Families and Children
“Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
– Matthew 19:14
The Christus Rex Pilgrimage warmly welcomes families with children. It is a beautiful and grace-filled opportunity for families to walk together in faith, prayer, and penance — witnessing to the Kingship of Christ through joyful perseverance.
While the pilgrimage is demanding, many families — including those with young children — participate each year and find it both spiritually rewarding and profoundly bonding.
Bringing Children on Pilgrimage
Parents are encouraged to bring their children, but must do so with full awareness of the physical, logistical, and spiritual demands of the pilgrimage.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
- Prams are not suitable for all sections of the route due to rough or narrow terrain.
- All families should come prepared with snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, and suitable footwear for their children.
- Support vehicles are available for younger children who cannot walk the entire distance — but these are limited and may not always be nearby.
- Car seats are not provided by the pilgrimage team.
Children’s Chapter
A dedicated Children’s Chapter operates on most parts of the pilgrimage, providing structured and age-appropriate activities for children aged 5–12 years.
Children’s Chapter activities include:
- Catechesis and storytelling
- Singing and crafts
- Simple games and light sport
- Walking together under the guidance of volunteers
This is a wonderful way for children to make friends and stay engaged with the pilgrimage. Please note that:
- Children under 5 years old are welcome but must remain with a parent at all times.
- The Children’s Chapter is not a drop-off program — parents remain responsible for their child’s whereabouts and wellbeing.
Accommodation for Families
- On Thursday night in Ballarat, accommodation is provided in the family hall at St Patrick’s Cathedral for registered parents and their children.
- This space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis — please register early to avoid disappointment.
- Male and female parents are welcome in the family hall at Ballarat, along with children up to the age of 12.
- For Friday and Saturday night, most families prefer to camp together, however there is a community hall available for women and children only (no men or boys over 12 years permitted).
More details are available on the Accommodation page.
Tips for Families
- Prepare your children spiritually as well as physically — pray together, explain the purpose of the pilgrimage, and involve them in preparing their own pack.
- Walk together at a gentle pace — especially in the first half-day.
- Pack light, but bring comfort items such as a child’s favourite rosary, a small toy, or picture book.
- Speak to past family pilgrims for advice and reassurance — this is a well-trodden path for Catholic families across Australia.