DUKE OF ED
WITH A DIFFERENCE
PURPOSE-BASED DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMS ✨🌎
Fun. Adventure. Impact.
CARING FOR COUNTRY
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Location: Pittwater YHA
Cost: $1350 (From Jan 1, 2026)
A Conservation Journey designed for Gold AJ students who are looking for an expedition alternative; or Residential Project Students who prefer to learn on the move. Silver AJ students are welcome to join with Award Leader approval.
This trip is a 50/50 blend of adventure and conservation activities. It meets all the requirements for a Combined Adventurous Journey, while being focused around environmental education.
Our walking and paddling journeys are explorative, getting students off the beaten track and into remote, boat-access-only beaches and bays.
Students engage in activities such as bush regeneration, cultural immersion, and habitat restoration, while exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, connecting with local wildlife, and enjoying outdoor adventures like bushwalking, paddling, and cooking on the fire. Basic dorm-style accommodation means a roof over your head & no need to carry your tent around with you!
Here’s what to expect:
6 Days of Outdoor Adventure, Cultural Immersion & Conservation
Learn from Aboriginal facilitators about Culture and Connection to Country
Get hands-on with bush regeneration and plant propagation
Strengthen teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership skills
Experience the beauty of Ku-Ring-Gai NP and create lifelong memories
RESHAPING WASTE
Students actively combat pollution, restore coastal habitats, and save waste from landfill through hands-on conservation efforts like kayak cleanups, biodiversity surveys, and plastic recycling/textile upcycling. Basic dorm-style accommodation means a roof over your head & no need to carry your tent around with you!
Here’s what to expect:
5 Days of Purposeful Conservation & Environmental Action
Contribute to real-world conservation projects, such as ocean cleanup, marine biodiversity surveys and plastic recycling
Learn from conservation experts while getting hands-on experience
Build leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
Ignite your passion for protecting the planet and create lifelong memories
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Location: Narrabeen Lakeside Caravan Park
Cost: $1250 (From Jan 1, 2026)
Designed for Gold Residential Project students. Can be used by Silver and Gold AJ students who are not able to complete a more physical journey due to injury or complex medical needs. Award Leader Approval Required.
FIRST TRACKS
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Location: The Basin Campground
Cost: $450 (From Jan 1, 2026)
Designed for Bronze Adventurous Journey students.
Award Leader Approval Required.
The very first step of your Duke of Ed Journey. An 'easing into' the hiking / camping experience. This isn't about walking long distances or carrying heavy loads, its about exploration, curiosity, experiential learning and having fun. An adventure off the beaten track without the heavy bags. A camping experience under the stars with a few extra comforts: a tent you can stand up in, a comfy thick mattress and camp chair to unwind around the fire.
Here’s what to expect:
2 Days of Adventure, Cultural Immersion & Environmental Learning
Learn from Aboriginal facilitators about Culture and Connection to Country
Explore the trails, lookouts, sacred sites and remote beaches
Cook up a BBQ, play games, meet new friends, enjoy some star gazing
BOOKING
To see upcoming dates and book your spot, click the green "Book" button above.
Avoid the 2% cc fees by selecting the direct debit option. Be aware debits aren’t instant; you’ll need to keep the funds available for up to 48hrs in your nominated account.
Residential students can book either the Caring for Country or Reshaping Waste programs.
AJ students are advised to attend the Caring for Country program unless special permission has been given by an award leader in exceptional circumstances.
FAQs ANSWERED
Our Caring for Country Program runs twice each holidays, from Sunday - Friday. Our Reshaping Waste Program runs twice each holidays, from Monday - Friday.
In July 2026, there are no program going ahead due to an extended winter break for our whole team.
You can do both of our programs, but you cannot complete the same program twice. You must ensure your program choice is approved by your award leader prior to registration!
In line with DofE requirements, students will self-cater and stay in basic dorm-style accommodation. You will also complete the necessary Preparation and Training with the aid of our digital resources prior to the trip commencement.
Both programs adhere to all the requirements laid out in the current (Feb 2024 version) Duke of Ed Handbook. If your award leader requires any further detail from us please reach out.
Once registered, students will receive a full packing list and all other preparation details.
Our programs are limited to 21 students, making up 3 sub groups of 7. There will be two leaders on every trip; and a third leader available for water activities.
We also work with schools directly to run customised private trips for their students. Please get in touch if this applies to you.
Here’s what past students have to say …
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to challenge myself, and learn about new topics. The dorms are comfy, and the location is so peaceful! The supervisors were highly enthusiastic and supportive. I could not recommend this more to anyone doing their Duke of Ed!"
Fay - Silver Adventurous Journey
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "One of the best Duke Of Ed experiences ever. I had such a blast! Our guides were the best Duke of Ed leaders and made the whole experience so valuable and enjoyable. Such a nice place and awesome program."
Ryka - Gold Adventurous Journey
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I found the program to fascinating and definitely got a lot out of the experience. I was nervous about going alone but the guides were welcoming and by the end we were all great friends. I highly recommend this camp to anyone doing gold or even silver duke of ed."
Mitchell - Gold Residential
Contact us.
The Pittwater Eco Adventures Team:
Shared — 0436 808 528 or
Assessor and Dukes Coordinator:
Katie Brooks — 0420 202 292
Please only contact Katie on her personal mobile after attempting to reach her on the PEA Team number first.
Our office hours are 8:30am - 5pm
Monday to Friday. Please text or email outside of these hours.