The headwaters of the river rise below the Chichester Range near Emu Springs and flow in a northerly direction through Hillside. The river is braided and has many islands in the riverbed including Long Island and Rocky Island. The river continues through Gorge Range and flows north until discharging into the De Grey River, of which it is a tributary, just south of the North West Coastal Highway approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) East of Port Hedland.
The river has 23 tributaries including Big Creek, Tambourah Creek, Coolargarrak Creek, Dalton Creek and Miralga Creek. It also flows through one major pool; Coondina Pool.
During drought conditions the river can have zero flow for up to 4 years at a time.