Where

Goulburn River National Park in Country NSW

Distance

1km one-way

Time suggested

5min

What to
bring

Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

Please note

Check the weather before you set out as Spring Gully Road can become boggy when it rains.

If you’re hiking or driving along Big River drive, you’ll get a feel for this wonderful national park. The route meanders through forest and woodland and is a short extension to the Spring Gully drive which begins at the small town of Wollar. Keep your eyes peeled because chances are you’ll spot a red-neck wallaby bounding through the trees or a goanna soaking up the sun on the road.

If you’re into native Australian plants, you won’t be disappointed hiking along this track. Numerous species of eucalypts can be found here, like angophoras and callitris, while banksias and yellow paper daisies will vie for your eye’s attention.

By the time you arrive at Big River campground, you’ll no doubt want to relax and refuel. Pull on your swimmers and go for a dip, or strike up a barbecue, sit back and start planning your next day’s adventure.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Aboriginal echoes

For many thousands of years before European settlement, the river valley that runs through Goulburn River National Park was an important trading route between the Aboriginal people who resided on the coast, and those who lived on the western plains. The area was traditionally occupied by the people of the Wiradjuri, Gamileroi and Wonnarua Clans, and today more than 300 known Aboriginal sites remain within the park, mainly along the river.

Action aplenty

Along the Goulburn River, there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep you busy. The river is usually shallow but offers natural pools that are suitable for swimming. After rain, its gentle flow makes canoeing and liloing possible. There are lots of walking opportunities in Goulburn River National Park, like Lees Pinch lookout track or the marked fire trails, which can be explored on foot or on a mountain bike.

Forest landscape

The park, covering over 70,000ha, was established in 1983 following the decision that the land was precious, both environmentally and culturally, especially for the traditional Aboriginal owners. Visiting the park today, you'll admire the sheer magnificence of Goulburn River National Park, due to its preservation as a forest landscape, much of which is surrounded by pastoral land.

Wild about the park

With its location along the river, surrounded by rural holdings, Goulburn River is rich in plant and wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos are often seen grazing on the riverbanks. A rich variety of plant life - eucalypts, river oak, grevilleas and callistemon (more commonly called bottlebrush) - provides habitats for many birds, including glossy black cockatoos and lyrebirds.