Southern Tablelands, Capital Country Region — New South Wales

Southern Tablelands is a large rural area located in the south east corner of New South Wales. The area comprises the city of Goulburn and the towns of Braidwood, Bungendore, Araluen, Crookwell, and Marulan.

Goulburn has been largely supported by its wool industry, with some of the finest products coming from this city and its surrounding areas. It also boasts of several historic buildings and structures. These include the Old Goulburn Brewery and the Towrang Stockade, both built in 1836, the Saint Saviour Anglican Cathedral constructed in 1884, and the Saints Peter and Paul's Cathedral, which was completed in 1871. The city is also known for its Rocky Hill War Memorial tower which is also a military museum. South of the city is Lake George, the country’s largest freshwater lake that also serves as a wildlife refuge.

Braidwood, located a few miles south of Goulburn, boasts of spectacular views and numerous historic buildings that are well-preserved and maintained by its local residents. In fact, the town holds the distinction of being the setting of the film Ned Kelly. Still, Braidwood offers several modern day amenities like golf courses, sports facilities, and a racecourse. Bushwalking is also a popular activity, with several state forests and national parks nearby.

Bungendore’s foremost attractions would be its historic buildings and structures, most built in the late 19th century. There’s the Strathmore, a Victorian house completed in 1890, the Royal Hotel on Ellendon Street, the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church built in 1862, and the Railway Station which was constructed in Gothic Revival style and completed in 1885.

Also within the Southern Tablelands area is Crookwell, which is largely an agricultural town located south west of Sydney. The town also boasts of several historic structures, as well as several farms and orchards. There’s the Pinelea Ostrich Farm on Old Binda Road, the Doonkuna Orchard on Binda Road, the Gladioli Farm on Kialla Road, and the Minnamurra Farm Stay on Goulburn Road. Most of these properties can be toured following appointments and provide glimpses of life in rural Australia.

Araluen can very well be described as a gold ghost town. Most of this town’s attractions is associated with its gold mining past. Interesting places to visit include the picnic area along the Araluen River that also provides opportunities for fossicking. A trip to the town’s cemeteries on Majors Creek Road will provide clues on the number of people who once lived in this town during the gold rush. Remnants of the dredging activities in the area can be viewed in the form of grassy mounds scattered along the valley.

Marulan is another sleepy town located within the Southern Tablelands. Most of the historic buildings and modern commercials establishments in this town had been closed down following changes made on the routes of the Hume Highway. However, there are several natural attractions located the town’s surrounding areas that are worth some visits. East of the town are the Badgery’s Lookout and the Long Point Lookout. The town is also a good starting point for the Bungonia State Recreation Area.