In a pared-down tour around regional NSW and dropping a few rules normally associated with the event, the iconic Variety B to B Bash – renamed the Variety NSW Backyard Bash for this year only – roared into Dubbo last week on its mission to raise $1 million for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.

Over 200 participants departed Bella Vista in north-west Sydney on Sunday, August 9, in an 84-vehicle convoy bound for Mudgee, before travelling on to Dubbo on Monday, August 10. Their route on the six-day tour also took them to Griffith, Albury and Cowra, before crossing the finish line at Mt Panorama, Bathurst, on Friday, August 14.

The one-year-only Backyard Bash rose from the ashes following the cancellation of the traditional 2026 Variety NSW and B to B Bashes amid the fuel crisis, ensuring the much-loved Variety Bash spirit – and its vital fundraising for Aussie kids can continue in 2026, organisers said.

Bad weather accompanied the Variety Bashers as they made their way west, but the hardy travellers weren’t too bothered.

In a significant shift, this year’s ‘Backyard Bash’ also removed the “too modern” vehicle rule, inviting any Aussie car to join the iconic convoy for the very first time. For all previous Bash adventures, cars were required to be at least 25 years old and two-wheel drive.

In another Variety NSW/ACT Bash first, an electric vehicle, the all-new Subaru Trailseeker, joined the convoy, marking a new era for the iconic motoring event and demonstrating just how different the one-year-only Backyard Bash will be.

The new format featured shorter driving distances, giving participants more time to explore country towns, walk their main streets and support local businesses, helping maximise the Bash’s economic impact across regional NSW.

Along the way, participants also delivered $25,000 in grants to five remote and regional schools, with each school receiving $5,000 to support students and their communities.

Fresh from their visit to a delighted Tooraweenah school, which received a donation of $1000 of much needed picnic equipment, the Bashful Bee Car team and the Star Wars team – complete with Darth Vader, Stormtroopers and Princess Leia – braved the cold, inclement weather to catch up with Dubbo Photo News and pose for our front page photo.

Apart from Princess Leia, participating in her first Bash, the rest of the Star Wars team has been on several Variety Bashes, Stormtrooper Christian McNally said.

“It's about connection to country, connection to community, definitely seeing where our fundraising dollars go to help families and kids that are a little less fortunate than our own,” he said of why they do what they do.

“It's about surrounding yourself with great people and embracing the opportunity, but also the challenge that was thrown at us,” he added.

“It was out of our control. Variety had to make the very, very tough call to not risk such a big bash this year, but we can still raise a lot of money.”

Christian said that around 300 vehicles would normally participate in a Variety Bash, but even with the pared-down tour this year, 84 vehicles were taking part.

The Star Wars team includes NSW firefighter Adrian, professional photographer Murray, marketing consultant Chris, migration agent Justin, and Elizabeth who works with dad Christian in the family business.

The team admits they enjoy handing out lightsabers at school visits and engaging in combat with eager students – who always seem to defeat the Stormtroopers and Darth Vader.

“All it takes is one cheesy shot from a clever little eight-year-old. Yeah, it doesn't take much,” admitted Darth Vader Chris Dale.

Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT, said the 2026 Backyard Bash will be the most accessible adventure in the organisation’s history.

"We [have opened] the door for everyone to experience the fun and camaraderie of the Bash, all while ensuring we continue to deliver vital funding to kids who need it most."

“[It’s] about getting back on the road, supporting our regional communities and doing what Bashers do best – having an incredible time while raising money to help Aussie kids,” he concluded.

And while they may not have managed the $1million fundraising target, the intrepid travellers did raise $750,000 from this year's Variety Backyard Bash, and that is an incredible achievement. Well done to everyone involved.