The Most Beautiful Churches And Cathedrals In Victoria Australia

While Melbourne and the Victoria region certainly don’t have the same prodigious tradition of cathedrals seen throughout in Europe, there are a vast amount of churches and cathedrals in Victoria that reflect the country’s 19th century history. Many took on English gothic styles and exhibit striking designs and architecture. These are the top ten most beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Victoria, Australia.

1. St Michael's Uniting Church

Church

St Michael’s Uniting Church was originally built in 1839, but was knocked down and rebuilt in 1866 by Joseph Reed, who also designed the Melbourne Exhibition Building and The Melbourne Town Hall. Joseph Reed designed the church in Lombardic style due to his appreciation for this late Roman architectural tradition. The minister who was in charge during 1866 wanted to reflect a theatre-like design so everyone could look onto and hear the preacher. The church practices contemporary preaching and focuses on embracing their inner well-being.

2. St Paul's Cathedral

Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral was originally designed in a European Gothic style by William Butterfield, and constructed between 1880-91. The spires were designed by John Barr, a redesign of Butterfield’s original, and were constructed from 1926. The Cathedral was built on the land originally occupied by St Paul’s Church, which was demolished in 1885 to make way for the southern end of the Cathedral. Weddings, funerals and baptisms are all held in the cathedral, as well as a number of services, as this place is one of the most popular cathedrals in Melbourne. The Cathedral holds guided tours, which allows you to explore the wealth and beauty of this magnificent space. Likewise, you can also explore the cathedral on your own, as the cathedral is open every day for people and tourists to come for worshipping, praying or just visiting.

3. St Patrick’s Cathedral

Cathedral

Lying in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District is the popular St Patrick’s Cathedral. Its simple yet elegant design makes it one of the most mesmerising architectural sights in Melbourne. It is visually striking not just from the exterior, but also upon entering, as its massive walls of blue stone give it an neo-gothic appearance. The cathedral is built on a traditional east-west axis, with the altar pointing towards the eastern end, symbolising belief in the resurrection of Christ. Architect William Wardell designed the cathedral based on medieval cathedrals of England, the common style in the 19th century.

5. St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong

Building, Cathedral, Church

St Mary’s is deeply rooted within the history of Geelong, and was built for the ever-growing population during the Gold Rush years when many Catholics lived in the area and were in need of a sacred place, much like they had in their communities back in England. The Gold Rush that began in 1851 saw the town’s population almost quadruple to nearly 4000, leading to plans of a larger church, which took the form of the building seen today. The church has become an icon for Geelong thanks-in-part to the beautiful designs of this magnificent cathedral-like building, which stands 200 feet long, 130 feet wide, and costing 40,000 pounds at the time of construction.

6. St Mary Star of the Sea

Cathedral, Church

This church is known as one of the most significant and beautifully designed churches throughout Australia. It was constructed and finished by 1900 and was built to hold over 1,200 people, making it one of the largest parish churches in Melbourne. Edgar J. Henderson, the architect who designed the church, took inspiration from the French gothic styles prominent in parts of Europe. St Mary Star of the Sea took eight years to build, and due to financial hardships many thought Henderson was being too ambitious. However, at the end of those eight years, determination paid off and now it stands as one of the most striking churches in Melbourne.

7. Scots’ Church

Building, Church

Scots’ Church has one of the most fascinating architectural designs, both from its interior and external appearance. Built between 1871 and 1874 in a gothic style, it was designed by Joseph Reed, one of Australia’s most famous architects, who intended for the building to be one Australia’s most beautiful churches. The interior features an impressive collection of large and smaller stained glass windows depicting various Christian themes. This church was the first Presbyterian Church to be built in Victoria.

8. St James' Old Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

A London architect named Robert Russell designed St James’ Old Cathedral in a Colonial Georgian style with the intention to incorporate a symmetrical flair, which helps bring out the structure’s beauty. It is one of the oldest churches in Melbourne and served as the city’s Anglican cathedral until St Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated in 1891. Although the exterior appears modest, its interior presents a simple yet beautiful harmony throughout its design. The cathedral holds weddings, as well as a number of other of events open to the public.

9. St Paul’s Cathedral In Bendigo

Cathedral, Church

St Paul’s Cathedral was constructed to represent the early gothic styles of England, and varies from the one built in central Melbourne, discussed above. The modest exterior appears plain and is made out of red brick, but the interior features exceptional arrangements such as ornamented semi-circular cusps in the ceiling and stained glass windows, which allow colourful and illuminating light to pass into the church. There is also a vibrant organ that adds to the rich interior of the church. However modest, the colour scheme manages to bring this space to life.

10. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat

Cathedral, Church

St Patrick’s was built in Ballarat between 1858 and 1871, and was given a gothic appearance through the usage of blue stone, and black iron gates. Its dark interior gives off a distinctly elegant vibe, while like most churches it gets its light through the stained glass windows, which in this church are particularly detailed. Contrasting with the darkness are luminous gold crosses on the ceiling.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.