Melbourne Social Expeditions - 2 Day 1 Night EPIC PRIVATE BARN CAMPSITE - The National Trail Narbethong - Trek + Camping Adventure - Hard - 38km - w/Ads&Dan- 15-3-25

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Join Social Walks Dynamic Duo Adam + Dan for an amazing expedition along a section of the National Trail in the Yarra Ranges National Park. This trek is designed to give hikers a glimpse of the first days of Ads and Dan's 2023 "Legends Never Die" expedition that took them from Healesville all the way to the Sydney Opera House! A trek totalling 76 days and a distance of 1600km! Rest assured you're in good hands with this one.

The National Trail is a long-distance walking and hiking trail that spans over 5,330 kilometers, connecting the northern tip of Queensland to the southern coast of Victoria. It’s one of the longest and most ambitious trekking routes in the world, providing adventurers with a unique opportunity to experience Australia's diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests and rugged outback terrain to coastal plains and mountain ranges.

This trek will follow the first section of the southern start point of the National Trail, with the total distance covered across the 2 days approximately 38km and 500m of elevation. The trail follows a combination of existing tracks, public roads, and off-the-beaten-path routes through the Yarra Ranges National Park so you will need a good base level of fitness to complete this trek. Your feet will also be sore by the end!

On the Saturday night we will be staying in a Private Property under cover in a beautiful barn (the same barn Ads and Dan stayed in on the second night of their 2023 trek!) that is complete with facilities including a toilet, a shower and our own campfire!

Any issues expert guides Ads and Dan will able to assist you along the way to help you on your journey. 

Finally, as a participant you are expected to supply your own hiking/trekking gear which has been clearly outlined below.

Meet our group and stay up to date with all our events here in our Facebook Group - Melbourne Social Walks

ABOUT SOCIAL WALKS

- Licenced Tour Operators with Parks Victoria

- $2.40 from every ticket sold goes to Parks Victoria

- Experienced Guides

- First Aid Qualified

- Fully Insured

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Steep hills
• Scrambling rocks 
• Downhill slopes 
• Physically Demanding in sections 
• Immersion in the beautiful Yarra Valley
• Sore Feet
• Potential for wind/rainfall/weather 
• Lush Rainforests 
• Native Wildlife 
• Private Campground in a Barn

START TIME, MEET LOCATION & WHEN:

WHEN: 15/3/2025 - 16/3/2025

MEETING LOCATION: Mt St Leonard Carpark, Monda Rd Toolangi

MEETING TIME: Arrive at 8.30am for a 9.00am departure to Marysville as cars need to be located at either end point. Once we have set the car system up at each end we will head back to the start point in the Mt St Leonard Carpark for a 10.30am sharp departure.

NOTE: Arriving on time is critical to the trek getting away on time. Participants not checked-in by 08.50am may be left behind. 

WHAT"S INCLUDED:

 Trek + Expert Guides Adam & Dan + Welcome Meet and Greet + Narbethong Private Barn Campsite (toilet, shower and campfire provided) + Expedition Guidebook - $250

Meet and Greet will be run by Adam and Dan to cover:

• Gear
• Food
• Packing correctly
• Pack weight management 
• Trek expectations 

ITINERARY: 

Day 1: Mt St Leonard Carpark - 18km:

8:30am meet at Mt St Leonard Carpark

9:00am depart for Marysville to drop cars off at end point

10.00am arrive back at Mt St Leonard Carpark after finalising carpool system in Marysville

10.30am set off 

5.30pm arrive at Narbethong Barn Private campsite

6.00pm setup camp

7.00pm team dinner

7.30 relax by the campfire

Day 2: Narbethong Barn to Marysville - 20km:

10.00am depart 

3:30pm arrive in Marysville for a celebratory drink

4:30pm: Finish

NOTE* This is a one way trek. As such, A certain number of cars will need to be driven to the end point in Marysville so the group has transportation back to the starting point once the trek is completed.  

WHAT TO BRING:

BAG

• Comfortable Hiking backpack between 30L - 50L (a larger one is ok as well if that is your preference)

CLOTHES

• 1 pair of active/hiking pants (preferably quick dry)
• 1 pair of active/hiking shorts (preferably quick dry)
• Bathers
• 2 hiking T-shirts (merino wool encouraged) 
• Fleece/Down jacket (outer layer to wear around camp in the evening to stay warm)
• Warm Long Sleeve top to wear under Fleece/Down Jacket
• Thermal Top (to wear around camp in the evening to stay warm)
• Thermal Trousers (to wear around camp in the evening to stay warm)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Microfibre towel
• 2-3 pairs of underwear (1 for each day and 1 spare)
• 2-3 pairs of trekking socks (1 for each day and 1 spare)
• Sunglasses
• Hiking Boots (worn-in)
• Sandals/Thongs/Crocs (to wear at camp in the evenings) - So your boots can be left to dry

GEAR

• Sleeping Mat
• Sleeping Bag
• Hiking Tent
• Trekking Pillow
• OPTIONAL - Cooking System - pot and burner (Adam and Dan will have cooking systems to boil water for you if you need) 
• Water Storage (at least 2-3L in either bottle/s or a water bladder)
• OPTIONAL Water purification system (guides Adamand Dan can provide this if required)
• Small personalised first aid kit (optional) 
• Gators for snake protection
• Beanie
• Waterproof Pants
• Earplugs (optional)

FOOD

• Dehydrated Camping Meal (Dinner) - This is the recommended option to manage weight and for convenience
• Packable picnic lunch (lunch day 1) - Something that will need to be eaten on day 1 (again this is a personal preference)
• Non-Perishable lunch (lunch day 2) - Something that does not require refrigeration e.g. vacuum sealed tuna and pasta (this can be lunch both days if you wish)
  
• Packet Oats (Breakfast) - This is the recommended option to manage weight and for convenience
  
• Protein Bars
  
• Trail Mix
  
• Any snacks (personal preference)

WATER

• Day 1 bring your own 2-3 Litres (depending on your preference) - Understand more water means more weight to carry
  
• Water will be treated on the trek by either Ads or Dan who have the necessary equipment to do so 

****PLEASE NOTE**** The above is solely a guide for food and gear. You can follow your own personal preferences if you choose to. However, the KEY to remember is weight management. More food equals more weight to carry. The more weight you're carrying the more difficult the trek will be! 

It's as simple as that. 

Cheers Ads and Dan!