The Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent is an action packed, white water race on the first weekend of August each year held in the eastern region of Perth, WA. The race stretches over an exhilarating 124 kilometres of the Avon and Swan Rivers over two days, as powercraft and paddle craft battle with white water rapids and long endurance stretches past the infamous ti trees.

Each year the local governments of Northam, Toodyay, Swan, Belmont and Bayswater proudly present the free community festival - the Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent Family Fun Days. A festival of free, fun community events along the riverbanks, the Family Fun Days, are proudly supported by Lotterywest and a great way to experience the race with all the family.

Information on the 2012 Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent Family Fun Days will be updated in early 2012. Be sure to check back then for more details! Information on the 2011 Family Fun Days can be found below.

 

2011 Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent Family Fun Days

The 2011 Act-Belong Commit Avon Descent Family Fun Days were a huge success, with fine weather over the weekend ensuring a great turnout to watch the white water race, and take part in the event activities.

Scroll down the page or click the below links to skip down to each of the events and vantage points:

• Northam Avon River Festival
  
• Toodyay International Food Festival
  
• City of Swan Avon Descent Family Fun Day
  
• Town of Bassendean Avon Descent Vantage Viewing Locations
  
• City of Belmont's Avon Descent Family Fun Day
  
• City of Bayswater Avon Descent Family Fun Day
  

 

Northam Avon River Festival

Friday, 5 August 2011
3.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Bernard Park, Minson Avenue, Northam
More information: www.visitnorthamwa.com.au or (08) 9622 2100
Don't miss the start of this classic white water event with FREE family fun and entertainment at the Northam Avon River Festival.
Light up your night and get into the carnival spirit, with dazzling fireworks, a colourful street parade, roving entertainment, face painting, ice carving and side show alley.
Proudly brought to you by the Shire of Northam and supported by Lotterywest.

Toodyay International Food Festival

Saturday, 6 August 2011
10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Newcastle Park, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay
More information: www.toodyay.com or (08) 9574 2435
Combine the thrill of the Avon Descent with delicious cuisine at the 2011 Toodyay International Food Festival. Sample mouth-watering international dishes, desserts & wine tastings, and enjoy the celebrity chef cooking demonstrations.
Entertainment includes famous pizza Chef Nunzio from Il Padrino Cafe, and a Jamie Oliver impersonation chef, as well as various other international entertainment.
Proudly brought to you by the Shire of Toodyay and supported by Lotterywest.

City of Swan Avon Descent Family Fun Day

Sunday, 7 August 2011
11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Fishmarket Reserve, Swan Street, Guildford (Western end of Swan Street)
More information: www.swan.wa.gov.au or (08) 9379 9400
With more free entertainment and things to do, this years Family Fun Day in the City of Swan is set to be the best yet. Entertainment includes live music, roving performers, a cuddly animal farm, music workshops and demonstrations, and competitions, prizes and giveaways.
There will be accessible parking and toilet facilities available at the event.
Located in the picturesque surroundings of Fishmarket Reserve in Guildford with seating available inside a large marquee, this is a wonderful vantage point where you can catch the boats coming by.
Proudly brought to you by the City of Swan and supported by Lotterywest.

Town of Bassendean Avon Descent Vantage Viewing Locations

Sunday, 7 August 2011
All Day
Viewing locations: Sandy Beach Reserve, end of West Road, Bassendean; Point Reserve, North Road, Bassendean; Pickering Park, North Road, Bassendean; and Ashfield Parade Reserve, Ashfield Parade, Ashfield.
More information: www.bassendean.wa.gov.au or (08) 9377 8000
Head down to any of the Bassendean riverside reserves for vantage viewing points of the stages of the race. Pack a picnic or organise a BBQ with family and friends.
Proudly brought to you by the Town of Bassendean and supported by Lotterywest.

City of Belmont's Avon Descent Family Fun Day

Sunday, 7 August 2011
11.30 am to 3.30 pm
Garvey Park, Fauntleroy Avenue, Ascot
More information: www.belmont.wa.gov.au or (08) 9477 7248
Treat your family to a day of fun activities including helicopter rides, free children's activities and environmental information and giveaways. Cheer on your favourite competitors in the large marquee with seating and live race commentary by the waterfront. City of Belmont residents - bring your Opportunity Card for FREE food and drink offers.
This smoke and alcohol-free event is proudly brought to you by the City of Belmont - City of Opportunity and supported by Lotterywest.

City of Bayswater Avon Descent Family Fun Day

Sunday, 7 August 2011
11.00 am to 6.00 pm
Riverside Gardens, Bayswater. Parking via Slade and King William Streets.
More information: www.bayswater.wa.gov.au/events or (08) 9272 0622
Nothing beats an exciting finish! Join support crews and spectators to welcome competitors over the finish line for the City of Bayswater's Avon Descent Family Fun Day. Experience the action live, with race commentary and footage on the big screen. Enjoy a sensational FREE day out for the whole family! Bouncy castles, face painting, roving entertainment - the list goes on! Pack a picnic, or enjoy the various food vendors onsite!
Proudly brought to you by the City of Bayswater and supported by Lotterywest.
 

Remember to plan ahead before coming to the race with some of these tips:

• Avoid the car park and walk, cycle or catch the train or bus - visit Transperth to plan your journey.
• Bring reusable bags for any purchases (or to take home your recycling).
• Bring a drink bottle with you to reduce plastic usage.
• Protect yourself from the sun's UV rays and slip, slop, slap.

Finish off the event weekend exploring one of WA's best places to visit only a few minutes from Perth City. Click on the yellow "Experiences" button for detail on what to do in Perth's Eastern Region.

For further information on the exciting white water race visit the Avon Descent website.