The Herbert River is located in Far North Queensland, between Cairns and Townsville, and is widely regarded as one of Australia's two classic extended river trips, the other being the Franklin in Tasmania. The river cuts through a deep granite gorge featuring multiple waterfalls, steep bouldery rapids, and chutes, making it a serious multi-day whitewater destination suited to short kayaks, canoes, and rafts.

One of the river's defining characteristics is the absence of any warm-up section. Paddlers entering the river immediately below the un-runnable Herbert Falls are confronted almost at once by significant drops, including Dog Leg Falls, a double-stage drop that requires rafts to be portaged and lined down a cliff. The Herbert catchment is noted as being almost twice the size of the Franklin-Gordon catchment in Tasmania, giving a sense of the scale of the watershed.

After approximately five days on the river, paddlers reach Blanco Falls, a 91-metre sheer drop followed by a 230-metre cascade. This point marks where most groups exit the river, involving a 2-kilometre climb up a ridgeline. Some groups choose to continue paddling for an additional two days beyond Blanco Falls, though saltwater crocodiles are present from that point downstream. Freshwater crocodiles are encountered in the upper sections of the river and, while generally not considered dangerous to humans, their presence should be noted.

The upper sections of the river, such as the stretch from Cashmere Crossing toward Herbert River Falls, include flat pools interspersed with sandbanks, tree mazes, and rock slabs, as well as some rapids. Sandy beach campsites are scattered along the river corridor, providing practical and comfortable overnight stops. Wildlife along the river includes kingfishers, cockatoos, swans, and both freshwater crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles. The lower reaches near the coast in the Hinchinbrook area support fish species including barramundi, mangrove jack, sooty grunter, and tarpon.

The river is a logistically demanding trip requiring careful planning around gear transport, food, and access. The multi-day nature of the journey, combined with remote terrain, significant portages, and the presence of saltwater crocodiles in the lower gorge, means this route is suited to experienced paddlers with appropriate expedition skills.