Pilgrim’s Portal

This portal is your official hub for all up-to-date and registered-only information about the Christus Rex Pilgrimage. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for final logistics, updated weather alerts, site changes, and other essential notices.

Latest Updates

  • Registrations for this year’s Pilgrimage have now closed. If you have friends or family interested in attending, ask them to email info@crex.org
  • Thursday Bendigo to Ballarat coaches are now sold out. More spaces may be available if people cancel their tickets. Please keep checking back.

Key Dates

  • Registrations Open: 1 June 2025
  • Late fees apply: 30 September
  • Registrations Close: 17 October 2025
  • Check-In: Thursday 23 October 2025, 3:00–10:00pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Ballarat
  • 2025 Pilgrimage: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October 2025
  • Feast of Christ the King: Sunday 26 October 2025
  • Celebratory Dinner: 6:00PM, Sunday 26 October 2025, Queens Arms Hotel, Bendigo (at own cost)
  • Farewell Breakfast: 8:30AM, Monday 27 October, Queens Arms Hotel, Bendigo (at own cost)

Merchandise Sales

Merchandise is reserved for Pilgrims attending the 2025 Christus Rex Pilgrimage – Collection is available at the check-in desk throughout the Pilgrimage. Unfortunately we will be unable to post merchandise to individuals who can not attend the Pilgrimage.

Viva Cristo Rey Rugby
Viva Cristo Rey Rugby

Please note that all times are dependent on the walking speed of pilgrims and subject to change.
FRIDAY
5:20am    Wake up
6:00am    Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, breakfast
8:00am    Announcements & Blessing
8:30am    Pilgrims depart. 9.9km to next stop
11:20am  Morning tea (30mins) 8km to next stop
1:50pm    Lunch (1hr) 8.23km to next stop
4:55pm    Afternoon tea (30mins) 7.3km to next stop
7:15pm    Dinner at Smeaton
9:00pm    Compline

SATURDAY
5:30am    Wake up, breakfast
6:45am    Pilgrims depart. 8.1km to next stop
8:50am    Morning tea (30mins) 8km to next stop
11:20am  Mass at Campbelltown, lunch
1:50pm    Depart Campbelltown. 11km to next stop
4:35pm    Prayers for the Dead at Sandon Cemetery
4:55pm    Afternoon tea (15mins) 7.6km to next stop
7:20pm    Dinner at Newstead Oval

SUNDAY
6:00am    Wake up, breakfast
7:45am    Pilgrims board coaches to Lockwood South
8:45am    Pilgrims depart. 10.8km to next stop
11:40am  Lunch (1hr) 4.3km to Cathedral
2:30pm    Blessing and Consecration
3:00pm    Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral

We recommend that you drive your car to Bendigo and catch our private shuttle back to Bendigo on Thursday afternoon/evening.
These coaches require booking in advance for each individual seat. book your seat

If the booking form shows that they are sold out, this means there are no seats left. Unfortunately we are unable to put on extra coaches.

Thursday Coaches leave from the steps of Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo on Wattle Street. Please park your car in the streets surrounding the Cathedral. There is strictly no parking on the Cathedral grounds.

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 7:45am
Newstead Community Centre – 9 Lyons St, Newstead

Sunday between 11:00am–12:30pm
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.

All meals from Friday breakfast to Sunday lunch are included in your registration. Our team accommodates basic dietary requirements identified during registration.
2025 Catering Menu

Sunday Celebratory Dinner is at the Queens Arms Hotel. Dinner begins at 6:00pm and meals are at your own cost. The hotel is open late into the night on Sunday.

Monday Farewell Breakfast is a buffet breakfast at the Queens Arms Hotel from 8:30am. This meal is at your own cost and a chance to say goodbye to fellow pilgrims before you make your way home.

