Goulburn River National Park wilderness guide
National Park · NSW

Goulburn River National Park

Goulburn River National Park in New South Wales offers rugged river gorges, rainforests, and rich wildlife, providing diverse opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping along the scenic Goulburn River corridor.

National Park163,2504+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area163,250
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Goulburn River National Park

Goulburn River National Park in New South Wales offers rugged river gorges, rainforests, and rich wildlife, providing diverse opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping along the scenic Goulburn River corridor.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Goulburn River National Park is located in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia. The park spans approximately 66,000 hectares and protects a variety of natural landscapes including deep river gorges carved by the Goulburn River, dry eucalypt forests, rainforests, and significant riparian habitats. The terrain is rugged, with cliffs, waterfalls, and dense vegetation providing shelter for many bird species, reptiles, and mammals including the threatened brush-tailed rock-wallaby. The park holds cultural significance with Aboriginal sites scattered throughout the area, reflecting the traditional custodianship of the Wonnarua people. Recreational opportunities abound, with visitors drawn to hiking trails that reveal dramatic vistas of the river and gorge systems. Popular activities include camping at secluded sites, swimming in natural rock pools, fishing for Murray cod and other native fish species, and exploring the park’s wilderness feel. Notable landmarks within the park include the Wollombi Brook, Blue Hole, and the tranquil waters of the Goulburn River itself, a key feature running through the park. The park is appreciated for its remote beauty, relatively low visitor numbers, and excellent chances to experience native wildlife in natural settings. It is also an important conservation area for several threatened species. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike find the park’s combination of rugged terrain, water features, and native bushland appealing year-round.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Goulburn River National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Goulburn River Gorge – dramatic sandstone cliffs and scenic river views✦ Blue Hole – natural swimming hole with clear water and rock formations✦ Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby habitat – opportunity to see rare wildlife✦ Historic Aboriginal rock art and cultural sites scattered throughout the park
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Goulburn River National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Rock Climbing

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Kayaking

Available in Goulburn River National Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Goulburn River National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Goulburn River National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; fishing requires a NSW recreational fishing license

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Goulburn River National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Blue Hole Campground

Camp beside the natural swimming hole with basic facilities and river access for swimming and fishing.

Fishermans Campground

Located near the river with camping sites suitable for tents and small camper trailers, featuring toilets and picnic tables.

Yarrimba Campground

A more remote camping area offering peace, wildlife viewing, and river access with minimal facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Goulburn River National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Merriwa, New South Wales
⌖ 27.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Merriwa, New South Wales

Merriwa is a peaceful country town offering access to great hiking, paddling, and off-road adventures in the Upper Hunter. Its natural reserves and quiet trails make it ideal for travelers seeking uncrowded outdoor experiences.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Scone, New South Wales
⌖ 33.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Scone, New South Wales

Scone in New South Wales invites outdoor lovers to explore Australia's Horse Capital with scenic horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing spots, and peaceful camping close to the Hunter River and bushlands.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Muswellbrook, New South Wales
⌖ 45.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Muswellbrook, New South Wales

Muswellbrook offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, paddling, and mountain biking along the Hunter River and surrounding woodlands. With quiet trails, camping spots, and native wildlife, it’s a relaxed country escape.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Goulburn River National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Back Paddock Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
Pine Ridge, New South Wales
FarmADV Bookable

Back Paddock Tours

Hop a buggy at Windy Station for a 1.5-hour, behind-the-scenes look at active paddocks, working yards and the smoko room. Small groups, homemade treats and farmer Q&A make this an authentic, family-friendly farm experience near Quirindi.

FarmAuthentic 1.5hr Back Paddock Tour — A behind-the-scenes farm experience for adults & kids 7+.Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tuff Nutterz - Tamworth
ADVEXPEDITION
Hillvue, New South Wales
AttractionADV Bookable

Tuff Nutterz - Tamworth

Spend a school-holiday day at Tuff Nutterz — Tamworth’s massive inflatable obstacle course at Riverside Sporting Complex in Hillvue. From the 6m Tuff Slide to Zorb Balls and dancing mascot Tuffy, this family event turns normal play into an all-ages athletic carnival.

AttractionMarch 21- 22 • 9:00am - 4:45pm • All ages welcomeCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip