On August 10, hundreds of paddlers and power dinghy racers will converge on Northam to take on the mighty Avon River in the annual Avon Descent, Perth’s most iconic multisports event.
Participants of all ages and skills enter the two days, 124 km race, starting in Northam or further downriver on the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River for a shorter 13 km distance in their craft of choice. The field ranges from novices to Olympic champions!
From custom-built power dinghies, kayaks, skis, stand up paddle boards (SUP), surf boats and dragon boats, the Avon Descent is an incredible spectacle and a remarkable achievement for those who take part. Day one covers 52 km from Northam to Cobbler Pool, and Day 2 is 72 km to Bayswater.
Participants experience thrills and spills as they take on wild rapids including Supershoot, Emu Falls, Championship Rapids and Bells Rapids. They will come across exposed rocks, chilly winter conditions, and get to camp out overnight before finishing at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater.
The Avon Descent is a spectator sport
The Avon Descent is not just exciting for the competitors. The race is one of Perth’s great spectator sporting events. Thousands line the Avon River from Northam to Walyunga and the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River river to Bayswater in Perth to cheer on their family and friends.
Enthusiastic supporters and spectators can join in the fun of watching the power dinghies fly across the water and the paddlers pushing for the finish. There is nothing like providing motivation to weary participants as they push through gruelling conditions on their descent to Bayswater.
Lotterywest riverside festivals at the Avon Descent
Another great aspect of this fun-filled weekend is the Lotterywest family-fun Avon Descent Festival events in Northam, Toodyay, Swan, and Bayswater throughout the event.
Grab the family and find a riverside festival near you to experience the excitement. Enjoy festival food and entertainment while cheering on the participants on their way to the finish line in Bayswater. Let's check out what each location has to offer.
Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Avon Mall, Minson Avenue, Northam
Friday 9 August (5 - 9 pm) Northam Bilya Festival
Head to Northam’s Bilya Festival at the Avon Descent start line. The Shire of Northam has planned an evening of celebration and fun. Enjoy a spectacular community street parade showcasing the wonders of urban farming to celebrate the 2024 Avon Descent. Take part in activities for the whole family, food stalls, and live entertainment.
Stirling and Duidgee Parks, Toodyay
Saturday 10 August (10 am - 4 pm) Toodyay International Food Fest
Spend the day at the Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Fest. You can watch the participants pass through Toodyay during day one of the Avon Descent. Enjoy International cuisine, live music, entertainment acts and fun activities for the kids
Lilac Hill Park, Caversham
Sunday 11 August (10 am - 3 pm) City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
The City of Swan Avon Descent Festival is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the race as it passes through the Swan Valley vineyard region, Upper Swan Bridge and Bells Rapids. Sample delicious gourmet food and wine from local growers as you wander through pop-up artisan markets.
Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater
Sunday 11 August (11 am - 5 pm) City of Bayswater Avon Descent Finish Line Festival
Head to the Avon Descent finish line in the City of Bayswater and join race supporters and crew to celebrate the excitement as exhausted paddlers and speeding power dinghies crossing the line. Make the most of a sensational day of free entertainment, children’s activities, food and markets while celebrating the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and its cultural and spiritual significance to the Noongar people.
Volunteering at the Avon Descent
Many volunteers actively contribute to the spirit of adventure that the Avon Descent is built on.
The Avon Descent has engaged with thousands of volunteers and volunteer groups over 50 years. If you would like to be part of an excellent community event, get in touch to register your interest today.
Volunteer opportunities are available in key catchment areas. Find more information on volunteering here.
History of the Avon Descent 1973 - 2024
First held in 1973, the event had humble beginnings. 49 brave (or crazy) competitors launched from Northam and finished 124 km later in Bayswater. It took them two days. They had no rules, no check points and no officials.
Since then, over 35 000 competitors have taken part in the race that is ‘not just a race’ but an adventure. An adventure that lasts two days for most competitors and is not for the fainthearted. Running for over 50 years now, it runs like clockwork with preparation beginning months before the actual start date.
Preparation and qualifying for the Avon Descent
In the lead up to the event, paddlers take part in seeding (or time trials) to determine their position at the start of the race. The power dinghies designed solely for the Avon Descent go through their own training and qualifying schedules.
The Avon Descent suits all experience levels
In the spirit of keeping the event inclusive two shorter courses are available to competitors - Day 1 Northam to Toodyay (50km) and ‘the Bond to Bayswater Belter’ (13km) The shorter courses are for those who want to take part but would prefer to miss the rapids and camping outdoors!
The 13 km ‘Bond to Bayswater Belter’ is the final flat water stretch of the Avon Descent. The section is perfect for standup paddle boarders (SUP), surf boats, outriggers and dragon boats, whether you are an Olympic champion or just wanting to dip your paddle in for the first time.
Olympic canoe paddler Ferenc Szekszardi, who represented Australia at Rio in 2016, has just returned to Perth. He will paddle the 13 km flat water leg on a SUP, joining several paddlers including last year’s SUP winner Darren Pratt, from the SUP community.
The Avon Descent - a race like no other!
Avon Facts:
- 2023 was the 50th anniversary of the race and 83-year-old Charlie Elliot, one of the original competitors in 1973, also raced for the 50th year in 2023. It was his 36th time completing the course.
- They only canceled the race once, and that was during the pandemic.
- The Avon Descent is a multisport race comprising custom-built power dinghies with flat bottoms, kayakers, single and double skis, stand up paddle boarders and other recreational craft.
- The Avon Descent is unique. The combination of power dinghies and paddle craft makes it so.
- The power dinghies were built solely for this race and existed nowhere else in the world before the Avon Descent!
- Competitors can tackle the course solo or compete as part of a relay team.
- Entrants must complete race competency training with PaddleWA.
- The organisers have contingency plans for low water and high water. Low water means more carrying of craft across rocks!
- In 2017, stand up paddle boarders gained admission to the field, and one brave paddler, Paul Hepworth, took on the entire challenge.
- In 2022, the field increased markedly because a flat water leg was added. The ‘Bond to Bayswater Belter’ 13 km is ideal for dragon boats, surf boats, stand up paddlers, outriggers and any recreational paddle craft!
See you at the Avon
Whatever your role in this amazing winter event - spectator, participant or volunteer you can be guaranteed a weekend of fun and great sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing you at the riverside!
