St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne

Church Catholic cathedral and prominent Gothic Revival landmark

Gothic Revival Roman Catholic cathedral on Melbourne’s Cathedral Hill, seat of the archbishop. Visitors attend services, hear the organ and examine stained glass and stonework in the city’s religious and architectural heart.

Main image

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic cathedral in Melbourne, Australia, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne. It is a large Gothic Revival church noted for its spires, stained glass and vaulted interior.

The cathedral was designed by William Wardell and construction began in the 1850s, with major building phases continuing into the 20th century; it remains one of Australia’s largest churches. The building is used for regular liturgical services, diocesan ceremonies and public concerts.

Located in East Melbourne close to Fitzroy Gardens and Parliament House, the cathedral is within walking distance of Melbourne’s central business district and is a prominent landmark in the cityscape.

  • Architect and style: Designed by architect William Wardell in the Gothic Revival style, with construction begun in the mid 19th century and continued in phases thereafter.
St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
1 Cathedral Pl, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
-37.8101, 144.9760

How to Get to St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne #

A short walk from Melbourne CBD; from Flinders Street Station it’s about 10-12 minutes on foot across the Yarra River and through the Treasury Gardens.

Tips for Visiting St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne #

  • Arrive for Evensong or a choral service to hear the cathedral's acoustics at their best.
  • Climb the cathedral tower for city views; book in advance if a special service is taking place.
  • Check the cathedral's noticeboard for organ recitals and guided tours.

Best Time to Visit St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne #

Best visited outside peak summer for calmer crowds; attend a service for the best sense of the building's presence.

Spring
Sep-Nov · 10-20°C
Comfortable weather for walking the cathedral precinct and nearby Fitzroy Gardens.
Autumn
Mar-May · 15-25°C
Clearer skies and cultural events citywide; fewer tourists than summer.

Weather & Climate near St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne #

Climate

St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (668 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 26°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 69 mm of rain.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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