It diverges from the Liverpool Range at a point north of Scone, New South Wales, near Ben Halls Gap.

The range generally extends to the southeast for about 45 kilometres (28 mi) and then generally to the south southwest for about 50 kilometres (31 mi) to Mount Royal.

To provide water for the Bayswater Power Station, the Barnard River Scheme was constructed in the 1980s so water could be transported over the range into the Hunter River.

The Mount Royal range forms the northern rim of the Hunter Region.

The World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park includes this area.