How to get to Hoadley Hide?
It’s easy.
Your adventure starts at Ballan Train Station on Thursday night so either catch a train to Ballan Train Station or get dropped off there. On the Sunday, we will transport everyone back to Ballan Train Station where you can be picked up or catch VLine services back to Southern Cross Railway Station or elsewhere on the network.
Ballan Train station has regular services on the Ballarat Line operated by VLine. You can plan your journey using the trip planner at the Public Transport Victoria website
Thursday 9th April – Ballan Train Station
Your adventure starts at Ballan Train Station on Thursday evening.
You can arrive with your whole patrol, anytime from 6pm to 8.30pm.
You will then be shuttled to Blackwood Scout Camp where you will go through the check-in process.
Please ensure you bring your dinner or have eaten before you arrive.
There will not be cooking facilities available at Blackwood on Thursday Night.
Once you arrive, you will not be permitted to leave the event.
If you are going to be late, please call the Hoadley Hide Hot Line – 0447 281 828
Check-in Process
- Arrive at Ballan Train Station (6pm – 8.30pm)
- Catch the Shuttle Bus to Blackwood Scout Camp
- Check-in with your whole Patrol
- Hand in your Patrols prepared menu
- Take a Patrol Photo
- Complete Pack inspection
- Store uniforms in Uniform Bank
- Set up your tents in the VOC
- Eat BYO dinner if you haven’t already
- Socialise with other patrols
- Enjoy the Evening Entertainment
- Head to bed, lights out at 10.30pm
Sunday 13th – Blackwood Scout Camp
Participants will be bussed to Ballan Station after the closing at aprox. 3pm.
It is approximately 25 minutes of travel time from the campsite to Ballan Train Station.
Pick up will be 3:30pm from Ballan Train Station
Upon arrival at Ballan, Venturers will either board a train or can be collected from the station carpark by private car
Venturers will not be allowed to order a taxi, uber or other rideshare services to get home.
Ballan Train Station
Address: 81-85 Atkinson St, Ballan VIC 3342
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Z4naG6s4xZ9cLHd8
If arriving by private car, you can be dropped off at the Ballan Train Station.
If catching the train, you will arrive at the station, ready to be shuttled up to Blackwood Scout Camp
Patrol members can arrive by different transport methods but need to check in all together, so aim to all arrive at about the same time.
Ballan Station is the start of Hoadley Hide
We are not offering an option to take private transport direct to Blackwood Scout Camp for this year’s Hoadley Hide. For all Venturers the event starts on Thursday at Ballan Train Station.
If you have any questions or concerns please email
Can I just arrive at Blackwood Scout Camp on Friday morning?
Simple answer. No.
Hoadley Hide starts on Thursday night with activities and tasks to complete.
This includes check in, pack inspection, entertainment and hiking preparation with your patrol.
Check in is open from 6pm to 9pm. Please aim to arrive between these times.
Remember, the earlier you arrive, the more time for socialising and card gaming before bed!
