Goulburn Sights and Lunch
09 April 2018 / Words: Norm Barker, Canberra Chapter Convenor
Twenty-six of us in sixteen cars assembled at Russell Square on a warm sunny morning and after the signing in formalities we departed north, joining the highway briefly before turning off towards Sutton. From here the convoy followed an uncrowded back road through Gundaroo to Gunning. The gently rolling hills on each side of the road formed a great backdrop for the line of many-coloured MX-5s. Morning tea in Gunning was enjoyed at the Merino Café, a lengthy spacious place despite its small street frontage. After rounding up the stragglers we set off along more pleasant country roads towards Goulburn until a brief stretch of Hume Highway saw us arrive at the turnoff to Goulburn. We traversed the traffic lights of Goulburn, ducked under the railway lines and ascended to the Rocky Hill War Memorial, parking in a cleared area near the entrance gates. This 20 metre high square tower of stone and concrete was built in 1925 and offers great views over Goulburn. Many said they had the memorial on their lists of places to visit and were pleased to at last have the opportunity to do so.
There were two ways to reach the memorial tower from our car park; the main bitumen road or a bush track that appeared to offer a short cut. The bush track was actually slower and a bit rough in parts, causing some to retrace their steps and take the road. Returning to the City Centre we settled in to the Roses Café to relax over lunch and coffee. This café is long established in Goulburn and looked after us well. Amply refreshed and relaxed we made our own ways home.
