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Australia/Things to Do in Melbourne, with kids

Saint Patrick's Cathedral (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Saint Patrick's Cathedral?

67%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can hunt outdoor statues and hear the huge pipe organ, yet the need for silence inside, absence of a kids’ program, and many breakable candles reduce overall kid-friendliness.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 3,700 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free Entry: No fee to explore both interior and outdoor areas.
  • Stroller Access: Ramps at side entrances make it easy to bring a stroller on grounds.

Challenges:

  • Quiet Interior: Kids must stay calm and quiet during services and inside the nave.
  • No Official Kids Trail: There is no dedicated booklet; plan simple games to keep children engaged inside.
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What is Saint Patrick's Cathedral?

  • A Gothic Revival–style Catholic cathedral in East Melbourne serving as the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
  • A bluestone landmark constructed between 1858 and 1897, with three soaring spires completed in 1939 to establish its Latin cross–plan form
  • An ornate interior defined by a ribbed vaulted nave, sculpted marble columns and an array of stained-glass and alabaster windows

What is so special about Saint Patrick's Cathedral for with kids?

  1. Free entry with stroller ramps and gardens
  2. Statue hunt game ideal for ages 6–12
  3. Water channels and benches for snack breaks
  4. Gothic dome and stained glass children find fascinating
  5. Sunday Mass with choir adds cultural experience

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore interior, gardens and a fun statue hunt without rushing younger children.

(View Saint Patrick's Cathedral on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Outdoor Statue Hunt:

Find statues of St Patrick, St Francis of Assisi, St Mary MacKillop and Daniel O’Connell on the cathedral lawns.

Tip: Give each child a checklist and small reward for spotting all statues.

Explore Water Feature and Gardens:

Walk the slate-lined water canal steps and rest by rose beds and benches.

Tip: Bring snacks and let kids dip their fingers in the shallow water under supervision.

Admire Stained Glass and Dome:

Step inside to see the pointed arch dome, thick marble columns and colorful windows.

Tip: Visit 30 minutes before sunset to watch golden light filter through the glass.

Attend Family-Friendly Mass:

Join Sunday 9:30 am or 11 am Mass to hear the choir and organ with kids under 15 free.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and use the side door to find seating quietly.

When is the best time to visit Saint Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne, Australia)?

Spring brings rose blooms on the lawns. Summer can be warm—pack water and sun hats. Autumn sunsets cast a golden glow on the bluestone. In winter, wear layers inside the cool interior.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Melbourne on Trip.com

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Reviews of Saint Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne)

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Bùi Công Tiếp

Bùi Công Tiếp

Jul 2025

St. Patrick's Cathedral is an architectural marvel in Melbourne, known for its stunning Gothic design and beautiful stained glass windows. The peaceful atmosphere and grandeur make it a must-visit for those seeking history and tranquility. It's an iconic landmark that represents Melbourne’s rich cultural heritage.

Perryphenols

Perryphenols

Jul 2025

I wasn’t expecting to be this moved by a cathedral, but St Patrick’s in Melbourne completely blew me away. From the outside, it’s already stunning, those towering Gothic spires, the dark stone walls, the symmetry, the details it’s like stepping into a different time. But it’s the inside that really got me. As soon as I walked in, everything felt so peaceful. The high ceilings, the soft glow from ...

Charul Parihar

Charul Parihar

Jun 2025

One of the most stunning landmarks in Melbourne. The cathedral is built in the Decorated Gothic style architecture. The inside is just as peaceful and grand as the outside. Whether you’re religious or not, the calmness and beauty of the space offer a quiet moment of reflection. It’s free to enter, and not too crowded on weekdays. If you go around golden hour (late afternoon), the sunlight through ...

Adrian De Abreu

Adrian De Abreu

Jun 2025

Really fun time there. The architecture is amazing and really detailed. First time going there. Was a sight to behold. Several entrances and exits. Really big area and religious space. Very nice mass and atmosphere.

M C

M C

May 2025

Visited at around 4pm and there’s not many people in and around the church ground. It’s so peaceful walking around the church compound and inside the cathedral. A really beautiful architecture coupled with amazing stained glass, and the sunlight streaming in from the windows, just made the visit so delightful and peaceful. Although I’m not a Christian, I would happily come here to find peace. An...

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Cathedral entryAUD 0
Postcards or bookmarksAUD 15
Refreshments at nearby cafeAUD 25
Total EstimatedAUD 40

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

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Saint Patrick's Cathedral

  1. Visit at Sunset: See stained glass glow in golden light before evening services begin.
  2. Use Side Entrance: Enter via side door to skip queues at the main entrance.
  3. Combine with East Melbourne Walk: Include nearby parks and landmarks for a half-day family outing.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Melbourne attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Address: 1 Cathedral Pl, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia

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About Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Opening Hours

Monday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday:7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 3 9662 2233

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