The Macquarie River in central-western New South Wales is named after Lachlan Macquarie, the last governor of the colony of New South Wales, and forms part of the Murray-Darling basin, connecting ultimately to the Barwon, Darling, and Murray Rivers before reaching the Southern Ocean. The river flows northwest through a mix of crown and pastoral lands, with large river red gums lining its banks and a wide variety of native birds and animals throughout.

The primary paddling route is the Macquarie River Canoe and Kayak Trail, a 150-kilometre journey beginning in Wellington and finishing in Narromine, passing through the regional centre of Dubbo. This trail is typically completed over four to five days, though up to eight days is possible. Daily paddling times range from five and a half to eight hours, with actual progress governed by the river's flow rate. Free campsites and caravan parks are available along the route, and Land and Property Management Authority maps show vehicle routes to each section's finish point and mark potential overnight campsites, making logistical support feasible.

Upstream from Wellington, a 34-kilometre paddle from Mumbil — located just downstream of Burrendong Dam — provides an additional access option into Wellington. The upper reaches of the river above Wellington involve rocky rapids and tight manoeuvring, requiring techniques such as lining canoes down rapids rather than portaging, as there are no established portage trails in those sections. This upper section is more technically demanding and not part of the main trail.

Further downstream, the river eventually reaches the Macquarie Marshes near Warren, one of the largest remaining inland semi-permanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. The marshes support over 75 waterbird species, 156 woodland bird species, 29 mammal species, 15 frog species, 60 reptile species, and 11 native fish species. Guided kayak tours of the Macquarie Marshes operate seasonally, with tours available only during spring. The marshes feature extensive phragmites reed beds, river red gum woodlands, and mixed marsh floodplains.

The main Wellington-to-Narromine trail is suited to paddlers prepared for multi-day flatwater touring, while the upper river sections above Wellington demand whitewater skills and experience with moving water and rapid management.