In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations read about singer and actress, Natalie Imbruglia's trip to WA's South West, the recently launched Perth International Arts Festival 2015 program, a local WA winemaker up for an international award and activities to experience during Perth's summer months. There's also all the latest news of WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

What's Hot

Imbruglia shines in WA's South West
London-based singer and actress, Natalie Imbruglia, recently took time away from her busy schedule to visit WA and experience the best of Australia's South West. Natalie and her sister Michelle, made the most of their stay in the Margaret River region, which involved whale watching off the coast of Dunsborough, rock-climbing in Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, canoeing down the Margaret River and indulging in local gourmet delights at highly regarded restaurant, Cape Lodge. Natalie is the ambassador for Kailis Jewellery (who recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with the launch of its Enlightenment collection), and is currently finalising her fifth studio album and preparing to launch her own skincare line. Check out Natalie's WA photos by visiting her Facebook page, facebook.com/natalieimbruglia

Perth International Arts Festival 2015 - a cultural feast for art lovers
More than 1,000 artists from across the world will visit Perth this summer as part of the 63rd Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), set to attract in excess of one million people. The recently launched PIAF 2015 program delivers a cultural feast for art lovers of all ages, living up to the Festival's worldwide reputation for excellence. The 2015 Festival will open with Royal de Luxe's The Incredible and Phenomenal Journey of the Giants to the Streets of Perth - the biggest arts event WA has ever seen. For three days over the opening weekend, the French masters of theatre reveal a modern-day fable set to transform Perth, as 11 metre tall giants take inspiration from uniquely WA stories commemorating the Anzac centenary. Another Festival highlight is an Australian exclusive of the English National Opera's production of Anthony Minghella's award-winning Madama Butterfly - an iconic love story by the famous Giacomo Puccini. PIAF was founded in 1953 by the University of Western Australia and has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence in its international program and audience experiences.
2015.perthfestival.com.au

WA winemaker up for international award
Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker, Virginia Willcock has been nominated 'Winemaker of the Year' in the Wine Enthusiast Magazine USA's 2014 Wine Star Awards. Each year, editors of Wine Enthusiast Magazine honour individuals and companies who have made outstanding achievements in the wine and beverage world. Willcock is one of five international nominees for the coveted award, and the only representative from Australia. She has been praised by the magazine for her critically acclaimed wines and elevating Vasse Felix, and the Margaret River region to new heights. The winners will be announced in the special December Wine Star Awards issue, and the honorees will be presented their Wine Star Award trophies at a gala black-tie dinner in New York City on January 26, 2015.
winemag.com

Lifestyle and Culture

Rooftop Movies brings the cool to Perth's sizzling summer
Perth's much loved rooftop cinema has returned for another year. Rooftop Movies makes the most of the city's balmy summer nights by showcasing old-school gems, cinephile classics, cult and art house movies and blockbuster new releases, among a pop-up paradise - complete with astro turf, palm trees, pink flamingos and vintage caravans from which food and drinks are served. Run by the producers of Fringe World Festival in conjunction with City of Perth Parking, Rooftop Movies can be found on the top floor of the Roe Street carpark in Northbridge, which is just outside of Perth's central business district.
rooftopmovies.com.au

Black Swan State Theatre Company launches 2015 season
WA's flagship theatre, Black Swan State Theatre Company, has released its 2015 program. The season embraces a mix of classics, comedies, exciting new Australian work, and a musical and family production. Highlights of the 2015 program include, five plays presented in the Heath Ledger Theatre; a highly anticipated rock musical Next To Normal starring music theatre performer Rachael Beck; and Tasma Walton returning to her home state to star in a stylish black satirical comedy Dinner by Moira Buffini.
bsstc.com.au

Food and Wine

New world flavours come to Twilight Hawkers Market
The Twilight Hawkers Market at Perth City's Forrest Place has kicked-off for another year and will run through to April 2015. French-Vietnamese, Israeli, Balkan and Filipino are just some of the new food flavours visitors can expect to experience at the markets on Friday's from 4:30pm to 9pm. Stalls change every week so there is always new dishes to try, and free live entertainment will be available for those taking part in Perth's original and largest congregation of street food stalls and trucks. On any given week, there will be around 40 stalls from a rotating roster of more than 70; of which 20 are making their Twilight Hawkers Market debut.
visitperthcity.com

