28/08/2026
🚗❤️ THE FINAL VARIETY BASH UPDATE | 5,800KM, 97 CARS & ONE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE
And just like that, the 2026 Queensland Variety Bash has come to an end.
After a hectic couple of weeks, approximately 5,800 kilometres, countless dirt tracks, creek crossings, remote towns, school visits, a starter motor or two and plenty of stories along the way, Bob and David have made it home.
But according to David, the biggest thing they’re bringing home isn’t a story about the roads or the cars. It’s a little more perspective.
Along the journey they met families and people whose stories were genuinely humbling, and visited small regional schools, including one with just four students and the nearest shop around 30km away.
David said seeing the excitement, gratitude and respect shown by the children at every school was something he won’t forget.
It was also a reminder of something that’s very easy to take for granted: our health, the health of the people we love, and just how fortunate many of us really are. ❤️
And what an incredible result from the Bash itself.
🚗 97 competing cars
👥 Around 300 participants
🛣️ Approximately 5,800km travelled by Bob & David, home to home
❤️ Around $1.8 MILLION RAISED
David unfortunately picked up a chest infection towards the end of the trip, which meant Bob took over the driving while David navigated.
Apparently Bob didn’t always listen to the navigator... 😂
But somehow they still ended up where they were supposed to!
There was also a sobering reminder of just how challenging some of these roads can be when another Bash team rolled their car during the event. Thankfully, everyone survived, although one of the occupants sustained significant injuries.
In another example of the generosity and camaraderie that David has spoken about throughout the trip, Bob has offered his time and equipment to recover their damaged Bash car and return it to Brisbane.
A wonderful gesture, Bob. ❤️
And we'll leave the final word to David:
“Thanks for the invite Bob. What a great group of people I met, and their generosity is to be commended.”
From all of us following along back home, congratulations to Bob, David and every single Basher, volunteer, organiser and supporter who helped make this year's Queensland Variety Bash possible.
And finally, a massive THANK YOU to all of the sponsors who got behind Bob and David and helped get Car 4378 on the road. Your support has been part of something pretty special. ❤️
What an adventure.
5,800km later... Car 4378 is home. 🚗🏁
