The Road Less Travelled - Variety Queensland

The 2026 QLD Variety Bash Raises an Incredible $1,813,781 for Queensland Kids

We’ve recently returned from the 2026 QLD Variety Bash – our biggest fundraising event of the year and, without question, one of our most memorable. Over 10 unforgettable days, a colourful convoy of vehicles more than 25 years old travelled from Innisfail to Gladstone via some of Queensland’s most spectacular and remote communities.

There was dirt. There was dust. There were creek crossings, bogged cars, dinosaurs, terrible wedding outfits, country and western costumes and more laughs than we could possibly count.

But beneath all the colour, creativity and adventure was something incredibly powerful. This year, the QLD Variety Bash supported 1,243 children through more than $170,000 in grants delivered along the route.

And despite a tough year for many Queenslanders, our incredible Bash community raised an extraordinary $1,813,781 – funds that will now go on to support many more Queensland children throughout the year ahead.

How Do They Do It?

Every Bash team commits to raising at least $8,500 before hitting the road – although many Bashers raise far more. This year, three teams raised more than $100,000 each! And absolutely every dollar counts. Some teams fundraise the good old-fashioned way with Bunnings BBQs, meat trays and raffles. Others get wonderfully creative, hosting balls, galas, long lunches, camping weekends, golf tournaments and more!

At a time when so many Queenslanders are tightening their belts, our Bash community continues to show what’s possible when people come together for kids.

This year, we were also thrilled to welcome 30 Bashers under the age of 30 – a wonderful sign that the next generation of Bashers is ready to take the wheel.

Watch Harry and Oliver reflect on their Bash journey below:

It Takes a Village to Run a Bash

Behind every successful Variety Bash is a huge team working both on the road and behind the scenes. From planning the route and keeping everyone safe, to managing grants, communications, logistics, finance and supporter experience, our staff and volunteers take on countless roles to keep the Bash moving. It’s a genuine team effort, with everyone pitching in to make sure the event runs smoothly and the focus stays where it belongs – on creating an incredible experience for our Bashers and making a difference for Queensland kids.

And then there are our incredible volunteers – the backbone of the Bash. From scouts, medics and communications crews to sweeps, tow trucks, Bash mums, ringleaders and so many more, the Bash simply wouldn’t happen without them. A special shoutout to Elliot and Tina, who took on the tough job of loading and unloading the baggage truck and keeping everyone’s gear moving along the route day after day. And, thankfully, we were also exceptionally well caffeinated this year, thanks to Liz and Trent from St George Bakery, who brought a bona fide coffee cart along for the entire journey, keeping Bashers fuelled with barista-made coffee and delicious treats. Because apparently, even the road less travelled has room for good coffee!

Our 2026 route began in Innisfail, travelling through Woodleigh Station, Cobbold Gorge, Greenvale, Hughenden, Barcaldine, Capella, Carnarvon Gorge and Biloela before reaching the finish line in Gladstone.

Before the journey officially began, there was the serious business of rego, scrutineering and those final touches that ensure our Bash cars are roadworthy.

While in Innisfail, we visited Innisfail State College and met Principal Tanya Martin, who showed us around the school and explained how Variety’s $15,000 community grant for interactive, inclusive musical playground equipment will benefit 45 students at the College’s Special School.

That evening, we gathered at the beautiful art deco Innisfail Shire Hall for our welcome dinner and celebrated some extraordinary Bash milestones. Special recognition went to Wayne Webster, who received the first-ever 35-year Bash award!

And then, after months of planning, fundraising and anticipation, we were finally on the road.

Our theme for 2026 was Sugar Cane to Coal Trains, and the scenery around Innisfail delivered plenty of sugar cane fields and banana plantations as we travelled through one of Australia's most productive agricultural regions.

Along the way, school visits became a special part of the journey. Whether stopping at a larger regional school or a tiny remote community, the arrival of dozens of colourful Bash cars always brought plenty of excitement.

Not far from Innisfail, Atherton State High School also enjoyed the impact of a Variety grant funding three SoundField systems, helping around 300 students, including children with ADHD, autism and hearing loss, access learning in the classroom.

Mud, Community and the Outback

After a night camping at Woodleigh Station, Day 2 began with plenty of bogged cars! But when a Bash car gets stuck, the Bash community gets to work. Before long, teams were helping each other out and the convoy was back on the road.

Our lunch stop at Mount Surprise State School was another reminder of why the Bash travels where it does. Variety presented the school with a new interactive whiteboard, providing an important learning resource for its 11 students.

Later that day, we stopped at the iconic Einasleigh Hotel, where new owners Taylor and Braydon Wellby had faced devastating floods just days after taking over the business earlier in the year. The Bash brings thousands of dollars into regional communities through accommodation, meals, fuel and local businesses. So, it was particularly meaningful to stop in, support Taylor and Braydon and show the community that they weren’t facing recovery alone.

From there, we made our way to the spectacular Cobbold Gorge, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and unforgettable outback scenery.

Day 3 brought terrible wedding outfits as the Bashers celebrated one of our beloved Bash mums, Lizzy Nevins, ahead of her upcoming wedding. Then it was back on the road through creek crossings, cattle country and some of Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes before arriving in Greenvale.

There, at the famous Three Rivers Hotel, we met Shirley Close, Principal of Greenvale State School. Variety has funded the school’s camp and a new sickbay bed, supporting 15 students – some of whom travel extraordinary distances to get to school each day.

