Top Things to do in Melbourne
What to do and see in Melbourne, Victoria: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.
Restaurants in Melbourne
1. St Paul's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,408 reviews
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral is a beautiful, historic building, situated in the centre of the City of Melbourne, Australia. It is a place of worship and prayer. St Paul's is built on the site where the first public Christian services in Melbourne were led by Dr Alexander Thomson in 1836. Soon afterwards a small wooden chapel was built elsewhere, and the area became a corn market until 1848, when it was made available for the building of the bluestone St Paul's Parish Church. Consecrated in 1852, this Church was used until 1885, when it was demolished to make way for the present Cathedral. The decision to build on the site of the existing church was made because of its proximity to the railway and soon to be completed cable tramway service.The Swanston Street and Flinders Street corner remains one of Melbourne's busiest intersections today, ensuring the Cathedral is a place at the heart of city life.
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
Right in the Melbourne CBD just a stones throw from Federation Square on Flinders St is the magnificent and iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Even if you are not religious I’d recommend going along to a Sunday service just to witness the whole package of St Paul’s (Neo-Gothic architecture, built in 1880) with its twin spires & high ceiling, intricate mosaic work and stain glass storybook windows together with full choir, church music (church bells and pipe organ) and sermon. It is a solemn experience and really quite something. Entry is free. You have to pay to take photos (I learnt this after the fact!).
2. St Thomas Aquinas' Church
3. St Michael's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By petermY2777LY - Melbourne, Australia
This was known as the Independent Church part of the Congregational Church and in 1977 part of the Uniting Church. It had a radical minister in Dr Francis Macnab who went against Biblical writings. This church was built in 1866 after the first church that was built in 1839 was demolished. It was designed by Joseph Reed who designed many buildings in Melbourne like the Town Hall, Royal Exhibition Buildings. In 1966 a chapel was built to commemorate 100 years of the building. In 1978 some of the original seats were removed. The church is an exuberant and outstanding example of Lombardic Romaneque style. The building is very finely detailed inside and out. It is an early example of polychromatic brickwork. It is a galleried auditorium with tired seating . It has a skyscraper office block behind it no doubt giving it more money! On the Russel Street side is Mingary which opened in September 1999. Mingary is a Gaelic word meaning ‘the quiet place’. It is a non-denominational sanctuary that welcomes all who enter. Mingary has been developed as a place for personal reflection and offers a peaceful escape from the hectic demands of city life. It offers a haven where people may restore a sense of strength and vitality following trauma and tragedy. Mingary is devoted to healing, restoration, inspiration, vision and empowerment. The church is on the Victorian Heritage Register and National Trust Classified..
4. Wesley Church Melbourne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
John Wesley (1703-1791) could gather a crowd of 5,000, with no amplification except his voice, yet they could hear everything he said His preaching began the Wesleyan Movement. This fine bluestone church is in the middle of a major commercial rebuilding project. The Gospel Hall (Chinese congregation) is a monument to he universality of his teaching. There is also statue of John Wesley in front of the Church.
5. Scots Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By petermY2777LY - Melbourne, Australia
The first building built in 1841 was demolished in 1841 and the new building opened on November 29 1874. David Mitchell the father of Dame Nellie Melba who at one stage sung in the choir, built the church. It is built in Gothic Revival style. It was designed by Joseph Reed who also designed the Melbourne Town Hall, State Library, Trades Hall, the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Wesley church and the Independent Church (now St Michael's). There is an impressive collections of large and smaller stain glass windows depicting themes including the Last Supper In 1963 following a severe storm sire was damaged and lowered by 40 feet but in 1989 it was built to its original height of 210 feet. In 1977 when The Methodist, Congregational and half of he Presbyterian churches merged to form the Uniting church the Scots Church stayed as a Presbyterian church It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and is National Trust classified.
6. Hillsong Church
7. St Joseph's Church
8. Trinity College Chapel
9. Collins Street Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
There has been a Baptist chapel on this site since 1843, before Victoria separated from New South Wales. The present stately Greek Revival church was built in the 1860s. It is a highlight of Collins St, Melbourne's spiritual, political, cultural and commercial heart. Collins St Baptist welcomes people 'who are curious about faith and life.' Rev. Tim Costello, brother of former Treasurer Peter Costello, has been among the leaders of this congregation. Members of the church aim to "live life as Jesus called us to, and to listen to the voice of God." As part oi its mission, the church runs the charming Verandah Cafe and the Green Room, which supports asylum seekers, refugees and overseas students with limited means.
