Goobarragandra River Packraft Guide | Whitewater Paddling & Rafting in NSW
If you’re looking for a river with a bit of everything, the Goobarragandra is a fantastic choice. It’s got stretches of technical whitewater up to Grade III, some easier, beginner-friendly runs, and plenty of fun intermediate water in between. You can paddle it in a hard-shell kayak or a packraft — either works well. I’ve be paddling in a packraft for this guide. It’s always safest to paddle in a group of three or four, especially on the more committing sections. Going solo on this river can be risky and isn’t something I recommend.
Mack’s Crossing to Rock Flat (The Gorge)
The first stretch we’ll look at is from Mack’s Crossing down to Rock Flat, and it’s a favourite among local paddlers. This section offers a series of rapids and is often referred to as the gorge. Things start with a friendly warm-up rapid — a two-step drop that’s usually clear but worth scouting to check your line. Once you’re past that, the river drops into the gorge proper, and this is where it becomes a bit more committing, as walking out would be tough. The highlight here is the Staircase, a long boulder garden that gets steeper and more challenging as you work your way down. Scouting it in stages is the best way to go, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the lines or there’s timber in the flow. After the Staircase comes the S-Bend, a multi-stage rapid with big boulders you can use to eddy hop if you’re comfortable with those skills. Less confident paddlers should scout this one too. The section finishes at Rock Flat, a great National Parks campsite and an easy take-out or put-in point for the next leg.
Rock Flat to Thomas Boyd Trackhead
From Rock Flat, the river keeps things interesting as it makes its way to Thomas Boyd Trackhead. Early on you’ll come across a couple of small rapids and a low bridge near Camp Hudson — make sure to portage safely here and respect private landowners, as river access can be sensitive. The standout feature of this section is the Chute Rapid, a powerful little funnel where the whole river squeezes down into a narrow slot. It’s a fun ride if you pick your line well, but it can form some decent holes depending on the water level, so scout first and set safety if you’re unsure. The good news is it’s easy to portage if you don’t like the look of it. After a few smaller rapids, you’ll reach Thomas Boyd Trackhead, which is another excellent public access spot and a popular place to camp for a weekend on the river.
Thomas Boyd to Traveling Stock Reserve (TSR)
If you’re just getting into whitewater or want something a little more relaxed, the stretch from Thomas Boyd down to the Traveling Stock Reserve (TSR) is perfect. This is the river’s beginner-friendly run, with plenty of smaller, easy rapids to practice on. The main feature to watch out for is the Trout Farm Rapid, which can reach Grade III when the water’s up. It can also get a little bony when low and form a hole at higher flows, so keep an eye on conditions. It’s tricky to scout fully because its length, but you can usually read and run it if you’re confident. This section is a great starting point for packrafters and newer paddlers. It’s also popular to link this run with the upper sections from Mack’s Crossing if you want a longer day out.
TSR to Little River Bridge
The final leg, from TSR to Little River Bridge, is where the river has more serious hazards and is really suited to advanced paddlers. This section heads into more remote farmland and another committing gorge, with limited exit points once you’re in. The first big hazard is Buckley’s Falls, which is almost always a mandatory portage. Logs and timber often collect here, making it a dangerous drop that’s beyond the scope of most casual paddlers. Not far downstream is a nasty sieve hazard, where boulders and timber create a strainer that’s best avoided; you can paddle left at some water levels, or portage right but it is a dangerous spot for those not aware of the hazard. While the scenery is beautiful, there’s not a lot of exciting whitewater to make up for the hazards. After some flatter water, you’ll finish up at Little River Bridge, your take-out for the day.
Why Paddle the Goobarragandra?
The Goobarragandra is a wonderful river because it truly has something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy the mellow but playful run from Thomas Boyd to TSR, while intermediates can step up to the gorge between Mack’s Crossing and Rock Flat. If you’re more experienced, you can push into the lower gorge below TSR — just make sure you’re prepared for hazards and portages. There are a few great campsites along the way, so you can turn a day trip into an overnight adventure. Whether you’re paddling a packraft or kayak, this river is a brilliant place to build skills and enjoy some classic Australian whitewater.
Guide by Chris Russell
Filmed and edited by Pat Ryan
Additional filming by Dean Johnson