The Avon Descent returns on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026, bringing two days of river racing, community celebrations and excellent riverside viewing opportunities to the Avon Valley and Perth’s eastern suburbs. This much-loved Western Australian event follows a 124-kilometre course from Northam to Bayswater, with competitors tackling the changing conditions of the Avon and Swan rivers in paddle craft and powerboats.
The full course is certainly a serious test for those taking part, but it is just as enjoyable for spectators. From wide, calm stretches of water to rocky rapids, narrow channels and dramatic drops, the race gives onlookers plenty of action to follow. It is a wonderful excuse for a winter weekend drive, whether you choose a relaxed morning in Toodyay, a day beside the river at Caversham, or an afternoon at the finish in Bayswater.
Day one begins in Northam and travels through Katrine and Toodyay before finishing at Cobbler Pool. Northam is a particularly lively place to start the weekend, with the Northam Bilya Festival held on Friday 7 August from 4pm to 9pm at Bernard Park on Minson Avenue. The event includes a community street parade, carnival atmosphere, free rides, entertainment, food and a fireworks finale. On Saturday morning, Toodyay’s Duidgee Park is another appealing stop, with the Toodyay Lions Club hosting breakfast from 7.30am as competitors make their way through town.
For keen race watchers, the route offers several public viewing locations, including Katrine Bridge, Toodyay, Wetherall Reserve, Emu Falls, Bells Rapids, Upper Swan, Middle Swan Bridge and the finish line at Riverside Gardens. Bells Rapids remains one of the most exciting sections to watch, as competitors negotiate one of the major white-water challenges of the weekend. It is worth planning ahead, as event-day access arrangements apply in several areas. At Bells Rapids, spectators are asked to park at the State Equestrian Centre on Cathedral Avenue and take the shuttle bus to the viewing area. Emu Falls is reached on foot from the designated airstrip parking area, while some parts of the river route are on private land and must not be entered.
Sunday is ideal for those who prefer a festive atmosphere with easy access to refreshments and facilities. The free City of Swan Avon Descent Festival takes place at Lilac Hill Park, Caversham, from 10am to 3pm. Along with views of the river action, the festival features food trucks, artisan markets, community stalls, entertainment, free amusement rides and activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, and dogs on leads are welcome. Overflow parking is available at Kings Meadow Reserve, with free continuous shuttle buses running to Lilac Hill Park. Guildford Station is also within walking distance for those who would rather avoid parking.
Further downstream, Garvey Park in Ascot offers another pleasant riverside vantage point, with community activities from 10am on Sunday. The grand finish is at Riverside Gardens, Bayswater, where the City of Bayswater Avon Descent Finish Line Festival runs from 11am to 5pm. It is a fitting place to see competitors complete their journey, with food and beverage vendors, market stalls, live music, family-friendly entertainment and riverside viewing points. Arriving early is sensible if you would like a good position near the water as the race approaches its conclusion.
The Avon Descent is an easy event to enjoy at your own pace. Bring a folding chair, hat, sunscreen, water and a warm layer for early morning or late afternoon. Choose a public viewing point with amenities if comfort and accessibility are priorities, and allow extra travel time around popular locations. Race schedules can shift with river conditions and weather, so the official 2026 Spectator Guide is the best place to check current access, parking and estimated arrival times before heading out.
Avon Descent
Address: The course runs from Northam to Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater, WA. Key festival locations include Bernard Park, Minson Avenue, Northam; Lilac Hill Park, 850 West Swan Road, Caversham; and Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026. Northam Bilya Festival: Friday 7 August, 4pm–9pm. City of Swan Avon Descent Festival: Sunday 9 August, 10am–3pm. City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival: Sunday 9 August, 11am–5pm.
Official website: www.avondescent.com.au
