What's hot

Tennis sensations returning to Perth

World No.1 Serena Williams and defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are set to play Hopman Cup 2015, joining Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, Casey Dellacqua and Eugenie Bouchard in an all-star line-up in January. In total, nine of the world's current top 20 players, including three top-ten women, will start the tennis season in Western Australia. Williams, who holds 18 Grand Slam singles titles, will attempt to become the event's first three-time winner when she partners with recent Wimbledon doubles champion 22-year-old Jack Sock for the United States. Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA and France are set to join Australia, Great Britain and Canada at Hopman Cup 2015. Hopman Cup is the official mixed teams' competition of the International Tennis Federation and will take place at Perth Arena from January 4 to 10, 2015.

W: hopmancup.com

Excitement builds for Perth International

Lake Karrinyup Country Club is preparing for its biggest week of the year when some of the world's best players descend on the course for the Perth International, from October 23 to 26. The 2014 field is the strongest yet with three major champions announced to play, including Jason Dufner, Charl Schwartzel and Geoff Ogilvy, plus Ryder Cup Europe team member Victor Dubuisson, five-time European Tour winner Brett Rumford, defending champion Jin Jeong, and 2014 Texas Open winner Steven Bowditch. The Perth International is the only event in Australia to partner with the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, and with a prize purse of US$2,000,000, it is the richest annual golf tournament in Australia

W: perthinternational.com

WA in the fashion spotlight

WA and Perth is a creative hub of fashion and talent, attracting national and international celebrities alike. The status of WA's annual premier fashion event Telstra Perth Fashion Festival (TPFF) continues to grow and attract more celebrities to the State, creating the opportunity to showcase Perth and its unique vibrancy. TPFF saw Australian celebrities Dannii Minogue and Kris Smith, and well-known fashion bloggers Kate Waterhouse and Zanita Whittington attend and participate in events across the six day festival. International designers also made their debut at this year's event including Sebastian Gunawan from Indonesia and Dubai's Michael Cinco.

Broome's hot summer deals

Summer in the tropical north is 'value season', with return flights to Broome available at $259*pp ex Perth between October 16, 2014 to March 27, 2015. For a limited time, Broome and The Kimberley Holidays is offering a great value airfare to visit the State's North West when purchasing one of their Broome Summer Deals, which includes four nights at a choice of Broome accommodation, return airport transfers and bonus inclusions at a variety of hotels and resorts. Sunny summer days are hot and perfect for relaxing around tropical pools, characterised by the beautiful scent of frangipani in the air and an abundance of delicious mangoes. The deal is valid for sale from now to October 27, 2014.

W: broomekimberley.com.au/ProductDetails/tabid/69/ptid/7267/pid/56887/Default.aspx

Lifestyle and culture

Celebrate the Melbourne Cup at Aravina Estate

Champagne will be flowing at Aravina Estate on November 4 with the venue hosting an exclusive Melbourne Cup function. Guests on the day will enjoy complimentary bubbles, selected wines and canapés and tapas from executive chef, Tony Howell. Entertainment will get the crowd going with local DJ Simple Arc bringing the beats from 12pm to 4pm. Gannaways Charters are providing bus transfers to ensure guests have a safe journey to and from the event, with return transfers from Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup and Margaret River. Don't forget to put your best dress on with prizes to be won in a highly anticipated 'Fashions on the Field' competition.

W: aravinaestate.com

Fremantle Festival back for another year

Now in its 109th year, the 2014 Fremantle Festival schedule is filled with special events bursting with verve and colour. Each year the community brings the Festival to fruition by contributing to the program with over 100 different cultural events that run alongside annual festival events. This year's line-up features a Diwali Street Dance Party, South Fremantle Parmelia Park Pizza Fiesta, a variety of photography and art displays, special performance by blues icon, Joe Louis Walker and a concert at Samson Park featuring vocalist and songwriter Shameem. Fremantle Festival will run from October 26 to November 9.

