Raising money for Queensland's sick, disadvantaged and special needs kids, the 400 participants in their 140 crazy customised cars will add a fun element to this year's rodeo.

The 'bashers' set out from Emerald on Monday, and will travel through Blackall, Stonehenge, Winton and Boulia before arriving in Mount Isa for some rodeo action tomorrow.

This year's bash includes a group of Queensland Freemasons, supported by the North Queensland Freemasons, who will be out and about shaking their collection tins this weekend.

The Freemasons are enjoying the bash in a restored 1982 ZH Ford Fairlane, driven by father and son, Murray and Matthew Sondergeld, and their friend Malcolm Creed. Driver Matthew Sondergeld said he decided to enter the bash with his father and family friend to do something positive for the community and help children in need.

"My dad and I have always wanted to take part in the bash as it's such a great cause," he said.

"The Freemason's Grand Officers Association is sponsoring our trip and we're also hoping to raise thousands of dollars by rallying the support of fellow Freemasons along the way."

Since its inception in Queensland in 1990, the Variety Bash has raised more than $17 million for children and children's organisations across Queensland.

n To find out more information about the XXXX Gold Variety Bash and Variety - the Children's Charity, please visit www.variety.org.au/qld. To donate, head to www.variety.org.au/qld/donate