Northam on the Avon River: Culture, River and History

Northam shows its character along the Avon River, which runs through the centre, and in its blend of Nyoongar culture, railway history, river activities and local wildlife. The Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge is dedicated to Nyoongar culture and environmental knowledge; the Old Northam Railway Station Museum has a collection of more than 1,000 objects. There is also a historic colonial house and the rare white swans. This brings together a range of interests for your trip without reducing Northam to a single experience.

On the Avon River: a loop and a race

The Avon River runs through the centre of Northam. The Dorntj Koorliny Track starts at Burlong Park and follows a loop around the river to Northam Weir. The Avon Descent is a different kind of event: a two-day race from Northam to Perth along the Avon River. The race features powerboats, kayaks, skis and stand-up paddleboards. It can be entered as a solo, pair or relay team. This means a loop route with a named start and end point and a river race between Northam and Perth offer two distinct formats.

Culture and history

The Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm; opening hours may change around public holidays. The Old Northam Railway Station Museum complements this cultural focus with a look at Northam Railways. Its more than 1,000 collection items come mostly from, or relate to, Northam Railways. The museum is currently temporarily closed while the platform is being restored. Morby Farm Cottage is one of Western Australia's oldest surviving colonial houses and is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. Hot-air ballooning came to Northam in April 1977. These historical themes offer different perspectives: railway history at the museum, colonial architecture at the cottage and a dated reference to ballooning.

A local nature story

Northam's white swans are considered a rare population found only in Northam. The remaining swans are closely monitored, and the population is declining. Their rarity and decline go hand in hand: this nature story covers both a distinctive local population and its downward trend.

Getting there and planning your stay

Northam can be reached by the AvonLink train. Ticket information may change, so check before travelling. The timings differ considerably: the Avon Descent is a two-day race, the Centre is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, although hours may change around public holidays, and the Railway Station Museum is currently temporarily closed while the platform is being restored. You can use the type of stay you are planning to guide your search for hotels in Northam.

Discover more destinations: Yeagarup, Bullsbrook, Tom Price, Stirling City, South Guildford, Treeton, Herron, Beermullah

View the broader travel guide: Western Australia.