St Mary Star of the Sea image

St Mary Star of the Sea

Wedding venue Catholic church Place of worship Shrine

One of the Top rated Catholic churches in Melbourne


Address

33 Howard St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

Website

www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org

Contact

+61 3 9108 6653

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (350 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:45 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 6:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (34) beautiful (20) Beautiful (16) mass (11) Sunday (9) Catholic (8) Church (8) visit (7) worship (7) priest (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Adam G. 1 year ago on Google • 1471 reviews
    My first impression was that this was more than just a parish church as it felt more like a cathedral. It's amazingly beautiful both inside and out. Built from sandstone in a Gothic revival architectural style, St Mary's has a majestic presence in this location. Inside it looks much better than I thought it would. The stained glass windows are amazing and have a dramatic impact on the amount of natural light inside the church. I was surprised at how bright it actually was inside. The marble high alter on three steps and with the scene of the last supper is also spectacular in term of its size and beauty. On the fringe of the CBD I also love the church's setting, in a beautiful location with the small gardens directly in front on William and Howard Streets. This was my first time visit when recently passing by and I felt an invitation to walk in. I have to say that it was a very uplifting experience.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke 3 years ago on Google • 71 reviews
    The perfect venue for an authentic Catholic wedding. The church is strikingly beautiful with a medley of a bright colours, elaborate statues, stained glass, and a majestic altar. The organist and singer would not be out of place in a concert hall. Most of all, the priest, Fr Anthony, is warm, kind, and 100% devoted to his faith, which elevates the day from a mere ceremony into a true experience of the divine.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John T. 7 months ago on Google • 455 reviews
    Nice quaint Catholic Church. The signage of Sunday mass times need to be updated to reflect that Sunday mass is at 10 AM and not 10:30 AM. Rather misleading. Good thing we checked.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M R. 1 year ago on Google • 111 reviews
    When visiting Melbourne, this is one of the nearest Catholic Churches you can go to. It is two blocks from the Queen Victoria Market. The church has great history and you may get the feeling of being in awe both of it's interior and exterior design. Just always be mindful when taking pictures. It is a place of worship not just a tourist spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean N. 1 month ago on Google • 797 reviews New
    Happened to be walking past and noticed this church - an amazing example of Gothic Revival architecture. Didn’t venture inside, and maybe not worth going out of your way to visit unless you’re a building nerd, but check it out if you’re in the area.

  • 5/5 E L. 8 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Place of tranquility, reflection, peace and stain glassed beauty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alvin A. 4 years ago on Google
    Daily Mass always celebrated with reverence and holiness. Confession available every day of the week. Thanks to the amazing Opus Dei priests who care for their parishioners
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaiwin Y. 9 months ago on Google • 286 reviews
    GREAT: the priest (pictured, though I cannot remember his name) was refreshingly kind to me and helpful. Because of his patience, I was able to capture much better video and audio for the bride and groom :) Thank you very very much! The interior is beautifully decorated. It's very easy to shoot a great looking wedding video here. Not so great: I can't think of any problems with this church. Maybe parking might not always be easy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church. We originally thought it was closed, as the dorrs were closed. We found the door around the side was unlocked and the church was open with others inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Walter M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very majestic but sophisticated delicate catholic place. Everything from tiny structures to gorgeous ceiling was beautifully harmonious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deng Taban D. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful place to find spirituality or to simply take a rest break.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean L. 4 years ago on Google
    I absolutely LOVE this place!!! Went here for my second time (first time in four or five years) just the other day, and there was a proper Traditional Latin Sung Mass on, with a choir and thurible and everything! It was so nice and fulfilling.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louie J. 3 months ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    Fabulous beautiful Church and wonderful Mass service ❤️

  • 5/5 Jude F. 1 month ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Beautiful church to visit and spent some quiet moments in prayer. Love the frequency of Sacrement of Reconciliation - sessions every day and long sessions on Sunday. Very convenient.

  • 5/5 Jaybrany M. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Such a beautiful church! We had our wedding here. We attended a helpful 2-day seminar beforehand, which was instrumental in preparing ourselves for the journey ahead.. However, getting married here is a bit expensive.

  • 5/5 Leandro C. 4 years ago on Google
    Very Peaceful! A good place for prayer and contemplation!?

  • 5/5 sunny w. 4 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful holy church ❤?

  • 5/5 Cassa S. 4 years ago on Google
    Magnificent

  • 5/5 Marie S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church.

  • 4/5 Giovanni G. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice church , built in the 1900 .

  • 4/5 Hans S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good, all-round school. Not perfetct, butwhat school is?

  • 5/5 Rose T. 4 years ago on Google
    Very Peaceful and serene

  • 5/5 Paul O. 4 years ago on Google
    Probably one of the nicest Catholic Churches in Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Warisan Heritage Boutique H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautifully designed church

  • 5/5 Ben S. 4 years ago on Google
    Catholic Church

  • 5/5 Ian V. 1 year ago on Google
    New discovery. It is not far from Queen Victoria market and it is indeed beautiful and solemn house of worship. See you next Sunday!

  • 5/5 Jojo V. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice and solemn place.

