About Us

Welcome to the Avon Descent

The two-day 124km adventure challenge from Northam to Bayswater, Western Australia
Powerboat, Kayak, Ski or SUP as a Single, Double or Relay Team
Are you ready to Take the Plunge?

The two-day course starts with a 52-kilometer stretch beginning in the town of Northam, 100km east of Perth. The course proceeds downriver through the town of Toodyay into the upper reaches of the Darling Range escarpment. The overnight stop is at Cobbler Pool, 20km west of Toodyay.

Day 2 is 72km long and sees participants tackle the valley containing the major whitewater obstacles and challenges of the event including Supershoot, Emu Falls, Championship Rapids and Bells Rapids. The rush of the valley leaves participants with the marathon 30km, flat water stretch to Bays water. While the victorious burst their way over the Finish Line the achievers are happy just to finish. 

  The Avon Descent was first held during 1973 with just 49 competitors, no rules, no officials, no checkpoints and very few spectators. In the years since, more than 35,000 people have participated in the Avon Descent, from novices and families, to World Champions and Olympic competitors.

Geographic background

The Avon River drains the Great Southern and Upper Great Southern regions, actually starting as a river near Wickepin. The Avon River is 295km in length and the basin covers an area of 120,000 square km, extending from Northam in the west to Southern Cross in the east, north to Dalwallinu and south to Pingrup. From its confluence with Wooroloo Brook in Walyunga National Park the Avon becomes the Swan River. Approximately 60% of the Swan River's flow is from the Avon River.  
The main Northam Pool on the Avon River (start point for the Avon Descent) is the only permanent stretch of natural inland water along the entire Great Eastern Highway between Perth and Adelaide.  
The Avon Descent passes through some of Western Australia’s most picturesque country. You will travel through the farming regions of historic Northam and Toodyay, forested national parks, steep gorges, the Swan Valley vineyard region and, eventually, into the tidal waters of the upper Swan River.
  The Avon Descent offers participants conditions ranging from long stretches of flat water that can test the endurance of the fittest athlete through to rapids, sure to test the skills of all who attempt to navigate their unknown contours.