Tourism
Northam, the major town of the Avon Valley, is WA’s second largest inland town and the commercial hub for the area’s rich farmlands. Located just over an hour’s drive from Perth on the Great Eastern highway, Northam makes a perfect day trip, weekender or central base from which to explore the valley.
The Avon River flows through the town and is fringed by soft grassy banks and shady trees – providing numerous picturesque spots where you can relax, stretch out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river.
The river is also home to an abundance of bird life including the unique and much revered white swans. Spanning the river, Northam’s pedestrian suspension bridge is the longest of its kind in Australia and makes an ideal location from which to view and photograph the white swans.
This beautiful setting is further enhanced by the Avon Valley Visitor Centre which provides tourist and visitor services, a café with alfresco dining and a permanent exhibition – “A Sense of Place” – which showcases the areas significant post-war migrant history. There are public amenities including showers and a parent’s room, all with access for the disabled.
There is much to see around Northam, including Morby cottage. Built in 1836 by John Morrell, the founder of Northam, the cottage was the town’s first church and school and has now been lovingly converted to a museum. The old railway station, listed with the National Trust, has also been turned into a museum and is another piece of yesteryear that is well worth a visit.
For those who prefer to get a bird’s eye view of life, why not try hot air ballooning? The scenery is spectacular and the experience memorable.
Annual events such as the Flying 50, Avon River Festival and Summer Siesta Concert Series, Northam Motorcycle Festival, Northam Agricultural attract not only local, but many city and international visitors. Council supports the Motorbike Festival usually held in October each year, and concerts in the park.
The Northam Visitor Centre has a convenient on-line booking service for all your accommodation and holiday requirements.
More Information
Or email tourist@northam.wa.gov.au
Northam Visitor Centre
A service provided by the Shire of Northam
Located at: 2 Grey Street
Phone: (08) 9622 2100
Fax: (08) 9622 5490
