14 Churches in Australia You Need to Visit

Australia holds some amazing churches across its cities and towns. From tall Gothic cathedrals to modern buildings, churches in Australia showcase spectacular architecture, rich history, and peaceful sanctuaries for both worshippers and visitors.

These buildings tell stories of Australia’s colonial past, its immigrant communities, and the development of faith across the continent. This guide covers 14 remarkable churches in Australia with all the practical details you need.

14 Best Churches in Australia to Visit

1. St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

Source: wikimedia

St Mary’s Cathedral stands as Sydney’s most impressive church and one of the grandest Catholic churches in Australia.

Built from honey-colored Sydney sandstone, this English-style Gothic revival cathedral dominates the eastern edge of the city’s central business district. The current building replaced the original 1821 church that burned down in 1865.

• Type:Roman Catholic

• Location: St Mary’s Road, Sydney, New South Wales

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 9 km from Sydney Airport (15-20 minute drive)

• Timings:Monday-Friday 6:30 AM-6:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday 6:30 AM-7:00 PM (Extended hours may be introduced during daylight savings and Christmas periods.)

• Mass Timing:Monday-Friday: 6:45 AM, 1:10 PM, 5:30 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, Vigil 6:00 PM; Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM (Solemn Choral Mass), 6:00 PM

• Contact Number: +61 2 9220 0400

• Website:https://stmaryscathedral.org.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: 107-meter structure with 74-meter high towers and spires (completed in 2000); stunning stained glass windows; decorative elements featuring Australian native flora; impressive crypt with terrazzo mosaic floor; north-south orientation rather than traditional east-west

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon when sunlight streams through the stained glass

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities

• Visitor Tips: Cathedral tours available; visit the crypt (Rs. 250 admission, 10 AM to 4 PM weekdays); photography permitted but be respectful during services; easily combined with a visit to Hyde Park

Suggested Read: Australia Visa for Indians

2. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne

St Patrick’s Cathedral stands as Victoria’s largest church and one of the world’s most impressive Gothic Revival buildings. This bluestone cathedral took nearly 80 years to complete and represents the heart of Catholic life in Melbourne.

The massive building is one of the most famous churches in Australia among tourists.

• Type:Roman Catholic

• Location: 1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 23 km from Melbourne Airport (30-40 minute drive)

• Timings:7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing: Mon–Fri: 7 AM & 1 PM; Sat: 8 AM & 6 PM (Vigil Mass); Sun: 8 AM, 9.30 AM, 11 AM, & 6 PM

• Contact Number: +61 3 9926 5677

• Website:https://melbournecatholic.org/st-patricks-cathedral

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Magnificent spires reaching 105 meters; intricate stained glass windows; William Wardell’s Gothic Revival architecture; beautiful pipe organ; peaceful gardens surrounding the cathedral

• Best Time to Visit: Midday when sunlight illuminates the interior

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps

• Visitor Tips: Free guided tours available on Sundays after 11:00 AM Mass; modest dress recommended; Gardens make for perfect photo opportunities; visit early in the day to avoid crowds

Suggested Read: How to Book Australia Visa Appointment

3. St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne

St Paul’s Cathedral occupies a prominent position at Melbourne’s heart, directly opposite Flinders Street Station.

This Anglican cathedral, built in the transitional Gothic style serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Melbourne and ranks among the most significant historic churches in Australia.

• Type:Anglican

• Location: Corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 22 km from Melbourne Airport (30-minute drive)

• Timings: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sunday: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM

• Mass Timing:Multiple daily services, check website for current schedule

• Contact Number: +61 3 9653 4333

• Website:https://cathedral.org.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Distinctive sandstone exterior; beautiful mosaic floor; impressive pipe organ; intricate woodcarvings; striking stained glass windows

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the stained glass creates colorful light patterns

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevator

• Visitor Tips: Free guided tours available Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; attend a choral service to experience the acoustics; perfect starting point for Melbourne city exploration

Suggested Read: Australia in January

4. St Michael’s Uniting Church, Melbourne

Source: wikimedia

St Michael’s Uniting Church is a distinctive bluestone church known for its progressive theology and inclusive community.

