St Patrick's Church Arrowtown
A historic 1874 Gothic Revival stone church in Arrowtown, linked to Australasia's only Catholic saint, offering peace and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
St Patrick's Church Arrowtown
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1874 Gothic Revival stone church in Arrowtown, linked to Australasia's only Catholic saint, offering peace and reflection.
"A peaceful and quiet place to pray, with historical significance and beautiful architecture."
🕊️ Respectful Visits
Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
⛪ Explore the Cottage
Don't miss the St. Mary McKillop cottage on the grounds for historical insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Stone Architecture
Arrowtown
Admire the 1874 Gothic Revival design, built from local schist rock. A testament to enduring craftsmanship.
St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop Connection
Church grounds
Learn about Australasia's only Catholic saint, Mary MacKillop, who founded a convent nearby.
Peaceful Prayer and Reflection
Interior of the church
Experience a quiet, serene atmosphere ideal for prayer or quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Peaceful Escape in Arrowtown
Connect with History and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕊️ Respectful Visits
Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
⛪ Explore the Cottage
Don't miss the St. Mary McKillop cottage on the grounds for historical insights.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful when taking photos, especially during services.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Grounds
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the beautiful stone architecture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Respectful Visits
Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
⛪ Explore the Cottage
Don't miss the St. Mary McKillop cottage on the grounds for historical insights.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful when taking photos, especially during services.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Grounds
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the beautiful stone architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Patrick's Church for its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance, particularly its connection to St. Mary MacKillop. The beautiful stone architecture and the welcoming nature of the church community are frequently highlighted as positive aspects of a visit.
"We visited Queenstown recently to celebrate 20 years of marriage and I organised to renew our vows in this beautiful little church.. was so incredibly thankful that even though it hadn’t been requested of them to host a vow renewal before, they were so amazingly accommodating.. Thankyou so much!! Loved it x"
Erin Freeman
"Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, raised Catholic, lauded the declaration of Australia’s first Saint as “deeply significant ... for all Australians whether of Catholic faith or not.”
To win favor with the Vatican and achieve sainthood at least two miracles need to be cleared, first by medical bodies and later by religious authorities.
Apart from its impressive Star of David–shaped rose window, this 1874 stone Gothic Revival church, built from local schist rock, it is worth noting for its connection to Australasia's only Catholic saint.
Acclaimed educator St Mary of the Cross, aka Mary MacKillop (1842–1909), founded a convent in the tiny 1870s miners cottage next door. There are interesting displays about the saint in the church and in the restored cottage.
The St Mary McKillop cottage is on the church grounds and is open daily for viewing."
W R Edwards
"Great little Catholic Church. Mass at 11am is great when you are on holiday"
Mario Loulié
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Patrick's Church is located in the heart of Arrowtown. If you're driving, there is usually street parking available nearby. For those using public transport, check local bus schedules for routes that service Arrowtown.
Arrowtown is serviced by local buses. It's best to check the latest schedules with the local transport authority for the most up-to-date information on routes and times that will get you close to the church.
Arrowtown is a charming historic town best explored on foot. St. Patrick's Church is centrally located, making it easy to combine with a visit to the shops and other heritage sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Patrick's Church is a place of worship and generally free to enter for prayer and quiet reflection. Donations are always welcome to help with upkeep.
The church is typically open daily during daylight hours for visitors seeking a peaceful moment. However, it's advisable to check for any specific service times or events that might affect public access.
Yes, St. Patrick's Church holds regular Mass services. A 11 am Mass is noted as being particularly pleasant for holiday visitors.
The St. Mary MacKillop cottage, located on the church grounds, is open daily for viewing and features interesting displays about the saint.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside St. Patrick's Church, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid using flash photography, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors.
The exterior, with its historic stone architecture, offers great photo opportunities. The interior, particularly any stained glass or architectural details, can also be beautiful, provided you are respectful.
If you plan to photograph a wedding or other special event, it's essential to get explicit permission from the church authorities beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to appreciate the historic stone architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. It's a good opportunity to teach them about respecting places of worship by maintaining a quiet voice and gentle movements. The church grounds also provide a pleasant space for a brief, calm stroll.
🕊️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
Take your time to explore the St. Mary MacKillop cottage and learn about her inspiring life. The church's serene ambiance makes it a wonderful place to recharge and connect with the spiritual heritage of the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Faith
The church holds a special significance due to its connection with Australasia's only Catholic saint, St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. She founded a convent in a nearby miners' cottage in the 1870s, and this historical link adds a profound layer to the site's heritage. Visitors can explore the restored cottage on the church grounds, which houses displays about her life and work.
For those seeking a moment of peace, the church offers a serene and quiet atmosphere. It's a place where visitors can reflect, pray, or simply appreciate the historical and spiritual ambiance. The regular Mass services, particularly the 11 am one, provide an opportunity to experience the local community's spiritual life.
Experiencing St. Patrick's: Visitor Insights
Some visitors have shared heartwarming experiences, like organizing vow renewals in the church and finding the staff incredibly accommodating. This highlights the church's role not just as a historical site but as a welcoming community space.
While the church is a place of worship, it's also a popular spot for photography. Creators often capture its exterior charm and interior details, reminding visitors to be respectful of ongoing services and other worshippers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit