Avon Valley

An hour east of Perth, the Avon Valley offers rolling green hills, tranquil brooks, and historic towns. WA's first inland settlement, this region is steeped in the heritage of the Ballardong Noongar people and early pioneers. It's an ideal destination for country town strolls, browsing craft shops, picnicking by the Avon River, hot air ballooning, and scenic bushwalks.

With bullnose verandas, quaint cafes, and historic pubs, each town has its own character. Sample local produce, relax with a drink at a heritage pub, or unwind in a cozy bed and breakfast. The Avon Valley's lively calendar features festivals, antique fairs, and the iconic Avon Descent. From Northam to York, Toodyay to Beverley, each town is just 30 minutes apart. Whether for a day trip or a weekend, the Avon Valley promises a warm welcome and a step back in time.

Top Things To Do

Take a scenic drive or catch the train and enjoy the valley's quaint and historical townships.
Discover a range of amazing public art, murals and sculptures.
Be adventurous and try hot air ballooning, gliding or paragliding.
Explore the region's museums, art galleries, historical attractions, antique shops.
Picnic beside the beautiful Avon River or at one of the many lovely parks
Be part of the festivities during the world famous Avon Descent.
Enjoy country cuisine or a beer at the local historic pub.
Sample a variety of wines, olive oil and lavender grown in the region.
Enjoy colourful wildflowers in spring.
Enjoy a variety of scenic walk trails and wildflower trails through native bush and parks.
Try white water rafting on the Avon River's fast flowing waters during winter
Purchase free fruit and vegetables from roadside stalls or visit a weekend market.
Visit Goomalling's historic Slater Homestead offering an ‘early world experience’ with Devonshire teas.

Beverley

The township of Beverley, 130km east of Perth is believed to be named for Beverley near York in the United Kingdom and is amongst the first established in WA. Marked by fine examples of colonial architecture, Beverley is steeped in tales of pioneering triumphs and tribulations. Explore the heritage buildings, art galleries and the Dead Finish Museum, provides a look at life in Beverley since settlement in 1831.

Brookton

Founded in the 1830's by early settlers in search of good grazing lands, Brookton, 139kms south-east of Perth, is rich in colonial history as amongst the first established in WA. The Police Station Museum and the Railway Station which also houses a fine display of local crafts as well as the tourist information centre, are definitely worth a visit. Wildflowers abound in springtime, making the local area a picturesque haven for visitors.

Goomalling

Just 132km north-east of Perth, Goomalling is a delightful rural settlement and amongst the first established in WA. Enveloped by seemingly endless open countryside, the town had its beginning in the 1890s, springing up from beside the train line which was used to ferry miners through to the goldrush towns further north. Giant wheat domes provide a striking landmark in Goomalling, while art & crafts, country markets and a colourful history add to the rural feel. A trip to the School House Museum, Heritage Town Walk and Old Railway Station will transport visitors back in time, as will Slater Homestead.

New Norcia

A true escape from the everyday, the unique hamlet of New Norcia is Australia's only monastic town. Everyone, regardless of their beliefs, will find themselves stilled by the soul of this tranquil community. Here Benedictine monks move quietly amongst historical buildings on their way to pray together seven times daily. New Norcia was established in 1847 as a mission for the local Aboriginal people by Spanish Benedictine monk Bishop Rosendo Salvado. 160 years later New Norcia is still home to Benedictine monks and the monastery is one of the 28 heritage buildings listed on the National Estate. But it's not just the monks' dedication to peace that makes New Norcia so special. It's also the town's eclectic monastic, Aboriginal and European heritage which the monks invite all visitors to discover.

Northam

Located just over an hour from Perth City on the Great Eastern Highway, Northam provides a great base from which to explore the Avon Valley. Northam is WA's largest inland town and is home to a great number of heritage listed buildings. Exploring the towns architecture on foot is a rewarding experience and along the way you'll also discover many craft shops and cafes.

The Avon River flows through the town and is fringed by soft grassy banks and shady trees. Picnicking beside the river is a popular pastime and it is here that you can also observe the activities of the elegant white swans which were brought here by settlers over 150 years ago. Or you can spy on the swans from the heady heights of the pedestrian suspension bridge which passes over the Avon River. There are many activities to choose from in Northam such as hot air ballooning, horse riding or white water rafting. To learn more about this beautiful town, why not join one of the Shire of Northam's guided tours. Join experienced and knowledgeable local guides on walking or bus tours to discover Northam's diverse, natural and cultural history.

Toodyay

Toodyay is located around 85km north-east of Perth City and is nestled in a valley between scenic hills and on the banks of the Avon River. The village presents some perfect examples of 19th century architecture, while at the same time retaining its own unique country charm with verandah-clad pubs and shops. In fact, Toodyay oozes colonial history and architecture. Connor's Mill is a fine example and is your only opportunity in WA to witness working historical machinery demonstrating antiquated flour milling processes. You can also visit the intriguing Old Gaol built in the 1860s, which now houses a museum dedicated to the varied history of the region.

In town you will find fine examples of locally worked art, woodwork and photography and there are also a number of places to stop for a bite to eat. Accommodation is varied and includes anything from historical pub stays in the centre of town or informal caravan parks where you can sleep under the stars, to luxuriously appointed bed and breakfasts and self contained chalets. Heading further out of town will reward you with some magnificent scenery and there are a number of lovely country roads to travel on. Along the way and located amongst the pretty undulating hills surrounding Toodyay, you will find a multitude of olive groves, lavender fields, local artisans, rambling country gardens and vineyards old and new producing their own unique blends.

York

Located just 97km east of Perth City on the Great Eastern Highway, the township of York, established in 1831, was the first inland European settlement in WA. While still remaining distinct from other towns in the region, York is yet another fine example of colonial architecture and is renowned for its heritage precint. Wildflowers and birdlife compliment the open gardens and there's a wide range of experiences on offer including food and wine festivals, country racing, local produce and plenty of arts and crafts.

Visitors to York can enjoy lovingly preserved buildings and sites providing charm and character to the town. There are a couple of fine churches and many other historic buildings like the Town Hall which houses the tourist information centre. The York Residency Museum, Old Gaol & Courthouse and York Motor Museum are all well worth a visit. Straddling the Avon River, York is bordered by outstanding natural beauty with several Heritage Walking Trails available. The York Information Services is a free WI-FI hot spot and you can download a free walking app which gives you details of the history of the buildings you can see on your walk. You can also pick up booklets on the trails here. Adrenalin junkies can also get their pulses racing with a range of aerial pursuits such as skydiving, paragliding and ultra light flights in the area and go fishing.