Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it called the ‘Epiphany Pilgrimage’?
In Australia, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on the first Sunday after New Years Day. The feast celebrates the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
The Epiphany Pilgrimage takes place from January 2 through to January 8 each year to coincide with this feast day.
2. When did the Epiphany Pilgrimage first start?
The first Epiphany Pilgrimage took place in January 2016.
3. How long is the pilgrimage walk?
The pilgrimage route has been called the Way of the Magi – beginning at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains and ending at Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath. The route is approximately 110 km in length and takes 7 days to complete.
As the pilgrimage continues to evolve over the coming years and work is carried out to improve some of the more remote bush tracks, the route used to walk between the parishes may change and the length of the pilgrimage may vary slightly.
4. How long is each day of walking?
The walks range in length from 8.5km to 20km. The difficulty of each day also varies – refer to the ‘Routes’ page of the website for further details about each day.
5. How fit do I need to be to do the pilgrimage?
Pilgrims need to be in good health and of moderate fitness to complete the pilgrimage. We encourage those who are unsure about their health and fitness to visit their GP for a health review. Upon completing the registration form and based on age, health conditions and previous walking experience, the organisers may also request that a pilgrim receives medical clearance from their GP confirming that they are able to complete the pilgrimage walk. Whilst reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants, all pilgrims participate at their own risk.
6. How old do I need to be / can I be to participate in the pilgrimage?
Those of all ages are welcome to participate in the day-time component of the pilgrimage, however, those under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Currently those under 18 years are unable to stay overnight for
child protection reasons. There is no upper age limit to the pilgrimage, however, all walkers need to be in good health and of moderate fitness.
7. What sort of weather can we expect? Isn’t it very hot in January?
The weather in the mountains is very unpredictable. Come prepared for anything!
Temperatures: The 2019 Summer was a hot one for Sydney and although the temperatures in the mountains are generally 5 - 10 degrees cooler than those on the plains, it still made for some warm walking. In 2016, however, the temperatures were very cold and we needed to wear a jumper (at least initially) while walking and have heaters on each evening in the halls.
As we journey further up the mountains, the average temperature drops. In the lower mountains, the average Summer temperature is 29 degrees, while in the upper mountains, the average Summer temperature is 18 degrees. We are walking in the bush for most of the pilgrimage and so shade cover is quite good.
In case of extreme weather conditions on any particular day (e.g. temperature greater than 40 degrees), alternate arrangements will be made.
Precipitation: Over a period of 7 days, we are likely to experience at least some rain and so wet weather gear is essential. The El Nino and La Nina weather patterns that affect Australia means that some Summers are typically very dry while others can be quite wet.
8. What happens if the weather is bad?
The pilgrimage continues in rain, hail or shine. The only instance in which the pilgrimage or part thereof would be cancelled is in the case of a serious bushfire in the local area or other extreme circumstances. In case of extreme weather conditions on any particular day (e.g. temperature greater than 40 degrees), alternate arrangements will be made.
9. What do I need to bring?
See the ‘Suggested Gear List’ document for a comprehensive list of items.
10. What is the significance of the stones?
Each pilgrim is asked to select and carry a stone throughout the pilgrimage. The stone represents the pilgrim and, like the Magi, is the offering that they bring to the Christ child.
At the end of the pilgrimage, the stones are placed together in gabion cages to form the building blocks of a pilgrimage chapel – the Chapel of the Magi. In this way, the chapel is a manifestation of the Church built of living stones (see 1 Peter 2: 5) with Christ as the cornerstone.
The stones need to be less than 10cm in one dimension (to fit inside the gabion cage) but more than 10cm in another (so that they don’t fall through the mesh of the cage). For example, stones that are about 5cm x 3cm x 12cm or 7cm x 13cm x 15cm are great. A stone that is 4cm x 5cm x 3cm is too small and will fall through the mesh of the gabion cage while a stone that is 11cm x 12cm x 12cm won’t fit inside the gabion.
11. What comes in the pilgrim pack?
The pilgrim pack includes an itinerary, maps, journal, pilgrim passport, prayer cards, Rosary beads, bandana and pen.
12. What do I get for completing the full pilgrimage?
Whilst completing the full pilgrimage is certainly an accomplishment, the Epiphany Pilgrimage is less about what ‘we get’ and more about what ‘we give’. Like the Magi, who offered gifts to the Christ child, we are encouraged to make an offering of our own lives to Jesus. This is physically represented in the laying of the stones to form the Chapel of the Magi at Bell.
