Discover Northam

Northam brings together the Avon River, cultural history and distinctive natural features with different ways to shape a stay. The river runs through the centre; the Avon River walking trail, a railway history museum and a two-day water-sports race are also among the town’s defining features. When planning a trip to Northam, you can therefore weigh up nature watching, culture and active experiences rather than focusing your stay on just one theme.

Along the Avon River

The Dorntj Koorliny Track starts at Burlong Park and follows a loop around the Avon River to Northam Weir. This gives you a specific way to discover Northam along a riverside route. The starting point, the loop route and the destination at the weir are especially useful for planning your day: you can see whether this type of route suits your outing. No distance or walking time is specified; the route described here is what matters.

The wild white swans with black necks also shape Northam’s natural profile. They are considered a rare population found only in Northam. This is an unusual reason to take an interest in the town’s wildlife during your stay. The swans are a distinct nature theme; the Avon River and the walking trail are separate features of Northam described elsewhere.

Culture and history

The Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you would like to set aside time for this centre during your stay, you can factor its opening hours directly into your daily plans. Its name refers to Nyoongar culture and environmental knowledge; alongside the other historical features, this gives your visit a cultural focus in addition to nature and water-based experiences.

The Old Northam Railway Station Museum has more than 1,000 collection items. Most come from or relate to the Northam Railways. For visitors interested in railway history, the collection’s breadth and its clear connection to the Northam Railways are its particular appeal. Morby Farm Cottage offers a different historical perspective: it is one of Western Australia’s oldest surviving colonial houses and is listed on the state register of historic places. The two names represent different historical themes, without implying a shared route.

Experiences with different character

Hot-air ballooning came to Northam in April 1977. This date marks a specific historical connection between the town and ballooning. If you are interested in how a place has developed, this early connection adds another facet to the cultural and railway history.

The Avon Descent offers a different kind of experience: it is a two-day race from Northam to Perth along the Avon River. It features powerboats, kayaks, skis and stand-up paddleboards. Participants can compete as individuals, pairs or relay teams. These different ways of travelling and team formats show that the race brings together several disciplines. It is particularly relevant to your travel plans if you are interested in water sports and competitions.

Choosing Northam as a destination

Northam is accessible by the AvonLink train. This gives you a specific option to consider when planning your journey to Northam. Once there, the different themes give your stay a clear direction: the track invites you to choose a riverside route, the museum and Morby Farm Cottage offer historical highlights, while the swans provide an unusual connection with nature. You can choose holiday accommodation in Northam according to whether you would most like to discover the town for its culture, nature or water-based experiences.

To visit more destination pages: Pinjarra, Mandurah, Benger, Frankland River, Meadow Springs, Middle Island, Woodanilling and Hazelmere.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.