Bronze Adventurous Journey NSW – Combo (Shorter Practice Option)
Calling all Duke of Ed Bronze Award registered hikers! This journey has been designed to factor in the Award Handbook allowance for participants with demonstrated competence to be granted a reduced practice journey duration. This journey is also suitable for your silver practice Adventurous Journey. You must have your Award Leader’s approval prior to enrolling.
Route: Engadine to Cronulla
Walking Track Grade: 4
Distance: 31km
Estimated walking time: 10hrs
Day 1: Practice Journey (shorter duration)
Days 2 & 3: Qualifying Journey (standard duration)
Duration
3-days / 2-nights
Upcoming Dates
Ages
14 - 24
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
Choosing your Bronze or Silver Adventurous Journey
What if I need to do both full Practice and Qualifying Bronze Adventurous Journeys?
If you need to do both Bronze Practice (2-days) and Bronze Qualifying (2-days), we recommend doing the 2-day Bronze Adventurous Journey NSW – Practice for your Bronze Practice, and then the 2-day Bronze Adventurous Journey NSW – Qualifying to complete your required hiking days.
What if I need to do both full Practice and Qualifying Silver Adventurous Journeys?
If you need to do both Silver Practice (3-days) and Silver Qualifying (3-days), we recommend doing this journey for your Silver Practice. You’ll then need to do the 3-day Silver Adventurous Journey NSW – Practice or Qualifying for your Silver Qualifying.
Engadine to Cronulla Route
Day 1
Bronze Practice Journey
Arrive at Engadine Train Station for 10.45am. We will do a gear and food check to ensure everyone has what they need. An introduction to group management and hiking safety will be covered before we head out to begin the journey.
The Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest, and the world’s second oldest national park. It has a unique combination of coastal heathland and littoral rainforest habitat.
This is your Practice Journey, so remember to ask lots of questions about how to manage your packing, use the compass and topographic map for navigation, top tips for good tent set-up or lightweight and tasty meals.
Day 2
Bronze Qualifying Journey
You are now into the Bronze Qualifying Journey.
Read your track notes carefully to take you on the correct paths to your next campsite. Get a photo of yourself at Winifred Falls, and if your journey is held over a hot day, take the opportunity to have a splash in South West Arm Pools.
A Qualifying Journey is not an exam. If you need guidance or clarification on what to do, simply ask; we are here to help you complete with success!
Day 3
Enjoy the chance for a lie-in. Pack down your campsite one final time. We will discuss demonstrated strengths and give some suggestions on what can be improved as you prepare for your future Silver Adventurous Journeys.
Depart Bonnie Vale Campground and take the leisurely walk to Bundeena Wharf, catching the ferry to Cronulla Wharf where your journey ends.
Congratulations, you have completed your hike, met some new friends and learnt some cool skills along the way!
Duke of Ed FAQs
Here is your Duke of Ed Packing List
You can also refer to the generic Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award packing list here. If you’re coming with friends, consider sharing a tent or cooking stove so you can reduce pack weight.
Should I wear hiking boots?
Hiking boots are recommended. Otherwise, try to find lace-up, fully enclosed shoes with rigid soles and good ankle support.
What about wet weather clothing?
Rain jackets are essential for warmth (especially against the wind) and rain protection. Programs continue in most weather conditions, so these items are an essential safety item. Rain pants are recommended but optional.
Will thermals be needed?
Thermals are required for programs running from May to September. For other times, thermals are optional but recommended as a lightweight jumper or pyjamas.
Can I bring my phone?Â
Yes, please bring your phone to coordinate pick up times and train schedules. We’re all for digital detox; during the day and when in group settings we ask that phones are on airplane mode and put away.
How heavy will my bag be?
As a rule of thumb, try not to carry more than 25% your body weight in your backpack. Your bag should be filled: one third for personal clothing and sleeping bag, one third for tent and cooking equipment and one third for food and water.
You need to sort your own transport to and from the start and end points of the hike. Please double-check your Journey information for exact locations and arrival times. It’s really important you’re not late on day 1, as you need time to meet everyone and get to camp before dark- learning to set up your tent in the dark is no fun!
If you’re group is faster or slower than expected, the Group Leader will ask everyone to contact their parents with the updated finishing time.
Participants must supply all their own food for all Duke of Ed programs. Please ensure you do not bring any nuts due to allergy risks.
Bring lightweight, nutritious, and high-energy food for all meals and snacks. Since these are hiking-based expeditions, your diet should include more fats and sugars than usual to meet energy demands. Avoid heavy or breakable items like canned foods, glass jars, and bottles. A good place for inspo is the Duke of Ed website.
A few staff favourites are:
- Flavoured chickpea cans on wraps with hommus
- Mi Goreng with canned chicken added (dinner only)
- Tortelini and pre made sauce (dinner only)
- Salami sandwiches
- Muesli and milk powder
- Weetbix and oat milk
- Cliff bars and Oaty Bars, apples and oranges
Get creative, search the internet for inspo but remember to keep it light in weight, but filling for your belly! And remember – No nuts, please.
Outward Bound does not provide any gear for Duke of Ed programs. Please refer to the packing list closely to see exactly what you must bring. The Group Leader will carry emergency communication devices, a first aid kit and other safety items.
Yes, you are allowed to bring your phone. However, please note that reception may be limited or unavailable in remote areas. We encourage all participants to unplug and put their phones on Airplane mode while in the bush to fully immerse in the program.
Most campsites will have access to rainwater tanks, creeks or dams. We recommend you purify all water before drinking (unless it comes from your tap!). You can use tablets like Aquatabs, chlorine drops like Micropur or Aquaprove, or straws like a LifeStraw. Ensure you pack enough for the duration of your hike.
Each day, you will need to carry your own water. We recommend 2–3 litres per day, plus an extra litre for evening cooking. So bring around 4L in total on day 1.