The soil type in and around Goulburn is Bullamalita, similar to Soloth type. These types have strong texture contrasts with abrupt boundaries between soil types. They occur in gently undulating to rolling terrain. Soluble salts in the lower horizon and an acidic upper horizon suggests mild salination of a clay soil followed by leaching and de-salination in a subsequent moister climate.

The Southern and Central Highlands Fold belt is the most complex geological province of NSW. During its history it was affected by 4 major series of orogenic (mountain building) movements, and there is evidence of a number of local movements as well. The complexity of the region is underlined by the periodic nature of granitic intrusions and the long history of vulcanism.

The plains form undulating country at elevations of 450 to 760 m and are typified by marshy drainage systems. (diff source) Undulating valleys and rises between low hills. Elevations vary between 650-800m. Local relief is between 10 - 50 m. Springs are a feature following good rains.

The native vegetation is savannah woodland of yellow box and red gum.

There is moderate to severe gullying erosion and moderate sheet erosion particularly in the north-eastern areas. Some salinity.

There are pockets of alluvial soil in Goulburn.

Rainfall yearly mean 712mm, yearly median 635mm. Mean number of rainy days/year is 105. Mean temperature ranges from 1.4 (mean daily minimum) in July to 27.2 (mean daily maximum) in February.