Take a Trip to Goulburn and the Southern Highlands in Australia
As the first settled city in Australia, Goulburn is brimming with history.
Population 24,000, it is one of the largest cities as well.
Also well known as the rural hub for local agriculture.
Goulburn is a frequented point for travelers utilizing the Hume Highway which connects Sydney with Canberra as well as Melbourne.
Drive time from Sydney is approximately two and a half hours.
To travel from Canberra it is approximately an hour.
In operation since 1869 the railway line is still in use in.
The railway offers travelers an opportunity to have a picturesque ride through the Southern Highlands.
There runs a daily train service from Sydney to Goulburn on the way to Melbourne and Canberra.
This service is provided by Countrylink and travel on this system should be reserved in advance.
When travelling to the city be sure to dress in layers.
The Climate is unlike most of the nearby towns as it sits in the bottom of a valley.
The temperature in the summer is 10-40 degrees C (50-104F) and -5-18 degrees C (23-64F) in the winter.
It can get very windy and cold so be prepared for these conditions.
If well known tourist attractions are what you are looking for then don't pass by the Big Merino.
This 15m (49ft) tall concrete sheep represents the towns significance to the local farming industry.
Merino is Australia's most common sheep breed.
This concrete structure houses a gift shop and a lookout point at the top.
Currently the lookout is closed for safety reasons.
Some of the local park attractions include Victoria Park and Belmore Park.
Victoria Park includes a recreational play area and is host to a beautiful rose garden in the center of the park.
Belmore Park sits in the center of town.
Located on the North side of main street, Auburn Street, and is the setting for many of the community events.
A few other popular attractions include the Goulburn War Memorial.
This memorial was built n Rocky Hill in 1924 to pay respect to the memory of the people who were lost to World War 1.
From the Goulburn War Memorial you can see town very well, if the museum is closed it is still worth the trip.
Many of the Australian blues musicians are honored with by way of the sculpture display outside of the information centre.
You can also find such sites as the historic Waterworks Museum, St.
Saviour's Cathedral, antique shops and even the Goulburn Court House.
A couple of the towns highlight events include the Australian Blues Music Festival and the Lilac Festival.
The Australian Blues Music Festival is generally around the second week of February and the Lilac Festival in early October.
The Lilac Festival is host to markets, floral displays and parades.
Located near town is also Morton National Park.
Laden with walking trails this park is a wonderful location to get away from the hub of town and see some of Goulburns nature and beauty.
Wombeyan Caves which may be accessed through the nearby town of Taralga can be toured with a two wheel drive.
The road going in, however, is not a quality road and therefor makes the trip a little more difficult.
If scenery is what you are looking for you won't be disappointed when touring the caves.
The local fare offers many different food and drink choices.
With the different restaurants you have the opportunity to choose something for just about everyone.
Don't forget to try the Goulburn brewery for a flavor of local beer.
If you are entering Goulburn from the highway out of Sydney you will find an array of motel accommodations.
Prices vary depending on location and time of year.
You can get a room as low as $45 a person if you want to room in a bunkhouse.
In some instances these accommodations on the local farms are accompanied with sheep shearing also.
Goulburn is sure to offer something to everyone.
Visiting the Southern Highlands of Australia will likely leave you wanting more and scurrying to make arrangements to return for another stay.
Australia is known for it's picturesque countrysides and adventures, whether it be hiking, visiting the local tourist attractions or spending some time on a local farm you are sure to have a vacation that you will want to share with everyone.
Population 24,000, it is one of the largest cities as well.
Also well known as the rural hub for local agriculture.
Goulburn is a frequented point for travelers utilizing the Hume Highway which connects Sydney with Canberra as well as Melbourne.
Drive time from Sydney is approximately two and a half hours.
To travel from Canberra it is approximately an hour.
In operation since 1869 the railway line is still in use in.
The railway offers travelers an opportunity to have a picturesque ride through the Southern Highlands.
There runs a daily train service from Sydney to Goulburn on the way to Melbourne and Canberra.
This service is provided by Countrylink and travel on this system should be reserved in advance.
When travelling to the city be sure to dress in layers.
The Climate is unlike most of the nearby towns as it sits in the bottom of a valley.
The temperature in the summer is 10-40 degrees C (50-104F) and -5-18 degrees C (23-64F) in the winter.
It can get very windy and cold so be prepared for these conditions.
If well known tourist attractions are what you are looking for then don't pass by the Big Merino.
This 15m (49ft) tall concrete sheep represents the towns significance to the local farming industry.
Merino is Australia's most common sheep breed.
This concrete structure houses a gift shop and a lookout point at the top.
Currently the lookout is closed for safety reasons.
Some of the local park attractions include Victoria Park and Belmore Park.
Victoria Park includes a recreational play area and is host to a beautiful rose garden in the center of the park.
Belmore Park sits in the center of town.
Located on the North side of main street, Auburn Street, and is the setting for many of the community events.
A few other popular attractions include the Goulburn War Memorial.
This memorial was built n Rocky Hill in 1924 to pay respect to the memory of the people who were lost to World War 1.
From the Goulburn War Memorial you can see town very well, if the museum is closed it is still worth the trip.
Many of the Australian blues musicians are honored with by way of the sculpture display outside of the information centre.
You can also find such sites as the historic Waterworks Museum, St.
Saviour's Cathedral, antique shops and even the Goulburn Court House.
A couple of the towns highlight events include the Australian Blues Music Festival and the Lilac Festival.
The Australian Blues Music Festival is generally around the second week of February and the Lilac Festival in early October.
The Lilac Festival is host to markets, floral displays and parades.
Located near town is also Morton National Park.
Laden with walking trails this park is a wonderful location to get away from the hub of town and see some of Goulburns nature and beauty.
Wombeyan Caves which may be accessed through the nearby town of Taralga can be toured with a two wheel drive.
The road going in, however, is not a quality road and therefor makes the trip a little more difficult.
If scenery is what you are looking for you won't be disappointed when touring the caves.
The local fare offers many different food and drink choices.
With the different restaurants you have the opportunity to choose something for just about everyone.
Don't forget to try the Goulburn brewery for a flavor of local beer.
If you are entering Goulburn from the highway out of Sydney you will find an array of motel accommodations.
Prices vary depending on location and time of year.
You can get a room as low as $45 a person if you want to room in a bunkhouse.
In some instances these accommodations on the local farms are accompanied with sheep shearing also.
Goulburn is sure to offer something to everyone.
Visiting the Southern Highlands of Australia will likely leave you wanting more and scurrying to make arrangements to return for another stay.
Australia is known for it's picturesque countrysides and adventures, whether it be hiking, visiting the local tourist attractions or spending some time on a local farm you are sure to have a vacation that you will want to share with everyone.
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