The construction of a weir on the Goulburn River began in 1887, and was completed in 1891.

The Goulburn Weir was the first major diversion structure built for irrigation in Australia and was considered very advanced for the time. 

Goulburn Weir is a concrete structure founded on bedrock, with its downstream face stepped with granite blocks quarried from the nearby Mt Black.

The metal superstructure of the original weir included 21 cast iron and wrought iron gates mounted between cast iron piers. The gates could be lowered into recesses in the weir crest to pass river and flood flows. Water‑driven turbines provided the power to lower and raise the gates.

Works to stabilise the deteriorating weir structure were completed in 1983, and in 1987 a major refurbishment was undertaken. 

As part of the works, the main weir superstructure was replaced with nine steel radial gates mounted between concrete piers forming the new structure. Two of the original gates and lifting gear, mounted on the angled western abutment, were retained to preserve part of this unique piece of engineering history.

Goulburn Weir raises the level of the Goulburn River so that water can be diverted by gravity along the Stuart Murray Canal, Cattanach Canal and the East Goulburn Main Channel.

Pleasant picnic facilities are provided on the Eastern side of the weir

ref:http://www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/storages/goulburn/goulburnweir