Goulburn River

The Goulburn River carves a serene path through the Upper Hunter Valley, offering a wilder, less-touristed slice of New South Wales. Its sandstone gorges, river red gums, and abundant birdlife make it a haven for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers seeking solitude. This is a place where the landscape feels ancient and the only soundtrack is the flow of water and the call of a kingfisher.

Highlights & What to See

• Paddle the Goulburn River National Park – Canoe or kayak through the spectacular gorge country, passing dramatic sandstone cliffs and spotting kangaroos drinking at the water’s edge.
• Fish for Murray Cod and Golden Perch – The river is a premier freshwater fishing destination; cast a line in the deep, slow pools below the rapids.
• Camp beside the river – Basic riverside campsites like Big River Camp offer a true bush experience under a canopy of stars.
• Explore the sandstone caves and overhangs – Aboriginal art sites and rock shelters dot the gorge; look for hand stencils and ochre paintings.
• Spot platypuses at dawn or dusk – The quieter reaches around Kerrabee are prime habitat for these elusive monotremes.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day for a scenic drive and short walks, or two to three days for a multi-day canoe trip or fishing expedition. The river is best explored at a slow pace – plan to camp overnight to truly soak in the tranquillity. A half-day is sufficient for a quick paddle from the Kerrabee put-in to the first gorge, but you’ll wish you’d stayed longer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Just an hour south, the world-class vineyards of Pokolbin and Cessnock offer cellar doors, fine dining, and a total change of scene.
• Wollemi National Park – Adjacent wilderness with the famous Wollemi Pine and deep canyons for bushwalkers.
• Merriwa – A charming country town with a historic main street and the annual Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces.
• Lake Saint Clair – A peaceful recreational lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching, near the town of Singleton.
• Barrington Tops National Park – About 90 minutes north, this Gondwana rainforest World Heritage area offers cool-climate hiking, waterfalls, and ancient forests.

Please check official sources for current details.