The Variety Bash began in 1985 when Dick Smith drove through the outback with his mates to raise money for charity.
They drove from Bourke in NSW to Burketown in Queensland in old cars, a 20-hour trip covering about 1900 kilometres. They raised $250,000 for charity along the way.
This year's Bash departs from Foreshore Park in Newcastle on Sunday.
The 2000-kilometre trip will travel to rural towns in NSW, including Quirindi, Inverell, Gilgai, Boggabilla, Moree, Pallamallawa, Rowena, Lightning Ridge, Gwabegar, Gunnedah, Tingha, Armidale, Kelly's Plains and Belltrees.
More than 120 cars and 300 people will take part. Cars must be at least 30 years old to be eligible. They'll hit the red-dust roads of the outback to help give kids a fair go.
In its entirety, the event comprises a series of Bash events across Australia. In total, the event has raised more than $230 million.
Each Bash car must raise a minimum of $4000 for Variety the Children's Charity before the event begins.
This year, the event aims to raise more than $900,000 to provide practical support for kids in remote locations to reach their full potential. The event will visit regional schools, making donations of technology, playground equipment and educational resources.
More than $60,000 worth of grants will be given to 12 schools in remote NSW communities during the event.
Variety acting general manager David Small said Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 NSW Bash for the first time in the event's history, so "everyone is eager to get behind the wheel to support kids in need".
"We can't wait to get back out there, exploring the dirt roads and creek crossings of NSW and visiting schools along the way to see the huge difference Variety is making to these isolated kids and their local schools."
Variety Bash cars are renowned for bringing fun and excitement to far-flung corners of the country, along with smiles to the faces of families who rarely have visitors.
The event boosts tourism, injecting more than $12,000 at each lunch stop along the route and more than $70,000 at each overnight stop.
Variety Bash cars come in all shapes and sizes, with Bashers encouraged to decorate their cars and themselves. Themed cars this year include Paw Patrol, Star Wars, Minions, Bob the Builder, Lightning McQueen, Scooby Doo and The Flintstones.
Paula Graham is taking her car, Herbie the Love Bug, on the road again. "I did my first Bash seven years ago and had the best time of my life. I just fell in love with it. It's so inspiring to watch the kids' faces," she said.
The Bash event will finish on Saturday, May 22 with a free Family Fun Day in Newcastle Foreshore Park from 11am to 3pm.
Pedestrian Trap
Paul Scott sent us this photo - taken on Sunday - of an "inexplicable pedestrian trap on the footpath" on Honeysuckle Drive.
"Wouldn't someone have said, 'Mate, that's gotta go. Like now'. Certifier? Council? Project manager?," Paul said.
Anyone?
