Carrathool Region

Carrathool Region Family

Families across Carrathool Shire can enjoy story sessions, swimming, skating and youth activities, while regional health and family services offer practical pathways to specialised support. Options span Hillston, Goolgowi and smaller communities, with mobile and phone services helping families outside the main towns.

✨ Play, reading and recreation

W.G. Parker Memorial Library

Hillston families can borrow children’s books, use Xbox games and join school-holiday Storytime on Tuesdays for children under 12. The council library is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9.30 am to noon. Phone 02 6967 2503 for current activity details.

Carrathool Shire Mobile Library Services

The monthly mobile library reaches towns, villages, schools and early-childhood services throughout the shire. Its 2026 timetable includes Goolgowi Park, Goolgowi Pre-School, Rankins Springs Pre-School, Hillston’s Billylids and Play ‘N’ Learn, as well as local schools. Carrathool and Merriwagga village visits and home deliveries can be arranged through the library on 02 6967 2503.

Carrathool Shire Swimming Pools

Hillston and Goolgowi pools provide a seasonal place for families to swim, with the 2026–27 season scheduled to begin on 7 November 2026. Entry requires a pool card. Children under 14 must be accompanied and supervised by a competent adult, and adult supervision also applies in toddler pools. Listed casual entry is free for children under two, $2 for ages 2–18 and $3.50 for adults.

Goolgowi recreation facilities

For active outdoor time, Goolgowi has playgrounds, a skate park and a pump track. The town’s 25-metre pool opens during summer, giving local families another warm-weather activity.

🌟 Young people

Carrathool Shire Youth Services

Young people aged 12–25 can find information about recreation, events and local opportunities through the council’s youth offering. Facilities and activities include a dedicated youth area at Hillston’s library, Youth Week events and outdoor gyms in Hillston and Goolgowi.

❤ Family wellbeing and specialist support

Family Connect and Support – Murrumbidgee

This free, voluntary regional service is delivered by 54 reasons for children, young people and families. It helps families connect with appropriate support for parenting challenges, financial stress, housing, family breakdown, mental health, and domestic and family violence.

Hillston Multipurpose Service

Located at 48C Burns Street, Hillston, the NSW Health service lists child protection services and counselling, a child wellbeing coordinator, domestic violence support, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and nutrition and dietetics. Contact the service before visiting to confirm access arrangements for the support required.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District Accessline

Accessline is a free, 24-hour regional phone service staffed by mental health practitioners. It is not a counselling service; staff connect people experiencing emotional or mental health concerns with suitable services. Carrathool Shire communities are covered by the Murrumbidgee network. Phone 1800 800 944.

📌 Check before you go

• Confirm age limits, supervision rules and whether an adult must remain with the child.
• Ask whether activities require a booking, referral, membership or entry card.
• Check current timetables before travelling, particularly for mobile, holiday and seasonal programs.
• Discuss accessibility or additional support needs directly with the provider.
• Confirm current costs and what a family or season pass includes.

👉 Run a family-focused business, service, program or community group serving Carrathool Shire? You are warmly invited to add a listing or update your details so local families can find accurate, practical information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on carrathool.nsw.guide.