About Us

St Paul’s Cathedral is the home church for Anglicans in Melbourne, the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne and Metropolitan of Victoria, and home for regular worshippers from more than 25 nations. The Cathedral is Victoria’s most visited sacred place, with over 400,000 visitors a year.

St Paul’s stands on the site where the first public Christian services in Melbourne were led by Dr Alexander Thomson in 1836. The Cathedral was completed in 1896, and worship has taken place on this site every day since then. It is an oasis of peace at the heart of the world’s most liveable city, where many thousands come to pray, reflect and share in the peace and beauty of this sacred space.

You are most welcome to visit us and worship with us.


Our Vision

Our vision is for St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne to be a place of transformation for our City and Diocese where all people can come to experience and know God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Our Vision flows from the Cathedral’s position at the heart of our City and Diocese: our witness as an iconic symbol of faith for the people of Melbourne, and the home church of our Diocese.

A detailed copy of our Strategic Plan can be found in our Annual Report

History

St Paul’s stands at the very heart of the City of Melbourne. In style, it echoes the grand Cathedrals of Europe. Designed by distinguished English revival architect William Butterfield, the Cathedral is built in the neo-Gothic transitional style, partly Early English and partly Decorated. Many consider St Paul’s to be Butterfield’s final masterpiece.

Archives

The Cathedral Archive holds a collection of documents focused on the historic construction and maintenance of the Cathedral and other buildings on the site.

The original construction plans and records have been deemed to be a collection of national significance. Information on its people, events and activities is also collected. Resources include documents, plans, photographs and art works. It is managed by a volunteer archivist who attends one morning a week.

Requests for information are welcomed and should be submitted via email to welcome@stpaulscathedral.org.au.

Terms and Conditions of Entry

For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all attending St Paul’s Cathedral, please note the following Conditions of Entry:

  • Closed Circuit Television is in use in the Cathedral, the Cathedral Buildings and throughout the Cathedral precinct. 
  • Cathedral Staff (or its representatives) reserve the right to manage access to the Cathedral via screening equipment/checks, including bag searches.
  • Cathedral Staff (or its representatives) reserve the right to inspect any bag and/or articles of clothing for the following prohibited items:
    • alcohol
    • illegal substances including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs
    • opened drink containers, including tea and coffee
    • cans/glass
    • musical instruments
    • whistles
    • unauthorised temporary signage and promotional products
    • flags/banners with handles
    • fireworks/flares/laser lights/smoke generators
    • firearms, explosives, chemical, radioactive or biological substances
    • chairs/stools
    • rollerblades/skates, skateboards, scooters or bicycles
    • animals (other than guide/assistance dogs)
    • professional cameras, audio recording equipment, video cameras or tripods
    • any large item that cannot be placed under a seat
    • any other item that in the opinion of management could cause harm or public nuisance
  • The carriage and operation of drones (or any such aircraft) on Cathedral premises is strictly prohibited.
  • Umbrellas are permitted inside the Cathedral, however, cannot be opened within the building.
  • Prams, pushers, bags and other belongings are permitted into the Cathedral, however, must be able to fit safely under a pew or seat without impeding access.
  • Alcoholic beverages must not be taken into the Cathedral.
  • Alcohol may not be consumed on Cathedral Property.
  • St Paul’s is a smoke-free venue – smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes) is not permitted on the Cathedral precinct.
  • Worshippers and visitors are admitted to the Cathedral at their own risk. St Paul’s will not be held responsible for any damages to, loss or theft of personal property nor for any other loss, damage or injury suffered by any worshipper or visitor, whether in contract, tort or statutory liability to the full extent permitted by law.