  • 5/5 Jason D. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church

  • 5/5 Patrick W. 4 years ago on Google
    6pm Latin mass was divine

  • 4/5 Frank S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful building - you must enter to really appreciate it. Mass there was more traditional, many received Communion on the tongue, kneeling. I believe this parish is favoured by Opus Dei. No provision for a sign of peace amongst the congregation, just from the priest, who moved on with the service very quickly then, though some of the congregation managed to squeeze it in anyway. The choir was outstandingly beautiful, a lovely selection of songs and a powerful organ. The notice board outside states Sunday Mass is at 10:30am, though the website is correct that it is actually at 10am.

  • 5/5 Paula G. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely and divine place of worship.

  • 5/5 khazen b. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Catholic Church close to the city, built in 1900, very detailed timber work and design. High altars that are rare. Beautiful icons and stain glass windows. Multiple shrines and places for personal devotion, candles and prayer. Priests are available for confession, helpful and friendly. The chanter also did a great job. I'm not surprised that it is always booked for weddings. Iconic and peaceful place that you must visit whenever you get the chance.

  • 4/5 Gerard S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was my first visit to the church for the celebration of Baptism and confirmation .being part of the celebration, I was impressed from the start with the parking facilities for the parishioners who visit on regular basis ,from just speaking to them ,the history of the building and beautiful architecture the warmth and friendliness of other parishioners and the priest and clergy overall made me and my wife comfortable.So I recommend this church to all Catholics for a visit .?⭐?Thank you to my friends for inviting us .

  • 5/5 Madi D. 4 years ago on Google
    Went here for a wedding. Beautiful church!

  • 4/5 Rita C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's the most beautiful church I've ever seen. Love it. The sound system needs improvement.

  • 3/5 Muskrat M. 4 years ago on Google
    There was a leak in the ceiling and the speaking were not working properly, very beautiful though. Would recommend marrying here, not pet friendly

  • 5/5 Gabriela C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing and beautiful church, fully restored!! Prepare to view not only architectonic and religious art, but also a place to recover your peace in the silence of your hart

  • 5/5 Duc N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Church dedicated to our Lady. The architect and structure are very traditional. The spirit of prayers and of a place of worship is overwhelming here. It's also a quiet place to reflect, away from the busy of a modern city.

  • 5/5 Xueyi L. 6 years ago on Google
    It makes me feel strong and faithful. Hope I can go inside

  • 5/5 Engr. R. 6 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Church. But I hope its open mornings.

  • 5/5 Emmanuel T. 3 years ago on Google
    very beautiful church and a good ambience to pray peacefully.

  • 4/5 Evan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Just a beautiful church

  • 4/5 E-Mae G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church building 1st time there, were their for my grand daughters christening & during the Covid limited 20ppl whom could attend

  • 5/5 Stalin P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice mass time l, specially on Sunday morning. Preachers are very kind and wise

  • 5/5 Silvestro S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very lovely Church

  • 4/5 Fabio Cuervo S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful jewel Mariana. (Original) Preciosa joya Mariana.

  • 5/5 Anna A. 4 years ago on Google
    Breathtaking church with exquisite detail

  • 5/5 David Van S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church, beautiful priests

  • 5/5 Raymond G. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the place

  • 5/5 Elyse 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful cathedral

  • 5/5 Susie I. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church, lovely for weddings

  • 5/5 Emily C. 4 years ago on Google
    A reverent Catholic Church run by the Opus Dei fathers here in Melbourne. Love to see the traditional veiled ladies and nuns that attend mass here, and all the different Catholics that come here for worship and prayer. Confession / the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at least twice daily here, 7 days per week, and I have heard that the RCIA / RCIC team here is one of the best in Melbourne for enquiries for this too. The Holy Rosary is prayed daily here after mass, and also before mass on Sunday’s too. A traditional Latin low Mass is held here on Sunday nights at 6pm, with the rosary prayed several hours beforehand. Come here on a Thursday and spend the afternoon in front of the Blessed Sacrament which starts from around 1:10pm every Thursday, and concludes with Benediction at 5:45pm approximately. The Chaplet and Novena of Divine Mercy is prayed close to 3pm Thursday’s here too, and concludes with prayers for Our Holy Father, the Pope and a Marian hymn. There is also a beautiful meditation with the Opus Dei priest from 4:30pm until 5pm Thursday’s too. The sacred music here is also worth mentioning - it is quite traditional and the mass hymns and music style is lovely especially at the Solemn mass on the Sunday morning or at the vigil. There are beautiful statues of Saints for veneration, and of course the National Shrine of the Holy Family. I love the bronze statue of Saint Josemaria to the back of the church also, and of course the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the front of the church and the Saint Raphael statue as it currently stands. A great church to do Stations of the Cross also. St Mary Star of the Sea, pray for us!

  • 5/5 Matt R. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church.

  • 5/5 Nellie L. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite and peaceful.

  • 5/5 Sandra C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful architecture.

  • 5/5 Yellow H. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing service and architecture

  • 5/5 Faith Hope C. 4 years ago on Google
    A holy Catholic church with devoted priests.

  • 5/5 Jes E. 4 years ago on Google
    Who doesn't love it when the LORD is present?

  • 5/5 Jaypi 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church; easy to find.

  • 5/5 HB N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place of worship.

  • 5/5 Mary N. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, beautiful church and friendly people

  • 5/5 Doxch T. 7 years ago on Google
    Im so blessed to have attended the mass here tonight ( December 31, 2016 @10:30 PM). I love the church interiors and how solem the mass. I am Marian Devotee and i love the priest empasis of the blessed Mary.

  • 5/5 Froggie 9 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Good place for worship…. Peaceful and in good harmony


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