Goulburn Area

Colonial treasures

One of the earliest inland settlements in NSW and Australia’s first inland city, Goulburn has long been the historic heart of this country region. Discover its rich history and grand colonial architecture on a self-guided heritage tour, and take a selfie with the Big Merino, which celebrates the region’s fine wool industry.

Big Merino, Goulburn

Visit the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum and enjoy panoramic views of the region. There are also scenic drives through the surrounding historic villages of Crookwell, Taralga and Gunning, where explorers Hume and Hovell began the daring expedition to Port Melbourne in 1824.

Rocky Hill War Memorial, Goulburn

Gourmet delights & vineyards

A rich farming region, there are top food and wine experiences in the Goulburn area. Taste award-winning cool climate wines at renowned cellar doors of Kingsdale Wines, Collector Wines, Lerida Estate and Yarralaw Springs Wines. You’ll also find delicious local produce at markets like the Laggan Village Markets.

Lerida Estate, Goulburn

The beautifully restored Argyle Inn is a hidden gem in historic Taralga, serving up gourmet seasonal dishes. Nearby, the Taralga Hotel built in 1876 from local stone offers traditional country hospitality, while in Goulburn, the Southern Railway Hotel is a classic country pub full of character. Goulburn also has a buzzing cafe scene.

Adventures & events

Explore the spectacular wilderness of the region by canyoning, caving, rock climbing or hiking in Bungonia National Park. Get a bird’s-eye view by skydiving with Adrenalin Skydive Goulburn or Mulga Bicycle Tours offers multi-day cycling tours of between five and 15 days in length.

Mulga Bicycle Tours, Goulburn - Credit: Mark Arundel

A jam-packed calendar of events will also keep you busy with markets and shows, including the Australian Blues Music Festival, the thrilling Gunning Fireworks Festival, the Crookwell Garden Festival and the retro-futuristic Steampunk Victoriana Fair. You’ll also find many motorsports events throughout the year.

Public Art Walk, Goulburn

Getting there

The Goulburn region is a 2-hour drive from Sydney and 1-hour drive from Canberra. It’s also a stop on the Sydney to Melbourne train line and the journey takes less than three hours. Places to stay include historic railway barracks, country pubs, farmstays, wineries, and caravan parks.