Argoon: Timber Church and History of the Church District

The Argoon Church gives Argoon a clear cultural and historical connection: it is a small timber church in a remote rural area and has social significance through its connection with the local religious community. The surrounding municipality offers other themes too—from art and irrigation water to historic sites and activities along the river.

Church, architecture and local history

The Argoon Church is located at the corner of Kulki Lane and Stud Park North Road. The first church in the church district in the Argoon area was built at the southwestern corner of this intersection in 1883. The precisely identified location is thus connected with the history of the church district, while the year places its first church in time.

The support for its construction is also part of its history. Thomas Hodges Mate, owner of the neighbouring Kulki Station, donated the land. In addition to this land donation, financial and material 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 names and different forms of support show that several people and groups contributed to its construction.

As an example of a small timber church in a remote rural area, the Argoon Church offers a tangible connection to rural ecclesiastical architecture. For travellers interested in architectural styles and local history, its distinctive character lies in the combination of timber construction and the local religious community. Anglican and Uniting churches from Coleambally also held services there. If you plan to attend a service, please check the current service schedule in advance.

Art, history and water in the surrounding municipality

Elsewhere in the surrounding municipality, other locations offer experiences with their own distinct focuses. In Coleambally, the Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative has a free outdoor exhibition dedicated to irrigation water. Also in Coleambally, the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery & Studio offers changing exhibitions, gifts, workshops and pop-up events. The exhibition on irrigation sits alongside a broader gallery programme.

In Jerilderie, the self-guided Ned Kelly Raid Trail of 1879 leads to 16 sites visited by Ned Kelly and his gang in 1879. The tour combines a historical theme with several specific stops. Its focus therefore differs from Argoon’s place-based church and architectural history.

The 5.3 ha water area of Lake Jerilderie is used for water sports, including waterskiing and kayaking. Here, the focus is on activities on the water, while the Ned Kelly Raid Trail explores the history of a place. The two experiences therefore appeal to different interests: water sports on the one hand, and historical exploration on the other.

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 next to the caravan park offers easy access to boating, canoeing and freshwater fishing. A walking route through named woodland landscapes and a range of activities on the water thus offer distinct activity options.

This difference in themes can help you organise your travel plans without conflating the different destinations into a single place.

Discover more destinations: Jeremadra, Tumbarumba, Wiangaree, Moss Vale, Springrange, Wauchope, Currans Hill, Hyams Beach.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.