Goulburn, originally a central gathering place for Aboriginal groups, saw a shift in the 1820s as white settlers were drawn to its fertile black soil plains for agriculture and grazing. By the 1830s, pastoral expansion fuelled by the export of Australian wool transformed Goulburn into a centre for commerce and administration. The growth of the region in the 1860s led to the establishment of the diocese in 1864 and the construction of Saints Peter and Paul’s former cathedral, completed in 1872.

It was designed by Andrea Stombuco and Charles Spadacini and built from 1871 to 1890 by C. J. O’Brien and Wilkie Bros.

The Cathedral was built using local materials, including the famous greenstone from nearby quarries, giving it it’s moniker “ The only Greenstone Cathedral in the world”.

The Victorian Gothic Revival building reflects the durability of its materials and craftsmanship, featuring intricate details, a notable Hill organ, and various renovations over the years. Despite some challenges, its exterior integrity remains high, preserving its historical significance.