The epic 124 km Avon Descent, the world’s longest whitewater event, sets sail this weekend, buoyed by four splash-tacular Lotterywest Avon Descent festivals. With water levels riding high and weather looking good for Friday and Saturday, a few scattered showers on Sunday definitely won’t rain on our parade
The kickoff is always filled with anticipation and celebration, making Northam a perfect spot. This is your chance to get up close with those brave souls tackling the Descent. Join the Shire of Northam tonight for the Northam Bilya Festival or if you’re an early riser head to the start of the Descent Saturday morning, and swing past the Shire of Toodyay International Food Fest for lunch.
Another great spot for viewing is Cobbler Pool. Our water warriors finish day one and take a well-earned rest on Saturday before setting off again Sunday morning; 7am for paddlers and 12pm for power craft for a final finish, passing City of Swan Avon Descent Festival and wrapping up at the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival.
That most notable prime viewing spot is, of course, Bells Rapids. The walk-bridge traversing the whitewater of our gorgeous Swan will be the place to be as it becomes Decent central over the weekend. From there do yourself a favour and take the 20-minute drive to Lilac Hill for the City of Swan Festival.
Every race needs a finish and a celebration so head on into Baysie for the Bayswater Finish Line Festival. Bring the little ones, grab a bite and toast those brilliant battlers who made it to the end! For more details check out the following:
- Localista’s Avon Descent Festivals Guide
- The Avon Descent website
- Lotterywest Avon Descent Festival maps
The excitement kicks off on the Friday afternoon with the Northam Bilya Festival, a community street party from 5pm to 9pm. The Northam community goes all-out for their biggest event of the year, with a parade of floats in this year’s theme of ‘Homegrown’, food stalls and live music. Kids are in for a treat with amusement rides and activities, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the Avon River. The festival also celebrates the Indigenous spiritual value of the Avon River with entertainment from local Indigenous performers. There are also several opportunities to chat with Avon Descent participants.
On Saturday participants start bright and early at 8am to traverse 50 kilometres of challenging whitewater rapids toward Toodyay, before the overnight stop at Cobbler Pool. Key spectator spots include the Glen Avon Rapids and the Leatherhead Rapids, which have bridges that provide an overhead view of action. Eager spectators will get there early to secure the best viewing spot.
Only an hours drive from the CBD, the Toodyay International Food Fest runs from 10am-4pm and is located at Duidgee Park and Stirling Park. This year is the 20th anniversary of the Toodyay Festival. Annually attracting up to 5000 people, kids can enjoy free bouncy castles, roving entertainment, face painting and a huge skatepark compeition with DJ’s spinning tunes all day. The festival also features live international music performances, over 30 global cuisines from food vans and stalls and an area designated to Toodyay’s local produce.
Sunday is the biggest race day with 72 kilometres to cover. Punters can also join in for the Bond to Bayswater Belter for the final 13 kilometres of flatwater, a great option for novice participants.
In the morning, the City of Swan Festival runs from 10am to 3pm at Lilac Hill Park and is packed with family-friendly activities, amusement rides and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and utilize refill stations. This year the festival will be highlighting artisan market stalls and woodchopping competitions.
Just a 20-minute drive away, the Bayswater Finish Line Festival runs from 11am to 5pm at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater and gives everyone a chance to cheer in the Avon Descent Participants while enjoying family entertainment, kids rides, food trucks and a WA Birds of Prey feature tent. Close to the city, this is a great location for everyone to attend and an idyllic way to finish off a fantastic weekend of excitement
Photos by Angie Roe Photography and Socostudios
