Varty was born in Lilydale, and was a financial controller and administration manager before entering politics.
She was a City of Box Hill councillor from 1981 to 1984, and was a member of the Australian Local Government Women's Association from 1981 to 1993.
[2] At the 1985 state election, Liberal candidate Varty and Labor Party candidate Bob Ives finished in a tied result for the seat of Nunawading Province, which The Age described as "the most sensational electoral finish in memory".
[3] The returning officer drew Ives' name out of a box and declared him elected, which gave Labor control of the Legislative Council.
[7] Varty was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours for "service to the community, and to lawn bowls".