World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) today welcomed the announcement by the Deputy Premier of key sites to be used for World Youth Day and, in particular, the confirmation that Barangaroo in East Darling Harbour will be the venue for three showpiece events.

The 22-hectare site, vacated recently by the Patrick Corporation, has been made available for WYD08 by the NSW government.

"This magnificent harbourfront site will host the Opening Mass, the Papal Arrival, two Stations of the Cross and several Youth Festival events," WYD08 Chief Operating Officer Danny Casey said.

"Today's announcement of key public venues by the Deputy Premier provides the certainty we need to proceed with our preparations," Mr Casey said.

Barangaroo is expected to host up to 150,000 pilgrims when the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, celebrates the Opening Mass to mark the start of the six-day event at 4.30pm on Tuesday 15 July.

On Thursday 17 July, Pope Benedict XVI will arrive at Barangaroo by boat for his Official Welcome, and the next evening the venue will host two of the 13 Stations of the Cross - a re-enactment of the last hours of the life of Jesus Christ.

"All of these events will be televised live to the world from this spectacular location, making it the perfect venue from which to showcase Sydney. The site will also include stages at either end for Youth Festival events," Mr Casey said.

The other major CBD venues which the Deputy Premier confirmed in his announcement today as available for WYD08 include Royal Botanic Gardens, the Domain, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park.

These venues will either be used for major events, Youth Festival activities or as Live Sites - where pilgrims and Sydneysiders can gather to watch and participate in WYD08 events.

Sydney will host the XXIII World Youth Day from 15-20 July, drawing up to 125,000 international registered pilgrims and 100,000 domestic pilgrims.

Hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all, WYD08 will mark the first visit to Australia by Pope Benedict XVI. Around 500,000 people are expected to attend the single biggest event - the Final Mass with Pope Benedict at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park.

Only 139 days to go to WYD08!