16 Jun 2014
In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations read about the celebrity chefs set to celebrate the start of WA's famed black truffle season, the line-up for this year's international golfing tournament the Perth International, the WA film which received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and the bumper whale watching season set for WA's South West. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, attractions, food, wine and events. What's hot Celebrity chefs to converge on Manjimup
A host of international and national food and wine celebrities and renowned chefs have confirmed their attendance at Manjimup's Truffle Kerfuffle to be held from June 27 to 29. The line-up includes Curtis Duffy from Chicago's Grace, Guy Grossi from Grossi Restaurants and Channel Seven's My Kitchen Rules, and local chefs Aaron Carr (Vasse Felix), Kate Lamont (Lamont's), David Coomer (Pata Negra and Xarcuteria), Kiren Mainwaring (Dear Friends and Co-op Dining), Hadleigh Troy (Restaurant Amuse), Michelle Forbes (The Trustee) and many more. Celebrating the region's lucrative truffle and wine industry, visitors can participate in a range of activities from master classes to truffle hunts, and attend long-table lunches and dinners. Manjimup, in WA's South West, produces more black truffle than the rest of Australia combined with the truffles being served in some of the world's best restaurants.
trufflekerfuffle.com.au
Perth International to deliver strongest ever field
Reigning US PGA Champion and world number 16, Jason Dufner, has confirmed his return to Western Australia for the 2014 Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from October 23 to 26 . Dufner won his first Major Championship last August at Oak Hill in Rochester, NY and will return to Perth after finishing second in the inaugural event in 2012. He will be joined in the field by the charismatic and talented 24 year old Frenchman, Victor Dubuisson. Dubuisson is currently the number 1 player on the European Ryder Cup Points list; number 5 on the Race to Dubai Rankings and number 20 in the world rankings. Lake Karrinyup Country Club is widely acknowledged as Western Australia's premier private golf club and has been regularly rated as one of the top ten golf courses in Australia. Ticket information will be announced shortly.
perthinternational.com
WA film makes international premiere at Cannes
A feature film made in Western Australia received a standing ovation at its international premiere at the Director's Fortnight, a section held in parallel with the Festival de Cannes. These Final Hours tells the story of a troubled young man who makes his way to the party-to-end-all-parties on the last day on Earth, but ends up saving the life of a little girl searching for her father. Their relationship ultimately leads him on the path to redemption. The films writer/director Zak Hilditch and producer Liz Kearney have joined an impressive list of world-renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Spike Lee and Sofia Coppola, all of whom had films showcased at the Directors' Fortnight early in their careers. These Final Hours will be released in Australian cinemas on July 31.
screenwest.wa.gov.au
Red Dog becomes 'blue' in new movie
A new movie about the legendary Australian canine Red Dog, will begin filming in the Pilbara region in WA's North West, later this year. The original Red Dog story was based on the canine's life in the 1970's, when Red Dog hitched rides and travelled by foot through the Pilbara, adopting people and uniting the community along the way. The new movie, Blue Dog, will explore the early events leading up to Red Dog's discovery, and his ultimate rise from ordinary dog to Australian legend. Like Red Dog, Blue Dog will showcase WA's extraordinary landscapes and filming locations. Red Dog earned more than $21 million at the box office, making it the ninth highest grossing Australian film of all time - it was also the highest selling Australian DVD of all time.
screenwest.wa.gov.au
Feast for music lovers in WA's North West
Port Hedland in WA's North West is gearing up to welcome high profile bands and music lovers for the North West Festival in August. The Dandy Warhols, Wolfmother, Missy Higgins, Illy, Violent Soho, Aston Shuffle, Ball Park Music are just some of the bands announced, who will perform in Port Hedland on the weekend of August 22 and 23. Along with the two nights of live music and entertainment, there's an acoustic sundowner on the Sunday evening and free camping. Single, multi-day and gold tickets are available from moshtix.com.au. northwestfestival.com.au
Perth's festival of fashion set for September
Western Australia's biggest week of fashion, the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival, will take place from September 17 to 22. Perth Fashion Concepts Incorporated (PFCI) announced Telstra as the festival's first naming rights sponsor. The five-year agreement with Telstra will enable PFCI to continue to present a world-class celebration of fashion, showcasing the work of talented Western Australian designers to national and international markets. 2014 marks the 16th anniversary of the festival, which will see around 30 events for fashion savvy Western Australians and visitors to the State.
