Goulburn is a city located in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia. It is located approximately 200 kilometers south-west of Sydney and has a population of approximately 24,000 people.
For the history buffs, there are many things to do in Goulburn NSW. This article includes Belmore Park, the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum, and the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre. It also covers The Big Merino, a local landmark that has a large collection of memorabilia from the railway age. For a fun day out with family, check out these things to do in Goulburn NSW.
Belmore Park
Whether you’re looking for a scenic picnic spot or a fun family outing, the landscaped city square at Belmore Park is the place to be. Located near the city’s public restrooms, this park offers plenty of amenities and shade trees. You can also grab a bite from nearby eateries. The landscaped city square offers a playground, restrooms, and nearby eateries.
The surrounding area of Belmore Park features the Lady Beulmore Oak Tree, planted by the wife of the governor in 1869. Besides the oak tree, there’s also the Temperance Fountain, built in 1886 by the Temperance Society. The sandstone drinking fountain is flanked by stone piers erected to commemorate Edward VII’s coronation in 1902.
The Belmore Park is the heart of Goulburn. The city’s original market place is located in the park, which has since served as a central hub. The park has been home to several historic buildings, including the Goulburn Visitor Centre. You can visit the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and learn about local art. While you’re there, you can enjoy a variety of live music and entertainment performances.
Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum
The Washington Monument in Goulburn NSW is one of Australia’s most impressive landmarks. Designed to commemorate the fighting men of WWI, this monument was built in 1922 and today houses a military museum. It is a must-see for those who appreciate military history. The monument is a must-see for those who are interested in Australia’s military history. It is well worth the visit.
The Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum is a heritage-listed site located in Goulburn, NSW. The museum first opened its doors in 1927 in a small basement of the tower. The original collection consisted of only 16 items of national significance, but the collection has steadily grown over the years and now covers Australia’s war experience from the 19th century to the present day. In 2000, the museum moved into a refurbished caretaker’s cottage. In June 2020, construction will start on a new museum building, which will provide more education space and exhibition space.
The museum has been named one of Australia’s Top Ten Historic Places in the 2018 World Heritage List. The museum is located on a beautiful rocky outcrop and is celebrated as a moving cultural heritage experience. It interprets the poignant stories of Australian servicepeople. Right now, there is an exhibition showcasing sixteen objects of National Significance, as well as the CEW Bean WW1 war trophy collection.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
The historic locomotive roundhouse is one of the highlights of the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, things to see in the area. Built in 1928, the roundhouse is a significant part of the history of Goulburn, and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation Society members are dedicated to preserving Goulburn’s rail story.
While in the town, you can visit the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, which is home to a wide variety of works by local and international artists. The gallery is located in the Civic Centre on Bourke Street, which is accessible from Church Street. You can also enjoy the Lilac Country Market, held on the third Saturday of every month except January. There is also a monthly market at St Saviour’s Cathedral Hall, which is open to the public on weekends. You can also attend the Goulburn Regional Park, where you can find roses from 100 varieties, as well as a Visitor Centre.
Another great place to grab a bite to eat is Bryant’s Bakery, the town’s oldest bakery. The bakery features alfresco dining overlooking the Victorian Italianate post office. There is also a pub and restaurant, where you can enjoy a relaxing drink after a hard day exploring the town. You can also try out the Paragon Cafe, a traditional country-style eatery. It has a bright and airy atmosphere, so you can take in the scenery while enjoying a delicious meal.
The Big Merino
The Big Merino is a 15-meter tall sculpture located in the town of Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia. It pays tribute to the fine wool industry in Goulburn and stands over 15 metres tall. A walk around this giant wooly mammoth will give you a great view of the local area and the surrounding country. It is free to visit, so be sure to make a day of it and visit this iconic landmark.
There are several reasons to visit the Big Merino in Goulburn. Not only is it home to a stud ram that has eyes, but the shop is also home to an extensive range of fine wool products. In addition to its unique store, it also hosts a permanent exhibition that explores the history of wool production in Australia. You can even buy a memorabilia of the giant stud at the gift shop!
If you’re interested in learning more about the wool industry, you should visit the Big Merino in Goulburn. This wool production town is also home to an excellent gift shop with a wide range of light weight wool garments for every taste and budget. The shop also sells Australian-made sheepskins, pure merino knitwear, and possum merino sweaters. Aside from woolen garments, the Big Merino also stocks a wide range of other wool products, including cosmetics and lanolin products.
