Frequently Asked Questions
Curious to know what it takes to be part of the 2026 Backyard Bash? Below are the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Becoming an Entrant
Entrants Prerequisites
- Entrants must be over 18 years of age and must have a current driver’s licence.
- Crews must consist of no less than two and no more than four people. Other numbers of crew may be permitted at the discretion of the Events Team Manager.
- All crew members are required to pay a Provisions Fee as specified closer to the event.
Captain vs Crew
- Each car must have a designated Captain. The Captain is responsible for confirming the car and crew meet all requirements.
- The Captain invites crew members to join their Bash Car via a unique link provided during the registration process. This link is also available in your Team Fundraising Dashboard on the Fundraising site.
Conditions of Entry
- Entries are not transferable. Your entry is not attached to a vehicle.
- Entries each year are at the discretion of the Events Team Manager.
- Variety provides support vehicles throughout the event. Private support vehicles are not permitted on the Bash.
A minimum fundraising target of $4,000 per car is required to enter the Backyard Bash. Funds raised go directly towards supporting kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability, and are tax-deductible.
Costs not included in Provision Fee
Additional costs such as fuel, potential mechanical repairs, refreshments, return travel and other out-of-pocket expenses are at your own expense.
How does the fundraising work?
Money can be raised by you in many different ways. You can seek sponsorship, hold functions, raffles, auctions, or share your fundraising page via your socials and with your friends and family.
Sponsors should be aware that their donations will go directly to Variety to support kids and they will receive tax receipts. You should emphasise that you and your team are responsible for all costs related to preparing and running your vehicle and other related expenses.
You can add stickers and custom paintwork to acknowledge your sponsors to your vehicle. Variety provides Thank You certificates to acknowledge your sponsors.
Bash Car Information
A well-prepared car means surviving the day, not missing the fun stops, and making the meal stops. Read all you need to know to get your car ready.
What is a Bash Car?
For the 2026 Backyard Bash, we’re opening the event up to modern vehicles, making it more accessible for new and existing entrants alike.
You can find a list of pre-loved Bash Cars for sale here.
Conditions of car entry
All vehicles must have a minimum of two people and a maximum of four people.
All vehicles must display the 2026 Backyard Bash event door panels on the front driver and passenger doors and must also display the Bash car number for the vehicle. The vehicle number must be clearly visible, using fluro 10cm numbers on the front window and fluro 17cm numbers on the rear window. The first set of numbers are provided by Variety, replacements are charged at $30 per set. All cars must display sponsor’s stickers, as supplied by organisers, including a front window strip that doubles as a sun strip, and rear window strip advertising the Bash.
All vehicles are required to attend a nominated Checkpoint Day prior to the start of the Bash. Any vehicles unable to attend a Checkpoint Day need to obtain prior consent from the Events Team Manager and subsequently make arrangements for mechanical sign-off with a local authorised mechanic.
Checkpoint days will be conducted in preparation for the August start on the following dates (locations to be confirmed):
- South Coast Region - 18 July – 8.00am – 11.00am
- Kennedy’s Auto Repairs, 69 Plunkett Street, Nowra
- New Entrants Orientation Briefing session - 10.30am - 11am
- Hunter Region - 19 July – 9.00am – 1.00pm
- Gerry Wubbels Automatics, 17 Pacific Highway, Gateshead
- New Entrants Orientation Briefing session – 11.00am - 11.30am
- Sydney – 26 July - 8.30am - 2.00pm
- Heartland Motors, on the corner of Windsor Road and Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill.
- New Entrants Orientation Briefing session 11.00am - 11.30am
At all times all entrants must abide by the rules of the road as prescribed by State laws and statutes.
Essential Equipment
Below are the mandatory requirements for vehicles on the 2026 Backyard Bash.
- Must be roadworthy and registered.
- Must have a GVM under 4500 kg.
- Current insurance must be third party property at a minimum.
- Must have a working UHF capable of operating on Channel 20, a 5-watt handheld unit is acceptable.
- To travel on unsealed roads and tracks your vehicle should be fitted with a dust light (rotating amber beacon or rear facing flashing amber lights).
- Must carry a fire extinguisher (in date).
- Must have a basic first aid kit.
- Must have a snatch strap and recovery points front and rear.
- Must have one litre of drinking water per occupant.
- Basic tool kit.
- Functional spare tyre.
- Supplied event signage affixed on vehicle in appointed positions.
- We also recommend that you have Roadside Assistance cover for your vehicle.
