The Donnelly River Expedition

The Donnelly River Expedition is a genuine 5-day, 4-night wilderness hiking adventure for teens aged 15–17, following 108 km of the Bibbulmun Track from Donnelly River Village to Pemberton.

This is not a school camp. Teens carry their own expedition packs, camp at remote Bibbulmun Track campsites and move together as a small group through some of the most beautiful and demanding inland country on the Track.

The journey follows the Donnelly River through tall forest and river valleys, passing Chappels Bridge, One Tree Bridge and Beedelup Falls before finishing at Pemberton. Along the way, the Track unexpectedly opens into private farming country, with green paddocks, grazing cattle and expansive views before returning to the forest.

The Journey

Day 1: Donnelly River Village → Tom Road Campsite — 16 km
Day 2: Tom Road Campsite → Boarding House Campsite — 24 km
Day 3: Boarding House Campsite → Beavis Campsite — 19.7 km
Day 4: Beavis Campsite → Beedelup Campsite — 21 km
Day 5: Beedelup Campsite → Pemberton — 24.2 km

Total: approximately 108 km

Participants meet in Pemberton the afternoon before the expedition, where we stay together in group accommodation, complete final preparations and gear checks, and have dinner and breakfast together. The following morning we travel as a group to Donnelly River Village to begin the hike.

More Than Just the Kilometres

LifeTrail teen expeditions are designed to give young people the opportunity to discover what they are capable of through genuine experience.

Over five days, participants need to manage their own equipment, personal care, tiredness, changing weather, group responsibilities and the physical demands of carrying a full hiking pack.

Confidence doesn't come from being told they can do it. It comes from reaching Pemberton knowing they actually did.

LifeTrail's Hikefulness® approach is naturally woven through the expedition, creating space away from everyday pressure, screens and distractions and encouraging young people to slow down, notice their surroundings and become more aware of themselves and the people hiking alongside them.

Who Is It For?

The Donnelly River Expedition is designed for 15–17 year olds, including beginner multiday hikers who are ready for a significant physical and personal challenge.

Participants need to be capable of carrying a full expedition pack of approximately 17 kg for up to six hours a day across challenging forest terrain.

Two compulsory online pre-hike preparation sessions are held before departure so participants understand the journey, equipment, food, safety and expectations before arriving.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The expedition is suitable for participants completing their Duke of Edinburgh International Award and can meet the requirements for a combined Silver Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey, or a Gold Practice or Qualifying Adventurous Journey.

Didier can act as the Adventurous Journey Supervisor and Assessor where required.

Included

• Experienced LifeTrail Guide

• Small group — maximum 12 teens

• Two comprehensive pre-hike online preparation sessions

• Group accommodation in Pemberton before the hike

• Planned transport associated with the expedition

• Individual goal planning

• Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey reporting where applicable

Not Included

• Personal hiking equipment

• Hiking food

• Town meals and snacks

• Travel insurance

LifeTrail welcomes teens from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Young people with disabilities and additional needs have successfully participated in previous LifeTrail expeditions. Parents who are unsure whether this expedition is suitable for their teen are encouraged to contact Didier before booking.