The Maclaughlin River rises on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south southeast of Nimmitabel. The river flows generally west and then southwest, joined by two minor tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Snowy River approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south by west of Mount Rix. The river descends 532 metres (1,745 ft) over its 84 kilometres (52 mi) course, flowing through Merriangaah Nature Reserve.[2]
In its upper reaches, the Maclaughlin River is crossed by the Monaro Highway near Nimmitabel.[2]