Other equipment
- Photocopy of certificate of registration and payment receipt, as well as third-party property insurance (minimum) or comprehensive insurance papers. This paperwork will remain with Variety.
Registration papers must clearly show the registration number, chassis number, engine number & expiry date and all four identifiers must line up with your vehicle. - Bash door panels displaying car number and sponsor decals
- Front and rear windscreen strips
- Windscreen fluro car numbers: front 100mm – top right passengers' side, rear 170mm – top right driver's side
- Basic tool kit – an assortment of screwdrivers, shifters, small ring and open-ended spanners, pliers, side cutters, pocketknife, gaffer tape, electrical tape, small and medium size cable ties, a pair of multi-grips and insulated wire of the size used in cars.
- First aid kit
- 10-20 litre water container
- Trip meter or app capable of recording distance travelled and intermittent distances
Recommended Equipment
- Securing for all loose equipment
- Additional fuel capacity
- Brake lines, fuel lines and shock absorber mounts protected by hose
- Spare parts applicable to your vehicle: water pump, fuel pump, fuel filters, air filter, condenser, coil, exhaust gaskets and mounting straps, universal joint, rear axle with new bearing (wrap bearings in plastic).
- Selleys Knead-it is a good all-purpose epoxy repair for broken thermostat housings and general repairs.
- Check mudflaps do not drag on ground when vehicle laden
- 20 litres of fuel in approved containers plus funnel / syphon hose
- 20 litres of water, suitable for drinking and cooling system top up
- 5 litres of engine oil
- 5 litres of auto-transmission oil (if applicable)
- 1 litre of diff oil
- 500ml of brake fluid
- Jumper leads
- One can of WD40 or equivalent
- One can/bottle of radiator stop leak
- Jack and jacking plate for soft ground plus wheel brace
- Fan belt
- Radiator hoses, length of heater hose
- Fuel hoses
- Fuses
- Heavy duty torch
- One roll of racing tape plus small roll of tie wire
- Tarpaulin – may be required to place in front of vehicle when crossing deep water
Route Instructions
The Motoring Events Team conduct several surveys of the event prior to the official start to plan the route and make all the arrangements. Daily route instructions will be given to you every morning at the start line (for the AM section) and mostly at the lunch venue for the PM section.
On occasion and in larger towns, no dedicated lunch stop will be organised and you are free to choose your own venue to purchase lunch. We will have a dedicated Checkpoint setup for you to check in upon arrival and they will provide the PM route instructions (unless full day route instructions were handed out at the start of the day).
The route notes are simple, easy to read distant measurements with clear instructions, for example: SO (straight on), TL (turn left), TR (turn right).
Never leave the Bash route without telling an official. The Bash is well serviced with officials who check you out at the start of a section and back in at the completion of a section. If you don’t pass through the finishing Checkpoint and our “Sweep” (last official in) has not seen you, then we commence search and rescue procedures. You will be liable for any charges if it proves to be a false alarm.
Following the Road Rules
The Bash is allowed to run because we adhere to the road rules of any given State or Territory we travel though. We have no dispensation to break existing road rules set by the police or the State’s ruling body.
Support Vehicles
For those would-be Bashers who can’t tell an upper control arm from an interior light switch – fear not! Travelling with the Bash are Mobile Workshops (MW) crewed by qualified and experienced mechanics, engineers and technicians whose job it is to look after all Bash vehicles.
If you break down on the Bash route one of the MWs will carry out a minor repair to keep you going. It is then your responsibility to have the car fully repaired and made roadworthy again.
We guarantee, if we can’t get you going, we’ll get you to the closest town where you can make your own arrangements to get your car repaired or transported to another location. It is your responsibility to have the car fully repaired and made roadworthy again.
Individual support vehicles are not allowed on the Bash; however, spare parts can be carried on the official baggage truck that accompanies the event for the entire Bash route.
Working With Children Checks
As we visit a lot of wonderful schools on our motoring events and it is our number one priority to ensure the safety of the children we work so hard to support. All Entrants and Officials MUST have a valid Working With Children’s Check (WWCC). This is available free of charge and can be applied for online via https://wwccheck.ocg.nsw.gov.au/Apply. For any queries regarding this process please contact the Events Team motoring@varietynsw.org.au. If you reside outside NSW, you must apply for your state’s equivalent check, eg. Blue Card in Queensland, Working with Vulnerable People in ACT.
More detailed information on Bash Car vehicle modifications
If you are thinking of bringing a modern vehicle please reach out to rob.vincent@varietynsw.org.au for recommendations.
