Multi-sport

The Great Adventure Challenge

Saturday, 30 May 2026
Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW
Adventure Race 45-65km
Max Adventure
Official Website

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Race Schedule & Entry Fees

Distance Date Start Time Entry Fee
Adventure Race 45-65km Kayaking / Mountain Biking / Trail Running / Mystery Challenges Sat, 30 May TBA $2585

Event Details

Date Saturday, 30 May 2026
Location Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW
State NSW
Entry Fee Varies (fundraising event)
Organizer Max Adventure

About This Event

The Great Adventure Challenge is a multisport team-based corporate adventure race featuring mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, coasteering and mystery challenges over a 60-70km course. Supports Starlight Children's Foundation.

Course Description

The Great Adventure Challenge takes teams through the stunning Royal National Park over a 45-65km course combining multiple disciplines. Teams of eight will navigate coastal trails, kayak pristine waterways, tackle mountain bike sections through native bushland, and complete mystery team challenges designed to test problem-solving and teamwork. The course showcases the park's dramatic coastal scenery, including sandstone cliffs, rainforest gullies, and ocean views. This is a navigation-based adventure race where teams must work together to complete all disciplines while managing their energy across the full distance. The exact route varies each year but consistently delivers a true adventure racing experience in one of Australia's oldest national parks.

Quick Facts

Date Saturday, 30 May 2026
Terrain Mixed - trail, water, varied terrain
Location Royal National Park, Sydney
Entry Fee $2,585 per team (8 people) including GST
Difficulty Challenging
Start Time Check official website for team start times
Good for Beginners No - requires basic navigation skills, team fitness, and swimming ability (100m minimum for kayaking sections)

Getting There

Royal National Park is located approximately 30km south of Sydney CBD, accessible via the Princes Highway. Check the event program for specific registration and start locations within the park. Arrive early on race day to allow time for team registration, equipment collection, and pre-race briefing. Carpooling is encouraged as parking may be limited. The event program (distributed one week prior) will include detailed directions, parking areas, and facility locations. Plan for at least 60 minutes before your scheduled start time.

Weather & What to Pack

Late May in Sydney brings mild autumn conditions with average daytime temperatures ranging from 12-19°C. Expect cooler temperatures in the morning, with conditions warming throughout the day. The 2024 event experienced cold and wet weather, so teams should prepare for variable conditions. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket, as coastal areas in the Royal National Park can be exposed to wind and sea spray. Waterproof protection for essential items is mandatory. Despite the cooler temperatures, hydration remains important during sustained physical activity. Sun protection is recommended as UV levels can still be moderate in autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the team entry fee?

Entry includes all kayaking equipment, navigation tools (maps, compass, race vests), professional course marshals and safety support, first aid coverage, race pack with sponsor goodies, end-of-race meal and drinks, and professional team photos. Teams also receive pre-event training including an online navigation information evening.

How many team members are required?

Teams consist of eight members. At least four team members must be capable of swimming 100m unassisted, as this is a requirement for participating in kayaking sections. All members should have basic fitness and navigation skills and commit to the team's fundraising goals.

What fundraising is involved?

Each team fundraises for Starlight Children's Foundation, with teams raising an average of $8,000. Starlight provides each team with a dedicated contact for fundraising support, an online fundraising page, and assistance with ideas and events. Teams can earn time bonuses based on fundraising achievements.

What equipment do we need to bring?

Teams must bring their own mountain bikes and helmets (rentals may be arranged separately), personal clothing suitable for multi-sport activity and changeable weather, food and hydration for the duration, and a waterproof phone case. Kayaking equipment is provided. A detailed equipment checklist is included in the event program.

When do registrations close?

Registrations close at midnight on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Teams that register all eight members and pay in full by 14 April 2025 receive a 30-minute time bonus on race day. Early registration is strongly recommended.

Last updated: 27 December 2025