St Andrew’s Cathedral stands opposite Sydney Town Hall, at the corner of George and Bathurst streets. Consecrated in 1868, it is Australia’s oldest cathedral and the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney. Inside, look for the sandstone walls, timber roof and stained-glass windows, then take in the Gothic Revival details and quiet atmosphere. A free Army Band concert takes place on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm, with seating on a first-come basis. The cathedral is next to Town Hall station, making it an easy stop in the city centre.
A cathedral built over three decades
St Andrew’s Cathedral is opposite Sydney Town Hall, on the corner of George and Bathurst streets. Its foundation stone was laid in 1837, but financial difficulties interrupted construction. The building was consecrated in 1868, making it Australia’s oldest cathedral.
The project had an earlier beginning: a plan from 1819 was abandoned. When work resumed, architect Edmund Blacket took over walls begun by James Hume, extended the structure and added the central tower. His design drew on English Gothic cathedrals, including those at Winchester, York and Canterbury.
Gothic details inside
The cathedral is built in the Gothic Revival style. Inside, sandstone walls and a timber roof set the tone; stained-glass windows bring coloured light into the space. Look up and around to take in the craftsmanship, including the carefully detailed interior. The cathedral’s Gothic character is present both inside and outside, so allow time to view the building from more than one angle.
The interior arrangement has changed over time. Leslie Wilkinson reversed its orientation in 1941. Restoration work in 1999 and 2000 reversed it again and brought back surviving parts of Blacket’s original arrangement.
Worship and civic life
St Andrew’s is the cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney and the seat of the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney. Its worship includes choral services using the Prayer Book, contemporary services and ministry in Chinese. Services and commemorations take place in a space that also has a civic role: the cathedral has hosted State funerals and ceremonies such as ANZAC services.
The cathedral community also works with people facing hardship. Its programmes support people living on the street and connect housing, health and legal agencies in the precinct. A weekly free breakfast is among the activities associated with this work.
Concerts and access
The Wednesday Army Band concert begins at 12:30 pm and is free to attend. Seating is first come, first served, and the concert lasts about an hour. Check the cathedral’s website for current details before setting out.
The entrance at the front has steps. Visitors using wheelchairs or who have difficulty with steps can enter from the side. Town Hall station is close by, while parking at the cathedral is limited.
Perguntas frequentes
When was St Andrew’s Cathedral built?
Construction began in 1837 and the cathedral was consecrated in 1868. It is Australia’s oldest cathedral.
Is there a free concert at St Andrew’s Cathedral?
A free Army Band concert takes place on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm. Seating is first come, first served, and the concert lasts about an hour.
How do you enter the cathedral with a wheelchair?
Use the side entrance, as the front entrance has steps. The cathedral has wheelchair-accessible facilities.
How long should I spend at St Andrew’s Cathedral?
Allow 30 to 60 minutes to look around. The Wednesday concert lasts about an hour.
