Located 8km west of Merriwa, Goulburn River National Park spans 70,000 hectares of mostly sandstone country around 90 kilometres of the Goulburn River. The Park, which is rich in wildlife, is ideal for bush walking, canoeing, swimming, photography and wildlife observation. Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Wombats, Red-Necked Wallabies and Wallaroos, Goanna and Bearded Dragons are commonly seen, while the water shelters the Long-Necked Tortoise, Shrimp, Catfish and Mullet, as well as Platypus.

Camping opportunities don't come any more spectacular than at Goulburn River National Park. The park stretches along 90km of the river, and its wide, sandy banks and forest landscape offer easy walking and good swimming - particularly in summer - as well as some amazing birdwatching. You won't need your binoculars to spot the emus, but they'll be handy for taking a closer look at species like the turquoise parrot. When you're not birdwatching, keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and wombats, which are also common in this area.

Its an area of significant Aboriginal heritage, too. With more than 300 known sites, located mostly along the river, the area is very important to the local Aboriginal people. If you're looking for a picturesque place to pitch a tent, get away from it all at either of two campgrounds, both situated on the banks of Goulburn River and surrounded by shady trees.

There are a number of excellent picnic sites. Lees Pinch has a small picnic area with car park, tables and seating. The camping grounds at Spring Gully and Big River, about 20 kilometres north of Wollar along Mogo Road, have pit toilets, good access to the Goulburn River and make good spots for a picnic (no firewood or drinking water provided).

Walks: There are good walks along the sandy stretches of the riverbank, or on the drier and more challenging ridges above. Mount Dangar in the east, at 670 metres above sea level, provides spectacular views of the park and much of the Hunter Valley. The Lees Pinch Lookout walking track is a well marked and constructed 500 metre loop with three lookouts providing extensive views over the park to the east and south. There are also excellent views of the Hunter Valley from Mount Dangar.