2024
VARIETY BASH
Melbourne to Airlie Beach 2024
We hit the road at lightning speed for the 2024 Variety Bash from Swan Hill to Airlie Beach on an 8,000km return trip. The 2024 Bash saw 81 other vehicles and 244 entrants raise $1.6 million dollars for children in need to overcome obstacles they face to live a happy and fulfilled life.
A massive thank you to everyone who generously donated to Car 9595. We reached our goal of raising $20k! Ian Fossey and I are blown away by everyone’s generosity!
Swan Hill to West Wyalong - Approximately 600kms
Day 1 was mostly on dirt. A few cars broke down just out of Swan Hill but the breakdown service arrived. The team of volunteers are so good at what they do and were able to get the cars back on the road.
West Wyalong to Bourke - Approximately 500kms
It was only day 2 and l forgot what day it was, from then on l knew l was relaxed and in for a great time. Dirt turned to mud, and a decked-out 4WD would have been a more suitable vehicle. There were cars and 4WDs off in ditches, so we took our line, turned off the traction control and went for it while muttering a few choice words. WE MADE IT!
Bourke to St George - Approximately 550kms
Over the eight days, there was a beer truck that would turn up in the middle of nowhere. One stop was beer and live music, you don’t get much better than that out in the middle of nowhere!
St George to Chinchilla - Approximately 450kms
We had a musician who travelled with us - after 8 days of listening to him, l knew he was good because l still liked him!
Chinchilla to Bundaberg - Approximately 400kms
A highlight of the trip was the children’s faces when we were handing out giveaways. Some of the schools we visited only had 10-14 students.
Bundaberg to Rockhampton - Approximately 300kms
On Day 6, Lightning had the opportunity to visit the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, an essential part of Australia's heritage and a symbol of Bundaberg's rich history.
Rockhampton to Mackay - Approximately 450kms
There were fun stops during the day where you would stop for games and cheese and biscuits. The people on the Bash were a great bunch and there was plenty of banter and laughter. We met some amazing people and have made some lifelong friends.
Mackay to Airlie Beach - Approximately 200kms
When we arrived at Airlie Beach they shut the Main Street and the cars all formed a line as we paraded down the street and onto the foreshore where the cars were on display for the rest of the day.
Airlie Beach
At the final dinner in Airlie Beach, everyone gathered to celebrate the incredible achievement of raising $1.6 million. Awards were presented, and Ian and I received our heart for reaching our $20k goal. Lightning also won the Spirit of Lakes Entrance Award for the best-presented car!
A massive thank you to everyone who generously donated to
We reached our goal of raising $20k! Ian Fossey and I are blown away by everyone’s support and generosity!
〰️
We reached our goal of raising $20k! Ian Fossey and I are blown away by everyone’s support and generosity! 〰️
In 2025, we're hitting the road again for the Variety Bash, joining a colourful convoy from Hamilton to Darwin for the Outback Odyssey. Along the way, we'll be stopping at schools and small towns to spread some love.
Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Bash, including the route and all things related to donations!