Travel to Pilgrimage

Logistics

All pilgrims must check in at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Ballarat (3 Lyons Street South, Ballarat Central) between 3:00pm and 10:30pm on Thursday, 24 October 2024.

There are several travel options available to help you get to the start of the Pilgrimage. Please read the information below carefully to ensure you make the necessary arrangements.

Driving & Coach Transfer

If you are driving, please park your car in Bendigo at the Sacred Heart Cathedral before the Pilgrimage begins. From there, you can catch the Christus Rex private coach to Ballarat for check-in.

  • Why? There is no return transport from Bendigo to Ballarat after the Pilgrimage ends, and vehicles cannot be left in Ballarat during the event.
  • Coach Tickets: $30 per seat — bookings are essential and can be made through the website.
  • Coach meeting point and schedule will be emailed to booked passengers.

🔗 Book your coach transfer

Flying to Melbourne

If you are flying in from interstate or overseas, the best airport to arrive at is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).

  • From the airport, take the airport shuttle bus to Ballarat Train Station. Several providers operate this route with direct services — please book in advance.
  • Once you arrive at Ballarat Station, we offer a courtesy shuttle to take you to the check-in desk at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

🔗 Book the courtesy shuttle

Arriving by Train

V/Line operates frequent train services from Melbourne to Ballarat. Check the latest timetable and book your ticket via the V/Line website.

  • Please complete the courtesy shuttle booking form so we can meet you at Ballarat Station and bring you to the check-in location.

🔗 Check V/Line Timetables

Late Arrivals

If you are joining the Pilgrimage after the Friday morning departure from Ballarat (8:00am), you must make your way to one of the following locations:

  • Friday evening or Saturday before 7:00am
    Smeaton Bowling Club
    3514 Creswick-Newstead Road, Smeaton
  • Saturday between 11:00am–1:45pm
    Campbelltown Community Hall
    15 Williams St, Campbelltown
  • Saturday evening or Sunday before 6:30am
    Newstead Community Centre
    9 Lyons St, Newstead
  • Sunday between 9:00am–10:00am
    Lockwood South Recreation Reserve
    Pearse Drive, Lockwood South
  • Sunday between 11:30am–1:00pm
    Rotary Gateway Park
    22A High St, Kangaroo Flat

Important: There is no public transport to these locations. We recommend being dropped off by a friend or family member. You cannot leave a car at these sites, and the Christus Rex Society cannot provide vehicle transfers.

Posted In: Logistics