Located a comfortable hour’s drive east of Perth, the Avon Valley is renowned for its textured patchwork of verdant rolling hills, babbling brooks, and fields of gold. The region is rich in the stories of the Ballardong Noongar people, and spiritually connected to the Avon River, and the early pioneers who built this gateway to the Wheatbelt. It’s also an incredible place to experience exquisite displays of orchids and everlastings during the wildflower season which typically runs from July to October. There are more than 12,000 wildflower species in Western Australia, making it the world’s largest collection.
If you’re a photography enthusiast or an amateur in the art, this day trip is perfect for you, with countless stunning landscapes to capture along the way. Paired with the wildflower season, it’s an ideal time for photography so bring your camera and drone. Whether you want to explore colourful country towns, potter around museums and art galleries, or experience the thrill of a hot air ride balloon at dawn, the Avon Valley is the perfect escape.
Avon Valley Day Trip Itinerary
This day trip itinerary connects you with the best things to do in York and Beverley. You’ll explore the region from land and sky, while delighting in natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, and delicious fare along the way.
5:00 am: Hot air balloon ride in Northam
Start the day with a scenic hot air balloon ride — an experience Northam is famous for. Book a peaceful sunrise adventure with Liberty Balloon Flights or Windward Ballooning and revel in the enchanting magic of the Avon Valley. The flight includes an hour sky-high journey as the first morning rays break across the horizon, followed by a breakfast feast.
9:30 am: New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery
Jump in the car and drive to New Norcia Museum which contains a fascinating array of artefacts that trace New Norcia’s time as an Aboriginal mission, a centre of extensive farming, and as a place of education and culture.
While you’re there, check out the Art Gallery which houses one of Australia’s largest collections of moveable religious art. The gallery features paintings by Spanish and Italian Masters and contemporary Australian artists, as well as gifts from the Queen of Spain, and artefacts tracing New Norcia’s eclectic history.
12:30 pm: Lunch at Botanicalia
Get back into the car and head to Botanicalia for a lunchtime bite. The heritage building that houses the local favourite was built in the 1880s by William Dinsdale as a saddlery and shoe emporium.
2:00 pm: Wander through the historical town of York
Stretch your legs with a wander along Avon Terrace. York’s main street is a hub of activity, lined with heritage buildings worthy of admiration. Sergeants Pharmacy, St Patrick’s Parish Catholic Church, and York Courthouse and Gaol, complete with its cell block, courtrooms and stable yard, will transport you through the patchwork of the past.
3:00 pm: Hit the trails
For a healthy dose of exercise, hit the Avon River Walk Trail. Commencing at the historic swinging (suspension) bridge, this 3.4-kilometre walk trail meanders along the Avon River and features fantastic views towards Mount Bakewell. You’ll be sure to spot a bounty of birdlife and fauna along the way, and it’s also an incredible scenic spot for photography.
5:00 pm: Watch the sunset at Mount Brown Lookout
Before the sun goes down, take a walk or short five-minute car trip via Pioneer Drive from the York town centre to Mount Brown Lookout, which is also known as Wongborel, and experience a true Wheatbelt sunset. The lookout is 342 metres above sea level and is the location of the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony.
Pack a picnic with produce from one of the many eateries, and perch yourself at the lookout tables, while you feast your eyes on the breath-taking 360-degree panoramic vistas of York and its surrounds. If you’re keen to stick around for a little while, the location is perfect for stargazing.
6:30 pm: Dinner at The Imperial Homestead
In the heart of York, The Imperial Homestead plates up reimagined pub classics, alongside modern Australian cuisine, with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The venue was built in 1886 to service travellers on the newly-extended railway during the Gold Rush and has since been fully restored, fitted with handcrafted dining tables and dotted with features teeming with history.
Stay the night: Heyscape tiny cabin
Tiny cabins have become a unique accommodation option for holidaymakers eager to swap the crowds and bustling cities with an experience grounded in nature. With the fresh air by day and stars by night, the miniature abodes provide an eco-friendly and charming countryside stay. Surrounded by trees and picturesque Avon Valley vistas, linger a little longer and stay overnight in the Toodyay Heyscape Cabin. From hillside hikes to crossing paths with the farm’s resident sheep, the experience will be one of a kind.
