Goulburn is Australia’s first inland city. This regional city is located in the Southern Tablelands, New South Wales. Goulburn is home to 23,835 residents (2018 census) and is the seat of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The localities surrounding Goulburn are Kingsdale, Middle Arm, Tarlo, Baw Baw, Towrang, Run-O-Waters, Brisbane Gove and Boxers Creek. The city is two hours from Sydney and an hour from Canberra.
History of Goulburn
Goulburn was proclaimed as the country’s first inland city through letters by Queen Victoria in 1863. The town was named after Henry Goulburn, Undersecretary for War and the Colonies.
Before the European settlement, the inhabitants of the area were the Mulwaree People. Land grants in the region began in the early 1800s, which opened the location for settlement and displaced the local indigenous population.
In the years between 1839 to 1842, George Johnson purchased the first land in Goulburn. Johnson became a central figure in the development of the area. Around the 1840s, the population in the town steadily increased, and facilities such as a courthouse, churches, police barracks, a hospital and post office were established. Goulburn at that time also became a centre of sheepherding and farming.
By the 1860s, more establishments operated in Goulburn, including two hotels, a blacksmith’s shop and a telegraph office.
Facilities Around Goulburn
Goulburn is a historic city, filled with museums, galleries, restaurants and festivals and plenty of outdoor adventure surrounding the area.
The city is known for its cool climate wines offered at Kingsdale Wines and Bungonia Creek wines. Popular dining areas in Goulburn include the Cascades Restaurant, Fireside Inn and Trappers Village. At the same time, several cafes are also found across the city.
There are outdoor attractions for people who are seeking for an adrenaline rush (Wakefield Park at nearby Tirrannaville) or a peaceful walk at the banks of the Wollondilly River.
Arts and culture are thriving in the city. The Lieder Theatre Company, Australia’s oldest existing theatre company, presents major performances annually and there’s also the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery that hosts several festivals.
The Goulburn Medical Clinic that was established in 1946 is historic as it is the first group practice of any size in NSW. It continues today to provide comprehensive healthcare services to locals.
Several schools are also located in the city such as the St. Joseph’s Primary School, Tambelin Independent School, Goulburn High School and Trinity Catholic College.
There is a railway station in Goulburn, which is part of the NSW TrainLonk. At the same time, the other means of public transport in the city are local taxi services and buses. Goulburn also has its airport, which services light aircraft.
Famous Destinations Around Goulburn
Belmore Park
This is a popular landmark right in the centre of the City of Goulburn. Breathtaking gardens, a fountain, glass house conservatory and war memorials are found here. There are also picnic tables and a playground for families to enjoy.
The Big Merino
This 50 ft concrete ram is an icon in the city. Called by the locals as “Rambo”, this statue was built to celebrate Australia’s fine wool industry. Besides the gigantic ram, there is also a gift shop on the ground floor of the Big Merino and a wool display on the second floor.
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
This attraction is one of the many heritage-listed establishments in Goulburn. Former railway workshops were transformed into a museum that features an extensive collection of rolling stock and privately-owned locomotives and carriages.