For students Aneshka Mora and Caitlin Comensoli, it was a chance to stay in their warm beds and recover from daily trips to Sydney for the festivities.

"We've been in bed today, we had the day off (school). We're really tired but it was worth it," Aneshka said.

They were among hundreds of Illawarra pilgrims and organisers to travel to the events for the chance to share their faith and see the Pope.

Despite the chaos of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims packed into the Barangaroo and Randwick venues, Aneshka and Caitlin said everyone was just happy to be there.

"Even waiting in lines weren't boring because there were all these people around you chanting and dancing and everyone just welcomed everyone else," Caitlin said, "It was just lots and lots of fun."

Like Aneshka and Caitlin, St Joseph High School teacher and WYD volunteer Rick Parmenter travelled to the WYD events each day with several students.

He said the celebrations inspired his students and allowed them to talk openly of their faith.

"On the way back all of my students were talking about forming a youth group and doing (church-based) activities," Mr Parmenter said.

"Just seeing these kids so lit up by God, through the Pope and the church - it was amazing."

Bulli parish member Stuart Barnes hosted two American pilgrims last week, before travelling to Randwick to be a part of the Sunday Mass.

While enjoying the whole experience, Mr Barnes said the Mass was nothing like he had ever encountered.

"After the Pope spoke they said to spend a few minutes reflecting on it. I have never sat in a crowd of 400,000 to 500,000 where you could hear a pin drop. It was incredible."