2025 QLD Variety Bash – A Journey of Generosity and Joy
We’ve recently returned from the 2025 QLD Variety Bash, and what a ride it was! Our Bashers raised an incredible $1,680,430 to support children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with a disability. But the Bash is more than a fundraiser – it’s a journey of generosity and joy. Along the way, we delivered life-changing grants, shared powerful stories, and witnessed firsthand the impact of our collective support.
Here’s a look back at the journey – and the many lives transformed.
Day 0 – St George
We kicked off the Bash in St George with registration and scrutineering, making sure every car was road-ready, and every team raring to go. The welcome dinner was a reunion of Bash friends and family, and a chance to celebrate the first grants of the trip. Hugo, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, received an air purifier and air conditioner to support his respiratory health. St George State School was gifted decodable reading books to help students with learning disabilities thrive.
It was the perfect start – proof that the Bash’s impact begins before the engines even roar.
Day 1 – St George to Brewarrina
After months of fundraising and preparation, our Bashers hit the road. The convoy rolled out to cheers from local school kids, passed through Dirranbandi and Hebel, and made a memorable stop at the quirky Sheepyard Inn. Dirt roads, muddy tracks, and curious livestock added to the adventure as we made our way into Brewarrina.
That evening, we announced a grant to Brewarrina Central School where Otitis Media (also known as glue ear) is a problem for many students. Thanks to our Bashers, every classroom will now be equipped with hearing towers – boosting communication, inclusion, and learning outcomes for kids who need it most.
Day 2 – Brewarrina to White Cliffs
Day 2 was a marathon – 800km of road, detours, and teamwork. Bashers showed their grit and generosity, stopping to help fellow participants and ensuring everyone made it safely to the quirky White Cliffs, famous for its underground homes, moon-like terrain, and mining legacy.
In White Cliffs, we delivered a grant to the local public school for a mud kitchen – an outdoor play space that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. It’s a simple idea with profound impact, and a reminder that play can be powerful!
Day 3 – White Cliffs to Wentworth
We cruised out of White Cliffs toward Wilcannia, then into classic Bash country – vast, open terrain perfect for adventure. Lunch in Menindee was hosted by the amazing Country Women’s Association, and despite recent flood reroutes, we all arrived safely in Wentworth, where the Darling and Murray Rivers meet.
Day 4 – Wentworth to Adelaide
Day 4 of the 2025 QLD Variety Bash saw us officially roll into Adelaide – where we celebrated 50 years of Variety changing the lives of Aussie kids! The journey took us past Lake Victoria, through Renmark and the back of Barmera, into Cobdogla Primary School. The kids at these country schools were excited to see the Variety Bash pass through, and the Bashers made sure there were plenty of goodies on hand to make our visit memorable.
Lunch was extra special, as we delivered three life-changing grants: Anthony, a liver transplant recipient, received support to attend the World Transplant Games; Luca, born with half a heart, got monkey bars to build strength; and Seth, a double amputee, was gifted an electric scooter for independence. These moments are only possible thanks to our amazing Bashers – and every single supporter who backs Variety, year after year. 50 years, in fact, of helping kids be kids!
Day 6 – Adelaide to Nhill
After a lay day and night of celebration at the National Bash Party, day 6 marked the halfway point of our journey. Bashers tackled the mighty sands of Ngarkat Conservation Park with determination – towing, pushing, and digging each other out of the sand before finally making their way into Nhill.
In Nhill, we heard the inspiring story of 5-year-old Ava, who has recently entered remission after two years of fighting cancer – beating Wilms Tumour (a form of kidney cancer) not once, but twice. We were excited to meet some of Ava’s family and provide brand new bikes and other gifts to Ava and her siblings.
Day 7 – Nhill to Deniliquin
We passed through Beulah and arrived at Lake Boga, greeted by sunshine and the team from Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum. The Variety Bash Fun Stop was a highlight, filled with laughter! That evening, we camped at the iconic Deni Ute Muster grounds and were treated to a performance by Andrew Swift, multi-ARIA-nominated country star and proud Variety supporter.
The night ended with a grant to Deniliquin South Public School, funding wellbeing equipment for their students. It was a beautiful day of music, mateship, and meaningful impact.
Day 8 – Deniliquin to Parkes
Day 8 took us across the heart of NSW, with long miles and big smiles. We started with a visit to Jerilderie Public School, where 14 excited students welcomed our colourful convoy. Lunch at Leeton High School refuelled us for the scenic stretch past Cowal Gold Mine and into Parkes.
That evening, we proudly presented a grant to Currajong Disability Services to launch an adaptive sports program – promoting inclusion, confidence, and community through sport. It was a powerful reminder that every stop on the Bash is a chance to uplift and empower.
Day 9 – Parkes to Tamworth
We began the day with a detour to Parkes Observatory – aka The Dish – before visiting Cumnock Public School, where 48 students held a bake sale to support their school. Despite dropping below the magic number of 52 and losing a teacher, they gained a dose of Bash love and support.
After a scenic riverside Variety Bash Fun Stop, we journeyed through Warrumbungle Shire, admired the colourful Dunedoo Silo Art, and arrived in Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia. That night, we delivered a grant to My Rainbow Club Northern NSW, supporting swimming programs for kids with disabilities. Water confidence, joy, and opportunity – it’s what the Bash is all about.
Day 10 – Tamworth to Port Macquarie
Our final day took us through breathtaking scenery and down the mountains into Port Macquarie. Though the road ended, the giving didn’t. We presented a grant to Liam and Stirling, two brothers with brittle bone disease, gifting them Nautica Sea Scooters to explore the ocean safely.
We also supported All Together Therapy with a HyperVibe machine – empowering children with disabilities to build strength, coordination, and balance. It was a fitting finale to a journey filled with heart, grit, and generosity.
To our phenomenal Bashers: Your fundraising efforts have been nothing short of heroic. Together, you’ve raised $1,680,430 and changed countless lives. The ripple effect of your generosity will be felt for years to come.
Ready to hit the road again? Registrations for the 2026 QLD Variety Bash are now open. Join us for another unforgettable adventure – and help us keep the wheels of kindness turning.
