🕒 Opening Times
Monday to Friday| 10am – 5pm
Saturday | 10am – 4pm
Sunday Services | 8am, 10am & 4pm
See what others say about their visit to St Paul’s Cathedral – read our Trip Advisor Reviews here.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is no charge to enter the Cathedral for visiting or personal prayer, however we do encourage visitors to make a donation to help support the ongoing work and ministry.
Do I need to book?
Bookings are not required for general visiting. Occasional events and services taking place in the Cathedral require advance booking, further details can be found on our website here.
What Covid Safe Measures are in place?
In line with the ‘Living with Covid’ plan:
The Cathedral will continue to provide hand sanitiser stations for use by visitors and worshippers.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Entry to the Cathedral is via the Great West Doors on Flinders Street.
Can I take a tour of the Cathedral?
We look forward to commencing weekly Guided tours soon, in the meantime visitors can make use of the Self-Guided tour sheets available in hard copy or can be downloaded to your smartphone or other devices via QR Code.
Will services of worship be taking place?
Regular services take place on most days of the week, which you can find on our website here. During services wandering around the Cathedral is not permitted, however you are welcome to sit and participate in the service.
Visitor opening times may change at short notice due to funerals, weddings, services or exceptional circumstances. Please check our website regularly prior to your visit.
Will I be able to light a candle?
Yes. Candles will be available at two stations in the side aisles. The Ascension Chapel is also set aside for visitors to use for quiet prayer.
Do you have toilet facilities?
We do not have any Public Toilets available on site. The nearest public toilets are available in Federation Square opposite the Cathedral (about a 5-10min walk)
Is visitor parking available?
There is no on-site carparking available. For details of local car parks, please see here.
Who can I speak with if I have any questions?
Any of our staff members or volunteers will be happy to assist with any questions you may have.
Michael has located the story of Jesus’ life in Melbourne, just as the Australian painter Arthur Boyd had done 70 years earlier.
The works ask: What would it be like and how would we respond, if Jesus lived in contemporary Melbourne? If Jesus came to twenty-first century Melbourne, who would he associate with? How would he be treated?
Would Jesus be popular or scorned in contemporary Melbourne? Could he be cheered into Melbourne along Swanston Street, then discredited by the media and bashed in the city lock-up? Would he be weeping over what he saw in the city from the top of the Westgate Bridge? Could he agonise over suffering for others at the Myer Music Bowl and be arrested in the Royal Botanic Gardens? Could he end up crucified at Chadstone Shopping Centre? Would he celebrate his resurrection on the beach at Elwood?
Monoprints
A monoprint is a one-off print made from ink worked over a smooth plate onto paper. For the Jesus in Melbourne prints, a copper plate was rolled up with black etching ink, and brushes, rags and cotton buds were used to make the images in the ink. The print was then made by running the plate through an etching press. It is a spontaneous, immediate process demanding quick, heartfelt responses. Michael believes these rich black and white prints are a response in the moment that nonetheless contains two-thousand-year-old truths.
On display in the Cathedral’s Gallery, beginning Sunday 12 February 2023 through until Monday 10 April 2023.
It is available to view during the Cathedral’s regular visiting hours.
Michael Donnelly is a Melbourne/East Gippsland-based artist who has held numerous solo exhibitions since 1984. He has worked as an art educator in secondary schools and with students who have vision impairments. Michael shares his time between studios in Melbourne on Wurundjeri lands and in Lake Tyers Beach on the lands of the Gunaikurnai peoples. He is an active member of the Uniting Church in Ashburton and Lakes Entrance.
This story in the Bible:
28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead. He was going up to Jerusalem. 29 He approached Bethphage and Bethany. The hill there was called the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two of his disciples. He said to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey’s colt tied up. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here. 31 Someone may ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ If so, say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”
32 Those who were sent ahead went and found the young donkey. It was there just as Jesus had told them. 33 They were untying the colt when its owners came. The owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35 Then the disciples brought the colt to Jesus. They threw their coats on the young donkey and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their coats on the road.
