In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations read about whale shark sightings seen off the coast of Exmouth, the event line-up for this year's Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, major revitalisation plans for Rottnest Island and Albany's National Anzac Centre being recognised in Lonely Planet's top tourist attractions. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

What's Hot

Whale sharks sighted off WA's mid-north coast
Western Australia is preparing for another huge whale shark season, following sightings of the world's largest fish near Exmouth in the State's Coral Coast region.More than 19,300 people visited World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef in 2014 to get up close with the gentle giants of sea, who migrate to Western Australian shores between March and August each year to feed on plankton and krill.Whale shark swim tours will begin from Coral Bay and Exmouth from mid-March until August, allowing visitors the opportunity to have a face-to-fin encounter with whale sharks - which can grow up to 18 metres in length.

Ord Valley Muster to celebrate 15 year anniversary in style 
The Kimberley in WA's North West will again host the annual Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, which has announced its program of events in celebration of its 15th year anniversary, from May 15 to 24, 2015. Highlight events include the Kimberley Moon Experience featuring The Living End, Dan Sultan, The Whitlams and Megan Washington. The concert will take place on the banks of the majestic Ord River in Kununurra at Jim Hughes Amphitheatre on May 23. Renowned Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran will be this year's celebrity chef hosting the Kimberley Kitchen and Durack Homestead Dinner, cooking an array of dishes using local produce. There's also the Moon Fair, a feast for the whole family to enjoy, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at the Hoochery Rum Distillery, and the traditional Waringarri Corroboree, which wi ll be a sensational celebration of Aboriginal food, music, dance and art. 
ordvalleymuster.com.au  

National Anzac Centre recognised in Lonely Planet's top tourist attractions 
Influential travel guide Lonely Planet, has named Albany's National Anzac Centre one of the best new travel experiences in the world. The commemorative centre was one of a handful of attractions included on a list of 26 must-see new experiences as part of the Lonely Planet e-book New in Travel 2015. The National Anzac Centre offers a spectacular view over the waters off Albany where the first convoys of Australian and New Zealand soldiers gathered for World War I. It also uses interactive multimedia displays, unique artefacts, rare images and film, and audio commentary to provide an educational and emotional journey into the history of WWI. More than 20,000 people have visited Albany's National Anzac Centre since opening in November 2014. 
nationalanzaccentre.com.au

Major revitalisation planned for Rottnest Island 
Construction is expected to begin on a new 4.5 star resort on Rottnest Island in April 2016, following an agreement between Karma Royal Group and the State Government. Rottnest Lodge will be transformed into a luxury resort complex, complete with a day spa, Kid's Club, conference facilities, restaurant and the construction of 80 new holiday units. The redevelopment of the iconic accommodation site will be designed to blend into its natural surroundings while providing a premium resort experience to visitors, and is the first major infrastructure revitalisation Rottnest Island has seen in more than 30 years. The redevelopment is expected to begin in April 2016, and open to the public in the summer of 2017-18. Rottnest Island is located just 30 minutes from Fremantle by ferry and is home to 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, making it the perfect location for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.
rottnestlodge.com.au

Lifestyle and Culture

The Giants launch Perth International Arts Festival in spectacular style
An audience of 1.4 million people experienced Royal de Luxe's The Incredible and Phenomenal Journey of the Giants to the Streets of Perth, in a three-day free event from February 13 to 15, 2015. Visitors from around the world joined the Perth community to witness the six metre Little Girl Giant and 11 metre high Diver Giant open the 63rd Perth International Arts Festival, the oldest annual international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere. The Giant's tale wove together a commemoration of the Centenary of the Anzac's and a celebration of Western Australia's Aboriginal community. Check out some of the images here, and read the Perth Festival's media statement. 
perthfestival.com.au
 
Leeuwin Estate Concert returns to classical origins 
The 2015 Leeuwin Concert, held in WA's Margaret River region, will return to its classical origins, presenting superstar Welsh bass-baritone, Bryn Terfel CBD, and one of opera's most striking young artists, Rachelle Durkin in a stunning alfresco vineyard performance. Special guests Lisa McCune and Perth Symphony Orchestra, will join Terfel and Durkin, who will be performing popular opera and stage musical classics at the beautiful Leeuwin Estate on Saturday March 7. The main performance will be followed by the traditional post-concert arena party, where guests can stay and enjoy a band until late. The annual Leeuwin Concert Series now enjoys a 30 year history and features an eclectic mix of the world's finest musicians and entertainers, from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Ray Charles, Tom Jones, Carole King and Sting. 
leeuwinestate.com.au

Coveted award in reach for WA chef and author 
Recently launched cookbook, Food of the Southern Forests by WA chef and author, Sophie Zalokar, has been nominated for two categories in the prestigious Gourmand Awards. The Gourmand Awards celebrate and recognise cook and wine book publishing across the globe. Zalokar's 400 page cookbook won in the Australian categories of Best Woman Chef Cookbook and Best Local Cuisine Book. The results will be announced on Tuesday, June 9 2015 at the annual awards night in Beijing, China. Sophie's exceptional cookbook documents 12 months of seasonal change within WA's Southern Forest region. Sophie worked with acclaimed photographer, Craig Kinder, to capture the essence of the people behind the produce which has gone on to inspire her seasonal produce driven recipes. Sophie and her husband Chris run a farm-based cooking school and self-contained accommodation, Foragers, located in Pem berton, a four hours' drive south of Perth. 
foragers.com.au

Food and wine

New food venture for swimming sensation 
Creators of Bib & Tucker, Olympic gold medallist Eamon Sullivan and head chef Scott Bridger, have opened their latest hospitality venue, May Street Larder. The East Fremantle café's ever changing menu focusses on seasonal foods, using WA's best local produce. Customers can expect a broad range of food items prepared daily - including salads, raw treats, cooked meats, rustic pastries and more. Open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, May Street Larder seeks to bring the traditional 'larder' tradition of storing food before it was cooked and served to its modern day customers. 
maystreetlarder.com.au  

Eat Drink Perth announce 2015 dates 
Eat Drink Perth will run for five weeks in 2015 from March 20 to April 24. Now in its 11th year, Eat Drink Perth will offer food lovers of all tastes and budgets an additional week of savouring a multitude of foods, cooking demonstrations and master classes, wine tastings, degustations, progressive dinners, food and fresh produce markets, and pop-up events from a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, bars and speciality retailers across Perth city. This year's event will welcome for the first time a pop-up night noodle market at Perth Cultural Centre. The Asian hawker-style markets will be comprised of 25 pop-up stalls and three bars showcasing a diverse range of cuisines including modern Asian, Korean, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese. 
visitperthcity.com.au

Rock n roll dive bar open for business 
Joe's Juice Joint is another new addition to Perth's small bar scene. Located in Northbridge, just on the outskirts of Perth's CBD, Joe's Juice Joint has become a favourite haunt for those looking for great music and delicious drinks. Another offering from Lavish Habits Group (Pleased to Meet You, La Cholita, Sneaky Tony's), the dimly lit, rock n roll bar combines knowledgeable staff, comfy booths, complimentary peanuts and loud music. It is also well-stocked with bourbon, craft beer and good times. Joe's Juice Joint is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm until late. It's one of several new openings in Northbridge, which has undergone a transformation over the last few years. The area is now synonymous with cutting-edge fashion, independent retailers, creative industries and cosy small bars, and continues to evolve. 
facebook.com/joesju icejoint

Cheese making courses available at Windows Estate 
Visitors to the Margaret River region can sign up to cheese making classes at Windows Estate. Run by cheese maker Alana Langworthy, the classes aim to provide guests with a greater understanding of cheese and food sustainability and are held inside the estate's cellar door. The sourcing of ingredients for the cheese depends on the type of cheese being created, however local milk is always used - either from Margaret River Organic Creameries or Millers Milk. The courses also include wine and cheese matching, and are currently being held once a month. Alana Langworthy will soon be opening Margaret River's first locally owned artisanal cheese business, Yallingup Cheese Company. 
windowsestate.com

