St Stephen's Cathedral submitted by Cristina Chrestesen.
You don’t have to be religious to enjoy the restorative calm, architectural beauty and harmony of many of Brisbane’s spiritual places. Ranging from ornate Buddhist temples to grand Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedrals, Brisbane’s places of worship cater to a thriving multi-faith community. They also happen to be among the best venues for some truly heavenly - and frequently free - music. So take some time out of your busy itinerary and soak up the calm of Brisbane’s places of the soul.
Foguangshan Chung Tian Temple, Priestdale, Logan City
A peaceful venue for the celebration of Buddhism, Chung Tian Temple welcomes people from all walks of life. The name Chung Tian Temple means “middle heaven” and the temple building, set amid native Australian bushland girded by modern Zen-style gardens, is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
You can take a guided tour of the temple and surrounds - or join any of the activities on offer such as meditation, calligraphy, ringing of the blessing bell (the biggest and heaviest bell in Brisbane!), Chinese tea ceremony, Chinese language classes, origami and Tai Chi. Visit the What’s On section of the temple’s website for more information on the weekly program of activities.
Be sure to visit the museum, which houses a substantial collection of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, Chinese calligraphic works, paintings, crafts and other Asian artefacts. New themes and special displays are periodically showcased.
St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
A great example of 19th century Gothic-revival architecture, the Anglican St John’s Cathedral features a forest of sandstone columns and arches supporting the only stone-vaulted ceiling in Australia. Visitors are welcome to take part in one of the regular, free guided tours or to walk through the historic building at their leisure.
Be sure to take a look at the exquisite wood carvings (the choir stalls and Archbishop’s seat are intricately carved in Queensland silkwood), the beautiful stained-glass windows, and some of the 400-plus needlework cushions, designed by Queensland College of Arts students, featuring Australian flora and fauna.
If you can’t make it to the cathedral, take a virtual tour.
Music lovers can enjoy the fine choral music on Sundays as well as the music recitals held throughout the year.
At the end of your visit, check out the Cathedral Shop, which sells a range of spiritual items such as images of the cathedral, crosses, a great selection of angels and nativity sets.
The Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane City
“In the quiet corners of this cathedral, those who shed tears of regret have found peace, those who sighed with weariness have gone out with new strength, those who were lost have discovered a way.”
A 19th century, neo-Gothic building with a modern 1989-built extension, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Stephen houses striking sculpture and a stunning collection of 19th century stained-glass windows from Germany, France, England and Ireland. The neighbouring St Stephen’s Chapel, completed in 1850, was Queensland’s first church.
You can join one of the regular free guided tours or stroll at your own pace. Don’t miss the sculpture of Mary by Brisbane sculptor John Elliott, which is considered one of the finest religious works produced in Australia in the final decades of the 20th century. Also well worth a look are the artworks at the Francis Rush Centre.
The Cathedral is home to three choirs and boasts a strong, lively music program, hosting a well-respected series of six concerts throughout the year.
You’ll find a wide range of Cathedral memorabilia, postcards, guidebooks and choral recordings, as well as a range of spiritual gifts, at the gift shop.
St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Brisbane City
A Brisbane landmark, St Andrew’s Uniting Church has many prominent features of aesthetic and historical importance including the beautiful stained glass windows, organ and the internal domed ceiling of the chancel.
It also has an active music and choir programme, and you can catch a free lunch time concert at the church on the fourth Friday of each month from March to October. Students from the Queensland Conservatorium and the University of Queensland’s School of Music are regular performers. A wide range of music is presented and performers include singers, string players, wind players (both individual and ensemble), pianists and organists.
Volunteers lead guided tours daily.
Albert Street Uniting Church, Brisbane City
A popular site for local and international weddings, the Albert Street Uniting Church is open on weekdays as a sacred space for prayer and reflection. Viewed from King George Square, this gracious church, built in 1889, is a distinctive part of the inner city landscape.
Inside, the stained-glass windows, mostly memorial, and the timberwork of the choir stalls and pulpit are exceptional. The organ - one of the finest in Queensland - is well worth a look. Made in Manchester, England, it has a total of 2,250 pipes, some brightly painted. The shop sells souvenirs.
Christ Church Community Precinct Milton
Those who venture down Chippendall Street from busy Milton Road will find a place of peace and tranquillity within a bustling inner-city suburb. Surrounded by a very large sporting complex (Suncorp Stadium), Christ Church Milton and its precinct is one of Brisbane’s hidden gems - and an oasis of restorative calm.
The focal point for the Anglican community in the Petrie Terrace, Milton and Paddington area since it was established in 1873, Christ Church Milton and its precinct encompasses the church, the Old Rectory building, extensive grounds and the Paddington Cemetery Memorial Reserve located behind the church.
Entry to the buildings is free. However, donations are welcome.
Guided tours, which include the church, the old rectory, the remaining Paddington Cemetery and the grounds can be arranged by contacting the Parish Office on (07) 3369 2797. Morning and afternoon tea can also be arranged for a small fee.
More places of worship in Brisbane
Browse our directory to find more churches, mosques and temples.
