








Duke Of Edinburgh International Award
Who Are We?
Since 2017, Lifetrail, formerly Didier Walks, has offered Bronze, Silver, and Gold Adventurous Journeys. It has gained a recognised reputation from Duke of Ed WA, schools, and families who are spreading the word. It is part of our Teen Hikes program. Didier is not just an experienced hiker and Guide, but a Mentor of young people with over 20 years experience.
LifeTrail celebrates extraordinary and life-changing experiences on every hike, which is acknowledged in participants’ Adventurous Journey reports.
We celebrate inclusion, authenticity and diversity.
What Is The Duke Of Edinburgh International Award?
The Duke Of Edinburgh International Award was created in 1955 by Prince Philip, who had the vision to empower young people to realise their potential. They can change the world by changing their own lives, by recognising and participating in activities that help them discover that their potential is limitless. It now reaches over 168 countries around the world. When Didier first heard about it in 2016 from a fellow hiker while hiking his own 1000 km solo journey of the Bibbulmun Track, little did he know yet that it represented the mentoring he had been already doing in disability and mental health services for over 10 years. It is for 14-17-year-olds. Each participant must complete several components and levels, which takes several years. Check it out!
You can actually see all about it on the TV show drama “The Crown”.
Why LifeTrail?
- Didier and his team are a Perth-based WA licenced commercial operator under (DBCA) the Department Of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife.
- Twenty years of assessment and mentoring experience in the disability, mental health, training, recreation and employment industries.
- Registered Provider.
- A Cert IV in Residential and Community Care with Children.
- They offer a supportive teen multiday hiking program with the planning, supervision and assessment necessary to complete your Adventurous Journey.
- Our program is a whole backpacking experience that involves, challenges and supports you every step of the way.
- We are recognised for our extensive preparation before the hike, including group Zoom information and pack shakedown sessions.
- Over 3000 km of hiking experience as a Guide and solo, including a 2016 1000 km solo hike of the Bibbulmun Track.
- You are offered all the support you need to be ready, even if you have never hiked.
- Along with Didier’s disability and mental health experience, he is passionate about overcoming barriers and celebrating authenticity and inclusion. Didier is an experienced NDIS service provider; if you think a hike may be suitable for you, you are welcome to go on our teen hikes. Check out the Naturbility program page.
What Adventurous Journeys Do We Offer?
- Bronze practice, qualifier and combined
- Silver practice, qualifier and combined
- Gold practice, qualifier and combined
What is a combined journey? For example, to complete a Bronze Practise Journey, you must complete a 2 day/1 night hike. Then, to complete the qualifier, you must again complete a 2 day/1 night hike. But if you complete a 3-day/2 night hike, this completes your practice and qualifier for the same hike.
Your Responsibilities
- Hikers are 100% responsible for their Adventurous Journeys, not their parents, teachers or LifeTrail.
- Participants are required to choose, supply, and pack their hiking gear. When booking, you may borrow gear from others or buy or rent gear from us.
- You must know and understand your gear and food on day 1 of the hike. We will help you prepare for a multiday hike.
- We offer group video meetings, which are required, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive support.
- Communication is critical to knowledge; Participants must book with an email address they check daily, not their parents. We will create a private WhatsApp group solely for the hikers.
Can you plan a hike for our group?
As well as planned group hikes, LifeTrail can also plan a private hike to meet your needs if you are a school, family, or group of friends. If needed, LifeTrail will connect with its school network and promote the hike online.
How we cost hikes and financial support to complete your hike
LifeTrail was created with the aim of welcoming as many teenagers, no matter who you are. Our aim means making it as affordable as possible while still financially viable to run and follow our ethos of small group sizes for comfort, safety, and trail care. Duke Of Ed Australia offers funding assistance for you to participate and complete your journey – Duke Of Ed Funding Assistance.
Where Do We Hike?
Western Australia is very fortunate to have a world-class long-distance hiking trail called the Bibbulmun Track. 1000 km between Kalamunda and Albany. LifeTrail hikes run along sections of the Bibbulmun Track.
More from Wallaby’s Adventurous Journey Report
“Overall, the three-day hike was a unique, eye-opening, and rigorous experience. I have learnt a few valuable lessons and revelations that I will apply to my life from now on. Never underestimate yourself as you are capable of many things, resilience is the key to success, your mental capacity is more powerful than you think, and having the right attitude makes the biggest difference.”


Why Choose Us
Professional Experience
More than 15 years of assessment & mentoring experience with children/youth/families including the disability, mental health, recreation and training sectors
Hiking Experience
In 2016 Didier completed a solo end-to-end hike of the 1000km Bibbulmun Track. Since then has completed over 3000 hiking kms.
Specialist Teen Hiking Program
Every teen hike is designed for peers of a similar age. Taylor made youth hiking program to meet the Participants and/or school individual needs.
Qualifications
A Cert IV in Residential and Community Care With Children, aged 5 to 18 years.
Support All The Way
With years of mentoring experience, Didier is able to offer the support you need from the booking stage, planning, preparation and during the hike.
Leadership
During the planning and the hike, Didier is continously assessing participants needs and abilities, to assist them reach their goals. Returning and experienced hikers are offered the opportunity to take a more leadership role on the hike.

It's trully incredible what can happen when a couple of mums from NSW, their daughters school and us begin a conversation, the result is a so much more than an Adventurous Journey.

Do you require an Adventurous Journey?
“This hike was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done mentally, emotionally and physically; however, it is something I will never forget. It has shown me the importance of gratitude and resilience and how having friends to experience things with you helps you push through. I am proud of myself for completing this hike to the best of my ability. Im aware that I did complain, I did feel pain, and I did not want to be there every moment, however in the end, I finished, and I was happy with myself. We had a great group of people, allowing the journey to be more entertaining. I am glad I did my Gold Duke of Ed, and I know the lessons I have learnt from this experience will stay with me forever.” – Alice (17)
To learn more – Forest, Plains, Coast Teen Hike