Avon Valley National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

The Avon River runs through the centre of this national park, not far from Perth and once occupied by the Nyoongar people of the Darling Plateau. The river is just a series of pools in summer and autumn but swells to become impressive rapids during winter and spring. Every August these rapids form part of the annual Avon Descent, one of Australia’s best whitewater canoeing courses. In the 1860s bushranger Joseph Bolitho Johns, also known as Moondyne Joe, used the Avon Valley as a refuge when on the run from the police. Unfortunately his hideout cave and corral, located in the north of the park, have been destroyed by bushfire.The park offers panoramic views over the Avon Valley. Lying at the northern limit of the jarrah forests, the valley mixes jarrah and marri with wandoo and powder-bark woodland. The steep-sided bushland surrounding the river is studded with granite outcrops and the river itself is lined with flooded gum, swamp paperback and melaleuca thickets. Spring wildflower species include blue leschenaultia, dryandra and the donkey orchid. Western grey kangaroos, euros, dragons, and shingleback lizards known as bobtails, find refuge in the park, along with more than 90 bird species, such as grey fantails, rufous treecreepers, western yellow robins and honeyeaters. The best times to visit for bushwalking and camping are autumn and spring; whitewater rafting is a winter-only recreation and, after winter rain, the turbulent rapids of the Avon River are a favourite destination for canoeists. Whitewater rafting tours are also available. Although all roads in the national park are unsealed, they are suitable for 2WD vehicles.

Fact file

Camping

Bald Hill, Homestead (both with water) and other sites with basic facilities; bush camping

Location and access

80 km north-east of Perth via Toodyay, Morangup and Quarry roads

Park Information

• CALM Mundaring (08) 9295 1955
• Park ranger (08) 9574 2540

Size

4377 ha

Where to Stay

Toodyay (08) 9574 2435


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• Campsites

Campsites

Bald Hill campsite

Bald Hill Campsite is near the top of a hill overlooking the Avon Valley to the west of Drummonds campsite, reached via  Governors Dr off Quarry Rd. A short walk onto the stony outcrops provides spectacular views.... Find out more

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Drummonds campsite

Drummonds Campsite is set among wandoo woodlands overlooking the Avon Valley. Access in is steep, so you’ll need a 4WD tow if you’re bringing in a camper van. The campsite is to the west of Homestead... Find out more

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Homestead campsite

Homestead Campsite is adjacent to a small creek in wandoo forest. To find it, head 30 km west of Toodyay and 55 km north-east of Midland via Governors Dr, off Quarry Rd.... Find out more

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Sappers campsite

Sappers camping area is 25 km west of Toodyay on Sappers Rd, off Plunket Rd. Bring drinking water and come in a 4WD. Note that there are seasonal closures in winter.... Find out more

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Thirty Seven Mile Road campsite

There’s no surprise that this camping area is on Thirty-seven Mile Rd. You’ll find it off Plunket Rd, 40 km west of Toodyay. Bring your own supply of drinking water.... Find out more

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Valley campsite

Valley Campsite is at the bottom of a valley near the Avon River. It’s reached via Forty One Mile Rd, off Quarry Rd. Note that access to the river is restricted due to the main east–west railway line.... Find out more

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