Wonderfulness at the Waterworks
On the picturesque banks of the Wollondilly River at Marden Weir, these historic waterworks were built in the 1880s and provided Goulburn with its first reticulated water supply. It has now been converted to a fascinating museum space, and preserves the only complete steam-powered municipal water supply still left in original condition in the whole of the country. The engines and machinery here are still in working order for the most part, so visitors are able to see them in motion, which certainly makes for a more dynamic experience of discovering these historical wonders of engineering. In October each year the site is home to the Steampunk Victoriana Fair, where history and imagination collide in a festival not to forget – you can marvel at the imaginative costumes and roving entertainers as the music plays.
Rocky Hill Memorial
Built in the 1920s, this square tower stands twenty metres tall on the top of Rocky Hill. Boasting a lookout gallery at the top of the Memorial, this is a wonderful place to take in a bird’s eye view of scenic Goulbourn and its surrounds. There’s also a small but well-curated collection of memorabilia and war relics here to explore in the nearby Rocky Hill Museum, which also has a café and gift shop should you be in need of souvenirs or refreshment. The surrounding parklands are lovely to wander in too, with the natural bushland setting really encouraging a feeling of calm and serenity. The perfect place to recharge the battery and commemorate our brave servicemen and women as well.
Art Adventures
The Goulburn Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) is most well known for its impressive collection of modern Aboriginal and Indigenous art. Regularly showcasing both well-established and emerging artists, you are sure to be inspired by the fresh new artworks to admire here. With the focus very much on temporary exhibitions here, the space always has something new to see, which means whenever you’re in town you should take the time to check out what’s new.
Get into the Green
With luscious flowerbeds to admire, beautiful botanicals, and a great playground, Belmore Park is the perfect pitstop. There are a few nice restaurants surrounding the park too, many of which offer a takeaway picnic option so you can take your culinary treasure into the scenic surrounds of the park to enjoy your food al fresco. The tourist information centre is right across the road, so if you want more information on the amenities and attractions in the local area you’ll be able to make a stop here and get put on the right path by the helpful staff here.
The Roundhouse is a Hit
The Goulburn Roundhouse is the largest heritage-based operating roundhouse in NSW – this amazing contraption allows drivers to turn a train around with ease, storing up to 42 engines. There’s also a facinating workshop of traditional tools like a blacksmiths forge, along with other machinery that’s sure to have any railways enthusiast simply brimming with delight.
