On our way to Kangaroo Valley, we made a brief stop in Goulburn. Let's say that brief was an understatement. We should have known better. A town as historic as Goulburn requires more than a cursory glance out the window.
The architecture alone is worth the visit. Take, for example, the stunning Post Office. The clock tower is a focal point, and the building itself is incredibly well-maintained. We were instantly impressed.
And it wasn't just the civic buildings that caught our eye. The religious structures in Goulburn are truly remarkable. We were particularly struck by St. Saviour's Cathedral.
The sheer scale of the building is awe-inspiring, and the Gothic Revival architecture is impeccably executed. Walking inside the cathedral, one is immediately struck by the light and the soaring arches.
The stained glass windows are magnificent, casting colored light across the rows of pews. You can see a large group of people in attendance.
Goulburn also boasts numerous other historical buildings. We drove past what we now know is the old Goulburn courthouse, a grand old building with a distinctive domed roof.
We also spotted the Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Centre, a beautiful building with manicured gardens
, as well as St Patrick's Technical College
, another impressive example of Goulburn's architectural heritage.
It was then and there, surrounded by so much history and beauty, that we vowed to return. We had already booked our campsite further south, and so we could not stay. The drive through the Southern Highlands beckoned. But Goulburn, with its impressive buildings and rich history, made an indelible impression. It is a town that demands to be explored at a slower pace, with time to wander its streets and delve into its past. We are already planning our return, this time with no fixed itinerary, allowing us to fully appreciate the charm of Goulburn.
