It usually floats in mid-air, so Donkey or Diddy need to jump to get to it. It is most often placed in a spot that makes it easy to hit it, though, so it's usually not a problem. It is located near the middle of the level, sometimes even closer to the end, making this barrel very useful since no one wants to start at the beginning every time they die. In Donkey Kong Country Returns, Star Barrels are replaced by pigs that hold flags when passed.