A three-day Pilgrimage

in celebration of the feast

of Christ the King.

A 90km Pilgrimage of Prayer, Fellowship, and Tradition

Each October, hundreds of pilgrims walk together from Ballarat to Bendigo in honour of the Kingship of Christ. The Christus Rex Pilgrimage begins on the Friday before the Feast of Christ the King, with morning Mass and the Blessing of Pilgrims at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat. Over three days, pilgrims journey in prayer and song, sharing meals, offering mutual support, and forging enduring friendships.

The route continues through the Victorian countryside, including a midday Votive Mass of Our Lady Help of Christians on Saturday in the village of Campbelltown. The pilgrimage culminates on Sunday with a Solemn Mass for the Feast of Christ the King at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo.

Spiritual benefits

Why Christ the King

A pilgrimage in the Catholic tradition is a journey to a holy place—made to venerate, to seek divine aid, and to do penance. The Christus Rex Pilgrimage honours the Kingship of Christ and commemorates His feast on the date instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas.

The spiritual fruits of the Christus Rex Pilgrimage are abundant—not only for those who walk, but for the Church and the world. Along the 90km route, pilgrims unite in prayer and sacred song, offering their journey as an act of penance, reparation, and public witness. It is a time of deep reflection, personal conversion, and joyful fraternity in honour of Our Sovereign Lord.

Register

Join hundreds of pilgrims from across Australia for a 90km journey of prayer, penance, and devotion to Christ the King. Your registration includes meals, accommodation, resources, and support along the way.

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Volunteer

Offer your time and talents in service of Christ the King. From logistics and catering to sacristy and safety, our pilgrimage depends entirely on volunteers—before, during, and after the event.

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Donate

Support the work of the Christus Rex Society. As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of pilgrims and benefactors to keep the pilgrimage running and accessible for all.

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Past Pilgrim Testimonials
The whole pilgrimage was a success, as always, my favourite part was arriving at the Cathedral in Bendigo. The brass band added an extra bit of grandeur to it which was great.
2024 Pilgrim
The Masses were reverent and uplifting. They were aided by the very tasteful and stylish artistic contributions which enhanced the experience. In the cathedral at Bendigo, it felt like angels were singing.
2024 Pilgrim
Seeing our faith in action. I’ve never given myself like that before. I got out of my own way to allow God to show me something new. The camaraderie was deeply felt.
2024 Pilgrim
The atmosphere, the experience as a whole is very breathtaking and amazing, a lot of hard work and organising really pays off.
2024 Pilgrim
Didn’t know what to expect as it was our first time, but it was over and above what we could have expected. Every aspect was excellent and volunteers to be commended.
2024 Pilgrim
The Masses were so holy and reverent with beautiful music and the huge variety of people was very enriching.
2023 Pilgrim
This was one of the most well organised events I have ever attended! It was evident that an incredible amount of planning and organisation had gone into it
2023 Pilgrim
I love the Masses each day which were the most beautiful Masses I go to each year
2023 Pilgrim
The organising behind the Pilgrimage was phenomenal! For dealing with such a lot of people, it ran very smoothly. Music and choir was so uplifting.
2023 Pilgrim
I very much enjoyed the Pilgrimage. Especially Mass outside, and the joyful singing of the Rosary despite the aching feet of the many pilgrims, all of whom were kind, considerate, and happy to teach each other new chants.
2023 Pilgrim

about the pilgrimage

Itinerary

The pilgrimage begins on Friday morning in Ballarat and concludes Sunday afternoon in Bendigo. Along the 90km route, pilgrims walk in prayer, attend daily Mass, and stop overnight at rural community halls or camping sites.

Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is provided either in community halls or camping fields. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended. Families and women have dedicated areas with additional support.

Travel

Pilgrims are responsible for arriving in Ballarat. We recommend parking in Bendigo and taking our private coach to the check-in desk. Courtesy shuttles and detailed travel options are available closer to the event.

Luggage

Pilgrims carry only a daypack while walking. Main luggage is transported between overnight stops by the support crew. Pack thoughtfully, label all your belongings, and consult our packing guide for essentials.

Meals

All meals are included in your registration and lovingly prepared by volunteers. You’ll enjoy simple, nutritious food to sustain you throughout the walk—breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks at rest stops.

Preparation

Spiritual and physical preparation is essential. Resources are provided to help you grow in prayer, learn the route, and train for the walk. Begin now by setting intentions and preparing physically for the journey ahead.

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Thinking of walking the Pilgrimage?

23 to 26 October 2025

Join us for a three-day, 90km journey on foot from Ballarat to Bendigo—an act of reparation, devotion, and public witness to the Kingship of Christ. The Christus Rex Pilgrimage is open to individuals, families, students, clergy, and all who seek to deepen their Catholic faith through prayer, penance, and tradition. Whether you’ve walked before or are considering your first pilgrimage, we’re here to support you every step of the way with resources, information, and a welcoming community of fellow pilgrims.

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