Church Archives - Destination's Journey

30 September 20245 October 2024

All Saints’ Anglican Church Bodalla

Completed in 1901, All Saints’ Anglican Church sits on a hill on the outskirts of Bodalla, a small town on the New South Wales south coast.

Getting There

Only a 40-minute drive from Batemans Bay, Bodalla is on the Princes Highway, so if you are travelling the coast, you will probably pass through. Parking at the church is very easy, as there is room at the back of the church, or on the street outside. We parked outside and walked, as the short driveway is bordered by mature bunya trees. Flanking both sides of the walk up the hill, the huge trees add to the beauty of the church.

The Church

Designed by architect Edmund Blacket (and later his son Cyril Blacket), and funded by T.S. Mort, a prominent local businessman, All Saints’ is built of local granite. The woodwork, including the amazing ceiling is of oak. The stained glass windows, the Chancel tiles the unusual reredos of marble mosaic, as well as the pipe organ, were brought from England.

Born in England at Bolton, Lancs. in 1816, T.S. Mort came to Australia in 1837, a pioneer of Australian dairying (through the creation of the Bodalla Estate), of engineering and shipbuilding at Balmain (Morts Dock), the wool industry and other enterprises. He devoted the last fifteen years of his life to the invention of a process of freezing and exporting Australian meat to supply the need of England. He died on 9th May, 1878, of an illness contracted in ministering to the needs of one of his workmen.

During our visit to Bodalla, we were fortunate to find the church open for cleaning. The interior is beautiful, with stain-glass windows, commemorative plaques on the walls and amazing woodwork for the ceiling. If you are in the area, it is certainly worth a visit.

Bunya Pine Trees at All Saints Anglican Church

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

31 October 202313 October 2023

Green Cathedral

Located on the eastern shore of Wallis Lake in Tiona, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, the Green Cathedral, is a unique outdoor church. Part of the Community of Christ, this is a place of worship, so it is important to remain respectful when visiting.

A small carpark off the main road makes access to the church safe. The church itself is located only a short walk behind the carpark.

Surrounded by palm trees and with pews made from tree trunks, this really is a unique church. Sitting on the pews and looking at the alter, the backdrop is a view over Wallis Lake. Overall, this is a beautiful and very tranquil place and an interesting stop when in the area.

If you are interesting in a coffee or snack after your visit, the caravan park just up the road offers both.

9 December 20229 December 2022

St. James Church Sydney

St. James Church Sydney

Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, St James Church Sydney is the city’s oldest church. Built between 1819 and 1824 using convict labour and consecrated on 11 February 1824 it has been in continuous use to the present day. Located at the end of King Street, the closest train station is St James which only a three-minute walk away.

During our visit, the altar area and organ were undergoing repairs. Unfortunately, Covid has caused delays to the replacement parts for the organ, however, the rest of the church is open to look around.

The Undercroft (The Crypt)

We were lucky to be able to see the undercroft (crypt), because it is not always open. One of the highlights, the Children’s Chapel is located here. Unique in Australia the murals were painted by the Turramurra Painters, a collaborative partnership of artists.

Also stored in the crypt are the ashes of former parishioners, including former prime minister Gough Whitlam.

Interior

The interior of the church was totally remodelled in 1900–1902, although the marble memorials were retained. It has also retained its original character as a Georgian town church. It has remained this way with the exception of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (south portico) which was rebuilt in 1988.

This is an interesting and historic little church, with the highlight being the undercroft and the Children’s chapel.