OZ Outback Odyssey – 2018

Click here for the full event brochure

2018 will be the 26th year of this unique event which packs a life-time of experiences of traveling through the Australian Outback into one awesome week as entrants traverse rugged, spectacular and remote regions of Australia in pre 1985 vehicles and 4WD support vehicles.

We will again be showcasing outback Australia. The event will travel magnificent parts of outback South Australia, NSW and Southern Queensland before concluding at Cotton Tree. Whilst the end destination will be spectacular, it’s the journey itself that makes this event truly unique as entrants take in remote and iconic regions of Outback Australia.

The event will span 8 days departing Adelaide on Saturday 14th July and concluding with a presentation dinner on Saturday 21st July 2018 at Cotton Tree. Entrants will be treated to the finest in country hospitality, enjoy the good-natured rivalry and camaraderie of fellow participants and have the opportunity to soak up the complete outback experience for which Australia is renowned.

Entry Vehicles

  • Odyssey vehicles and modern 4WD vehicles are permitted on the event
  • There is a minimum requirement of two people per vehicle.
  • Odyssey vehicles must be built prior to June 1985.
  • Odyssey Vehciles and  4WD vehicles can be entered together or separately and we welcome single entries in either category.

Entry Fee

The fee structure is as follows:
  • $4,950 (Inc. GST) for Pre 1985 Odyssey Vehicle
  • $4,400 (Inc. GST) for 4WD vehicle (Not mandatory).
  • $1,200 (Inc. GST) per crew member covering meal ticket and camping fees
The above fees cover:
  • Entry
  • All meals on the event
  • Camping
  • End presentation dinner at Cotton Tree

(Note Entrants pay their own accommodation where they upgrade from camping, fuel, supplies, alcohol, etc)

OZ Outback Odyssey Entry

Entry can be secured with a strictly non-refundable $1,500 deposit. Entries are capped at 40 vehicles total (Odyssey Cars & Supports) so you will need to get in quick to secure your entry. We aim to finalize all entries by 31st March 2018.

Entrant Sponsorship & Tax Deductibles

Entrants are encouraged to raise sponsorship to help fund their entry. Some host their fundraising events for their own cars. Sponsorship secured from companies / small business may be tax deductible when the logo / name of the business is advertised by the entrant on their vehicle &/or on clothing &/or promotional material all produced by the entrant themselves*.

Many past entrants have raised sponsorship by selling panels on their cars and placing decals of sponsors on the panels. This provides excellent advertising for the sponsors both pre and during the event in the many towns and places that the event visits. Furthermore, Channel Seven will provide coverage of the OZ Outback Odyssey  in the form of short promotional segments to be screened at their discretion. This represents a potential opportunity for cars sponsors to be seen on television on a prominent station such as Chanel Seven.

*OZ Outback Odyssey is not qualified to provide taxation advice. Please seek your own tax advice if required.

A typical OZ Outback Odyssey Day

  • Travel between 350 – 450km per day
  • Cars generally depart at approx 8.00am and we aim to have vehicles at night stop by approx 4pm. Note: the event aims to cater for the “average vehicle” traveling at sensible speeds (not the fastest or slowest cars)

Each day includes:

a) Control section; two wheel off-road tracks generally on private station property
b) Transport Section; no points awarded – getting from a to b
c) “Road Blocks”; fun activities each day where points are awarded
d) All meals catered for on every day of the Odyssey by outback communities
e) Activities most nights include country bands, Local entertainment, presentation of daily awards, etc

Overnight Stops

  • The event typically overnights at a mixture of small one pub towns and outback stations
  • Accommodation is generally limited; entrants can expect to camp most nights.
  • Once first survey is complete, the committee will send out the itinerary for event detailing where we are staying. Entrants are free to book any accommodation on first in first served basis

Event Theme

We have a theme each year, on the final presentation dinner all participants to are encouraged to dress up in line with the event’s theme.

Fundraising

Whilst the aim of the event is to ensure entrants have a memorable experience, fundraising for charity is also an important part of making this event successful for all beneficiaries. Fundraising on the event includes:

RFDS will organise an Everyday Hero Page for each Entrant making it easy to support a car by making a donation online.

Supporting Outback Communities

The OZ Outback Odyssey goes out of its way to support outback communities on the event and to this end outback community organisation / charities & stations raise funds by:
  • Catering for all meals on the Odyssey
  • Running raffles and competitions / auctions at meal stops
  • Selling fuel and supplies
  • Providing camping and accommodation for entrants where applicable
Entrants are encouraged to bring along give-away items to hand to the children of the outback communities that we come across on the journey. Items such as stickers, lollies, pens, etc. are greatly appreciated by the children and put an extra big smile on their faces!

Awards

The OZ Outback Odyssey features fun awards presented each night. At the end of the event a final presentation will be held (dress up!)

Awards include

  • OZ Outback Odyssey Winner (OZ Outback Odyssey cars eligible). Combination of points from control sections and Road Blocks– Support Cars don’t receive points for control sections)
  • Best Presented Vehicle (as voted by entrants)
  • Best 4WD Support Vehicle (as voted by entrants)
  • “Road Block” Winner (Odyssey vehicles & support vehicles)

Compulsory Car Scrutineering

Approximately one month prior to event, entrants will be required to have their vehicle scrutinised by mechanics (free of charge) who will provide advice on the road worthiness of vehicles and what final preparations may be required to give all vehicles the best possible chance of completing the event
Compulsory safety features on all cars will also be checked at this time.
For more information on Car Scrutineering click here.

Event Insurance

  • The OZ Outback Odyssey has $20m Public Liability Insurance
  • All entrants must have a fully registered vehicle and have their own third party property and fire insurance.
  • All entrants must be over the age of 18 and must sign an indemnity form.

Safety

The safety of entrants , officials and property owners is paramount. As such, the event operates under strict Standard Safety Procedures. The OZ Outback Odyssey is very proud of its safety record.

More Information

For more information about The OZ Outback Odyssey click here.

Or if you’d like to ask question directly please contact us here.