All those who complete the full Epiphany Pilgrimage (or who walk the Way of the Magi at another time during the year) receive a certificate of completion and have their names etched into a timber post located at the Chapel of the Magi as a record of their participation.
13. How religious do I have to be to participate in the pilgrimage?
Anybody is welcome to participate in the pilgrimage irrespective of their faith and beliefs. The pilgrimage is, however, a Catholic pilgrimage, punctuated by daily experiences of Christian fellowship, prayer, Adoration, talks and Mass.
14. What can I expect each day to be like?
The general structure of each pilgrimage day is as follows:
• Breakfast and pack up
• Morning Mass or Prayer
• Walking and fellowship
• Rest and relaxation time (length of time depends on the day)
• Evening of prayer, praise, reflection, Adoration, Benediction (these vary from night to night)
• Dinner and fellowship with other pilgrims and the hosting parish
15. Where do we walk?
Where possible, the Way of the Magi follows bush walking tracks and fire trails through the Blue Mountains. At times, there are periods of road walking around the parishes or to link different bush tracks and trails.
16. What happens if I get sick or injured?
If a pilgrim is feeling unwell or injured and unable to begin a day of walking, then alternative arrangements can be made to transport them to the next parish.
If a pilgrim becomes unwell or is injured during a walk, then the individual circumstance is assessed including the severity of the illness or injury to enable the appropriate actions to be taken. The pilgrimage group is never more than a short walk from a vehicle access point.
17. What does the cost cover?
The pilgrimage cost covers lunch, dinner, the pilgrim pack, overnight accommodation, administrative costs and the pilgrim post as well as donations for hosting parishes, communities and clergy. The pilgrimage is a not-for-profit initiative.
18. Is the pilgrimage associated with a particular charity or cause?
The pilgrimage is not associated with a particular fund-raising charity or cause (see above for what the cost of the pilgrimage covers). Pilgrims are not asked to raise money but they are asked to give spiritually through prayer and to encourage others to do so.
In the lead up to the pilgrimage, prayer boxes are placed in each of the Blue Mountains parishes and parishioners are invited to place their prayer intentions in these boxes. Those outside of the Blue Mountains can submit a prayer intention electronically via the website (www.epiphanypilgrimage.org). These prayer intentions are carried throughout the pilgrimage and prayed by the pilgrims every evening during the time of prayer and Adoration.
19. Can I raise money as I walk?
There are many wonderful charities that do fantastic work with the generous donations they receive. Although raising money is a great thing to do, it is not the focus of the pilgrimage.
Rather, the Epiphany Pilgrimage provides an opportunity for pilgrims to give generously by humbly placing the needs of others before God in prayer. We believe that when we pray for others, God hears and answers our prayers for them.
20. Where do we start?
The pilgrimage begins at Our Lady of the Way Parish: 15 Troy Street, Emu Plains.
21. How do I get to the starting point?
Pilgrims need to organise their own transport to Our Lady of the Way Parish. Emu Plains train station is a 2.1 km walk (30 minutes) from the parish. There is a car park at the parish where pilgrims can leave their car upon prior arrangement; however, they do so at their own risk.
22. Where do we end?
The walking pilgrimage ends on January 8 at Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath.
On January 9, pilgrims are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass and Morning Tea at The Chapel of the Magi: 19 Nioka Place, Bell. The Chapel is currently a small outdoor chapel and will continue to grow as more stones are carried to the site by pilgrims.
23. How do I get home / back to my car at the end of the pilgrimage?
Pilgrims need to organise their own transport from The Chapel of the Magi. Bell train station is a 650m walk from the chapel. Trains depart from Bell every 2 hours. Note that there is no overnight accommodation at Bell currently available.
24. I’m coming on my own and will not have anybody to pick me up from Bell at the end. How do you suggest I manage my transport to the starting point and from the end point?
We suggest that pilgrims in this situation drive to Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains on the morning of the pilgrimage and leave their car there for the week. After the final Mass and dinner at Bell, catch the train back to Emu Plains train station and then walk or taxi out to the church.
Alternatively, those travelling light might like to catch the train to Emu Plains on the morning of the pilgrimage and walk out to the church. After the final Mass and dinner at Bell, catch the train directly to the station nearest to your home.
25. Can I still invite my friends and family along for a day if they haven’t registered?
Registration is essential for insurance. It is also very helpful to the organisers if day walkers register online prior to the day – this assists us with planning and also with a timely departure each morning.
