The Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Bronze level was an unforgettable experience for a group of students from Marcellin College. The team, consisting of seven Year 9–11 boys and two teachers, set out to tackle the rugged terrain from Castle Cove to Princetown, navigating the Great Ocean Walk with determination, teamwork and plenty of laughter.
On Day 1, after a long bus ride, the journey began with a hike to Johanna Beach. The group encountered wildlife like snakes, koalas and wallabies along the way and they settled down at the Johanna Beach GOW Campsite, where they set up tents, cooked dinner and shared a few laughs despite the occasional argument. This day was relatively easy going, offering a warm-up to the more challenging hikes that awaited them.
By Day 2, the real test began. Led by group leaders Ryan and Henry, the students faced the toughest day of the journey, trekking 14 km under a harsh sun and carrying heavy backpacks. As they struggled to coordinate, they learned the hard way that they were only as strong as their weakest link, with frequent stops slowing their progress. At Ryan’s Den campsite, exhaustion set in and the wild environment – with leeches, mosquitoes and fewer comforts – made the experience even tougher. However, the views were awe-inspiring, offering a momentary escape from the day’s hardships.
Determined to turn things around on Day 3, Brian and Matthias took over as leaders and the group worked more cohesively, setting out earlier and moving faster. Along the way, they encountered more wildlife, including a sunbathing snake and an echidna and they took a detour to Wreck Beach, where remnants of shipwrecks gave a sense of history to the landscape. Although the detour involved a gruelling climb back up, the group managed to reach Devil’s Kitchen in high spirits. That evening, they came together, sharing jokes and laughter and their bonds grew stronger as they reflected on their journey and progress.
Day 4 marked the final leg from Devil’s Kitchen to Princetown. Despite some team members feeling worn out or even unwell, they pushed forward, fuelled by inside jokes, the prospect of a McDonald’s meal and the anticipation of reaching the journey’s end. The views along the way were breathtaking, but nothing matched the sight of their van waiting at the Princetown parking lot. With hugs and even a few tears, they celebrated the friendships formed and the challenges they had overcome together. A brief visit to the Twelve Apostles served as a final highlight, though they all agreed that the real reward was the journey itself.
The ride home was filled with reminiscing and laughter, a bittersweet conclusion to an adventure that had transformed them all. Thanks to the guidance of their teachers, Ms Eldib and Mr Cooper and the teamwork of students like Ryan, Henry, Cathal, Callum, Aiden and Matthias, the group left with memories and lessons that would last a lifetime.
The college motto, “Virtute ad Altissima” (“Through Virtue and Courage Strive for the Highest”), recognises that excellence lies in focusing […]