It flows for 560 kilometres (350 mi) from its source south of the Judbarra / Gregory National Park to the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the Timor Sea.

Crew members of the Beagle followed the river upstream into the interior for more than 200 kilometres (120 mi).

[1] In August 1855 Augustus Gregory sailed from Moreton Bay and at the end of September reached the estuary of the Victoria River.

[6] Flowing for 560 kilometres (350 mi) from its source, south of the Judbarra / Gregory National Park, until it enters Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the Timor Sea, the Victoria River is the longest singularly named permanent river in the Northern Territory.

[citation needed][a] Important wetlands are found in the lower reaches of the river with forming suitable habitat for waterfowl breeding colonies and roosting sites for migratory shorebirds.