perthfashionfestival.com.au
Perth's Winter Arts Season
The City of Perth's 2014 Winter Arts Season will lure culture vultures on the promise of three months of theatre, music, opera, comedy, cabaret, dance, film, literature, family events and visual arts. Presenting a range of emerging and established artists, the tenth Winter Arts Season will run from June to August at a variety of venues around Perth city, from His Majesty's Theatre and the State Theatre Centre to rooftop bars and public open spaces. There's also a Winter Supper Club, which will be held on the last Friday in June, July and August at the under-croft and foyer of the Perth Town Hall - it will offer a colourful food market with some of Perth's favourite street food vendors, and live entertainment. visitperthcity.com
Kalyakoorl - a journey into Noongar language
2013 WA Music Industry Awards Indigenous Act of the Year, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse have launched their new album, Kalyakoorl. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Crank Studios with Lee Buddle (Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber and Katie Noonan), the title track Kalyakoorl means 'forever' and is about custodial responsibility. Evocative Noongar vocals inspired by personal history are performed by Gina and are perfectly complemented by talented guitarist, Guy.
ginawilliams.com.au
Pete Evans brings Healthy Everyday to Fraser Suites Perth
Australian celebrity and paleo chef Pete Evans will soon take up the role of consultant chef and chief menu designer across all aspects of dining at Fraser Suites Perth. A range of menus have been designed by Evans for the hotel's restaurant, which is set to officially re-launch with a new look and name in July. Keeping with Evans' food philosophies, the food offerings will be designed to provide guests with healthy and thoughtfully crafted food, appealing to a range of palates. The menus will feature seasonal, organic and local produce where possible with WA growers like Kununurra watermelons, Mount Barker free range chicken and Dandaragan organic beef from Margaret River. Fraser Suites Perth is located just outside Perth's central business district and offers five-star short and long term accommodation with 236 studio, one and two bedroom apartments.
perth.frasershospitality.com
American bar & bbq for Perth city
Old Faithful Bar & BBQ is a new addition to Perth's wining and dining scene, with the venue officially opening on King Street. Located in the central business district, the bar serves barbecue meats inspired by America's south, slow cooked in smoke ovens, matched with Australian craft beers, wines from around the world and cocktails. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 12noon, and Saturday and Sunday from 5pm. The owners are also behind Ezra Pound, one of the first small bar's to be opened in Northbridge, just out of Perth city.
facebook.com/oldfaithfulbar
Raving about Brika
Brika is another new addition to Perth's wining and dining scene and has received rave reviews since its summer opening. Describing itself as Perth's first authentic meze bar with quality Greek inspired drinks and rustic dishes, and a range of ouzo, Brika is located just on the outskirts of Perth's central business district in Stirling Street, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12noon.
brika.com.au
New chef at Opus
Travis Collins has been appointed as the new Executive Chef at The Richardson Hotel's Opus restaurant. He has introduced his new A La Carte dinner menu, which includes the best of WA's produce such as Mount Barker chicken, Stockyard grain-fed beef and local seafood.
Opus also specialises in degustation menus on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Richardson is a five-star boutique hotel with 74 rooms and suites providing luxury accommodation, and is located in West Perth, just on the outskirts of Perth's central business district.
therichardson.com.au
Return of the Fremantle Truffle Festival
Fremantle Markets will be hosting its second annual truffle festival, set to take place on Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6. The festival celebrates local produce and growers, and showcases WA truffles supplied by Great Southern Truffles. Highlights of the festival include a long table truffle dinner, a truffle picnic, tastings, cooking demonstrations and talks. Fremantle Markets are located in Fremantle, a 20 minute drive south of Perth city.
fremantlemarkets.com.au
Tours, attractions and accommodation
Explore the Kimberley with El Questro's new tours
El Questro Wilderness Park has re-opened for the 2014 season and is offering a range of new experiences to explore the spectacular million-acre property in WA's North West. A Cessna 210 aircraft will be based at El Questro Station for the exclusive use of guests, offering scenic flights over waterfalls, gorges and the World-Heritage listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Kimberley Air Tours will operate the flights, which vary in duration and price. Scenic aeroplane transfers from Kununurra Airport to El Questro are also available.
