Goulburn Attractions
Goulburn is positioned only two hours from Sydney, less than an hour from Canberra, and just over an hour from the coast.
As Australia’s First Inland City, Goulburn and its surrounding district has a rich heritage with many buildings faithfully restored to their original splendour. There are a wide range of self-guided tours available which reveal details of Goulburn’s history and beginnings.
Goulburn has several parks and open areas available for recreation including historic Belmore Park, the cities original Marketplace, which is today a popular picnic spot for the locals and visitors in the CBD.
Surrounding wilderness areas include Bungonia National Park and Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve. The Goulburn Wetlands and the recently developed Wollondilly Walking Track also provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Goulburn district also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year which include the Australian Blues Festival, Goulburn Rose Festival, Steampunk Victoriana Fair and Lilac Festival.
Goulburn hosts many sporting and competitive events. We have an active Arts and Craft community and provide many opportunities for family reunions and celebrations.
Town Centre
The Goulburn town centre reflects its historic beginnings in the 1820’s, then becoming a prosperous city through its profitable wool industry, a shortlived gold rush and the development of the rail system.
There are a number of important and interesting buildings and destinations around the town. These include the Post Office, a large Victorian Classical building of stuccoed brick. The Town Hall which is a Classical Revival red-brick structure. The Goulburn courthouse, another Classical Revival building, with a copper dome and colonnaded facade, located opposite Belmore Park.
The main street also offers boutique shopping, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs, to enjoy relaxed country hospitality and entertainment.
Big Merino
The Big Merino, built in 1985 is a monument to Goulburn and the surrounding district’s fine wool industry. Standing 15.2 meters high, 18 meters long and weighing 97 tones at the time of construction he is an impressive life-like model of Rambo, a stud Ram from a local property, “Bullamallita”.
Come and browse the amazing gift shop, learn about the history of wool in Australia, see how wool is processed.
Rocky Hill War Memorial & Museum
Rocky Hill War Memorial opened in 1925 as a lasting tribute to the men and women of Goulburn who served during World War 1.
Sponsored by the community and designed by renowned local architects, E C Manfred and Sons, the memorial tower is constructed of concrete and clad in local stones – some of which was carried to the site by local residents and returned servicemen as part of ANZAC Day commemorations in 1923.
Located on a prominent rocky outcrop the memorial is a must to visit with the viewing platform at the top of the tower providing a spectacular view over the city and surrounding areas. The tower is a well-known and iconic representation of Goulburn and a significant landmark to the local community.
Victoria Park Rose Gardens
Walk among the roses in the magnificent Victoria Park rose garden in Goulburn. The garden includes some 1,500 roses of 100 varieties. All the roses are named for easy identification.
Picnic tables and barbecue facilities can be accessed from Faithfull Street.
There is an oval, playground, bicycle tracks and preschooler bicycle park available nearby.
St. Saviours Cathedral
St. Saviour’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. St. Saviour’s has been a place of worship and ministry since the 1830s and continues to serve the city of Goulburn and the diocese. It is also one of the most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals in Australia.
Old Goulburn Brewery
The Old Goulburn Brewery is a heritage listed brewery, designed by Francis Greenway and built from 1836-1840. The buildings of the complex are mainly constructed of load bearing brickwork and is one of the most substantial industrial establishments to survive in country NSW from early colonial times. It is a well designed, integrated complex that has been put to different uses in response to shifts in the economy.
Historic Waterworks Museum
Set on the banks of the picturesque Wollondilly River at Marsden Weir, this rare facility is the only complete, steam powered municipal water supply left in its original location, in the Southern Hemisphere. The buildings and engine are of national significance and are now protected by a permanent conservation order. The Waterworks is listed on the State Heritage and National Trust Registers.
Bungonia National Park
Just a short drive from Goulburn, Bungonia National Park is an outdoor adventure playground. Offering caving, canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and impressive views.
Wombeyan Caves
Set in a secluded valley and hidden amongst the rugged beauty of the Southern Highlands, Wombeyan Caves feature vast caverns adorned with striking and delicate formations in a range of sizes, shapes and textures. These limestone caves are both remarkable and beautiful.
Above the underworld there are spectacular bush walks, lookouts, secluded waterfalls and a dramatic limestone gorge that is excellent for a swim in summer.
