We grade each format according to the level of effort required, but it’s important to note that all Highlander Adventures are challenging—regardless of the national grading system. Participants carry a full overnight pack over long distances with solid altitude gain, which naturally increases the difficulty. Even the 1-Day Lyra Adventure is not suited for beginners and requires prior training, as it covers 25 km with 1000 m of ascent in a single day.

Our formats range from Intermediate to Advanced, and when a course sits between two levels, we mark it with a “+” to reflect the added challenge.

This is a backpacking adventure, not a race.

All formats finish on March 15th, 2026 at 18.00

Yes, unless the organisers or park rangers advise it is unsafe.

All participants must register in person at the event before the start to collect the Participant's Kit and food. We do not send out the Participant's Kit by mail. You will also receive an email with Registration Check-in information one week before the event.

No, all participants must come to Registration in person during open hours for the Registration Check-in and to personally sign the event waiver.

Minors are permitted at the event with a parent/guardian. Please download the document attached below, complete the document with the necessary information and save it as a PDF. Once you complete the registration and the payment for a parent/guardian and a minor, please, contact the organizer at experience@highlanderadventure.com.au to send the PDF file and get further instructions.

The confirmation email is automatically sent after submitting the payment. Check your inbox and spam folders, and if confirmation is not found, please contact experience@highlanderadventure.com.au

If this is your first time registering for an event on the Active.com platform, you will create an Active profile. Here you will have access to all registered events, and you can edit some of your personal details.

• Log in to https://myevents.active.com.     
• Scroll through the list of registered events 
• Choose “Edit Registration Information” 
• Make changes to custom questions etc.   
• Save changes

If you need to change other information (such as an email address), please contact experience@highlanderadventure.com.au

Participants need to come to the Check-in with their own transport.

Check-in will be located at Maitland Bay Information Centre across Mt Bouddi.

For Buddi National Park Central Coast HIGHLANDER Adventure event, no shuttle transport is required to the starting point.

We provide delicious, nutritious and high end camping-style food for our event. We proudly partner with Offgrid Provisions who cooks real food and packed fresh with no preservatives in camping-friendly packs. There are a range of flavour including vegan and gluten free options which will be distributed at checkpoints.

There is a specific field in the registration form that includes diet preferences.

We all have unique eating habits and feel full at different rates so if you think you need additional food or have a special diet please bring it with you.

National Parks in Australia do not allow dogs.

We are aware some of you might want to capture your Adventure of a Lifetime by using a drone, however, we must point out that drones are, unfortunately, not allowed.

Central Coast temperatures is generally enjoyable and between 22 to 25°C during the day November and generally drop to 15°C overnight. Humidity can be fairly high (around 70%) and rainfall is moderate during that time of the year and can be expected.

To be safe, we recommend you prepare for all types of weather as well as you can.

You can view the full gear list HERE.

The Central Coast Highlander in Bouddi National Park is graded as Grade 3 (Moderate) under the Australian Walking Track Grading System. The trail features a mix of coastal cliffs, bushland tracks, sandy beaches, and rocky sections, with some uneven terrain, stairs, and gentle elevation changes. It’s suitable for most people with a moderate level of fitness. Don’t forget that carrying a multi-day pack significantly increases the challenge, so be sure to train with a loaded pack beforehand.

All participants should be physically prepared to tackle the route smoothly. We recommend 50-100km of light backpacking in the months before HIGHLANDER to prepare for the trail. Above all, you must be able to carry a heavy backpack (practice with 10kg and increase gradually to 15 - 16kg). Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

Look out for more training info via email to registered participants and on our FB and Insta pages.

If you would like some support to get prepared and hiking fit, you can contact our partner Hike Tribe provides a Training Program.

There is spotty coverage for most of the course.

Most backpacking trails in National Parks are well-marked, but some short sections of the route have some less-travelled paths where you need to stay more aware of your bearings. It is important to follow markers and official backpacking trails. Always keep a map on hand and follow the signposts to stay on course and arrive safely at your destination.

You must collect all the checkpoint stamps. Checkpoints are open at specific times. Staff will stamp your HIGHLANDER ID. During the checkpoints’ working hours, our staff will help you obtain your HIGHLANDER checkpoint stamp, water, and food. Please know that if you don’t manage to get the checkpoint stamp, you are disqualified and are not entitled to the HIGHLANDER Title, Pin, Patch, or Certificate. Checkpoint stamp collection is the sole responsibility of the participant.

Bivouacking/Camping is allowed only inside the designated campgrounds.

Bivouacking or camping is only permitted within designated campgrounds. However, we won't be assigning specific spots. You’ll be free to choose your own site on a first come, first served basis.

We recommend selecting a flat area and clearing the ground of anything that could damage your tent, such as rocks or branches. Avoid pitching your tent under eucalyptus trees, as they are known to drop branches unexpectedly.

Checkpoint staff are trained for such cases. Feel free to consult them with any gear malfunction or similar issues.

Yes. Participants sharing equipment must inform the organizing staff at Registration Check-in - Event week. Gear that can be shared includes the required tents, isobutane/alcohol stoves, compasses, and first aid kits.

Check our TEAM RULES here.

If you need to withdraw before the event, please notify us as soon as possible by email. Our cancellation policy outlines the refund eligibility.

If you have to leave during the event, you must inform a crew member immediately. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll coordinate your safe exit from the course. Please note that no refunds will be issued once the event has started.

For full details, refer to the cancellation and refund policy here.****

Please contact the organiser at experience@highlanderadventure.com.au