Sydney Churches and Cathedrals

(Sydney, New South Wales - NSW, Australia)

A city boasting some enchanting churches and religious buildings, Sydney comes with no less than two imposing cathedrals. St. Andrew's Cathedral serves as the seat of the city's Anglican Archbishop and holds parish services every single day, along with regular choir and organ recitals.

Known for its splendid historic Gothic facade and almost medieval appearance, St. Andrew's does rather contrast with the surrounding sleek modern buildings and provides real character to George Street, standing amidst all of the rather plain high-rise office blocks.

Slightly younger is the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Mary, Sydney's principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. St. Mary's is actually the biggest church in the whole of Australia and dominates College Street with its magnificent architecture, being situated alongside the city's Fragrance Garden and fronted by a line of mature trees. The cathedral's twin spires remain a prominent sight, despite being enclosed by the many tall buildings making up the Central Business District.

St. Andrew's Cathedral

Address: Corner of Bathurst Street and George Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9265 1661
St. Andrew's is the oldest cathedral in the whole of Australia and was founded in 1819. Located near the Town Hall, directly opposite the Adyar Bookshop and the Bonta Vita restaurant, this cathedral was actually inspired by the grand York Minster in England. Highlights include breathtaking architecture, stained-glass windows at their finest, detailed carvings, 'Young Music' concerts every Tuesday lunchtime, organ recitals on Fridays and many religious-themed events.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:30; Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00; Sunday - 08:00 to 20:00

St. Mary's Cathedral

Address: St. Mary's Road / College Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9220 0400
Visited by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, St. Mary's Cathedral is situated alongside College Street, on the north-eastern corner of Hyde Park and close to the Archibald Fountain. With Gothic-style architecture, free guided tours and many historic features, St. Mary's was built in the late 19th century and took around 14 years to complete. The twin spires were actually added between 1998 and 2000, greatly improving the overall appearance. With a cavernous interior and many impressive attractions, this is actually one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 06:30 to 18:30, Saturday - 08:00 to 18:30

Great Synagogue

Address: 166 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9267 2477
Sydney's Great Synagogue dates from 1878 and is home to the longest-running congregation in the entire city. Featuring an elaborate ceiling with gold-leaf stars, French Gothic-style wrought-iron gates and many stunning period details, other attractions at the synagogue include a museum and seasonal exhibitions. The Great Synagogue can be found right next to Hyde Park, being just a short walk away from Sandringham Gardens and the Anzar War Memorial.
Open hours: hours vary

St. James' Anglican Church

Address: Queen's Square, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9232 3022
St. James' Anglican Church was built in the early 19th century by convicts and is one of the oldest in the city. Restored in the mid-1950s, this building features striking old stained-glass windows, a modern window in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, free organ recitals on Wednesday lunchtimes (between March and December), and guided tours at 14:30 on weekdays.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 17:00; Sunday - 07:30 to 16:00

St. Patrick's Church

Address: 20 Grosvenor Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 3516
St. Patrick's can be found on Grosvenor Street, in the Central Business District. Built more than 150 years ago, this historic Catholic church is renowned for its particularly elaborate interior.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 20:00

St. Philip's Church

Address: Clarence Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Sydney
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 1071
Founded in 1856, St. Philip's was built by architect Edmund Blacket and features Victorian-style architecture. Surrounded by many modern skyscrapers and buildings, this is a particularly peaceful church and was the first in the city to be lit by gas.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00



Other churches and religious buildings in and around central Sydney include:

St. Stephen's Uniting Church

Address: 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9221 1688
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00

Garrison Church

Address: 62 Lower Front Street, Millers Point, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 1268
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00

Hare Krishna Temple

Address: Falcon Street, North Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2060, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9959 4558
Open hours: daily - 05:30 to 21:30

Hwa Tsang Monastery

Address: 29 Mackenzie Street, Homebush West, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2140, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9746 6334
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 18:00

Baha'i House of Worship

Address: Mona Vale Road, Ingleside, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2101, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9913 2771
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00

Mahamukat Buddhist Temple

- 88 Stanmore Road, Stanmore, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Open hours: daily - hours vary

Auburn Gallipoli Mosque

Address: 15-19 North Parade, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9646 5972
Open hours: daily - hours vary