37 Jesus came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives. There the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God with joy. In loud voices they praised him for all the miracles they had seen. They shouted,
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“May there be peace and glory in the highest heaven!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus. “Teacher,” they said, “tell your disciples to stop!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
(from Luke chapter 19, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
41 He approached Jerusalem. When he saw the city, he began to weep. 42 He said, “I wish you had known today what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come when your enemies will arrive. They will build a wall of dirt up against your city. They will surround you and close you in on every side. 44 You didn’t recognize the time when God came to you. So your enemies will smash you to the ground. They will destroy you and all the people inside your walls. They will not leave one stone on top of another.”
(from Luke chapter 19, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world. It was time for him to go to the Father. Jesus loved his disciples who were in the world. So he now loved them to the very end.
2 They were having their evening meal. The devil had already tempted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. He had urged Judas to hand Jesus over to his enemies. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put everything under his power. He also knew he had come from God and was returning to God. 4 So he got up from the meal and took off his outer clothes. He wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a large bowl. Then he began to wash his disciples’ feet. He dried them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter. “Lord,” Peter said to him, “are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t realize now what I am doing. But later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter. “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you can’t share life with me.”
9 “Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet! Wash my hands and my head too!”
10 Jesus answered, “People who have had a bath need to wash only their feet. The rest of their body is clean. And you are clean. But not all of you are.” 11 Jesus knew who was going to hand him over to his enemies. That was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes. Then he returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You are right. That is what I am. 14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. 16 What I’m about to tell you is true. A slave is not more important than his master. And a messenger is not more important than the one who sends him. 17 Now you know these things. So you will be blessed if you do them.
(from John chapter 13, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him. He began to be sad and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sad. I feel close to death. Stay here. Keep watch with me.”
39 He went a little farther. Then he fell with his face to the ground. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. But let what you want be done, not what I want.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray. Then you won’t fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
42 Jesus went away a second time. He prayed, “My Father, is it possible for this cup to be taken away? But if I must drink it, may what you want be done.”
43 Then he came back. Again he found them sleeping. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. 44 So he left them and went away once more. For the third time he prayed the same thing.
45 Then he returned to the disciples. He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come. The Son of Man is about to be handed over to sinners. 46 Get up! Let us go! Here comes the one who is handing me over to them!”
(from Matthew chapter 26, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
43 Just as Jesus was speaking, Judas appeared. He was one of the 12 disciples. A crowd was with him. They were carrying swords and clubs. The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders had sent them.
44 Judas, who was going to hand Jesus over, had arranged a signal with them. “The one I kiss is the man,” he said. “Arrest him and have the guards lead him away.” 45 So Judas went to Jesus at once. Judas said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed Jesus. 46 The men grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing nearby pulled his sword out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
48 “Am I leading a band of armed men against you?” asked Jesus. “Do you have to come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you. I taught in the temple courtyard, and you didn’t arrest me. But the Scriptures must come true.” 50 Then everyone left him and ran away.
51 A young man was following Jesus. The man was wearing nothing but a piece of linen cloth. When the crowd grabbed him, 52 he ran away naked. He left his clothing behind.
(from Mark chapter 14, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
27 The governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the palace, which was called the Praetorium. All the rest of the soldiers gathered around him. 28 They took off his clothes and put a purple robe on him. 29 Then they twisted thorns together to make a crown. They placed it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand. Then they fell on their knees in front of him and made fun of him. “We honor you, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him. They hit him on the head with the stick again and again. 31 After they had made fun of him, they took off the robe. They put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him away to nail him to a cross.
(from Matthew chapter 27, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people. 14 He said to them, “You brought me this man. You said he was turning the people against the authorities. I have questioned him in front of you. I have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Herod hasn’t either. So he sent Jesus back to us. As you can see, Jesus has done nothing that is worthy of death. 16-17 So I will just have him whipped and let him go.”
18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Kill this man! But let Barabbas go!” 19 Barabbas had been thrown into prison. He had taken part in a struggle in the city against the authorities. He had also committed murder.
20 Pilate wanted to let Jesus go. So he made an appeal to the crowd again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22 Pilate spoke to them for the third time. “Why?” he asked. “What wrong has this man done? I have found no reason to have him put to death. So I will just have him whipped and let him go.”