Located in Melbourne’s CBD, it combines historical architecture with contemporary religious thought, making it one of the more unique worship places for Christians in Australia.

• Type: Uniting Church

• Location: 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 23 km from Melbourne Airport (30-35 minute drive)

• Timings: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sunday: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

• Mass Timing: Sunday: 10:00 AM

• Contact Number: +61 3 9654 5120

• Website:https://stmichaels.org.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful Gothic architecture; magnificent pipe organ; stunning stained glass windows; inclusive community focus; regular cultural events and concerts

• Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings to experience the service and community spirit

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Check the website for special events and concerts; the church is known for its progressive approach to Christianity; easily combined with Collins Street shopping

Suggested Read: Solo Travel in Australia

5. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo

Sacred Heart Cathedral dominates Bendigo’s skyline as one of Australia’s largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals. This sandstone masterpiece took over 100 years to complete and represents the faith of early Irish settlers.

The cathedral is among the most beautiful and famous churches in Australia outside the major cities.

• Type: Roman Catholic

• Location: 66 Short Street, Bendigo, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 147 km from Melbourne Airport (1.5 hour drive)

• Timings:7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Daily, check the website for the current schedule

• Contact Number: +61 3 5443 4400

• Website:https://www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au/our-churches/cathedral

• Highlights: Australia’s tallest church spire (87 meters); magnificent stained glass windows from Germany; impressive pipe organ; beautiful marble altars; acoustically perfect interior

• Best Time to Visit: Late morning when sunlight illuminates the stained glass

• Accessibility: Limited accessibility with some steps

• Visitor Tips: Guided tours available by appointment; visit during organ recitals for the full acoustic experience; combine with a Bendigo Art Gallery visit

Suggested Read: Australia Visa Appeal for Indians

6. St George’s Cathedral, Perth

Source: wikimedia

St George’s Cathedral is the principal Anglican cathedral in Perth and a significant landmark in the city center.

Built in Victorian Gothic style, it serves as both a place of worship and a venue for cultural events, making it one of the most active worship places for Christians in Australia.

• Type: Anglican

• Location: 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 12 km from Perth Airport (20-minute drive)

• Timings:7:30 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Multiple daily services, check the website

• Contact Number: +61 8 9325 5766

• Website:https://www.perthcathedral.org/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful jarrah woodwork; impressive pipe organ; unique local stone construction; stunning stained glass windows; peaceful garden surroundings

• Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for choral services

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Free guided tours available on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM; check the website for the concert schedule; perfect rest stop during Perth city exploration

Suggested Read: Explore the Best Australian Famous Food

7. St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Adelaide

Source: wikimedia

St Francis Xavier Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral of Adelaide and the seat of the Archbishop of Adelaide. This Gothic Revival structure features distinctive twin spires and serves as the spiritual heart of Adelaide’s Catholic community.

It’s one of the oldest Catholic churches in Australia with continuous service.

• Type: Roman Catholic

• Location: 39 Wakefield Street, Adelaide, South Australia

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 7 km from Adelaide Airport (15-minute drive)

• Timings:7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Multiple daily services, check the cathedral website

• Contact Number: +61 8 8210 8155

• Website:https://www.adelcathparish.org/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful twin spires; impressive pipe organ; stunning stained glass windows; marble altars; historical significance as one of the first Catholic cathedrals in Australia

• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for peaceful reflection

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Visit the adjacent Mary MacKillop Plaza; guided tours available by appointment; easy walking distance from Adelaide Central Market

Suggested Read: How To Check Australia Visa Status Online For Indians

8. St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane

Source: wikimedia

St Stephen’s Cathedral is Brisbane’s principal Catholic church and a significant heritage-listed building.

Its distinctive copper-clad spire is a recognizable feature of Brisbane’s skyline, making it one of the most easily spotted churches in Australia with mass timings displayed prominently for visitors.

