Columba’s Backyard

Theme: God’s Provision
Proposed Mass: Saint Laurence O’Toole

• Travel south to Forbes and see its famous Heritage trail buildings
• Join with Bishop Columba in his home Parish, Saint Laurence O’Toole Church
• Visit Bogan Gate – the birthplace of Bishop Columba!
• Celebrate Mass in the Bishop’s childhood Parish of All Saints Church, Bogan Gate.
• This afternoon visit the Parkes Observatory (‘The Dish’ which tracked and televised the 1969 moon landing)

Parkes Overnight (BD)

Theme: Abundance of Blessings
Proposed Mass: Holy Family Church, Parkes

• Mass this morning will be held at Holy Family Church, Parkes
• Visit Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine lookout
• Enjoy a guided tour of the Taronga Western Plain Zoo (with Safari Bus & Zoo Guide)

Dubbo Overnight (BD)

Theme: Food for the Journey
Proposed Mass: Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church

• Visit Dubbo’s Shoyoen Japanese Garden
• Continue to Narromine:
  • Andonbel Alpaca Coffee Shop – Sip a Coffee while feeding the Alpacas!
  • Celebrate Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church

Cobar Overnight (BD)

Theme: Grace Through Trials
Proposed Mass: St Laurence O’Toole, Cobar

• Mass this morning at St Laurence O’Toole, Cobar
• Visit the Big Bogan statue (photo opportunity) and the Mid-State Shearing Shed Museum
• See the Bourke Hill Lookout and Open Cut Mine
• Visit the Great Cobar Heritage Centre
• FEATURE STAY – White Cliffs Underground Motel

White Cliffs Overnight (BD)

Theme: Peace & Reconciliation
Proposed Mass: St John the Apostle Church

• This morning we will tour the Red Earth Opal Mine (closed in shoes are required)
• Visit Wilcannia for Mass at St John the Apostle Church
• Sunset Sculptures Symposium

Broken Hill Overnight (BD)

Theme: Identity & Purpose
Proposed Mass: Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral

• Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Broken Hill
• Morning City Sights and Heritage Tour
• Afternoon free
• Sky Show – Outback Night Stargazing Experience

Broken Hill overnight (BD)

Theme: Healing & Restoration
Proposed Mass: SS Philip and James Catholic Church

• Travel westward along the Barrier Highway viewing saltbush and rural mountain scenery.
• Crossing into South Australia, visit the historic railway towns of Peterborough and Hawker.
• Travel on to Wilpena Pound at the base of a remarkable bowl-shaped natural amphitheatre in the heart of the northern Flinders Ranges.
• Enjoy a sunset walk with the kangaroos amongst the ancient Red River gums before dinner.

Wilpena Pound Resort Overnight (BD)

Theme: Wonder of Creation
Proposed Mass: Outdoor Mass

• Choose from varying levels of spectacular bushwalks today, including the Old Homestead and Wangarra Lookout walk, Arkaroo Rock, Brachina Gorge and the Cazneaux Tree being one of the most photographed trees in Australia.
• Remainder of day at leisure to relax and enjoy our unique surroundings

Wilpena Pound Resort Overnight (BD)

Theme: Empowered to Shine
Proposed Mass: All Saints Parish

• Set out west to the historic outback railway town of Quorn to browse the shops and enjoy a morning tea in one of the quirky cafes.
• All aboard the Pichi Richi Railway as we step back in time on our classic Steam train adventure through gorgeous parts of the Flinders.
• Arrive at beautiful Port Augusta on the Spencer Gulf where the Outback meets the ocean
• See main highlights of the town
• Share a Vigil Mass tonight with the Port Augusta Catholic Community of All Saints Parish

Port Augusta Overnight (BLD)

Theme: Spirit of the Pioneers
Proposed Mass: St Joseph’s Chapel

• Travel South to visit the Sevenhill Winery and Centre of Ignatian Spirituality in the Clare Valley
• Pray here in the unique St Aloysius Church
• Continue on to beautiful Adelaide, the City of Churches
• We will prioritise a visit this afternoon to the Mary MacKillop Precinct to celebrate the life of Australia’s first saint. Here we will also visit the Mary MacKillop Museum before entering into the peaceful St Joseph’s Chapel (Mary’s much-loved place of personal prayer) for our final Mass.
• Farewell dinner celebration.

Adelaide Overnight (BD)

Theme: Gratitude & Peace
(B)