If friends or family have not registered and want to come along for a day or two then they can still do so. Please advise the pilgrimage organisers by email ([email protected]) or phone (0423 257 580 / 0478 637 052) as soon as you know that this will be the case. They will need to complete a registration form (these will be available each morning at the parishes) and must be fully self catered.
26. How much will I need to carry when I walk?
All pilgrims need to bring and carry a comfortable and supportive day pack which includes water (up to 3L), food, warm clothes and / or wet weather gear depending on the weather, their stone, a small first aid kit and various other small items.
Pilgrims are not required to carry their overnight gear – these are transported by vehicle between parishes.
27. Where will we be sleeping?
Pilgrims sleep on the floor in parish halls and community facilities. All pilgrims need to provide their own sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow. We strongly encourage pilgrims to bring a comfortable and purpose built sleeping mat such as a self-inflating air mattress, rather than a yoga mat. No tent is needed.
28. How often will there be toilets available on the walk?
On some days, there are very limited toilet facilities available. The pilgrimage organisers will be carrying a trowel, toilet paper and hand sanitiser for use on remote sections of the track.
29. Are showers available at the end of each day of walking?
There are warm showers available on some evenings, and cold showers on other evenings depending on the accommodation.
30. How much water do I need to carry?
On most days, pilgrims only need to carry up to 3L of water at any one time because refill facilities are available.
31. Do I need to bring my own food?
Pilgrims need to supply their own breakfast and snacks for the duration of the pilgrimage as well as lunch on Day 1. Lunches (with the exception of Day 1) and dinners are provided as well as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
32. Can the Epiphany Pilgrimage be done at other times of the year?
The Epiphany Pilgrimage can only be walked at the time of the Feast of the Epiphany in early January. Pilgrims can, however, walk the Way of the Magi route any time they want. Comprehensive maps and track notes are available to assist with this – contact the organisers for this information.
33. Will I get my money back if I cancel my registration?
Those who cancel their registration prior to the close of registration will receive a full refund. Those who cancel after this date will be able to receive a 50% refund.
If the pilgrimage is unable to proceed for some reason (i.e. fire) then all those registered will receive a full refund.
34. Where do I get more information?
You are always welcome to email [email protected] for more information or contact Briony / Jesse on 0423 257 580 / 0478 637 052.
In Australia, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on the first Sunday after New Years Day. The feast celebrates the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
The Epiphany Pilgrimage takes place from January 2 through to January 8 each year to coincide with this feast day.
2. When did the Epiphany Pilgrimage first start?
The first Epiphany Pilgrimage took place in January 2016.
3. How long is the pilgrimage walk?
The pilgrimage route has been called the Way of the Magi – beginning at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains and ending at Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath. The route is approximately 110 km in length and takes 7 days to complete.
As the pilgrimage continues to evolve over the coming years and work is carried out to improve some of the more remote bush tracks, the route used to walk between the parishes may change and the length of the pilgrimage may vary slightly.
4. How long is each day of walking?
The walks range in length from 8.5km to 20km. The difficulty of each day also varies – refer to the ‘Routes’ page of the website for further details about each day.
5. How fit do I need to be to do the pilgrimage?
Pilgrims need to be in good health and of moderate fitness to complete the pilgrimage. We encourage those who are unsure about their health and fitness to visit their GP for a health review. Upon completing the registration form and based on age, health conditions and previous walking experience, the organisers may also request that a pilgrim receives medical clearance from their GP confirming that they are able to complete the pilgrimage walk. Whilst reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants, all pilgrims participate at their own risk.
6. How old do I need to be / can I be to participate in the pilgrimage?
Those of all ages are welcome to participate in the day-time component of the pilgrimage, however, those under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Currently those under 18 years are unable to stay overnight for
child protection reasons. There is no upper age limit to the pilgrimage, however, all walkers need to be in good health and of moderate fitness.
7. What sort of weather can we expect? Isn’t it very hot in January?
The weather in the mountains is very unpredictable. Come prepared for anything!
Temperatures: The 2019 Summer was a hot one for Sydney and although the temperatures in the mountains are generally 5 - 10 degrees cooler than those on the plains, it still made for some warm walking. In 2016, however, the temperatures were very cold and we needed to wear a jumper (at least initially) while walking and have heaters on each evening in the halls.
As we journey further up the mountains, the average temperature drops. In the lower mountains, the average Summer temperature is 29 degrees, while in the upper mountains, the average Summer temperature is 18 degrees. We are walking in the bush for most of the pilgrimage and so shade cover is quite good.
