In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations read about Broome's appearance on The Bachelor Australia; the latest adventures of Taste Master Rich Keam; WA fashion designer Aurelio Costarella's 30-year exhibition and the new segway tours for Perth. There's also the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.
 
What's Hot?

Broome stars on The Bachelor Australia
The exotic pearling town of Broome in WA's North West was the setting for two episodes of Channel Ten's The Bachelor Australia. Eco Beach, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Karma IV Yacht and The Great Escape Charter Company were featured on the program, positioning Broome as the ideal destination for a romantic, luxury escape or a girl's holiday. To coincide with the episodes, lastminute.com.au has released holiday deals to the region.
W: http://www.lastminute.com.au/dms/site/Broome_WA/Get_swept_away_in_Broome/Broome%20landing.html  

Taste Master sings the Wheatbelt Blues 
Taste Master Rich Keam, WA's Best Jobs in the World winner, has captured his recent experiences at the Kulin Bush Races and Cambinata Yabbies Extravaganza by writing a song and creating a music clip, capturing the spirit of the region and the events. Watch Rich's video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L80eJpOFHmo#t=45
Rich is writing, tweeting and instagramming his way through WA. Other recent experiences include cooking Exmouth Tiger Prawns for guests at Sal Salis; shearing sheep at the Perth Royal Show and tasting cocktails at some of Perth's new small bars.
Follow Rich's journey at www.tastewesternaustralia.com.

Aurelio Costarella celebrates 30 years with exhibition
The 30-year career of renowned WA fashion designer Aurelio Costarella will be celebrated with an exhibition at the WA Museum.  Aurelio Costarella: A 30 Year Retrospective runs from November 2 to February 2, 2014. The exhibition features exquisite garments, photographs, video and textiles, including gowns worn by some of Aurelio's high-profile local, national and international celebrity clients including Rihanna, Dita Von Teese, Tyra Banks, Nicole Scherzinger, Melissa George, Geri Halliwell, Tina Arena, Dannii Minogue, Jennifer Hawkins, Emma Booth and Naya Rivera. It also highlights Aurelio's commitment to Perth's fashion industry. In building his brand without leaving Perth, he has partnered with many WA models, photographers, hair and makeup artists and other local fashion personalities.
W: www.museum.wa.gov.au

Lifestyle and culture

Hopman Cup 2014 attracts world-class field
The Hyundai Hopman Cup 2014 is aiming to top last year's record-breaking debut at Perth Arena with a star-studded world-class line-up. The final player list has been announced and includes world No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland), Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic, No.7), Sloane Stephens (USA, No.12), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France, No.9), Milos Raonic (Canada, No.11), John Isner (USA, No.13), Jerzy Janowicz (Poland, No.15) and Tommy Robredo (Spain, No.19). The 26th Hyundai Hopman Cup, which is the only international tennis tournament of its kind (given it's an international mixed teams event and includes mixed doubles) will be held at the Perth Arena from December 28, 2013 to January 4, 2014.  
W: www.hopmancup.com

Black Swan Theatre Company launches 2014 season
WA's flagship theatre company, Black Swan, has launched its 2014 season. Highlights include A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Kate Cherry and starring Sigrid Thornton; Ben Elton revisiting his play Gasping which he has reworked and renamed Gasp!; Anton Chekhov's The Seagull starring Greta Scacchi and her daughter Leila George; and comedian Peter Rowsthorn in Neil Simon's Laughter on the 23rd Floor. All performances will be held in Perth's State Theatre Centre in the Heath Ledger Theatre and Studio Underground.
W: www.bsstc.com.au

Vote for Perth to be named one of the world's seven 'wonder' cities
Perth is in the running to be named one of the world's seven 'wonder' cities thanks to a Zurich-based New7Wonders Foundation poll. Perth has been shortlisted into the top 28 cities so far and online voting has begun. The top seven will be announced in December next year.
W: www.new7wonders.com/en/cities