• Type: Roman Catholic

• Location: 249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Queensland

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 15 km from Brisbane Airport (20-minute drive)

• Timings:7:30 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Multiple daily services, check the website

• Contact Number: +61 7 3324 3030

• Website:https://www.cathedralofststephen.org.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful sandstone exterior; impressive pipe organ; stunning stained glass windows; peaceful prayer garden; historical significance dating back to 1874

• Best Time to Visit: Midday when light streams through the stained glass

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Free guided tours available after the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass; visit the adjacent Mercy Heritage Centre; convenient to Brisbane’s Central Business District

9. St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong

Source: wikimedia

St Mary of the Angels Basilica is one of Australia’s largest bluestone churches and a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture.

This impressive basilica dominates Geelong’s skyline with its tall central tower and ranks among the most impressive must-visit churches in Australia.

• Type: Roman Catholic

• Location: 136-148 Yarra Street, Geelong, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 65 km from Melbourne Airport (1 hour drive)

• Timings:7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Daily, check the website

• Contact Number: +61 3 5222 1977

• Website:https://www.stmarysgeelong.com.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Impressive bluestone construction; beautiful stained glass windows; ornate high altar; stunning pipe organ; one of the largest churches in Australia

• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for peaceful reflection

• Accessibility: Limited accessibility with some steps

• Visitor Tips: Guided tours available by appointment; visit during organ recitals for the full acoustic experience; combine with a walk along Geelong’s waterfront

10. St James’ Church, Sydney

Source: wikimedia

St James’ Church is the oldest church building in Sydney’s city center and an outstanding example of colonial architecture.

Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, it represents an important piece of Australia’s early colonial history and is one of the most historically significant churches in Australia.

• Type: Anglican

• Location: 173 King Street, Sydney, New South Wales

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 9 km from Sydney Airport (20-minute drive)

• Timings:8:00 AM–6:00 PM daily

• Mass Timing:Sunday services at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

• Contact Number: +61 2 8227 1300

• Website:https://sjks.org.au/

• Highlights: Australia’s oldest church building (completed in 1824); beautiful Georgian architecture; historic pipe organ; stunning stained glass windows; acoustically perfect for music

• Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for choral services

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Attend one of the regular lunchtime concerts; guided tours available by appointment; conveniently located near shopping areas

Suggested Read: India Visa for Australian Citizens

11. METRO Church, Gold Coast

METRO Church represents modern Australian Christianity with its contemporary approach to worship. This non-denominational church offers a different experience from traditional Christian churches in Australia, with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on community engagement.

• Type:Pentecostal

• Location: 1 Investigator Drive, Robina, Queensland

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 20 km from Gold Coast Airport (25-minute drive)

• Timings:Sunday 10:00 AM, Wednesday 7:30 PM

• Mass Timing:Sunday 10:00 AM

• Contact Number: 1800 517 367

• Website:https://metro.community/

• Highlights: Modern architecture; state-of-the-art sound and lighting; contemporary worship style; active community programs; family-friendly facilities

• Best Time to Visit: Sunday services to experience contemporary worship

• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with disabled toilets and close to public transport

• Visitor Tips: Casual dress acceptable; arrive early to experience the pre-service atmosphere; check website for special events; plenty of parking available

12. St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane

Source: wikimedia

St John’s Cathedral is Brisbane’s Anglican cathedral and one of the few completely stone-vaulted cathedrals built in the Gothic style anywhere in the world since the Middle Ages.

Its construction spanned over a century, finally being completed in 2009, making it among the newest completed historic churches in Australia.

