Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Goulburn River
Australia’s most experienced drift boat guide
Over 30 years on the river.
More days on the oars than any other guide in Australia — and a safety record built over three decades of daily drifts.
There’s a reason people travel to fish this river with us.
Drift boat fishing isn’t about covering water — it’s about understanding it. Boat position, current speed, casting angles, fish behaviour — all working together.
That only comes with time on the oars.
If you want to see more, fish better water, and do it safely with someone who’s spent a lifetime on this river, you’re in the right place.
Why a Drift Boat?
- Cover More Water: Fish 15–25km of prime river in a single day
- Reach Untouched Water: Access seams, structure, and holding water that simply can’t be waded
- Fish Proper Angles: Present flies from positions that convert opportunities
- Quiet Access: Move through water silently — often the difference between seeing fish and catching them
A River That Changes Daily
The Goulburn is a tailwater, controlled by upstream releases.
Flows rise and fall. Water clarity shifts. Fish behaviour changes with it.
We’ve been running drift boats on this river since 1994, through floods, droughts, environmental releases, and everything in between.
Over that time, we’ve completed more than 18,000 guided drifts.
That depth of experience matters here.
Because success on this river isn’t about turning up — it’s about adjusting constantly. Knowing when to change approach, when to move, and when to stay.
That judgement only comes from time.
Who It’s For
- Drift boat fishing suits anglers who want to fish the Goulburn properly — maximising their opportunities and seeing a different side of this river.
- Most guests are intermediate to advanced, but beginners can absolutely do well with the right guidance. We have guides who specialise in working with newer anglers.
- If you’re new, we’ll shorten the learning curve quickly. If you’ve fished for years, we’ll refine your approach and help you get more out of the river.
Private Guided Trips
All trips are private, with one or two anglers per boat. If you book as a single, you’ll have the boat to yourself.
Half Day Drift (5 hours)
$850 per boat (1–2 anglers)
($50 saving available via preferred payment method)
A half day isn’t a lesser option — it’s often the smartest way to fish.
We target the most productive window of the day, whether that’s:
-
- early morning before the heat builds in midsummer
- the middle of the day during peak insect activity in spring and autumn
- or the evening rise when conditions allow
Same preparation. Same standard. Just tighter timing.
Full Day Drift (8 hours)
$1,150 per boat (1–2 anglers)
($50 saving available via preferred payment method)
The full day experience.
We cover more water, and fish the river as it unfolds. Full days open up longer stretches of river downstream of Alexandra.
What’s Included
- Full-time professional local guide (not part-time, not seasonal)
- Purpose-built fibreglass drift boat (not an inflatable compromise)
- All flies and gear
- Drinking water
Why GVFFC?
- Over 30 years guiding the Goulburn River
- Full-time, year-round operator
- More drift boat days logged than any other guide in Australia
- Over 18,000 guided drifts across the team
- No safety incidents in over three decades of daily Goulburn drifts
The Original Pioneers
We were the first to offer guided drift boat fishing on the Goulburn.
For decades, we were the only ones doing it.
Understanding a river at this level doesn’t come from a handful of seasons — it comes from staying through floods, droughts, changing flows, and evolving fish behaviour. It comes about by being locals. Fishing or guiding most days. Of having a team of guides and boats out drifting.
This river — and this style of fishing — has been our life’s work.
Meet Your Guide
Anthony Boliancu
Anthony has guided the Goulburn River full-time since 1996 and is Australia’s most experienced drift boat guide.
He has logged more days on the oars than any other operator — not by a small margin, but by a factor that others simply can’t replicate.
With three decades on the water, he has guided everyone from complete beginners to highly experienced anglers — always with the same focus: to provide the best experience with an emphasis on safety.
Client Stories
“Anthony’s knowledge of the Goulburn is unmatched. After more than a decade of fishing with GVFFC, I can say it only gets better.”
— Rupert
“The closest experience to Montana in Australia.”
— Benjamin
“We’ve fished the Western US for years and our drift with Anthony on the Goulburn is right up there with the best of west.”
— Dan & Barbara, Colorado
Make It a Multi-Day Trip
We regularly run 2–4 day trips for small groups.
Stay locally, fish different sections, and explore the river over a few days rather than trying to fit it all into one.
Booking & Enquiries
A $100 deposit secures your booking. Balance due on the day.
Availability is limited.
If you’re considering a date, it’s worth getting in touch early.
Call or text 0418 995 611
or enquire via the email.
Drift Boat Video
Take a ride with us and see the Goulburn from a whole new perspective — clear water, quiet drifts, and the thrill of sighted fish.
