Northam Travel Guide

 keeweechic Says:  Northam is said to have the largest number of historic buildings in Western Australia (other than Fremantle). There is a 90 minute walk you can take following a map provided by the Tourist Centre. The starting point of the walk is at the Avon Valley Visitors Centre in Grey... 

 keeweechic Says:  The visitor centres is right on the banks of the Avon River and is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00.pm. There are public amenities including a shower and parents room. The centre has a large range of brochures and history items as well as the usual local gifts and souvenirs.... 

 keeweechic Says:  Bernard Park is adjacent to the Avon Valley Visitor Centre and on the shores of the Avon River. There is a childrens playground, bbq and picnic facilties as well as many large sculptures. The rotunda in the park was built in 1915. 

 keeweechic Says:  Byfield House was built in 1902 for an important resident of Northam, James Byfield. The home displays the wealth which was acquired by Byfield as a direct result of the gold boom era. 

 keeweechic Says:  The Avon Valley Art Society is located in what was once the old post office which was built in 1872. It was also home of the 10th Light Horse for 70 years. The society has three galleries which feature local and touring exhibitions and are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm 7 days... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Avon Drive was the original route between the towns of Beverley, York, Northam and Toodyay. This scenic drive goes along route 254 (just follow the brown and white 'Avon Drive' signs) and features a number of places of interests including some which are now private... 

 keeweechic Says:  The old mud brick cottage was built in 1836 and was the home of the former founder of Northam, John Morrel. The home has been restored and features the Morrell family heirlooms as well as other early Northem photos and memorabilia. It is the oldest building in the area.John... 

 keeweechic Says:  In 1933 there was a notable scandal which occurred in Northam. The town's entire Aboriginal population were gathered up by the local police and dumped in the Moore River Settlement. The official reason given by the Northam Shire Council said they had scabies and were a... 

 keeweechic Says:  The Avon Valley is spectacular with just the smallest amount of mist clinging to the trees as the early morning sun rises. Ours was a particularly cold morning and the sudden bursts from the flame burner were a welcomed bit of warmth. Going higher certainly doesn’t mean... 

 keeweechic Says:  Finally the balloon takes off in a gentle uplifting as it glides slowly up and over the fields and ponds, gently ascending into the mist and blue skies. If you had any worries about going up in a balloon, you soon forget as it is the most gentlest of rides. It is so quiet... 

 keeweechic Says:  Once inflated, its all aboard the wicker basket and that is no mean feat. There was no stool or chair to climb on, just mere cut outs in the side of the balloon to put your feet as you scrambled over the edge of the basket. There are various sizes in balloons and how many... 

 keeweechic Says:  The balloon is unpacked/unwrapped and stretched out to its full length. Everyone is asked to participate in all the preparations in getting the balloon inflated. Large fans are used to force the hot air through the chanel of the balloon as it slowly inflates. 

 keeweechic Says:  Ballooning starts early in the morning at 6.00am. at the Winward Office where hot drinks and biscuits are a welcomed sight. Depending on the wind conditions you either prepare to take off from the airfield or you are transported to a local farmers field. Be prepared to rug... 

 keeweechic Says:  Boating is allowed on all parts of the river within the Northam township between March 1st and September 30th. The part of the river downstream from the Peel Terrace Bridge to the weir is available for permitted crafts all year round. Those allowed include kayaks, rafts,... 

 keeweechic Says:  Winward Balloon Adventures operates out of North and is Western Australia's oldest and most experienced Commercial Balloon companies. The operate April to late November and offer Champagne Balloon flights daily. At other times of the year, the hot and windy conditions make...