Looking for a family-friendly adventure right in your own backyard?
Look no further than the Avon Valley! Found just beyond the Perth metro area, the Avon Valley’s country towns are bursting with culture, history, and exciting activities for all ages. Take a wander around the country towns of York, Beverley, Toodyay, Northam and Goomalling, and see what treasures you uncover.
From festivals especially for kids, to interactive museums, adventure playgrounds, quirky cafes and country bakeries – the Avon Valley has all the ingredients for a fun filled family day out! Hop in the car, and get ready for a memorable escape in the Avon Valley.
Special Events
The Avon Valley plays host to many family friendly events and agricultural shows. These events showcase the region's farming traditions, with livestock displays, food stalls, and competitions.
Keep your little ones entertained with the two-day winter kids' festival, YORKids. With a wide range of free activities and workshops, it's a fun-tastic opportunity for kids to learn, play, and create.
Explore the vibrant Beverley Easter Markets. This annual event offers up a mix of local crafts, delicious treats, and Easter entertainment. It's the perfect way to celebrate Easter with your family.
Fans of adrenaline-pumping water sports, shouldn’t miss the Avon Descent. This annual event celebrates the excitement of the Avon River's challenging rapids with events for spectators.
Discover the region's delicious local produce at the Toodyay Farmers Markets. From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade goodies, these country markets are a food lover's paradise.
Sunny Days
What could be more exciting than a family road trip on a sunny day? There’s so much to pack into your day in the Avon Valley!
Treat yourself to a delicious scoop of ice cream (or three) and enjoy the thrill of the fun flying fox at York Olive Oil Co. It's a sweet way to spend a sunny day.
All aboard! Hop on the Toodyay Miniature Railway (on the first or third Sunday of the month) and take a ride through Duidgee Park. It's a mini adventure that will excite both young and old.
Make a splash at the impressive Northam Aquatic Facility, complete with Olympic size swimming pool, leisure pool, water slides, splash pad and BBQ facilities. It's the ultimate destination in the Avon Valley to keep cool.
Keep an eye out for the new Goomalling nature playground! It promises to be a fantastic addition to playtime for kids visiting the country town.
The seasonal PetTeet Park opens annually in mid-August for photos amongst the bright yellow Canola fields. Found halfway between York and Beverley, this spot has friendly farm animals to meet.
Embark on a treasure hunt with geocaching in the Avon Valley. It's a fun way to explore the area while adding a sense of adventure to your trip.
Cook up a classic Aussie barbecue and explore the Avon Park Adventure Playground in York. The beautiful park is a great spot to soak up the picturesque surroundings and the kids will have a blast!
Kids will LOVE the big red truck at Moort Wabiny Park. Found in the heart of Beverley, kids of every age will find something fun from nature play, and a skate park, to a pump track, and basketball court.
Explore the whimsical world of York’s Tiny Door Trail with your little people. Grab a map from the Visitor Centre and seek out the miniature doors that are hidden throughout the town.
Unleash your inner archer at Hoddywell Archery Park. It's an exhilarating activity that will test your skills and provide hours of entertainment for the entire family.
Explore the wonders of nature with the Nature Play Trail in Beverley and York. Let your children reconnect with the outdoors and discover fun facts with this free app-based activity.
Take a peaceful wander along Northam’s Avon River. Who can spot the majestic white swans first?! These beautiful birds are the only White Swans in Australia that breed naturally in the wild.
Rainy Days
The best time of year to visit the Avon Valley is during cooler months, which might mean you’ll get caught in the rain. Don’t worry – there’s still plenty of indoor fun to be had!
Discover York Motor Museum, an impressive collection of beautiful vintage cars and motorcycles that will fascinate young and old automobile enthusiasts alike.
Dive into the rich Indigenous culture of the region at Northam’s Bilya Koort Boodja museum. Explore the art and history of the Ballardong Noongar people through engaging and interactive exhibits.
It doesn’t need to be December to step into Toodyay’s magical winter wonderland at Christmas 360. It's a festive shopping experience to find unique decorations and Christmas goodies year-round.
Delve into the railway history of the Avon Valley at the Railway Museum in Northam. Discover vintage locomotives and artifacts that showcase the area's transportation heritage.
Uncover the darker side of local history by visiting the Newcastle Gaol in Toodyay. This former prison offers a glimpse into the past with its eerie cells and stories of convicts and bushrangers.
Places to Eat
From country bakeries, historic taverns and cosy cafes, there’s plenty of tasty places in the Avon Valley to stop and refuel on your family day out.
A trip to the Avon Valley wouldn't be complete without taste-testing the famous Toodyay Bakery. Their pies and pastries are legendary and make for a yummy snack on the go during your adventures.
Enjoy a meal at café Gather York, which also boasts a small playground to keep the kids entertained while you savour local produce and good coffee.
A fixture on Beverley’s main street for over a century, the Freemasons Tavern is a tasty place for families to dine. The historic pub has a ton of rustic charm, and tasty menus for adults and kids.
Lot 39 Store & Café, brings a touch of the city to the farming town of Goomalling. The café and gift store’s menu features toasted sandwiches, pastries, and sweets, plus good barista-style coffee.
Satisfy sweet tooths with an indulgent visit to York’s Penny Farthing Sweets. This charming lolly shop offers a delicious range of chocolate and treats that will transport you back to your own childhood.
At last count, the quirky Coca-Cola Café and Museum had over 6,000 items of Coca-Cola memorabilia! The red and white 1950’s diner-style café in Toodyay offers up burgers, all-day breakfasts and more, all washed down with a Coke – of course.
The Avon Valley is brimming with adventures. Whether you're soaking up the sun or seeking shelter from the rain, there's always something exciting to see and do. With its special events, delicious dining options, and a variety of fun activities, the Avon Valley promises a memorable experience for families, couples, and adventurers of all ages. Start planning your Avon Valley adventure now!