VEHICLE INFORMATION AND PREPARATION
We suggest you review the checklist our Bash mechanics will be working through on Checkpoint Day whilst preparing your car.
The following checks are recommended when preparing your Bash Car:
- Lubrication and Cooling – both systems should be drained, flushed and generally cleaned out. For engines that have been stationary for some time, this is a MUST. Remember the transmission and differential too!
- Engine and transmission mountings – check for any tears, perished/worn areas or oil damage. (Body mountings if applicable).
- Driveshafts – check the universals, yokes, centre bearings and their mountings if applicable.
- Protect exposed clutch and brake mechanisms.
- Suspensions – check the cross members for cracks and worn/perished mounting rubber joints, links, pins, ball-joints and bushes etc., shock absorbers, springs, shackles, leaves and centre bolts.
- Brakes – check the linings, hoses, metal brake lines and their securing, wheel and master cylinders.
- Wheel/Tyres – check for wheel cracks and seek out a good “off-road” type of tyre. Go to a tyre retailer and seek their advice, explaining you will be doing a lot of dirt driving on mixed country road conditions.
- Wheel/axle bearings – check seals, clean, inspect repack/grease.
- Engine – tune and waterproof the ignition.
- Wiper blades – replace. Ensure windscreen washers work efficiently.
- Electrical problems. to reduce the chances of having a problem get your car checked by an auto electrician. Frayed wiring should be taped up and the generator or alternator checked.
- Take basic spares such as points, plugs, condenser, even a rotor, coil and distributor cap.
- Take a spare fan belt.
- Make sure the battery is secure and the battery holder has not rusted away.
- If you have an automatic car, take a spare starter motor.
If you are thinking of bringing a modern vehicle please reach out to rob.vincent@varietynsw.org.au for recommendations.
VEHICLE GROUND CLEARANCE
One of the recommendations for the Bash is giving your car some additional ground clearance. The easiest way to do this is to use larger diameter wheels and tyres. Holdens can go for 14″x 6″ steel wheels, (from an HK to HG Monaro) and 7.5 x 14 tyres to suit the Japanese utes (such as Holden Rodeos). Fords and Valiants already have 14″ wheels and the 7.50 x 14 tyres can be used. American vehicles can use 15″ or 16″ wheels with appropriately larger tyres. Ensure you still have full steering lock to lock.
If you need more ground clearance, the best way is to have the springs reset or add extra leaves. Do not try to raise the back using air shocks. They are renowned for their ability to punch the back floor out of cars due to the air pressure in one shocker increasing when the other shocker has been compressed. This makes the shocker act like a solid bar and if a bump comes along while it is in this condition, goodbye floor!
With Holdens, it is wise to get a crossmember welded between the rear subframes as a mount for the top of the shockers, as Holdens are weak in the body where the shocker mounts are.
If you raise the rear of the car, you should also raise the front to match. Remember to get the front end re-aligned after you do this. When raising the car, check to make sure the shockers don’t run out of travel when the suspension moves.
Get professional advice when changing suspension.
VEHICLES AND TOWING REQUIREMENT
A compulsory fitting on a Bash car are front and back rated recovery points; in case a recovery is required on the event. These need to accommodation either a rated soft-shackle or rated D-shackle to connect a tow rope.
Previously we have required front and rear tow balls (as potentially used for straight bar towing), however with the use of tilt tray recovery trucks, it is safer to load and transport vehicle on tilt tray and not straight bar vehicle on the road.
VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE PROTECTION
Sump and stone guards are essential for the underside of the car. These have different requirements so need slightly different approaches.
The sump guard is to prevent the sump and gearbox from damage sustained by hitting rocks on the road. This needs to be reasonably strong. Aluminium checkerplate, as used to make boat trailers etc, is ideal if given a little bit of bracing. Steel checkerplate is a little heavy, and a lighter gauge of metal could be used. The sump guard should be no wider than the sump of the engine to allow engine heat to get away from the engine bay. Remember to mount the plate securely and check that the steering doesn’t touch it, even with the wheels off the ground.
The fuel tank guard is to prevent the fuel tank being pierced by stones and smaller rocks and can be made of lighter gauge metal, provided it covers all exposed parts of the fuel tank.
As the roads and tracks are likely to be dusty, it is a good idea to have a good quality air cleaner element along with a couple of spares. They should be changed regularly on the Bash. Sand and dust getting into an engine through the air cleaner can very quickly rebore your engine, and without the necessary larger pistons and rings, can destroy your engine.
