Araluen is a small town near Braidwood in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, in Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

[5] At the time of European settlement Araluen was described as a broad alluvial valley with many natural billabongs covered with water lilies.

The natural landscape of Araluen Creek and its valley were destroyed by rampant and extremely destructive alluvial gold mining during the 'gold rush' in the latter half of the 19th century.

It experienced a decline after a flash flood in 1860 virtually destroyed the town, killing 24 people.

[6] After the years of gold mining, Araluen was renowned for its stone fruit, particularly its large, good tasting peaches.