Catholic Diocese of Wollongong-Family Weekends
The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong has two Compass Catholic Family Camping Weekends planned for 2025 - one at the beach and one in the bush!
Previous weekends over the last few years have proven to be a great way to disconnect from the everyday, relax,
and connect with other friendly families. It's wonderful seeing the kids make good friends, teens having fun, being active and connecting across age groups over games and activities. Mark your calendars now for either or both of these affordable and relaxed weekends full of fun, food, faith and friendship!
For more information and to register please see below.
Date: Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June
Time: from 12pm (Friday) - 10am (Sunday)
Location: Coledale Camping Reserve
Address: Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale Beach
Register as soon as possible before 23 May as spaces are limited!
Limited Spaces: We have 9 camp sites booked and will distribute them on a first come – first served basis. Each site can have a maximum of 6 (no more than 4 adults per site).
Cost: To secure a site you will need to reimburse the Diocese $80 which covers the cost of 2 adults per site. On arrival you will need to pay for any additional family members above 2 persons. Extra adult is $20 per night / Extra child is $12 per night. Thus, for a family of 5 – Mum and Dad would already be paid for – and the 3 kids would cost an additional $72 for the weekend – to be paid at the Coledale Office on arrival (no Cash – card only).
Camping Options/Rules: We are in a tent, swag and Camper trailer section at the southern end of the campsite. No full body caravans are allowed in this section. There are no wood/charcoal fires permitted at this site. There are numerous takeaway food shops close by.
For all rules and conditions go to www.coledalebeach.com.au/camping/ or call the Campground office on (02) 4267 4302
Facilities: Coledale Beach is a great location to enjoy the beach, swim, surf (NB: Unpatrolled in May), fish, play ball games, walk, or just sit back and enjoy the views.
Amenities: Guests have access to a basic camp kitchen, with cooking & washing up facilities and a fridge. All families need to self-cater. There are hot showers for campers.
Adults can bring alcohol, noting that very responsible consumption is expected due to the family friendly nature of this gathering. The Diocese will bring a big BBQ for us to share access to and there are public electric BBQ’s nearby.
Mass times: 5.30 pm Sat Vigil at St Michael’s Thirroul & 8 am Sunday.
Enquiries: Helen Bennett 4222 2403 / helen.bennett@dow.org.au
Date: Friday 5 - 7 September
Time: from 5pm (Friday) - 3pm (Sunday)
Venue: Guntawang - Wooglemai Catholic Family Camping
Cost: $50 per adult or $100 per individual family
RSVP: Register by 29 August to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation Options: This is a beautiful campsite, with plenty of space for families to set up a tent, caravan, camper trailer or swags. These are unpowered and unwatered sites, but drinking water is available on site. All rubbish and wastewater must be collected and disposed of thoughtfully.
Bunk Rooms: There is an option to register spots for separate male or female bunk rooms which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Parents/guardians who select this option, must have a guardian staying with their children in these rooms, as there will be adults and children of all ages potentially in each bunk room. Children are not to be left alone in the bunk rooms or other accommodation on site at any time during the event.
Toilets and Showers: There is a male/female toilet block for campers and a toilet in each of the bunkhouses. There are only 4 showers – but plenty of hot water, so we will get a family roster happening for their use.
Food and Cooking Facilities: This is a self-catered weekend, so families need to plan their own meals. There is a camp kitchen and eating area with access to the following
- BBQ / Gas cooktops / Hot water / Sinks
- Small Gas Fridge for basics (so bring your own esky/ice)
- Indoor & outdoor fire (weather permitting), with plenty of firewood on site – so camp oven cooking is another option.
- NB: Responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted.
Activities/Games: There is plenty of space for fun and games such as:
- Soccer / Touch footy / Basketball / Volleyball / Bocce / Finska / Board games
- Bushwalks
- Music – campfire singalong (Bring an instrument if you play)
Mass: Mass in a beautiful bush chapel on either Saturday night or Sunday morning
What to bring:
- All your own food and drinks/cooking and eating utensils etc.
- Toiletries/towels etc.
- This is a bush setting, so sturdy enclosed shoes are recommended.
- It is heading into summer, but still potentially cold overnight, so be ready for anything – including rain, when packing clothes
- Some sporting gear will be provided, but you may have a game you wish to bring and include others in
- Basic first aid supplies will be on site – but families should make some provision for this
- Camp chairs/rug
No Pets are allowed on this campsite.
For more information: Contact Jude Hennessy at jude.hennessy@dow.org.au or 4222 2403