The York Motorcycle Festival Is Almost Upon Us! Here’s How To Make A Weekend Of It

We’ve teamed up with RAC Motorcycle Insurance to get you into gear for this year’s York Motorcycle Festival.

A few weeks ago we ran through a selection of Perth’s great underrated day trips, and one of the best (and closest) is the town of York. WA’s first inland town, it’s a place steeped in history, and on one Sunday every year it also becomes a town buzzing with motorcycle enthusiasts from across the land.

Read on below to learn a little more about the annual York Motorcycle Festival, and how you can make a weekend of it exploring all that York has to offer:

What is it?

The York Motorcycle Festival is family-friendly, and the free event that takes over Avon Terrace in York. Across the day there’ll be demonstrations, stunt shows, live music, markets, charity motorbike rides and loads more, and attendees are invited to spend the night in York to enjoy the historical township.

When is it?

This year’s fest takes place on Sunday 10 April from 10am until 4pm, although as mentioned above attendees are encouraged to arrive in town a day or two before and do some exploring.

How to get there:

York is a cruisy 100km ride east of Perth along the Great Eastern and Great Southern Highways, and if you don’t want to go up earlier in the weekend you can take part in the Charity Ride to support Beyond Blue. It departs from Midland Gate Shopping Centre car park at 9am (meet at 8am), and entry is $10 ($5 per pillion) with all proceeds going to Beyond Blue.

Before you set off, make sure you’re covered. Get a quick online quote with RAC Motorcycle Insurance that includes a $50 discount* and a host of member benefits – get more info here.

What to do:

The main event of the festival is the Show & Shine competition that takes over York’s beautiful Town Hall all day, with 10 categories and a People’s Choice section with a $500 prize for the winner. The rest of the town also comes alive on the day, with exhibitors lining the streets, Vintage Collective Markets and more. Neighbouring Peace Park is where the action is for the small kids, including quad bike rides, kid’s rides and food trucks, plus there’ll be demonstrations and stunt shows throughout the day.

If you’re arriving earlier, York itself is just a beautiful town to explore, including the Residency Museum, old Courthouse & Goal and the swinging bridge. There’s also some lovely walking trails around town, including a short walk up to Mount Barron, and more intense hikes along the Avon River. And when it comes to eats and drink there’s a few cute little cafes like local faves Jules Shoppe, Bellissimo York and Nguyen’s Bakery that’ll have you caffeinated and fed for a big day of bike riding action.

Where to stay:

If you’re keen on staying the night beforehand to get a head start on Sunday, the festival encourages camping at the York Recreation Centre, or hitting up one of the nearby caravan parks like White Gum Farm and York Traveller’s Rest. If you’re chasing something a little more homely there’s also plenty of farm stays, family cottages and bed and breakfasts to explore.

Before you start planning your next ride, make sure you and your motorbike are covered with RAC Motorcycle Insurance.

Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Check the PDS & TMD to make sure this product is right for you.

*$50 switch online discount applies to your first year of insurance only. This discount is subject to minimum premiums and is only available online.

York Festival photos taken pre-COVID, please abide by WA Health Guidelines.