Sights Worth Seeing

The most unique features of Bonnie Doon  are the township's three historic places of worship. Located at the water's edge, amicably side-by-side, the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Churches date back to pioneer days and pay tribute to the cooperative community spirit of the areas early settlers.

Anglican - Christ Church

Built in 1899, on land purchased by local people and constructed by community members, 'Christ Church' is an impressive testimony to the deep attachment of early settlers to their church. The harmony of spirit that helped them realise the dream of erecting an Anglican church in their township is still present today and can be felt as soon as you step through the front door.

Upon entering Christ Church, your focus is instantly drawn to the altar with its plain cross and to the holy table and pulpit with their decoration of simple, yet meaningful, christian symbols. The white walls and soft warm glow of natural wood create a feeling of welcoming country authenticity often lacking in more embellished places of worship.
Many of the interior features of Christ Church bear witness to the contributions of Bonnie Doon's parishioners. The altar wall and the cross, the altar rail, the hymn board, the collection plates, the chalice and sacramental cross, all came as offerings from individuals and their families.

The entire congregation shared the expense of a pedal organ so their singing of hymns could be appropriately accompanied.

As fitting for a down-to-earth country church, the three panels of the timber  altar express fundamental Christian beliefs without unnecessary embellishments.

Uniting - Queen Victoria Memorial Church

The Queen Victoria Memorial Uniting Church, formerly the Presbyterian Church, is believed to be the first memorial to Queen Victoria in the British Empire. It was officially opened in 1901, one week after the Queen died.

Altar and pulpit.

Catholic - St Patricks

Sunday Mass at 5:00 pm in winter, 6 pm for day light saving.
 Phone: 5775 2005

We at St Pat’s are a small and welcoming community. We use the church for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriages and Funerals. Our weekly Sunday evening Mass is celebrated by a Mansfield Parish priest.

Mass is at 6:00pm in daylight saving time; the other six months we gather earlier at 5:00pm. Check the notice board at the church gate for details and news. You are most welcome to come along and join us for Mass or for the shared meal we enjoy at one of our homes on the first Sunday of each month.

On March 15, 1885 St Patrick's Catholic Church was opened and blessed by Archbishop Gould. Newspapers of the day called it "...a pretty little church by the side of the hill". However, the site may not have been ideal and therefore the church was moved 13 years later with the help of a bullock team to the present location. 

The Catholic congregation participates in Holy Communion.

The altar