Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Brisbane

The Cathedral of Saint Stephen is the principal Catholic cathedral of Brisbane. Its origins date to 1859, when Queensland separated from New South Wales and local leaders determined that the growing city should have its own grand cathedral.

Construction began in 1863, but progress was slow and often complicated by financial difficulties and changes in leadership. The original architect, Benjamin Backhouse, envisioned an ambitious cathedral, but his plans were abandoned after the foundations were laid due to funding concerns. Architect Richard George Suter then redesigned the building in a simpler Gothic Revival style that largely defines the structure seen today. Later work by the architectural firm Hennessy & Hennessy helped complete the cathedral, though the project was not finally completed until 1989.

To enter the cathedral, look for the large doors on Elizabeth Street. Once inside, walk halfway down the centre aisle and look up at the soaring ceiling and the pointed arches. The walls are constructed from Brisbane tuff—a local volcanic stone—which has a distinct, multi-toned appearance, while the arches themselves are made of lighter Helidon sandstone. This contrast highlights the geometric precision of the Gothic design.

Moreover, visitors can admire an impressive collection of stained-glass windows, many imported from Munich, France, England, and Ireland. These windows, often considered among the most extensive collections of stained glass in Australia, fill the interior with colourful light and depict a variety of biblical scenes and saints.

Make sure to visit the smaller building located to the right of the cathedral as you face it from the main street. This building is the oldest Catholic church in Queensland, completed in 1850. It served as the city’s primary cathedral until the larger one next door was completed.

Walk into the building to find the Mary MacKillop statue at the other end of the entrance. MacKillop was Australia’s first saint, who once lived and worked in Brisbane. Notice the warm, light colour of the wood. The statue was carved from a single piece of camphor laurel timber. It is a tactile and emotive piece; look for the detail in her face and the way the grain of the wood complements the natural stone of the chapel walls.