In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations, read about the fashion icon heading to Perth for the Perth Fashion Festival, the WA faces and locations shining on the fashion scene, the Indigenous tour operator heading to Copenhagen to talk about bush foods, and learn why WA's screen industry is thriving. There's also the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

 

What's Hot?   

 

2013 Perth Fashion Festival on its way
Fashion icon Cameron Silver is coming to Perth for WA's largest annual premier fashion event, the 2013 Perth Fashion Festival. Silver is known as the godfather of the vintage fashion movement and was named one of the world's most influential figures in fashion by Time Magazine. Owner of Decades, a high-end boutique in Los Angeles, Silver has dressed celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Lady Gaga. Silver will witness collections from some of the biggest names in WA's fashion industry, such as Flannel, One Fell Swoop and Ruth Tarvydas. The festival's program was launched earlier this week, and is set to feature 35 events with more than 100 designers. It runs from September 11 to 16.
W: www.perthfashionfestival.com.au

 

WA faces and locations shining on the fashion scene
Perth model Jessica Gomes is the new face of David Jones, replacing supermodel Miranda Kerr. The Perth-raised beauty made her catwalk debut for the retailer at its spring/summer launch. Meanwhile, WA's El Questro Wilderness Park,located in the stunning  Kimberley region in the State's north west , is the star of retailer Myer's new season advertising campaign. Myer chose El Questro as its location with superstar models Jennifer Hawkins and Kris Smith apparently 'wowed by the extraordinary landscape. Watch Myer's 'behind the scenes' video, and see some of the images on its Facebook page and website. Finally, Megan Gale, another of Perth's modelling success stories chose the exotic pearling town of Broome as the location to shoot her latest catalogue for her swimwear label ISOLA. The shoot featured another Perth model and now an international success, Nicole Trunfio. Gale said the experience was a 'dream come true'.

Josh Whiteland to speak at Copenhagen global food convention
WA's Josh Whiteland, owner/operator of Koomal Dreaming based in the State's South West region, has been invited to speak at the 2013 MAD food symposium in Copenhagen. Josh was invited by international chef Rene Redzepi (of renowned restaurant Noma), following last year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape when Josh took Rene and a host of other international chefs foraging for bush foods. MAD is an annual gathering of international chefs and food names. Josh is currently appearing in the Recipes that Rock series which was filmed in the Margaret River region last year, and will be a part of this year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape, on from November 22 to 24. Koomal Dreaming runs Aboriginal cultural tours at a range of locations across the region.
W: www.koomaldreaming.com.au

 

Lifestyle and culture

Tourism WA's adopted whale shark named after teenage tumour victim
A seven metre male whale shark tagged in the Ningaloo Marine Park and 'adopted' by Tourism WA has been named 'Boo Boo' in honour of a 15 year-old Perth boy who died six months ago from a brain tumour. Trent D'Silva swam with the whale sharks at Ningaloo last year as a wish after he was diagnosed with the tumour. Trent's family saw the competition and entered the name 'Boo Boo', the nickname Trent was given by his sister, as a way to remember the courageous teenager. The whale shark was 'adopted' in partnership with whale shark research and conservation organisation ECOCEAN with a satellite tag placed on 'Boo Boo' which was captured on film. For more about 'Boo Boo' and ECOCEAN's whale shark research, read the media release.

 

Tourism WA has also developed a Facebook app to show ECOCEAN's research and conservation efforts, as well as enable the agency's Facebook community to share whale shark experiences. Whale sharks visit the warm waters of Ningaloo Reef each year between April and July, during which time visitors can swim with them on dedicated eco tours departing from Exmouth and Coral Bay.
W: www.westernaustralia.com

Tennis champions choose Perth to begin their 2014 season
Top ranking tennis players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marion Bartoli are the first team announced for the 2013 Hyundai Hopman Cup. Bartoli, current world No. 7 and Tsonga, current world No. 8 will be representing France and say Perth is the best preparation. Newly crowned Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli who also has eight WTA singles titles says she has only heard good things about playing at Perth Arena. Tickets and packages go on sale October 2.
W: www.hopmancup.com

 

Celebrating 30 years of WA fashion icon Aurelio Costarella
The WA Museum will celebrate the 30 year career of influential WA fashion design icon Aurelio Costarella from November 2. In the free Aurelio Costarella: A 30 Year Retrospective, Costarella's incredible pieces will be presented throughout the museum with celebrity gowns perched on top of antique showcases and arranged among the museum's butterfly and skeleton collections. Covering more than three decades of experience in dressing local, national and international personalities, the exhibition will not only show Aurelio's journey, but how Perth has evolved into a bold, confident and discerning location for fashion. The exhibition will run until February 2, 2014.
W: www.museum.wa.gov.au