New eateries open doors at 140 
Two new and exciting eateries are now open for business at 140 in Perth's CBD. Cocina Bandito, is the latest food offering from the team behind The Classroom, Cocktail Gastronomy and Australia's first crowd funded restaurant, Lucky Chans. The Cuban-inspired venture serves everything from the original Cuban sandwich, to mojito inspired cocktails. 140 is now also home to the first Australian outlet for Brotzeit - the world's leading German casual dining restaurant. Brotzeit offers authentic German cuisine including signature dishes such as pork knuckles and schnitzels, accompanied by world-famous beers in a chic and contemporary setting. Featuring an eclectic blend of new, existing and never before seen retailers and hospitality venues, 140 is located in the heart of Perth's CBD. 
140.com.au

Seafood festival set to tantalise the tastebuds 
This year's Fremantle Seafood Festival is set to be the best yet, extending past Fishing Boat Harbour to the newly opened, Bather's Beach House on Sunday, March 29. The one-day event celebrates the history of Fremantle, and the abundance of seafood for which the port city is famous. Incontro Restaurant executive chef, Peter Manifis and co-owner of Catalano's Seafood, Josh Catalano will take part, sharing their skills and tips in live cooking demonstrations. Major festival attractions include the Seafood Theatre Stage at Fishing Boat Harbour and the Tastes of Fremantle Stage at Bather's Beach House. There will also be market stalls, and local food and wine stands showcasing top quality produce to visitors. 
fremantleseafoodfestival.com.au

Flavours of Autumn in the South West
Happs Wines in Margaret River will host a new gourmet experience for lovers of good food and wine at its annual Happs Flavours of Autumn event. Forming part of the foodie festival, is Flavours Gourmet Lunch on March 28 - a five course lunch specially prepared by Fervor chef Paul Iskov with matching Happs wines. The uniquely crafted menu will feature locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create a truly unique Australian dining experience. Happs Flavours of Autumn runs from March 27 to 28 and caters to a range of tastes and dining preferences, from boutique cellar tasting, to a gourmet lunch, an indulgent food and wine package or a casual afternoon picnic. 
happs.com.au/events

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation

Ningaloo turtle nesting season underway 
Following a slow start to the season in late 2014, turtle nesting is currently underway along the Ningaloo Coast. 2015 has seen increased numbers of turtles nesting on the beaches around the Coral Coast towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay, much to the delight of tourists who come to the region to witness the remarkable natural event. Six of the world's seven species of marine turtles have been recorded along the Ningaloo Coast, which is one of the world's major breeding areas for green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. Nesting typically occurs between November and February, with hatchlings emerging from roughly January to March after a six week incubation period. Ningaloo Reef earned UNESCO World Heritage and 'bucket-list' status for its incredible biodiversity and uniqueness. Visitors can jump right into the snorkelling and diving paradise from the beach and witness the colourful coral gardens of the largest fringing reef o n earth. 
visitningaloo.com.au

Discover the history of Rottnest by bike 
A new Rottnest Island Bike Tour has started, showcasing the history and landscapes of the popular island. Local tour operator, Two Feet and a Heartbeat, has joined forces with Rottnest Express to launch the tours, which explore the island's unique natural and built environment. The tours take approximately 2.5 hours to complete and run twice daily, starting from Thompson Bay at 8:15am and 11:15am. Situated off the coast of Perth, Rottnest is famous for its snorkelling, diving, surfing and swimming.  A popular holiday destination for locals and visitors, the island is home to some of the world's finest beaches and crystal clear bays, making it the perfect location for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. 
rottnestexpress.com.au

Ecofriendly tours take visitors on a journey of a different kind 
EcoAdventures Margaret River is the world's first electric quad bike tour and a unique way to see the stunning Margaret River forest and beaches. The fully guided, family friendly tour travels to hidden wonders of the Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay. The tours also use innovative iPad technology to educate guests on the region's mega fauna history, annual whale migration and Aboriginal uses of local flowers and trees. The smooth and quiet electric quad bikes were built specifically for the tour, taking guests on a never before seen journey through the region. 
ecoadventuresmargaretriver.com.au

South West resort completes expansion 
Willy Bay Resort, located in WA's South West, has finalised its expansion, now accommodating more than 100 people with 14 additional five star suites, as well as a new function centre which houses up to 300 people for weddings and large corporate groups. 
willybayresort.com.au

