The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), Northam’s Avon Descent Association (NADA) and four local governments - Shire of Northam, Shire of Toodyay, City of Swan and the City of Bayswater - are teaming up to celebrate the 50th Avon Descent and running a fun-filled series of Avon Descent festivals based around the iconic weekend.

NADA will celebrate the 50th milestone, providing additional fun on the water at Northam and an anniversary celebration event at Cobblers Pool on the Saturday night.

The favourable power craft and dragon boat challenges will be on over the event weekend, as well as the Bond to Bayswater Belter. The four local governments will each hold their own riverside events over the course of the weekend, offering a huge range of family-based activities and entertainment.

Starting off the Avon Descent is the Shire of Northam’s Bilya Festival, focused on a winter wonderland edition to celebrate the 50th event on Friday, August 11. The Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Fest will keep visitors enthralled and entertained on Saturday, August 12, while the City of Swan’s Avon Descent Festival and the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival will bring the program to a rousing finish on Sunday, August 13.

First held in 1973, the Avon Descent is Western Australia’s own unique sporting event. Participants challenge the Avon and Swan rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft over an exciting two-day challenge covering 124km.

The event will include a whole selection of shorter events to suit all levels of experience and ability.
The EMRC chief executive officer Marcus Geisler said the Avon Descent festivals are the perfect events for families and friends to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the Avon Descent.

“The fun-filled community events promote well-being and bring a sense of place to each of the various communities along the river who get involved in the weekend.

“We look forward to working with NADA and participating councils in the future to create opportunities which will enable the whole community to come together and celebrate this truly unique event.”

NADA board chair Greg Kaeding said the Avon Descent was unlike any other sporting and community event in WA.

“We look forward to creating opportunities for the whole community to come together to enhance community connection, strengthen social capital, and encourage a celebration of the 50th Avon Descent,’’ he said.