2024 Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals: A WINTER WEEKEND FULL of Adventure!

By Marnie Adams, Contributor @ Kids In Perth 24 Jul 2024

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Video Credit: Big al (@bigal4969) | Source: YouTube.

The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals, are a series of spectacular events held annually on the second weekend in August alongside the Avon Descent, which is Western Australia’s premier whitewater even since 1973.

The Festivals are a perfect opportunity for family and friends to get outdoors and experience the gathering of local community and the excitement of the weekend. The Avon Descent is a challenge for participants who wish to make a thrilling journey of 124-kilometre course from Northam to Bayswater. It has since evolved into an iconic annual event that attracts both participants and spectators.

Spanning an entire weekend from 9 to 11 August 2024, the Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals are celebrated across multiple festival events.

Each local council—Northam, Toodyay, Swan, and Bayswater—hosts unique festivities, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere bringing live entertainment, food, kids rides and activies alongside viewing points to watch the Avon Decent event.

Top 3 highlights for families

#1. Festival Fun: Each council along the Avon and Swan River hosts their own festivals, offering live entertainment, food stalls, and activities for kids. From the Bilya Festival in Northam featuring urban farming displays and their annual street parade, the Toodyay international Food Fest with a display of cuisines and skate park action, the City of Swans Avon Descent Festival will showcase kids rides and wood chopping competitions, while at theCity of Bayswater’s Finish Line you can mingle with the participants or wander artisan markets! There's something for everyone!

#2. Interactive Zones: Enjoy interactive displays and market activities focused on sustainable practices, Go2cup will feature at both the City of Swan and City of Bayswater events, the City of Swan will also showcase an EMRC Clothes Swap, so bring along your clothes to swap and learn about textiles.

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Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

#3. Race Excitement: Witness the thrilling race from prime viewing spots like Cobbler Pool, where you can see powerboats and kayaks navigate challenging rapids and serene river stretches.

Lotterywest has been a major supporter of the Avon Descent Festivals since 2004, helping to ensure a bigger and better event every year!

Why not consider camping overnight?

To really take in the excitement of the Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals, Cobbler Pool is a well-loved campsite for participants and spectators, available from Friday through Sunday. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse the whole family in the event’s atmosphere, with camping passes available online or at the gate.

Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

Any Daredevil Dads Out There?

Participating in the LotteryWest Avon Descent requires thorough preparation and safety measures. Training is crucial for handling the race's physical demands with strict safety protocols being enforced and followed to ensure both participants and spectators have a safe Avon Descent experience.

Have a Side Hustle or Family Business?

Stallholders are invited to join the event, offering a great platform to engage with the community. Whether selling food, crafts, or providing interactive activities, being a stallholder at one of the LotteryWest Avon Descent festivals offers excellent opportunities to get your name and products in front of big crowds.

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Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

2024 Avon Descent starting in...

For more information about the 2024 Avon Descent, visit avondescent.com.au or click the shortcut buttons below.

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Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals

Over the entire Weekend from 9th to 11th August!

The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals, are a series of spectacular events held annually on the second weekend in August alongside the Avon Descent. They are a perfect opportunity for family and friends to get outdoors and experience the gathering of local community and the excitement of the festivals.

Together the Shire Northam, Shire of Toodyay, City of Swan and the City of Bayswater aim to create a family-friendly atmosphere to connect the local communities along the Avon and Swan Rivers.

First held in 1973, the Avon Descent is Western Australia's unique paddle and powerboat sporting event. Avon Descent competitors challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft in an exciting two-day challenge over 124 gruelling kilometres.

Lotterywest has been a major community supporter of the Avon Descent Festivals since 2004.

Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

9th August 2024

Northam Bilya Festival | Avon Descent Start Line

Date: Friday 9 August 2024

Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Avon Mall, Minson Avenue, Northam

Supported by Lotterywest

Come to Northam’s Bilya Festival! Enjoy a spectacular community street parade and experience the wonders of urban farming, celebrating the 2024 Avon Descent. Offering the most exciting amusements, food stalls, and live entertainment that you’ll find in the Avon Valley this year! Come and celebrate the evening in style with the Shire of Northam.

Learn More | Northam Bilya Festival

Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

10th August 2024

Toodyay International Food Fest | Second Day of Competition

Date: Saturday, 10 August 2024

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Stirling and Duidgee Parks, Toodyay

Supported by Lotterywest

The Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Fest will warm you up with international cuisine from all corners of the globe. Just an hour’s drive from the CBD, come and soak up the international music, entertainment acts and activities for the kids to enjoy.

Combine the thrill of the Avon Descent with delicious international cuisine.

Learn More | Toodyay International Food Festival

Image/Video Credit: Avon Descent | Source: Website, Facebook, YouTube.

11th August 2024

City of Swan Avon Descent Festival | Start Line of Last Day's Competition

Date: Sunday, 11 August 2024

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Lilac Hill Park, Caversham

Supported by Lotterywest

This year’s City of Swan Avon Descent Festival is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the race, which passes through the Swan Valley vineyard region, Upper Swan Bridge and Bells Rapids. At the Festival, spectator’s can sample delicious gourmet food and wine from local growers as you wander through pop-up artisan markets.

The Avon Descent Festival is proudly presented by the City of Swan and Perth Airport, supported by Plastic Free Riverpark program and supported by Lotterywest and VCMPerth Events.

Learn More | City of Swan Avon Descent Festival

City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival | Finish Line
Nothing beats an exciting finish!

Date: Sunday, 11 August 2024

Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm

Location: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater

Supported by Lotterywest

Join support crews and spectators in welcoming competitors over the finish line of the Avon Descent. Enjoy a sensational day of free entertainment, children’s activities, food and markets, while celebrating the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) and its cultural and spiritual significance to the Noongar people.

Nothing beats an exciting finish!

Learn More | City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival