Race the River

The Avon Descent is an incredible two-day, 124 km adventure river challenge from Northam to Bayswater, Western Australia.

WA's unique
river event

Competitors 'race the river' in a variety of paddle and power craft

Do the
Avon Descent
your way

Participate in the full, 2-day 124km course or choose to do a short one-day option

Do it
with your
mates

Participate in a solo or double, or get together with some mates and complete the Avon Descent as a team relay!

Spectators!

Experience the excitement along the riverbank from incredible spectator locations and fantastic community festivals.

Visit the festivals page here

View the 2024 Spectator Guide here

Register for 2024 here

Hell or High Water!

Registrations for the 2024 Avon Descent, held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August, are now open.

Day 2 short course options also available!

8 – 9 August 2026

The Avon Descent is Western Australia’s iconic river event, held annually during August

Changes to the 2026 course

Day 1 – Saturday 8 August

Competitors start at Katrine Bridge

8:00am Power Dinghy
9:15am Paddle

10am-12noon Minijets circuit racing above Northam Weir

Day 2 – Sunday 9 August

Competitors start in 3 locations:

9:00am for paddle from Walyunga Rapid
12:30pm for power dinghy from Bolland’s Elbow (below Bells Rapid)
1:15pm for minijet from Amiens Crescent

There a variety of ways to get involved

Full two-day, 124km course

Completing the full, two-day 124-kilometre course is the goal for most Avon Descent competitors.

Spending Day 1 on the waters between Northam and Toodyay, then enjoying the rare and incredible sights and challenges of the Avon Valley on Day 2 – the two-day event is an opportunity not-to-be-missed.

Short one-day options

There are shorter course options for those wanting to participate in the Avon Descent but not wanting to complete the 124km course.

General public can compete in a range of paddle craft including kayaks, outriggers, SUPs, surf boats, rowing shells and dragon boats!

Team relays

If you don’t want to do the Avon Descent on your own, consider getting a team of mates together and completing the course as a relay!

There are opportunities for teams of 2 and teams of 4 available.

This is a great option to get involved!

First time?

We welcome novice entrants to the Avon Descent, and what an experience to tell your mates about!

Paddlers doing the 124km course are required to undergo competency training – find out more via PaddleWA.

For power entrants – we encourage you to contact the Power Dinghy Racing Club or Mini Jet WA for requirements.

2025 Pricing

Day 2 SuperValley

Offered to solo experienced paddlers only; the Day 2 SuperValley race option covers 39km of white-water rapids of the Avon Valley, commencing from Cobblers Pool and concluding after Bells Rapids. Entry is only available through an Expression of Interest process during the registration period. Decisions made by the Northam Avon Descent Association are final.

124km PADDLE

Single paddle = $325

Double paddle = $575

Triple paddle = $795

Relay team of 2 = $575

Relay team of 4 = $895

124km POWER

Power Dinghy = $575

Minijet = $575

Day 1 Short Courses

Day 1 Super50 single paddle = $220

Day 1 Super 50 double paddle = $365

Day 1 Super 50 power = $365

Prices above do not include booking fees

Day 2 Short Courses

5km paddlers

recreational kayaks single – $20
recreational kayaks double – $40
surf skis single – $20
surf skis double – $40
ocean paddle craft single – $20
stand up paddle boards – $20
outriggers – 2 person – $40
outriggers – 4 person – $80
outriggers – 6 person – $120
rowing shells – 2 person – $40
rowing shells – 4 person – $80
Surf Boat – $80

17 and 30km paddlers

recreational kayaks single – $35
recreational kayaks double – $50
surf skis single – $35
surf skis double – $50
ocean paddle craft single – $35
stand up paddle boards – $35
outriggers – 2 person – $50
outriggers – 4 person – $80
outriggers – 6 person – $120
rowing shells – 2 person – $50
rowing shells – 4 person – $80
Surf Boat – $100
Dragon Boat – $200

Prices above do not include booking fees

Volunteer at the Avon Descent!

Volunteers are an integral part of the annual Avon Descent and we are seeking your help this year!
The Avon Descent Act Belong Commit volunteer group is seeking personnel for a range of different roles.
Everything from swift water rescue and marshalling, to participant registrations and parking. If you are interested, please complete a registration form here!
We encourage volunteers with experience, and without, to get involved!

WA’s greatest river race is back in 2021 from the 13-15 August. The powerboats, the paddlers, the festivals and all the excitement of the river.

Sign up now as paddler or powerboater or Contact Us to learn more about being a part of the 48th Avon Descent!

Thank you to our partners & sponsors

Avon Descent Support Unit

A dedicated team of volunteers specifically focused on the safety of everyone involved in the Avon Descent. Water, Land, Recovery and Communication roles available.

Paddle Relay Team of 2 or 4

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August
Complete the Avon Descent as a team of 2 or 4 in a relay style across two days of excitement.

Avon Schools Challenge

Saturday 1st August
Compete in the first 30km from Northam to Toodyay as part of a school team to win prizes and raise money for your school.

SunSmart Avon Challenge

Sunday 2nd August
Complete the final 15km of the race on Sunday and finish in Bayswater. Open to Junior Paddlers, Dragon Boats and Outriggers.

Avon Power Challenge

Saturday 1st August
Powercraft competitors complete the first 52km of the race, finishing in Cobbler's Pool. 10HP and under

Avon Surf Challenge

Sunday 2nd August
Enter as a 5 person surf boat and complete a 12km circuit race starting and finishing in Bayswater at the finish line.

Avon One Day Paddle Challenge

Saturday 1st August
Compete in the Day One Paddle Race, the first 52km from Northam to Cobbler Pool in West Toodyay.

Our Partners and Sponsors

Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August

The Avon Descent weekend provides entertainment both on the river, and on the riverbank! Communities in Northam, Swan, and Bayswater welcome all spectators to catch the thrills and spills at Lotterywest supported festival events this year.