• Type: Anglican

• Location: 373 Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 14 km from Brisbane Airport (20-minute drive)

• Timings:Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM, Sunday: 7:00 AM–6:30 PM

• Mass Timing:Multiple daily services, check the website

• Contact Number: +61 7 3835 2222

• Website:https://www.stjohnscathedral.com.au/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Neo-Gothic architecture; stunning stone vaulting; beautiful stained glass windows; impressive pipe organ; one of the few Gothic cathedrals completed in modern times

• Best Time to Visit: Sunday mornings for choral services

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Guided tours available Monday to Saturday at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM; attend Evensong for a traditional Anglican experience; easily combined with Brisbane city sightseeing

13. St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney

Source: wikimedia

St Andrew’s Cathedral is Australia’s oldest cathedral and the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, this sandstone Gothic Revival building provides a peaceful sanctuary amid the bustling city and is one of the most centrally located top churches to visit in Australia.

• Type: Anglican

• Location: Corner of George and Bathurst Streets, Sydney, New South Wales

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 9 km from Sydney Airport (20-minute drive)

• Timings:Open mainly during morning hours, check the website for the current

• schedule

• Mass Timing:Regular Anglican services, check the website

• Contact Number: +61 2 9265 1661

• Website:https://sydneycathedral.com/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful sandstone construction; stunning stained glass windows; impressive pipe organ; historical significance as Australia’s oldest cathedral; 12 bells cast by John Taylor & Co

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday lunchtime for a peaceful break from the city

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

• Visitor Tips: Free guided tours available Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM; attend a choral service to experience the acoustics; perfectly located near Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building

Suggested Read: Australia Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

14. St Mary Star of the Sea, Melbourne

Source: wikimedia

St Mary Star of the Sea is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful churches and the largest parish church in Victoria.

This bluestone Gothic church features a distinctive octagonal spire and impressive interior decorations, making it among the most architecturally interesting Catholic churches in Australia.

• Type: Roman Catholic

• Location: 33 Howard Street, West Melbourne, Victoria

• Distance from Nearest Airport: 20 km from Melbourne Airport (25-minute drive)

• Timings:Open mainly during daylight hours, check the parish website

• Mass Timing:Daily, check the website for the current schedule

• Contact Number: +61 3 9108 6653

• Website:https://www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org/

• Email:[email protected]

• Highlights: Beautiful bluestone Gothic architecture; impressive octagonal spire; stunning stained glass windows from Munich; ornate marble altars; historical significance dating back to 1900

• Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for peaceful reflection

• Accessibility: Limited accessibility with some steps

• Visitor Tips: Photography allowed outside of services; admire the exterior blue stonework; visit the nearby Queen Victoria Market; attend Mass to experience the beautiful choir

Suggested Read: Australia Visa Extension for Indians

FAQs

How many churches are in Australia?

Australia has about 13,000 churches across Christian denominations. The Catholic Church leads with around 3,000, followed by Anglican, Uniting, and other Protestant groups, from small rural chapels to grand city cathedrals.

Can Christians pray in public in Australia?

Yes, Christians can pray publicly in Australia, where religious freedom is protected. Worship places for Christians in Australia include formal churches, community halls, and public spaces, though most prefer private expressions of faith.

Can Christians get married in Australia?

Yes, Christians can marry in Australia through religious or civil ceremonies. Famous churches in Australia offer wedding services, and even foreign visitors can marry with proper documents and one month’s notice to a celebrant.

What are the 4 largest churches in Australia?

The four largest church buildings in Australia by size are:

1. St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

2. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne

3. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo

4. St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne

Are there any Catholics in Australia?

Yes, Catholics are the largest religious group in Australia, around 22% of the population. The Catholic Church has the biggest network of churches in Australia with mass timings accessible to visitors nationwide.

Can tourists attend church services in Australia?

Yes, tourists can attend services at most churches in Australia. Service times are usually posted outside or online. Visitors should dress respectfully, silence phones, and follow basic etiquette during the service.

Do I need permission to visit a church in Australia?

No special permission is needed to visit most historic churches in Australia outside service times. Major cathedrals have posted visiting hours, while smaller or rural churches may require contacting the parish. Photography rules vary.

Is there parking available at churches in Australia?

Parking at churches in Australia varies. City churches often lack dedicated parking, while suburban and rural ones usually provide free lots. For major cathedrals in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, public transport is recommended.