The Collaroy Centre has been involved in the Adventurous Journey Section of The Duke of Ed for over 15 years, and we pride ourselves on running safe and enjoyable expeditions. We love seeing young people challenged as they learn new skills and discover more about themselves.

Our qualified team will guide you through preparation and training prior to your first hiking expedition, then teach you skills like navigation and camp craft on your Practice Expedition, and finally assess your skills on your Qualifying Expedition.

We run expeditions in each of the school holidays that are open to participants from any school, and also offer customisable private expeditions for your school group throughout the year.

Proud to Support DOFE
NPWS Ecopass

For school booking enquiries, please use the Microsoft Form link below:

https://forms.office.com/r/z5reUxtEnU

“My Gold Camp with The Collaroy Centre has been simply invaluable. The Salvation Army team were always supportive and guided us through our adventure with organisation and enthusiasm as well as with a high regard for the safety and well-being of all students involved. As a result I have gained experience and memories that I will cherish for many years to come”

Alexandra (Participant)

“I have found this organisation to be excellent. We were provided with accurate, safe and useful information and my daughter said she learnt so much. I was very pleased to have my daughters positive and enthusiastic feedback, and highly recommend this organisation to other like-minded parents. I feel kids are quite savvy when it comes to determining efficiency and quality, and The Collaroy Centre delivered both”

Jinah (Parent)

Hike Schedule

2023 Open Expeditions Calendar

Open Hike PeriodCut off Date (5pm)Briefing Date 6:30-8:30pm
April 2024Fri 5th AprilTues 9th April
July 2024Fri 28th JuneTues 2nd July
Sept/Oct 2024Fri 20th SeptemberTues 24th September
December 2024Fri 29th NovemberTues 3rd December

Duke Of Ed FAQs

What is the brief night and who needs to attend?

The brief night is where you complete the Preparation and Training of your Adventurous Journey Section. We will run through some information on a range of topics like equipment and food, to help get you ready for your expedition. It is compulsory for all participants doing their first expedition with The Collaroy Centre, regardless of which level it is. Your parents are welcome to come with you, but they cannot come instead of you.

What if I can’t make the advertised brief?

We like you to come on the advertised night so you can meet the other participants in your expedition. However we understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances which prevent this. If that is the case, let us know and we can work with you to try and arrange a private briefing with our staff for an additional cost.

How many expeditions do I need to complete?

At each level of the Award you need to complete both a Practice Journey and a Qualifying Journey.

What if I don’t know anyone else on my hike?

While some of our participants come with other people from their school, lots of participants also come on their own. You will get a chance to meet other people, and this often results in long term friendships.

Is there supervision on the hike?

Absolutely. All of our Expeditions will have the supervision of at least 1 Supervisor/Assessor and they will be with you throughout the duration of the Expedition. A second Adult will also be present on every Expedition.

Can I use your practice trip as my qualifying expedition or your qualifying trip for my practice?

Unfortunately not. To help you get the most out of your trip, each expedition is run differently with the practice focusing on teaching and training you in the skills you need, and the qualifying assessing you on those skills. Keeping them separate creates the best learning experience for you.

What if I am doing direct entry into Silver or Gold?

If you are jumping straight into Silver or Gold then you will need to do at least one hike of a lower level (Bronze or Silver), as well as a Practice and Qualifying at the level you are doing. This is to ensure you are sufficiently prepared, unless you have evidence to show prior experience.

How do I get signed off once I have finished my hike?

1. Sign in to the Duke of Ed Online Record Book
2. Go to the Adventurous Journey Section and submit your request for sign off to assessor@collaroycentre.org.au
3. Email your Adventurous Journey Report to assessor@collaroycentre.org.au

There is some more information on what you need to do in the workbook we provide you with, or on the Duke of Ed Website.

Any other questions?

If you have any further questions related to the Adventurous Journey’s that we offer for The Duke Of Edinburgh’s International Award please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

You can reach us on 9982 9800 (option 3), or via email at dukeofed@collaroycentre.org.au

Expedition Pricing

Expedition Pricing

Expedition Cost

Practice or QualifyingBronzeSilverGoldGold Kosciuszko
Rates Effective July 1 2023$305$405$555$1005
Rates Effective July 1 2024$325$435$595$1055

Hire Prices

Backpack$30$35$40$40
Trangia (cooking stove) includes fuel$30$35$40$40
Tent (2 person)$40$45$50$50

Purchase Prices

Sleeping Mat$15$15$15$15
Compass$35$35$35$35
Whistle$5$5$5$5

Note: Prices are subject to change and are based on minimum participant numbers being reached. An additional $10 is charged for any hike over a weekend, and $20 for any hike over a Public Holiday.

Forms received after the cut off date will incur a $25 late fee.

What does the price include?

  • The instruction and supervision of our experienced and qualified guides
  • Industry compliant staff to participant ratios
  • A training workbook and 2 hour briefing session
  • 24 hour logistics support throughout all hikes
  • Group communication devices i.e. PLBs and satellite phones
  • Group first aid kit
  • All camping and National Park fees
  • On trip brief and de-brief
  • Participant maps
  • Fuel for hire stoves
  • Drop off and pick up of hire equipment at the start and end of hikes
  • And we will act as the assessor for your Adventurous Journey, saving your teachers valuable time and effort! This can be completed through the Online or paper Record Book

 

Do you have a question or enquiry?

Phone (02) 9982 9800 or equire online

phone