Cathedral tours

St Saviour’s Cathedral

St Saviour’s Cathedral is an outstanding piece of colonial architecture, designed by renowned architect Edmund T Blackett. It was substantially completed in 1884 (except the bell tower which was not completed until 1988). Built of sandstone, the Cathedral showcases stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stonework and has many internal features of historical interest. Even the pews are heritage listed, displaying Blackett’s designs on their ends. St Saviour’s Cathedral belltower houses the only complete peal of 12 change ringing bells in an Australian regional centre.  Its bells were cast in England in 1872 and shipped to the Cathedral as a bicentennial project in 1988. More information about the bells can be found here

Visit St Saviour’s – the Cathedral is open for public viewing when not in use, in return for a donation. A self-guided tour pamphlet which highlights points of interest is available in the foyer.

Belltower Guided Tours:
Saturday 11:30am and Sunday 11:30am (duration approximately one hour)
Assembly point – Meet at the base of the belltower on Bourke Street
Maximum group size – 12 people per tour.
Suggested donation – $10 per person – cash please on the day

You will tour all levels of the tower (ringing room, equipment room, bell chamber), learn about the evolution of change ringing in England and Australia, and witness our bellringers in action. 

Please note – the tour involves climbing a sandstone spiral staircase (over 50 steps) – it is not recommended for anyone who has trouble with stairs or is affected by claustrophobia or heights.

Sts Peter & Paul’s Old Cathedral

Visit Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral to see the only greenstone church in the world with a world class collection of precious relics.   During the tour, visitors will discover the rich history of the Cathedral, from its founding and remarkable architecture to the lives of those who have served here over the years. Tour highlights include the beautiful interior of the Cathedral, historic organ, recently restored Stations of the Cross, beautiful stained-glass windows, sacred relics, the crypt, and more. Find more information here

Tours
Saturday 17th October 2pm and Sunday 18th October 2pm (duration approximately one hour)

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