Northam, the largest town in the Avon Valley, is the Valley's commercial centre and adventure playground. Northam is busiest on the first weekend of August every year, when hundreds of intrepid power boaters, and then of thousands of canoeists and spectators flock to the town for the start of the Avon Descent, a white-water classic that is of world wide fame.
Getting to Northam is easy - by car, private bus, or by rail on Westrail's Prospector. Once there, you can choose from many distinctive ways to see the town and its surrounds; by aeroplane, hot-air balloon, bicycle, bushwalking, camel or canoe.
Flying fun: For an unforgettable aerial experience, hot-air balloon flights and light aircraft joy flights are available from Northam Aerodrome. For those who prefer being closer to the ground they may like to hire a bicycle or follow the heritage trail of Northam's old buildings. For the ultimate outback style trip try trekking by camel from the Blue Gum Camel Farm along bush trails - and park your camel at a local tavern while you lunch!
Gold Fever: From Northam's humble beginnings in 1836 it became the jumping off point in the 1890's for prospectors pursuing their dreams of fabulous wealth in the goldfields. Thousands of diggers flocked to Northam to stock up for the 450km trek - usually on foot - across the searing outback. Now, Northam is the centre for the Central Agricultural District of Western Australia. It is the largest agricultural township in the state and the second largest inland town.
Northam has much to offer. Many buildings give the appearance and character of the last century. The Shamrock Hotel dates from1866. The Flour Mill, built in 1871 and still operating, supplies flour to Mauritius and some Arab states. Byfield House (1898), Avon Valley Arts Society - located in what was once the Old Girls School (1877) and the Old Post Office (1892).
Morby Cottage, a simple mud house with verandah, built in 1836 by Northam's first settler, John Morrell, was the first European building in the area. It served as Northam's first school and church. Near Northam, the once bustling settlement of Irishtown now comprises only of the original Catholic Church and hall, and, a short distance away is the luxurious two-storey Buckland Homestead, built in 1874 and credited as being WA's most stately home.
Northam Camp School - situated in 500 acres of undulating uncleared countryside where sheep graze under giant York Gum and Jam Trees. This exciting camp offers the perfect outdoor country holiday. Includes 4km of good bitumen road within the farm boundaries suitable for bike riding, jogging or walking. There are bush walks for enthusiasts and great opportunities for birdwatching. A nine-hole par 3 sand green golf course crisscrosses Aggett Brook. There are lawns, shady Pine trees and a swimming pool as well.
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