Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral free of charge—or join one of two weekly guided tours, which take travelers through the architectural history and religious significance of one of Adelaide’s signature sights. Alternatively, admire the cathedral’s striking exterior on an Adelaide city tour, by bus, in a small group, or on foot. History buffs might wish to explore North Adelaide on a walking tour that takes in nearby sights such as Adelaide Oval and Light’s Vision alongside a wealth of heritage architecture.
St. Peter’s Cathedral is a must for history buffs and architecture lovers.
While there is no formal dress code, pay respect to this place of worship by avoiding skimpy clothing.
The main body of St. Peter’s Cathedral is wheelchair-accessible.
St. Peter’s Cathedral stands in North Adelaide, just across the Torrens River (Karrawirra Parri) from central Adelaide and roughly equidistant between Adelaide Oval and Light’s Vision. Many travelers visit on foot as part of a parklands stroll. Alternatively, catch any of a range of buses including the G10, 228, 248, and 190B along King William Street, which runs on a north–south axis through the center of downtown Adelaide.
St. Peter’s Cathedral is a working place of worship, with two morning services and an evening service on Sundays, two early morning services during the week, evensong on Wednesdays, and additional services around Christmas and Easter. Sightseers are welcome until lunch on Monday, from morning to afternoon Tuesday through Saturday, and in the middle of the day on Sunday, with guided tours at Sunday lunchtime and on Wednesday morning.
Adelaide’s first bishop, Augustus Short, took on his role in 1847, around a decade after the city was founded. He used a smaller church as a temporary base while St. Peter’s Cathedral was funded and built, buying land in 1862, starting building in 1869, and consecrating the structure in 1878. The cathedral’s final section was only completed in 1911.