Rivers like the Macalister make trout fishing dreams come true. The Macalister River rises below Mount Howitt, part of the Great Dividing Range in the southern portion of the Alpine National Park; and flows generally south by east in a highly meandering course. The river is joined by 15 tributaries including the Caledonia, Wellington, and Barkly rivers, impounded by the Glenmaggie Dam that creates Lake Glenmaggie, before reaching its confluence with the Thomson River, south of Maffra. The river descends 1,530 metres over its 177-kilometre course. The fertile flats and valley floor of the Macalister River support agriculture around the town of Licola.

Macalister Gorge Scenic Reserve near Licola is a beautiful (and free) grassy camping area, shaded by tall tranquil gums and faces the looming, forested hills. For the experienced four-wheel driver, try the well-known Wonnangatta Station Four Wheel Drive which includes river crossings of the Macalister. The river feeds Lake Glenmaggie, a large expanse of water for recreational boating, swimming and fishing, laced with scenic picnic areas.