Duke of Edinburgh to Cycle Victoria’s High Country these Summer holidays
Following a hugely successful inaugural trip last year, MLC School is once again offering students the chance to ride sections of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria’s High Country during the December school holidays — open to both Year 9 and Year 10 undertaking the Silver or Gold Award.
The six-day cycling adventure runs from Monday 14 December to Sunday 20 December 2026. Students don’t need to be experienced cyclists — provided they can ride a bike, the trip is structured to take them from beginner to confident rider over the course of the week. Last year’s group started the week with mixed experience and finished it as confident cyclists, having ridden one of Australia’s most renowned regional rail trails through Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Beechworth and Yackandandah. The route is fully sealed, mostly off-road, and winds through bushland, farmland, hidden valleys and historic towns — with plenty of stops for local food along the way. (See a glimpse of last year’s the trip using the padlet below).
The trip counts towards the Adventurous Journey section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award — 25% of the requirement for Silver and 20% for Gold, with Gold participants also having the option to use it as their Residential Project. It satisfies aspects of both the Practice and Qualifying journeys, making it a genuinely efficient way to progress
Beyond the Award, it’s simply a brilliant week away. Students return with new skills, new friendships across year groups, and the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from doing something you weren’t sure you could.
The details:
- Dates: Monday 14 December– Sunday 20 December 2026
- Cost: Approx. $3,750 (includes return transfers to Albury Wodonga, transfers between towns, bike hire, accommodation and meals)
- Who: Year 9 and Year 10 students currently undertaking or planning to undertake the Silver or Gold Award
Places are limited and last year’s trip filled quickly. To secure consideration, please complete the EOI form as soon as possible.
For more information, contact Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader Glen Mole at gmole@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
– Glen Mole
Duke Of Ed Award Leader