Southern Highlands Branch: Bus trip to Goulburn Wetlands and Tiklp Tops Garden, Sutton

Leaving the Mittagong RSL we bus to Goulburn. Following a toilet stop and morning tea at the CWA Rooms near Belmore Park we head across the railway line to discover the vibrant harmony of ecology and community at Goulburn Wetlands, a once-abandoned brick pit now transformed into a flourishing sanctuary. Over 13 hectares of ponds, meandering paths, bird-hides, informative signage, and landscaped demonstration gardens invite visitors to stroll, bike, and spot wildlife in a thriving ecosystem. Thanks to the dedication of FROGS Landcare and local volunteers, this green haven now supports over 130 bird species—including herons, ducks, spoonbills, and migratory specialists—while naturally filtering storm water through rock-bunded ponds and native plantings.

After a chance to spend time in the wetlands we head off to Sutton to the Tulip Tops Gardens, located just 15 km north of Canberra in Sutton, NSW. This is a privately owned springtime masterpiece that typically opens from mid‑September to mid‑October each year. Created in the 1990s by Pat and Bill Rhodin and spanning four hectares, this family‑run garden showcases nearly a million flowering bulbs—including tulips, daffodils, violas—with over 1,000 fruit and blossom trees (peach, plum, cherry and crabapple), gracefully bordered by weeping willows and lush lawns. Visitors wander winding paths through vibrantly coloured flowerbeds, across a scenic watercourse featuring a waterfall, framed by tall shade trees offering ideal spots for picnics or photography. Here you can purchase lunch and refreshments or bring your own and then wander the gardens at leisure. A detailed itinerary and booking information will be provided in the next email in late August.

Pricing is expected to be $100 per person. This includes the coach hire, morning tea by the CWA in Goulburn and entrance fees to Tulip Tops. A minimum of 25 people is needed. If we don’t get enough people then the trip may need to be cancelled.

Further details to come…