The Regions
Experiences for Goulburn and Surrounds
Experiences
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Find out more about the features, attractions and landscapes of Goulburn and Surrounds.
Aboriginal Heritage
The traditional country of the Gundungurra people takes in the Goulburn area and extends northwards into the southern parts of the Greater Blue Mountains.
Camping
The nearest national park style camping sites are at Wombeyan Caves (bookings 02 4843 5976), Gambells Rest at Bundanoon (bookings 02 4887 7270) and Bungonia State Conservation Area (bookings 02 4844 4341). Fees apply.
Canoeing
The nearest canoeing opportunities are away to the east, in Kangaroo Valley and on Tallowa Dam.
Galleries, Museums and Collections
- Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
- Exhibitions change monthly and include work by regional artists and craftspeople, as well as travelling exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Saturday (02 4823 4443).
- Victoria Park Rose Garden, Goulburn
- Displays 1,500 varieties of rose. Picnic facilities. Open daily (02 4823 4492).
- Goulburn War Memorial and Museum
- Built by public subscription in 1924, the lookout gallery gives spectacular views over Goulburn. The lookout is open daily, the museum on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. Entry by donation (02 4823 4462).
- Kenmore Hospital Museum, Goulburn
- Exhibitions change each year, historical tours. Open weekends from mid-March to the end of April, or by appointment. Entry and tours by donation (02 4827 3412).
- Dalton Shearing Co-op and Farm Museum, Dalton
- The shearing shed was opened in 1840. Now fully restored, it operates as museum displaying a wonderful collection of machinery and engines from bygone days. Open by appointment only (02 4845 6317).
- Goulburn and District Arts and Crafts Inc., Goulburn
- A co-operative centre open daily, with exhibitions and workshops (02 4822 7889).
- St Clair Cottage Folk Museum and Archives, Goulburn
- The cottage was built in 1843 and is now operated by the Goulburn and District Historical Society. Open Friday to Sunday afternoons or by appointment (02 4821 1156).
Guided Activities
- You can take a self-guided tour of the underworld of Wombeyan Caves at any time, and guided tours operate throughout the year. Contact 02 4843 5976.
- Several heritage sites in Goulburn also offer guided tours, including the Goulburn Brewery and the Cathedral Church of St Saviour.
- A number of general tours are available in the area, as well as some adventure activities such as abseiling.
Historic Sites and Heritage
White settlement of the Goulburn district began in 1825. The town was surveyed in 1833 and proclaimed in 1859. The town an district retain many historic buildings and other features from the 1800s, including the imposing 1887 courthouse.
- Historic Lansdowne Park Farmstay and Vineyard, Goulburn
- Goulburn's oldest homestead dates from 1825. Guided tours, convict-built Cobb & Co. coachhouse, convict jail, accommodation and farm activities (02 4821 8653).
- Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
- Historic roundhouse (1918) and heritage rail workshop with engines and rolling stock under restoration. Open Tuesday to Saturday (02 4822 1210).
- Goulburn Historic Waterworks
- Steam-powered pumping facilities built in 1885 and still working on the banks of the Wollondilly River. The museum is open on 'steaming days' only or by appointment. Parkland and café open daily (02 4823 4462).
- Goulburn Brewery
- Australia's oldest surviving brewery has been restored to make the original ales and stouts by traditional processes dating from 1836. The industrial complex is made up of the steam flour mill, maltings, tobacco curing kiln, cooperage, mews, stables and workers cottage. Hotel, tea rooms, accommodation, functions and guided tours. Open daily (02 4821 6071).
- Cathedral Church of St Saviour, Goulburn
- Designed by Edmund Blackett and completed in 1884, the church features stained-glass windows, stone and timber carving detail and a working belltower. Open daily with guide access. Guided tours by arrangement (02 4821 2206).
Mountain Biking
Touring options through the local rural landscapes abound, but those seeking more adventurous riding should head east to the escarpment country or north into the Blue Mountains.
Nature Study
Information signs on natural and cultural heritage are displayed at Wombeyan Caves.
Overnight Bushwalks
Experienced bushwalkers can explore the rugged country of Morton National Park and the southern Colong Sector of the Greater Blue Mountains.
Picnicking
- Wombeyan Caves has a large grassed picnic ground with all facilities
Facilities:
- shelter
- toilets
- BBQ
- table
- Picnic areas are also available in Morton National Park and Bungonia State Conservation Area (park entry fee applies), and many local town parks.
Scenic Lookouts
A number of lookouts can be visited in Morton National Park and Bungonia State Conservation Area (park entry fee applies).
Short Walks
- The bush and limestone features of Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve can be explored on a variety of walking tracks of up to half a day in length.
- In the east of the area, numerous walking tracks explore Morton National Park around Fitzroy Falls, and the karst landscapes of Bungonia State Conservation Area (park entry fee applies).
- The Wollondilly Walking Trails walk at Goulburn links points of scenic, cultural and historical interest. The 18 km can be walked in 6 hours, with parking, toilets, picnic facilities and grassed areas at Marsden Weir Park and O'Brien Park.