The Shitbox Rally is a long-distance motoring event run in Australia as a fundraiser for cancer research, originally an annual event but increased to twice-yearly in 2019.
Shitbox Rally was founded by James Freeman in 2009. He secured an agreement from Cancer Council Australia to lend its name to the project, on the proviso that all monies would be directed to Cancer Council Australia. Freeman estimated a profit of $20,000 in the first year and to get the ball rolling, he canvassed friends and relations to take part.
The Sydney Morning Herald 's Drive column, Seven Network 's Sunrise program and Unique Cars magazine ran feature stories, and other print and electronic media followed. Triple J arranged for one of their presenters, Tom Tilley, to participate, sending reports back to Sydney, and capturing moments on videotape. 23 two-person teams registered for the event, which raised $104,000,[1] well above the most optimistic predictions.
Effectively, a team of two needs to raise a minimum of $5,000 to participate in the rally. The only stipulations for the car are that it is worth/valued at no more than A$1,500 and that it's not an AWD/4WD vehicle. Costs of vehicle registration and roadworthiness checks are not included in the budget, nor are some safety items.
At post-event celebrations there are awards presented to the biggest fundraisers, and other awards are given in various light-hearted categories which may change at the whim of the organisers: "Least likely to make it"; "Best car"; "Best team theme" (dressing up the vehicle is part of the fun, but not mandatory); "Best breakdown"; "Best repair"; "Spirit of the Rally".
| Start | From | via | Finish | At | Raised | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 October 2024 | Bendigo | Pooncarie, Milparinka, Innamincka, Betoota, Isisford, Belyando Crossing | 26 October 2024 | Townsville | $2.39 million | |
| 14 June 2024 | Melbourne | Hay, Silverton, Tibooburra, Windorah, Bedourie, Tobermory | 22 June 2024 | Alice Springs[2] | ||
| 12 April 2024 | Adelaide | Roxby Downs, Oodnadatta, Yulara, Coober Pedy, Penong, Caiguna, Southern Cross | 20 April 2024 | Perth[3] | $3 million | |
| 13 October 2023 | Port Douglas | Einasleigh, Winton, Windorah, Birdsville, Marree, Rawnsley Park | 21 October 2023 | Adelaide[4] | $2.44 million | |
| 12 May 2023 | Newcastle | Nyngan, Packsaddle, Innamincka, Betoota, Yaraka, Hughenden | 20 May 2023 | Townsville[5] | $2.31 million | |
| 18 March 2023 | Rockhampton | Tambo, Eulo, Cobar, Tooleybuc, Spirit of Tasmania, Strahan | 24 March 2023 | Hobart[6] | $2.14 million | |
| 15 October 2022 | Mackay | Charters Towers, Chillagoe, Normanton, Hells Gate Roadhouse, Borroloola, Mataranka | 21 October 2022 | Darwin | ||
| 7 May 2022 | Wollongong | Trundle, Glengarry Hilton, Tibooburra, Thargomindah, Windorah, Aramac | 13 May 2022 | Mackay | $2.21 million | |
| 26 March 2022 | Hay | Silverton, Cameron Corner, Arkaroola, William Creek, Kingoonya, Kimba | 1 April 2022 | Adelaide | $2.1 million | |
| 22 May 2021 | Alice Springs | Barkly Homestead, Hells Gate Roadhouse, Karumba, Kynuna, Alpha, Taroom | 28 May 2021 | Gold Coast | $2.97 million | |
| 19 October 2019 | Melbourne | Wentworth, White Cliffs, Noccundra, Birdsville, Jundah, Hughenden | 25 October 2019 | Townsville | $2.36 million | |
| 8 May 2019 | Perth | Kalgoorlie, Tjukayirla, Warakurna, Uluru, Oodnadatta, Copley, Cameron Corner, Louth, Cudgegong | 17 May 2019 | Sydney | ||
| 19 May 2018 | Brisbane | Mitchell, Yaraka, Middleton, Camooweal, Mataranka | 25 May 2018 | Darwin | $1.97 million | |
| 27 May 2017 | 2 June 2017 | $1.67 million | ||||
| 7 May 2016 | 13 May 2016 | $1.53 million[7] | ||||
| 9 May 2015 | 15 May 2015 | |||||
| 31 May 2014 | 6 June 2014 | |||||
| 4 May 2013 | 10 May 2013 | |||||
| 14 April 2012 | 21 April 2012 | |||||
| 21 May 2011 | 27 May 2011 | $690,000 | ||||
| 20 March 2010 | 27 March 2010 | $103,000 |