Perth's Pan Pacific set to deliver premium star accommodation 
Pan Pacific Perth has revealed its multi-million dollar plans to introduce a hotel refresh which will add a new level of sophistication to the five- star central business district property. The three-month project is expected to be finalised this month and promises to deliver a newly invigorated hotel experience to business and leisure travellers alike. The refurbishment is in line with meeting the growing demands in the Perth CBD for premium business accommodation. 
panpacific.com

Geraldton railway station transforms into new visitor centre 
A new visitor centre has opened in Geraldton, following the restoration of the town's original railway station. The $2.13 million project will add a boost to Geraldton's tourism industry, offering visitors a comfortable place to stop, relax and plan a stay in the region. Built in 1978, the original railway station was the first government railway station in WA. Geraldton Visitor Centre is located in a prime location to showcase the town's attractions, and also offers ample parking for visitors with caravans. Located in the Coral Coast region, Geraldton is a five hours' drive north of Perth and a popular destination for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, boating and fishing. 
geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au

Events

FEBRUARY/MARCH

Taste Great Southern 
February 19 - March 29, Great Southern 
Taste Great Southern is a celebration of the unique and award-winning food and wine of the Great Southern in WA's South West. The 2015 line-up includes headline cook, Adam Liaw, supported by locals Anna Gare and Don Hancey. A wide variety of individual events will be hosted at participating vineyards, restaurants and public venues - ranging from farmers markets, cooking demonstrations, degustation dinners, beach barbecues and stunning performances from the 2015 Perth International Arts Festival line-up. greatsoutherntastewa.com

Sculpture by the Sea 
March 6-23, Perth 
Sculpture by the Sea will return to Perth's Cottesloe Beach in 2015. More than 70 local, interstate and international artists will transform Perth's most popular beach into a stunning sculpture park overlooking the Indian Ocean with some of the most glorious sunsets of any major city in the world. 
sculpturebythesea.com

Great Southern Sustainable Living Festival 
March 13-29, Great Southern 
The week-long Great Southern Sustainable Living Festival features a range of events and activities taking place at a number of venues including Denmark, Albany, Mount Barker and Cranbrook. The activities include markets, wind power and kite festival, sustainable home tours, recycled art exhibitions and hands-on workshops.  
festival.greenskills.org.au

Gamex Fishing Tournament 
March 14-21, Exmouth 
Recognised as WA's premier game fishing tournament, GAMEX offers anglers a chance to compete in a variety of categories over six full days. The tournament, held in Exmouth along WA's Coral Coast features family events, a Ladies Day and fun and education activities for the whole family to enjoy. 
egfc.com.au 

Eat Drink Perth 
March 20 - April 24 Perth
The Eat Drink Perth festival will run for five weeks from March 20 to April 24, 2015. The foodie event will offer food lovers of all tastes and budgets an additional week of savouring a multitude of foods, cooking demonstrations and master classes, wine tastings, degustations, progressive dinners, food and fresh produce markets, and pop-up events from a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, bars and specialty retailers across Perth City. 
visitperthcity.com

Velofest 
March 22-29, Perth 
Velofest offers spectators a unique opportunity to see world-class international cyclists compete in the heart of Perth. It is made up on three main events including the Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma, Tour de Perth and UWCT Perth. 
velofest.com.au

Karri Valley Triathlon 
March 21, Pemberton 
The Karri Valley Triathlon is a competitive triathlon held in WA's picturesque South West. Starting in the clean, fresh waters of Lake Beedelup, competitors will then be challenged by the undulating bike course under the canopy of the tall-timber Karri forest, followed by a run surrounded by majestic views and natural charm of the Karri Valley Resort. karrivalleytriathlon.com

Quit Forest Rally 
March 27-29, Nannup/Busselton 
The Quit Forest Rally is WA's round of the Australian Rally Championship. It is the longest consecutively run rally in the Championship. Past and present competitors and officials will come together in WA's South West for another year of fun and excitement. 
rally.com.au

