Goulburn River

Flowing through the rugged heart of New South Wales, the Goulburn River is a wild, untamed waterway that carves its way through deep sandstone gorges and ancient river red gum forests. This is a place for those who crave solitude and raw natural beauty—a paddler’s paradise, a fisherman’s retreat, and a hiker’s escape into the Australian bush. The river’s dark, tea-coloured waters are framed by towering cliffs and pockets of lush vegetation, creating a landscape that feels both ancient and alive.

Highlights & What to See

• Goulburn River National Park – A protected stretch of wilderness offering walking trails, birdwatching (look for wedge-tailed eagles and kingfishers), and the chance to spot kangaroos and wombats along the riverbanks.
• Canoeing and Kayaking – The river’s gentle flow and long, quiet pools make it ideal for multi-day paddling trips, with remote campsites accessible only by water.
• Fishing for Murray Cod and Yellowbelly – The Goulburn is a prime freshwater fishing destination; cast a line in the deep holes beneath the cliffs for a true outback angling experience.
• Sandstone Gorges and Aboriginal Rock Art – Explore the dramatic gorges near Kerrabee, where overhangs shelter ancient hand stencils and grinding grooves, offering a glimpse into the region’s Indigenous heritage.
• Kerrabee Historic Site – The remnants of a 19th-century mining village, complete with a cemetery and stone foundations, tell the story of the area’s gold-rush past.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to truly soak in the Goulburn River’s serenity. A day trip can cover a short paddle or a walk to the gorges, but an overnight camping trip—either by canoe or at one of the national park’s basic campgrounds—lets you experience the river at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. For a longer adventure, combine three to four days of paddling with side hikes to lesser-known gorges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wollemi National Park – A vast wilderness of pagoda-like rock formations and deep canyons, home to the prehistoric Wollemi Pine, best explored on foot or by 4WD.
• Hunter Valley Wine Region – Just an hour’s drive south, swap the bush for cellar doors and gourmet dining, with world-class Semillon and Shiraz to sample.
• Barrington Tops National Park – Head north for cool temperate rainforests, alpine plateaus, and excellent hiking trails through Antarctic beech groves.
• Mudgee – A charming country town with a thriving food and wine scene, historic buildings, and hot-air ballooning over the rolling hills.
• Dungog – A historic town on the Williams River, offering heritage walks and access to the nearby Chichester State Forest.

Please check official sources for current details.