SA Variety Bash | Pivot to Pirie | 8-15 Aug 2026

The Variety SA Bash Is Back in 2026 – Catch the Colourful Convoy across South Australia!

Each year, the Variety Bash features an entertaining convoy of creatively themed cars and a route that takes entrants through some of Australia’s most stunning and remote landscapes, covering diverse terrains from outback tracks to coastal roads.

The true highlight for many participants is the opportunity to witness first-hand the impact of their fundraising. As they travel, they visit local communities and schools, delivering Variety Grants that change the lives of children in need.

The Variety Bash is not a race or a rally, but a fun and social event, or in the words of the originator Dick Smith, ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’ to raise money for Variety, The Children’s Charity.  Variety supports kids and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with disability.

The SA Variety Bash runs for 8 days and the route and destination changes each year. During the event there are various trophies awarded to encourage fundraising, fun themes, fun for the kids and overall fun – the ultimate winners of the Bash are the kids in need with proceeds raised.

As the only motoring event in Australia that supports kids in need on the road, they are always focused on raising money during the lead up to the event, but they also find it important to be stopping along the way to surprise schools and organisations with grants from your fundraising.

The Variety Bash was created in 1985 by adventurer Dick Smith when he took a group of friends for a drive he called ‘The Bourke to Burketown Bash’.  

Vehicles must be in standard condition with a minimum age of 25 years. The drivers and crews, however, are anything but standard issue with most Bashers following the one major rule – don’t take it seriously and have fun!

The 2026 SA Variety Bash “Pivot to Pirie” will take entrants across South Australia in a colourful convoy from Gawler to Port Pirie visiting regional SA towns along the way.

VIEW THE 2026 ROUTE HERE

Follow the Bash via their Facebook page for updates

For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Variety Bash website.

What:  SA Variety Bash 2026

When:   Saturday 8 to Saturday 15 August 2026

Where:  Gawler to Port Pirie, South Australia (see map above)

Who:  Everyone

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: SA Variety Bash

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