Goulburn, one of the nation's earliest inland settlements, is located on the Southern Tablelands at the confluence of the Mulwaree and Wollondilly Rivers. It is 194 km south-west of Sydney. Goulburn is the commercial locus of an important agricultural and pastoral region. The 'Big Merino', on one of the main arteries, attests to the long-standing importance of wool-growing in the area. Goulburn is also a major manufacturing base and an important rail centre. Other income is derived from engineering, warehousing and distribution, government agencies, retailing, meat processing and tourism. Goulburn is also home to the NSW Police Academy which occupies 48 hectares within the city.