2024 Avon Descent

Are you ready to Race the River in 2024?

Spanning 124-kilometres, the Avon Descent offers an exhilarating mix of paddle and powerboat endurance, camaraderie, and fun along the Avon and Swan Rivers in Western Australia.

More than just a race, the Avon Descent, scheduled for the 10th and 11th of August, marks the 51st anniversary of this iconic white-water event. It's a unique challenge in WA, one that thousands have embraced, proudly claiming their participation in the Avon Descent.

The event presents various options: the traditional full two-day journey, a vigorous 50km paddle on day one, or shorter, calm water courses on day two. Participants can compete solo, in pairs, trios, or teams, customising their experience to match their skill level, abilities, and ambition. The event is inclusive, welcoming powerboats, kayaks, skis, mini jet boats, stand-up paddleboards, dragon boats, outriggers, surf boats, and more to join the adventure.

Register early to secure your place in this incredible, annual WA event.

Important - must be read before registering

1. Terms of Entry and Event Waiver

2. Event Rules

3. Specifications

4. Code of Conduct

The Course

Day one - Northam to Cobbler Pool

Day one of the course starts with a 52km stretch beginning in Northam and proceeding downriver through the Shire of Toodyay into the upper reaches of the Darling Range escarpment. Participants finish Day one at Cobbler Pool, and can camp overnight in the lead up to an early start on Day two. Day one offers a short course option, where participants can complete their personal Avon Descent challenge at the Shire of Toodyay's International Food Festival. This is a fantastic option for those who haven't competed in several years or are new to the Avon Descent adventure.

Day two - Cobbler Pool to Bayswater

Day two includes a 72km course and sees participants tackle The Valley containing major white-water obstacles and challenges including Supershoot, Emu Falls, Championship Rapids and Bells Rapids in the City of Swan. The last 30km section is a flatwater stretch, deemed the marathon, through to the City of Bayswater finish line. This is the real deal! A short, 13km Bond to Bayswater Belter event allows participants to get a taste of the Avon Descent but avoid the white-water. Allows a wide range of watercraft to take part including dragon boats, surf boats, outriggers, SUPs and recreational kayaks (to name a few).

For more information, head to www.avondescent.com.au 

Short course options on day 2!

10km Woodbridge Dash 

The Woodbridge Dash launches participants from Woodbridge Riverside Park in the City of Swan. This 10km flat water course, paddling downstream only, is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quick morning on the river for all types of paddle and rowing craft. The course concludes at Riverside Gardens, Bayswater. 

17km Bayswater Belter 

The Bayswater Belter launches participants from Woodbridge Riverside Park, with participants travelling upstream along the right bank to a 180 degree, left hand, buoy turn at Midland Brick (just before Whiteman Bridge) then travelling back past the starting point and onto Riverside Gardens, Bayswater. This 17km flat water course is perfect for those wanting a little more of a challenge. 

29km Swan Challenge 

The Swan Challenge is the longest of the short courses, launching participants from Woodbridge Riverside Park, with participants paddling upstream along the right bank to Maali Foot Bridge before turning around and paddling back along the right bank past the starting point and on to Riverside Gardens, Bayswater. All short courses should be completed prior to the 124km Avon Descent competitors arriving at Riverside Gardens. Participants on all course options are required to follow instructions of starters at Woodbridge Riverside Park.

2024 Merchandise available now!

Official Avon Descent gear is now available - head to the KC Australia store here.

Sponsors and supporters

Northam's Avon Descent Association thanks the invaluable support from the following organisations.