23 But with loud shouts they kept calling for Jesus to be crucified. The people’s shouts won out. 24 So Pilate decided to give them what they wanted. 25 He set free the man they asked for. The man had been thrown in prison for murder and for fighting against the authorities. Pilate handed Jesus over to them so they could carry out their plans.
(from Luke chapter 23, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
32 Two other men were also led out with Jesus to be killed. Both of them had broken the law. 33 The soldiers brought them to the place called the Skull. There they nailed Jesus to the cross. He hung between the two criminals. One was on his right and one was on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” The soldiers divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood there watching. The rulers even made fun of Jesus. They said, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him. They offered him wine vinegar. 37 They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 A written sign had been placed above him. It read,
this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals hanging there made fun of Jesus. He said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself! Save us!”
40 But the other criminal scolded him. “Don’t you have any respect for God?” he said. “Remember, you are under the same sentence of death. 41 We are being punished fairly. We are getting just what our actions call for. But this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “What I’m about to tell you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise.”
44 It was now about noon. Then darkness covered the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The sun had stopped shining. The temple curtain was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my life.” After he said this, he took his last breath.
47 The Roman commander saw what had happened. He praised God and said, “Jesus was surely a man who did what was right.” 48 The people had gathered to watch this sight. When they saw what happened, they felt very sad. Then they went away. 49 But all those who knew Jesus stood not very far away, watching these things. They included the women who had followed him from Galilee.
(from Luke chapter 23, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
It was very early in the morning on the first day of the week. The women took the spices they had prepared. Then they went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from it. 3 When they entered the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They were wondering about this. Suddenly two men in clothes as bright as lightning stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified. They bowed down with their faces to the ground. Then the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 Jesus is not here! He has risen! Remember how he told you he would rise. It was while he was still with you in Galilee. 7 He said, ‘The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people. He must be nailed to a cross. On the third day he will rise from the dead.’ ” 8 Then the women remembered Jesus’ words.
9 They came back from the tomb. They told all these things to the 11 apostles and to all the others. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them were the ones who told the apostles. 11 But the apostles did not believe the women. Their words didn’t make any sense to them.
(from Luke chapter 24, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
24 Thomas was one of the 12 disciples. He was also called Didymus. He was not with the other disciples when Jesus came. 25 So they told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “First I must see the nail marks in his hands. I must put my finger where the nails were. I must put my hand into his side. Only then will I believe.”
26 A week later, Jesus’ disciples were in the house again. Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, “May peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. See my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.”
(from John chapter 20, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a village called Emmaus. It was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked about those things, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 Jesus asked them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?”
They stood still, and their faces were sad. 18 One of them was named Cleopas. He said to Jesus, “Are you the only person visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know? Don’t you know about the things that have happened there in the last few days?”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet. He was powerful in what he said and did in the sight of God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed Jesus over to be sentenced to death. They nailed him to a cross. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to set Israel free. Also, it is the third day since all this happened. 22 Some of our women amazed us too. Early this morning they went to the tomb. 23 But they didn’t find his body. So they came and told us what they had seen. They saw angels, who said Jesus was alive. 24 Then some of our friends went to the tomb. They saw it was empty, just as the women had said. They didn’t see Jesus’ body there.”
25 Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are! How long it takes you to believe all that the prophets said! 26 Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and then receive his glory?” 27 Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures. He began with Moses and all the Prophets.
28 They approached the village where they were going. Jesus kept walking as if he were going farther. 29 But they tried hard to keep him from leaving. They said, “Stay with us. It is nearly evening. The day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 He joined them at the table. Then he took bread and gave thanks. He broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But then he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “He explained to us what the Scriptures meant. Weren’t we excited as he talked with us on the road?”
(from Luke chapter 24, New International Reader’s Version)
This story in the Bible:
After this, Jesus appeared to his disciples again. It was by the Sea of Galilee. Here is what happened. 2 Simon Peter and Thomas, who was also called Didymus, were there together. Nathanael from Cana in Galilee and the sons of Zebedee were with them. So were two other disciples. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them. They said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat. That night they didn’t catch anything.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. But the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, don’t you have any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat. There you will find some fish.” When they did, they could not pull the net into the boat. There were too many fish in it.
