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MasterChef 2013 showcases WA’s extraordinary wild produce
Shot at spectacular locations around Perth, MasterChef’s ‘Wild West Week’ showcased the remarkable food scene of Perth and surrounds. The week long WA special featured Perth dining hotspots Greenhouse, Indiana Teahouse and Bistro Guillaume at the newly transformed Crown Metropol. The diversity of the Perth region was well reflected with footage of the blossoming CBD as well as the beaches of Fremantle and Cottesloe out to the farming lands west of York.
W: masterchef.com.au

 

Star-studded culinary line up to feature at the 2013 Margaret River Gourmet Escape
This year’s event boasts a line-up of the world’s most famous chefs including Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein and Sat Bains accompanied by home grown talent including Neil Perry, MasterChef’s George Calombaris and WA’s own Matt Stone. The vibrant hub of the three day event, the Gourmet Village, will be returning to the picturesque Leeuwin Escape showcasing master classes, tastings of local produce and various demonstrations. The event is a must for connoisseurs and everyday food and wine lovers alike. Tickets to the Margaret River Gourmet Escape are now on sale and more information can be found in the feature story below.
W: gourmetescape.com.au

 

Kimberley Research Station named in honour of Sir David Attenborough
Australian Wildlife Conservancy has commenced work on one of the country’s most remote field research stations – a facility in the north Kimberley to be named in honour of Sir David Attenborough. In recognition of Sir David’s role inspiring science-based conservation across the planet for more than 60 years, the David Attenborough Field Research Station will be located in the Artesian Range, a lost world of rugged sandstone ranges and deep rainforest-filled gorges. The area is home to at least 30 species that are found nowhere else on mainland Australia and is a last refuge for many of Australia’s rarest mammals. Scientists are set to explore why so many species have been able to make their last stand in this extraordinary landscape. 
W: australianwildlife.org

 

Pink visits local wineries on the Perth leg of her Australian tour
During her recent visit to Perth to kick off her Australian tour, pop superstar Pink enjoyed a day in WA’s Swan Valley. Home to more than 40 vineyards as well as breweries, distilleries, cafes and galleries, Pink stopped at a number of local wineries including Houghton Winery and Sandalford Wines. Pink was welcomed by Sandalford Wines chief executive, Grant Brinklow, who was astounded at the celebrities wine knowledge.
W: swanvalley.com.au

Lifestyle and Culture

Twilight winter supper in the heart of Perth City
On the last Friday of each month until August 31, Perth Town Hall will be transformed into a vibrant winter food market. As part of the City of Perth Winter Arts Season 2013, an endless array of tasty treats from stalls and street food vendors will be on offer to warm the soul. Enjoy paella, churros, mulled wine or hot chocolate while being enchanted by teaser performances from artists who are part of the Winter Arts Season events program. The Winter Supper Club is great for a pre-show bite or just to experience the streets of Perth at dusk.
W: perthwinterarts.com.au

 

New BRUUG pop-up store at Carillion City
Last week, West Australian WAG Natasha Butler launched her women's fashion label BRUUG at a Carillion City pop-up store. The label's name derives from Butler's maiden name with the design aesthetic minimal but chic and for the modern woman who knows not to take life too seriously. The BRUUG pop-up store will be in the Carillion City Arcade for three weeks before being made available exclusively online.
W: bruug.com.au

 

Inside Style Voyeur documentary premiere
The much-anticipated premiere of Inside Style Voyeur - a short fashion documentary filmed during last year’s Perth Fashion Festival - was launched earlier this week. Filmed and produced by local talent Mathew Knight, the short film captured moments with Style Voyeur blogger Marcia Ball and some of WA's best-known fashion identities, showing how much work goes on behind the scenes at a major fashion event. The fast, furious and funny documentary features personal insights from designers Aurelio Costarella, Garth Cook, Alvin Fernandez, stylist Meg Gray, Billie & Rose owner Pippa McAuliffe, models Sarah Pauley, Stirling Caiulo and Fabienne Vanderhaeghan and WA fashion industry heavyweights Aly May and Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan.
W: stylevoyeur.com

Food and Wine

Stella Bella now served at The Fat Duck
Heston Blumenthal’s 3 Michelin Star Restaurant, The Fat Duck, in Berkshire UK recently selected two Stella Bella wines, Stella Bella Chardonnay 2009 and Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2008, to feature on its coveted Wine List. Stella Bella is a small boutique wine producer located in Margaret River in the beautiful south west of Western Australia. A modern creative wine company with a passion for excellence and a no-compromise approach to wine quality, they have also been nominated by the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion as a 5 star winery, 6 years in a row.
W: stellabella.com.au

Enjoy some of WA’s exceptional produce at the Good Food & Wine Show 2013
The Channel 9 Good Food & Wine Show will be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 19-21. Enjoy some of the state’s finest food and wine with samples from around 300 producers. Sharing their knowledge and skills are noted celebrity chefs including My Kitchen Rules’ Pete Evans, The Living Rooms’ Miguel Maestre, Luke Nguyen, Maggie Beer, Anna Gare and Tobie Puttock. Some standout features of the three day event are Cheese Alley and the Riedel Wine Theatre. This year the event will include some interactive activities such as Maggie Beer Morning Tea, Fisher & Paykel’s Yum Kitchen, the LifeStyle FOOD Chef’s Table and a Dymocks Book Signing.
W: goodfoodshow.com.au

