The St John’s Cathedral precinct lends an old-world charm to its modern surrounds. It includes the Cathedral, The Deanery (1853), Webber House (1904), Church House (1909) and St Martin’s House (1922). The Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist was designed in 1886-1904 by noted English architect, John Loughborough Pearson, in neo-Gothic style.
The Deanery – originally a residence for Dr William Hobbs, former clerk of works of the Moreton Bay penal colony, was used as an interim Government House until 1862, and was where Governor Bowen read the proclamation creating the colony of Queensland in 1859. A National Trust heritage conservation appeal for restoration of the verandah from which the State of Queensland was proclaimed is presently open. https://www.stjohnscathedral.com.au/deanery-appeal/
St. Martin’s War Memorial Hospital was constructed on the site of the old Pyrmont Hospital in 1921. Designed by Lange Powell and said to be inspired by William Morris’ Red House. The Hospital was closed in 1971 and the building is now used as Diocesan and Cathedral offices. Refer to separate building listing for St. Martin's House.
GUIDED TOUR TIMES
Self-guided tours in 2023
HOW TO BOOK
No booking required
Tour Information
Frequency of Guided Tours: Tours of the Bell Tower will be held on Sunday afternoon ONLY at 12:15 / 12:45 / 1:15 / 1:45 / 2:15. There are a lot of narrow stairs to climb up and down, so a level of fitness is needed. Appropriate footwear required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no tour times for visiting Cathedral building on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a self-guiding sheet plus there will be guides on duty who will be available to give impromptu tours. If the numbers are large, this might not be possible.
Difference in guided tours for Saturday and Sunday:Self-guiding on both days (with guides on duty to answer questions).
Bell Tower tours will operate on Sunday afternoon only at 12:15 / 12:45 / 1:15 / 1:45 / 2:15.
Tour Tips
Great for kids, Register at the building on arrival
Additional Activities
Come and learn how to do Brass Rubbing (a picture made by placing a piece of paper over a brass plate that has writing or a picture on it, and rubbing it with a wax crayon) - suitable for adults and children over 3 years old. There is also a kids play area in the Cathedral that will be open to visitors.
Wheelchair access
Yes
Is Heritage listed
Yes