Beyond the Gates is the capstone Outdoor Education experience provided at Melbourne Grammar School. Since 2011, all Year 10 students take part in a deeply meaningful expedition that is carefully designed to explore themes of journey, discovery, challenge, reflection and identity.
Over three weeks, students journey within one of three iconic venues:
- The Classic – Starting near Mt Hotham and travelling through the Victorian High Country and NSW Main Range, finishing near to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. This journey utilises bushwalking, rafting and cycling.
- Alpine Journey – Commencing at the northern terminus of the Australian Alpine Walking Track at Tharwa, ACT, the route traverses some of Australia’s most stunning alpine forests and plains through to the goldfields of Kiandra. Students enjoy off-track exploration, caving and canoeing across the huge expanse of Lake Eucumbene.
- Karri to Coast – The south-west coast of Western Australia provides the setting for this challenging hike that ranges through unique karri and tingle forests, and over shifting sand dune systems. The hike is interspersed with two paddling sections across Broke and Nornalup Inlets.
A defining element is the Solo experience, where students spend 36 hours alone in nature, armed with their personal equipment, journal and letter-writing materials. While group leaders and peers are within relative proximity, this experience provides each boy with time for quiet introspection to reflect on the journey so far, and integrate lessons from the first part of their adventure.
Beyond the Gates represents both a literal and symbolic transition—preparing students to move to their final VCE years and then into adulthood with confidence, perspective and strong character.