General questions

01

What is the cutoff time?

This is a backpacking adventure, not a race.

All formats finish on November 22nd, 2025 at 18.00

02

Will HIGHLANDER take place in the event of bad/inclement weather?

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

03

What is the onsite registration procedure?

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.

04

Can someone else register for me?

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

05

Is there a minimum age to participate?

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 australia@highlanderadventure.com to send the PDF file and get further instructions.

The minors' age limit differs by the format. Please check the age limit below.  

Consents for minor participants DOWLOAD:

06

I have not received the confirmation e-mail – where can I find it?

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

07

How do I change my personal details (address, e-mail…)?

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 australia@highlanderadventure.com.

08

Will you be providing transportation to the Check-in and/or Start?

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

For Buddi National Park Central Coast Highlander Event, no shuttle transport is required to the starting point.

09

What type of food is provided?

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.

10

Can I bring my dog?

National Parks in Australia do not allow dogs.

11

Can I bring my drone?

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.

12

What type of weather should I expect?

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

13

What type of terrain and difficulty level can I expect at Highlander Central Coast ?

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.

14

How can I best prepare for Highlander Central Coast?

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.

15

Is there cellular service on the course?

There is spotty coverage for most of the course.

16

How difficult is it to stay on the trail?

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.

17

Do I have to stop at each checkpoint?

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.

18

Do I have to set up my tent close to checkpoints?

Bivouacking/Camping is allowed only inside the designated campgrounds.

19

Will you be designating sleeping areas in the campground?

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.

20

Can I sleep in huts?

No. Sleeping is only permitted in tents and in sleeping bags which are mandatory HIGHLANDER gear for all participants. Huts have limited space and could not accommodate all HIGHLANDER participants. Sleeping in a tent is a special experience and one of the best parts of a true backpacking adventure.

21

What if I have gear trouble?

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

22

Can I share my gear with other participants?

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.

23

What happens if I have to pull out before/during the event?

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.****

24

Who do I contact in case of any questions?

Please contact the organiser at australia@highlanderadventure.com.

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HIGHLANDER ADVENTURE

245 Park Avenue, New York

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