HomeAttractions > St John's Anglican Church Canberra
Canberra's oldest church surrounded by green park
Stained glass window inside stone church with wooden pews and colourful flowers
Ancient graveyard surrounding stone church with park and gardens
Families entering Canberra's oldest church

St John's Anglican Church Canberra

St John's Anglican Church Canberra

Canberra's oldest church surrounded by green park
Stained glass window inside stone church with wooden pews and colourful flowers
Ancient graveyard surrounding stone church with park and gardens
Families entering Canberra's oldest church

Overview

St John's is a Canberra treasure – a sanctuary in the heart of Australia's capital. Canberra's oldest church was consecrated in 1845, almost 70 years before the capital was founded. When you visit, you will walk in the footsteps of pioneering farming families, leaders, service personnel, scientists and scholars.

Join the local community at a Sunday service supported by the powerful pipe organ, choir or band.

Listen out for the glorious ringing of the tower bells.

Find peace with the church's ambience, historic memorials and intricate architecture.

Marvel at the 12th century stone from Canterbury Cathedral, originally intended to be the foundation stone of the National Anglican Cathedral.

Admire the beautiful stained glass windows, including the magnificent East Window depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist, after whom the church is dedicated.

Sit in the front pew where Queen Elizabeth II sat on her four visits to St John's and visit the tree planted for her Platinum Jubilee.

Peek inside Canberra's first school at the Schoolhouse Museum.

Wander through the lush parkland, exploring the graves of early settlers.

St John's is open daily for visitors. Service times and Schoolhouse opening hours are available on its website.

45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 14 reviews

“Dedicated to St John the Baptist.”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 1yr ago by DANIEL L

Historic church and cemetery closed when we stopped on tour, but I returned on June 1st when walking Anzac Parade. The foundation stone was laid in 1841, the church consecrated in 1845 and is now the...

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“Hidden Gem in Canberra”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 4yrs ago by Joffa S

Great history of this old church in Canberra. Perfect setting amongst a cemetery and old school. Lovely way to explore area. Well worth the visit.

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“Worth The Look”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 7yrs ago by Namaste07

This is a very lovely little church and worth the stop. The grounds are lovely with an old cemetery near by.

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Facilities
  • Carpark
  • Family Friendly
  • Gallery / Museum
  • Lawn / Gardens
  • Public Toilet