The two branches form their confluence within the Wooroonooran National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

[6] Volcanic activity that resulted in the rise of Green Hill in the Mulgrave Valley blocked the river from entering the sea near present-day Cairns.

[2][3][4] The river is crossed by the Bruce Highway south of Gordonvale via the Desmond Trannore Bridge.

Gold was discovered in the river in the 1870s, bringing considerable change to the Goldsborough Valley.

[11] The pest fish tilapia have been discovered in the river and have been the target of eradication efforts.