THE CHURCH @ TANTAWANGALO
- Relax - Revive - Reconnect -
Escape to the tranquility and seclusion of the former St John's church set in rolling countryside with mountain views. Built in 1905 and set on 1.5 acres
Sleeps 3
Queen + Single
Pet friendly
THINGS TO DO
Food & Entertainment
There are so many great places to eat and drink in our local towns, many venues host live music.
Don't forget to drop into the fabulous Candelo General Store Cafe or pick up some local oysters.
Bushwalking & Bike Riding
There are amazing local walks in the South East Forests NP or book a cultural experience at Jigamy - The Gateway to the Bundian Way.
Fancy something more active?
Check out the great mountain bike tracks at Tathra and Eden.
Retail Therapy
Check out the local weekend markets for produce and handmade items. Candelo has one of the oldest markets in the area. There are also a wealth of unique boutiques, homeware and other retails stores to explore in our local towns.
Beach Life
Head to the coast for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing.
Relax on the beach or sign up for a dolphin and whale watching cruise!
Culture Fix
There are many local makers in the area and also a great gallery trail.
For some European history visit Eden's Whale Museum, Bega's Cheese Factory or Merimbula's School House,
Wine, Beer & Gin
Visit Minosa Wines or the local micro breweries - Longstocking and Camel Rock, you can even blend your own gin at North of Eden Distillery.
or
Simply Relax @ The Church!!
ABOUT THE CHURCH
There has been a church on the site since 1877. The first building was timber and burnt down making way for the brick building you see today.
It's officially called St John's but locally it's just referred to is as "The Church"
The foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the Bishop of Goulburn after $20 was raised to start the building process. The plans were designed by the current Reverend at the time, F W E Williams who also designed the very similar looking but slightly grander St Peter's in Candelo. The bricks were made locally probably over at Hill Top.
Tantawangalo was part of a plan for a much larger community and old records show that it was mapped out for large scale residential lots in the early 1900's due to the plan to bring a railroad through the town. This never eventuated, and so the community continued to be centred around the church and the local school house across the creek. The church was the hub of the local community and local families used to congregate for picnics in the grounds under the trees.
The local community have been instrumental in maintaining the church over the years, in fact until its sale is had the same caretakers for 60 years! Many locals were christened, married and have seen the same with their children all at the church.
The cemetery at the rear of the building is now maintained by the council, but has many members of local founding families, such as the Slaters, the Brittens and the Allcocks laid to rest on site.