The Avon River of Western Australia
The Avon River flows through the Western portion of Australia spanning a length of approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles). The mouth of the Avon River is found in the coastal city of Perth were the river coalesces with the Swan River, though the origin of the Avon River is located farther inland in Western Australia. Winding through Australia’s wheatbelt the Upper portion of the Avon commences at Lake Yealering. Since this region of Australia is typically dry run-off is minimum and mostly occurs on the very Western edge of the river basin. Despite the dryness of the region the Avon River Valley is known to contain soil that is very rich and complimentary to the growth of local plants.
Tourism is alive and well on the Avon River as it attracts visitors every year with its white water rafting. The city of Northam, which is an hour drive Northeast from Perth, is home to an annual river rafting competition known as the Avon Descent. Rafters from all over the globe attend this event to test their skills on the more rapidly flowing portion of the Avon. The city of Northam is also the locale for the largest suspension bridge in Australia which spans over the width of the tranquil Avon River banks.
