SHITBOX RALLY AUSTRALIA PARTNERS WITH SPIRIT OF TASMANIA …

… FOR THE FIRST “SHIPBOX RALLY” SAILING ACROSS THE BASS STRAIT

Shitbox Rally Australia 2016 has today announced their partnership with Spirit of Tasmania in the dedicated “Shipbox Rally” sailing on 12 May 2016. The first ever sea crossing for Shipbox Rally, it will be a welcomed indulgence of comfort and style as 200 teams take shelter from driving their cars worth $1,000 or less across Australia’s toughest roads.

Departing Melbourne at sunset, Shipbox Rally will sail towards the horizon, landing in Devonport at sunrise on 13 May 2016. As the teams wave goodbye to the dusty tracks and glistening city lights of the mainland, the 400 participants can relax in plush and modern surrounds as they discover “The NEW Spirit of Tasmania” on the 429km crossing. In a rally renowned for river crossings, tough conditions and certainly no smooth sailings, it’s a welcome addition to the seven-day adventure.

The newly refurbished Spirit of Tasmania ships not only offer supreme comfort, endless entertainment options and uninterrupted starry night views, but a well received change in pace as four turbo-charged diesel engines motor Shipbox Rally across Bass Strait. Throughout the crossing, teams will also be treated to some of the best Tasmanian gourmet food and beverage produce. It’s a taste of what’s to come as they leave Shipbox Rally behind to explore the patchwork of lush fields, alpine forests and craggy coastlines of Tasmania, before the colourful convoy crosses the Shitbox Rally finish line in Hobart at the end of the day.

The largest independent fundraiser for Cancer Council, Shitbox Rally is committed to raising funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.
As James Freeman, founder of Box Rallies explains, “it’s through the support of organisations like Spirit of Tasmania, that Shitbox Rally can focus on what’s really important – the fundraising.”

“The official “Shipbox Rally” is something Spirit of Tasmania is proud to support, especially as it is the first time the event is coming to Tasmania,” Spirit of Tasmania CEO Bernard Dwyer said.

“It is a most worthwhile cause and we are looking forward to making the journey across an enjoyable and relaxing one for all of the participants.”

Since it’s inaugural year in 2010, Shitbox Rally has raised over $6.1 million for cancer research, and has travelled through every state and territory with Tasmania being the final Australian frontier. From Sydney to Alice Springs via the Oodnadatta track in 2010, Brisbane to Darwin via Savannah Way in 2011, Melbourne to Cairns via the Strzelecki Track in 2012, Adelaide to Fremantle via Uluru in 2013, Perth to Darwin via the Gibb River Road in 2014 and Canberra to Townsville via the Birdsville Track this year, Shitbox Rally continues to test the limits of some of Australia’s most arduous roads and water crossings.

To learn more about the rally please visit www.shitboxrally.com.au

ABOUT BOX RALLIES

Shitbox Rally is not a race but rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable: to drive cars worth $1000 or less across Australia via some of its most arduous roads – all to raise money for cancer research. Shitbox Rally was founded in 2009 by James Freeman after both of his parents died from cancer within 12 months of each other as a way of raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer – a disease that now affects so many people. Over the last four years, Shitbox Rally has raised over $6.1 million for cancer research, making the rally the largest independent fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

The rally is a reward for all the fundraising the dedicated participants do to help find a cure for cancer and it’s a chance to meet like-minded people and see our vast and beautiful country in a totally unique way. To qualify to be in Shitbox Rally, supporters must have raised a minimum of $4,000.

2016 marks the seventh Shitbox Rally. Previous rally routes include 2015 Canberra to Townsville via the Birdsville Track, 2014 Perth to Darwin via the Gibb River Road, 2013 Adelaide to Fremantle via Uluru, 2012 Melbourne to Cairns via Innamincka, 2011 Brisbane to Darwin via the Savannah Way and 2010 Sydney to Alice Springs via the Oodnadatta Track.For more details please visit www.shitboxrally.com.au.
Shitbox Rally is expanding globally with the first international destination confirmed as New Zealand, in February 2016. To register for 2016 Shitbox Rally New Zealand, or to find out more information, visit www.shitboxrally.co.nz.

An additional $798,000 has also been raised for Cancer Council Australia over the past three years of Mystery Box Rally, a similar concept also created by James Freeman. Known as Shitbox Rally’s mad baby brother, Mystery Box is more of a boutique rally with fewer teams, a shorter distance and less days travelling. Unlike Shitbox Rally, this rally takes care of finding the cars and each location is a mystery, adding to the excitement and adventure of the drive. For more information please visit www.mystery-box.com.au.
Laura Heslop