If you’re looking for exciting things to do in New South Wales this weekend, organise your car hire Sydney International Airport & beyond and check out the Goulburn Gathering 2013, as well as the town playing host to it!
We promise you won’t be disappointed!
What’s the Goulburn Gathering 2013?
The Goulburn Gathering 2013, which is being held at the Old Goulburn Brewery from Friday (October 4) until Monday (October 7), is a celebration of music, dancing and poetry. It has been held here annually since 2006, and costs $20 a day to attend.
It will take you approximately two hours to drive from Sydney to Goulburn, so make sure you set off early!
On Friday, a “Bush Poetry Walk Up Concert” will be taking place at the Mill. This costs $10 to attend, and will feature Robyn Sykes, an award-winning poet, actress and short-story writer, who is beloved for her beautiful verse.
This will be followed by a variety of concerts and “sing-alongs” on Saturday, as well as workshops for anyone who would like to unleash their musical talents.
Moira Holmes and David Johnson are hosting a “Writing a Harmony” workshop at 10am, so stop by before heading to the “Poets Brunch” at 11am.
There’s always a dance on Saturday night, which is popular among visitors and locals alike.
On Sunday you can enjoy a tour of the Old Goulburn Brewery. If you stick around until 6.30pm, you will be invited to partake in the “Gathering Bush Ceili” – an evening of dining, music and dancing.
And, before you leave on Monday, make sure you try your luck and test your dancing skills at the Waltzathon, which is taking place at 11am.
What else can I do in Goulburn?
While you’re in Goulburn, make the most of your rental car from the Sydney airport and have a look around.
This town is, after all, the location of The Big Merino, a 15.2-metre-high sheep constructed out of concrete and steel. It was built in 1985 and celebrates Goulburn’s wool industry.
The Big Merino houses a gift store, where you can buy products made from locally produced wool. There’s also a small museum that delves into the town’s fascinating history.
If you drive to the centre of Goulburn, you’ll also find Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral, which is being lovingly restored and houses some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in New South Wales.
It is one of the town’s best examples of colonial architecture, if you’re a fan, along with the Goulburn Court House and St Saviour’s Anglican Cathedral. Inside, you’ll discover Sts Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral’s beautiful organ, which was originally installed in 1890.
A beautiful mosaic honouring Caroline Chilsholm, one of Australia’s most “prominent pioneering women,” has been created here as part of the restoration. It was crafted by internationally renowned artist Nola Diamantopoulos, who makes a living out of putting together magnificent mosaics.
Goulburn is also a fantastic destination if you’re in need of a little (or a lot) of retail therapy. The town is well known for its eclectic mixture of second-hand stores and antiques dealers, so drive around and find a bargain!
We particularly recommend heading to Glenholme Antiques & Collectables, which is located on Clinton Street.
There are also a number of parks and outdoor activities, art galleries, ghost tours, historic homes, museums and restaurants for you to enjoy while you’re in Goulburn.
So, don’t worry about running out of things to do!