Welcome to the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum, set on the banks of the picturesque Wollondilly River at Marsden Weir, Goulburn, New South Wales. Built between 1883 and 1885, the steam operated pumping facility provided Goulburn’s first reticulated water supply. The pumphouse still contains the original Appleby Bros. Beam Engine pump and Galloway Boilers.
This rare facility is the only complete, operational steam powered municipal water supply left in its original location, in the Southern Hemisphere. The buildings and engine are of national significance and are now protected by a permanent conservation order. The Waterworks is listed on the State Heritage and National Trust Registers.
We also are fortunate to also have a horizontal engine built by Hick, Hargreaves & Co, England in 1866. While not original to the site it is demonstrates an earlier type and different style of a stationary steam engine.
These beautiful pieces of machinery become operational one Sunday each month from 10am – 3pm
Entry to the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum and grounds is available every Sunday from 10am – 4pm, Monday and Tuesday from 10am – 2pm, most school and public holidays 10am-4pm. Group tours can be arranged by appointment. The grounds may be open on other days weather permitting.
Enjoy a picnic beside the picturesque Wollondilly River or wander through the Pumphouse Museum to enjoy a static display of the massive steam operated engines. The kids will be entertained with the children's playground and colouring in and puzzle sheets. There's a free electric BBQ too!
Goulburn Mulwaree Council acknowledges the financial support of the Australian Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, under its National Historic Sites program, which enabled the successful restoration of this boiler and also installation of drainage to protect the building. This funding allowed the steaming of the engines to recommence on the 18 March 2012 and will also ensure that the building is protected for future generations.
The National Historic Sites program’s goal is to provide ongoing funding to help protect and conserve Australia’s nationally significant historic sites.
