Spectator locations
Competitors and spectators are advised to only access the river from publicly accessible locations.
Northam’s Avon Descent Association is generously given permission to run the event by making use of private land and must ensure landowner wishes are respected at all times to ensure the event can continue. All spectators must use common sense when assessing the suitability of their chosen viewing location, including distance from the river and likelihood of craft exiting the water.
Please note the following:
- Katrine Bridge — Please follow traffic management instructions.
- ‘Glen Avon’ Rapid — Situated on private land and must not be accessed without explicit landowner permission.
- Extracts/Williamson Weir — Access via Millard’s Pool only. Adjacent farmland is strictly private property and you must have landowner permission to do so.
- Ti Trees on Day One (otherwise known as ‘Deepdale’ or ‘the Drainpipes’) — Access only via Wetherall Reserve. All areas downriver of Wetherall Reserve until Cobbler Pool road are situated on private property and are strictly prohibited. Much of this area includes sensitive biological control areas and police will enforce attempts at trespassing.
- Cobbler Pool — Access during the Avon Descent is restricted and there is a fee to park.
- The Valley Road — This area is not accessible to the public, only to authorised vehicles. There is a high level of train traffic making it very dangerous.
- Emu Falls — Walking access only.
- Stronghills Farm — private leasehold land and not open to the public.
- Walyunga Pool — This is a National park area and rules apply. A fee is applicable on entry.
- Bells Rapids — Access during the Avon Descent is restricted and parking is available at the State Equestrian Centre, Cathedral Avenue.
When will competitors arrive?
The above arrival times are a guide only. These indicate when the first paddle and power craft will pass by each spectator location at high, medium and low river levels. Many factors affect these times including rainfall and start times.
For instance, higher river levels means faster flowing water and faster moving participants… which could be the case this year! For more information on current and historical river levels visit water.thebeatentrack.org
Be aware that start times may be delayed 30-minutes or more if there is fog along the course to allow time for it to clear, and this will affect times throughout that day.
Course Map
