Located in the centre of Brisbane, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a heritage-listed church and significant cultural landmark. Among its most distinctive elements is the elaborate stone detailing across its façade, which has remained in place throughout the city’s swift expansion and change. Its impressive chapel, peaceful setting and generous interiors showcase the refined workmanship of an earlier age, inviting visitors into a serene, almost celestial atmosphere.
This season, its historic nave is welcoming mesmerising Candlelight concerts that celebrate some of the most iconic classical composers and modern-day artists. The cathedral’s striking architecture and the warm glow of thousands of candles is a beautiful mix that makes for atmospheric evenings of live music.
Background on St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Stephen carries a rich past, with origins reaching back to the 1840s. Building work commenced in 1863 under architect Benjamin Backhouse, and by 1874 the cathedral welcomed worshippers through its doors.
Across time, its signature Gothic Revival design has been enhanced, gaining beautiful features like vibrant stained glass windows that illuminate depictions of biblical stories and saints. In more recent decades, two further treasures have been added: the Jubilee Pipe Organ and the Shrine to St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who was proclaimed Saint by Pope John Paul II in Rome on 17th October—both standing as remarkable honours to the cathedral’s lasting heritage.
What can you do at the Cathedral?
Christians can receive the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, celebrate their weddings, or hold a loved one’s funeral within the Catholic cathedral’s sacred spaces. Beyond daily Mass and weekly homilies, St. Stephen’s Cathedral also hosts enchanting Candlelight concerts that make full use of its superb acoustics, creating a truly memorable atmosphere for audiences. These intimate performances honour musical greats, from classical composers like Vivaldi to contemporary icons such as Coldplay and ABBA.
27 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
The Jubilee Pipe Organ
The Jubilee Pipe Organ was installed in the late 1990s. Although it is a relatively recent addition to the cathedral’s resources, it is one of Queensland’s largest and most significant pipe organs, supporting both liturgical music and concerts. It is often played by one of Australia’s leading organists and the cathedral’s music director Christopher Trikilis, as well as renowned organist Phillip Gearing.
Where is St. Stephen’s Cathedral and how to get there
St. Stephen’s is located in Brisbane’s CBD, a short walk from major city train and bus hubs. You can get there by taking any suburban or Airport line train to Central Station, which is the closest major station. What’s more, many bus routes serving the CBD stop at or near Queen Street Bus Station and along Adelaide Street, both only a few minutes’ walk to Elizabeth Street.
Address: 249 Elizabeth Street Brisbane City QLD 4000
Visitor information: Mass times and opening hours
You can explore the cathedral’s storied past with free guided tours that run weekdays at 10:30. The tour can be tailored to suit your timetable—it can be for as long or as short as you choose and can even be booked in advance at another time through the cathedral’s official website.
🦼 Accessibility: The heritage-listed site features step-free paths to the entrance, an open, flat interior for easy navigation, wheelchair-accessible parking, and accessible restroom facilities
🚗 Cathedral car park: available on weekends for the public attending Mass or other ceremonies
➡️ St. Stephen’s Cathedral Mass times:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 5:10 pm in the Chapel
- Saturday: 11:30 am and 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 7:30 pm
- Public holidays: 8:00 am only
