Thursday 24th October 2024

Once you arrive at Ballarat, please promptly check-in at our desk at the Ballarat Cathedral Hall.  We will provide you with your pilgrim ID and any other items you’ve purchased.  We will also provide you with tags for your luggage.  All pilgrims must check-in prior to walking.

Ballarat has a number of camping stores – this will be your last opportunity to buy camping gear before the pilgrimage if you forgot to pack something.

We do not provide dinner on Thursday evening.  We suggest you enjoy a meal at one of the nearby fine restaurants or hotels in Ballarat’s CBD.

Don’t forget that lights out at the pilgrim accommodation (see below) is at 11:30pm. There is also an early start the next morning – so resist the temptation to stay up late catching up with old friends (and making new ones).

Female pilgrims the Ballarat’s St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall. Families (ie. parents and young children) who have booked at the Family Hall will stay in the MacKillop/Glowrey Rooms which are directly behind the Cathedral Hall.

You’ll need a sleeping bag and (unless you’re super-tough) a sleeping mat and pillow.  Space can be limited in the hall, so pack light and avoid bulky inflatable mattresses.  Temperatures can get fairly low, even in the hall – we recommend that you use a sleeping bag that is rated to at least 0 degrees (or wear more layers).

Male pilgrims will be stay in the Ballarat Mechanics Institute which is down the road from the Cathedral. Directions will be provided at the Check-In Desk. Space will be extremely limited so we ask that you are mindful when setting up your sleeping gear and keep bulky luggage to the edge of the hall. Please load your tents and other camping gear that you will not need into the truck upon check-in so that these do not need to take up space in the hall.