Goolgowi, NSW: What are the best things to do and attractions?

The best things to do in Goolgowi, NSW, are going swimming at the Goolgowi Pool and walking in the Cocoparra National Park.

Goolgowi, NSW, is not the sort of place that sees many visitors. The town is at the junction of the Mid-Western Highway and Kidman Highway, just about clinging on to the Riverina region. You could be forgiven for labelling it as an outback town, however, as there really isn’t much green space around.

Goolgowi, NSW, is the administrative hub of the Carrathool Shire. It’s the service town for surrounding stations and agricultural properties. Goolgowi accommodation options are very limited, with the Goolgowi Highway Motel the not-exactly-stunning main choice.

Things to do in Goolgowi, NSW: Swimming pool

Beyond the Goolgowi swimming pool, there’s really not much to see or do in the town itself. The main attractions in the vicinity are a series of national parks, forests and nature reserves to the west of town.

The Pulletop Nature Reserve is one where visitation is discouraged, although birdwatchers do show up there looking for mallee fowl.

The Cocoparra Nature Reserve is a short hop further west, but again it isn’t really set up for tourism. Birdwatchers can spot superb parrots, pink cockatoos and chestnut quail thrushes if they venture in, however.

Things to do in Goolgowi, NSW: Cocoparra National Park

The Cocoparra National Park, therefore, is the best attraction near Goolgowi. Again, birdwatchers will get the most out of this green space. But there are also a few walking trails for everyone else. The easy 0.5m return walk to Woolshed Falls is a good taster, although the waterfall is more impressive after rain.

The 2.4km Jacks Creek walking track packs more in, though, as it heads along ridge tops and through a small gorge.

However, there really is no need to stay in Goolgowi to visit the Cocoparra National Park. The park is closer to Griffith, which has more to offer than Goolgowi.

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