Northam to Perth, WA · Winter
Avon Descent
First weekend of August (2 days)
The Avon Descent is one of the world's great white-water time trials: a two-day, 124 kilometre race for power boats and paddlers down the Avon and Swan rivers from Northam to Perth, run on the first weekend of August. Winter rains decide the character of each edition, from raging rapids to boat-dragging shallows.
Riverside vantage points along the valley are free, with the rapids at Bells and Emu Falls the classic spectator draws. The event has run since 1973 and carries a strong volunteer and community tradition, with river towns turning the weekend into their own festivals.
- Sport
- Regional Tourism
- Free entry
- When
- First weekend of August (2 days)
- How often
- Every year
- Venue
- Avon and Swan rivers (124km course)
- Crowd
- Estimated 10,000 spectators
- Entry
- Free
- Setting
- Outdoor
Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Northam.
The race runs 124 km from Northam down to Perth, and both ends are coach-served.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.