Get ready to kick off your Murray River journey as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Adventurous Journey! Hop on a bus, marking the start of your drive to Tocumwal, a charming Murray River town. Upon arrival, unpack your gear and bid farewell to the bus, transitioning to a new mode of transport: the canoe!

Before you hit the water, engage in a skills session to master the art of paddling in a canoe. Dive into a map session with your leaders, gaining insights into the river and the picturesque spots you'll encounter along the way. As you pack your canoe, excitement builds for the short paddle to your inaugural destination, Hunts Beach. In the afternoon, set up camp, and while collecting firewood for the evening, partake in a skills session relevant to your Duke of Edinburgh's Award requirements.

The day concludes with a relaxed evening around the campfire. Share stories, savor a delicious meal with friends, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the first day of your Murray River journey and Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey.

Embrace the tranquillity of the Murray, where the laughter of Kookaburras and the chatter of Galahs signal the start of your day—no need for alarms here! Begin with a morning ritual of hot chocolate before packing your canoes, marking the second of three practice days for mastering essential skills, a crucial element of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Get back on the water, paddling downstream at a leisurely pace, absorbing the natural beauty surrounding you. Arrive at an unnamed beach, concealing a hidden gem—a Scar Tree, an Indigenous Yorta Yorta site that has withstood thousands of years, still visible today. This sacred tree had a section of bark removed to craft a canoe, once used to navigate the very river you traverse.

After lunch, resume paddling, veering into the nearby Native Dog Creek for a serene detour. Revel in the stillness, keeping an eye out for the elusive Platypus. Complete the remaining short paddle to camp, where you'll set up for another peaceful night beneath the stars. As your Murray River journey unfolds, these days not only hone your outdoor skills but also deepen your connection to the rich history and cultural significance of the region, a crucial aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

No need to rush today; let your body ease into the rhythm of 'Rivertime,' a state where stresses fade away, and the only focus is on the gentle paddle strokes guiding you down the river. As your journey progresses, your Infuse Leader takes center stage, imparting more vital canoeing skills to ensure you're well-prepared for the adventure that lies ahead. The short distance covered today allows you to reach camp by lunchtime, where you'll set up in the shade and engage in riverside arts and crafts.

Armed with various field guides, embark on an adventure of plant, bird, animal track, bone, and even poop identification, fully immersing yourself in the Murray River environment. Another delightful dinner awaits around the campfire as you prepare for your last full day on the river tomorrow. Your Infuse Leader's guidance ensures you're equipped with the knowledge needed for a seamless adventure, and tomorrow, the reins will be handed over to you—the participants—to take charge of this incredible Murray River experience.

Today marks the beginning of your Duke of Edinburgh qualifying days on the river—the point where you, the participants, take the lead in this adventurous journey. As you pack up camp and return to the water, your Infuse Leader gracefully steps back, granting you the reins to lead the group. It's a pivotal moment where all facets of leadership and the adventurous journey converge. Your journey unfolds as you guide the canoes to Peppertree Beach, an opportunity to showcase your leadership skills.

\Upon arrival, embark on a walk into the bushland surrounding Dead Horse Lagoon, an ox bow lagoon that bears witness to the ancient course of the Murray River. Set up camp at Peppertree Beach, a moment to reflect on the memories created, gaze at the stars, and share stories around the campfire with your community of river paddlers. These qualifying days offer a chance for you to not only navigate the river but also to lead, making decisions and navigating challenges, a true testament to your growth and accomplishment on this Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey.

Embark on another day of leadership and exploration along the Murray River, paddling from Peppertree Beach to the scenic Clarkes Camp for your Duke of Edinburgh qualifying days. As you navigate downstream, the vibrant Murray ecology unfolds, with eagles soaring and kookaburras providing a melodic soundtrack.

Entering Barmah National Park, you'll be captivated by the towering river red gums and the serene beauty of this pristine area. Camping on the Murray within the national park offers a unique experience, surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of the river and the whispering leaves. Keep watch for nocturnal visitors, adding a touch of wildlife magic to the experience.

Arriving at Clarkes Camp, set against the river's gentle flow and the captivating backdrop of Barmah National Park, take a moment to savour the unique beauty of camping on the Murray. The towering trees, the soft hum of the river, and the camaraderie of your fellow paddlers create an unforgettable atmosphere, making this Duke of Edinburgh qualifying journey a true immersion in the wonders of the Australian wilderness.

As the sun rises, signaling a new day along the Murray River, your journey shifts from Clarkes Camp to The Gulf campground. Paddling downstream, the tranquil riverbanks of Barmah National Park accompany your route. Ancient river red gums stand sentinel, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Entering The Gulf, the landscape takes on a new dimension. The river widens, revealing expansive views and offering a sense of openness. The Gulf campground emerges as a serene spot, nestled in nature's embrace. As the day concludes, you'll find yourself under the vast sky, surrounded by the beauty of the Murray, making memories at The Gulf campground.

Embark on a fresh day along the Murray, paddling from The Gulf to the idyllic Picnic Point. The river's embrace widens, offering new vistas as you navigate through Barmah National Park. Picnic Point unfolds as a hidden gem, a tranquil spot within nature's gallery.

The Murray's gentle flow at Picnic Point invites you to pause and enjoy the beauty around. Towering river red gums frame the scene, creating a serene atmosphere. The essence of this Duke of Edinburgh journey deepens as you savour the unique charm of Picnic Point, where the river whispers tales of timeless beauty.

Embark on your ultimate day, paddling from the enchanting Picnic Point to the serene Barmah Lakes Campground. This marks the final opportunity to showcase the skills you've cultivated. The Barmah Lakes, adorned with flourishing flora and the graceful presence of native wildlife, unveil a captivating ecosystem.

Upon reaching Barmah Lakes Campground, immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Majestic river red gums cast reflections on the still waters, creating a tranquil setting for your concluding night together. As a collective, engage in group cooking, demonstrating the culinary expertise acquired throughout the journey. Under the expansive sky and amidst the allure of Barmah Lakes, take a moment to reflect on the shared adventure and the collective growth experienced during this transformative Duke of Edinburgh journey.

On the final day of our Murray River expedition, the group gathers for a meaningful morning. We start by cleaning canoes and all equipment, symbolising the conclusion of our river journey. In the morning light, we come together for the Infuse Ties ceremony, a symbolic knot-tying ritual that signifies the end of our transformative Duke of Edinburgh adventure.

Following the ceremony, students collaboratively assess their progress in the Duke of Edinburgh program. Sitting together, they share reflections on the challenges faced, skills acquired, and personal growth experienced during the adventurous journey. This collective assessment not only strengthens the bonds formed on the Murray but also provides valuable insights into each participant's Duke of Edinburgh journey.

After this reflective session, we pack up and head to Melbourne, the city where our adventure began. We carry not only memories of the Murray's beauty but also the shared experiences and individual growth achieved through the Duke of Edinburgh program.