04.09.2010
11.09.2010
| Northam | |
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Northam is the heart of the Avon Valley, the gateway to the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Its history began as a small agricultural village in 1836. As the major town in the Avon Valley, Northam is the commercial hub for the area’s rich farmlands and features excellent facilities to support its status as the State’s largest inland town. Located 98km drive east of Perth, the town is the perfect central base to explore the Avon Valley region. See you in Northam! Hot air ballooning & Activities Northam is home to the must-do activity of the Avon Valley – hot air ballooning! Ballooning is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion and makes an ideal gift. For the overseas visitor a ballooning experience provides a stunning view of Australiana with kangaroos often visible in the fields below. Northam is annually inundated with balloonists between March and November. Soaring gently above the Avon Valley as the sun rises is the most exquisite way to gaze across the region. To make the ballooning experience even more memorable it is complemented with a champagne breakfast! Visitors who want to keep their feet on the ground can indulge in a horse trail riding picnic in the forest, or an adrenaline pumped paintball session surrounded by picturesque countryside. Slowing down the pace with a visit to the local alpaca stud adds a uniquely rural experience to the itinerary. Northam is also home to El Caballo, famous for its Spanish Dancing horses and Rodeos. A beautifully manicured 18-hole golf course is located on the hill overlooking the complex. Experience the charm and relaxing vibe of one of the eight hotels or taverns, perfectly complemented by a visit to the Avon Valley’s very own boutique winery: Avonbrook Wines. Avonbrook is renowned for its sensational cheese platter featuring 12 gourmet cheeses and a fine selection of assorted dried fruits and pickled vegetables. The predominantly dry grown wines of intense colour and flavour go down a treat in this North American Indian themed wonderland. Northam also offers several artisan experiences of varying styles featuring excellent displays of musical memorabilia, local pieces, Indigenous works and other Australiana-themed art. For those who like a punt, Northam is paradise and features racing, pacing and greyhound meets throughout the year! Northam is one of only two towns in Australia that features all three forms of racing, the other being Cranbourne in Victoria. The racing season culminates in spring with Ladies Day and the Northam Cup. The Kep Track and Dorntj Koorliny trails provide walking and hiking enthusiasts with popular options. Both tracks are well signed and well maintained. Dorntj Koorliny is Noongar for ‘Walking Together’. The Avon River The Avon River flows through the town and is fringed by various Parks featuring barbecues and playgrounds, making it a picturesque location to relax, stretch out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. The Avon River boasts an abundance of bird life including the unique white swan. Spanning the river next to the Northam Visitor Centre is the Suspension Bridge—the longest of its kind in Australia and an ideal location for a photo. Dining Out in Northam Northam has an increasingly diverse range of culinary experiences for the visitor. Whether it is excellent hearty pub-style food or award winning Greek and Cypriot style delights – there is something to suit all tastes. The newly opened Mon Petit Tapas Bar provides a superb selection of light meals. Dining by the river, major takeaway outlets and a unique book café are also available. Heritage Northam is second in Western Australia only to Fremantle with the number of registered heritage buildings! The Old Railway Station was built shortly after the Eastern Goldfields Railway reached Northam in October 1886. It was to become the headquarters for the Eastern District of the railway for eighty years with large shunting yards and 24 hour staff. Now operating as a museum, the station’s steam locomotive (PMR 72) housed onsite is particularly impressive. Morby Cottage is typical of pioneer homes in the Northam town-site, but it has one point of difference: it was the first one. At the age of 50, John Morrell left London for the Swan River settlement. The diary of his turbulent voyage to Western Australia is available to read at Morby Cottage. Built in 1836, John Morrell’s residence has been lovingly restored and many of the family heirlooms have been returned to their original home. Other notable heritage buildings in town are the Town Hall, the Shamrock Hotel, the Old Post Office and St John’s Anglican Church. On a slightly more modern cultural heritage note, the Northam Visitor Centre boasts a permanent Migrants Exhibition: “A Sense of Place”. The exhibition is open daily and provides an insight into the multicultural development of the area in the post-war migrant period. Visitors are encouraged to take a scenic drive taking in the many old Pubs and Taverns. Grass Valley and Spencers Brook are particularly popular for the discerning traveller seeking to enjoy old fashioned country cuisine and an icy cold brew. For the keen cyclist or hiker there is the Kep Track between Northam and Mundaring. The Kep Track is managed by