Matt Stone rocks the kitchen
Perth’s Matt Stone is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most talked about chefs. TV show ‘Recipes that Rock’ hosted by Matt Stone is set to premier on Sunday July 14 at 1:45pm on 7TWO. The first episode showcases WA’s Margaret River region where Matt Stone, now Head Chef at the Greenhouse in Perth, started his career. Co-host and cheese maker Alex James, former bassist from UK rock group Blur, explores the premium gourmet region of WA’s South West with Stone. Episode one will feature snippets from the 2012 Gourmet Escape and with guest appearances from distinguished chefs Rene Redzepi and Australia’s own Tetsuya Wakuda.

W: facebook.com/pages/Recipes-that-Rock/123194764540926

Australia’s Tastiest Job
The winner of the WA Taste Master job was announced late last month as part of the Tourism Australia’s Best Jobs in the World Campaign. 34-year-old British food blogger and musician Rich Kean beat around 90,000 expressions of interest from applicants around the world for the title. For six months, Kean will be sampling the best events, bars, restaurants, wineries and micro-breweries the state has to offer, along with a range of events and extraordinary natural attractions, in order to promote WA to the rest of the world. 
W: tourism.wa.gov.au

Exclusive truffle infused menu at 1907 Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
In honour of the short but prestigious Manjimup truffle season, 1907 Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Perth’s CBD will be hosting a Truffle & Wine Dinner on Wednesday 7 August. Guests will be treated to 7 indulgent courses perfectly matched with award winning wines from Margaret River’s Streicker Wines.  The event is part of the month long Black Truffle Menu showcasing the truffles of WA’s South West. Each dish on the exclusive menu is infused with the distinct flavour of the fresh, earthy delicacy. 1907’s usual winter a la carte menu is still available during this period, but the Black Truffle Menu will not disappoint.
W: 1907.com.au

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation
 

Have you felt the rush of the world’s largest tropical tides?
The King Sound is renowned for its 10m tides, which feed the world famous natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls. Cruise on a boat purpose designed for this type of experience and take in the Giant Tides of the Kimberley in style: see the standing waves and feel the force of the whirlpools in comfort and safety.
W: cygnetbaypearls.com.au

WA offers some of the world’s best attractions and accommodation
Kings Park War Memorial and Fremantle Prison have made TripAdvisor’s list of the top ten best landmarks in Australia. WA’s beaches were also celebrated with Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay and Cottesloe Beach ranking 2nd and 10th respectively in the Best Beaches in Australia category. As part of TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice awards, Kings Park was named the world’s 12th best park and Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay the world’s 19th best beach. WA’s highest ranking hotel in Australia was The Richardson Hotel, which came in 13th, along with Windmills Break, Yallingup and Cocos Beach Bungalows, Broome placing in the top 25 list of ‘small hotels’ in Australia.
W: tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice to view the full list.

Broome Full Moon Beach Walk returns in 2013
What better way to soak in the wonder of the coastline of Australia’s North West than a Broome Full Moon Beach Walk? The beautiful moonlit walk begins at Broome’s iconic Cable Beach and ends at Minyirr Park. At the end of the 5km walk guests can enjoy homemade soup and stories from acclaimed Australian writer Rhyll McMaster around a roaring camp fire. At the end of the evening a shuttle bus will return guests back to Cable Beach. 2013 dates include July 22, August 20, September 19 and October 18.
W: australiasnorthwest.com

Cruise through the Australian outback and enjoy huge savings with APT  
Explore the Kimberley for less on a small group 4WD tour and luxury cruise with APT. Book before 31 July this year and save up to $2,400 on the 26 day Kimberley Complete with Coastal Cruise itinerary, departing in May 2014. Enjoy a 4WD adventure along the iconic Gibb River Road, take a helicopter flight over spectacular Mitchell Falls, and tour the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park. The tour also takes in the Kimberley’s magnificent waterways on the luxury small ship, Ocean Discoverer, and the tropical pearling town of Broome – where the outback meets the ocean.
W: kimberleywilderness.com.au or see a travel agent.

Seashells Broome refurbishment
The award winning Seashells Broome has recently completed a refurbishment of its 4.5 star accommodation. Located 300 metres from Broome’s Cable Beach, Seashells Broome has revitalised all kitchens and bathrooms in its one, two and three bedroom apartments including new furnishings, fittings, and appliances. The fresh new look also promises to be more energy efficient. 
W: seashells.com.au

Feature: The world's best chefs gear up for an extraordinary Margaret River Gourmet Escape

Western Australia’s premier food and wine event, Margaret River Gourmet Escape, has announced its star studded line up including Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Alex Atala and Sat Bains aswell as Shane Osborn (St Betty, Hong Kong), Luke Dale­ Roberts (The Test Kitchen, Cape Town) and Al Brown (Depot Eatery, Auckland).
 

