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The Enchanting Tree of Lights: A Radiant Brisbane Attraction
St John's Cathedral: A Gothic Revival Masterpiece
Discover Brisbane's architectural gem: St John's Cathedral, a stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece with a rich history and vibrant community.
St John's Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture in Brisbane's CBD, took over a century to complete, from 1901 to 2009. Its intricate stonework, soaring vaulted ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows make it a must-see landmark.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to St John's Cathedral
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Explore places near St John's Cathedral
Getting There
Walking
St John's Cathedral is located in Brisbane's CBD, easily accessible on foot from many central locations such as Central Station, Queen Street Mall, and Brisbane City Hall. From Central Station, walk two blocks along Ann Street towards Fortitude Valley. The cathedral will be on your left.
Public Transport
St John's Cathedral is well-served by public transport. Several bus routes stop near the cathedral. Central Station, a major train station, is a short walk away. Use the TransLink Journey Planner to find the best route from your location. A TransLink Go Card is recommended for easy travel on buses, trains, and ferries. Free City Loop bus services also operate in the city centre.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber, Ola, and DiDi are readily available in Brisbane. A taxi from Brisbane Airport to the city center costs approximately AUD 45-55. A 5km trip around the city will cost about AUD 13. Expect to pay a booking fee of around AUD 1.50. Note that a 5-10% surcharge may apply to card payments.
Driving
If driving, limited metered street parking is available on Ann Street between 11 am and 2 pm on weekdays. Secure paid parking is available at the Cathedral Square Car Park opposite the cathedral. Other nearby parking options include King George Square Car Park and Wickham Terrace Car Park. Expect to pay around $21-26 for all-day parking. Be aware of clearway zones at other times.
Local tips
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Visit during a service or concert to experience the cathedral's acoustics and atmosphere.
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Take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral's history, architecture, and art.
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Check the cathedral's website for upcoming events and services.
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Explore the surrounding Cathedral Square and St Martin's House.
Discover more about St John's Cathedral
St John's Cathedral, located in the heart of Brisbane City, stands as a testament to architectural dedication and artistry. Construction began in 1901 and wasn't completed until 2009, making it one of the last Gothic Revival cathedrals finished in the world. The cathedral is dedicated to St John the Evangelist and serves as the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane.
The cathedral's design, by John Loughborough Pearson, showcases a blend of French and English Gothic Revival styles. The exterior is constructed from Brisbane Tuff, a distinctive pink and lavender stone, while the interior features Helidon sandstone. The cathedral boasts the only fully stone-vaulted ceiling in the Southern Hemisphere. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate wood carvings, over 150 stained glass lights, and a 350-million-year-old fossilized limestone font. The cathedral also houses a collection of memorials to the First and Second World Wars, including a flag flown at Gallipoli.
St John's Cathedral is more than just a beautiful building; it's a vibrant center for the community. It hosts regular services, concerts, talks, and workshops. Visitors can explore the cathedral on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture.
A brief summary to St John's Cathedral
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