Goulburn was first established in 1859, partly replacing Southern Boroughs. In 1920, with the introduction of proportional representation, it absorbed Monaro and Bega and elected three members simultaneously. Monaro and South Coast were separated from it in 1927 and it reverted to a single-member electorate. It was abolished in 1991, but recreated for the 2007 general election from part of the abolished district of Southern Highlands and part of the old Burrinjuck.