Guests opting to explore the area by four-wheel drive can take part in a new Tag-Along 4WD tour following the Cockburn Circuit, a stunning 133-kilometre round trip from the Gibb River Road and El Questro turn-off, passing the majestic Cockburn Ranges. And for those guests seeking a little indulgence, Emma Gorge Resort will be offering a daily afternoon Kimberley High Tea.
El Questro Wilderness Park has four different types of accommodation, ranging from the internationally acclaimed El Questro Homestead to Emma Gorge Resort, the Station Bungalows and Riverside Campground. New permanent tents have been erected in the Black Cockatoo campground at El Questro Station, allowing people to camp in style without having to bring equipment. Tents include freshly made beds, bedside lamps, fan, outdoor dining and a daily housekeeping service.
elquestro.com.au
Ogle Perth Zoo's orangutans up close
Ape aficionados are now able to get closer to orangutans at the Perth Zoo, thanks to a new two-metre high boardwalk around the enclosure. Built using renewable and recycled materials, the $3.6 million exhibit has a rainforest atmosphere and features four extra vertical poles linked to the main towers with climbing ropes, encouraging the orangutans to spend more time up high. The boardwalk has a Jungle School theme, reflecting Perth Zoo's work in preparing suitable zoo-born orangutans for release into a jungle sanctuary in Sumatra, Indonesia.
perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Year-round cruising from Fremantle
Princess Cruises has released its 2015-16 cruise schedules, with the Sun Princess set to be based in Fremantle from November 2015 to March 2016, offering 11 different cruises to and from the port. The new cruises will combine with a record winter Fremantle season for Princess Cruises, with Sun Princess's sister ships, Dawn and Sea Princess sailing on 12 itineraries from the port from April to October 2015. Princess Cruises expect to carry more than 45,000 passengers to and from Fremantle from April 2015 to March 2016, generating an estimated $20 million for the local economy.
princess.com
Wildflower walks
As WA's wildflower season gets underway, Stirling Range Retreat in WA's South West will soon be offering daily tours to wildflower hot spots in the region. The Hidden Treasures Orchid and Wildflower Bus Tours will depart at 9am every day from August 15 to October 31. Stirling Range Retreat will also run Dawn and Dusk Bird Walks, which will depart every day at 8am and 3pm from September 7 to October 25 - more than 62 bird species can be found around the retreat during this time. Stirling Range Retreat offers self-contained accommodation, caravan and camping facilities beside Stirling Range National Park, which is rich with wildflowers and other flora - there are at least 87 endemic plants growing in the region, that can't be found anywhere else in the world. WA boasts the world's biggest collection of wildflowers, with more than 12,000 species to be found across the State from June until November.
stirlingrange.com.au
Golden era for new-look Perth Mint
The Perth Mint has unveiled the second stage of its $5.5 million redevelopment with a new, permanent exhibition featuring a $50 million one tonne gold coin. The Australian Kangaroo gold coin, recognised as the largest coin ever made by Guinness World Records, is the centrepiece of the new exhibition. The exhibition also includes a display of more than $25 million worth of natural and refined gold, a chance to hold a solid gold bar worth more than $500,000, gold pours, the minting of Australian precious metal coins, and a multimedia heritage tour. The Perth Mint was established as a branch of Britain's Royal Mint in 1899 and is one of the oldest mints in the world still operating from its original premies. perthmint.com.au/visit
New Mandarin and German audio tours of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Mandarin, German and English audio tours are now available at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta in WA's South West. Visitors can listen to the stories of lighthouse keepers, hear about the area's extreme weather conditions and learn about the cape's shipwreck history while exploring the historic precinct at their own pace. The audio tours cater to two of the region's largest international markets and provide a cost-effective tour option for people who don't wish to climb the lighthouse tower.
