A school holiday trip to the Gold Coast might normally involve a late brunch with friends, a visit to an amusement park and a relaxing stroll on the beach.

But for 20 students and five teachers from Toormina High School, on Gumbaynggirr country near Coffs Harbour, a trip to the glitter strip was a chance to test their endurance and resilience.

Toormina High art teacher Rebekah Schafer said taking on the 48-kilometre Kokoda Challenge was gruelling and exhausting, but also enormously rewarding.

“It takes immense endurance, perseverance and teamwork to conquer the trek,” Ms Schafer said.

“Each student and teacher who crossed the finish line should be incredibly proud of their accomplishment.”

The challenge started at 10am on Saturday 13 July, winding through rugged, rocky and steep terrain in the Gold Coast hinterland, with the Toormina team crossing the finish line at 4.20am the following day.

The chosen route simulated the famed Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, which was defended by native tribesmen and Australian soldiers during World War 2

Businesses and not-for-profits from Toormina and Sawtell supported the group, which raised $3000 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, an organisation that runs programs for at-risk young people.

Staff and students trained for 10 to 12 weeks, working together to prepare for the task ahead.

Year 10 students and twin sisters Emily and Miranda Crawford were among those to complete the trek.

“We tried to do a walk every weekend, about 15 kilometres in length, walking up a lot of hills in gear and backpacks,” Emily said.

“The training helped, but 48 kilometres - I couldn’t really imagine how long that was going to be,” Miranda added.

Facing steep hills, lack of sleep and blisters, the students relied on their teachers and each other to make the finish line.

“We helped each other get through the tough things, that was the mateship,” the twins said.

Emily and Miranda’s mum Becky formed part of the parent support crew.

While she was impressed with the students’ efforts, she said the five staff who participated from Toormina High “went above and beyond the call of duty” throughout the challenge.

“The teachers were absolutely instrumental in helping the students who were struggling get over the line,” Mrs Crawford said.

“They are truly devoted to our students and their success.

“The teaching staff taking on a challenge like this, in their own time, is a credit to them.”