By Jamie O’Brien
St Mary’s Cathedral was a standout attraction during the recent Perth Heritage Day on 18 October 2014.
The Cathedral has been ranked seventh out of 91 attractions across Perth, according to Australian tourist website, tripadvisor.com.au.
The tourist website also awarded the Cathedral a Certificate of Excellence.
Carol Wright, Tour Guide Co-Ordinator for the tours held at St Mary’s Cathedral, said the Heritage Day Tours provided a unique opportunity to showcase the early history and magnificence of the Cathedral to a wide range of visitors.
More than 30 visitors were provided a tour by Carol Wright, together with fellow tour guides Gilda Rowland and Estelle Dragun.
Information and research for the tours has been developed by Ms Wright, with the assistance of former Perth Archivist Sr Frances Stibi, and various authors and artists who have a strong knowledge of the Cathedral’s history.
Ms Wright said that for her, the highlight of the day was having the privilege of helping visitors to the Cathedral come to a true understanding and knowledge of its history.
“It truly is a beautiful Cathedral with so much to offer, and we welcome people from all walks of life,” she said.
Tours of the Cathedral took place every 30 minutes on Perth Heritage Day from 9am to 12 noon, and also included a 10-minute recital on the organ by Cathedral musician Jacinta Jakovcevic.
Ms Wright also mentioned the tours of the Cathedral take place on a weekly basis, every Tuesday from 10am. Tours are conducted by Estelle Dragun, Julie Maloney and Carol Wright, with four more guides to commence in the coming months.
The cost of the tour is a donation.