The Grose River rises from north east of Mount Victoria within the Blue Mountains National Park, and flows through the Grose Valley and parts of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, generally north, southeast, then east, joined by four tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Hawkesbury River west of Agnes Banks.

The tough heart of the Grose Valley and the early interest in preserving the area for its natural and recreational values have substantially limited disturbances.

The valley is located between the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road, the two major routes across the Blue Mountains.

Consequently, the Grose has substantial wild river values, as do its major tributaries such as Wentworth Creek and Carmarthen Brook.

The rocky sandstone complexes of the plateau provide habitat for some specialised and rare native animal species (e.g. the broad-headed snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides).