The Barcoo River rises on the northern slopes of the Warrego Range east of Tambo in Central Queensland, flowing in a south-westerly direction through the outback before uniting with the Thomson River north of Windorah to form Cooper Creek, which ultimately drains toward Lake Eyre in central Australia. The river passes through the towns of Tambo, Blackall, Isisford, and Retreat, and forms the southern boundary of Welford National Park. The Isisford Weir has been constructed on the river, and paddling has been recorded at the Oma waterhole near Isisford, where the backed-up water creates a manageable paddling environment in an otherwise intermittent river system.

The Barcoo is part of the Lake Eyre Basin, a system of largely ephemeral rivers that flow only after significant rainfall. Water levels are highly variable and dependent on rainfall events; the river can be in flood following rain or reduced to isolated waterholes during dry periods. Paddlers should plan trips around rainfall patterns and be aware that access to flowing water is not guaranteed. The weir at Isisford and similar structures on nearby rivers in the region create permanent or semi-permanent water that makes paddling more predictable.

The landscape through which the Barcoo flows is classic Queensland outback — flat, sparsely vegetated cattle and sheep country with river red gum and coolibah trees lining the banks. The river holds considerable historical and cultural significance: it marks a traditional boundary between the more settled outback and the "Far Outback," and features prominently in Australian bush literature and legend. The area around Windorah, where Cooper Creek forms nearby, is noted for free camping, fishing for yellowbelly, and boating or canoeing. Wildlife in the region includes emus and numerous native bird species.

Facilities are minimal and distances between towns are substantial — Windorah, for example, has a population of around 115 people. Paddlers should be self-sufficient and carry adequate supplies. The remote character of the river demands careful preparation, particularly regarding water, fuel, and communications. The broader region is best approached as a destination for experienced paddlers comfortable with outback travel conditions.