Gold Adventurous Journey VIC – 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, warm temperate 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: Parker Inlet to Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Walk VIC
Walking Track Grade: 4
Walking Distance: 73km
Estimated walking time: 24hrs
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
Parker Inlet to Twelve Apostles
Day 1 - Parker Inlet to Aire River Campground
Make your way to Camperdown Train Station to meet your journey’s Group Leaders at 1000. We will check that everyone has their necessary food, clothing and equipment before taking a charter bus to the trailhead at Parker Inlet and commencing the walking stage of the Day 1 journey.
This is a Practice Journey, so make sure to ask lots of questions as needed to refresh your skills and knowledge and build upon your previous Silver experiences. Once at the campsite, we will review your campcraft before making route and timing preparations for the next four days.
Day 2 - Aire River to Johanna Beach Campground
Welcome to Day 2 and the start of your Gold Qualifying Journey.
Although this is now your Qualifying Journey, continue to seek guidance on your hiking, group management and camp-craft knowledge and skills as necessary. We want you to depart on the final day with a sense of confidence for any future adventures you may pursue.
Day 3 - Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den Campground
Continue your Qualifying journey. The group will now be in control of all the timing decisions for your breaks and meals. Stay as a group and hit your goals together.
Day 4 - Ryan's Den to Devil's Kitchen Campground
Day 5 - Devil's Kitchen to Twelve Apostles
It’s your final day! Complete your hike to Twelve Apostles. We will then review your experience to assist your later preparations for your Qualifying AJ report before boarding the charter bus back to Camperdown Train Station. We will arrive by 1600 to give the option to catch the V-Line service back towards Melbourne.
Congratulations! You have completed your Gold Practice & 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.