WA’s iconic 124 km adventure river challenge, the , is just a few weeks away, which means the are returning to the West for another year of free family-friendly fun.
Crowds from all corners of the state flock to the Avon Valley and its surrounds to witness the fearless competitors making a splash, but it’s the energy and atmosphere on the banks of Derbal Yerrigan/Swan River that keeps us coming back year after year.
Across two action-packed days, this FREE series of events brings live entertainment, show rides, international eats, artisan markets and more to Northam, Toodyay, Swan and Bayswater. Did we mention it’s free?
Time to plan an unforgettable weekend away, here’s the full rundown of everything happening at the Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals this August.
Northam Bilya Festival
Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Avon Mall, Minson Avenue, Northam | Friday 9 August
It all begins with the annual . Each year on the eve of the Avon Descent, the Northam community throw a pumping street parade to signal the start of the weekend, and, if last year’s parade is anything to go by, we know that Northamers don’t do things by halves. This year’s theme is ‘Homegrown’, with entrants taking inspiration from local gems, regional WA’s finest and the best of the Wheatbelt. Expect OTT floats, live entertainment, hot food stalls, marshmallow toasting, fireworks finale and a blessing of the river to welcome the coming race.
Toodyay International Food Festival
Stirling and Duidgee Parks, Toodyay | Saturday 10 August
Embark on a global food tour in the charming town of Toodyay at the . Across 30 food stalls, feast on sweet and savoury snacks from all corners of the world while witnessing the thrills and spills of the Avon Descent from dry land, all to the soundtrack of live music from two stages. While you knock back a few vinos in the licensed bar, the kiddlywinks will be entertained for hours with face painting, cuddles in the animal farm and a mammoth skatepark competition—complete with a DJ spinning tunes all arvo.
City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
Lilac Hill Park, Caversham | Sunday 11 August
For a front-row seat to all of the action, head to Caversham’s Lilac Hill Park for the official . The banks will be buzzing with performances by roving entertainment, white knuckle show rides and woodchopping competitions, while competitors race by. All that spectating got you feeling peckish? The City of Swan Avon Descent Festival is your one-stop shop for discovering the very best sips and snacks from the region. Sample gourmet food and wine with local growers before calling it a day.
City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival 2024
Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater | Sunday 11 August
Before heading back home, it’s only right that you round out the weekend at the . After two gruelling days in the water, the Avon Decent’s paddlers and power craft crew will be flying across the finish line, and you’re invited to join in the mayhem (while keeping your socks dry). From the safety of the shores, festival goers can cheer on the participants as they scramble to the finish line, with free rides, face painting and food trucks aplenty to keep you busy in between races. At the Finish Line Festival you'll be able to pick up some handcrafted goodies from local artisans at the market stalls, come face-to-face with WA Birds of Prey’s feathered friends, boogie to live musicians, and learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the Derbal Yerrigan/Swan River to the Noongar people.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by and proudly endorsed by OB真人视讯. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make OB真人视讯 possible. Click for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Angie Roe Photography and Soco Studios.