Established in 1833, Goulburn was Australia’s first inland city and has since become a rural haven with colonial buildings, enthralling museums and thrilling adventure experiences. Goulburn’s rich culinary culture is showcased in its wineries, markets, heritage pubs and Australia’s oldest-surviving brewery.

Things to do

If you’re visiting with the family, make Goulburn’s famous Big Merino one of your first stops. The 15.2-metre-tall merino, nicknamed “Rambo”, celebrates Australia’s wool industry with knitted products in its gift shop and an informative wool display. You’ll find shady picnic spots and self-guided history walks at Belmore Park, along with a children’s playground.

Goulburn is a treat for your stomach, with fresh cakes and sandwiches at Trappers Bakery and Malbec, Semillon and other delicious cool-climate wines at Kingsdale Wines. Combine history with a cold beer at Goulburn Brewery, which began operating in 1836. You can take a guided tour around the brewery, before enjoying traditional ales beside the log fire.

Love to stay active? There are numerous hiking trails around Goulburn, particularly at Bungonia National Park. The 35-minute drive is well-worth exploring the immersive walking tracks, rock climbing sites and canyoning and caving opportunities. The Wombeyan Caves are another perfect day trip, where you can go on guided tours through marble cave systems and spot endangered wallaby, possum and wombat species.

If you’re a train buff, don’t miss the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, which houses a range of steam and diesel locomotives and a working heritage locomotive roundhouse. Finish up with a round of golf at Goulburn Golf Club, where challenging fairways and scenic nature cater to professional and beginner golfers alike.

Getting around

Goulburn is about 100 kilometres from Canberra and 200 kilometres from Sydney, both of which provide easy-to-navigate routes along highways. Goulburn’s historic railway station is also serviced by long-distance trains from Sydney and Canberra. You can walk around town or use the local taxis and buses.