The Nive River rises on the western slopes of Mount Playfair south of the Salvador Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park and flows westwards through Long Waterhole to approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Tambo.

From source to mouth, the Nive is joined by twelve minor tributaries and descends 226 metres (741 ft) over its 263-kilometre (163 mi) course.

[2] The towns of Charleville, Wyandra and Cunnamulla are located on the banks of the Warrego River.

Cunnamulla is the only town with a levee bank to protect it against flooding.

[1][5] When the Mitchell district was opened for settlement, the Bell and Dutton families were among the first applicants for land on the Nive River and their leases included the site of Tambo.