2025
VARIETY BASH
Hamilton to Darwin 2025
We hit the road at lightning speed for the 2025 Variety Vic Bash – from Hamilton to Darwin on an epic 4,267km adventure!
This year’s Bash saw 285 participants come together to raise an incredible $1.83 million for Variety - the Children's Charity of Victoria.
A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our amazing sponsors who generously supported Car 9595 – Lightning McQueen. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve proudly raised over $14,000 to help children in need overcome obstacles and live happy, fulfilled lives!
Matt & Kate
It was one heck of a ride! 🏁⚡️
Here's a snapshot of our 4,000+ km adventure on the 2025 Variety Bash!
Once again, a huge thank you to our incredible sponsors — your support means the world ❤️
And a massive shoutout to the amazing organisers, volunteers and crews who made this journey possible!
#VarietyBash2025 #varietybash #varietyvicbash
#car9595 #lightningmcqueen #kachow
Hamilton VIC to Adelaide SA - Travelled 588km
Day 1 and we’re already kicking up dust!
Adelaide SA to Flinders Ranges SA - Travelled 467km
Navigation Notes: "Caution rocky rough hill ascent ahead"
Flinders Ranges SA to Marree SA - Travelled 325km
Lightning took the scenic route!
Marree SA to Coober Pedy SA - Travelled 369km
Travelled the Oodnadatta Track to Coober Pedy!
Coober Pedy SA to Alice Springs NT - Travelled 797km
After a massive day on the road, Lightning's pulling into Alice Springs for a well-earned pit stop tomorrow, before zooming off to Tennant Creek on Thursday!
Alice Springs NT
Today Lightning took it easy in Alice Springs – a well-earned pit stop before heading to Tennant Creek! Time to refuel, recharge, and shine up that paint job.
Alice Springs NT to Tennant Creek NT - Travelled 511km
Lightning, you best be careful! One wrong turn and you’ll be playin’ the world’s biggest game of marbles!
Tennant Creek NT to Mataranka NT - Travelled 585km
The highlight today? Spending the morning at Tennant Creek Primary School! Lightning rolled into a sea of smiles and we left with our tanks full of joy!
Mataranka NT to Adelaide River NT - Travelled 374km
Lightning hit the dirt today – 53km of dust so thick he could barely see where he was going!
Adelaide River NT to Darwin NT - Travelled 251km
Wow, the days have flown by! A huge 4,267kms travelled from Hamilton to Darwin, and Lightning didn’t miss a beat – just a couple of roof rack adjustments along the way. Rolling into Darwin at a sunny 31 degrees, tanks full and spirits high!
In 2026, we're hitting the road again at lightning speed!
Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 Bash, including the route and all things related to donations!