margaretriver.com
Bag a barra or saddle up at Home Valley Station
Located in WA's East Kimberley region in the North West, Home Valley Station has launched two new tours for its 2014 season. The Full Day Horseback Adventure tour will take guests along original stock routes of the 1800s, passing savannah plains, rocky ridgelines and pristine riverbanks. The Boat Fishing and Croc Spotting Safari is an intimate guided experience fishing for 'big barra' and spotting resident saltwater crocodiles. Home Valley Station is a working cattle station, offering a wide range of accommodation options including the premium level Grass Castles, the Homestead Guesthouse Rooms and safari-style Eco Tents. hvstation.com.au
Upgrades grant 4.5-star rating for Eco Beach
Recently refurbished Eco Beach Resort has achieved a 4.5-star rating. Located south of Broome in WA's North West, the multi-award-winning resort has been refreshed with a facelift to Jack's Bar and Restaurant, refurbishments in the Beach House's, a new playground, and new interpretive centre focusing on Aboriginal history, culture and bush tucker. ecobeach.com.au
Aussie Wanderer branching from Broome to Darwin
Western Australian tour operator, Aussie Wanderer, will soon offer a four-wheel-drive tour from Broome to Darwin (or reverse). The 8-day Top End Explorer offers an affordable tour for people to travel across the Kimberley via the Gibb River Road to Darwin. The tour includes camping in swags or a tent at Silent Grove, Mt Elizabeth Homestead, El Questro Station, the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle Tourist Village and Victoria River. The 8-day Broome to Darwin tour will depart every Wednesday from June 11 to 15 October and the eight-day Darwin to Broome tour will depart every Saturday from July 5 to September 27.
aussiewanderer.com.au
Feature - Augusta gears up for bumper whale watching season
Visitors can prepare for what is expected to be another bumper whale watching season in Western Australia's South West, with local tour boat operators Albatross, All Sea, Naturaliste and Legend Charters officially starting tours in Augusta's Flinders Bay in the Margaret River region.
Up to 35,000 Humpback and Southern Right Whales, and even the occasional rare Blue Whale, travel through the waters of the Margaret River Region on their northern migration.
Terri Mitchell from Albatross Charters said it was an extremely exciting time of year.
"As the whales move into Flinders Bay, we are fortunate enough to see some of the most spectacular activity displayed anywhere in Australia, and even world-wide," Ms Mitchell said.
"What's so unique about whale watching in the South West is that Flinders Bay in Augusta is the first port of call for the whales on their northern migration from Antarctica.
"Marine biologists have studied the whales' behaviour in the South West and realised that they stop in Flinders Bay for 'partner picking' - then they continue their journey to the North West."
Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association CEO Pip Close encouraged all visitors and locals to jump aboard a whale watching tour this season.
"Whale watching is a superb way to experience the beautiful natural environment of the Margaret River Region - it's an iconic winter experience," Ms Close said.
"Augusta is a beautiful part of the world and whale watching is a great reason to head down to explore Cape Leeuwin and the Augusta area.
"Whales can often be spotted from the top of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse or through the binoculars in the lighthouse grounds - a great option if you don't have your sea legs!
"What's great about the whale season here is that it starts at the southern end of the region in Flinders Bay, Augusta, then the whales move north and can be spotted in Geographe Bay off Dunsborough and Busselton later in the year - resulting in an incredible six month whale watching season."
Paul Szczypior from All Sea Charters advised that although the Humpbacks give birth up north, the Southern Right Whales breed in Flinders Bay.
"We've seen Southern Rights nursing their calfs just behind the breakers," Mr Szczypior said.
"Every tour is different - you never know what you might see - last year we had a very friendly young male who we named George, who loved to see the boats, the odd Minke Whale and even a Blue Whale.
"There's always plenty of marine life in Augusta - seals, dolphins, schooling fish, tonnes of birdlife, and good views of the lighthouse and stunning rugged coastline."
Whale watching tours depart from Flinders Bay Boat Ramp in Augusta and can be booked at the Margaret River or Augusta Visitor Centres. For more information, or to book a whale watching or lighthouse tour, visit margaretriver.com, call +61 8 9780 5911 or email welcome@margaretriver.com.
July
Revelation Perth International Film Festival
July 3-13, Perth
The Revelation Perth International Film Festival introduces new, ground-breaking national and international films, live music and powerful performances to audiences of all ages. More than 100 films are presented at cinemas, galleries, cafes and bars across Perth during the festival, attracting approximately 10,000 patrons.
revelationfilmfest.org
Wyndham Stars on the Bastion
July 5, Wyndham
A night of fine dining and entertainment by some of Australia's top country music singers, set on top of the spectacular Bastion Range. Rachel Dillon and Glen Bitmead have confirmed they will return for the 2014 event.
