In cars that often look like they could not make it to the local shops, let alone cross thousands of kilometres, Shitbox Rallies bring people together to raise funds for cancer research.
When you join one, prepare to drive almost 4,000 kilometres in an old wreck you bought for no more than $1,500.
So in a nutshell the rally is not a race, it is a challenge to reach the finish line.
The events, run in autumn and spring, bring people together from all over the country who crave something different.
But most importantly they raise funds for cancer research.
For rally founder James Freeman, the hard work has all been in honour of his parents.
"I lost both of my parents within 12 months to cancer," he said.
Mr Freeman and his younger brother Ben cared for their parents through the last stages of their lives.
"After it was over I was so lost, so sad," he said.
"Before the first rally I couldn't even say mum or dad, I couldn't look at photos of them.
Mr Freeman founded Box Rallies in 2010.
Since then, the rallies have become Australia's largest private fundraiser for the Cancer Council, raising over $30 million since the first dusty, dry rally.
Yesterday, the 240 cars of the autumn event completed their journey from Wollongong in New South Wales to Mackay in tropical north Queensland.
This rally has been a little wetter than usual, with diversions being made due to rain and flooding. But that did not dampen any enthusiasm or spirits.
A target was set for a whopping $2 million to be raised.
When they drove, or paddled, into Charleville in western Queensland this week they had already reached $2.2 million.
Tackling flies, dust, mud, and breakdowns
To enter your car must be worth less than $1,500 — not including registration, roadworthiness certificates, insurance, and tyres.
At the end of the rally you have a choice to buy your car back for $250 or it is auctioned in aid of the Cancer Council.
That is, of course, if the car makes it that far.
Mr Freeman said if it were not for the talented mechanical crew more cars would fail to finish.
To those in the rally they are a godsend.
If a car can not be fixed by the side of the road it is towed to the overnight location and, if needed, the mechanics work on it all night.
"On one rally we had a really bad head gasket problem and someone came up with the idea that pepper sachets could do the job.
"We tracked down a few at a caravan park, popped two or three into the radiator, and problem solved."
Rally builds more than a bucket of money
After camping and travelling for thousands of kilometres together the participants become a "rally family".
They bond over stories, the odd drink and sore head in the morning, before they hit the road yet again.
As they pass through regional and remote towns, they are welcomed with open arms by those who have been touched by cancer in some way.
"I like to think the rally helps others heal too."
