Gold Adventurous Journey NSW – Combo (Shorter Practice Option)
This journey is open to all Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Award registered users with demonstrated competence hiking in mild to warm, humid subtropical (Sydney) climate. 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. You must have your Award Leader’s approval prior to enrolling.
Route: Hornsby to Wondabyne, Great North Walk
Walking Track Grade: 4
Distance: 67 km
Estimated walking time: 25hrs
Day 1 & Night 1: Practice Journey (reduced duration)
Days 2, 3, 4, 5: Qualifying Journey (standard duration)
Duration
5-days / 4-nights
Upcoming Dates
Ages
16 - 24
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
Choosing your Gold Adventurous Journey
What if I need to do both full Practice and Qualifying Gold Adventurous Journeys?
If you need to do both Gold Practice (4-days) and Gold Qualifying (4-days), we recommend doing the 4-day Silver Adventurous Journey NSW – Combo (Shorter Practice Option) for your Gold Practice, and the 4-day Gold Adventurous Journey NSW (Practice or Qualifying) for your Gold Qualifying.
Hornsby to Wondabyne Route
Day 1
Gold Practice Journey
Arrive at Hornsby Train Station for 10.30am. 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 Great North Walk is a classic long-journey connecting Sydney to Newcastle. Beginning in the urban environment, you will soon enter native bushland. Descend into Galston Gorge and complete your day at Crosslands Campground.
This is your Practice day, so remember to ask any questions to remind you of how to navigate and read the topographic maps or top tips for good tent set-up.
Day 2
Gold Qualifying Journey
The end of Night 1 completes the Gold Practice Journey. You are now into the Gold Qualifying Journey.
Follow Berowra Creek northerly and take in the stunning views from Naa Badu Lookout. Enjoy lunch at Berowra Waters picnic area before ascending for Ridge Top Campground.
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
Cross over Cowan Station and enjoy the Jerusalem Track into Brooklyn Dam Campsite. There are some amazing views into Jerusalem Bay, particularly at Govett Lookout.
Day 4
Enter Brooklyn township before catching the ferry across the Hawkesbury River to Little Wobby Wharf. Demonstrate your honed navigation and group management skills as you ascend the ridge and continue to Rock Ponds. You’re at the final night, so celebrate your successes so far.
Mt. Wondabyne is a spectacular vantage point to watch a sunset or sunrise, or both! Don’t miss the opportunity.
Day 5
Either wake up early for the sunrise, or enjoy the chance for a lie-in. Pack down your campsite one final time. Summit Mt. Wondabyne before passing Kariong Brook Falls and then continuing to the end at Wondabyne Train Station.
Fun fact: Wondabyne Train Station is the only train station in Australia with no car access. You will need to travel at least one station south (towards Sydney) or north (towards Newcastle) to exit the journey.
Congratulations, you have completed your Gold Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journeys!
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.