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Avon River Emu Falls
Emu Falls has been described as the short pool between “the shredder” and “the washing machine” on the Avon River. It’s one of the main hazards paddlers face when they compete in the annual Avon Descent race.
The Avon Descent celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023. The two-day 124km river adventure starts in Northam and finishes in Bayswater, with competitors entering on powerboats, kayaks, skis or stand up paddle boards.
Following the first completed 52kms, the overnight stop is at Cobbler Pool, 20km west of Toodyay. Competitors are back to it first thing in the morning with the second day of 72km. After a number of major white-water obstacles to contend with, the remaining 30km to the Bayswater finish line is a flat water stretch.
The event was held on 12-13 August 2023 and since it began in 1974 with 49 competitors, they’ve come a long way with some 35,000 people having participated in the event over the years.
To get to Emu Falls, it’s a distance just over 80km from the city, which will take you about 1 hour and 17 minutes to drive.
The river starts from Lake Yeaklering near Wickepin and stretches 295km, with some 30 creeks and rivers flowing into it. When it joins up with Wooroloo Brook, it becomes the Swan River which flows a further 72km out towards the Indian Ocean in Fremantle.