wyndhamstarsonthebastion.org.au
A Taste of Broome
July 25, August 14, September 12, Broome
A Taste of Broome is a unique multi-arts performance and cuisine experience created around the distinctive Indigenous culture within Broome's multicultural community. Promoting the vibrant soul that is the essence of Broome's identity, the event showcases music, media, dance, food, arts and crafts, tradition and heritage. A monthly event during the peak tourism season, visitors will experience the food and culture that has made Broome an iconic destination.
goolarri.com/atob
August
Avon Descent
August 2-3, Northam to Perth
White water rapids of the Avon and Swan Rivers attract international and domestic competitors to the Avon Descent each year. Participants tackle 124 kilometres of rapids and flat water from Northam to Perth, passing gorges, forests, farms and wineries on their adrenaline-fuelled two-day journey.
avondescent.com.au
Country Cups: Broome racing season
Now until mid-August, Broome
The exotic pearling town of Broome in WA's North West hosts a nine-week racing season, culminating with the Broome Cup Carnival. The week starts with the Cable Sounds Concert with Paul Kelly on August 10, Ladies Day on August 12 and concludes with the Broome Cup on August 16. There's also the Kimberley Cup on August 2.
wacountrycups.com.au/events
Cinéfest Oz
August 20-24, Busselton
Cinéfest Oz will return to WA's South West to show a blend of Australian and French premiere films, events, industry workshops and star-studded red carpet gala nights. Film makers, film stars and film buffs are invited to immerse themselves in short films, documentaries and community screenings presented in Busselton, Bunbury and Margaret River over five days.
cinefestoz.com
North West Festival
August 22-24, Port Hedland
Port Hedland in WA's North West is gearing up to welcome high profile bands and music lovers for the North West Festival in August. The Dandy Warhols, Wolfmother, Missy Higgins, Illy, Violent Soho, Aston Shuffle, Ball Park Music and just some of the bands announced, who will perform in Port Hedland on the weekend of August 22 and 23. Along with the two nights of live music and entertainment, there's an acoustic sundowner on the Sunday evening and free camping. Single, multi-day and gold tickets are available from moshtix.com.au. northwestfestival.com.au
Chevron City to Surf for Activ
August 31, Perth
Western Australia's largest sporting event is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a fancy dress theme. Chevron City to Surf for Activ competitors are encouraged to don retro attire to participate in the four-kilometre walk, run or wheelchair event, 12-kilometre walk or run, half marathon or marathon.
perthcitytosurf.com
September
Shinju Matsuri
September 5 to 14, Broome
Japanese for Festival of the Pearl, the event celebrates the unique culture, history and diversity of the exotic pearling town of Broome in WA's North West. Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community share with the world this beautiful locale and the people who call it home. shinjumatsuri.com.au
The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship - Qantas Wallabies v South Africa Springboks September 6, Perth
The Qantas Wallabies tackle the South African Springboks at Patersons Stadium, as part of the Castrol EDGE Rudgby Championship. It's the third championship series, and will be an opportunity for Australia to claim victories against world-class opposition.
rugby.com.au
Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100
September 6, Dwellingup
Throughout the picturesque town of Dwellingup, bike riders push themselves to the limit in challenging one of three distances - 100, 40 or 14 kilometres. There are plenty of activities at the 'event village', including the Dwellingup Bush Dance After Party where riders can relax and unwind after an action packed day.
dwellingup100.com.au
Telstra Perth Fashion Festival
September 17 to 22, Perth
Western Australia's biggest week of fashion, which will showcase the work of talented WA designers to national and international markets with around 30 events. perthfashionfestival.com.au
Australasian Safari
September 19-27, Perth, Golden Outback, Coral Coast and North West
The Australasian Safari is considered one of the toughest and most challenging motoring events in the world. Competitors come from all over Australia and the world to compete in more than 3,500 kilometres of off-road racing over seven tough days. The race will take competitors through Perth, the Coral Coast, Golden Outback and North West, finishing in the coastal town of Kalbarri.
australasiansafari.com.au
Country Cups - XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup
September 20, Kalgoorlie
The Kalgoorlie Race Round features the Boulder Cup, Hannans Handicup and culminates in one of the Goldfield's most iconic events, the Kalgoorlie Cup. As well as the excitement of the races, race goers can enjoy a concert, a picnic day, the traditional game of two-up, as well as other activities.
wacountrycups.com.au
For more information about Western Australian, including events, visit westernaustralia.com.
For images, visit Tourism WA's image library, imagegallery.tourism.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Jayde Little - jayde.little@westernaustralia.com