the National Trust and they invite you to travel as the early prospectors did over a century ago, during the rush to the gold fields. The seventy kilometre Kep Track follows the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail with varying options for the enthusiast. ‘Kep’ is the Noongar word for water. Visit www.keptrack.com.au for more information. Accommodation in Northam Northam offers the visitor varying styles of accommodation. There is something for everyone! From stunning old homesteads to quality top-of-the-range boutiques, there is a selection of bed and breakfast options. Budget-style accommodation is plentiful for backpackers seeking a central location for their adventure holiday in the Avon Valley. The Northam Caravan Park offers well-equipped sites and facilities as well as self-contained family cabins. For those looking to stay longer with the comforts of home there are several additional self-contained alternatives, including houses. Guests can also opt to wind back the clock and stay in a heritage listed hotel and other great value for money middle-range options. NORTHAM VISITOR CENTRE The Northam Visitor Centre was built on the banks of the Avon River in 1997 and is an attraction in itself! Resembling an abstract-style boatshed on stilts the Centre decking and couches provide superb views of the Suspension Bridge and fountains. Friendly staff can provide tourism information; make accommodation and tour bookings, and; assist you in selecting souvenirs of local produce, art and craft. While you are there be sure to check out the Migrants Exhibition and grab a coffee next door! Transport Northam is a highly accessible destination by both rail and road travel. Situated directly east of Perth just off the Great Eastern Highway, the town is serviced several times a day by public transport. The Prospector is a modern train which makes multiple daily return trips between Northam and Perth on the Perth to Kalgoorlie route. Transwa also provide a daily coach service. To book your trip to Northam with one of these services call Transwa on 1300 66 22 05. Avon Descent The Avon Descent is the world’s premier white water race and the signature event for Northam. Competitors from all over the world challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of power and paddle craft over 133 gruelling kilometres. Over 800 competitors and 600 craft took up the challenge in 2009! The banks of Bernard Park or Broome Terrace provide the best riverside vantage points. Alternatively, the Northam Visitor Centre decking is the perfect start line viewing area. The Peel Terrace/Forrest Street Bridge is closed to traffic enabling spectators to make the most of seeing the exciting Avon Descent race start. For those who are seeking the chance to witness some of the guaranteed thrills and spills associated with the action, find a spot next to the Northam Weir on Clarke Street! The Northam Weir sees competitors tackle the first rocky obstacle of this punishing event before the course meanders on to Toodyay. Be early to catch all of the action! The Avon River Festival on the eve of the race attracts additional spectators. Enjoy the carnival atmosphere throughout the evening, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Over 100,000 spectators watch the Avon Descent – a fantastic event not to be missed! In 2010, the Avon River Festival will be held on Friday 6th August with the race start the following morning at 8am. What’s on in Northam: Concerts in the Park When: 6th and 20th February, 6th and 27th March, 2010 What: A series of four free concerts in Bernard Park. A community favourite featuring picnics aplenty and quality live entertainment. Wild Oats Music Festival and Ute Muster When: Saturday 13th March, 2010 What: Featuring Grinspoon, Jebediah, The Novocaines and other Western Australian talents. Flying 50 When: Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March, 2010 What: Vintage Cars descend on Northam for this annual street classic Around the Towns and at Mount Ommanney. There is also a free family fun day on the Sunday. Northam Markets When: the first Saturday of the month between October and April (excluding January) What: Home made market goods and local produce in the shade of Bernard Park. Avon River Festival When: 6th August, 2010 What: A night of fun and festivities for all the family featuring a carnival atmosphere and fireworks display. Avon Descent When: 7th/8th August, 2010 What: White water racing at its best featuring local, national and international competitors. Top 5 things to do in Northam: Float over the Avon Valley with a tranquil and romantic balloon ride; Relax over a bottle of wine and gourmet cheese platter at Avonbrook Wines; Admire the colonial architecture in Fitzgerald and surrounding streets before strolling around the bridges enjoying the Avon River foreshore and its beautiful bird life; Experience the forest on horseback with a guided ride and picnic; Enjoy a unique dining experience at the Rivers Edge Cafe overlooking the Avon River; Watch the fireworks fly over the Avon River at the Avon River Festival, the night before the world renowned Avon Descent, and; Get the adrenaline pumping with a round of paintball. |
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Toodyay Business
Community
The Town of New Norcia
proud supporters of Avon Tourism