Fast Facts

DATES

March 24th - 27th 2023

4 day trip, 4 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$2,500

Accommodation

Twin-share in 3-star motels and lodges

Difficulty

3.5/5

The Challenge

Did you know, only 34 per cent of people with Down syndrome over the age of 25 have a paid job? Or that they experience twice the rate of avoidable death and lower rates of preventative healthcare?

People with Down syndrome deserve to reach their potential and live the life they choose – and you can help make that happen.

As part of DSV Four Peaks 2023, you’ll trek to the summit of four of Victoria’s highest mountains, Mount Dunn, Mount Stirling, Mount Feathertop and Mount Bogong, to give people with Down syndrome access to the same opportunities and support as other Victorians so they feel valued and included, socially and economically.

Inspired by expansive views and daring ridgelines, you’ll trek for four days along some of Australia’s most renowned hiking trails. Through towering mountain ash forest and across sub alpine plains, you’ll experience the sparse beauty of the Victorian Alps where the air is fresh, wildflowers abundant and every view more spectacular than the last.

Best of all, with every step you take, you’ll raise vital funds to help Down Syndrome Victoria support people with Down syndrome to create a lifetime of meaningful inclusion in their communities.

Testimonials

"A very special experience with so many wonderful people who inspired me with their brave and kind hearts."

— Anna Morris, 2018

"An experience that will stay with me for life."

— Sallyanne Mowat, Inspired adventurer, 2019

The Difference You'll Make

There are over 3,500 people with Down syndrome in Victoria and over 13,000 across Australia.

Most people with Down syndrome are content with their lives. They like who they are and express love for their families. Like most people, they seek to build meaningful lives within their communities.

Yet they are often excluded.

Since COVID-19, Down Syndrome Victoria has experienced a 300 per cent increase in the demand for services and support. As part of DSV Four Peaks 2023, you’ll enable Down Syndrome Victoria to continue to deliver information, services and support to people with Down Syndrome in Victoria at every stage of their lives.

$96 - will pay for one hour of phone support for a person with Down syndrome or their family
$500 - contributes towards the cost of a home or hospital visit for a new family.
$1,600 - enables DSV to provide a fully targeted workshop on a specialised topic pertinent to key life stages.
$4,480 - allows DSV's Education Support Service to support a child in a Victorian school for one year.

Down Syndrome Victoria relies on the support of its community – people just like you – to enable people with Down syndrome to reach their potential and live the life they choose.

Join Us With Confidence

We understand the dilemma of making travel plans when the world feels unpredictable right now. You can still register for an Inspired Adventure in complete confidence, because we promise to look after you should COVID-19 travel bans affect your plans.

If COVID-19 travel bans mean your Inspired Adventure cannot go ahead as scheduled, we will endeavour to reschedule the departure to a later date to allow you still to travel as planned. For more information visit our COVID-19 hub or read our full Terms & Conditions.

Pricing & Itinerary

$2,650

Travel package†

Your travel package is paid in instalments. To register, pay just $475* upfront.

*non-refundable †excludes airfares

Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

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Day 1: Friday 24th March

Depart Melbourne, summit Mount Dunn

Our adventure begins as we meet our guides and the rest of our team at 7:30am outside the National Gallery of Victoria in central Melbourne. From here, we board a bus and head north to Porepunkah, enjoying the stunning scenery and local towns en route. On arrival, we stretch our legs then take on our first trek to the summit of Mount Dunn (1,489m). Set within sub alpine plains and towering mountain ash forest, Mount Dunn offers sublime views of the Mount Buffalo plateau – the perfect introduction to our Victorian Alps adventure. After ample time to take in the beauty of our surroundings, we make our way back down the mountain, stopping at Lake Catani for lunch before transferring to our accommodation in Mount Beauty. Tonight we enjoy our first team dinner together at a local eatery.

