The Best Hotels and Places to Book Your Stay in Goulburn, New South Wales
A two-hour drive from Sydney, one from Canberra, and on the Sydney to Melbourne train line, Goulburn became Australia’s first inland city in 1863. This thriving agricultural district and wool capital built by explorers, ex-convicts, gold-diggers and bushrangers is well worth exploring. Conquer nature by abseiling, caving, hiking and the rush of car racing, or go for sedate historic walks through town and sip the newest grapes at Kingsdale Wines. Rest your head in one of our inviting hotels, all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Mandelson's of Goulburn, for perfect period charm
Guesthouse
Within strolling distance of the train station and golf course, this antique-filled guesthouse has traditionally styled rooms and apartments, with patchwork quilts, period pieces of furniture and colourful art. Admire the meticulous restoration in the stately guest lounge or connect with nature on the courtyard patio. You’ll feel grand, nibbling buttery croissants in the formal dining room. Complimentary bike hire means you can wheel your way around the town’s many other historic buildings.
2. Southern Railway Hotel, for railway-themed relaxation
Hotel
Trainspotters will steam over to this traditional pub that’s bursting with character and history, across the street from the railway station and 2km (1.2mi) from the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre. One of the oldest watering holes in town, it was once known as the Coolavin Hotel. Today, 10 classic rooms will cool you with whirring ceiling fans while armchairs allow you to cosy up if you want to read a book. Rub shoulders with the locals while enjoying hearty pub fare and beers in the eclectic train-themed restaurant, bar and beer garden.
3. The Abbey Motel, for smartly styled suites
Motel
Two minutes’ walk from the town centre, you’ll find the perfect blend of history and modern luxury at this hotel built on the site of a former school. The 100-year-old bricks and Spanish terracotta roof tiles fit in nicely with the surrounding church buildings. Admire the area from period-style wrought-iron verandas leading off rooms styled in smart blue and white. When hunger strikes, pop into one of the atmospheric cafes lining neighborhood streets.
5. Willows Motel Goulburn, for country gardens
Motel
Discover a slice of family-owned comfort in the country. Even the simple guest rooms have kitchenettes, and executive king suites add living areas you could live in and relaxing hot tubs. Decor sways towards nature-themed greens and browns. But the prettily planted gardens are the real star of the show here, so make time to stroll around the beautifully landscaped, award-winning cottage garden or sit for a while in the sweet gazebo. Even your family dog or cat is welcome, with pet-friendly cabins available.
6. Mercure Goulburn, for soothing suites
Hotel
Yes, even the big chains think Goulburn is worthy of their presence. But unlike its city-slicker relatives, this outpost is informal and set in stunning gardens. Unwind in the soothing, neutral-toned rooms and suites with statement headboards, leather sofas and striped throws. Tuck into staples such as pork belly in the light-filled restaurant after a busy day seeing local sights such as the Big Merino, a 15m-high (49ft) ram with a gift shop and lookout platform in its eyes.
7. Best Western Plus Goulburn, local comfort food
Hotel
A five-minute drive from Goulburn Brewery, this apartment-style motel is worth every gong it has won. Slap bang in the middle of town, you’re steps from all the attractions, restaurants and antique stores. Don’t miss the happy hour in the lobby, then curl up in front of the log fire with a glass of Australian wine and a good book. Cascades restaurant and bar dishes up meals made with fresh local produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
8. Goulburn South Caravan Park, for sheep-themed camping
Camping
This property is set on 2.8ha (7 acres) of bush, a stone’s throw from the Big Merino. Discover a fitting variety of shearing-themed accommodation, from Merino and Homestead villas to Shearers cabins and drive-through caravan and camping. Choose family two-bedroom villas, one-bedroom studios, cabins, pet-friendly cabins and dongas – single self-contained rooms with ensuite bathrooms. You’ll find everything you need for a welcoming, comfortable and affordable stay. Socialise around the barbecue and picnic area.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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