Joining Neil Perry in the Australian charge is Guillaume Brahimi, Tetsuya Wakuda, George Calombaris, Adriano Zumbo, Darren Robertson, Matt Wilkinson, Jock Zonfrillo, Adam D’Sylva and WA’s own Matt Stone, Tony Howell, Dany Angove, Aaron Carr and Nigel Harvey.

Gourmet Village at iconic Leeuwin Estate will remain as the heart of the festival, however a variety of new events have been added to the program to complement the popular events such as the Gourmet Beach BBQ at Smiths Beach also on offer last year.

A truly unique Australian experience, The Forager event is expected to be a new highlight. Set in the forest, diners will eat from a rare menu celebrating native ingredients as Wardandi man Josh Whiteland and chef Jock Zonfrillo share their stories, skills and know-how, unlocking the unique and delicious native flavours of the region. Guests will be amazed at the delicious edible plant and animal species found in the Western Australian bush and wonder at the healing properties of our native flora.

Famous for its exceptional food and wine, Margaret River is the only wine region in Australia that boasts beautiful beaches, spectacular tall tree forests, cave systems, incredible surfing, whale watching and wildflowers, making it an extraordinary holiday destination.

It is also the perfect base to explore the natural beauty, unique attractions and fresh produce of the South West corner of Western Australia. Margaret River is a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit gourmetescape.com.au for more information or check out highlights from last year. 

Other culinary events throughout the State to watch out for this year:

• A Taste of Broome (10 May-06 September)
• Good Food & Wine Show Perth (19-21 July)
• Gascoyne Food Festival (15-17 August)
• Shinju Matsuri Festival (13-22 September)
• Cambinata Yabbies Extravaganza (5 October)
• Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival (14-15 December)

See below listings for more information or visit westernaustralia.com/events.

Events
 

Tourism WA’s 2013 Events Calendar is now online at tourism.wa.gov.au/events

Country Cups - Opening to the Broome Race Season 
Until August 17
Set amongst large shady trees only a short distance from the famous Cable Beach, the Broome Cup displays competitive thoroughbred horseracing and thrilling entertainment to ensure a fun day for all. The tropical ‘dry season’ in Broome adds to the ambience of this unique annual event.
W: wacountrycups.com.au

 

Act Belong Commit Avon Descent
3 to 4 August
Each August for more than 40 years, competitors from across Australia and the world have tackled the white water rapids of the Avon and Swan rivers as part of the Avon Descent. This iconic homegrown WA event takes competitors on a gruelling 124km course in a variety of water craft.
W: avondescent.com.au

Gascoyne Food Festival
15 to 17 August
The Gascoyne Food Festival is a celebration of the abundant, fresh produce grown in the region. The event includes a growers market, cooking demonstrations, live music, ticketed long table lunch with celebrity chefs, and networking opportunities for industry.
W: gascoynefood.com.au

 

CinéfestOz
21 to 25 August
In its sixth year, CinéfestOz showcases the best of Australian and French films over a five day event. The festival draws a diverse audience and attracts filmmakers and actors from around Australia. Combined with great food, wine and music the region offers, CinéfestOz has become a must-attend event for film followers, filmmakers and film lovers.
W: cinefestoz.com

Chevron City to Surf for Activ
25 August
The largest sporting community event in Western Australia, the Chevron City to Surf for Activ incorporates a 4km walk/run/wheelchair, 12km walk/run, 21.1km half marathon and 42.2km marathon. The marathon discipline offers Australia’s richest prize pool and takes in some of Perth’s iconic locations, journeying along the banks of the Swan River, through picturesque Kings Park and finishing at City Beach, overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean.
W: perthcitytosurf.com

Perth Fashion Festival
11 to 16 September
Perth is fast becoming a fashion hot spot and with iconic events like the Perth Fashion Festival there’s little wonder why. Now in its 15th year, the festival sees fashionistas experiencing high fashion events at a range of unique venues. With world-class runway shows, styling workshops and fashion launches, the festival’s line-up keeps getting better.
W: perthfashionfestival.com.au

Shinju Matsuri
13 to 22 September
Shinju Matsuri meaning Festival of the Pearl is a celebration of the unique culture, history and diversity of Broome. With the resurrection of Sammy the Dragon, join the Broome community in experiencing the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ and many other activities during the 10 day festival.
W: shinjumatsuri.com.au

Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship – Qantas Wallabies vs Argentina
14 September
Test Rugby returns to Perth in 2013 with The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship when the Qantas Wallabies tackle Argentina at Patersons Stadium. It will be the first time Los Pumas play in Perth as part of the new championship that was introduced last year and, as the Qantas Wallabies’ final domestic Test for the season, it’s a game no rugby fan in Western Australia would want to miss.
W: rugby.com.au

Country Cups XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup
21 September
Experience an extraordinary day at the races in the outback town of Kalgoorlie. The XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup is one of the Goldfield’s most iconic events. With total prize money of $150,000, professional jockeys battle it out on the 2,300m track in an attempt to be crowned winner and take home the trophy.
W: wacountrycups.com.au

 

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

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

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