Fast facts
- Australia’s first inland city is a thriving rural community and regional arts centre
- Lovingly preserved architecture surrounded by grazing land
- 196 km south-west of Sydney, population 22,000
Why go there
Grand old buildings and magnificent cathedrals, which look as if they were shipped in direct from England.
History
In 1798, former convict John Wilson was the first European settler to lay eyes on the Goulburn Downs.
The area was named after Henry Goulburn, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. Goulburn soon developed into a major centre for wool and, in 1863, it became Australia’s first inland city.
It was also home to Australia's first motor cycle and first motor car grand prix held in 1927. Today you can still enjoy motor sports at the Wakefield Park racing circuit.
Things to do
- Admire the city's architectural heritage in its buildings and cathedrals.
- Take in the sweeping views from the Rocky Hill Lookout and War Memorial.
- Wet your whistle at The Old Goulburn Brewery, in operation since 1840. The oldest working industrial complex in Australia still brews traditional ales.
- Enjoy a meal at an outdoor cafe or restaurant by the park.
- Rail buffs will enjoy the Rail Heritage Centre at the old Roundhouse.
Events
- National Festival of Australian Blues Music in February.
- The Celebration of Heritage and Roses Festival in March.
- Goulburn Rotary Swapmeet in March to April.
- Goulburn to Sydney Cycle Classic in September.
Don’t miss
- A guided tour of Saint Saviour’s Anglican Cathedral, an elegant Gothic construction in white sandstone.
- A visit to Wakefield Parkway, one of the State’s most important car- and motorbike-racing circuits. Sit behind the wheel of a Formula 4000 racing car or a high-performance rally car.
- The Big Merino – one of Australia's iconic 'big things' – celebrates the region's wool industry.
- Everything from weaving to pottery at the Goulburn and District Arts and Craft Centre.
- Old steam engines at the Waterworks Museum on the Wollondilly River.
