Beyond the Blacktop: Adventure Riding with a Purpose

The roar of an engine, the lean into a winding bend, the vast Australian landscapes stretching before you—these are the joys that bind us as motorcyclists. But what if that passion for two wheels could fuel something even greater?

For decades, Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT has masterfully blended the thrill of motoring with a profound commitment to supporting kids in need. You might know their legendary Variety Bash, but have you experienced the unique call of their motorbike events, catering to everyone from nimble pocket bike riders to seasoned adventure riders?

The Variety Adventure Ride perfectly embodies this spirit. Imagine carving through breathtaking scenery, discovering hidden gems, and conquering roads seemingly sculpted just for our machines — all while contributing to a cause that truly matters. This isn’t just another ride; it’s an opportunity to explore the heart of Australia with fellow enthusiasts, united by a love of adventure and a desire to make a difference.

This meticulously planned six-day adventure leverages over four decades of expertise in orchestrating successful motoring events. Expect expertly curated tracks and trails, with every logistical and safety aspect considered to ensure a seamless and secure experience.

Crucially, your participation directly fuels Variety’s vital work, as each rider commits to raising funds that go directly to supporting children in need across NSW/ACT and in the Australian Capital Territory.

These funds are not just numbers; they translate into tangible support, providing specialised equipment for children with disabilities, funding vital learning resources for schools in remote communities, and offering a helping hand to families facing hardship. When you join the 2025 Variety Adventure Ride, you’re not just enjoying an unforgettable journey, you’re directly enabling these life-changing opportunities for young Australians to thrive.

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, explains the profound impact of these events:
“Like all of our motoring events, the Variety Adventure Ride plays a vital role in raising funds for kids in need, particularly in remote and regional areas where families and schools often face challenges in accessing the resources required for each child to reach their full potential,” he said.
“We provide a full support crew, including a baggage vehicle, medical and mechanical teams, to take the stress out of everything and enable our riders to enjoy the best part of the event.” Tony added, highlighting the seamless experience offered.

“It really is the ultimate feel-good experience – getting your adventure bike out on the road and having great fun with old mates or new friends, all while knowing you’re giving back to the community.”

This year’s adventure, departing from 14–19 September, promises an unforgettable journey through awe-inspiring mountain passes and breathtaking roads of the Blue Mountains and Wollomi National Parks. We’ll take on the Bridle Track, follow the glistening Turon River, visit the villages of Sofala and Hill End. From there, the route winds through the scenic wonders of New England region, where panoramic views and the exhilarating freedom of the open road awaits. This promises to be a truly special event, an opportunity for adventure motorcyclists to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty and diverse terrain of their own backyard.

The 2025 Variety Adventure Ride is your chance to connect with like-minded riders, forge lasting friendships, and create memories that will stay with you long after the kickstand goes down.

For over four decades, Variety has honed the art of crafting unforgettable motoring adventures, and the Adventure Ride is no exception. Meticulously scouted for the best blend of terrain, practical routing, and truly memorable experiences. The ultimate reward? Hearing riders ask, “Where are we heading next year?” as the dust settles on another incredible journey.

But this adventure offers more than just exhilarating riding. We intentionally weave our route through small towns and remote communities, allowing us to deliver crucial financial grants to their local schools. This unique aspect is not for the faint of heart, dedicated riders fundraise to meet those targets — with our dedicated hosts and fundraising get-togethers along the way. These stops provide a wonderful blend of purpose and camaraderie.

Long before the first engine roars to life, our dedicated team hits the road, testing every kilometre from a rider’s perspective. We liaise with locals along the terrain, identify potential hazards, confirm comfortable overnight stops and delicious meals, and even uncover those hidden gems and welcoming communities that might otherwise remain unseen.

For 50 years, Variety’s vision has been to create a future where every child, regardless of circumstances or abilities, feels supported, included, and empowered. Our motoring events form a powerful vehicle in driving this vision forward, delivering vital grants to schools and community groups in regional and remote areas. And the dedication behind the scenes and overnight stops inject valuable support into these local economies.

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our passionate volunteers — the heart and soul of every adventure! Their tireless efforts, engaging friends, family, and even workplaces, fuel these grants, programs, and scholarships that Variety provides.

And the heart of this collective passion is evident. Last financial year, a staggering $2.1 million was channelled into local need, making a tangible difference in the lives of over 8,000 kids, supported through 352 grants across NSW and the ACT. These are not just numbers—they represent real opportunities and brighter futures.

Every rider brings their own flair to fundraising, whether it’s rallying their workplace, tapping into the generosity of friends and family, or even orchestrating their own creative events — the legendary Bunnings BBQ being a prime example! Variety provides a comprehensive toolkit to support your fundraising adventure, including an easy-to-use online platform that tracks donations and stores rider-friendly competition assets and briefs. Because ultimately, crossing that finish line knowing you’ve raised vital funds for kids in need makes everyone a winner.

So, if the call of the open road resonates with you and the thought of combining your passion for riding with a truly meaningful purpose fills your heart, then the Variety Adventure Ride is waiting. It’s more than just a ride; it’s an invitation, an opportunity, a chance to experience the beauty of our country, connect with fellow riders, and most of all, make a real difference in the lives of Australian kids who need it most. Find out more and register today.