Peacefully nestled in the heart of bustling Melbourne, St Patrick's Cathedral stands not only as a sacred place of worship but also as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture in Australia. With its soaring spires, historic domes, and tranquil atmosphere, the cathedral captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and deep historical significance.
Now, join me as we explore this magnificent cathedral through a series of photos I’ve captured.
St Patrick's Cathedral Address: Google Map
St Patrick's Cathedral is located in East Melbourne, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. If you're planning to visit or take photos here, don't head straight inside just yet! Thanks to its grand scale and striking architecture, there are plenty of perfect spots around the area to capture the full view of the cathedral. Below are some of my favourite angles that I’ve photographed:
If you're taking the tram to the cathedral, this street is just next to the tram stop — don’t miss the chance to check it out.
Right across from St Patrick’s Cathedral is Fitzroy Gardens — one of the largest botanical gardens in Melbourne’s city centre. It’s also one of the few spots where flying a drone is permitted, making it a perfect place to capture aerial shots of the cathedral set against a peaceful, green backdrop.
After walking around the exterior and capturing a few wide shots, I finally stepped inside the cathedral. The interior is incredibly spacious, filled with stunning architectural details and countless photo-worthy angles. If you're into photography like I am, you could easily spend the whole day exploring and shooting every corner of this magnificent place!
St Patrick’s Cathedral stands out with its Neo-Gothic architecture, towering spires, and a solemn, timeworn interior that exudes history.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1858 but wasn’t officially completed until 1939 — a project that spanned nearly 80 years, showcasing the immense scale and craftsmanship behind every detail. In 1974, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of Minor Basilica, a sacred title reserved for churches of particular importance within the Catholic Church.
Standing in front of the main entrance of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne is a statue of Archbishop Daniel Mannix — one of the most influential figures in the history of the Catholic Church in Australia.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is free of charge, though hours may vary on special occasions or during major events.
Following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025, aged 88, a memorial image has been placed inside St Patrick’s Cathedral to honour his legacy.
To honour his memory, more than 2,500 faithful from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 28 April for a solemn Mass for Pope Francis. Throughout the day, people came to light candles and pray in silence — a touching expression of love, respect, and mourning for the late Pope.
Photography is permitted inside the cathedral; however, as it is a sacred and spiritual place, visitors are kindly asked to remain quiet and avoid disturbing those who are praying.
St Patrick’s Cathedral offers the opportunity to hold weddings within its sacred grounds. However, according to official church guidelines, couples are required to register at least six months in advance to allow time for necessary paperwork and to complete a pre-marriage preparation course.
You can reserve your wedding date in advance by contacting a church representative HERE .
After spending a few hours photographing the interior, I stepped outside to capture the rest of the cathedral surrounded by golden leaves — a gentle sign that autumn was on its way.
Just outside the cathedral stands a striking statue that left a strong impression on me: a woman raising a crown of thorns toward the heavens, a powerful and moving symbol.
After researching at home, I discovered that this statue depicts St. Catherine of Siena — a mystic and theologian, and one of the few women to be honored with the title Doctor of the Church, bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to Catholic doctrine and theology.
The statue portrays the moment Christ offered St. Catherine a choice between a golden crown and a crown of thorns. She chose the crown of thorns, embracing suffering and sacrifice as a reflection of Jesus’ own path.
These are all the photos I took, together with some interesting insights about St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Melbourne. I hope this article helps you see and appreciate this beautiful church from a new perspective.
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