For water crossings or holes — be careful as hitting the water too hard can cause water and mud to go through your air cleaner and into your engine with a fatal result.
VEHICLES AND TAIL SHAFT LOOP
This is highly recommended on the Bash. If the front universal joint breaks, the front of the tail shaft is stopped from hitting the road and acting as a pole vault.
The loop can be made in several ways. The easiest is to use inch by eighth steel strap, make a loop under the tailshaft (give it plenty of clearance) and bolt it to the floor. It should be positioned about six inches behind the front universal. Another effective method is to use chain and bolt it to the floor either side of the tailshaft with a loop hanging underneath.
VEHICLES ENGINE RESTRAINT
The engine restraint is required so that the engine can’t move forward and damage the radiator or go backwards in a minor accident, or when the car goes into a big pothole or similar. The easiest way to achieve this is to use heavy chain, bolt one end to the engine and weld the other end to the chassis. You can do this for both forwards and backwards directions by running the chain forwards and backwards, welding it both ends and bolting the middle to the engine.
VEHICLE FUEL AND BRAKE LINE PROTECTION
This isn’t compulsory, but it is a good idea. On most cars, the fuel and brake lines run alongside the chassis or subframes from front to back. They can be easily protected using a garden hose. Take a length of hose long enough to do the job, split it lengthways with a knife, then slip it over the fuel and brake lines and hold in place using nylon cable ties.
- Check copper brake pipes as after a couple of years they harden and crack. Best to replace with a steel pipe.
- Cooling System
- Check cooling system for correct operation:
- Clean and flush cooling system
- Check operation of thermostat (do not remove thermostat, if it is overheating there must be a problem)
- Check pressure cap
- Check air flow through radiator
- Check water circulation through radiator
- Check electric fan operation
- Check temperature gauge reading correctly
- Fit a low water level indicator with light and buzzer
- If you have a coolant leak in the radiator or welch plugs, etc during the Bash you can use a radiator stop leak (pepper can be used as a last resort).
- Warning gauges and lights are both good to have for oil pressure and water temperature.
VEHICLE UHF RADIO REQUIREMENT
When driving in dust use your radio to advise the Bash vehicle behind about oncoming dips, corners, traffic, sheep, cattle, etc. Call the vehicle in front when you want to overtake and wait until they call you through. Let the vehicle in front know your car number so they can direct advice to you. Always pass the information down the line to Bashers behind you.
In general terms, the UHF radio will not broadcast further than a couple of kilometres around you although there are times when the signal will “skip” and carry a lot further. When chatting to other Bash cars remember that there are a lot of vehicles on the channel so do not monopolise the frequency. If you want to have a long chat with another Bash vehicle (NOT in dusty conditions when driving), change to another channel – but remember to go back to Channel 20 to stay in touch with the rest of the Bash.
VEHICLE FUEL MANAGEMENT
The way to avoid fuel problems on the Bash is to follow the below recommendations:
- Fit fuel filters before and after the fuel pump. Take along spare filters.
- Fit a new fuel pump and take the old one along as a spare (with a spare gasket).
- If the car has been standing a long time get the fuel tank and lines cleaned out. A good idea anyway as the bouncing around may shake rust flakes off the inside of the tank.
- Get the carbie rebuilt.
- Take some correct size fuel hose (about 1 metre will do) and some hose clips along. This is in case the fuel line is hit by a stone and crushed.
VEHICLE DECALS AND WINDOW STICKERS
As part of the entry conditions, you will be required to display door panels, window strips and sponsor identification decals as required. These items will be supplied to you.
The door panels, which carry your car’s identification number, are 50cm x 32 cm wide (portrait style) and are fitted on the front driver and passenger doors of the car. A window strip goes on the top of the windscreen and doubles as a sun screen. A back window strip will also be supplied which will advertise the event. Additionally, event sponsor identification decals may be supplied that must go on each side of the car.
Variety will supply fluro car number stickers for all new entries, to be displayed on the top right of both front and rear windscreens. Replacement fluro numbers can be purchased if lost or damaged at $30 per set.
Contact the Variety Motoring Events Teams for any questions related to the 2026 Backyard Bash.
If we get the question often enough we'll add it to the FAQs.
If you want to talk to someone about vehicle requirements the best person to speak to is Rob!
Rob Vincent
Events Team Manager
0400 439 029
If you want to talk to someone about the event reach out to Rebecca!
Rebecca Rowe
Events Manager
rebecca.rowe@varietynsw.org.au
0408 762 694
