St Monica's Old Cathedral, Cairns, Catholic cathedral in Cairns, Australia

St Monica's Old Cathedral is a two-story church in Spanish Mission style located in Cairns. The facade features Celtic crosses, spacious verandahs provide shelter, and reinforced concrete construction allows the building to withstand the tropical climate.

The original church from 1886 was destroyed by Cyclone Willis in 1927, prompting construction of the building that stands today. Architects Lawrence and Lordan designed this replacement to serve the local community anew.

The parish of St Monica's was founded in 1885 by Irish Augustinian fathers, and the first timber church opened on 10 January 1886. From October 1892 the school was staffed by Sisters of Mercy from Cooktown. The building later housed a girls' secondary school before its lower level became diocesan and parish offices.

The building now serves as offices for the Diocese of Cairns and may not always be open for general visiting. Check ahead to learn about visiting hours or whether the interior is accessible to the public.

The building was erected in about seven months by Cairns builder Michael Garvey, opening on 16 October 1927. Its ground floor, 110 by 58 feet and divided by folding doors, held the school, while the church above kept the altar from the first St Monica's Church.