Swan Valley welcomes new multi-purpose venue
Mandoon Estate is open for business following a multi-million dollar redevelopment in the Swan Valley, WA's oldest wine growing region just 20 minutes from Perth city by car. Visitors will appreciate the different services now available in the one venue including an onsite craft brew house, casual dining restaurant overlooking vineyards, a brand new cellar door, fenced playground for children, and a beer garden which hosts live music on weekends. Fine diners will enjoy the Estate's a la carte restaurant which delivers a menu focused on local produce, headed by Executive Chef Michael Hartner.
mandoonestate.com.au

Margaret Rive beach café reopens for business
White Elephant Café in Margaret River has reopened for the 2014/15 season with a brand new look. The cafe offers casual style food and quality coffee, and is located at the Gnarabup Beach Boat Ramp, right on the beach. This beach is popular among locals and travellers for its excellent surfing, swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding experiences.
whiteelephantcafe.com.au

Another new venue for Perth city opens doors for business
The Flour Factory on Queen Street in Perth's central business district is the city's newest and highly anticipated addition. The hospitality venue pays homage to the building's heritage and humble beginnings as a flour mill. It features an onsite bakery and butcher, charcuterie offering, hot dog menu, coffee and tea, and sweet and savoury baked delights. The Flour Factory's unique spaces can be hired for special events including birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, conferences and product launches. This is the latest offering from entrepreneur Andy Freeman who is behind some of Perth's most popular hospitality venues, including Varnish on King, Luxe Bar and Darlings Supper Club.
facebook.com/theflourfactoryperth

Sophie Zalokar launches highly anticipated book
WA chef and food writer, Sophie Zalokar has launched a new cook book, Food of the Southern Forests, which focusses on the excellent produce, hardworking producers and delicious recipes found in WA's South West, specifically around the Southern Forests region where the towns of Pemberton, Manjimup, Northcliffe and Walpole can be found. Sophie worked with food photographer Craig Kinder to create the book, which has already received critical acclaim from well-known Australian foodies, Stephanie Alexander, Maggie Beer and Kylie Kwong. Food of the Southern Forests can be purchased at local bookshops, and University of Western Australia Publishing's online store; uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/food-of-the-southern-forests. Sophie and her husband Chris run a farm-based cooking school and self-contained accommodation, Foragers, located in Pemberton, around four hours' drive south of Perth.
foragers.com.au/

Perth's bar scene just keeps getting better
The latest venue to hit Perth's ever-evolving bar scene is The Dominion League located in Northbridge. The new venue features a street level bar and downstairs basement, each with the capacity to hold 100 people. The wine list at The Dominion League's street level bar features mainly Australian wines, while downstairs the focus moves to cocktails and spirits. The new bar is named after a WA political movement form the 1930's, and takes over the Court Wine Bar space - a location which holds a long history at the heart of WA political life, with many politicians, journalists, police and lawyers stopping by. The Dominion League, from the team behind the Mechanics Institute, is open from Tuesday to Saturday and is located at 84 Beaufort Street, Perth.
facebook.com/TheDominionLeague

Preparations underway for Taste Great Southern 2015
Planning has started for the Taste Great Southern 2015 festival, a gastronomic and performing arts fiesta taking place throughout WA's South West in the Great Southern region from February 28 to March 29 2015. The headline cook for next year's festival is Australian TV presenter and writer, Adam Liaw, who will be supported by much loved WA food personalities Anna Gare and Don Hancey. It is anticipated 45 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. The full program will be available from December 2014.
greatsoutherntastewa.com 

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation

APT Offers Kimberley Holidays at Unforgettable Prices
To celebrate its new collection of Kimberley Wilderness Adventures small group holidays for 2015, APT is offering a special saving of up to $1,200 off per couple on selected 4WD land tours. The offer applies to the 15-day Kimberley Complete which takes guests on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Kimberley in WA's North West. The package includes experiences at extraordinary destinations in the Kimberley including Home Valley Station, Bell Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, Lake Kununurra, the Bungle Bungle Range and Fitzroy Crossing. Bookings must be made before 30 November 2014. Offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.
kimberleywilderness.com.au

