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NORTHAM

Introduction

Northam is located 150 m above sea level and 98 km east of Perth on the Great Eastern Highway is one of the earliest settlements in the Central Wheatbelt area.
The town, with its beautiful setting and its population of nearly 7000, is remarkably attractive although it has a reputation for fiercely hot summers. As early as the 1850s the Anglican archdeacon of Western Australia was writing about how he 'rode to Northam in the evening through an atmosphere which felt like that at the mouth of an oven.
The townsite, on the banks of the Avon, was surveyed in 1830 and the town was gazetted in 1833. It was named by Governor Stirling, probably after a village of the same name in Devon, England. At the time its importance was based on its proximity to the river and its location as a crossing point. Almost immediately it became a point of departure for explorers and settlers who were interested in the lands which lay to the east.

Attractions

• One of the town's truly great attractions is the Avon River. It winds its way through the town and on each side it has attractive parks and walkways

• White swans (this mightn't sound very important but in a state where the emblem is a black swan a white one is quite a novelty). They were brought to Northam from England around the turn of the century and have thrived on the river ever since. Feeding takes place each morning at 6.30 a.m. on Broome Terrace next to Newcastle Street Bridge

• The Suspension Bridge which crosses the Avon river near the Fitzgerald Street Bridge. The locals proudly claim that their suspension bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Australia.

• A 2 km town walk which includes the Post Office, Town Hall, Clearview House, St John's Church, the Northam Club and Shamrock Hotel

• A 4 km town drive which includes the Flour Mill, West Northam Station Museum, St James Anglican Church, the Club Tavern, Byfield House and Mitchell House

• Katrine, a nearby township which once vied with Northam for importance but died when it was bypassed by the railway.

• Heading north on the Katrine and Irishtown Roads the traveller passes the huge Buckland homestead which was built in 1874 and is regarded by many as the most majestic home in the state. It certainly is a marvellous example of stately Victorian architecture. It now houses valuable collections of art and antiques. It is surrounded by huge gardens.

• Old Railway Station Museum The old Railway Station was built in 1886 to service the Goldfields and Eastern Districts. Today it is listed with the National Trust and is being restored as a museum

Activities

• Northam is the starting point for Australia's wildest white water classic. The gruelling 133km Avon Descent is held on the first weekend in August each year.

• Avonlea is nestled on the banks of the Avon River 12 kilometres from Northam. Visitors can view alpacas, farm animals and enjoy barbecue and picnic facilities

• Apex Park/Broome Terrace Picnic areas are situated on the corner of Gairdner and Broome Terrace, children's playground and BBQ facilities

• Golf

• Hot Air Ballooning Enjoy the unique experience of hot air ballooning over the scenic Avon Valley and environs

• Racing, Pacing and Chasing Northam has large modern horse racing, pacing and greyhound tracks. These venues have excellent facilities catering for the racing enthusiasts.