"Three Peaks Teen Hike — DRAFT"
What Is This Hike?
Five days. Three peaks. Sixty eight kilometres of one of the world’s great long-distance trails.
This is a genuine wilderness expedition through the Darling Ranges — jarrah forests, sweeping ridge-top views, remote creek crossings, and hiker-only bush campsites so quiet you’ll forget the rest of the world exists. You’ll summit Mt Cuthbert, Mt Vincent and Mt Cooke, and complete something less than 3% of people will ever attempt.
This isn’t a school camp or a casual walk. It’s a real backpacking adventure, led by Didier Monot — LifeTrail founder, Bibbulmun Track end-to-end hiker, and youth mentor with 15+ years of experience. Groups are intentionally small, the pace is human, and every part of the experience is designed to challenge you in the best possible way.
What will you gain?
By the end of Day 1, your legs will ache and your pack will feel heavy. By Day 5, something will have shifted.
Past participants consistently reflect on the same things weeks later: stronger confidence, better focus at school, new friendships that lasted, and a clearer sense of what they’re capable of. Not because anyone told them to feel that way — because they earned it, kilometre by kilometre.
On trail, teens develop real skills: calm decision-making in unfamiliar situations, leadership within a small team, and the quiet satisfaction of doing something genuinely hard. LifeTrail’s Hikefulness® approach weaves mindful awareness naturally into the journey.
For Parents
The growth that happens on trail consistently shows up at home and school in the weeks after. Didier personally reads every Duke of Ed reflection report. What begins as a physical expedition often becomes a shift in how teens see themselves.
Full independence — that's the point
From the moment you pack your bag to the moment you reach North Bannister, you are in charge of yourself. You plan your own meals, buy your own food, carry your own pack, cook on trail, and make real decisions every day. For Duke of Ed participants especially, this is exactly what the Award is designed to develop.
Day By Day
| Day | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookton Hwy → Canning Campsite | ~9 km |
| 2 | Canning Campsite → Alyi-wa Miya Campsite | ~14 km |
| 3 | Alyi-wa Miya Campsite → Mt Cooke Group Campsite | ~12 km |
| 4 | Mt Cooke Group Campsite → Nerang Campsite | ~14 km |
| 5 | Nerang Campsite → North Bannister | ~19 km |
| Total | ~68 km |
Each day follows a steady rhythm: pack camp after breakfast, walk through the morning, rest and cook at a bush campsite in the afternoon. Lights out 7:30 pm — sleep is a genuine part of performing well on trail.
Inclusion & accessibility
LifeTrail is inclusive by design. Teens with disabilities and additional needs have participated in previous hikes. If you’re unsure whether this hike is the right fit, call Didier on 0410 756 065 before booking. He welcomes calls from teens, parents, teachers, NDIS providers and psychologists.
Drop-off & pick-up
Must Read
These pages contain information you need before booking and before you pack. Please read all three.
Duke Of Ed funding
Duke Of Edinburgh Award Australia can provide assistance to pay for your hike – Duke Of Ed Funding Assistance
Book Your Spot
$995
inc. GST
From the moment you pack your bag to the moment you reach North Bannister, you are in charge of yourself. You plan your own meals, buy your own food, carry your own pack, cook on trail, and make real decisions every day.
For Duke of Ed participants especially, this is exactly what the Award is designed to develop.