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Overview of Northam District
Location
The district of Northam is directly east of the Perth metropolitan area
just over the Darling Range. The district is roughly rectangular; it commences
56 kilometres east of Perth and continues another 57 kilometres eastward
and average 25 kilometres in a north south direction, and it covers 1,425
square kilometres.
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Topography / River / Landscape
The district of Northam lies in the heart of the picturesque Avon Valley
with the Avon River running through the town of Northam. The landform
is undulating, in the west hillsides have granite outcrops, these become
high hills through the Avon Paper proper, all of which produce spectacular
vistas and scenery. The land in the east tends to be flatter and has the
Mortlock River running through it. The soil types vary from gravel, to
heavy clay, to red loam in the east; these rich soils support a wide variety
of crops. The east of the district is mainly open farmland with small
tracks of reserves whilst the west has larger areas of forest reserve
and scattered farmlets which are not obvious from the major transport
routes.
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History
The Northam district was settled very early in the history of Western
Australia as an agricultural area, it was, and is a fertile area close
to Perth markets. At the turn of the century the discovery of gold and
rapid development of the eastern goldfields at Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie
had a dramatic impact on Northam. The town of Northam become the centre
for the development of Public Works with the building of the rail line,
roads and water supply routes to the new centres passing through Northam.
Northam has retained its regional status in the provision of state government
services. Events surrounding both World Wars have impacted upon Northam.
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Tourism in Northam
General
The Northam district has many natural tourist attractions with it's rolling
hills, riverine valley, and tracks of forest reserves. These are coupled
with its proximity to Perth and the adjoining towns of York and Toodyay,
the other Historic towns of the Avon Valley; it has great tourist potential.
In addition Northam can offer tourism based on current and historic farming
practices. Northam is the Western Australian home of the white swan introduced
from England in the mid 1800's.
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Accommodation
Northam caters for a wide range of requirements in terms of accommodation.
There is top class hospitality in renovated historic hotels and large
residences with large rooms and en suites. A number of farms offer renovated
stone and mud brick cottages, which have been tastefully furnished to
provide warm and cosy retreats from the city for overnight or longer holidays.
Bed and breakfast accommodation is available in a variety of settings
at the motel, local hotels and houses in town and farm stays in the rural
areas. The Caravan Park on the banks of the Mortlock River offers onsite
vans, camping and caravan parking areas
Special Events
Throughout the year Northam hosts a number of regional events such as
the Agricultural Show, the music Eisteddfod, Pony Gymkanna, Country and
Western weekend.
On a state basis there are a number of significant events that focus on
Northam most notably the Avon Descent. The Avon Descent is a two-day white
water and marathon paddle and motorised boating event of international
renown. The event commences in Northam and finishes in Perth; it is recognised
as one of the most challenging courses in the world. In addition there
is a number of motor sporting events such as the Vintage Round the House,
hill climbs; and Rally Australia has a section at Muresk.
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Special Attractions
The Northam district has 185 buildings that are registered as having heritage
and architectural significance, these buildings represent a wide range
of both age and architectural styles and in that way the area is unique.
Many refer to it as an architectural laboratory. During the year many
visitors arrive with the specific intention of photographing and collecting
information on these buildings, particularly students of a variety of
disciplines associated with design and planning.
General Attractions
The Avon Valley has a number of general tourist attractions such as an
Archery Park, Alpaca and Emu farms, 18 hole International Golf Course,
vineyards and cellars, Arts & Crafts outlets; Specifically Pottery,
paintings and timber articles. Historic displays include Morby Cottage
depicting a settlers house and living style, a railway museum and at Katrine
a display of antique kitchen and household items.
The flat sealed road that follows the Avon River from York to Spencers
Brook and then the Spencers and Nanamullen Brooks to Toodyay, is often
used by groups on cycling tours and vintage car rallies. They usually
stay overnight in the Spencers Brook area at Springhill Retreat. This
is an easy route through the most picturesque countryside.
Another popular activity is hot air ballooning, an early morning ride
on a misty winter morning is exhilarating and the hot breakfast supplied
afterwards completes the experience.
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northamtourist.com
Tourist Info
Overview of Northam District
