One of Sydney's hidden gems. Riding schools, lessons, horse hire and pony rides.
19 July 2008
On Saturday 19 July, in order to prepare Centennial Park for its role in the Evening Vigil (Saturday night) and the Final Mass (Sunday morning), visitors to Centennial Park will see an increase in heavy vehicle movements and installation of infrastructure occurring at event sites in Centennial Park.
- A map of event sites is available to download here (PDF, 160kb).
The evening vigil event will begin at 7.00 pm and finish at approximately 9.00 pm. It is estimated that up to 90,000 participants will be involved in the occasion, that will include a big screen link-up with the main event site at Randwick Racecourse.
Impacts on Centennial Parklands
In the interests of public safety during this time, a range of temporary restrictions will be put in place.
No vehicle access
- No cars will be permitted to enter Centennial Park on Saturday 19 July - with the exception of event-related vehicles. Park visitors should be aware that this is not a 'Car Free Day' in terms of the regular Parklands seasonal event. There will be large crowds and heavy vehicles preparing for the Evening Vigil and Final Mass.
Pedestrian access restrictions
- Pedestrians will be able to access Centennial Park through normal pedestrian gates from sunrise to sunset.
- After sunset, pedestrian and event access will only be through Robertson Road Gates.
Cyclist restrictions
- Cyclists will be able to use Centennial Park until 10.00 am on the Saturday. Following this time, cycling restrictions will be in place.
- Cyclists are requested to adhere to any notifications or instructions provided in the interests of safety to both cyclists, event workers and other park visitors.
Horse riding not permitted
- Centennial Park will be closed to all equestrian activities on Saturday 19 July.
Dog walking
- Centennial Park will be open to dog walkers on Saturday 19 July, however dog walkers should be aware of increased volume of heavy vehicles in the Park for the event bump-in.
- Federation Valley, a popular dog walking area, has now been designated as an official crowd venue for the Final Mass, so there may be some access restrictions while this area is prepared.
Pilgrimage Walk and event patron crowds
On Saturday 19 July, after the Pilgrimage Walk to Randwick Racecourse, registered pilgrims will take part in the Evening Vigil with the Pope, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm at Randwick Racecourse.
WYD08 expect 225,000 registered pilgrims – 125,000 international visitors and 100,000 Australian pilgrims, including 40,000 from greater Sydney – to sleep out at Randwick the night before the mass.
Participants have been advised that there is no overnight camping in the Park.
