St Paul's Cathedral Tours and Activities

St Paul\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
St Paul\'s Cathedral showing interior views, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views
St Paul\'s Cathedral which includes interior views, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral


Appreciate the peaceful atmosphere when you explore the interior of this vast neo-Gothic cathedral and architectural anchor in Melbourne’s inner-city streetscape.

St Paul’s Cathedral is an awe-inspiring Anglican cathedral with an architectural flair that echoes the impressive cathedrals of Europe. Its immense sandstone façade and spires soar into the sky from one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections, making it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Hear the chiming of church bells as you admire the cathedral’s magnificent architecture from the street. Explore the venerated cathedral’s interiors to see its rich decorations and historic artworks.

Built on the site of Melbourne’s first Christian service, the original St Paul’s was a modest bluestone church. The English architect William Butterfield was commissioned to design the new Gothic-transitional cathedral and devised a breathtaking sandstone structure with ornate stonework. Admire the warm hues of the polychromatic brickwork and the sandstone façade, which was unveiled to the fledgling city of Melbourne in 1852.

Enter the cathedral via its grand doors and take in the lavishness of its interiors. You’ll see patterned floor and wall tiles, banded masonry, mosaics and the exquisitely timbered roof. Stroll down the aisle and see the high altar and reredos, which are constructed with Devonshire marble and alabaster. Look closely to see Venetian glass mosaic highlights on the altar and the carved figures on the pulpit.

Visit the cathedral during a service or a recital to experience the music of the pipe organ. The original 1890s organ accompanies the cathedral choir, which regularly performs during concerts, special services and casual lunchtime recitals. You might also hear the 19th-century bells chiming in the cathedral’s belfry.

Located directly opposite Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, St Paul’s Cathedral is a centrally located landmark in Melbourne. It is easy to reach via tram, train and bus, and is also connected to the city’s urban cycling and walking trails. Lunchtime concerts are held on Wednesdays for a small donation. The cathedral is open daily for free, with shorter hours on Saturdays and public holidays. Regular services are held at least twice daily. If you want to explore the cathedral’s interiors, time your visit around services in respect to worshippers.

Plan a trip to see St Paul's Cathedral

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Top St Paul's Cathedral Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St Paul's Cathedral

Explore the vibrant atmosphere around St Paul's Cathedral, where you can indulge in boutique shopping, uncover local art, and catch a show in the nearby theatre district. This area offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and retail therapy, making it a perfect spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Melbourne's unique charm.

Shopping

Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, located 161m from St Paul's Cathedral, offers unique Australian opals. Melbourne Central, 805m away, boasts a mix of shops and entertainment. For a distinct experience, visit Queen Victoria Market, just 1.4km away, for fresh produce and local crafts.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, just 1.6km from St Paul's Cathedral, offers an energetic atmosphere with various sports events. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, located 966m away, hosts lively concerts in a picturesque setting. For family-friendly activities, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, 3.2km away, features swimming and fitness facilities.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near St Paul's Cathedral, explore the Tan Track, an outdoor haven 1.6km away, perfect for a leisurely walk. Venture on the Merri Creek Trail, a scenic hiking trail 4.8km away, or take a thrilling scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, located 8.0km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around St Paul's Cathedral is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the nearby Regent Theatre or Forum Theatre, both steeped in culture and romance. For a more casual vibe, grab a drink at Young & Jackson's, a charming pub just moments away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne is surrounded by a rich blend of attractions, including charming streets, vibrant urban parks, and historic colleges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy family-friendly experiences nearby. Don't miss the chance to explore the cathedral itself and other nearby points of interest that highlight the beauty and history of the area.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the thrill of world-class sports and entertainment at this iconic venue, renowned for hosting the Australian Open. With a capacity of over 15,000, it buzzes with family-friendly vibes and excitement, making it a must-visit for any sports fan.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down Melbourne's historic Collins Street, where luxury meets charm. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with high-end boutiques, stunning architecture, and vibrant cafés, embodying the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Discover a hub of innovation and collaboration at this premier event venue. With its modern facilities, it’s perfect for conferences and exhibitions, reflecting Melbourne's business-savvy spirit and dynamic environment.

Best time to go to St Paul's Cathedral

The best time to visit St Paul's Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St Paul's Cathedral

To save money during your visit to St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne, consider travelling in the cheaper months of May, June, or August, with Mondays being the best day for accommodation rates. Avoid Saturdays for higher prices. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that combines flights, activities, and accommodation for better deals. Look out for cathedral hotel deals and great rates to maximise your savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enrich your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St Paul's Cathedral are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St Paul's Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St Paul's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your St Paul's Cathedral hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.