  • Thursday:
    • Men’s Hall at Ballarat Mechanics Institute.
    • Women and Children’s Hall at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall
    • Families Hall: small space for mixed families (mothers, fathers and children).
    • Some pilgrims choose to stay offsite in a local hotel, motel.
  • Friday:
    • Camping field in Smeaton: This is a local farmer’s paddock and is unpowered. There will be portaloos available at the camping site.
    • Community Hall – strictly for women and children only. No males over the age of 12 are permitted in the hall.
  • Saturday
    • Camping field at Newstead Recreational Reserve: This is the local sports oval and there will be a cricket team playing in the afternoon. Please do not set up until they have finished playing and have vacated the venue.
    • Community Hall – strictly for women and children only. No males over the age of 12 are permitted in the hall.
  • Sunday
    • The Pilgrimage finishes after Mass on Sunday.
    • You will need to find your own accommodation if you are staying on in Bendigo.

You must bring:

  • Daypack (carried with you): Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, rosary, personal medication, first aid.
  • Overnight Bag (transported): Clothes, sleeping gear, toiletries.

Important Notes:

  • Overnight luggage is loaded each morning and locked until the evening stop.
  • No access during the day – pack your daypack thoughtfully.
  • Clearly label all bags with your full name and phone number. Note: Personalised luggage tags will not be provided at check-in this year.
  • Avoid hard-shelled suitcases or oversized bags—space is tight in luggage trucks.
  • We recommend packing all your belongings in weatherproof bags (eg. PVC duffel bag(s)). – especially your sleeping gear. If this gets wet, there are no facilities for drying sleeping bags etc throughout the Pilgrimage.
  • Campers must bring their own tent or swag, mat, and rain cover.
    View packing guide

October weather in Victoria can be highly variable—cold mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional storms.

  • We recommend packing layered clothing, wet weather gear, and sun protection.
  • This portal will be updated daily during the event if severe weather warnings are issued.
  • Pilgrims will be notified at meal stops or via SMS of any critical weather-related schedule changes.

Children must be supervised by a parent or nominated adult at all times.
The Children’s Chapter runs age-appropriate activities (5–12 years) and support vehicles are available for small children unable to walk the full route.

Children’s Chapter Session 1 – The story of Saint George
Children’s Chapter Session 2 – Clergy led catechism
Children’s Chapter Session 3 – Catholic and pilgrims symbols
Children’s Chapter Session 4 – Rosary making
Children’s Chapter Session 5 – Flowers for Our Lady
Children’s Chapter Session 6 – Clergy led catechism and stained glass craft
Children’s Chapter Session 7 – Music lesson
Children’s Chapter Session 8 – The Pilgrims Journey relay and outdoor activities
Children’s Chapter Session 9 – Banner making and activity books

Masses are celebrated daily using the 1962 Missal. The Pilgrimage concludes with the Solemn Mass of Christ the King at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo.
2025 Pilgrimage – Mass Schedule

If you are interested in joining the choir, please join the Choir WhatsApp group for more information: Choir WhatsApp

The Pilgrimage depends on volunteers working in various teams. If you’re helping out, thank you!

Volunteer Vest Colours:

  • Catering – Blue
  • Children’s Chapter – Purple
  • On-Road Safety / Marshals – Orange
  • Support Services – Yellow
  • Information & Check-In – Red
  • Venue Set-Up – Pink

Please remove your vest during breaks so pilgrims know you are off duty. Do not undertake evening shifts if you are rostered for an early or driving role.
Volunteer Information will be sent out by email to all those who have expressed an interest in volunteering.

Our appointed Traffic and Safety Officers are:

  • Andrew Brazier (Lead Safety Car)
  • Benjamin Price (Walking Marshals)

For emergencies, notify the Traffic and Safety Officers immediately.
Common risks include medical issues, fatigue, adverse weather, and crowd management. Please take care around vehicles and stay hydrated.

To raise a formal complaint or concern, please use our Complaints Form.
Your feedback is also welcome via the Pilgrim Feedback Form. These assist the Society to refine and improve operations each year.