Gold growing on trees in Kalgoorlie
CSIRO scientists have discovered tiny specks of gold in gum trees in Kalgoorlie in WA's Golden Outback. A study about the discovery has been published in Nature Communications, and found that eucalyptus trees in the region were drawing up gold particles from metres below the ground, which could lead to the discovery of deeply buried gold deposits. Kalgoorlie is the biggest city in the Australian outback and was born during the 1880s gold rush. Today it boasts a vibrant mix of gold rush history, grand colonial buildings and immense mining operations, surrounded by some of the most dazzling spring wildflowers and eerie gold-rush ghost towns. It's also home to one of the world's largest open cut mines - the Super Pit, which produces 900,000 ounces of gold each year.
W: www.westernaustralia.com

Perth Mint gives solid gold tribute to Doctor Who
The Perth Mint has released a limited edition gold coin that pays tribute to Doctor Who, in light of the science fiction TV show's 50th anniversary. The iconic TARDIS used by the Doctor to travel throughout space and time has been immortalised on the coin, which has been struck from one ounce of 99.99 per cent pure gold. The Perth Mint, which is the world's oldest operating gold mint, has been appointed as the sole distributor of the coin in Australia.
W: www.perthmint.com.au

Food and Wine

South American bar and kitchen set for Perth
Perth will soon boast another hospitality venue to its ever expanding dining and wining scene, with the Public House Kitchen & Bar set to open on Adelaide Terrace (in the Perth CBD) in November. Public House will highlight the best WA produce with the flavours of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Columbia - think slow cooked seasoned meats, served with chimichurri and sides of barbecue corn, beans and rice. The venue is owned and operated by the Publican Group with its WA Executive Head Chef Telina Menzies designing the menu, while Sean Trautvetter will be Head Chef and Agustin Ortega will be Sous Chef. 
W: www.publichouseperth.com.au

Leeuwin Estate restaurant named as one of the best in the world
WA's Leeuwin Estate, located in the Margaret River Wine Region, has been named by New York food and drink publication The Daily Meal as the fourth Best Winery Restaurant in the world. The list aims to capture winery restaurants that have consistently set the benchmark for wining and dining, and was curated over a three-month nomination process. The final 20 were selected by more than 100 experts who write about food and frequently visit wineries around the world. Only one other Australian restaurant made the list.
W: www.leeuwinestate.com.au

Twilight Hawker Markets return to Perth city
The City of Perth's Twilight Hawker Markets have returned, with a range of international food stalls setting up in Perth's Forest Place every Friday from 5.00pm to 8.00pm until April 11, 2014. Some of the new vendors feature delicacies from Brazil, the Carribbean, Morocco, Venezuela, Egypt and the Australian outback, alongside returning favourites such as satay, paella, bratwurst, crepes and Japanese pancakes.
W: www.twilighthawkersmarket.com

Christmas high teas at the Pan Pacific Hotel
Pan Pacific Perth will be hosting Sparkling Noel High Teas each Saturday and Sunday between December 1 and 24. Guests can indulge in free-flowing sparkling wine, loose leaf tea including a limited edition Christmas tea, roast turkey and cranberry sandwiches, mini king prawn cocktails and gingerbread macarons. Bookings are essential.
W: www.panpacific.com

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation

Scoot launches in WA
Singapore-based low-cost airline Scoot is adding Perth to its network by launching direct flights between Perth and Singapore. Flights commence on December 19, with services scheduled five times a week using Scoot's 402-seat Boeing 777s. Singapore is WA's third biggest international tourism market - last financial year, more than 70,000 Singaporean visitors injected $164 million into WA's economy.
W: www.flyscoot.com

Spectacular new event venue at Lake Cave
The newly opened Events Deck at Lake Cave, located in WA's South West is set to provide an unforgettable backdrop for functions, weddings, performances and special events. The deck suspends out over the collapsed cavern of Lake Cave, located 15 minutes from Margaret River. Surrounded by towering karri trees, the deck presents a unique setting to hold weddings, functions and gatherings, is licensed to hold 150 people, and is available for bookings seven days a week, and for day and night use and can be lit as required.
W: www.margaretriver.com

New hotel for Subiaco
Subiaco, one of Perth's cosmopolitan inner-city suburbs, will soon be home to a new four-star hotel and entertainment complex featuring cinema complex, food court, public piazza and retail. The 217-room hotel, which is to be located on Hay Street at the current Ace Cinemas site, will be the first modern hotel constructed in Subiaco.