Big Adventures for Small Schools

On Day 4, the students of Greenvale State School waved us off before we continued through the heart of North Queensland.

At Pentland State School, we met Principal Laura Peagham and heard about an unforgettable educational adventure. A Variety grant helped 11 students from Pentland, together with students from Cameron Downs, Ravenswood and Abergowrie State Schools, travel to Canberra for an educational camp – helping overcome the financial and geographic barriers that can make these experiences difficult for children living in remote Queensland.

That night, we rolled into Hughenden, Australia’s Dinosaur Capital, where the Bashers embraced the prehistoric theme in spectacular fashion.

By Day 5, we were well and truly in the outback. Our photographer Alex captured every Bash vehicle for a special poster commemorating the adventure.

In Barcaldine, we learned about another significant Variety grant supporting Barcaldine State School. Sensory space equipment will benefit 86 students with high specialist needs, creating more opportunities for children to learn, regulate and participate.

Barcaldine also gave the Bashers a chance to catch their breath during our lay day before the convoy headed south once again.

Play, Possibility and Some Very Special Families

After the lay day, we hit the road again for Mistake Creek State School, where Principal Daniel Green welcomed us to one of the smallest school communities on the journey. Variety has funded a new book carousel and library furniture, helping create a brighter, more inviting reading space for the students.

In Capella, we reunited with Principal Kirsty Pethers, who we first met during the 2024 QLD Variety Bash. This year, Variety delivered new outdoor sensory play equipment directly to Capella State School. The $7,600 grant will benefit 180 students – and Kirsty explained that the cost of getting the equipment to the school would have been thousands of dollars higher without the support and logistics available through the Bash.

That evening brought one of the most special moments of the journey. We had the privilege of meeting Amelia, aged 9, and her family. Variety has funded a jungle gym and trampoline to support Amelia’s opportunities to build strength, confidence and motor skills at home.

Amelia and her sister brought plenty of energy to the Capella Showgrounds – including some enthusiastic races with the Bashers! Mum Amy and Dad David shared what the equipment will mean for Amelia and their family. We also learned that the family is hoping Amelia’s tracheostomy may be removed in the near future.

We wish Amelia and her family all the very best for the next stage of her journey.

Cameron (left) was a volunteer medical driver on this year’s Bash, pictured here with 9-year-old Amelia, Sam from Variety Kids Support, and Amelia’s sister. Cameron presented the girls with a challenge coin – a symbol of recognition, honouring someone’s strength, character and resilience.

From the Central Highlands to Carnarvon Gorge

Day 8 took us through the Central Highlands, past the gem fields and on to Springsure State School. We were welcomed by Principal Tim Burns, who shared how Variety has funded interactive learning panels and reading resources that will benefit 185 students.

From Springsure, we travelled to one of the most spectacular destinations on the route – Carnarvon Gorge. Despite some heavy rain, the Bash spirit remained strong. Friendly kangaroos, extraordinary scenery and an unforgettable night made Carnarvon Gorge a definite highlight of the journey.

By Day 9, we were back on the road for Rolleston, where we met Molly Bendle, a former Basher who is now Principal of Rolleston State School. Variety has funded new sporting equipment for all 48 students, creating more opportunities for children to play, participate, develop skills and enjoy being active.

That evening, we reached Biloela, where Principal Matt Sahlqvist shared the impact Variety will have through funding Biloela State School’s Breakfast Program, providing free, healthy breakfasts for 170 children, helping ensure students can start their school day ready to learn.

We also had the privilege of meeting Connor, aged 8, and his family. Variety has funded a sensory-motor play treehouse for Connor, creating a safe and structured space at home to support movement, play and daily regulation.

Another grant in Biloela will provide Biloela Junior Rugby League Club with a new trailer making travel to games and carnivals easier for families and benefit around 180 young players.

The Finish Line – But Only the Beginning
And then, somehow, Day 10 arrived. We were joined by Mayor Nev Ferrier of Banana Shire Council before the final stretch took us to Gladstone, where the colourful convoy crossed the finish line after 10 incredible days on the road.

We celebrated at our final night, proudly supported by Gladstone Regional Council’s Ignite Event Fund. There were awards. There were celebrations. There were plenty of stories from the road.

And there was something particularly special about the final night – Adalyn, aged 5, Rosella Park School and Rockhampton Special School all joined us to celebrate the impact of the Bash.

Adalyn has received her own AAC communication device, helping her communicate across home, school and therapy. Rosella Park School, which previously received a Variety Sunshine Coach, has introduced Variety’s Financial Literacy Program, helping equip students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom. And at Rockhampton Special School, an eye-gaze communication device worth more than $20,000 will support five students to access communication and learning opportunities.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. The 2026 QLD Variety Bash raised $1,813,781 for Queensland children! An extraordinary result.

Along the route, the Bash directly supported 1,243 children through more than $170,000 in grants.

We met children and families. We visited schools in some of Queensland’s most remote communities. We saw first-hand what happens when fundraising dollars become real opportunities for children to participate in everyday life.

But the impact of the Bash doesn’t stop at the finish line. That incredible $1,813,781 will now go on to help support many more Queensland children throughout the year ahead.

And it will all be possible because of a community of people who decided to get behind the wheel of an old car, take the road less travelled and do something extraordinary together.

The cars may be back home. The dust may have settled. But the impact of the 2026 QLD Variety Bash is only just getting started.