St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Wollongong

St Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Wollongong is a Gothic-style house of worship featuring dark slate roofing and ornamental stained glass windows above the sanctuary area. The interior displays traditional religious architecture with crafted details characteristic of the Gothic period.

The building began in 1836 as a simple wooden chapel and was rebuilt in stone in 1848 as the congregation grew. It gained cathedral status in 1951 when the religious diocese was formally established in Wollongong.

The cathedral serves as a central place for weddings, baptisms, and religious celebrations throughout the Illawarra region. Visitors can observe how locals gather here for spiritual moments and community gatherings.

The building is located on Harbour Street and provides seating for around 1500 people. Regular religious services happen on weekdays and weekends, making it possible to visit at different times throughout the week.

The 2009 restoration project brought in imported Welsh slate specifically for the roof, showing a careful choice in materials for this building. The work was finished with a dedication ceremony in 2010.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: 1848

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Capacity: 1500

Website: http://sfx.org.au

GPS coordinates: -34.42560,150.90200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06