The Georges River flows through the southwest of Sydney, New South Wales, eventually emptying into Botany Bay. It is a mostly wide river that passes through a mix of suburban and parkland environments, with the urban spread of Sydney remaining largely unobtrusive along much of its length. The river corridor includes striking rock formations, steep forested hillsides, plateaus, and riverside flats, particularly within Georges River National Park, located roughly 25 kilometres south-west of Sydney between Sutherland and Bankstown.

From Liverpool downstream, the river is tidal and can flow at several kilometres per hour, so paddlers should plan trips to take advantage of tidal assistance in both directions. The river is wide in places, and fast-moving powerboats, jet skis, and waterskiing craft are present, making it advisable to keep to the sides of the river. Speed limits are enforced on the river and speed cameras are in operation.

Several distinct paddling routes are worth noting. From Picnic Point to Chipping Norton Lake is a popular trip, passing long stretches of parkland and reserves, several road and footbridges, and under the flight path of Bankstown Airport. From Chipping Norton Lake, the river can be paddled a further four kilometres upstream to a weir near Liverpool Train Station, though this section tends to accumulate more rubbish. Downstream of Alfords Point Bridge, the river widens into a more estuarine character with numerous bays to explore. The Old Ferry Road Reserve at Illawong to Mickey's Beach is a 7-kilometre return route passing Two Moon Bays, fringing mangroves, grass trees, and casuarinas. Williams Creek, accessed from Deepwater Park, offers a 4-kilometre return paddle through bushland flanked by mangroves, with bream and mullet visible in the water.

Access points include Morgans Creek and Mill Creek within Georges River National Park, Picnic Point, Deepwater Park, Old Ferry Road Reserve at Illawong, and the accessible kayak launch at Light Horse Park, Riverpark Drive, Liverpool, which also offers kayak hire. Paddlers should exercise care near Towra Point, where endangered migratory birds nest, and avoid anchoring in restricted areas or disturbing seagrass beds. Wildlife along the river includes White-bellied Sea Eagles, kookaburras, and over 100 recorded bird species in the Yeramba Lagoon area. The upper reaches toward the headwaters involve portages over fallen trees and more wilderness-style conditions.