St. Saviour’s Cathedral
The first church in Goulburn was built in 1839 as a replacement for the old St Saviour’s church. In 1863 the diocese of Goulburn was established, and the church became its procathedral. In 1874 Bishop Mesac Thomas began raising funds to build the current cathedral, which has 12 country peals. Sadly, James Wilson died during construction. Today, the narthex of the cathedral houses a painting of the original church.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Saviour was designed by the famous Colonial ecclesiastical architect Edmund Blacket. He had some involvement with the site of Goulburn’s church in 1843. He was responsible for the design of the pulpit, which was later installed by Bishop Broughton. In addition, the original stonemasons and the setter-out draughtsman had to produce full-size drawings of architectural elements including the string course, friezes, and profiles.
Yerranderie
Yerranderie is a historic town located on the Goulburn River in western New South Wales. The town has been around for 158 years. The historic home is full of Edwardian and Victorian era items and is still inhabited by the Hume family, collateral descendants of Hamilton Hume. Visiting Yerranderie will provide you with a unique experience of rural life in the 1800s.
Yerranderie is located on the edge of a former volcanic crater. The historic silver mining town was discovered by part-Aboriginal Werriberri in 1871, but the town’s prosperity didn’t really begin until the late 1890s. Mining continued for another five years and reached its peak between 1899 and 1914. A road was built to the area from Camden and the Burragorang Valley to Yerranderie. Horses were used to bring in mining equipment and supplies.
Wollondilly River Walkway
A popular walking track, the Wollondilly River Walkway is located in the Goulburn and Wollondilly area of New South Wales. It offers a 4.9-mile out-and-back trail that is a popular destination for road bikers, trail runners, and walkers. The river is also wheelchair-accessible and features a picnic area along the way.
The new river walk is part of a larger project by the City of Goulburn. Construction of a 2.7-kilometre phase will connect Cemetery Street to the Josephs Gate subdivision, which is funded by the Federal and NSW Governments. The next stage is scheduled to start later this year. The first phase of the project was completed four years ago and will eventually connect with the Mulwaree River Walkway. The walking area will include benches and native vegetation planting.
Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum
Located on the banks of the Wollondilly River in Goulburn, New South Wales, the Goulburn Historical Waterworks Museum contains the remains of two steam beam engines and a pumpouse from the mid-nineteenth century. This unique museum has the only steam-powered municipal water supply in the southern hemisphere. The building is of national significance and has been declared a National Trust site. It is a must-see attraction, and a visit is a great way to learn about the history of the Goulburn region.
The museum’s impressive collection includes a replica of the Goulburn Waterworks’ famous steam engine. The engine was built in 1883 and operated until the early 20th century. Fortunately, the museum’s replica of this engine is in good condition and is still in use today. The museum’s exhibits highlight this historic site and its importance to the region. The museum also showcases a large steam engine used to pump water into the town. The museum’s steam engine is a medium-sized model that has 120 horsepower. The fly wheel is five meters in diameter.
Riversdale National Trust Historic Homestead
The historic Riversdale Homestead in Goulburn NSW is now open to the public for a series of ‘Curious Talks-and-Tea’ events this weekend. As part of the 2022 Australian Heritage Festival, this homestead is aiming to preserve its heritage and showcase its unique architecture. Volunteers would help with the daily administration of the historic homestead and answer guests’ questions.
Originally built as a coaching inn in the 1830s, Riversdale has a fascinating history. In 1875, the homestead was purchased by Edward Twynam, who went on to become the Surveyor-General of NSW. The property remained in his family until 1967. It is set amidst flowering gardens, and it is furnished in the style of a mid-19th century colonial cottage. You can enjoy a Devonshire tea on the third Sunday of every month at the homestead’s cafe. You can also plan a picnic or a special family photo shoot.
The homestead is located in the centre of the town and is a great place to stay overnight. The surrounding area has plenty to see and do, so take some time to explore. Goulburn was once a thriving town, and is an easy drive from Canberra, Sydney and the Southern Highlands. If you are looking for an overnight stay, you’ll find the Riversdale National Trust Historic Homestead in Goulburn NSW.
Saints Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral
The Parish of Goulburn NSW has begun the next phase of restoration of the Archdiocese of Sydney’s Old Cathedral, located in Goulburn. The building was a church in the early 1800s and was founded by Caroline Chisholm, an immigrant from the United Kingdom. She helped immigrants to Australia in the 1840s. The new cathedral will feature the original 1843 church and its additions.
