Mount Beauty friends Lachlan Ranton, 16, and Jack Simpson, 17, will walk 240km from their home town, across the Victorian alps via the newly sealed Bogong High Plains Road, to Lakes Entrance to raise money for Oxfam.

The idea came a month ago after the pair decided to walk from Mount Beauty to Yackandandah, a 60km trek — although they thought it was shorter when they headed off — for a bit of fun.

Lachlan said that initial challenge was born out of an earlier fishing trip in the mountains, which involved a 20km walk, when they came to the realisation that “you can walk forever and never really get tired”.

“We did the walk to Yackandandah and it was fun and gave us a real sense of achievement,” Lachlan said.

“Then people said ‘are you doing it for charity’ and we felt bad that we weren’t and decided to do another bigger one.”

They chose Oxfam after hearing a Make Poverty History talk at their school.

They will head off on Boxing Day and hope to arrive on the coast on New Year’s Eve. This time they will have a support vehicle — Lachlan’s father — carrying swags and food.

Lachlan said the Yackandandah experience had brought the two mates closer together.

“People tend to open a bit in that situation,” he said.

“He admitted to me he was going to a Britney Spears concert.

“I’m a bit worried about what he will come up with this time.”

To shield himself from Jack’s thoughts, Lachlan said he would tune into the Boxing Day Test match for much of the trip.

The pair have already raised $1000 from Mount Beauty businesses and hope to raise another $4000.

They have had sponsorship offers from Adidas, who will supply shoes for the challenge, Skins sports clothing as well as Kiewa Valley Physiotherapy, which has been helping with preparation.

Lachlan said he was confident of success.

“We kind of have to make it otherwise we’ll let everyone down,” he said.

“I’ll crawl to the end if I have to.”

To donate, go to everydayhero.com.au/overthedivide