Located on the eastern shore of Wallis Lake in Tiona, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, the Green Cathedral, is a unique outdoor church. Part of the Community of Christ, this is a place of worship, so it is important to remain respectful when visiting.
A small carpark off the main road makes access to the church safe. The church itself is located only a short walk behind the carpark.
Surrounded by palm trees and with pews made from tree trunks, this really is a unique church. Sitting on the pews and looking at the alter, the backdrop is a view over Wallis Lake. Overall, this is a beautiful and very tranquil place and an interesting stop when in the area.
If you are interesting in a coffee or snack after your visit, the caravan park just up the road offers both.
Dedication board of the cathedralLooking into the Green CathedralInside looking towards the front of the cathedralThe altar
Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, St James Church Sydney is the city’s oldest church. Built between 1819 and 1824 using convict labour and consecrated on 11 February 1824 it has been in continuous use to the present day. Located at the end of King Street, the closest train station is St James which only a three-minute walk away.
During our visit, the altar area and organ were undergoing repairs. Unfortunately, Covid has caused delays to the replacement parts for the organ, however, the rest of the church is open to look around.
St James Church
The Undercroft (The Crypt)
We were lucky to be able to see the undercroft (crypt), because it is not always open. One of the highlights, the Children’s Chapel is located here. Unique in Australia the murals were painted by the Turramurra Painters, a collaborative partnership of artists.
Also stored in the crypt are the ashes of former parishioners, including former prime minister Gough Whitlam.
The CryptLeft Wall of the Children’s ChapelRight wall of the Children’s ChapelChildren’s ChapelStored Ashes, including ex-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
Interior
The interior of the church was totally remodelled in 1900–1902, although the marble memorials were retained. It has also retained its original character as a Georgian town church. It has remained this way with the exception of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (south portico) which was rebuilt in 1988.
This is an interesting and historic little church, with the highlight being the undercroft and the Children’s chapel.
Central Aisle looking forwardCentral Aisle looking backStained glass window and memorialsStained glass window and memorialsSt Peter stained glass window and memorialsBeautiful stained glass windowMemorial stained glass window to William Broughton the First Bishop of SydneyChapel of the Holy SpiritChapel of the Holy SpiritBaptismal Font
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Established in 1833, Goulburn New South Wales is 195 km south-west of Sydney and 90 km north-east of Canberra. It was declared Australia’s first inland city in 1863.
To get to Goulburn, you can travel by train on NSW CountryLink services or by coach. It is approximately two hour’s drive from Sydney. We drove from Mittagong, as part of a larger road trip to Newnes Industrial Ruins in the Wollemi National Park via Orange and Bathurst.
We were only in Goulburn for one day, before heading off to Wombeyan Caves. However, we saw some great sights while there.
Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum
This impressive tower and museum overlook the town and is a must see when visiting. For more information, see our full story here.
Rocky Hill War MemorialWeapons on Display
Goulburn Historic Water Works
This beautifully restored pump house still contains the original pumps from its operating days. For the full story of our visit, click here.
Pump House
Big Marino
The Big Marino is hard to miss as you drive through tow, Click here for our visit.
The Big Marino
Interesting Buildings in Goulburn
Elmslea Chambers
Located in Montague St in the centre of town Elmslea Chambers has its façade beautifully decorated. Built in 1933, it was one of the first buildings in Australia to use coloured polychrome terracotta in its façade which features birds, flowers, leaves and Art Deco sunbursts under the windows.
Although worth visiting the street just for this building, it’s also the location of the historic Fire station and not far from Cathedral Church of St Saviour.
Elmslea Chambers 17 Montague St Goulburn
Fire Station
Only a few doors down from Elmslea Chambers and also in Montague street, the historic Fire Station and the building next to it are interesting to see because of their interesting architecture.
Fire Station
Goulburn Courthouse
At the far end of Montague Street and opposite Belmore Park, the courthouse is a large, beautiful building. Built in 1887 in the Federation Free Classical style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, James Barnet it is still an operating court.
Courthouse
Railway Station
Completed in 1869, the Railway Station is another beautiful building in Goulburn.
Goulburn Railway Station
Cathedral Church of St Saviour
Bourke Street has several beautiful churches including the Cathedral Church of St Saviour. Designed by Edmund Blacket, it was completed in 1884.
Unfortunately the other large church, St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral was undergoing a major restoration and was covered in scaffolding.
Cathedral Church of St Saviour
Cathedral Church of St Saviour
Belmore Park
War Memorial in Belmore Park
St. John’s Orphanage
Destroyed in a suspicious fire, the St. John’s Orphanage in Mundy Street caught our eye because of its sinister appearance. Access is not permuted with the whole area sealed off, so we could only view it from the street.
St. John’s Orphanage
What Did We Think?
Goulbourn was only a quick stop for us, but we enjoyed it and would like to spend more time here. The history and old buildings were great to see, especially the Water Works and War Memorial.
