Bronze Adventurous Journey NSW – Qualifying
This Bronze Adventurous Journey is open to all Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze Award registered users. It is best suited to the Bronze Qualifying Journey. You must have your Award Leader’s approval prior to enrolling.
Route: Waterfall to Engadine
Walking Track Grade: 4
Distance: 32 km
Estimated walking time: 10hrs
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
Choosing your Bronze Adventurous Journey
I am doing the Duke of Ed Bronze Award. I have no experience in overnight hiking or camping. I do not have all of my own hiking and camping equipment.
We recommend joining the 5-day Junior Adventure program. We have a program outline that has been tailored to meet the requirements of the Bronze Adventurous Journey. We will also provide you with introductory training in how to plan for an overnight journey. The Junior Adventure includes food and major equipment, so you can trial one way of undertaking this activity.
I am doing the Duke of Ed Bronze Award. I have some previous experience in overnight hiking and camping. I have (or have access to) all my own clothing, equipment and food.
We recommend joining the 2-day Bronze Qualifying Adventurous Journey. This meets the requirements for the Bronze AJ. You will be required to supply all of your own clothing, food, and equipment, and come already knowing how to use this. We will provide introductory lessons to navigation using a topographic map and field compass, and full supervision for the duration of the journey.
Waterfall to Engadine
Day 1 - Waterfall to Uloola Falls Campground
Arrive at Waterfall Train Station for a 10.45am start. We will do a gear and food check to ensure everyone has what they need. A review of 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.
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 2 - Uloola Falls to Engadine
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.