On arrival in Sydney we will be met by our experienced World Youth Adventures guide and head straight to our accommodation in Katoomba. Today we will be formally welcomed to the area by a member of the local indigenous community, the Gandangara people, in a "Welcome to Country" ceremony. This is an ancient ceremony in which the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey. Folloeing this we will embark on a trek to the Prince Henry Clifftop Walk where there are several wonderful viewpoints to enjoy the spectacular views across the Jamison Valley. We will walk to Echo Point to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation before descending the Giant Staircase. At the base of the stairs we will join the Federal Pass walking trail and begin our walk towards Laura Forest. This walk will take us through lush green shrouded forests beneath towering escarpments. Throughout the hike our guides will share with you their knowledge of the plant and animal species that we see and the dangers surrounding this fragile ecosystem. If we are lucky, we may hear a lyrebird or two with their unique ability to mimic other birds. We will enjoy a picnic lunch during our walk. Once we have ascended the trail up to the top of the escarpment, we’ll then enjoy more rewarding views as we look back towards where we began our hiking adventure. The days’ hike concludes as we trek back to our accommodation and prepare for dinner.

Meals:  D

Cycling is a perfect way to explore the Blue Mountains. With hundreds of trails to choose, this mornings cycling adventure will allow us to explore Blue Mountains National Park. From our accommodation we drive out to Ridgewell Road in Blackheath where we have a full safety briefing and bike testing. Our cycle will take us on a spectacular route along the Burramoko Trail to Baltzer Lookout and return. From amazing sheer sandstone cliffs, deep valley gorges, rivers and giant eucalyptus trees today's cycle is as magnificent as it is rewarding. We then board our vehicle and head North to the spectacular Warrumbungle heritage listed National Park. The Park is based in the Warrumbungle Mountain Range and lies within the Pilliga Important Bird Area. The Park was the first park within Australia to be certified as a Dark Sky Park in 2016 with zero light pollution making it an incredible sight at night. The boys will help set up our base camp in preparation for our summit attempts over the coming days.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning the students will rise early and prep and cook breakfast before heading to join the Burbie Canyon Walk and the Belougery Split Rock Circuit. On our circuit walk we will climb up the Belougery Split Rock, the first of many summits we attempt on our journey (7km). The walk is fairly steep and affording great views of this stunning area. This afternoon we visit the nearby Visitors Centre for an interpretive short walk before walking back to prepare our evening meal. Overnight Camp. Walking distance: up to 10km

Meals:  B,L,D

We have great day in store today with our aim to summit Mt Exmouth via Cathedral Arch. This long trek is also an extremely rewarding one and the 360-degree views from Mount Exmouth (1206m) are simply outstanding. Along the way to the summit, you’ll encounter a varied vegetation community, and basalt rock formations that comprise some of the few remaining pieces of the original volcanic shield. Following Mount Exmouth walking track is to walk back in time, experiencing the best that Warrumbungle National Park has to offer. Overnight Camp. Walking distance: 17km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have a challenging day in store as we set our sights on a full day hike summitting Bluff Mountain. This region has wonderful and unusual lava formations from previous volcanic activity. We depart from the start of the track at Pincham Campsite to the rocky summit of Bluff Mountain (1200m) via West Spirey Creek Track. The track is long and steep in parts with some loose rock. It is a challenging however achievable walk that is well worth the effort. Once on the summit of Bluff Mountain you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Exmouth, Tonduron Spire and Mount Naman’s thick lava flows. It is the only point in the park where you can enjoy views of Bluff Pyramid and the vast western plains. We return via the same trail. Overnight Camp.

Meals:  B,L,D

The January 2013 bushfires in Warrumbungle National Park affected more than just plants and animals – it had notable consequences for Aboriginal culture. NSW National Parks is surveying this situation, devising steps to repair the damage, and looking for ways to involve the local Aboriginal community in all aspects of park recovery. One example of this cultural heritage conservation project involves Tara Cave walk, which is the main point for visitors to experience Aboriginal culture in Warrumbungle National Park. Damaged by the bushfires, Tara Cave walk is now being overhauled with new infrastructure and signage, as well as replacement bush tucker plants along the route. This overhaul is being conducted in partnership with the Coonabarabran and Gulargambone Aboriginal communities – a partnership that will hopefully produce new leads for improving management of the park and Aboriginal cultural sites. Cooperative partnerships like this inform revisions to park management and bushfire strategy and encourage Aboriginal employment, training and experience for the local Aboriginal community in the park. This afternoon we visit the Siding Spring Observatory. The Warrumbungles are Australia's first Dark Sky Reserve and an incredible place for astronomy. We will visit the centre and have a behind the scenes look at all aspects of the program including the Anglo-Australian Telescope, a 3.9 mtr equatorially mounted telescope ranked 5th highest impact in the worlds optical telescope.

Meals:  B,L,D

We have breakfast early and head towards Pilliga National Park. Pilliga is traditional country of the Gamilaroi people and this region is very important to their cultural heritage. We will join a local guide and explore the park and local sandstone caves featuring indigenous rock art. We find out more about the Gamilaroi peoples and their connection to land. The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining native forest on the Australian continent. Nearly half the Pilliga forest is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to protect this unique area including the habitat of declining woodland bird species and a large koala population.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will rise early and pack up our camp as we prepare for the long drive back to Sydney airport and home. We have plenty of time in our vehicle for a trip debriefing and time to rest before our flight.

Meals:  B