Event Information
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Variety NSW Bash
Where We're Going
On Day 3, we’ll wind our way through the scenic back roads of the NSW North West Slopes, stopping at two small schools for breakfast and lunch. Moree, known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia, is home to a range of natural hot springs - the perfect place to relax and recharge after three days on the road in your Bash car.
We kick off Day 4 with breakfast at Garah Public School, whose cardboard Bash Car parade in 2024 stole our hearts. This time, we're returning for a proper visit and grant presentation. For lunch, we’re planning a full school visit at Dirranbandi to keep the joy flowing. Finishing the day in the legendary opal town of Lightning Ridge, known for its abundance of opals (and opal shops!), incredible outback art and famous landmarks such as the Car Door Tour, a must-do in the Ridge.
On Day 5, it's off to Walgett for an extra special visit with a proud and resilient community not only rich in Indigenous culture and outback heritage – it’s also one of the key locations for Variety’s Flying Start program. We are very proud of our unique program which brings paediatric specialists into remote areas by plane to provide life-changing health support for children who would otherwise go without.
You’ll get to see firsthand the impact Variety has here, meet some of the locals, and be part of the connection between the Bash and our on-the-ground programs that make such a difference year-round. Leaving Walgett, we trade red dust for green treetops as we pass into the Pilliga Forest, a striking change of scenery on the road to Narrabri.
Our final day begins in Narrabri, where we’ll stop at the local public school – who have just recently received a new Variety Sunshine Coach – a fitting reminder of the impact you help make possible on the road.
Dates and Locations
What it Takes to be a Basher
- The NSW Bash takes you off-road and outback throughout Australia.
- It’s a community of over 250 people that reaches out to communities off the beaten track.
- You have a desire for adventure, a joy of driving and a tolerance to dust!
- A sense of humour and friendly, curious spirit. All entrants must be over 18 years of age with a valid drivers licence.
- Plus, a wish to give back to kids and community groups in remote locations.
Cost of Entry
- How much does it cost? To join you must raise $4,000 which is fully tax-deductible donation. This fee is for an entry of one car.
- A $500 non-refundable donation is required on entry to secure your place. Minimum Donation amounts must be paid to Variety 3 months prior to the start of the Bash.
- A provision fee is confirmed closer to the event, last year for example it was around $900 per crew member. It covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days except where stated as well as selected merchandise, car signage, photography, film services and entertainment during the Bash.
Your Bash Car
- All vehicles entered in the Bash must have been manufactured 25 years or more before the Bash. This excludes those bringing a 4WD which will need to be 30 years or more.
- They must be roadworthy, registered and insured as prescribed by State laws.
- Struggling to find a car which hits requirements? You could apply to bring a more modern 4WD, simply reach out to the motoring events team and we can help.
Accommodation
- Entrants shall book their own accommodation on the nights indicated in the route. There are a range of accommodation styles to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets. In some towns accommodation is limited and availability is not guaranteed.
- If you have difficulty booking in any towns, please contact the motoring events team.
Fundraising
- The Bash is a fundraising event to help kids in need. Entrants must raise a minimum fundraising amount per car for Variety of $4,000 to enter the Variety NSW Bash.
- Once registered, you will have access to a range of fundraising tools to help you reach your target.
- The Bash is open from July to May of the event year, so you have time to fundraise as much as possible.
- Bashers get to see the direct impact of their fundraising efforts along the way, with a range of educational, health and mobility equipment provided to local schools and organisations enroute.
“I love Variety! We all have the best time watching the kids get so excited and have big smiles on their faces when the Bashers pull into town. It's definitely a heartwarming week for me!! – Kristy, Team Minions
