Goulburn

Goulburn Court House, Goulburn

History trails & heritage

Standing on Goulburn’s fringe is the Big Merino – one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ and symbolic of the city known as the fine wool capital of the world. For a beautiful panorama of Goulburn, head to the tower lookout at the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum.

The Big Merino standing at 15.2 metres tall located in Goulburn, Country NSW

The Big Merino, standing at 15.2m tall in Goulburn

Explore Goulburn’s beautifully preserved history on a self-guided heritage tour, which takes you past the historic Court House, Post Office, St Saviour’s Anglican Cathedral and the Sts Peter & Paul’s Old Catholic Cathedral. You can also visit historic Riversdale Homestead and Garroorigang Homestead, both of which date back to the 1800s. Rail buffs will love the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre.

St Saviour's Cathedral Goulburn in Goulburn,Country NSW

St Saviour's Cathedral Goulburn, Goulburn

Fabulous food & culture

The Goulburn region is home to delicious cool climate wines. Sample superb drops at Kingsdale Wines and Yarralaw Springs Wines or head south for award-winning shiraz at acclaimed wineries Lerida Estate in Lake George and Collector Wines in the historic village of Collector.

Collector Wines at Collector in Goulburn, Country NSW

Collector Wines, Collector

You’ll find a number of top cafes in Goulburn for your morning coffee fix. Greengrocer on Clifford has a sunny outdoor dining area, The Roses Cafe makes everything in-house, Grit Cafe has a focus on sustainability and Valerie’s Sunroom is located within a tranquil nursery setting. Find delicious baked goods at Trappers Bakery.

Coffee and slice at Trappers Bakery in Goulburn, Country NSW

Trappers Bakery, Goulburn

Admire bold contemporary art at the renowned Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and stunning works by local creators at the Gallery on Track, or see a live performance at Lieder Theatre Company or the state-of-the-art Goulburn Performing Arts Centre. Goulburn also hosts many festivals, including the Australian Blues Music Festival and the fantastic spectacle of the retro-futuristic Steampunk Victoriana Fair.

Goulburn Regional Art Gallery in Goulburn, Country NSW

Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, Goulburn

Spectacular outdoor attractions

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, you can go skydiving or drive a racing car at Pheasant Wood Circuit. A short drive away is Bungonia National Park, where experienced outdoor adventurers will enjoy canyoning, rock climbing or abseiling and caving in one of the park’s ‘wild caves’.

Bungonia National Park, Goulburn

Explore the picturesque surrounds of the Wollondilly River on the Wollondilly Walking Track. You’ll also find the fascinating Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum on the idyllic banks of the river, still intact with a working pump house and steam engine.

Family picnic and water activities at Goulburn Historic Waterworks in Goulburn, Country NSW

Goulburn Historic Waterworks, Goulburn - Credit: Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Families will enjoy a stroll around the Goulburn Wetlands, spotting the variety of birdlife along the way, or a splash at the Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre which has a cafe opening onto Victoria Park where the kids can run free and play at the enormous Adventure Playground.

Getting there

Goulburn is a two-hour drive from Sydney and one-hour drive from Canberra. It’s also a stop on the Sydney to Melbourne train line and the journey takes less than three hours. You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Goulburn, from hotels and camping sites to memorable farmstays.