 

Kings Park Festival celebrates 50 years
Perth's Kings Park is one of the world's largest inner-city parks, and this year its month-long festival is celebrating its 50th birthday - 50 years of flower power. It's a chance to see some spectacular wildflowers in the gardens and along the bushland trails, with a bunch of activities on offer including live music, children's activities, guided walks and more. The festival runs from September 1 to 30, 2013.
W: www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/festival

 

Food and Wine

WA wine wins award at national competition
Singlefile Wines, a WA boutique, family run winery, has been named Dark Horse Wine of the Year in the inaugural James Halliday Australian Wine Companion Awards. The Dark Horse category aims to bring attention to some of the lesser known wineries producing some of Australia's finest wine. Singlefile Wines is located in Denmark in  WA's south west, roughly a five hour drive south of Perth or a 45 minute drive west of Albany. The region boasts some of WA's most spectacular tourist and natural attractions such as the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, spectacular wildflower displays and unspoiled coastline. Denmark and its surrounding areas have a cool climate well suited to growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon varieties, The Singlefile Wines cellar door is open every day from 11am to 5pm for tastings.
W: www.singlefilewines.com

 

Print Hall takes home record number of awards
After opening just 12 months ago Print Hall bar and dining room stole the show at the 2013 National Wine List of the Year awards. The awards seek to find Australia's most well-crafted wine lists. Print Hall won Best New List, Best Aperitif List, Best Restaurant List (Metro), Best Western Australian List and the top gong, National Wine List of the Year. Showcasing around 1,550 of the world's best wines, including a focus on WA wines, Print Hall's winning wine list was created by sommelier Daniel Wegener, who also won the prestigious Judy Hirst Award for creating the top list.  Print Hall is Perth's first multi-level dining and bar precinct with four levels of culinary and refined drinking options. Perth's Rockpool Bar & Grill was also praised at the awards winning Best Wine by the Glass List and Best Digestif List.
W: www.printhall.com.au

www.rockpool.com/rockpool-bar-and-grill-perth

 

Crown Perth adds new restaurant to dining portfolio
Crown Perth has added premier flagship Chinese restaurant Silks to its already impressive array of dining experiences. Silks is now the largest restaurant at Crown Perth with five private dining rooms, including a sky dining room with panoramic views of Perth city and the Swan River. Master of Chinese cuisine Pat Cheong will lead the kitchen team, and guests can expect an array of authentic Cantonese and multi-regional dishes. There's also a dedicated dim sum menu, and a traditional Chinese tea menu.
W: www.crownperth.com.au
Link: http://www.crownperth.com.au/restaurants/premium/silks/about

More wining and dining in Mount Lawley
Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, one of Perth's hip inner city precincts, has seen the recent opening of several new eateries. The Mary Street Bakery is an artisan bakery and café offering a range of sweet and savoury products; Solomon's Café features quality organic and free range foods; Circa restaurant is serving European inspired fare; and sweet connoisseur Rochelle Adonis has opened her new store which is quickly becoming the premier destination for cakes, confections, high teas, cooking classes, dessert degustations, bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, nougat and ice cream.

 

Northbridge given an American twist with The Old Crow
The hip inner city precinct of Northbridge, only a short walk from the Perth CBD, has welcomed another addition to its bar and dining scene with the opening of The Old Crow. Set in a refurbished, heritage listed cottage, The Old Crow is a funky new venue with a menu that boasts southern American flavours from former Cantina 663 chef Ben Atkinson. Northbridge is Perth's cultural hub and is home to a vast array of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and boutiques, and to the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum, State Library of WA, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, State Theatre Centre and more. Northbridge is easily accessible by the free Blue Cat bus, taxi or a short stroll.
www.facebook.com/theoldcrowperth

 

Olive Farm Wines celebrates its 80th anniversary
Located in Perth's Swan Valley, the oldest wine making region in WA, Olive Farm Wines has been making a diverse range of wines since 1933 and is now celebrating its 80th anniversary. Owned and run by the Yurisich family for four generations, the winery has released limited release Commemorative Port Barrels available for purchase. Olive Farm Wines also offer a series of wine and cheese pairing master classes at its purpose built café - The Cheese Barrel - that offers farmhouse and artisan cheeses. Sample their extensive wine range of over 25 different wines at their cellar door.
W: www.olivefarmwines.com

 