Rottnest announced as Australia's top destination to experience
Rottnest Island, which is just off the coast of Perth, has been named Australia's top destination to experience in 2014, following the release of a national consumer poll which recognised the country's top ten destinations to experience. Two other WA destinations finished in the top ten, with Margaret River coming in third and Ningaloo Reef listed ninth on the list. The poll was conducted by travel experience provider Experience Oz, who polled Australian destinations' unique geographical features, attractions and activities, culture and history.
rottnestisland.com

Glass Artisan Kim Fitzpatrick showcases work in WA's South West
One of Australia's most successful glass artisans, Kim Fitzpatrick, will launch an exhibition of his work at an exclusive event on November 22 at Pullman Resort, Bunker Bay. Kim's glass artworks combine technical mastery with an artistic vision to recreate the ambience of serenity which he loves about the South West coastline. The art glass creations will be displayed throughout the resort foyer from 22 November to 30 December 2014, with pieces available for sale and commissions arranged with the artist and TSG Artists in Glass.
pullmanbunkerbayresort.com.au

Earlybird prices for 2015 Kimberley cruises available now
Kimberley Quest is offering a 15 per cent discount off the total price of 2015 Kimberley cruises on bookings before November 30 2014. Some of the highlights to be seen on a Kimberley Quest cruise include; visiting King George Falls; getting up close to wildlife, birdlife and many species of flora and fauna; an exhilarating boat ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls; viewing Bradshaw Rock Art and Windjina Aboriginal art; and opportunities to fish tidal creeks for Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon and Mangrove Jack. For more information on Kimberley cruises, visit kimberleyquest.com.au

Tree Top Walk celebrates 18th birthday
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk will be recognised for its success as a major tourist attraction when it celebrates its 18th birthday on Saturday, November 29. Climbing 40 metres into the forest canopy and meandering through the treetops for 600 metres, the walk trail is the first of its kind and offers a peaceful and exhilarating experience. Located in WA's South West in the Great Southern region, the Tree Top Walk was built in 1996 by the State Government as a land management tool designed to provide a unique forest experience, and to minimise the impact of visitors on the tingle trees in the Valley of the Giants forest. The walk is an icon of the local region and one of the most sustainable forest tourism facilities in the world.
valleyofthegiants.com.au

Assured Waterside Apartments receives makeover
Assured Waterside Apartments in South Perth has recently undergone soft refurbishments on each of its 35 spacious and fully self-contained apartments. The complex is ideal accommodation for leisure guests, sport and school groups and business travellers staying in Perth for short and long term stays. The 4-star, AAA rated apartment accommodation is located just minutes from Perth City and a short stroll from the iconic Swan River.
assuredhotels.com.au

Feature - Making the most of a Perth summer

There's no better place to experience the joys of summer than Australia's sunniest capital city, Perth.

The city is a melting pot of people and cultures and is home to a unique blend of natural and urban events and experiences.

Now is a great time to visit Perth with a flurry of new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces popping up in all corners of the city and its neighbouring precincts of Northbridge, Leederville, Mount Lawley and Subiaco, changing the physical make-up of the city.

A landmark event for the Perth's summer is the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) which runs from February 13 to March 7 2015. It is the oldest annual international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere and annually offers some of the world's best theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature and free community events.

PIAF 2015 is set to be the biggest yet and is jam-packed with big ideas and big-name artists including an Australian exclusive of Royal De Luxe, The Giants commemorating the centenary of the Anzacs; Madama Butterfly; The Rabbits and much more. The 2015 Festival expects to draw more than one million people and will showcase the greatest collection of international artistic experiences Perth has ever known.

Perth's warm weather lends itself to a bunch of interactive outdoor events during the summer months, including the Fringe World Festival, which will roll out a variety of exciting pop-up shows and venues from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 22. Outdoor cinema is also in full swing at a number of Perth venues at this time of year, including Kings Park, Burswood Park and the University of Western Australia.

Setting the city ablaze with fun and excitement from January 4 to 10 is Perth's premier annual international tennis championship, the Hopman Cup. In 2015 World No.1 Serena Williams and defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are set to play the tournament, joining Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, Casey Dellacqua and Eugenie Bouchard in an all-star line-up. Hopman Cup is the official mixed teams' competition of the International Tennis Federation and will take place at Perth Arena.

