A place rich in history, resilience, and community spirit. Conargo Hotel has been an integral part of the Riverina region, offering cold beers to many a traveller, and a gathering space for locals to share stories and keep community.
Experience the warm hospitality, cold beers, great pub food and vibrant community atmosphere in our Historic Venue.
The traditional owners of the land in and around Conargo are the Wiradjuri people, who lived in the area for thousands of years prior to European settlement. They used the Murrumbidgee River for fishing and hunting and had a deep connection to the land. European explorers first arrived in the region in the early 1800's and, soon after, pastoralists began to establish sheep and cattle stations.
Conargo was founded in 1860 when John Ryan, a farmer from Narrandera, acquired a large parcel of land in the area. He named the property "Conargo" after a town in Ireland. The village grew quickly thanks to the arrival of the railway in 1881 which opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce.
The Conargo Hotel dates all the way back to 1853 with the Conargo Inn and the Riverine Hotel also quenching the locals' thirsts. The town of Conargo was surveyed and laid out by the surveyor McCulloch in 1860. The village of Conargo was established in the mid 19th century during the gold rush era. In 1866 Conargo was reported as having a population of thirty people with a post office, hotels and a store. By 1872 Conargo was described and a small village with a store and three hotels. The Conargo Public School was established in 1877.
During the early 20th Century, the local economy was based on agriculture with wheat, wool and dairy being the primary industries. The town had its own cheese factory which was a major employer in the district for many years. Conargo was also home to several churched, schools and community organizations. The town suffered during the Great Depression and World War II as many young men were drafted into the military and the demand for agricultural product declined.
Conargo today remains a small but vibrant community. The town has a population of around 130 people and is known Australia wide for the iconic Conargo Pub bumper stickers designed and sold at the pub since the 1980's. The Pub was destroyed by fire in 2014 and was rebuilt by Michael Lodge, Paul Lodge and Charlie and Bob White as a lasting monument to the Lodge brother's parents and to the White brother's connection to Conargo.
Read The Full History of the Hotel
For decades, the Conargo Hotel has stood as a cherished landmark, symbolizing resilience, hospitality, and rich history. From the early days of the Lodge family to its tragic fire and eventual revival, the pub has remained at the heart of the community. Join us in reliving the past and celebrating the rebirth of this iconic establishment.
A landmark that has been serving the community since 1956.
A gathering place that brings people together.
Maintaining excellence in service through generations.
Neville and Betty Lodge moved to the Conargo Pub in 1956, a place that had been in Betty's family for years. That year was memorable due to the devastating floods in Conargo, during which Betty managed their four young children alone while the men dealt with the flood's aftermath. Neville became well-known in the Conargo and Deniliquin districts for his love of reading and hospitality at the Pub, often cooking for guests even after the kitchen had closed.
Conargo Hotel is more than just a pub – it is a living piece of history, a place where stories unfold, and memories are made. Whether you're a traveler passing through or a local looking for a familiar, welcoming space, we invite you to be part of our legacy.
Savor great pub food made fresh with locally sourced ingredients in our welcoming dining space.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of our beer garden and beautiful surrounds.
Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in our renovated space.
Join us for great food, drinks, and memories. Contact us now or find us on the map!
