The Shitbox Rally is a road trip like nothing you’ve ever seen before. 250 cars, all 2WD worth less than $1500 driven by teams of two, will leave Newcastle on 13 May and spend seven days driving across some of the roughest roads in the country.
James Freeman OAM founded The Shitbox Rally as a way to raise funds for Cancer Council, after losing both parents to cancer in a single year. Since the first Shitbox Rally in 2010, they’ve raised over $37 million – and they’re tantalisingly close to hitting their $2 million goal for 2023.
In addition to raising much-needed funding for a cause that touches many, the Shitbox Rally is a chance to explore Australia, drawing teams from around the country to regional and rural areas that might not otherwise see many out-of-towners.
“As always, The Outback delivers, with a truly spectacular route in place, incredible scenery and hospitality,” says Freeman. “With every rally I am always excited to show our participants the wonders of the places we travel through and to, the incredible experiences along the way, and the challenges associated with driving a $1,500 car on these remote Outback tracks.”
Best of all, The Shitbox Rally is an inclusive event, welcoming people of all ages and abilities who are up for the challenge. In the latest issue of Travel Without Limits, Sophie Cullen spoke to Mel Harrison (Sitting Low Reaching High) and her teammate Jacob Graham (Access Adventures) about their experience in the 2022 Shitbox Rally.
Together with sponsors Total Ability, they purchased and fitted an old wheelchair accessible taxi (with 950,000km on the clock!) that could get them from Mackay to Darwin in one piece.
As the first rally entrant who uses a wheelchair, Mel is thrilled to pave the way and show other Shitbox Rally participants what’s possible.
Read the full story – Rallying The Team – in Travel Without Limits when you subscribe here.