In 1864, Goulburn became the seat of a Catholic diocese, led by Archbishop Geoghan. The first bishop, who was originally from Ireland, died before taking up his post in Goulburn. Bishop Lanigan, also Irish, became the second bishop of Goulburn. The parish experienced a pastoral expansion based on the high price of wool in overseas markets. The town also experienced a gold rush, which made the town a diocesan headquarters. In order to serve its growing population, the church needed to be larger, so the parish was able to build a new cathedral.
Bungonia State Conservation Area
If you love the outdoors, then a visit to Bungonia State Conservation Area is a must. This park is known as Australia’s adventure capital, with over 200 caves and hundreds of gorges and canyons. Its geology is largely composed of fine-grained palaeozoic sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and limestone. Much of the park’s land is dry and plateau-like, with numerous gorges and cliffs near prominent water-ways. Caves and other limestone features can be found here as well.
If you’re driving to Bungonia, you should take the highway south out of Sydney. From Sydney, take the Hume Highway, and take the Marulan exit. After 16km, turn left and proceed to Bungonia. Continue through the town and you’ll find the Bungonia State Conservation Area. There, you’ll find many beautiful waterfalls and rivers, as well as the historic Bungonia Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to the Bungonia National Park, you’ll also want to visit Bungonia town. This historic town is home to two important churches. St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Australia, having been built in 1839 and consecrated by Bishop Polding in 1847. Christ Church Anglican Church is another attractive building. The area also has several historic buildings worth seeing.
Garroorigang Historic Home
When in Goulburn, make sure you visit the Garroorigang Historic Home. Built in 1857, this historic home is an impressive example of colonial architecture, complete with antique furnishings and items of historical interest. It is also a living home, not just a museum. The Hume family, collateral descendants of Hamilton Hume, has lived in this home since 1867. The onsite museum and gazebo will give you a feel for the life of a wealthy family in early Australia.
The Garroorigang Historic Home is a significant part of the history of Goulburn, which grew from its agricultural roots. Originally a pub, the home has a fascinating collection of original furnishings and historical items from the Victorian and colonial eras. The Garroorigang Historic Home was converted into a boarding school for the sons of gentlemen between 1868 and 1883. It was here that test cricketer HH Massie and General Sir Harry Chauvel, commander of the 5th Light Horse at the Beersheba battle, attended.
While in Goulburn, take time to explore the beautiful Central Park. The park is lined with mature trees, neat lawns, and flowerbeds. The park used to be the city’s market place, and it was named after the governor of NSW, Lord Belmore. In 1899, the area was turned into a park. The park includes several war memorials. A great place to get a map of the walking and historic house trails is the Goulburn Visitors Information Centre.
Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
The Goulburn Regional Art Gallery is a regional centre for contemporary art, presenting over five hundred exhibitions each year, with several of these touring nationally. Located in the city’s bustling CBD, the gallery offers three main exhibition spaces and a variety of learning programs for children, adults, and families. You can also sign up for a free guided exhibition tour to learn more about the art on view. The gallery is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm. The gallery is closed on public holidays and closed to visitors.
The Goulburn Regional Art Award celebrates excellence in any medium. Professional artists from a 120-km radius of Goulburn may submit work for the award. It is a biennial competition, and in 2022, the gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The Goulburn Regional Art Award is open to artists at all stages of their career, and submissions from emerging artists, as well as established local artists, are encouraged.
There’s also plenty to see and do during your stay in Goulburn. The galleries are a great place for a quick walk or impromptu gallery tours. Curators and Directors of Exhibitions regularly hold free talks to educate visitors on the ins and outs of the current show. For souvenirs, check out the Gallery Store, conveniently located right next to the entrance. Local artists and eco-friendly products are featured in the gallery’s store.
10 interesting facts about Goulburn
- Goulburn is the largest city in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia.
- It is located approximately 200 kilometers south-west of Sydney.
- Goulburn is known as the “Gateway to the South” due to its location on the Hume Highway, a major transportation route between Sydney and Melbourne.
- The city has a population of approximately 24,000 people.
- Goulburn was founded in 1820 and named after Henry Goulburn, the Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time.
- The city is home to the Big Merino, a large concrete statue of a merino sheep that stands 15 meters tall. The Big Merino is a popular tourist attraction and is considered a symbol of Goulburn.
- Goulburn has a rich history and is home to many heritage-listed buildings, including the Goulburn Post Office, which was built in 1887 and is now a museum.
- The city is known for its sheep and wool industry, and is home to the Goulburn Wool Scouring Company, the largest wool scouring facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Goulburn is also home to the Goulburn Racecourse, which hosts regular horse racing events.
- The city is located in a region known for its beautiful countryside and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. There are several parks and reserves in the area, including the Goulburn River National Park.