Possibly the closest the gold mining industry ever came within the Goulburn City precinct was in 1906 when a gold mining application was made to mine the Goulburn Racecourse (now the Showgrounds, Recreation Area and Paceway, adjacent Australia’s oldest industrial complex – the Bradley Grange & Brewery). The application appears to have been refused. It was also proposed to sink a hole or two at nearby Garroorigang but this was not done. In later years, a few grains of gold were found when sinking a well there.

Garroorigang is an important part of Goulburn’s early heritage and with a fascinating collection of original furnishings and historical items from the colonial and Victorian eras, it is a rare surviving example of living in the Victorian period.

In 1857, it was called the Mulwaree Inn but known by it’s aboriginal name, “Garroorigang” meaning black swan. A handsome hand pump is still over the original 30ft well outside the stables.

In 1868, the stables were converted to a school for the sons of gentlemen. Over 200 students were educated between 1868 and 1883 including test cricketer HH Massie and General Sir Harry Chauvel, Commander of the 5th Light Horse at the famous battle of Beersheba.

The home subsequently became the private home of the Hume family, collateral descendants of the explorer, Hamilton Hume. The antique furniture is original and there are many interesting items of Australiana of the Victorian times, including relics of the convict and bushranging eras.

The Homestead is set in picturesque gardens featuring many flower beds including roses and old lilacs. Growing on the front of the homestead is a 125 year old rose.