The Genoa River originates in southern New South Wales and flows southward into Victoria, where it joins the Wallagaraugh River. Both rivers ultimately drain into Mallacoota Inlet before reaching Bass Strait at Mallacoota. Large portions of the catchment fall within public land, including state forests and national parks in both Victoria and New South Wales — among them Genoa National Park and Mt Imlay National Park near Eden.

The lower Genoa River offers a paddling run typically accessed from Wangarabell, approximately 20 kilometres north of Genoa township. Public access is available along the road near Wangarabell, and the take-out is near the bridge at Genoa township, where a small camping area on river left provides a convenient exit point. The access road is dirt but generally in good condition, though it has been known to close during heavy rainfall events, so checking road conditions before departure is advisable. The trip is roughly five hours from Canberra and under two hours from Bega.

The character of the lower run varies considerably along its length. The first few kilometres from the put-in are relatively flat and brushy, transitioning into a long series of boulder gardens. At moderate water levels, the most continuous line runs river right through a sequence of grade 2 rapids and drops extending several hundred metres. Below this, the river steepens into a shallow gorge section of roughly 300–400 metres featuring grade 3 paddling, which was run in three short sections on the reported trip. A portage of one initial short drop was necessary due to rocky conditions. Below the gorge, another long grade 2 rapid follows before the gradient eases, with some sections becoming scratchy at lower flows.

The trip is commonly done as an overnight run, with each paddle day taking around four hours. A first-time visitor is recommended to plan an overnighter to allow adequate time on the water. The run is also considered feasible as a long day trip for paddlers already familiar with the river. Winter trips are viable when water levels are sufficient, and summer is noted as a potentially good time when water conditions are right. Mallacoota Inlet, downstream, supports kayaking and canoeing alongside fishing and boating.