St John's Cathedral (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is St John's Cathedral?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Older kids enjoy stained-glass hunts and free bell-ringing demos, yet narrow stairs, quiet worship areas and few interactive displays may frustrate younger children.
Positives:
- Pram Access: Flat ground floor allows easy stroller access in the nave.
- Free Activities: Many events and tours are free, saving on entry fees.
Challenges:
- Narrow Stairs: Bell tower stairs are steep and uneven for younger children.
- Limited Seating: Few benches inside; bring a travel stool for kids to rest.
What is St John's Cathedral?
- A heritage-listed Anglican cathedral in central Brisbane that serves as the seat of the Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane
- An exemplar of Gothic Revival architecture featuring sandstone construction, soaring spires, rib-vaulted ceilings and intricate wood and stone carvings
- Home to a celebrated collection of stained-glass windows and a historic pipe organ, reflecting its longstanding cultural and liturgical significance
What is so special about St John's Cathedral for with kids?
- Turn stained-glass window spotting into a kids’ discovery trail.
- Let older children climb the bell tower for unique views.
- Join a guided family walk with morning tea.
- Explore free self-guided areas and save on costs.
- Plan visits early in summer to stay cool and beat crowds.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This lets kids explore features and play window-hunt without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in St John's Cathedral
Self-guided Discovery Trail:
Follow the trail to find key stained-glass windows like the Wheel and Millennium windows.
Tip: Pick up a free map at the Visitor Centre and turn it into a window-hunting game for kids.
Bell Tower Tour:
Climb 105 stone steps to the ringing chamber and hear a live demonstration.
Tip: Book your free spot online. Only for kids over 10 due to narrow stairs.
Ann Street Guided Walking Experience:
Join a 2-hour guided walk that ends with morning tea at the cathedral hall.
Tip: Book in advance and bring sun hats. Suited for school-aged children.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St John's Cathedral
- Pre-book Tours: Reserve the Bell Tower Tour and guided walk online before arrival.
- Early Visit: Arrive at opening time to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
- Use Sun Protection: Bring hats and water for guided walks on sunny days.
Reviews of St John's Cathedral
Rachel Henderson
Such a beautiful cathedral, amazing architecture 😍 the Concerts by Candlelight held here are lovely and great for any age. Tickets are well priced, definitely worth a visit.
Fiat
Amazing, so beautiful and friendly place.Cathedral itself looks wonderful. But on the top of this hole surrounding Park flowers lots of greens around it’s impressive. When I enter into the church, very friendly man welcome me. We had a little talk and overall was a great experience to visit this place.
Leisha Brown
We had a beautiful night. Such an interesting historical sanctuary, the candle light giving a peaceful feeling. The musicians and dancers, fabulous. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. We took some water and a snack. It was just the right length. Thank you
LAURA MAE Kijurina
The musical group Chromatics were very good. They also gave commentary of what they were going to play which was good. The venue at St Mary's Cathedral in Brisbane was good however seating is all the same level making it difficult to see the ballet dancers as the stage was not very high. Seating is by zone and not allocated. Still this was a great way to hear beautiful music and glimpses of ballet...
Juliana
Beautiful night of candlelight Ballet : Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and more music! The venue was in St John Anglican Cathedral Brisbane. The high vaulted ceiling creates a sense of grandeur and the music echoes beautifully within!
When is the best time to visit St John's Cathedral (Brisbane, Australia)?
In Brisbane summer (Dec–Feb), plan an early visit to avoid heat and crowds. In winter, late mornings give bright sunlight through the windows.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Self-guided Discovery Trail | AUD 0 |
| Bell Tower Tour | AUD 0 |
| Guided Walking Experience (Family of 4) | AUD 50 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St John's Cathedral
Address: 373 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides St John's Cathedral (Brisbane)?
About St John's Cathedral
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 7 3835 222210 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, with kids
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities