(02) 9982 9800
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.
For school booking enquiries, please use our School Enquiry Form:
“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
2025 Open Expeditions Calendar
| Open Hike Period | Cut off Date (12pm) | Online Briefing Date 6:30-8:30pm |
|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Fri 4th April | Tues 8th April |
| June/July 2025 | Fri 20th June | Tues 24th June |
| Sept/Oct 2025 | Fri 19th September | Tues 23rd September |
| December 2025 | Fri 28th November | Tues 2nd December |
Duke Of Ed FAQs
You can add hire or purchase gear to your booking at any time before your hike, even if the registration has closed.
Simply click on your hike, log in with your username and password, add the required gear, and navigate through to pay.
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 attend with you, but they cannot attend instead of you.
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.
At each level of the Award you need to complete both a Practice Journey and a Qualifying Journey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Qualifying | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Gold Kosciuszko |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hike before 1st June 2025 | $325 | $435 | $595 | $1055 |
| Hike after 1st June 2025 | $330 | $440 | $600 | $1060 |
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 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| 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