Margaret River favourite expands to Perth's Swan Valley
Margaret River Providore has expanded its operations into the historic Swan Valley with a brand new tasting centre. Housed in a spectacular, purpose built facility alongside its sister-business, The Margaret River Chocolate Company, the Providore features specific food tasting counters for staff to talk about food ideas and explain how to use the exciting and unusual ingredients available. Established in Margaret River in 2005, the original Providore combines an organic olive grove, orchard and vegetable gardens, large free range chicken pen with expansive vineyards. Offering  a variety of free wine, chocolate liqueur and food tastings the Providore in the Swan Valley is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
W: www.providore.com.au/home

Rottnest Lodge Wine Dinner Series 2013
After the success of its launch in 2012, the Rottnest Lodge wine dinner series has returned in 2013 to offer an evening of exquisite food and wine set against the backdrop of Perth's favourite island getaway. The five-course degustation dinner is perfectly matched with featured wine and includes an audience with the wine maker. Upcoming evenings showcasing WA wineries include Vasse Felix on August 24, Cullen Wines on September 21, and Howard Park on November 9. The package includes the wine dinner evening, overnight accommodation at the Lodge, fully cooked breakfast and ferry transfers to and from Fremantle.
W: www.rottnestlodge.com.au

 

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation

 

A Glamorous Liaison
Two luxury WA products have teamed up to offer a weekend of glamour in Perth. The Terrace Hotel, Perth's newest luxury, boutique hotel and Kailis pearls have created A Glamorous Liaison, a two night accommodation package with a VIP Kailis Pearl experience that includes a pearl appreciation class and a $500 voucher to use toward any in store purchase.
W: www.terracehotelperth.com.au

 

Adventure World announces the latest attraction for summer 2013
Perth's adventure theme park Adventure World has unveiled its new attraction - a $12 million rollercoaster that is the first of its kind in Australia and is set to push thrill seekers to their limits. With a peak of around 30 metres above ground the rollercoaster reaches speeds of over 85 kilometres per hour, and will take joy riders from -1 to 4.5 G Forces, a thrust greater that that experienced during a space shuttle launch. The new rollercoaster will open this November and will also operate at night. Set against the picturesque Bibra Lake, Adventure World is around 20 minutes from the CBD and is easily accessible by car, train or bus.
W: www.adventureworld.net.au

 

The Mantra Frangipani blooms in Broome
Mantra has recently rebranded The Frangipani Resort in Broome. Located in WA's North West, the resort is within walking distance of the pristine white sands of Cable Beach and popular restaurants and cafes.  Developed in stunning contemporary Broome style, the Mantra Frangipani Broome offers a perfect holiday getaway for families and couples with the town centre and Broome International Airport a 10 minute drive away. Guests can enjoy a tranquil retreat in their choice of one, two and three bedroom full self-contained apartments with private open air showers. Resort facilities include two large designer swimming pools with flowing waterfalls and BBQ areas. Multiple daily flights operate from Perth to Broome, and travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.
W: http://www.mantra.com.au/western-australia/australias-north-west/broome/accommodation/mantra-frangipani-broome/

WA's diverse landscapes showcased by screen industry

A number of exciting film projects are currently underway in Western Australia, with many of them not only showcasing WA's talented local screen industry, but the State's extraordinary landscapes. 

The film adaption of WA author Tim Winton's The Turning, has seen six of its 'chapters' filmed in WA. Produced by Robert Connolly (Balibo, Underground: The Julian Assange Story) and Maggie Miles, The Turning sees some of Australia's most acclaimed directors, actors and screenwriters vividly bringing to life Tim Winton's best-selling short stories. Featuring contributions from David Wenham, Mia Wasikowska, Justin Kurzel and appearances from Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Miranda Otto, Susie Porter, Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving, The Turning recently made its premiere as the centrepiece gala at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). theturningmovie.com.au

The WA chapters of the film will also be showcased to a WA audience at the upcoming CinesfestOz Film Festival which is on in Busselton from August 21 to 25, 2013. Cinefest OZ is an annual film festival that showcases the best of Australian and international film featuring screenings, filmmaker forums, premiere and gala events.  Celebrated Australian actor, Jack Thompson has been announced as this year's Screen Legend and will join director and actress, Rachel Ward, who will present the world premiere of the ABC Production, An Accidental Soldier, also filmed in WA, as part of the festival line-up. http://cinefestoz.com/

Feature film These Final Hours,from talented Perth creative team, writer/director Zak Hilditch and producer Liz Kearney, was filmed earlier this year in Perth and also premiered at MIFF. These Final Hours follows Jameswho, while making his way to the party to end all parties on the last day on Earth, ends up saving the life of a little girl searching for her father, leading him on the path to redemption. The film stars Nathan Phillips (Wolf Creek), Daniel Henshall (Snowtown), Jessica De Gouw (Kath & Kimderella), Sarah Snook (Not Suitable for Children) and newcomer, Angourie Rice (Transmission). The film will have its WA premiere at CinefestOz.