On January 26, South Perth foreshore hosts the largest Australia Day celebration in the country, the City of Perth Skyworks. The event attracts many thousands of spectators each year and includes free entertainment, an air and water show above and on the iconic Swan River, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

There are a variety of destinations within a one hour's drive of Perth City which can be enjoyed over the Christmas and summer period.

Rottnest Island is the ultimate summer destination for families, couples, friends and individuals looking to take a break and enjoy the warm summer sun.

The popular island is home to 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays and can be accessed by a short ferry ride, or short plane ride. Visitors can hire a bicycle and snorkel their way around the car-free island to discover idyllic snorkelling spots. They can also get acquainted with local wildlife such as the rare Quokka, or visit Rottnest Hotel for lunch and a refreshing beverage while taking in views of Perth City on the horizon.

The seaside town of Rockingham offers many memorable experiences and is just a 40 minute drive south of Perth. Shoalwater Marine Park off Rockingham coast is regularly visited by pods of dolphins, providing visitors the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins. Other must-do activities in the region include snorkelling, sailing, surfing and fishing. Penguin Island is only a five minute ferry ride from Rockingham, and is home to Western Australia's largest colony of little penguins.

Located 20 minutes from Perth City is WA's oldest wine growing region, the Swan Valley. Here, visitors can enjoy a 32 kilometre food and wine trail. There's an endless choice for lunch with many wineries and restaurants offering a delectable array of beautifully presented food. After lunch enjoy some wine tasting and visit the local micro-breweries for some boutique beers.

For an injection of adrenaline, take a one hour drive north of Perth to Lancelin. The coastal town is renowned for its massive sand dunes - the biggest in WA! Visitors can sand board down 45 degree angle dunes, whilst taking in panoramic views of Lancelin's surrounding farmland, sand hills and coastline. The sand dune system is about two kilometres long and nestled directly inland from Lancelin Township.

For those wanting to relax closer to the State's capital city, there are plenty of experiences to be had. Perth is home to 19 beautiful beaches, many new inner-city bars, riverside restaurants and beachside cafes, Australia's oldest conservation area, and a world-class wine region - all within 30 minutes from the city.

Events

NOVEMBER

Margaret River Gourmet Escape
November 21 - 23, Margaret River Wine Region
The Margaret River Gourmet Escape brings together the world's best chefs and wine experts for the ultimate culinary adventure. In 2014 Heston Blumenthal will lead a star cast of celebrity chefs and food and wine critics including Rick Stein, Massimo Bottura, Sat Bains and local stars Aaron Carr and Hadleigh Troy. Margaret River Gourmet Escape comprises a series of special events set in unique locations, attracting not only food and wine lovers but all visitors to the region.
gourmetescape.com.au

Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series
November 29 - 30, Margaret River
Australia's top Surf Life Saving athletes will battle it out for the top title in Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series this summer. The event, held at Smiths Beach in Margaret River, runs for approximately 40 minutes and is free to the public. 
nutrigrainironman.com.au

DECEMBER

Saint Barbara's Festival
December 4 - 6, Kalgoorlie
Saint Barbara's Festival is a celebration of Australia's largest regional city and the contribution the mining sector makes to the local community. The highlight of the festival is St Barbara's Parade, which sees enormous mining equipment rumble down Hannan Street at 4pm on Saturday, December 6.
stbarbs.com.au

SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia
December 7, Busselton
Competitors undertake a challenging 3.8-km swim alongside the iconic Busselton Jetty, 180-km cycle and a 42.2-km run throughout the beautiful City of Busselton. SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia is known for being the place to go to achieve a personal best, with the cycle and run courses amongst the flattest on the global IRONMAN circuit. There are 40 qualifying slots for the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship in Kaliua-Kona, Hawaii.
ironman.com

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival
December 13, Manjimup
Celebrating exquisite locally grown cherries, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival includes: Cherry pip spitting heats, cooking demonstrations, vehicle procession, entertainment, fashion parades, concert, log chops, wine tasting, street theatre, a long table lunch and Tastes of Southern Forests Avenue, where you can meet local producers and buy their produce. cherryfestival.com.au

