R&H Suburb Profile GOULBURN

Goulburn is a provincial city in the NSW Southern Tablelands, in the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Local Government Area. It is 190km south-west of Sydney on the Hume Highway, 90km from Canberra, and is 690m above sea-level. At the 2006 Goulburn had a population of 20,127.

Goulburn brands itself as Australia's first inland city, although this is a claim that the city of Bathurst also makes. It is a regional rural centre rich in heritage and natural beauty.

Goulburn and the surrounding towns and villages combine all the benefits of city services with a country lifestyle and hospitality, with a wide selection of dining options in the city and its surrounds. It has a thriving cultural community of performing and traditional artists as well as world-class racing facilities providing a year-round calendar of events.

There is a central park and many historic buildings, including old houses near the railway station on Sloane Street and two 19th-century cathedrals. It is home to the Big Merino, the world's largest cement sheep.

Goulburn is home to the New South Wales Police College, the largest education institution for law enforcement officers in the southern hemisphere.

The Goulburn Medical Clinic was established in 1946 and was the first group practice of any size established in NSW. The clinic has a mix of general practitioners and specialists.

Goulburn has a railway station on CityRail's Southern Highlands line and an airport servicing light aircraft.

The seasons are distinct with hot dry summers, followed by spectacular autumn colours and traditional cool climate winters. In spring the city comes to life with lilac and roses.

Goulburn has many primary and secondary schools and is served by Goulburn Base Hospital and St John of God Hospital and is supported by larger hospitals in Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong.