Frequently Asked Questions

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 SA 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.

There will be an entry fee of $550 (Inc GST) per car. This secures your spot in the event and is non-refundable. A participation fee ($1380) is charged per person. This covers merchandise, entertainment, fun stops, name badge, event commemorative gift and additional services on the event such as mechanical, medical support etc.

A minimum of $9,000 of donations per car is to be fundraised to enter the event and this is tax deductible.

Fundraising cannot cover the registration fee, meals, accommodation or costs of your car, although it can be used for the $9,000 donation component and all donations raised are tax deductible. Individual accommodation, refreshments, merchandise, fuel costs, mechanical repairs, car shipping and other out of pocket expenses are at your own expense, and should be considered in your budget when preparing for the Variety Bash.

The most common way to raise money is through fundraising events (such as dinners, trivia nights, golf days etc.) and approaches to sponsors/supporters. Other ideas are included in the Entrants Manual available after entry is received. New ideas are always welcome and can be discussed with the Variety Events team.

Minimum: $9,000
Bronze Heart: $18,000
Silver Heart: $27,000
Gold Heart: $45,000
Platinum Heart: $90,000

Monies donated to Variety – the Children’s Charity are generally tax deductible under the Income Tax Assessment Act provided they qualify as an unfettered donation; that is, the donor can prove that they have received nothing of value in return for the donation.

WHAT IS NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Sponsors and entrants should accordingly be aware that the following ARE NOT deductible as donations. These costs are met personally by the entrants:
1. The $550 entry fee
2. Event Participation Fee (includes meals, merchandise, entertainment etc)
3. Accommodation costs
4.Vehicle purchase, preparation, maintenance and running costs
5. Additional merchandise purchases
6. Associated travel costs, for example, return airfares and accommodation, vehicle return transport or vehicle recovery costs
7. Ticket sales, including raffle tickets
8. Auction items


These comments are to be taken as guidelines only. Variety is not a tax consultant and therefore assumes no liability for actions taken as a result of these guidelines. In any instances where an entrant or a sponsor is uncertain of the tax implications of their involvement, they should consult their own accountant or tax adviser.

Vehicles must be in standard condition and shall be models with a minimum age of 25 years.

The Variety Bash has Mobile Workshops who assist you to repair your bash car along the side of the road. We aim to keep you moving and get you to the finish.

The minimum is two (driver and navigator) and the maximum is 4. Bear in mind the size of your bash car, and the amount of luggage you have onboard when picking the size of your crew!

Once the overnight stops have been announced it is up to the entrants to book all of their accommodation unless otherwise advised by Variety. Availability of accommodation in each location can vary from hotel/motel, bed and breakfast, cabins, caravans, hostels and camp grounds.

The Event Manager arranges for local organisations to cater for the Variety Bash. You will receive three meals a day on the event (unless specified) as well as meals and entertainment on our final night, and any tours that have been organised within your Event Participation Fee. Special requirements can be catered for, and must be advised when filling out your medical form prior to the Variety Bash.

A bag truck travels with the Variety Bash to the overnight stops. Limited space on the truck is available to entrants to carry swags and tents. Details of Bag truck locations are advised on a daily basis whilst on the Bash. Delivery and collection of items will be advised prior to the Bash.

If you or a team member has to withdraw from the event and can longer attend. Please let the Variety Bash events team know immediately. Email [email protected] or Phone (08) 8293 8744

Whether it is by sponsoring a vehicle in the SA Variety Bash or support for other events and special projects, it is the sponsors to whom Variety looks for assistance, to ensure the financial success of the Bash and fundraising of all our entrants, goes directly to children in need.

Over the past 35 years, the SA Variety Bash has raised in excess of $51 million (net). This has been achieved through 35 years of hard work...and 35 years of generous sponsorship and support by thousands of individuals and the corporate sector.

There are thousands of kids in South Australia who would benefit from your involvement as a sponsor of a vehicle in the Variety Bash.

We are extremely fortunate and grateful to have the support of so many partners who want to make a difference to enhance a child’s life.

Not only is the company seen as a good corporate citizen, but by investing in Variety, they’re investing in over 50 charities and organisations around the state. This is because Variety is an umbrella charity, which means that we not only give grants to assist individual kids and their families, but we also fund other children’s organisations, making us South Australia’s leading children’s charity. Know that when you give to Variety, you are giving to all kids who are sick, disadvantaged or live with disability, to give all kids in SA a fair go.