Saint Mary's Cathedral
Saint Mary's Cathedral is a grand architectural achievement
Saint Mary's Cathedral has evolved into a grandiose Sydney landmark over a a period of over 130 years. Situated along the east side of Hyde Park in the Central Business District it is visible from many different vantage points. It is also Australia's largest church.
Featuring Gothic Revival architecture along the lines of the smaller and older St Andrew's Cathedral, the first stone for this beautiful Sydney landmark was laid back in 1868 after a succession of Catholic Churches, some of which were destroyed by fire. The Cathedral was finally dedicated in 1882, but it was only a portion of what it is today. The nave was not completed until 1928 followed by the crypt in 1961. And last, but not least the large spires on to of the two towers were not added until the year 2000 in order to improve the aesthetics of the previously square topped towers.
While the design of St. Mary's Cathedral is original it certainly inherits many features typical of far more medival churches from Europe. Due to the size of the project and the available location the Cathedral is oriented north-south breaking the tradition of east-west orientation.
Forty pictorial stained glass windows and striking mosaic floors along with a myriad of other fine details complete this elegant and grand Cathedral.
Nearby attractions: Hyde Park, Hyde Park Barracks Museum and the Australian Museum.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSaint Mary's Cathedral Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9220 0400
Official Website: Saint Mary's Cathedral
Saint Mary's Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Gothic Revival masterpiece that serves as a serene escape from the city's bustle. Its golden sandstone exterior and soaring twin spires make it an architectural landmark, while the interior features magnificent stained-glass windows and a stunning terrazzo mosaic crypt.
Why You Should Visit
Architecture: Admire the English Gothic style, intricate rose windows, and vaulted ceilings.
Atmosphere: Experience the profound hush and "celestial glow" created by the amber-tinted windows.
Heritage: Explore the "Mother Church" of Australian Catholicism, standing on the site of the nation's first Catholic chapel.
Pro-Tips
Timing: Visit at dusk to see the sandstone glow or on Sundays at 2:00 PM for a free guided tour.
Etiquette: It is an active place of worship; ensure your shoulders are covered and keep your voice to a whisper.
Hidden Gem: Don't miss the crypt downstairs—it is often considered the most beautiful part of the building.
Leon Barnfield - 3 weeks ago
Saint Mary’s Cathedral Christmas Lights is absolutely stunning and well worth the visit during the festive season.
The light projections are beautifully done and transform the cathedral into something truly magical after dark. The colours, detail, and storytelling in the display make it feel special rather than gimmicky.
The atmosphere around the cathedral is lovely — festive but calm — and it’s a great spot to wander through, take photos, or simply stand and enjoy the show. It’s also very accessible, with plenty of space for people to move around without feeling too crowded.
A wonderful free Christmas experience in the heart of the city and a must-see if you’re in Sydney over the holidays. 🎄✨
Rebecca Nolan - 4 weeks ago
Nice cathedral. Free for visitors and pretty large. A nice stop on a Sydney city tour to enjoy a moment of tranquility. Of course, it's not really old if compared to churches in Europe or the Middle East.
Andreas Ludwig - in the last week
A fabulous piece of Gothic architecture located in the heart of Sydney on the route for the Big Bus tour. Make sure you hop off here and spend sometime in the serene and peaceful area in front of the altar. The architecture inside is as gorgeous as on the outside. The decorum is maintained inside even though there are many tourists who visit.
Sudipto Marik - 3 weeks ago
Visited St Mary’s Cathedral last weekend and it was a truly peaceful and beautiful experience. The Gothic architecture is stunning, both inside and out, with intricate details and magnificent stained-glass windows. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, making it a perfect place to pause and reflect in the middle of the city. Definitely worth a visit when in Sydney.
Vishnu Vardhan - 3 weeks ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| T2, T3 or T8 | St. James Station | 1 minute |
How to get to Saint Mary's Cathedral by Train
By Train: St. James Station exits at Hyde Park just west of the Cathedral. Simply walk through the park to get to St. Mary's.
By Bus: Bus 333 runs up and down Elizabeth Street through the CBD. You can disembark at St. James Station and proceed as above.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Saint Mary's Cathedral:
Photo Gallery
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Interior of St. Mary's Cathedral cc licensed photo by Rob Young -
Photo Credit: Rmonty119 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Lascar - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mikecogh - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sidneiensis - cc license via Flickr
