Site title and page title goes here

Inside Banner Image

Breaking News

  • Soccer clinic announced!

    We're putting on a football (soccer) skills clinic in Centennial Park. 22 March 2010. Just $15 each child ($10 if Friends of Centennial Parklands member). Find out more.

  • Sports fields closed 22-26 March

    All sports fields in Centennial, Moore and and Queens Park are closed from Mon 22-26 March, in preparation for the winter sports season. More info.

  • Twitter/Facebook

    NEW! Join us on Facebook and Twitter for latest news and activities across Centennial Parklands. Includes competitions, photo and information sharing.

  • Join us for fresh air and fun this school holidays!

    The April school holiday program is out now. Jam packed with fun activities to inspire and delight. Click here for more info.

  • CALENDAR SALE!

    We're running out our remaining stock, so pick up a Centennial Parklands 2010 Calendars with stunning photography for just $4 (normally $12.50). Buy now.

Events Calendar

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.