New visitor app for Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie Boulder Pure Gold has launched a free iphone and ipad app, giving visitors 'on the go' access to key information such as accommodation providers, tours, restaurants, maps, special events, parks and cycle ways, public transport options and more.  The main categories are 'What to See'; 'What to Do'; 'Where to Eat'; and 'Where to Stay'. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store.
W: www.kalgoorlietourism.com

Celebrity chef Pete Evans to cook aboard luxury Kimberley cruise
Chef, restaurateur, and media personality Pete Evans will be cooking a daily meal aboard the Great Escape Charter Company's luxury cruise vessel MV Great Escape, as it explores the stunning Kimberley coast in WA's North West. Scheduled for June 2014, the Southern Kimberley Experience explores the best of the Kimberley Coast from Broome to the Mitchell Plateau as well as giving guests the opportunity to fly over the most scenic wilderness in a light aircraft, swim against the backdrop of tranquil waterfalls, fish for local barramundi, explore the Montgomery Reef and see ancient Aboriginal rock-art galleries. MV Great Escape is a 26 metre, fully air-conditioned, luxury catamaran, custom-built to cruise the Kimberley Coast in comfort and style. It has seven executive staterooms and caters for just 14 guests.     
W: www.greatescape.net.au

Refurbishment at Grand Mercure Busselton
Accor Vacation Club has refurbished its two and three bedroom apartments at its Busselton resort in WA's South West, in line with its Coastal Resort Series collection. The resort is located right on the beach-front at Geographe Bay and is suitable for both couples and families with fully self-contained two and three bedroom apartments and studio spa rooms. The resort features two squash courts, two tennis courts, gymnasium, two pools (one indoor heated), spa, kiddies toy room, games room, bike hire, and direct beach access. To celebrate the refurbishment, Accor is offering a special on its two and three bedroom apartments, visit the website for details.
W: www.accorhotels.com  

More rooms at Mantra Geraldton
Capacity at the Mantra Geraldton has been expanded with the addition of 25 fully self-contained two-bedroom apartments. Overlooking the Batavia Coast Marina, the new apartments sit alongside 24 existing apartments, and other facilities such as a heated indoor/outdoor pool.
W: www.mantra.com.au/geraldtonhotel

Perth's first Segway tours
Visitors and locals can now see Perth city and its riverfront by rolling on two wheels, following the launch of Segway Tours WA.  Based at Barrack Street Jetty just outside Perth's CBD, tours are either 60 or 90 minutes and run along the Swan River east and west of Perth city, in addition to an Experience Zone where sessions run for 25 minutes. Tours operate seven days a week, with six tours a day accommodating a ratio of 10 participants to one tour guide, who provides commentary about the city via radio headsets.  Rottnest Island tours are due to commence in November and a second Experience Zone will also be established, providing an additional attraction and fun family activity on Perth's favourite holiday island. Segway Tours WA is brainchild of West Australian brother and sister team Owen Williams and Belinda Hill.
W: www.segwaytourswa.com.au

Events

For a full listing of all events happening in Western Australia, visit westernaustralia.com/events

November

Augusta Adventure Fest
November 2 to 3, Augusta (South West)
The event includes the world's biggest adventure race where 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, Mandurah (Perth)
Mandurah'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: www.ironman.com

Margaret River Gourmet Escape
November 22 to 24, Margaret River (South West)
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

The Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IronMan and the IronWoman Series
November 30 to December 1, Smiths Beach (South West)
Australia's top Surf Life Saving athletes will battle it out for the top title in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series this summer. The competition will test the endurance, power, skill and speed of 18 Ironmen and 18 Ironwomen when they hit the sand at Smiths Beach, in WA's South West.
W: www.surfironmanseries.com/feature/series-schedule

December

SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia Triathlon
December 8, Busselton (South West)
Be amazed by the determination and strength of the ironmen and ironwomen who compete in the gruelling Sunsmart Ironman Western Australia Triathlon. Participants will test themselves on a 226km course which runs through the beautiful town of Busselton. Competitors will attempt to complete a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run.  
W: www.ironman.com

2013-14 Ashes Series
December 13 - 17, Perth
Traditional rivals Australia and England will return to Perth to battle it out for one of the most coveted trophies in international cricket, The Ashes. The teams take to the WACA Ground for the third test of the 2013-14 Ashes Series.
W: www.cricket.com.au/series/ashes-series-2014

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival
December 14, Manjimup (South West)
Celebrating the quality produce of the South West, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival presents a range of activities and events focusing on the locally grown cherries. Featuring a fashion parade, cherry pie competition, log chops, cherry pip spitting competition, cooking demonstrations and the popular long table lunch, the festival is a treat for all food lovers.
W: www.cherryfestival.com.au

Indian Ocean Classic (Surf Life Saving)
December 22, Perth
Surf Life Saving enthusiasts will flock to Scarborough Beach to test their endurance and athleticism in the Indian Ocean Classic. Competitors can test their skills with an 1.8km swim, 2.4km board, 9km ski paddle and a 3.8km run at Perth's iconic Scarborough Beach.
W: www.indianoceanclassic.com.au

Lighthouse to Leighton
December 14, Perth
Lighthouse to Leighton is the largest open ocean kite race in Australia, stretching 19 km from Phillip Point on Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach in North Fremantle. Witness the world's best kite surfers navigate this challenging passage.
W: www.cvent.com

January

Hyundai Hopman Cup
December 28 to January 4, Perth
The Hyundai Hopman Cup will showcase the best of international tennis at the Perth Arena with a star-studded line-up for 2014 including current world 4 ranked female player Agnieszka Radwanska, Wimbledon semifinalist Jerzy Janowicz and Australia's Sam Stosur and Bernard Tomic.
W: www.hopmancup.com

Lancelin Ocean Classic
January 9-12, Lancelin (Coral Coast)
The Lancelin Ocean Classic is the longest windsurfing event in Australia, attracting world-class competitors and spectators to the scenic beach town of Lancelin. The event includes two windsurfing events (wave sailing and marathon) and kite surfing.
W: www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series
January 31 to February 2, Perth
The BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series features on of the world's richest swimming meets where Australia will take on some of the world's best swimmers and water polo players at Challenge Stadium in Perth. The 2014 line-up includes five of the world's best swimming teams from Australia, China, South Africa, Japan and Brazil. There will also be an open water swimming challenge what all Western Australians can be a part of plus a community program that will see athletes embark on regional tours across Western Australia.
W: www.aquaticsuperseries.com.au 

Mount Barker Co-operative Ltd Grapes & Gallops
January 19, Mount Barker (South West)
The Mount Barker Grapes and Gallops Festival incorporate two of the major industries within the region - wine and thoroughbred horse racing. The festival will feature a VIP luncheon, wine tasting from local wineries, gourmet food, live music and nine thoroughbred horse races (including the richest sprint in the Great Southern region - the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint).
W: www.grapesandgallops.com

Western Australian Circus Festival
January 25 to 27, Karridale (South West)
International, national and local contemporary circus performers will entertain crowds as part of the three-day Circus Festival. The festival also enables performers to build their skills and develop new acts and provides an opportunity for regional circus troupes from Broome, Geraldton, Albany, Denmark as well as Perth and Fremantle to collaborate and further build the circus industry in the State.
W: www.lunarcircus.com
 

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: www.imagegallery.tourism.wa.gov.au


Media contact:
Jayde Little
jayde.little@westernaustralia.com