This year has also seen the Australian release of Drift, starring WA raised, Hollywood heartthrob Sam Worthington, Xavier Samuels and WA's Myles Pollard (McLeod's Daughters, X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The surfing drama premiered in Margaret River, Australia and attracted significant international interest after screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Filmed in WA's South West, Drift is set in the 1960s and 1970s and showcases the beauty and the drama of the WA coastline. Drift was produced by award-winning Australian film director/producer, Tim Duffy (Let's Talk About Sex) and the screenplay is by Australian actor, writer, producer and director Morgan O'Neill (Sea Patrol, Water Rats, Solo), who also directs the film with Ben Nott and executive producer, WA's Joan Peters. www.driftthemovie.com

 

Ewan McGregor was recently in WA filming crime-thriller, Son of a Gun. McGregor spent time in Perth and Kalgoorlie filming before experiencing the extraordinary Kimberley region. The film is the debut feature for award-winning short filmmaker Julius Avery.

And in another recent exciting development, English funny man Simon Pegg is coming to WA in 2013 to begin filming a new movie. Shooting begins on thriller Kill Me Tree Times in Perth in mid-September. Kill Me Tree Times is directed by Australian Kriv Stenders (Red Dog).

Visit www.screenwest.wa.gov.au

EVENTS

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

August Events

Gascoyne Food Festival
August 15 to 17
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: www.gascoynefood.com.au

CinéfestOz
August 21 to 25
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: www.cinefestoz.com

North West Festival
August 24
The North West Festival will be held at the Port Hedland Turf Club on August 24. The line-up includes Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, 360, Grinspoon, The Black Seeds (NZ), Bluejuice, Abbe May and Vance Joy. Average August temperatures are around 30 degrees making it the perfect excuse to escape the cold winter weather.
W: www.northwestfestival.com.au

Chevron City to Surf for Activ
August 25
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: www.perthcitytosurf.com

September events

Perth Fashion Festival
September 11 to 16
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: www.perthfashionfestival.com.au

Shinju Matsuri
September 13 to 22
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: www.shinjumatsuri.com.au

Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship - Qantas Wallabies vs Argentina
September 14
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: www.rugby.com.au

 

Country Cups XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup
September 21
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: www.wacountrycups.com.au

October events

Perth International
17 to 20 October
Some of the best players on the European, Australasian and American PGA tours will descend on Lake Karrinyup Country Club for the Perth International golf championship. Co-sanctioned by PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour, the Perth International is Australia's richest golf tournament and an event not to be missed by golf fans.
W: www.perthinternational.com

International Super Series Hockey 9's
October 17 to 20
This exciting and fast paced event is hockey's answer to Twenty20 cricket. The International Super Series Hockey 9's will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium between Australian Men's and Women's teams and other top hockey nations.
W: www.hockey.org.au

Cape to Cape MTB
24 to 27 October
Set to a majestic South West backdrop of pristine beaches, rocky landscapes and luscious forests, the Cape to Cape MTB is a fast-paced four-day mountain bike race from Augusta to Dunsborough. The event is suitable for all levels of riders and provides a great way to explore the South West region.
W: www.capetocapemtb.com

November events

Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Race
November 3
Recognised as the world's biggest adventure race, the Adventure Race sees pairs, teams and individuals take on a gruelling 62.9km course incorporating trail run, ocean swim, kayak and mountain bike legs. The event also offers a half-distance 'mini' race designed for beginners and intermediate competitors and a 'junior survivor' race for kids aged 5-13 years.
W: www.rapidascent.com.au
 
SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Mandurah - Australian Pro Championship
November 10
Australia's IRONMAN 70.3 event sees competitors take on a demanding 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run through Mandurah's beautiful waterways, foreshore and city centre. A qualifier for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in the USA, the 2013 event offers US$50,000 prize money as well as 30 exclusive qualifying slots for the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii.
W: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman-70.3/mandurah.aspx#axzz2bGkdojlo

Margaret River Gourmet Escape
November 22 to 24
Margaret River, known for its world-class surf, beautiful beaches, quality vineyards and premium produce, will play host to Australia's most extraordinary food and wine event. Attracting a five-star line up of international and local chefs, foodies and wine critics, the festival offers an extensive program of intimate food events that will showcase the best wine and produce from around Western Australia.
W: www.gourmetescape.com.au

For more information about Western Australian, including events, visit www.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

 

Media contact:

Jayde Little

jayde.little@westernaustralia.com