

Minimum Fundraising
In addition to your Entry and Provisions Fees, a minimum of $2,000 must be fundraised or donated to Variety prior to the start of the event. All donations above $2 are tax-deductible and Variety will issue tax invoices for all donations received. Refer to our Resources page for tips on how to fundraise and reach your target.

What bike can I bring?

• To enter this event you need a roadworthy, registered Adventure Motorbike. If you are unsure about whether your motorbike is appropriate, email the Variety Motoring Events team.
• Events are run on public roads and all bikes must have current registration and appropriate insurance for the entire event duration. We advise you cover your bike for third-party property damage at a minimum. We require a photocopy of your current registration and insurance papers to keep on file before you are eligible to commence the event.

What to wear

• All riders must have appropriate riding gear including helmet, pants, jacket and gloves as essential items.
• Weather conditions can vary drastically and unfortunately things don’t always go to plan, so we recommend you bring items for colder/wet conditions and for when conditions are warmer.

Accommodation details

• Accomodation is your own responsibility for all nights. There is almost always a range of accommodation to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets, however in smaller towns accommodation may be limited and availability is not guaranteed.
• We provide a list of options to take the hard work away from you so you can book accommodation based on your required comfort level and budget.

How much do I need to fundraise?

• The Adventure Ride is a fundraising event where you see the direct impact of grants provided to local schools and communities along the way.
• Entrants must fundraise or donate a minimum of $2,000 to Variety prior to the start of the event. Donations above $2 are tax-deductible and Variety will issue tax invoices for all donations received. 
• However you don’t need to stop there! Every dollar you raise will go towards helping kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities. Visit our Resources page for a range of tools to help you reach your target.

Major Sponsor

A big thank you to Pickles, our Major Sponsor of the Variety Adventure Ride since the very beginning. As long-standing supporters of Variety motoring events, their ongoing commitment has helped power this event year after year. We are proud to celebrate Pickles’ continued partnership and support of the life-changing work we do for kids.