Granite Hills and River Gorges on Perth’s Edge

Overview

Avon Valley National Park sits in the hills north-east of Perth, where the country shifts from the taller forests of the south-west into the drier inland landscape. It is a relatively undeveloped park, and that sparer feel is part of its character. The land rises into granite high points, then drops away into deep river and stream valleys shaped by the Avon River and its tributaries.

This is a place of strong contrasts. Upland forest gives way to valley-floor woodland, and broad hilltops open suddenly to steeper slopes and rocky river country. The result is a park that feels much bigger than the map suggests, with a rugged profile that stands out so close to the city.

Highlights

The scenery here is built around elevation and relief. Granite outcrops lift above the surrounding hills and provide wide views across the Avon Valley, while the river cuts through the landscape in a series of bends, pools and steep-sided sections. In the gorge country, the valley sides fall sharply towards the water, giving the park a more dramatic look than many other bush areas near Perth.

Another distinctive feature is the meeting of landscapes. The park marks a transition zone between moister forest and drier inland country, so the scenery changes noticeably from one part of the park to another. That mix of wooded uplands, open valley floor and rocky river land gives Avon Valley its particular sense of scale and variety.

Best Time to Visit

Spring, autumn and winter are the best times to see Avon Valley at its most appealing. In spring the understorey and wildflowers bring colour through the woodlands, while the cooler months generally make the broader landscape easier to appreciate, especially around the higher granite areas and river valley viewpoints.

Winter also suits anyone who wants to see the Avon River in a livelier state, as seasonal rain changes the look and feel of the valley. After wetter periods, the river becomes a much stronger visual presence through the gorge sections.

Plants and Animals

Avon Valley is known for jarrah, marri and powderbark on the uplands, with wandoo woodland more typical of the valley floor. In spring, the understorey can be especially colourful, with native wildflowers adding another layer to the park’s shifting landscape.

The mix of forest and woodland supports plenty of wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and chuditch are all associated with the park, along with a strong variety of birdlife moving through the trees and along the river country.

Culture and Heritage

Avon Valley National Park is recognised as Whadjuk Country. The park also carries layers of more recent history, including its association with the bushranger Moondyne Joe, who used this area as a hide-out in the nineteenth century.