AVON VALLEY

THE AVON VALLEY EXUDES ENCHANTING, COUNTRY CHARM, ATTRACTING HISTORY

BUFFS AND NATURE EXPLORERS ALIKE WITH ITS SERIES OF VINTAGE TOWNS WOVEN THROUGHOUT A PATCHWORK OF GREEN ROLLING HILLS. By

SARAH JONES

PICNIC AT SCENIC spots along the river, admire brilliant blooms of wildflowers in season, listen to babbling brooks roll by, and gaze up at brightly coloured hot air balloons floating through the sky as you discover the Avon Valley.

With the Avon River (Wagyl) running through, the valley retains deep spiritual significance for its traditional owners, the Ballardong Noongar people. Today, perched along its banks, you’ll find six of the state’s most historic towns developed by early European pioneers, all within 30-minutes’ drive of one another and forming the gateway to the Wheatbelt.

In this secluded part of the state, the distinct lack of light pollution makes for the most impressive clear night skies — picture perfect for astrophotography.

Stay and experience heritage hotels, the best country bakeries, and charming townscapes.

Toodyay

The diverse town of Toodyay is peppered with inquisitive trails offering insights into its fascinating colonial and convict past, wartime history, and rich natural landscapes. Explore Toodyay’s plethora of picturesque parklands and reserves along the Toodyay Reserve Trails and marvel at the abundance of flora and fauna that surrounds. Reflect back on the era of the infamous convict Moondyne Joe when visiting the Newcastle Gaol Museum to learn about his dramatic escape from the Toodyay Convict Depot lock up.

Admire quaint country townscapes, the best artisan bakery, the iconic heritage Connor’s Mill, and charming boutiques like the cheerful Toodyay Christmas shop Christmas 360, a provider of delightful decorations for the festive season and beyond, open April — December.

Northam

Best known for its otherworldly hot air balloon experiences, lift off at dawn and float gently over the rolling hills and meandering streams of Northam, illuminated by the first rays of daylight. With your feet back on the ground, explore the town’s treasure trove of 185 heritage-listed buildings and admire the artwork born from the Northam Historical Town Sculptures project, telling inspiring stories of Northam’s distinctive past.

A must-experience attraction while in Northam is Bilya Koort Boodja: Centre for Noongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge, which celebrates the Noongar Ballardong region’s rich Aboriginal heritage and continued presence.

TIP // Visit in October for the Northam Cup, the major of five annual horse race meetings.

York

Straddling the Avon River and as the first inland settlement built in the state, the truly charming town of York offers fine examples of colonial architecture to be admired, including lovingly preserved buildings of opulent Victorian and Federation style. Dive into its interesting past at the York Residency Museum and the Old Gaol and York Courthouse precinct, and marvel at vintage and veteran automobiles and memorabilia at the iconic York Motor Museum.

Local artisan and antique stores line the streets, with the Antique and Collectibles Fair in April one of many of the town’s annual events. Visit in spring for the twoweek York Festival celebrating community and creativity and base yourself at one of the beautiful bed and breakfasts or many restored manors for your stay.

Beverley

Discover beautiful boutiques and eclectic art galleries lining the streets when immersing yourself in the farming town of Beverley. Admire impressive examples of the town’s colonial architecture and arts attractions on walking trails. The iconic Perth-born artist James Giddy has also made his mark on the town, with five spectacular murals decorating the buildings along Vincent Street.

Goomalling

In Goomalling, natural splendour is bountiful, with the shire being one of Australia’s 15 national biodiversity hotspots and the striking blood red spider orchid erupting all about in spring.

Arts, crafts, and country markets make this town warm and welcoming, with a relaxed, rural atmosphere.

TIP // While in the valley, visit Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia. Join practicing monks in prayer at their private chapel, pick up freshly baked bread from the monastery and olive oil from WA’s oldest olive groves.

Wildflowers

Avon Valley comes alive with an eruption of wildflowers following winter rains each year. Traverse the valley’s suite of wildflower trails dotted across the region to discover the plethora of blooms. Admire orchids, blue leschenaultia, fringed lily, cat’s paw, fields of everlastings and more across the lush parklands and reserves of the valley.

 Discover more

Northam Visitor Centre

2 Grey St, Northam

+61 8 9622 2100

York Visitor Centre

81 Avon Terrace, York

+61 8 9641 1301

Toodyay Visitor Centre

7 Piesse St, Toodyay

+61 8 9574 9380

Beverley Visitor Centre

141 Vincent St, Beverley

+61 8 9646 1600

Goomalling Visitor Centre

Cnr Hoddy St & Quinnan St, Goomalling

+61 8 9629 1101