The river has a catchment area of 4,622 square kilometres (1,785sqmi) of which an area of 392 square kilometres (151sqmi) is composed of estuarine wetlands.[3] From source to mouth, the Embley River is joined by five tributaries including the Hey River. The Embley River descends 21 metres (69ft) over its 54-kilometre (34mi)course.[2]