| Rufus River | |
| Name Etymology: | In honour of George Macleay, who had red hair |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Name1: | Australia |
| Subdivision Type2: | State |
| Subdivision Name2: | New South Wales |
| Subdivision Type3: | Region |
| Subdivision Name3: | IBRA |
| Subdivision Type4: | District |
| Subdivision Name4: | Far West |
| Subdivision Type5: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name5: | Wentworth |
| Length: | 5km (03miles) |
| Source1: | Lake Victoria |
| Mouth: | confluence with the Murray River |
| Mouth Location: | at Devils Elbow, near Rufus |
| River System: | Murray River, Murray–Darling basin |
Rufus River, a watercourse of the Murray catchment and part of the Murray–Darling basin, is located in south western New South Wales, Australia.The river leaves Lake Victoria, flowing generally west and then south-west, before reaching its confluence with the Murray River, at Lock 7, near Rufus.
Rufus River was visited by European explorer, Charles Sturt, in 1830, and named after his red-haired (or rufus) travelling companion, George Macleay.
A number of conflicts between European and Aboriginal people in 1841 led to the Rufus River massacre.