When and where will World Youth Day take place?

World Youth Day will be held in Sydney, Australia from 15 – 20 July 2008. The event will mark the first visit to Australia by his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Days in the Diocese will take place in the lead up to WYD08.

What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day is the Catholic Church’s week of events for and with young people. It gathers thousands of young people from around the world to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith and to build bridges of friendship and hope bringing together thousands of people and their cultures.

How did the World Youth Days begin?

Initiated by Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day has been held every year since 1986 when the first event was held. Sydney will host the 10th international WYD and XXIII WYD overall.

What is the World Youth Day program for Sydney?

While the Sydney program is still to be finalised, it will follow the pattern of previous World Youth Days. For a detailed program please visit www.wyd2008.org

How many people will take part in World Youth Day 2008?

An estimated 500,000 participants are expected to attend at least one event during the World Youth Day week.
We expect Sydney to receive 300,000 visitors during this time, including 125,000 from overseas. A media contingent of 5,000 is anticipated.

I am not Catholic – can I still take part?

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to all youth of the world without discrimination. While WYD celebrates the Catholic faith, its message is relevant to all people and all are welcome. Young people of diverse faith backgrounds have taken part in previous WYDs.

What is the weather like in Sydney?

WYD08 will be held in July, which is during winter in Sydney. However, Sydney’s winters are normally mild and dry. By way of comparison, Sydney in July would generally experience temperatures similar to those of:

• Rome in Aoril
• Paris, Madrid, London, Dublin and Washington in May
• Krakow and Toronto in June

How will Sydney cope with the impact World Youth Day is expected to have on this city?

Sydney has successfully hosted a large number of international events, including the Olympic Games in 2000. Those who did not participate in these events were able to carry on with their daily routines, while visitors received excellent hospitality and effective service. We expect this will happen again in July 2008, despite expectations of large crowds for some events than ever held in Sydney.
The key impact events are expected to be the highly celebrated arrival of the Pope on the afternoon of Thursday 18 July, Stations of the Cross in the evening of Friday 19 July, the Pilgrimage to Randwick Racecourse on Saturday 19 July and the Final Mass on Sunday 20 July.
WYD08 is working closely with the NSW State Government and its agencies and the City of Sydney Council to ensure the city will still function effectively despite the high number of pilgrims in town.

How can I prepare personally for World Youth Day?

The World Youth Day website – www.wyd2008.org – includes a range of pastoral material designed to prepare pilgrims spiritually.
Young people are encouraged to register as a WYD08 member and receive the monthly ePILGRIMAG, a cyber epistle featuring a changing theme, testimonies from young people, selected readings and interesting snippets about the lives of saints and places of pilgrimage around the world as well as practical information about WYD08 in Sydney.
Activ8 is the name given to the pastoral programme of events, activities and materials developed by WYD08 to prepare our young people across the Dioceses in our parishes, youth groups, schools and homes for World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.

How much will it cost?

Three registration packages have been developed, allowing prospective pilgrims to select the level of accommodation, number of meals, etc they prefer. Packages include health insurance, rail and public transport, pilgrim backpack, preferential access to venues for the key events and program books.
Details of each of the registration packages are available now under the WYD08 Pilgrims section. No package exceeds $AU400 for the WYD08 week.
The cost of transport to Sydney or around Australia is not included in the packages, although many will include a transport pass for use during the WYD08 week in and around Sydney.

How do I register?

Registration will be conducted online, although paper-based registration will be possible for those who do not have access to computers. Pilgrims are encouraged to join a pilgrim group travelling to Sydney. Find out more about registering for the Archdiocese of Adelaide Days in the Diocese by clicking here

What will the accommodation be like?

A variety of accommodation styles will be available – groups will be able to select the style that best suits them. Pilgrims will be accommodated in hotels, backpack accommodation, in suburban homes, in schools and in church halls.

I would like to stay in a hotel. How do I book one?

If you are part of a group, you should contact Harvest Youth Tours, the official WYD08 tour operator. Refer to www.harvestonline.net for further information. Individuals will be able to book rooms through the WYD08 website.

How do I organise my travel arrangements to Australia?

Travel arrangements to Australia are the responsibility of pilgrims and their groups. Harvest Youth Tours, as the official Tour Operator will be able to assist, as will any registered travel agent in your home country.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. Australia has a universal visa system and all non-Australian pilgrims need a visa to enter Australia before boarding their plane; they cannot apply for a visa on arrival. The only exception is New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders who will be issued with a visa on arrival in Australia and normally do not need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure. We are working with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship to simplify the visa application process. Pilgrims will receive comprehensive information about the application process when they complete online their registration.
Through support offered by the Australian Government, visas will be free of government charges when applied for through the WYD registration process and there will be no quotas on visas from any country (i.e. there will be no limit on the number of visas issued to any country).

Will I need travel insurance?

It is always advisable to take out travel insurance when embarking on an overseas trip.

What is the currency in Australia?

The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. There are 100 cents in 1 Australian dollar. There are notes for $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. There are coins for $2, $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10 and $0.05.

If I wanted to attend WYD08 – do I have to register?

Registration is not compulsory, but allows you to receive all the services provided by WYD08 such as accommodation, meals, transport pass, visa facilitations, health insurance and preferred access to key venues. If you do not register, you will not benefit from these services.

What is the age limit for group leaders?

Group leaders must be 18 years of age by the 13th July 2008.

What is the age limit for volunteers?

Volunteers must be 18 years of age by 1st July 2008.

Can I choose the Diocese I want to be hosted by?

