Argoon: The Story of a Small Wooden Church

Argoon brings together a distinctive rural church history and a range of experiences elsewhere in the surrounding local government area. At its heart is Argoon Church, an example of a small wooden church in a remote rural setting. It is located at the corner of Kulki Lane and Stud Park North Road. The history of the church district dates back to 1883, when its first church was built at the south-west corner of these roads. Argoon is especially interesting if you are interested in local church history and the role of small rural churches.

Argoon Church and the History of the Church District

The establishment of Argoon Church involved a land donation and several other contributions. Thomas Hodges Mate, owner of neighbouring Kulki Station, donated the land. Financial and in-kind contributions came from T Keenan, the Ross Brothers of Coleambally Station, Thomas Beveridge of “Pine Grove”, M Thompson of “Fernbank”, J Graham of “Sunnyside”, and James Walker. The land, money, and in-kind contributions show the different forms of support for the church’s construction. The people named give the story a concrete local dimension.

As a small wooden church in a rural setting, the building combines an architectural classification with social significance, which lies in its relationship with Argoon’s religious community. Services are also part of the place’s history. The Anglican and Uniting churches of Coleambally held services at Argoon Church. If you would like to attend a service, check the current service schedule in advance.

Art and Irrigation in Coleambally

Two attractions in Coleambally offer different points of interest. The free outdoor exhibition of the Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative focuses on irrigation water. Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery & Studio offers changing exhibitions, gifts, workshops, and pop-up events. You can choose between a clearly defined topic centred on irrigation and a changing programme of art and events. If you are travelling with family, this distinction can help you weigh up different interests during your stay: water management is the focus in one place, while art and events take centre stage in the other.

History and Water Sports in Jerilderie

In Jerilderie, the Ned Kelly Raid Trail of 1879 is a self-guided tour of 16 locations visited by Ned Kelly and his gang in 1879. Lake Jerilderie has a very different focus: its 5.3 ha water area is used for water sports, including water skiing and kayaking. Your day’s plans can therefore include two distinctly different interests: a historical trail or activities on the water. You can decide which focus better suits your travel plans.

Riverside Walks and Activities in Darlington Point

At Darlington Point, the Goanna Walking Track starts at Fig Tree Park and runs for 1.8 km along the river through forests of Red River Gums and Black Box Eucalypts. The Murrumbidgee River is also accessible there, both upstream and downstream. The town beach beside the caravan park provides easy access to boating, canoeing, and freshwater fishing. This offers a clear contrast for your plans: a 1.8 km route through specific forest types, or activities on the river and at the town beach.

Choose the Right Travel Focus

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Argoon, consider whether the local church history itself should be the main focus, or whether other themes in the surrounding local government area are important to you. Argoon offers a historically grounded perspective on a rural church and its connection with the religious community. Coleambally focuses on irrigation and art; Jerilderie on the Ned Kelly Raid Trail and water sports; and Darlington Point on a riverside walking track and activities on the Murrumbidgee River.

Discover more destinations: Wellington, Rankins Springs, Mystery Bay, Clareville, Coolac, Telegraph Point, Culcairn, Tuross Head

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.