JANUARY

Hopman Cup
January 4 - 10, Perth
Perth's premier tennis tournament showcases top international talent at the state-of-the-art Perth Arena. The 2015 all-star line-up includes World No.1 Serena Williams and defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, joining Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, Casey Dellacqua and Eugenie Bouchard. In total, nine of the world's current top 20 players, including three top-ten women, will start the tennis season in Western Australia. Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA and France are set to join Australia, Great Britain and Canada at Hopman Cup 2015.
hopmancup.com

WA Country Builders Albany Half Triathlon
January 9 - 10, Albany
Individuals and teams can take part in the triathlon which features a 1.9 kilometre swim, a 90 kilometre cycle and a 21.1 kilometre run throughout the beautiful Great Southern region. Male and female athletes who place first will take home a prize of $2,000, while first placed team receive $1,000.
albanyhalf.com.au

Lancelin Ocean Classic
January 15 - 18, Lancelin
The Lancelin Ocean Classic is the longest running windsurfing event in Australia, attracting world-class competitors. The event attracts up to 5,000 visitors and athletes from over 19 countries. It remains as one of the most recognised events on the world water sports calendar.
lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

Mount Barker Co-operative Ltd Grapes and Gallops
January 18, Mount Barker
Grapes & Gallops is the biggest event on the Mount Barker Turf Club's calendar. This exciting race day features an eight-race program, including the Great Southern's richest race, the $100,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint over 1300 metres.
grapesandgallops.com

Western Australian Circus Festival
January 24 - 26, Karridale
This event features local, national and international contemporary circus performers. Circus, comedy, cabaret and theatre shows from around the world showcase across the three day festival from midday to midnight, as well as music, food, market stalls, bars and a flying trapeze for the adventure seekers.
lunarcircus.com

BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series
January 30 - February 1, Perth
A festival of water-based sport featuring one of the world's richest international swimming meets. The BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series features some of Australia's finest swimmers, and is the only annual event in Australia featuring the national swim team and water polo team competing on the same stage.
aquaticsuperseries.com.au

FEBRUARY

Perth International Arts Festival
February 13 - March 7, Perth
The Perth International Arts Festival is the oldest annual international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere and annually offers some of the world's best theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature and free community events. The 2015 Perth International Arts Festival is jam-packed with big ideas and big-name artists including, an Australian exclusive of Royal De Luxe, The Giants commemorating the centenary of the Anzacs; Madama Butterfly; The Rabbits and much more.
2015.perthfestival.com.au

SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim
February 8, Busselton
The premier ocean swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty. Since 1996, the Busselton Jetty Swim has grown from a local event to an internationally recognized event attracting in excess of 1,750 competitors. The course is a swim of 3.6 km around the Busselton Jetty. Solos and relay teams of two and four are welcome.
busseltonjettyswim.org.au

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
February 11 - 15, Boyup Brook
WA's premier country music festival. The 2015 festival line-up will feature Brian Letton, Country Horizon, Codee Lee, Vicki Lee and Hideaway, Kate Hindle and Band of Mates. countrymusicwa.com.au

Club Marine Geographe Bay Race Week
February 15 - 20, Busselton
WA's premier yachting regatta and highly anticipated among the yachting fraternity. Competitors, spectators, family and friends come together to enjoy the festival atmosphere of the event's on-water and off-water schedule. Hosted on the pristine waters of Geographe Bay in Busselton, the event enjoys some of the best sailing conditions in the world. Racing will commence on Sunday 15th February and conclude on Friday 20th February 2015. gbyc.com.au

Go for 2&5 Perth Track Classic
February, Perth
The opening leg of the prestigious Australian Athletics Tour, welcoming a host of international superstars as well as Australia's finest athletes. Athletes go head to head in a range of track and field competitions.

South West Craft Beer Festival
February, Busselton
Brings together some of the region's best brewers so locals and visitors alike can experience award-winning brews and ciders, mouth-watering local produce and live music swbeerfest.com.au

Taste Great Southern
February 28 - March 29 2015, Great Southern
A celebration of the unique and award-winning food and wine of the Great Southern. This year's line-up includes headline cook, Adam Liaw, supported by 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. The full program will be available from December 2014.
greatsoutherntastewa.com

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