The river rises in the southern ranges of Namadgi National Park, south of Canberra, with flow generated by runoff and melting snow during spring from the Snowy Mountains. The river flows generally north, joined by four minor tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Gudgenby River, south of Tharwa; descending 266 metres (873 ft) over its 26-kilometre (16 mi) course.[2]
The watershed boundary of the Naas River defines the southern and south-eastern border of the Australian Capital Territory with New South Wales.[3]