Variety TasBash FAQs

The Variety Bash is Australia’s largest and longest running charity motoring event – much imitated, never bettered!

The Variety Federal Group TasBash is Tasmania's Boutique Bash - it is not a race or a rally, it’s a fun and social event, or in the words of the originator Dick Smith, ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’ in cars  with an awesome theme!

The TasBash is a once in a lifetime chance to experience remote and regional parts of Tasmania that you might otherwise not see, all in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Throughout the TasBash, participants visit local towns, stopping into schools and organisations to visit the kids. 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 en route.

The event is all about having fun in support of Tassie kids. There are always festivities along the way, from theme nights to entertainment and other activities and games on the road.

The TasBash generally runs for 6 days depending on where the final destination has been set. The number of days, route and destination change each year. The full route is announced at the final dinner of the TasBash, or shortly thereafter.

The TasBash has an exemplary safety record. All cars are tracked during the day by officials, who are in contact via UHF radio and satellite phone with a central command post. The TasBash has its own team of paramedics.

An entry fee per vehicle of $330, plus a minimum fundraising goal depending on how many days you join us on the Variety Federal Group TasBash.

Accommodation, fuel and any other vehicle costs are also the responsibility of participants.

Each participant is required to pay a minimal provision to cover food and entertainment. The provision rate per day varies slightly depending on the amount of days you participate.

Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the Variety Federal Group TasBash. Fundraising cannot cover the registration fee, meals, accommodation or costs of your car. 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 TasBash.

Variety Federal Group TasBash participants use a variety of ways to reach their fundraising goal. Many host events such as dinners, trivia nights, sausage sizzles, while others seek support from their family and friends. Other ideas are included in our TasBash Events Fundraising Guide. 

Once you have decided to join us on TasBash, you can set up your own online Team Fundraising page - don't worry we can help you set it up :) 

Flat tyres, fuel problems and electrical faults cause the most common breakdowns on the TasBash.

 The idea of the TasBash is that you should be able to do some of the basic things yourself (such as changing a flat tyre), however, don’t be too distressed if you can’t. Where we are able to help is with the more complicated and/or larger jobs. As you may have to wait a while until OV2 comes along, (we will be there as soon as we can but please remember there is only one OV2 and occasionally a big job rears its head) it helps us if some of the initial preparation is done while you are waiting, such as jacking the vehicle up or getting the spares out etc.

The minimum number to make up a Variety Federal Group TasBash crew is two – a driver and a navigator – and the maximum is the legal capacity of the vehicle. Bear in mind the size of your TasBash car and the amount of luggage you have on board when picking the size of your crew!

We let you know the best places to stay in town as soon as the overnight stops on our itinerary are announced. Accommodation in each location can vary from hotel/motel, bed & breakfast, cabins, caravans, hostels and campgrounds. It is up to the entrants to book all of their accommodation unless advised by Variety. 

As far as food goes, our trusty Variety Events coordinator arranges for local organisations to cater for our entrants. You will be well fed along the way and lunch, dinner and entertainment (including our legendary final night party) are covered by your provisions levy. Dietary requirements can be catered for, just let us know when you fill out your medical form before the event kicks off.

In the spirit of the event, the only serious awards are for various levels of fundraising. All other awards are humorous – such as the Best Themed Car and Best New Crew.

It’s easy to enter the Variety Federal Group TasBash! Click here to enter online or call (03) 6248 4888.

An entrants pack will be provided to you on sign up, as well as links to all required forms and documents. In the meantime, you can read our Conditions of Entry and Variety TasBash Vehicle Guide.

 Conditions of Entry  Vehicle Guide

No, the TasBash is a fun and social event, or in the words of the originator Dick Smith, ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’.

Safety is the primary focus of the officials. All cars are tracked during the day by officials, who are in contact via UHF radio with a central command post. The Variety Federal Group TasBash has its own official vehicle, a paramedic, and a sweep/mechanic. No entrant will be left behind.

Yes, state legislation now requires ALL Variety Federal Group TasBash entrants to possess a current Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVP).

Applications can be completed by visiting https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/registrations/work-with-vulnerable-people/applications/apply  and further help can be sought by phoning 1300 654 499.

Completing a ‘Consent to Check and Release a National Police Certificate’ is also mandatory.

Details regarding both of these requirements can be found in the registration pack or by calling the Variety Tasmania office on (03) 6248 4888.