Accessible churches and cathedrals
Wesley Central Church/Mission
Ph 03 9663 2935
148 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
This bluestone British Gothic church was completed In 1853. It was designed by architect Joseph Reed. With a spire standing 175 feet tall, it was visible from Hobsons Bay and soon became a well known landmark.
The church has a flat entry from the forecourt past the statue of John Wesley, the founder of the Wesleyans. Pick up a copy of the church guide (but please leave a donation), which describes each of the colourful stained glass windows and the history of the first pipe organ in the colony..
In 1893, the Wesley Central Mission was created to help meet social needs in times of hardship and unemployment. An office block to the side of the church is the administrative headquarters for Wesley Central Mission. A wheelchair accessible ramp at the front of the church provides great access, with wide aisles and plenty of space available for wheelchairs.
St Francis’ Church
Ph 03 9663 2495.
344 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
St Francis’ Church is Victoria’s oldest Catholic Church, and the oldest church in Melbourne remaining on its original site. The foundation stone for the present brick and stucco Gothic building was laid in 1841 and the church was completed in 1845. The Lady Chapel was added in 1856 and the new Sanctuary in 1879. A flat accessible entry is available from Elizabeth Street, and space is provided for wheelchairs in the church. Accessible toilets are available in the church grounds.
The Uniting Church Synod Office
Ph 03 9251 5200
130 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
The Synod's meeting rooms and hall are entered via a short ramp, past the book shop. A lift conveys visitors to upper levels and an accessible unisex toilet is on the ground floor. A public TTY telephone is available.
St Michael’s Uniting Church
Ph 03 9654 5120
122-136 Collins Street, Melbourne
Melbourne’s first permanent church, the Independent Chapel was erected on the site in 1839, with the present structurecompleted in 1867. The exterior, dominated by the distinctive campanile tower, is superbly composed and the finest example of brick polychrome decoration in Australia. The amphitheatre interior is an unusual design, with curved gallery and arcade distinctive features.
Access to St Michael’s is gained from St Michael's walkway which slopes in two sections from Collins Street, the first around 1:25, and the second about 1:11. A ramp leads into the rear of the church, but it is best to call ahead when attending, particularly if you would like to sit near the altar. An accessible toilet is available during church functions. Access is also available to the Garden Plaza Cafe.
The Scots’ Church
Ph 03 9650 9903
140-154 Collins Street, Melbourne
Victoria’s first Presbyterian church, Scots’ Church was founded in 1838 and the original church built in 1841. Dame Nellie Melba is reported to have sung in the choir of the current Protestant Gothic Revival building.
Wheelchair access is available via a ramp, which can be accessed from an entry point half way down the Russell Street side of the church. There are wide aisles and space is provided for wheelchairs.
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral
Ph 03 9650 3791
Corner Swanston and Flinders streets, Melbourne
In 1880 the foundation stone for St Paul’s was laid and the cathedral was consecrated in 1891. It is considered architecturally significant as a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival style, but was not completed until 1931 when the spires were added. The interior columns that are made from a creamy Waurn Ponds limestone and are banded with Malmsbury bluestone to give a ringed ’candy’ effect. The cathedral houses the largest and best surviving example of an English Romantic pipe organ designed by T C Lewis, one of the greatest organ builders of the 19th century.
Ramped access is available at the main entrance to the cathedral, with wide aisles and space provided for wheelchairs. Two accessible car parking spaces are allocated. Automatic sliding doors lead to St Paul’s office and then through to the cathedral.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Ph 03 9662 2233
1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne
Regarded as a grand Gothic Revival church, construction of St Patrick’s Cathedral commenced in 1858 and was completed in 1897. The cathedral is said to be architect WW Wardell’s masterpiece and its graceful spires are a prominent city landmark. The spacious interior lacks the intended wall mosaics and paintings, but has many fine works of art, and culminates in the high altar and timber ceiling.
Access is available from Albert Street, on the north side of the cathedral, and ramp access is available from the south side entrance.