In case of extreme weather conditions on any particular day (e.g. temperature greater than 40 degrees), alternate arrangements will be made.
Precipitation: Over a period of 7 days, we are likely to experience at least some rain and so wet weather gear is essential. The El Nino and La Nina weather patterns that affect Australia means that some Summers are typically very dry while others can be quite wet.
8. What happens if the weather is bad?
The pilgrimage continues in rain, hail or shine. The only instance in which the pilgrimage or part thereof would be cancelled is in the case of a serious bushfire in the local area or other extreme circumstances. In case of extreme weather conditions on any particular day (e.g. temperature greater than 40 degrees), alternate arrangements will be made.
9. What do I need to bring?
See the ‘Suggested Gear List’ document for a comprehensive list of items.
10. What is the significance of the stones?
Each pilgrim is asked to select and carry a stone throughout the pilgrimage. The stone represents the pilgrim and, like the Magi, is the offering that they bring to the Christ child.
At the end of the pilgrimage, the stones are placed together in gabion cages to form the building blocks of a pilgrimage chapel – the Chapel of the Magi. In this way, the chapel is a manifestation of the Church built of living stones (see 1 Peter 2: 5) with Christ as the cornerstone.
The stones need to be less than 10cm in one dimension (to fit inside the gabion cage) but more than 10cm in another (so that they don’t fall through the mesh of the cage). For example, stones that are about 5cm x 3cm x 12cm or 7cm x 13cm x 15cm are great. A stone that is 4cm x 5cm x 3cm is too small and will fall through the mesh of the gabion cage while a stone that is 11cm x 12cm x 12cm won’t fit inside the gabion.
11. What comes in the pilgrim pack?
The pilgrim pack includes an itinerary, maps, journal, pilgrim passport, prayer cards, Rosary beads, bandana and pen.
12. What do I get for completing the full pilgrimage?
Whilst completing the full pilgrimage is certainly an accomplishment, the Epiphany Pilgrimage is less about what ‘we get’ and more about what ‘we give’. Like the Magi, who offered gifts to the Christ child, we are encouraged to make an offering of our own lives to Jesus. This is physically represented in the laying of the stones to form the Chapel of the Magi at Bell.
All those who complete the full Epiphany Pilgrimage (or who walk the Way of the Magi at another time during the year) receive a certificate of completion and have their names etched into a timber post located at the Chapel of the Magi as a record of their participation.
13. How religious do I have to be to participate in the pilgrimage?
Anybody is welcome to participate in the pilgrimage irrespective of their faith and beliefs. The pilgrimage is, however, a Catholic pilgrimage, punctuated by daily experiences of Christian fellowship, prayer, Adoration, talks and Mass.
14. What can I expect each day to be like?
The general structure of each pilgrimage day is as follows:
• Breakfast and pack up
• Morning Mass or Prayer
• Walking and fellowship
• Rest and relaxation time (length of time depends on the day)
• Evening of prayer, praise, reflection, Adoration, Benediction (these vary from night to night)
• Dinner and fellowship with other pilgrims and the hosting parish
15. Where do we walk?
Where possible, the Way of the Magi follows bush walking tracks and fire trails through the Blue Mountains. At times, there are periods of road walking around the parishes or to link different bush tracks and trails.
16. What happens if I get sick or injured?
If a pilgrim is feeling unwell or injured and unable to begin a day of walking, then alternative arrangements can be made to transport them to the next parish.
If a pilgrim becomes unwell or is injured during a walk, then the individual circumstance is assessed including the severity of the illness or injury to enable the appropriate actions to be taken. The pilgrimage group is never more than a short walk from a vehicle access point.
17. What does the cost cover?
The pilgrimage cost covers lunch, dinner, the pilgrim pack, overnight accommodation, administrative costs and the pilgrim post as well as donations for hosting parishes, communities and clergy. The pilgrimage is a not-for-profit initiative.
18. Is the pilgrimage associated with a particular charity or cause?
The pilgrimage is not associated with a particular fund-raising charity or cause (see above for what the cost of the pilgrimage covers). Pilgrims are not asked to raise money but they are asked to give spiritually through prayer and to encourage others to do so.
In the lead up to the pilgrimage, prayer boxes are placed in each of the Blue Mountains parishes and parishioners are invited to place their prayer intentions in these boxes. Those outside of the Blue Mountains can submit a prayer intention electronically via the website (www.epiphanypilgrimage.org). These prayer intentions are carried throughout the pilgrimage and prayed by the pilgrims every evening during the time of prayer and Adoration.
