The city of Goulburn is notable in many ways. Although recently bypassed, it is a major point on the Hume Highway which links Australia's two largest cities of Sydney and Melbourne. It is less than an hour from our nation's capital of Canberra via the Federal Highway and only a little over an hour from our wonderful south coast. It is also situated on the rail link between Sydney and Melbourne.

Most importantly, Goulburn has historically been central to Australia's finest wool growing region. Many restored and open historical buildings give an insight to the rise of Australia's oldest inland city and to its importance as the rural centre for one of our most important primary industries.

Goulburn is also well known as home to the biggest sheep in the world. This is in the form of a rare pleasing example of a manmade monolith. Over fifteen metres high and eighteen metres long, 'The Big Merino' contains exhibits relating to the local wool industry. The complex also has a road service station, restaurants and crafts and souvenirs. Coaches are well provided for. Enjoy a view over Goulburn city and surrounding district from inside the eyes of this famous and proud sheep.

The Goulburn district was first explored around 1800 and Goulburn Plains were named by explorer John Meehan who passed the site with another famous explorer, Hamilton Hume.

The town was first allotted in the early 1830's. In these early days of our wild colony, Goulburn was the base for police, searching for bushrangers across these virgin areas.

The first farming in the area concentrated on wheat, but wool became the specialty of the region and Goulburn soon earned a large export market in Europe.

The town grew rapidly and many free settlers chose to make this their new home hoping to share the 'golden fleece'.

Goulburn was proclaimed a city in 1863 and by 1870 a rail link to Sydney had been established. The local history centre and historical society offer interesting exhibits of the area's rich and exciting past.

Today Goulburn offers visitors a relaxed view of rural life in Australia. Since its bypass by the Hume Highway, the city has taken on a more peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Prior to the bypass, one of a number recently constructed around Hume Highway towns, the main street of Goulburn was inundated by hundreds of large trucks daily. Now the residents and visitors enjoy the city like never before. Modern shopping facilities, a wide range of eateries and quality accommodation are all available.

Many interesting local features, both natural and built, can be explored and enjoyed. Amongst these are many of historical significance including the court house (1887), St Saviour Anglican Cathedral (1884), Ss Peter and Paul's Cathedral (1871), Old Goulburn Brewery (1836), and the old brickworks which now house a craft village. The Rocky Hill War Memorial 20 metre tower houses a military museum and is floodlit at night. This famous landmark proudly stands over the city in memory of locals who served in the First World War.

There are also many historic homesteads open to those seeking an insight to life in earlier and harsher days. These include the National Trust historic home, Riversdale (1844) restored and furnished in period style, St Clair, Garroorigang, Bishopthorpe and Claremont Close (1856) a fascinating example of the architecture of workers' cottages, coachhouses etc in the second half of last century. Check by phone first for visiting hours.

You can also visit Towrang Stockade (1836) built to house the convicts working on the Great South Road. The accommodation no longer stands but many interesting features remain in this penal settlement to explore and ponder.

The natural environment around Goulburn is also worth taking the time to discover. Belmore Park in the centre of the city has picnic facilities, fountain, greenhouse, spacious lawns and beautiful gardens. Many other beautiful parks and picnic areas are situated within the city.

South of Goulburn is Australia's largest freshwater lake, Lake George which is a Wildlife Refuge. This lake holds its place in local folklore with many interesting stories abounding, including those of mysterious disappearings of the lake's waters (and occasionally its visitors!)

The spectacular limestone Wombeyan Caves are also within easy reach of Goulburn with inspections and tours available. Subterranean cathedral caverns provide hours of fascination with thousands of years of water formations of all types.

Bungonia State Recreation Area is also at hand and the nearby Morton National Park drops to the NSW south coast only an hour away.

Much more awaits you in Goulburn and its district, a pleasant destination at any time of the year.

You can obtain further details on Goulburn and the region from a Southern Tablelands Tourist Information Centre.

Shoemark Town & Rural Real Estate, Braidwood Ph: 4842 2046



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