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Visit Northam

Located in the heart of the picturesque Avon Valley, Northam is home to a diverse range of tourist and heritage attractions, including hot air ballooning, cultural experiences, wildflowers, tours & trails, historic buildings, horse racing, white swans, and much, much more. The Avon River flows through the town and has an abundance of bird life, including the unique white swan.  Spanning the river next to the Visitor Centre is the pedestrian suspension bridge, which is the longest of its kind in Australia.  

Northam is home to a multitude of historical, cultural, and modern attractions, ranging from a large collection of historically significant buildings to exciting new public art pieces. Alongside a vibrant calendar of regular events, Northam often also hosts larger scale external events such as a variety of national and world ballooning championships, the start of the annual Avon Descent, and many more.

Activities around town exist for all visitors, ranging from nature trails, to adventure activities, and drive trails highlighting our beautiful large-scale public artworks, and many historical assets. Reserves provide you with the chance to view the region’s unique flora and fauna, with spring being the best time to view wildflowers- don’t miss the opportunity to take in the beautiful vistas from the Mt Ommanney Lookout, situated just outside the Northam townsite.

Northam Visitor Centre

The Northam Visitor Centre is located at 2 Grey Street in Northam on the banks of the Avon River. 

The friendly staff at the Visitor Centre will be able to offer advice on places to see, stay, and eat while you are in the area, as well as information on heritage sites and the places of interest that you may enjoy during your stay. 

The Northam Visitor Centre includes free Wi-fi, an interpretive space featuring the “Sense of Place” Migrant Exhibition and Avon Valley Arts Society Exhibition, a wide range of local produce and artwork, and a great selection of souvenirs and gifts.

Northam is home to two museums: the Northam Heritage Centre (Old Northam Railway Station) and Morby Cottage. Both of these sites offer an exciting insight into Northam’s rich and varied history.

By car, Northam is a leisurely 90 minute drive from Perth along the Great Eastern Highway, travelling through forest and rolling farmland. Airport transfers, taxi services and car hire is available in Northam. You can get here via the Avonlink, Merredinlink, or Prospector train services, giving you the opportunity to relax and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. With free Wi-Fi on board, this is the perfect way to round off your trip to Northam. Tickets are available online, at train stations, or at the Northam Visitor Centre.

For more information on activities and attractions, or for suggested itineraries, contact the Northam Visitor Centre, or search Visit Northam on Facebook & Instagram.

View more information about the Northam Visitor Centre.

ACCOMMODATION & RV 

ATTRACTIONS

DINING & DRINKS

Bilya Koort Boodja

Northam’s key attraction is Bilya Koort Boodja: Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge. Bilya Koort Boodja offers an interactive educational experience that recognises the rich Aboriginal and environmental presence in the Avon River region by means of an interactive interpretive space, as well as a number of events, workshops, and tours throughout the year. The centre protects, celebrates and shares the culture of the Nyoongar peoples and highlights innovative land management practices that draw upon the knowledge of the land’s traditional custodians. Bilya Koort Boodja is also a great place to purchase authentic aboriginal artwork by local nyoongar artists, or locally produced gifts and souvenirs, food products, and artefacts.

Things To Do

Historical Buildings Bus Tour

Available to groups bringing your own bus and driver, a flat fee of $115 per tour will apply. Advance bookings are required, and minimum numbers apply. Prepare to be taken back in time on our most popular tour around Northam.

We offer a number of self-guided tour options, including a historical drive (or walk). Ask Visitor Centre Staff for more details. (Tours unavailable December to March)

Adventure

For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for ballooning, flight training, and rally driving, and the Avon River is ideal for paddlers of all abilities. 

Arts & Culture

Avon Valley Arts Society (AVAS) have a wonderful selection of artwork and local crafts for sale in the Visitor Centre. The Shire of Northam also has an extensive art collection, which is displayed occasionally in exhibitions in town.

Nature & Parks

  • Bernard Park
  • Burlong Pool
  • Mt Ommanney
  • Kep Track
  • Clackline Walk Trails
  • River Circuit
  • Historical Walk Trails
  • Apex Park
  • Hooper Park

Museums

Northam Heritage Centre (Old Railway Museum)

Opening Times vary- please call the Northam Visitor Centre on 9622 2100 for information 

Morby Cottage

Open on Sundays only (except by special appointment). Contact Northam Visitor Centre for details.

Heart of the Avon Valley

Located just an hour’s drive east of Perth, WA is the picturesque Avon Valley. A colourful patchwork of gently rolling hills and winding streams set the backdrop for peaceful drives and countryside getaways. The Avon Valley is a perfect destination for a day trip from Perth or for a weekend getaway in WA.

From Beverley the Avon Valley region boasts intriguing localities for you to explore; Northam, Beverley, Goomalling, Toodyay, York and York.

A unique contrast of old and new the Avon Valley offers a wide variety of experiences for the discerning traveller. Whether you are tempted by an adventure holiday, a romantic weekend, a family getaway or the chance to explore some of the Avon Valley's rich history, the Avon Valley is the place to be as you discover a new holiday experience close to Perth in WA.

For your trip to the Avon Valley, why not take the train? The AvonLink is the perfect way to start or end your adventure. Travel in comfort through the picturesque Avon Valley and share your journey with friends and family with the free on-board Wi-Fi. For enquiries, please call TransWA on 1300 662 205 or visit www.transwa.wa.gov.au.

Downloads

Download the Avon Valley Region Visitor Guide Here

Avon Valley Wildflower Trail

Avon Valley Art & Culture Trail

Avon Valley Heritage & Museums Trail

Avon Valley Events

Avon Valley Family Fun 

Avon Valley Stargazing