Community
20 August, 2024
Variety Bash rolls into our region – with a slight detour
The charity convoy had to change its course because of road closures.

A last-minute change of route meant Normanton residents were treated to a spectacular convoy of exuberant motorists as the 2024 Variety ‘B to B’ Bash rolled through the Gulf at the weekend.
However, the decision forced a slight deviation – both physically and figuratively – from the ‘B to B’ theme of the bash, which began at Bash’s Billabong at Dubbo and is due to finish at Bombira at Mudgee, stopping at all the B letter towns along the 6000km loop across the channel country into the Gulf and down through central Queensland.
The fleet of more than 50 vehicles had originally been scheduled to travel from Boulia to Burketown, via Mount Isa, as its next leg.
However, with some roads determined to be inadequate for the convoy, the last-minute decision was made to travel north from Cloncurry through to the Burke and Wills Roadhouse and onto Normanton and Karumba.
Given the final destination for the day’s drive was the famous Gulf fishing town, Variety Bash motorists were encouraged to wear fisherman attire for the day, which added to the head turning procession that departed the Mount Isa Civic Centre early on Saturday.
The Bash vehicles in all their flair were seen across the city on Friday lining up at the bowsers and parking at various roadsides as participants took in the sights.
Variety Bash participant Jane Vaughan, who was travelling in a Mad Max-themed vehicle complete with skull hood ornament, said some of the drivers had departed Mount Isa ahead of the rest of the convoy because they were keen to experience the best the Gulf has to offer.
“They wanted to make sure they could spend as much time as possible in Karumba so they left earlier than everyone else,” she said as she departed Mount Isa.
“I haven’t been to Karumba before, and I can’t wait to see the Gulf waters – everyone says it’s spectacular.”
The Variety ‘B to B’ Bash began in 1985 when entrepreneur Dick Smith and his friends travelled from Bourke to Burketown.
It has raised $230 million for kids in need over four decades.