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City in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Inas at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Goulburn is a small regional city 200 km (120 miles) in the Southern Highlands, southwest of Sydney. With a population of 24,000 (2018), Goulburn is one of the largest cities in the region and a rural hub for surrounding agriculture. Goulburn lays claim to be Australia's first inland city to be settled.
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Possibly Goulburn's most well-known tourist attraction. Being a rural hub, the 15 m (49 ft) tall concrete Merino sheep symbolises the town's importance to the local farming industry. Stairs ascend inside the structure past mildly interesting displays on wool and merinos (Australia's most common sheep breed). Originally located in the centre of the town, when the freeway bypass meant that the merino lost visitors, in 2007 the owners put it on a truck and moved it 800 m up the road. The lookout at the top of the stairs has now been renovated to allow visitors to see out the top again. The base of the concrete ovine houses a tourist gift shop.
Rocky Hill War Memorial & Museum
The War Memorial Tower on Rocky Hill was built in 1924 in memory of the people who died during World War 1. While the tower has great views, even the lookout has an unparalleled view of the town, so it is worth visiting even when the museum is closed. The old caretaker's cottage contains a museum describing the city's involvement in the two world wars. You can walk up from Henry St, if you're keen.
A working roundhouse incorporating heritage rail locomotives (both steam and diesel) with displays on the history of the railway in Goulburn.
The Gothic-style cathedral of the Anglican Church Diocese of Goulburn & Canberra, designed by notable Australian architect Edmund Blacket. Construction commenced in 1874. The cathedral is one of Australia's most beautiful regional cathedrals and attracts many tourists every year.
The Waterworks which became functional in 1886 was the first reticulated water supply for the booming city of Goulburn.
in the centre of town on the main street (Auburn Street) is the scene of many community events, including a monthly fair.
has a beautiful rose garden in the centre of it with children's recreational play sets.
Located across from Belmore Park.
It has been suggested that the buildings were designed by the famous colonial architect Francis Greenway as there are some stylistic similarities with his other work. There is an exhibition to support the assertion.
Can be accessed in an hour through the nearby town of Taralga. A further 90 minutes from the caves is an extremely scenic but slow drive to Mittagong providing access to the Southern Highlands. This road is passable by 2-wheel drive but is of poor quality in the national park.
Skydiving is available at the airport just out of town.
Wakefield Park
Wakefield Park runs public 'No Speed Limit' days (check the website for details) in which the public is allowed to drive to their hearts content. Rides in V8 supercars are also available for race fans wanting a thrill ride.
Generally around the 2nd weekend of February. See the website for yearly times.
Annual festival in early October. Floral displays, markets, parades.
A Thai cafe and restaurant located at the northern end of the main road.
American-style barbecued ribs, steaks, seafood and pizza. Family owned and operated.
A longstanding cafe restaurant that retains a 1970s feel in its decor and layout. An extensive menu of hearty standards, usually with good service.
Sydney hipster cafe options meet country hospitality.
Market St (opposite Belmore Park on the top floor of the Goulburn Club building). Open Th-Sa from 5PM onwards. Relaxed old English gentlemens club feel with sofas and chairs. Constantly changing art exhibits line the walls and live bands (generally jazz or blues) can be found irregularly.
McKell Place
Old Hume Highway & Common Street.
This motel located on the north side of town and you enter Goulburn from Sydney. Has quiet and comfortable rooms, a fully licensed Steakhouse Restaurant and all the features you would expect of a well run accommodation - great for business travelers and families on holiday. Member of Golden Chain Motels
This hotel is right in the middle of town on the main street, and if you are unlucky enough to be in town at the end of the week or a public holiday expect lots of noise all night long.
There are farm tours complete with sheep shearing too.
Next to the highway services (2nd Goulburn exit) with free WiFi - this is the place to stay if you're just coming off the freeway and need a convenient place for the night.
This is a shopping mall right in the middle of town, with the usual Kmart and Coles retailers. Also a small foodcourt.
By car
Goulburn is just off the Hume Highway, approximately 90 km from Canberra and 195 km from Sydney. From Canberra, take the Federal Highway (Northbourne Ave) and then the Hume Highway North.
By train
By bus
By plane
Goulburn Airport is a general aviation airfield approximately 7 km south of the city. It is a popular trip for light aircraft from Sydney.
By bus
PBC Goulburn operate local bus services from the city centre to the surrounding suburbs, including as far north as Kenmore.60) depending on distance travelled.
By car
If you are staying outside of the centre of the city or wish to see some of the other sights, the only practical method of transport is by car or taxi. Car hire is available from:
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Canberra · Regional · CBR
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