Fast facts
- Fertile pastoral land at the junction of the Mulwaree and Wollondilly rivers
- Famous for its rich agricultural tradition
- Two hours’ drive south-west of Sydney
Why go there
The Goulburn district is proud of its colourful past. With a history that includes explorers, gold-diggers and bushrangers, Goulburn was settled by colonials who forged a city from the bush.
Australia’s first inland city offers an array of historic buildings, an energetic rural culture and country cuisine. Ther are many charming villages in the district such as Binda, Laggan, Taralga and Gundaroo where you can sample country hospitality.
Things to do
- Discover Goulburn’s finest historic buildings on a walking or cycling tour.
- Go fishing in Crookwell’s sparkling streams or Wyangla Dam.
- Visit Collector, where Constable Nelson was shot by the bushranger Johnny Dunn in 1865 at the Bushranger Hotel.
- Explore Bungonia Gorge in the Bungonia State Conservation Area.
- Check out the panoramic views from the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Lookout.
Don’t miss
- The Big Merino, one of Australia’s most prominent "big things".
- A guided tour of the Old Goulburn Brewery, where you can sample ales brewed to the original recipe.
- Goulburn Historic Waterworks and Pumphouse Museum, housing a four-storey steam-powered beam engine that spins into action once a month.
- The Wombeyan Caves, one hour’s drive north-east of Goulburn.
Events
- Taralga Australia Day Rodeo in January.
- National Festival of Australian Blues Music, Goulburn, in February.
- Crookwell Show, Crookwell, in February.
- A Celebration of Heritage and Roses, Goulburn, in March.
- Goulburn Show, Goulburn, in March.
- Crookwell Country Festival in March.
- Apple Day Festival, Tallong in April.
- Festival of Arts and Kites, Marulan in September.
