The bash is taking place from the 16 - 26 August from the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point to outback Broken Hill.

The event raises money for the Variety Children's Charity which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of special needs children.

The Bash is not a race or a rally but rather a drive in the outback with like-minded fund raisers driving miles for the smiles, enjoying travelling to parts of Australia that they may not otherwise see, at the same time raising money to support kids in need.

Parkes will be the first stop out of Sydney on Sunday and Monday with more than 105 cars and 375 participants staying overnight.

Over the past 25 years the Variety Bash has included some well known Australian Identities including John Farnham, Ian Moss and Peter Brock.

This year will see the return of 70s and 80s music sensation John Paul Young in a 1953 F100.

During their stay in Parkes, Bashers will be involved in a number of activities in the community on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Cars will converge on Parkes from 4pm on Sunday and that evening, a 'Dinner with the Stars' will be held for the Bashers at the Parkes Leagues Club.

As 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, guest speaker and world renowned astronomer, Fred Watson will deliver a presentation at the dinner function. Bashers will also enjoy a hip-swivelling Elvis performance from local entertainers.

Parkes East Public School, one of the lucky beneficiaries of the 2009 Variety Bash, will receive $15,000 of new play equipment which will be erected before the Variety Bash arrives in Parkes.

On Monday morning Parkes East School will host a barbecue breakfast for participants from 7am before they depart for their next stop, Hillston, passing by Bushman's Dam Reserve to highlight the disabled swing that was the charity's previous contribution to Parkes Shire.