The river rises about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) north of Yass and flows generally north, joined by two minor tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Lachlan River about 18 kilometres (11 mi) south–east of Cowra;[3] dropping 318 metres (1,043 ft) over its course of 134 kilometres (83 mi).[2]
The river flows through the town of Boorowa, from where it draws its name, an Aboriginal Wiradjuri word for kangaroo.[1]