Northam Flying 50 
March 28-29, Northam 
The Northam Flying 50 is a two-day classic motoring event held in the Avon Valley region, around 90 minutes from Perth. The event encompasses a hill climb at Mt Ommaney on Saturday with the 'round the houses' re-enactment in the streets of Northam on Sunday. The event attracts more than 100 cars to compete in up to 24 timed regularity heats for varying classes of vehicles. There are also special parades organised for specialist car clubs and local interest groups to participate in throughout the day, as well as a free Family Fun Fair. vsccwa.com.au

APRIL

Fremantle Street Arts Festival 
April 4 - 6, Fremantle
The Fremantle Street Arts Festival is set to bring some of the world's best street, outdoor theatre, music, comedy, circus and cabaret performers to this iconic port city over the Easter long weekend.  With artists coming to Fremantle from all over the world, you can expect a diverse range of top-class performances from a human knot to giant roving dinosaurs. 
fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals

Chasing the Sun Golf Festival 
April 11-18, Goldfields-Esperance
Chasing the Sun Golf Festival is a week-long 1,365km journey beginning at the Ceduna Golf Course, South Australia and travelling along the Eyre Highway. The event involves playing along the world's longest golf course - Nullarbor Links. The festival also incorporates a cabaret show at Fowlers Bay and Kalgoorlie, whale watching along the Nullarbor, a treasure hunt and a 12.5km charity dash to the WA border from Eucla. 
nullarborlinks.com

ANZAC - A Tribute to the ANZACs by Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company 
April 12 - 13, Albany
A Tribute to the ANZACs by Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company is a two hour concert hour concert which will pay homage to the sacrifices of those who fought in World War I. The concert is open to the general public at a small price, with all proceeds being donated to the Returned and Services League and/or Legacy. The event will be held at the Albert Hall in Albany. 
anzaccentenary.gov.au

Margaret River Pro 
April 15 - 26, Margaret River
The Margaret River Pro is WA's premier surfing event. In April, the top 32 ranked male and top 18 ranked female surfers in the world will descend upon the Margaret River Region to surf its world-class waves. The event is expected to see thousands of spectators flock to Surfer's Point in Prevelly to watch the world's best surfer's take on the famous Margaret River Mainbreak. 
margaretriverpro.com

ANZAC - Sail Albany 
April 17 - 28 Albany
Sail Albany 2015 is a festival which starts with the Fremantle to Albany Yacht Race and ends with the Albany to Fremantle Anzac Commemorative Yacht Race. The Anzac Commemorative Yacht Race will begin on Anzac Day and local schools will be invited to adopt-a-yacht, with each yacht being assigned an Anzac Troop Ship. At the Regional Schools ANZAC Day Service, yacht representatives will be presented with their troop ship emblem. Students will then follow their adopted yacht/ship via the satellite trackers whilst learning about the troop ships. 
anzaccentenary.gov.au

ANZAC - The Dreaming Hill 
April 23 - 26 Albany
The Dreaming Hill is a theatrical production examining the stories of young Australian soldiers and nurses on the Greek Islands of Lemnos, awaiting deployment at the battlefields of Gallipoli. There will be six performances in total; two matinees and four evening shows. The event will take place outside the Western Australian Museum in Albany, in front of the Residency building. 
anzaccentenary.gov.au

Anzac Centenary 
April 25, All of State 
Between 2014 and 2018, Australia and New Zealand will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since their involvement in World War I. Located in WA's South West, Albany was the location where the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War. A range of commemorative events will be held across WA to mark the Anzac Centenary and pay respect to Australian service men and women.  anzaccentenary.gov.au

SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon 
April 30 - May 3 Busselton
The popular SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon is a three day festival incorporating the Busselton IronMan 70.3 triathlon which provides a challenging course for competitors. Participants will swim 1.9 kilometres, ride 90.1 kilometres and run 21.1 kilometres. The festival will also hold the SunSmart Kids Triathlon for seven to 15 year olds. 
busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au

For more information about Western Australian, including events, visit westernaustralia.com.

Media contact: Emily Andrews - emily.andrews@westernaustralia.com

For images, visit Tourism WA's image library: imagegallery.tourism.wa.gov.au

To add an event to the Tourism WA events calendar, email event details to calendar@westernaustralia.com.