Adventurous Journey
Multi-day expeditions into Australian bush and wilderness. The highlight of the Duke of Edinburgh Award for most participants, and the experience that sticks with them for life.
What is it
A real challenge. A real reward.
The Adventurous Journey section is a core part of every Duke of Edinburgh Award level. It is a planned, purposeful, outdoor expedition completed as part of a team.
Beyond Horizons designs and delivers these journeys with full safety support, skilled leaders, and a structured experience that meets Award requirements at every level.
For many participants, this is the part of the program that surprises them most, and the part they talk about for years after.
Location
Australian bush, mountains, and coastal trails
Scheduling
Multiple program dates throughout the year
Group sizes
Up to 16 participants, split into small teams of 4 to 7.
Outcome
Completion counts toward your Duke of Ed Award
Requirements
What each level requires.
Bronze
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Day 1 is the practice journey. The remaining 2 days form the qualifying journey.
Silver
Duration
Practice Journey: 3 days, 2 nights
Qualifying Journey: 3 days, 2 nights
Or 6 days, 5 nights as a combined program.
Gold
Duration
Practice Journey: 4 days, 3 nights
Qualifying Journey: 4 days, 3 nights
Or 8 days, 7 nights as a combined program.
Gold also requires a Residential Project, which is completed separately to the Adventurous Journey.
Exact requirements may vary. Our team will confirm specifics when planning your journey.
The experience
What to expect.
Route planning together
Participants help design their own route with guidance from mentors. Learning to read maps, understand terrain, and plan for contingencies is part of the Award.
Multi-day wilderness travel
Carrying your own pack, navigating in the field, making camp, and cooking for yourself. The real stuff, done in safe, supported conditions.
Team problem-solving
Expeditions are done in small groups. Working through challenges together builds the kind of trust and communication that follows participants home.
Debrief and reflection
Every journey ends with a structured debrief. This is where participants articulate what they learned, which is what gets submitted for the Award.
FAQ
Common questions about the journey.
Do I need prior outdoor experience?+
No. Programs are designed for participants who are new to multi-day expeditions. Leaders guide the group through route planning, navigation, setting up camp, and meal preparation. You learn everything during the journey. That's the whole point.
What do I need to bring?+
Participants carry their own pack throughout the expedition. A detailed gear list is provided before your journey. You will need appropriate footwear, layered clothing for the conditions, a sleeping bag, and personal items. Food for the expedition is your own responsibility. Your leader will advise on meal planning during the preparation sessions.
Can I use my phone during the expedition?+
No. Phones are packed away for the duration of the expedition. Being present, working as a team, and navigating challenges without a screen in your hand is part of what makes the experience valuable. Leaders carry communication devices for emergencies.
Can parents or guardians come along?+
No. The expedition is completed by the participant team without parents or guardians present. This independence is fundamental to what the Award is designed to build. Parents are welcome to be at the start and finish points.
What happens if I need to withdraw partway through?+
Participant welfare always comes first. If someone needs to leave during an expedition for medical, safety, or wellbeing reasons, leaders will arrange a safe extraction. If you have concerns before the program, contact us and we will talk through your options.
Ready for the real thing?
Register your interest and we will match you to the right journey.