19. Can I raise money as I walk?
There are many wonderful charities that do fantastic work with the generous donations they receive. Although raising money is a great thing to do, it is not the focus of the pilgrimage.
Rather, the Epiphany Pilgrimage provides an opportunity for pilgrims to give generously by humbly placing the needs of others before God in prayer. We believe that when we pray for others, God hears and answers our prayers for them.
20. Where do we start?
The pilgrimage begins at Our Lady of the Way Parish: 15 Troy Street, Emu Plains.
21. How do I get to the starting point?
Pilgrims need to organise their own transport to Our Lady of the Way Parish. Emu Plains train station is a 2.1 km walk (30 minutes) from the parish. There is a car park at the parish where pilgrims can leave their car upon prior arrangement; however, they do so at their own risk.
22. Where do we end?
The walking pilgrimage ends on January 8 at Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath.
On January 9, pilgrims are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass and Morning Tea at The Chapel of the Magi: 19 Nioka Place, Bell. The Chapel is currently a small outdoor chapel and will continue to grow as more stones are carried to the site by pilgrims.
23. How do I get home / back to my car at the end of the pilgrimage?
Pilgrims need to organise their own transport from The Chapel of the Magi. Bell train station is a 650m walk from the chapel. Trains depart from Bell every 2 hours. Note that there is no overnight accommodation at Bell currently available.
24. I’m coming on my own and will not have anybody to pick me up from Bell at the end. How do you suggest I manage my transport to the starting point and from the end point?
We suggest that pilgrims in this situation drive to Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains on the morning of the pilgrimage and leave their car there for the week. After the final Mass and dinner at Bell, catch the train back to Emu Plains train station and then walk or taxi out to the church.
Alternatively, those travelling light might like to catch the train to Emu Plains on the morning of the pilgrimage and walk out to the church. After the final Mass and dinner at Bell, catch the train directly to the station nearest to your home.
25. Can I still invite my friends and family along for a day if they haven’t registered?
Registration is essential for insurance. It is also very helpful to the organisers if day walkers register online prior to the day – this assists us with planning and also with a timely departure each morning.
If friends or family have not registered and want to come along for a day or two then they can still do so. Please advise the pilgrimage organisers by email ([email protected]) or phone (0423 257 580 / 0478 637 052) as soon as you know that this will be the case. They will need to complete a registration form (these will be available each morning at the parishes) and must be fully self catered.
26. How much will I need to carry when I walk?
All pilgrims need to bring and carry a comfortable and supportive day pack which includes water (up to 3L), food, warm clothes and / or wet weather gear depending on the weather, their stone, a small first aid kit and various other small items.
Pilgrims are not required to carry their overnight gear – these are transported by vehicle between parishes.
27. Where will we be sleeping?
Pilgrims sleep on the floor in parish halls and community facilities. All pilgrims need to provide their own sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow. We strongly encourage pilgrims to bring a comfortable and purpose built sleeping mat such as a self-inflating air mattress, rather than a yoga mat. No tent is needed.
28. How often will there be toilets available on the walk?
On some days, there are very limited toilet facilities available. The pilgrimage organisers will be carrying a trowel, toilet paper and hand sanitiser for use on remote sections of the track.
29. Are showers available at the end of each day of walking?
There are warm showers available on some evenings, and cold showers on other evenings depending on the accommodation.
30. How much water do I need to carry?
On most days, pilgrims only need to carry up to 3L of water at any one time because refill facilities are available.
31. Do I need to bring my own food?
Pilgrims need to supply their own breakfast and snacks for the duration of the pilgrimage as well as lunch on Day 1. Lunches (with the exception of Day 1) and dinners are provided as well as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
32. Can the Epiphany Pilgrimage be done at other times of the year?
The Epiphany Pilgrimage can only be walked at the time of the Feast of the Epiphany in early January. Pilgrims can, however, walk the Way of the Magi route any time they want. Comprehensive maps and track notes are available to assist with this – contact the organisers for this information.
33. Will I get my money back if I cancel my registration?
Those who cancel their registration prior to the close of registration will receive a full refund. Those who cancel after this date will be able to receive a 50% refund.
If the pilgrimage is unable to proceed for some reason (i.e. fire) then all those registered will receive a full refund.
34. Where do I get more information?
You are always welcome to email [email protected] for more information or contact Briony / Jesse on 0423 257 580 / 0478 637 052.