NSW Hydro Area is a polygon feature class defining hydrographic feature types. This feature class is divided into waterbody area and water course. Waterbody is a standard body of inland water of which flow is minor. Waterbody may be natural waterbody or man-made waterbody.

Water course is a way or course through which water may pass.

Hydro area feature class is also classified as perennial, non-perennial or mainly dry.