Trekking distance 6-8km

Meals: L D

Day 2: Saturday 25th March

Summit Mount Bogong (1986m)

We’re off to an early start this morning to conquer Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak (1,986m). We begin with a short drive to Mountain Creek car park, then begin our ascent via the Staircase Spur track. Trekking between peppermint trees, mountain gums and snow gums, we finally break out above the treeline. From here, it’s not much further to the summit. Feeling accomplished, we take time to enjoy the view over lunch before descending via the Eskdale Spur to meet our bus. Back at our accommodation, we settle in for another relaxing evening in the company of like minded people.

Trekking distance: 20km

Meals: B L D

Day 3: Sunday 26th March

Summit Mount Feathertop

Today we gear up for our longest and most difficult trek of the adventure, to the summit of Victoria’s second highest mountain, Mt Feathertop (1,922m). Along the way, we’ll visit the historic gold mining township of Harrietville before delving deeper into Victoria’s High Country at the head of the Ovens Valley. Our trail takes us along the south end of Mount Feathertop and Mount Hotham, meaning it’s often rocky and very exposed in parts. Caution is required, especially in windy conditions. As we finally round on the summit, we’re rewarded with incredible views and we’ll take our time here to experience the full weight of our achievements so far. In the afternoon, we make our way back to our bus and transfer to Myrtleford, our home for the night.

Trekking distance: 22km

Meals: B L D

Day 4: Monday 27th March

Summit Mount Stirling, return to Melbourne

On the final day of our Victorian Alps adventure, we set off early to summit Mount Stirling (1,747m). Along the way, we’ll pass historic huts and the Telephone Box Junction. At the summit, we’re treated to 360º views over the surrounding mountain ranges, making it the perfect place to celebrate our incredible adventure! Following our descent, we board our bus back to Melbourne, arriving at approximately 8pm. As the mountains make way for skyscrapers and the lights of the city come into view, you’ll be filled with the moments and memories that have made this adventure one you’ll never forget.

Trekking distance: 11km

Meals: B L

Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Twin-share accommodation in 3-star motels and lodges • Meals as per itinerary • Local guides • Entrance fees as per itinerary

Doesn't include: Airfares • Airport transfers • Pre and post-tour accommodation in Melbourne • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Expenditure of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages • Tips and gratuities (optional)

Our Climate Commitment

When you travel with us, $10 goes towards carbon offsetting projects in Western Australia. You'll be supporting Carbon Neutral as they replant native plant species to create a green corridor for native wildlife, assisting in the recovery of entire ecosystems. For more on how we're bettering the planet, read our Climate Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a comprehensive list of FAQs, download the information pack by filling in the form.

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3.5/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. DSV Fours Peaks 2023 is a physical challenge, involving trekking in hilly, uneven terrain for up to 61 kilometres over four consecutive days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

Who will I be travelling with?

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.

The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.

Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.

How do I train for this adventure?

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete full-day hikes and ideally a hike over several days. You should aim to be able to walk for 6–8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures – to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

We have prepared a detailed COVID-19 Safety Management Plan to account for the wide variety of scenarios that may impact your departure. In the instance that the adventure is unable to proceed due to COVID-19, alternative departure arrangements will be provided where possible.

Inspired Adventures requires that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as described in government guidelines and ground operator requirements.

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 hub.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for this adventure?

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to participate in this adventure is: $2,650

In addition, you are also committing to raising $2,000 (per person) for Down Syndrome Victoria.

In order to secure your place, you will need to pay half of your travel deposit ($475) upfront, and the second half four weeks after registration. This is non-refundable.

A second instalment of your balance is due 5 months prior to departure, and the final balance is due 2 months before travel. If you are registering with less than 4 months to departure, you will most likely be invoiced in fewer instalments based on the date of registration.

Your travel payments are invoiced in instalments to provide ample time to pay your balance. We can build a personalised payment plan that suits your schedule if our standard timeline does not suit.

DOWN SYNDROME VICTORIA 4 PEAKS

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

Join Us With Confidence

Pricing & Itinerary

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions