Established in 2014, The York Festival is an annual two-week arts festival taking place each spring (Djilba and Kambarang in the Noongar six seasons) in the historic town of York, on Ballardong Noongar country. Featuring arts and crafts, theatre, dance, music, storytelling, family workshops and activities and more, The York Festival celebrates community and cultivates creativity.

THE FESTIVAL

THE TOWN

The first settlers arrived in the Avon Valley — now part of WA’s Wheatbelt region, which stretches from Jurien Bay in the north to Wagin in the south — in 1831. York was properly established four years later making it WA’s oldest inland town. It’s about 100km (1 hour 20 minutes) east of Perth; Northam and Toodyay lie to the north, Beverley to the east. It’s cool in winter, mild in autumn and early spring, hot and dry in summer.

THE REGION

The WA Wheatbelt extends across more than 200,000sqkm. It's heavily reliant on agriculture industries such as wheat and sheep farming, susceptible to salinity and an ever-drying climate yet with almost a third — more than 60,000sqkm — classified as conservation and natural environments. And from classic country towns to local walks and life around “the granites”, there’s plenty to see and explore.

EAT DRINK STAY

From Botanicalia Cafe and the Old Flour Mill to the Imperial Homestead and Settlers House, there's no shortage of places to eat and drink in York, including many takeaway options along Avon Terrace. And if you're after a comfortable stay, why not try Settlers Hotel, Hope Farm Guesthouse or York Cottages and Burnley House?