The Murrumbidgee River rises from the Great Dividing Range near Kiandra in New South Wales, flows through the Australian Capital Territory, and then turns inland as part of the Murray-Darling Basin, eventually joining the Murray River near Boundary Bend. The full paddleable length from Burrinjuck Dam to the Murray River junction has been measured at approximately 1,078 km by GPS, with paddlers averaging around 31 km per day and capable of covering up to 53 km in a single day on favorable sections.

The river is heavily regulated, supplying irrigation water to the NSW Riverina farmlands. In summer, flows at the upper sections can exceed 10,000 ML/day, but diminish significantly downstream due to multiple irrigation outflows. The lower section below Balranald can become difficult with flows under 500 ML/day common in summer. In winter, many irrigation outflows are reduced or stopped, which affects flow dynamics throughout the system. Paddlers should monitor NSW Water Information gauges before and during any trip.

The upper section near Burrinjuck Dam offers whitewater paddling at Childowlah, a few kilometres downstream of the dam near Yass. These Grade Two rapids are separated by calm pools, making them suitable for training and skill development. Water releases from Burrinjuck Dam are required for this section to be viable. There is a notable play wave near Nanangreo Reserve. Further downstream, the river transitions to gentler character through the Gundagai area, with pebble-bar rapids and a current that can push paddlers along at around 6 km/h at moderate flows. Low flows can expose rocky reefs and shallow sections, requiring careful line selection and occasional portaging, particularly above Narrandera.

Access points include North Gundagai, where a boat ramp is located 700 m past the Jones Creek Bridge, and Sandy Beach at Wantabadgery near Junee, which has a boat ramp and is suitable for camping and caravanning. Numerous Crown Land reserves along the trail provide camping opportunities, though paddlers are advised to carry their own drinking water. Visitors are responsible for removing their own rubbish. The Riverina region is subject to Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone regulations, and paddlers should observe relevant signage and use roadside disposal bins when transporting fruit.

Wildlife is present throughout the corridor, and the river passes through areas of significant natural and historical interest, including Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Before entering the water, paddlers should check depth, current strength, and submerged hazards at any given access point.