avon river

There isnt much to do and see in Northam however if you are going through there as i did. I dropped by the bridge and took a short walk to observe the tranquil river and the cute ducks at both banks of the river.

Having paddled the Avon many times, I can honestly say the river is a sad comparison to a paddlers dream. Quite often there is a foul odour coming from its waters. It only really runs during the winter months- the rest if the year it's only good as a photographic backdrop.

Took a day trip combining York, Northam and Toodyay whilst visiting Perth last week. In Northam itself the Avon river is quite pretty, and the water seems reasonably clean (there is a small dam holding back the water). White swans and other birds can be seen on this section of the river. Outside of the weir area, however, there is very little water at all and certainly none which is actually flowing. Probably there is more water in winter, but the Avon river in February is fairly disappointing outside of the main section in Northam itself (near the Tourist Information Office).

It's high (and flamin' hot) summer here at the moment, so the levels are lower that average, but a stroll along the river by the weir is a great place to see birdlife. From coots to pelicans and the amazing colony of white swans (Did you know that Northam is home to the only colony of white swans in Western Australia?) you can spend a long time strolling and sitting near the river. I'm sure the kids can take some treats for thet ducks too.While you're on the eastern side of the river (town centre side) you can take a break at Bernard Park. With an amzing water park for the kids, it may be worthwhile taking their bathers too, especially during the hot summer months.

I've been living in Northam with my partner for the past two years.In summer the Avon river is very dry (as in you can walk across without getting wet as there is no water!), in autumn we get a bit of rain which builds up the river but for months it remains stagnant and smelly, then comes the winter rains and starts it following again just in time for the Avon Decent (kayak race from Northam to Bayswater). Some years they have enough water in the river other years some kayakers have to walk their kayaks in the shallow waters! Definitely worth coming down to see them off. Once they have past you drive across to Toodyay and see them there! There are a few nice bush walks around the river which is dog friendly.

Visited Northam in 2002. Along ways for me (USA) and loved seeing where my husband grew up. A chance of a lifetime trip!

During the winter months the Avon River is usually pretty clean, as it is in the middle of a large country town there are litterbugs that throw their fast food wrappers in the river :( There are about 17 kms of walking trails along the banks of the river that are really nice.

Beautiful blue skies, birds chirping, friendly people running or walking - along a polluted river (plastic bottles and bags and slime) Come on Northam have a clean up!!

This is the best part of the Avon River and where the Avon decent starts. There are great walking trails, picnic and barbeque areas, swan breeding program, aboriginal culture and more.Northam is also home of the Avon Valley Vintage Festival and Avon Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Festival. Both events not to be missed.

This is a lovely natural wilderness area punctuated by pretty cafes and buildings just north of Perth. It was lovely to go down to the river to see the fresh flowing water - this seems to be popular with families and picnickers.