Got a free weekend? We suggest that you fill it with a family road trip adventure to the Avon Valley! A self-drive overnighter can be packed with Wheatbelt towns, history, vibrant art, yummy country food, and plenty of kid-friendly fun to be had. Here’s our two-day itinerary idea for exploring the Avon Valley towns of Northam, York and Toodyay.
Our tip – head to the Avon Valley in cooler months, when the rolling hills are a lush green. Or better yet, in late winter, when the fields are full of yellow canola flowers.
Saturday – Head for the Avon Valley
Set off bright and early, driving east through the Perth Hills and along Great Eastern Highway. The bushland soon makes way for vast farming fields, and there’s plenty to spot on a game of “eye spy”. Make York your first stop. Head to the York Olive Oil Company for fresh produce and a play on the adventure playground. Gather York, found at the Old York Mill, is another spot brimming with gourmet picnic items and a good takeaway coffee.
In canola season (around mid-late August and September), stop by PetTeet Park, the Avon Valley’s only designated spot to bask amongst the yellow flowers! Take insta-worthy shots in the fields and meet the farm animals too.
Take a stroll around town, stopping at the famous York Town Hall building and gift shops including a good old fashioned sweet shop and ice creamery on the main street. This is also where the York Motor Museum is found. Here, kids can spot the original Ute used in the Crocodile Dundee movies, plus a whole host of cars and motorbikes from all eras to admire.
Take your picnic to enjoy by the banks of the river at Pioneer Avon Park. Kids will have a whale of a time at the huge nature-based adventure playground with flying fox, skate park and more to explore.
Next, hop back in the car and drive about 25 minutes north to the town of Northam. Park up by the Avon River, by the start line of the famous Avon Descent speed boat race. Walk across the suspension bridge and try spot a rare white swan paddling on the river. This is also where you’ll find the fascinating Bilya Koort Boodja Cultural Centre. Translating as “River, Heart, Land” in the local Noongar language, the beautifully curated and interactive museum is a great spot to delve deeper into the Dreamtime and see the region from another view.
If there’s time, stop for afternoon tea at Zax and Co or Dome café, just across the road. You may even spy some stunning street art.
Then jump back in the car and head northwest to the town of Toodyay, to check into your accommodation. Why not book dinner at the Victoria Hotel for a tasty pub food feed for the family, and off to bed.
Sunday-Funday in the Avon Valley
Take a morning stroll around the historic town of Toodyay. Plan your trip to Toodyay for the 1st or 3rd Sunday of the month when the mini trains of Toodyay Miniature Railway will be chugging around Duidgee Park. (closed shoes must be worn). There’s a playground here too!
The charming Stirling Terrace is lined with boutique shops, galleries, lolly shops, plus the magical Christmas 360 shop. Whatever time of year, festive sights and sounds, plus a giant Santa greet you at this shop with a giant range of Christmas decorations and more.
Take a glimpse into the town’s famous past crimefighting bushrangers at Newcastle Gaol. It’s tiny cells, courtroom and the old Police stables have many tales to tell.
Grab a bite to eat at Toodyay Bakery which lives up to the hype. The character-filled building has plenty of places to dine and devour a fresh baked pie or sweet slice. Or why not head over the road to the quirky Coca-Cola Café and Museum. The 1950’s diner has milkshakes, Coke spiders, home-style burgers, all-day breakfasts and over 6,000 items of Coca-Cola memorabilia.
With full tummies and lots of wonderful family memories made, hop in the car and head for home.
Family Accommodation in the Avon Valley
Northam, Toodyay and York offer many accommodation options that cater to family’s different needs and budgets. From simple caravan parks and camping to tiny houses or something a little bit special. Here’s our guide:
Northam Accommodation
- An easy walk to the heart of town, The Rec Hotel offers up everything from studio rooms to chalets and the beautiful Stables Townhouse, which sleeps up to 4 people.
- From powered camping and caravan sites to modern family cabins and even an entire house (sleeps up to 8 people), Northam Caravan Park has all bases covered for a stay with kids.
- Dip your toe into camping, without roughing it, at the Buckland Estate Glamping Village. No need to pitch your tent or bring a car full of equipment – that’s already taken care of! This historical spot offers very comfortable two-person glamping tents.
York Accommodation
- Talbot Lodge, Mansfield Cottage and The Barn, by Wheatbelt Luxury Escapes feature cosy fireplaces, hardwood timber floors and chefs’ kitchens. These family friendly, 2-bedroom homes are beautiful spots to escape it all and enjoy the Avon Valley countryside.
- Lavendale Country Retreat, just ten minutes from York, is a wonderful farm stay option with self-contained one, two and three bedroom cottages. Families will love meeting friendly farm animals, plus there are offering cosy fireplaces for winter and a playground.
- If you want to stay right in the heart of York, you can’t beat the location of The Nosh and Nod’s family room. A little out of town, their self-contained “Percy’s Cottage” sleeps up to six people and includes all the comforts of home.
Toodyay Accommodation
- The beautifully renovated Toodyay Manor is centrally located on the town’s main road, Stirling Terrace. The French provincial style guest house offers a comfortable and affordable place to stay for all families with suites, rooms with ensuites, and adjoining family rooms.
- Love camping in the bush? Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets is a great option for families. There are powered sites, open campfires in winter and even resident emus to feed!
- Heyscapes Tiny Cabins are aimed at families of four (or five with a portacot) that love nature! Climb trees, laze in a giant hammock, watch the sheep and toast marshmallows on the firepit (in winter/early spring). A stay at this eco-friendly tiny cabin is great for instilling caring for the environment to your little ones.
Find more things to do in the Avon Valley with kids here.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
