ACT Monaro Riverina Branch: End of year visit to Goulburn – Kentgrove and Riversdale

AGHS members and friends are invited to a special end of year day, a self-drive visit to two historic places in Goulburn, both with fascinating gardens.

Kentgrove, on the outskirts of north Goulburn, was originally established as an orchard and had 30,000 fruit trees at its peak. It even had its own cannery (the Argyle Jam Factory), and the building still stands today. A series of owners held it from the 1850s, and in the 1930s it was bought by Mr J Hyles who cut down the trees and turned it into a successful grazing property. In 2006 Doug Rawlinson purchased the central part of the property, and since then he has restored the buildings and has created a series of remarkable garden rooms. Doug will talk to us about the house and garden and we will have a light morning tea, and then have time to spend looking at the site and the garden.

We will then drive 5 km back to Riversdale in north Goulburn. Originally built as a coaching inn in 1840, Riversdale became a school and then a small holding. In 1872 it was bought by the Twynam family. In 1967 it was purchased by the National Trust, one of whose real treasures it is. Our visit will give us an opportunity to find out much more about this special house and garden.

On arrival, we will enjoy our lunch (BYO picnic lunch AND we will provide tea and coffee and something sweet – and delicious – to go with our drinks) on the spacious verandahs of Riversdale.

After lunch we will have a guided tour of the house interior and a special tour of the garden which has gone through two major phases of restoration by teams of volunteers. The Riversdale gardeners, led by the expert Roz Loftus work regularly on the garden, and it is looking splendid.

This is a great opportunity to see these fascinating properties and spend a happy late spring day with friends.

After your visit to Riversdale, you may wish to visit some of the other interesting spots in Goulburn. Here are some garden-related suggestions: Belmore Park in Auburn Street is a splendid example of a 19th Century town park; the roses in the Victoria Park Rose Garden should be in full bloom (the best access to the garden is from Clifford Street near Deccan Street); and the Australian Native Bonsai Nursery is close to Riversdale, at 66 Auburn Street.

If a member would like to attend the Goulburn day but has transport difficulties, or if you would like to OFFER transport, please contact Nancy Clarke. We may be able to arrange transport.

Timing: meet at Kentgrove at 10.30 am. About 12.00 we will drive to Riversdale in Goulburn (just 5 km). Finishing time approximately 3.15 pm.

Venues: Kentgrove and Riversdale are both in north Goulburn. Detailed driving instructions will be sent once you have booked.

Bring: your own picnic lunch – and we will provide something sweet to go with our tea/coffee at lunchtime.

Cost: AGHS members $35. Others $40. Includes the tour of Kentgrove and morning tea, a lunch venue at Riversdale with tea/coffee/cake, a guided tour of the Riversdale house and a special tour of the Riversdale garden.

Bookings  are essential. Book at Trybooking. Numbers are limited. Please book promptly to help us with planning the day.

Inquiries: Nancy Clarke – clarkenancy624@gmail.com / 0423 690 626.