Expedition- VIC
Step out. Dig deep. Discover more in you than you ever knew.
Join a crew of adventurers from across Australia for 10 days of challenge, connection and serious outdoor action. Expedition VIC is designed for 15–24 year olds chasing something real—big hikes, big moments, and big personal growth. You’ll push your limits on epic activities like the Giant Ladder, high ropes, abseiling, hikes and an unforgettable overnight solo.
Along the way, you’ll build resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection to yourself, others, and the environment. Walk away with skills and stories that’ll stick with you, wherever life takes you next.
Scroll down for full itinerary details.
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
How to Apply for Expedition VIC
Create and upload your video application
Think you’ve got what it takes for a real adventure?
We’re looking for teens and young adults who want to step outside their comfort zone and into something unforgettable.
To apply, create a quick 1–2 minute video answering:
“Why do you want to join the Expedition program?”
Upload your video to a digital platform such G drive, Youtube or Vimeo (private links are totally fine—we just need to be able to view it). Then come back here, hit the Apply Now button, drop in your details and video link, and don’t forget to hit Submit.
When will I know if I am successful, and what happens next?
We will be in touch within 2 weeks to confirm your outcome and send you the booking link if successful. You’ll then pay and be sent all your pre-program details to get sorted.
Look forward to chatting with you soon!
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Bairnsdale Train Station for an 11.30am start. Meet your group and your Group Leaders, who you will be with for the duration of your program. We will transport you to our Buchan Base and issue your equipment and check you have everything you need before getting started with games and activities.
Conditions permitting, we’ll go underground adventure caving. Make sure your headtorches have fresh batteries to look upon stunning stalactites and stalagmites!
Day 2
Wake up, have breakfast, then depart for the outdoor classroom. We will delve into several common leadership characteristic traits and explore their strengths and challenges. With your new knowledge, we will give you a series of problem-solving challenges, where you will need to communicate while role playing the various leadership qualities.
In the afternoon, test your nerves (and learn to manage them) as you take on abseiling.
Days 3 & 4
The next two days are your first of two hiking expeditions. You will begin with some introductory lessons and skill-building to read topographic maps and use a compass. Once the group has the fundamental skills down, you will head off for your next campsite. Heading out on expedition is an exciting opportunity to truly build your own adventure. With your Group Leaders, discuss and decide on the best route to reach your next campsite.
Days 5-7
We’re at the mid-point in your program. It’s time to swap those packs for rafts! We’ll launch into the classic Snowy River and let the current help us along our journey. Conditions permitting, we may even get the chance to navigate through a small rapid or three.
We’ll arrive at the overnight solo staging area in the early afternoon. It’s time to change the focus of the program, giving some time for personal reflection. We will set you up with your own personal campsite, including enough gear, food and shelter to be comfortable, but without distractions. The afternoon will be spent settling in, beginning a quiet period of personal reflection, rest, and reconnection with yourself in the stillness of the natural world.
Days 8 & 9
You’ll wake up to the gentle sounds of the bush, completing your Solo experience mid-morning. After packing up your site, you’ll reconnect with the group, where you’ll share stories, reflections and new perspectives. A shared meal and storytelling session helps integrate your solo insights into the bigger Expedition experience.
It’s time for your final hike expedition! This will test your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and work as a team to stay on course, and is a celebration of how far you’ve come. On Day 9, return triumphant to Outward Bound’s Buchan Campus. Set up your shelters and make your final evening group meal like a pro. After dinner, you’ll share highlights, lessons learned, and personal wins from your Expedition VIC experience. Under the endless stars, you will chill around the campfire to celebrate your successes. You will discuss your key learnings and personal discoveries and plan on some strategies you can adopt to continue these new strengths back at home.
Day 10
It’s the final day! Wake up, have breakfast, and pack down your campsite one final time. As your program draws to conclusion, we will complete de-issue of your program equipment and then it’s off to Buchan village for your only shower all program.
We will celebrate the end of program with your Blue Peter Ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of completion and an Outward Bound Australia t-shirt. Then, it’s in the bus to travel back to Bairnsdale Train Station, to depart for home from 12:30pm.
Arrival Day 1: Please arrive at Bairnsdale Train Station at 11:30am
Departure Final day: The program concludes at Bairnsdale Train Station at 12.30pm
Getting to and from program:
You can get to Buchan on the V-line train lines. You are required to book a seat in advance. For more information, please access the V-Line website.
Here is your Expedition Packing List
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. Check your specific packing list for further details.
Can I bring my phone?
We’re all for a digital detox – getting back to nature without the daily distraction of mobiles, gaming consoles or tablets. Please leave your devices at home, or our Group Leaders will keep them stored at our base.
How heavy will my bag be?
Your backpack weight and group equipment is specifically designed to stay below 25% of your body weight, so extra items you bring may not be allowed on program. Your bag should be one third for personal clothing and sleeping bag, one third for group equipment and one third for food and water.
This 10 day program involves full day hiking expeditions. You do not need to be an athlete to come on the Expedition- if you can comfortably walk 5km, you’re likely fit enough to participate. You need to be able to carry your backpack while hiking and take part in physical activities like high ropes. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend going on some intro hikes to test your shoes and gear prior to arriving. This will mean you won’t have blisters from new shoes or unused gear!
Will there be Rafting?
Rafting may be included depending on the specific location and time of year of your program. Full details will be provided upon booking. Non-swimmers may still participate in the program if they wish.
You’ll be sleeping under the stars in tarps or tents. You will sleep on a foam mat with a sleeping bag. This is a mobile expedition — you’ll move from one campsite to another, hiking with your backpack and food as part of the journey.
Outward Bound Australia provides a supportive environment for your child to thrive, regardless of their prior experience on an adventure like this.
We are committed to inclusivity and diversity and we cater to people of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. However, our team are not trained disability support workers or trauma support workers. Programs are delivered in a group setting and we are unable to provide 1-on-1 ongoing support throughout the program for individual participants with complex additional needs. If your child is unable to self-manage basic tasks such as cooking, packing a bag, and following instructions, this program may not be appropriate for them at this time.
Participants need to:
- Be respectful: physical or verbally abusive behaviours will not be tolerated.
- Co-operate and partake in the fundamental elements of the program, without deliberately disrupting group activities.
- Self-manage living skills in an outdoor camping environment.
Participants may be removed from the program if they fail to meet these standards. For a more comprehensive understanding of our minimum behavioral expectations, see here.