Yes - you must choose the diocese you want to be hosted by. WYD08 will not allocate you to any particular diocese. Find out more about registering for the Archdiocese of Adelaide Days in the Diocese by clicking here

Will WYD08 assign me a diocese if I do not have any preferences?

No - WYD08 will not assign you to a diocese if you do not have a preference. You have to choose the diocese you want to be hosted by and make your arrangements directly with them. Find out more about registering for the Archdiocese of Adelaide Days in the Diocese by clicking here

Do I have to pay?

There are no charges for pilgrims hosted for Days in the Dioceses; the diocese will offer you meals and accommodation but you will be responsible for transport to, from and within the diocese, including travel costs from Adelaide to Sydney.

Will I have problems attending WYD08 if the diocese I am staying with is far from Sydney?

Transport network and services are very efficient and will be optimised for the WYD08 period. However, considering the number of pilgrims that will be travelling, we strongly recommend you to book early.

Can I contact the diocese directly?

Yes you have to - find out more about registering for the Archdiocese of Adelaide Days in the Diocese by clicking here

How far is it from Adelaide to Sydney?

The road between Adelaide and Sydney travels for much of the way along the banks of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers and consequently, passes through many riverside towns developed when paddle steamer trade along the river was the only way of marketing the bounties of the Riverland soils.
The road passes through the Barossa Valley, the Riverland, Sunraysia, the Hay Plains, and the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
Total Distance from Adelaide to Sydney is 1,369.93km (851.24 miles) and total duration (by road) is approximately 16 hours.

How do I get to Sydney from Adelaide?

There are several different modes of travel from Adelaide to Sydney. They are
- Air (1 hr 50 min)
- Train (24hrs)
- Bus/Coach (19hrs)
- Car (18hrs)

How much will it cost to travel to Sydney?

Prices vary depending on the mode of travel you take. For further details contact your local travel agent or Harvest Youth Tours (www.harvestonline.net.au) who have been appointed as the Official Australian WYD08 Tour Operator.

Will I have to pay to travel to Sydney?

All costs related to travelling from Adelaide to Sydney is the responsibility of the individual Pilgrim. To ensure costs are kept to a minimum please contact your travel agent or Harvest Youth Tours (www.harvestonline.net.au) as soon as possible

What is the weather like in South Australia in July?

Adelaide, South Australia has searing summers with temperatures rocketing up to 40°C (104°F) and beyond. Adelaide winters can be a bit chilly and damp. Spring and autumn are generally balmy and pleasant. Averages for Adelaide in July are:

                 Average high temperature     15°C (59°F)
                 Average low temperature       7°C (44.6°F)
                 Average rainfall                        66mm
                 Average humidity                     69.5%

Why should I come to South Australia?

South Australia, with its huge semi-desert areas in the far Outback, is the driest out of all the states and also the most urbanised. Adelaide, the capital, has been called ‘the city of churches’ and is home to 80% of the regions population.
The main spirit of the city is demonstrated through Adelaide's Festival of Arts and the state is well-known for it's wineries. The main wine growing region is in the Barossa Valley, although other valleys include Clare, Coonawarra and McLaren.
It also hosts fantastic scenery and bushwalking in the Flinders Ranges, as well as wonderful landscapes in the Adelaide Hills. It is possible to watch whales at the Head of Bight and along the Great Australian Bight. The wild coast offers plenty for the tourist, as well as the relaxing Kangaroo Island

What should I bring with me for my visit to South Australia?

Deciding what to pack and what to leave behind is often a hassle most travelers can do without. But experts say there are some basic tips which can help take the headache out of packing.
Travelers are often guilty of taking too much when they go away, if you don't wear it at home then the chances are you won't wear it when you are away. Layering outfits instead of packing bulky coats is also a good tip but July is Australia’s winter so pack some wet weather gear just in case.
If possible make a list of the activities you think you may be doing and pack accordingly, your Group Leader can assist you with this. So if you are trekking you probably won't need a glamorous dress. Lay your clothes out on the bed so you see what you are taking and don't take too many shoes, you only need one of each - casual, evening and sand shoes, most important of all however is to make sure your shoes are comfortable!
Ensure you also pack a sun hat and sunscreen even though it is mid-winter the Australian sun can have a bite in it. Use lock seal bags to put smaller things in, some jewellery to dress up an outfit and storing shoes in shoe bags or plastic bags so they don't dirty your clothes.
Visit www.customs.gov.au to find out what you may or may not bring into Australia. This is an Australian Government website.

What cultural groups exist within South Australia?

As one family in faith, the Catholic Church is enriched by the cultural diversity of its members. Within the Archdiocese of Adelaide, migrant communities contribute rich liturgical and devotional traditions to our prayer as people of God.
By opening ourselves to the richness of our diversity, we strengthen our praise of God and our gratitude for the many gifts with which we have been blessed as a family.
To find out more about our Multicultural Pastoral Services click here

What is expected of pilgrims?

As an Adelaide Days in the Diocese Pilgrim, you are very welcome to our Archdiocese for this special cultural exchange in the context of faith.
There are certain expectations we would ask of all pilgrims. Some of these are as follows:

             • Commitment to participation in faith/community/cultural activities organised by hosting
               families/parishes/communities in the Archdiocese of Adelaide
             • Appropriate behaviour at all times
             • To be aware of and obey South Australian Laws & Regulations
             • To remember that as a visiting pilgrim, you are a ‘witness’ to the people of Adelaide
             • To arrive in Adelaide ready and open to share in the World Youth Day and Days in the
              Diocese ‘Spirit’ of faith and friendship
             • To have a wonderful and memorable time…