The Big Merino, Goulburn

Goulburn NSW 2580 (Pop 21 300)

Goulburn is a Southern Tablelands city 194 km s-w of Sydney and 95 km n-e of Canberra. Located at the junction of the Wollondilly and Mulwaree rivers, the area was named after Henry Goulburn, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies and settlement began soon after the building of the Great South Road (1819).  A thriving pastoral industry, nearby gold discoveries and the railway (1869) followed. Today, this historically interesting city is a major wool sale centre. Goulburn markets 3^rd Sat each month. Australian Blues Music Festival (Feb), Celebration of Heritage Jazz & Roses (Mar) , Lilac City Festival (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
The Big Merino, beside Hume St.(1985) a replica sheep 15 m high & 21 m long. The complex showcases the area’s wool industry.  The Old Rocky Hill Memorial, Memorial Dr 20 m tower built (1923) to honour locals who fought and died in WW1. Lookout open dawn until dusk daily and war memorial display open (9am-12 midday) and (1pm-4pm) weekends and public holidays. Goulburn Waterworks Museum, Marsden Weir on the Wollondilly River in Fitzroy St features antique steam engines and machinery, pumps and a steam crane.

Nearby:
Towrang (15 km n-e) site of a major stockade for the chain-gang convicts building the Great South Rd (1836-42). Several convict graves, the convict-built Towrang bridge and a powder magazine can still be seen here. Bungonia State Recreation Area (35 km east) spectacular views over Bungonia Gorge and ideal for canoeing, canyoning and caving. Lake George (40 km s-w) 25 km long lake that regularly fills and empties.

Accommodation:
Goulburn has over a dozen motels, 11 hotels, a B&B, 2 farmstays and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 201 Sloane St. Tel (02) 4823 4492 or 1800 353 646.

Airport:
Goulburn Airport (GUL) Airport Rd off Windellama Rd. (6.5 km south).

Hospitals:
Goulburn Base Hospital, Goldsmith St. Tel (02) 4827 3111 or St John of God Hospital, 234 Bourke St. Tel (02) 4823 7800.