Pending Update
The team is working to update this page with information for 2026, just hang tight.
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- Ballan Train Station
Your adventure starts at Ballan Train Station on Thursday evening. You can arrive anytime from 6pm to 9pm.
You will then be shuttled to Blackwood Scout Camp where you can check in once you are with your whole patrol.
Please ensure you bring your dinner or have eaten before you arrive. Once you check in, 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 BallanTrain Station (6-9pm)
- Get shuttled up to Blackwood Scout Camp
- Check-in with your whole Patrol
- Hand in prepared menu
- Complete Pack inspection
- Take a Patrol Photo
- Store uniforms in Uniform Bank
- Set up your tents in the camping area
- Eat BYO dinner if you haven’t already
- Socialise with other patrols
- Entertainment showing in the hall at 8pm!
- Head to bed, lights out at 11pm
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 Ballan Train Station on Friday morning?
Simple answer. No.
Hoadley starts on Thursday night with activities and tasks to complete. This includes pack inspection, equipment checks and preparation activities 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!