7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Simon Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Peter heard that, he put his coat on. He had taken it off earlier. Then he jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat. They were towing the net full of fish. The shore was only about 100 yards away. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals. There were fish on it. There was also some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat. He dragged the net to shore. It was full of large fish. There were 153 of them. But even with that many fish the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same thing with the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When Jesus and the disciples had finished eating, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter. He asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered. “You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 Jesus spoke to him a third time. He asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter felt bad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He answered, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 What I’m about to tell you is true. When you were younger, you dressed yourself. You went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands. Someone else will dress you. Someone else will lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to point out how Peter would die. His death would bring glory to God. Then Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”
(From John chapter 21, New International Reader’s Version)
A warm welcome awaits from our team of guides, who bring alive the wonderful history of the Cathedral as an ancient sacred space and its story of faith.
What we offer
Bookings
Advance bookings are required for both Guided tours and Self-Guided visits. It is strongly recommended that schools book visits to the Cathedral well in advance. Early confirmation of numbers and specific requirements allows the Cathedral to plan appropriately. Schools that do not pre-brook may have to wait or only be allowed limited access to the Cathedral due to other events and services.
Contact the Cathedral Office on 9653 433 or welcome@stpaulscathedral.org.au to make an inquiry or to book.
Wonderful architecture. Students loved the building, reading about the history of this cathedral and were fascinated by the stories told in the stained glass windows.
Review
Arrival and Departure
The Cathedral is located in a very busy CBD location – teachers should make themselves aware of the hazards associated with crossing roads, alighting from or boarding transport and ensure active supervision of students at all times.
The Cathedral has no storage available for visiting groups. All belongings must remain on the person for the duration of the visit. No responsibility is taken by the Cathedral for personal belongings and it is recommended valuables are not brought onto site.
Ramp access is available to and inside the Cathedral. Lifts are available in the Cathedral Education and Ministry Centre.
Moving Around the Cathedral
Teachers are responsible for the ongoing supervision of students at all times.
Public toilets are available in Federation Square.
First aid boxes are available in the Cathedral, however it cannot be guaranteed that a first aid trained member of staff will be on duty. All accidents/incidents must be reported to a member of staff either the concierge, verger or the events officer. In cause of an emergency or severe medical issue the Cathedral will contact 000. Where students have special medical needs teachers or school support staff should carry with them the required medication for the appropriate medical response.
Food and drink are not permitted in the Cathedral. Water bottles with a lid are allowed.
The Cathedral is a major tourist attraction and also a place of prayer. Students and groups are asked to be respectful of other groups and/or visitors using the Cathedral during their visit. Please keep noise to a minimum.
Child Saftey Standards
St Paul’s Cathedral is strongly committed to safeguarding the children and vulnerable people who participate in our services and other activities. A copy of the Child Safe Policies and Code of Conduct can be found here.
Emergencies
In the case of an emergency, Cathedral Staff will advise and direct all visitors on appropriate action. Cathedral Staff will provide direction to the teacher in charge of the group and this person is responsible for ensuring compliance with the directions by all students.
COVID-19 Information
We are continuing to monitor and follow government and diocesan guidelines to ensure the safety of all. For the latest guidelines, please see our COVID-19 Information Page here. A copy of our COVID Safe Plan can be requested at the time of booking.
You can book a guided tour for groups of 5 people or more. Guided Tours last between 30 and 40 minutes and we ask for a donation of $5 per person attending the tour.
To make a booking please contact the Cathedral Office on welcome@stpaulscathedral.org.au or 03 9653 4333.
The Cathedral Shop is open during the Cathedral’s visitor hours or you can shop online at anyime.
How to use the Interactive Tour
You can explore the Cathedral by using your mouse or arrow keys on your computer or by tapping and zooming using your fingers if you are using a touch-screen device. Click the points of interest to find out more, or download one of our guides sheets to explore
The self-guided tour guides can also be downloaded onto your device using the links below.
ENGLISH
CHINESE
FRENCH
INDONESIAN
CHILDREN’S GUIDE
SPANISH
GERMAN
KOREAN GUIDE
Today, the windows in St Paul’s Cathedral provide an opportunity for people who have little or no knowledge of the biblical narrative to engage with Bible stories with a storyteller.
