Exploring Avon Valley

After picking up your campervan in Perth, it’s just a short drive east to your first stop at Mundaring in the Darling Ranges, where you will find Western Australia’s first conservation area, John Forrest National Park. The perfect bush escape, this is a place your kids will love. Not only will they get to go wild among the jarrah and marri trees, they can also meet the park’s resident kangaroos – as you enjoy a cool and refreshing drink from the tavern. 

While you’re there, check out the park’s bike and walking trails. Ranging from short 300m loops to 15km treks, these trails allow you to traverse the park to uncover waterfalls, dams, old railway tunnels and wooden huts. The Railway Reserve Heritage Trail is a favourite for walking and cycling, taking in both the 700m National Park Falls and the Swan View Tunnel. Wildflowers bloom throughout the park during wildflower season, with more than 500 species on display. Keep a look out for birds and other wildlife as well, including possums, bandicoots and frogs.

After lunch, get back on the road to journey east again, stopping at York, where you will stay overnight. Established in 1831, York is Western Australia’s oldest inland town, and is one of those heritage towns that’s simply picture perfect. With a rich history to explore, the town offers an excellent opportunity to find out more about the region’s past, including the intense gold rush of the 1890’s. The award-winning York Residency Museum is a favourite for kids, allowing them to get hands-on as they learn more about Australia’s convict past. The York Motor Museum provides an alternative look back in time, while the York Courthouse Complex – run by the National Trust – is also not be missed.

Getting out and about is easy, with plenty of trails and walks on offer. These can take you around the town or get you out of it, as you explore nearby Mount Brown and Mount Observation. If you fancy a more exhilarating view of the area, why not try skydiving? The Avon Valley is well known for its sky sports, including ballooning, flying, and yes, skydiving.

As a motorhome friendly town, York offers plenty of amenities for those travelling through in RVs, campervans and caravans. With facilities available at Avon Park, you can also choose to bed down at York Caravan Park, five minutes from the town centre, or White Gum Farm, which is slightly further away, but also home to the Sky Sports Flying School if you fancy taking to the skies.

If you like the idea of sipping champagne as you watch dawn break over the Avon Valley, a sunrise balloon ride leaving from Northam could be an option for you this morning. Alternatively, for those of you who prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, Northam has plenty to offer. Head into town for breakfast and take time out to discover the town’s past. You can find walking trails and heritage attractions, and a vibrant calendar of regular events. If you want a better view of the town, you could hike nearby Mount Ommanney, or take the Kep Track either on foot, on horseback or by bike.

Back in the campervan, head towards the next stop of Toodyay. Located on the Avon River, this charming town offers a fascinating insight into the convict era, with popular attractions including the Newcastle Gaol and the museum inside Connor’s Mill. While it’s easy to while away time wandering the many arts and crafts stores and little boutiques if you want to stretch your legs further, take one of the Toodyay Living History Walks to see more of the town.

From Toodyay, you will drive to New Norcia, the last stop on this trip. Giving off a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, this little town seems slightly incongruous within its bush surroundings – but this makes it all the more special. Home to a Benedictine monastery, New Norcia is the only monastic town in Australia, where monks have been living the simple life since settling here in 1847. On a tour of the town, you can explore the monastery and museum, the art gallery and gorgeous Spanish architecture. Even if you choose not to join the monks in prayer, be sure to stock up the campervan with their famous baked goods before your two-hour drive back to Perth.

Whether you return your campervan in Perth, or you simply want to take a few days rest in Perth before heading out on one of our other itineraries starting from Perth, there is plenty to see on your return to the city. If this is your first trip to Perth, one of the best ways to see it is from an elevated position. One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park and Botanic Garden can provide that view, and is just a 25-minute walk – or a ten-minute drive – from the centre of Perth. 

After wandering the park, head back into the city to Northbridge and the Perth Cultural Centre, where you can find the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum (reopening in 2020), State Library, and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. From here, you can enjoy some more Perth sunshine, taking in a series of awesome art installations as you wander along the City Public Art Walk. If that’s not your thing, there are heaps of hidden gems to discover in Perth’s laneways, including cool cafés, trendy small bars, and quirky restaurants. Watching the sunset over at Cottesloe beach is also an absolute must. 

Alternatively, you could take a trip out of Perth to visit nearby Fremantle. While you can reach Fremantle in your camper in about 30 minutes, a cruise along the Swan River offers a more scenic option. Wandering Fremantle’s maze of streets, you can discover beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture, to then continue your journey back in time at the Fishing Boat Harbour, where lunch lies – and a whole array of afternoon activities. Check out the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison, the Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Shipwreck Galleries, and Whaler’s Tunnel. 

If you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or public holiday Monday, Fremantle Markets are not to be missed, packed with fresh produce, crafts and Aboriginal art, live music and performance art. Before journeying back to Perth, stop for a coffee on Fremantle’s lively ‘Cappuccino Strip’, or stay longer to sample the enticing selection of restaurants.