Duke of Edinburgh – Silver or Gold Adventurous Journey for Years 9, 10 & 11
Victoria’s High Country Rail Ride for basic level bike riders
The DofE team has been busy over the Christmas and New Year break, securing an amazing opportunity for students in Years 9, 10, and 11 to take part in one of Australia’s most iconic, family-friendly bike ride through the Victorian High Country.
This region is rich in history, from its serene lakes to the legacy of the gold rush and famous bushrangers like Ned Kelly and ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan. Students will embark on an unforgettable journey on the Victoria High Country Rail Ride, a thrilling way to experience the stunning Victorian Alps, while also completing their Adventurous Journey for their DofE Award.
The Victoria High Country Rail Ride is a moderate-level adventure suitable for most students with a reasonable level of fitness and an eagerness to explore. The ride covers a variety of terrain, including sections of gentle uphill gradients and downhill slopes, with some more challenging areas that require a bit of stamina and effort. The ride has been broken up into reasonable sections, over several days, with enough time for breaks to enjoy the scenery, making it accessible for riders with a basic level of cycling experience. The supportive environment, along with rest stops and comfortable accommodations at the end of each day, ensures that participants can enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment, offering both adventure and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Victorian High Country. Students don’t need to worry about roughing it, after a day of exploring, students will relax in comfortable accommodations with soft beds and warm showers, ensuring they are well-rested and ready for the next day’s adventure.
Planned for the first week of the Term 4 holidays (Saturday 6 December to Saturday 13 December 2025), a time selected by the DofE team as this is at a perfect time of year to undertake the ride. The weather will be warm and pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures that will make it ideal for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the region. With longer daylight hours, offering plenty of sunshine to highlight the, blooming spring wildflowers, and sparkling rivers. A great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the High Country without the extreme heat of summer.
Bike riding capability needed? For the Victoria High Country Rail Ride, participants should have a basic to moderate level of bike riding ability. While the route is suitable for most riders with Basic Cycling Experience. Students should be comfortable with handling a bike on varied terrain, including gravel paths and some uneven surfaces. Basic bike control, such as steering and braking on different surfaces, is important. This is NOT mountain bike riding, the ride is designed to be an enjoyable adventure for most cyclists, as long as they have the basic cycling skills and fitness level to handle moderate terrain and a few hours of riding each day.
Spots will be limited available as the DofE team want your daughter to get the most from this small group trip, if you would like your daughter to be considered please use the following link to submit an expression of interest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me on gmole@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
– Glen Mole
Duke Of Ed Award Leader