St Patrick's Cathedral Tours and Activities

St Patrick\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a city and a church or cathedral
St Patrick\'s Cathedral showing religious elements and a church or cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral
St Patrick\'s Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, religious elements and a city
St Patrick\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and religious aspects


This soaring Catholic place of worship is the tallest church in Australia and is well known for its striking appearance.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of the Irish Catholics of Melbourne, and is named for the patron saint of Ireland. Completed in 1939 after more than 70 years of construction, “St Pat’s” is a majestic example of Gothic revival design. The yard in front also contains a statue of Daniel O’Connell, the emancipator of Irish Catholics from religious persecution.

Situated on the borders of the city centre, the towering central spire of the cathedral reaches an impressive 105 metres into the Melbourne sky, with a further two spires topping out at 61 metres each. The unusual dusky colours of the building are a result of the use of local Victorian bluestone, along with a range of other materials.

Make your way around the cathedral and crane your neck back to admire the scale of the building, along with its ornate decoration and striking design. Keep a look out for the gruesome gargoyles and many sculptures found around the exterior.

Entering the building, take in the colours and shapes cast by its beautiful stained-glass windows. The enormous organ dates from the 1870s, and is handsome and sonorous in equal measure – come for Sunday evening mass to hear it in action in tandem with the excellent St Patrick’s Cathedral Singers.

Entry is free of charge, and you can stroll around to your heart’s content, or join a tour. Catholic mass ceremonies take place daily, and you can pick up curios and other Catholic items in the cathedral shop. When you’re finished with your visit, sit back and relax in the green and pleasant Fitzroy Gardens, which are found nearby.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is a short walk from central Melbourne, and is across the road from Flinders Street Station, the city’s main train depot.

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Top St Patrick's Cathedral Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

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

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

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

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett 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 Patrick's Cathedral

Near St Patrick's Cathedral, you'll find a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping, art galleries, and theatre performances. Consider exploring Melbourne tour packages and group trips to make the most of your visit. With its stunning architecture and rich history, the cathedral is a perfect starting point for your Melbourne adventure.

Shopping

For shopping near St Patrick's Cathedral, visit Melbourne Central, just 1.1km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Queen Victoria Market, 1.6km away, is perfect for fresh produce and local goods. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, only 805m away, specialises in stunning opal jewellery.

Recreation

At Marvel Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports, just 3.2km from St Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy concerts at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, located 1.4km away, for a delightful entertainment experience. For family fun, visit Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 3.2km away.

Adventure

The Merri Creek Trail, located 3.2km from St Patrick's Cathedral, offers a delightful hiking experience amidst stunning outdoor scenery. For a leisurely stroll, explore the Tan Track, situated 1.6km away. For an exhilarating adventure, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St Patrick's Cathedral by catching a show at the nearby Princess Theatre, only 322m away. Alternatively, enjoy a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, a short 483m away, or visit the Regent Theatre, 966m away, for a delightful cultural experience.

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

Find the best attractions near St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne is a cultural gem surrounded by charming streets and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cathedral's stunning architecture while exploring nearby historic colleges and universities. This vibrant area caters to families and culture enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful blend of experiences. Don't miss the chance to admire St Patrick's Cathedral, also known as Saint Patrick, as you discover the rich heritage of this iconic landmark.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Home to major sporting events and concerts, Rod Laver Arena offers an electric atmosphere with family-friendly vibes. Located 1.3km from St Patrick's Cathedral, it’s a must-visit for entertainment lovers.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Known as the MCG, this iconic sports stadium, situated 1.1km away, is rich in history and culture. Experience the passion of Australian sport in this legendary venue, often referred to as the 'spiritual home of cricket.'
  • Collins Street: A bustling hub located 1.3km from the cathedral, Collins Street is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant city vibes. It’s the perfect spot for shopping, dining, and soaking in Melbourne’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Best time to go to St Patrick's Cathedral

The best time to visit St Patrick's Cathedral is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January and January are its hottest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny. July and July are its coolest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St Patrick's Cathedral

To save money on your visit to St Patrick's Cathedral, consider travelling during the cheaper months of May to June or August, avoiding pricier times like January and November. Booking a stay on a Monday can also help cut costs, while Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by sorting options from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, you can save by bundling your hotel with flights and activities for a package deal, ensuring a more economical trip while enjoying free activities around the cathedral.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St Patrick'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 Patrick's Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St Patrick's Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels for you to book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at St Patrick's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.