Silver Adventurous Journey NSW – Practice
This 3-day/2-night Silver Adventurous Journey is open to all Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award registered users. It is suitable for the Silver Practice Journey and recommended for those who began the Bronze Award from November 2025 with only the single 2-day/1-night Bronze Qualifying AJ experience, or Silver Direct Entrants who did not do the Bronze Award previously. You must have your Award Leader’s approval prior to enrolling.
Route: Heathcote Loop via Uloola Falls and Kingfisher Pool, Royal & Heathcote National Parks
Walking Track Grade: 4
Distance: 22.1 km
Duration
3-days / 2-nights
Upcoming Dates
Ages
14 - 24
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
Choosing your Silver Adventurous Journey
I am doing the Duke of Ed Silver Award. I am a Silver Continuer and began my Bronze Award from November 2025, or I am a Silver direct entrant (did not do the Bronze Award).
We recommend joining this NSW Silver Practice Adventurous Journey first and then attend the Silver Adventurous Journey NSW – Qualifying second. You are required to supply all of your own clothing, food, and equipment, and come already knowing how to use this. We will provide adaptive lessons to navigation using a topographic map and field compass, opportunities for group autonomous decision making, and full supervision for the duration of the journey.
I am doing the Duke of Ed Silver Award. I am a Silver Continuer, began by Bronze Award before November 2025, and/or have additional hiking & camping experiences beyond my Duke of Ed Award.
You might meet the criteria for 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 to pursue this option. See Silver Adventurous Journey NSW – Combo (Shorter Practice Option) for more information.
Heathcote Loop via Uloola Falls and Kingfisher Pool
Day 1
Arrive at Heathcote 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.
Day 2
In the morning we will review the previous day’s experiences and learnings before developing an agreed plan on how to complete the second day with increased autonomy. We will give you a rotation of standard group bushwalking responsibilities as your confidence develops.
Day 3
This is your opportunity to put into action all the learnings you have been developed over the last two days. We will hand over the navigation and time management of this day over to the group. We’re still with you in the background in case you need assistance but try to treat this day as a trail for your Qualifying Journey.
We expect to return to Heathcote Train Station at approximately 1:30pm.
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.