It rises on the D'Aguilar Range and passes through the Samford Valley in the City of Moreton Bay local government area.

To the northwest of the South Pine River are the Pine Rivers suburbs of Strathpine and Lawnton, while on the southeast are Brisbane City Council suburbs Bridgeman Downs and Bald Hills.

The river descends 287 metres (942 ft) over its 41-kilometre (25 mi) course.

[1] A sewage treatment plant is located at Brendale.

Small steamships traversed the river to deliver molasses from local mills.