W: fremantlestory.com.au

Dates announced for Ord Valley Muster 2015

Next year's annual Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster will be held from May 15 to 24, 2015, and the iconic Kimberley Moon Experience will be staged on Saturday May 23, 2015. Next year's event will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, and features approximately 30 spectacular events across ten exciting days in Kununurra and the stunning surrounds of the East Kimberley region. Tickets to 2014's highlight events were snapped up quickly with many selling out months in advance. The full programme of events for 2015 will be released in the coming months.

W: ordvalleymuster.com.au

Take a break at new relaxation retreat

Celebrity yoga instructor Charlotte Dodson is hosting a four day ladies wellness retreat at Cable Beach Resort and Spa from October 19 to 23, 2014. Instructing stars like Miranda Kerr, Orlando Bloom, Gerard Butler, Lara Bingle and Camilla Franks, Dodson's sessions are dynamic with a unique focus on bold creativity and grounded energy. The Retreat is perfect for those seeking balance and relaxation, and includes return airfares from Perth, yoga and fitness sessions, L'Occitane treatments, breakfast and lunch daily and organic cooking classes and wine tasting.

W: cablebeachclub.com/home/special-offers

Food and Wine

Innovative hospitality space opens in Fremantle

A new activity centre has recently opened in Fremantle - aptly named, The Mantle. The venue is located at Fremantle's east end and offers a place for people to come together to eat, drink, work and play. Set inside a beautiful historic warehouse, transformed with the use of innovative structures, materials and art, The Mantle houses several restaurants, a cocktail bar, an incubation kitchen, collaborative working space and arts. The venue is open Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm to 11pm; and Saturday to Sunday, 10:30am to 11pm.

W: themantle.com.au

Go on a culinary journey with Aboriginal Gourmet Experience

Aboriginal Chef Mark Olive aka 'The Black Olive' and Josh Whiteland from Koomal Dreaming will combine a feast of bush flavours with contemporary international cuisine on Friday November 21, as they host Kambarang South West Aboriginal Gourmet Experience, as part of the 2014 Margaret River Gourmet Escape. Supported by Aboriginal hospitality students and Outback Academy apprentices and students, the culinary experience also includes a Noongar art exhibition and music from Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Outback Academy Hospitality Program which encourages Aboriginal people to consider a career in hospitality, tourism and events.

W: gourmetescape.com.au/whats-on/fringe-events/kambarang-south-west-aboriginal-gourmet-experience/

New distillery making its mark in Perth's east

Whiskey lovers are rejoicing following the opening of Perth's first urban distillery, which crafts premium whiskey made from 100 per cent local Australian ingredients. Whipper Snapper Distillery officially opened its doors in September and will be launching a new product this month, following the release of an unaged spirit called 'Crazy Uncle' Moonshine earlier in the year. Open seven days a week, the Distillery offers whiskey tastings daily. Visitors can book a Distillery tour, while whiskey classes are held every weekend. The East Perth venue is also available to hire for events.

W: whippersnapperdistillery.com

New concept for Venn building

The Venn building is set to enter its next phase of growth and development when it transforms into The Flour Factory on October 6. The space will be transformed into a new hospitality concept for Perth developed by Andy Freeman of Varnish, Darlings Supper Club and Luxe Bar. The Venn Bar and Café has operated in the Venn building since 2011 and developed a reputation as a popular inner city bar and café.

W: venn.net

Hot new food safari hits Perth's streets

A food adventure of a different sort Leederville Food Safari, takes guests on a three hour culinary journey of Leederville's famous Oxford Street - by rickshaw! The journey begins at Ria Malay Kitchen for entrées and drinks, a rickshaw then escorts guests to Kitsch Bar Asia for the main event, and finally to Foam Coffee Bar for sweet delights of tea or coffee and dessert.

W: leedervillefoodsafari.com.au

Sophie Zalokar to launch highly anticipated cook book

Pemberton chef and food writer, Sophie Zalokar is launching a new cook book, Food of the Southern Forests, which focusses on the region's excellent produce, hardworking producers and delicious recipes. Zalokar worked with food photographer Craig Kinder to create the visual masterpiece, which will launch on October 14. The book has already received critical acclaim from well-known Australian foodies, Stephanie Alexander, Maggie Beer and Kylie Kwong.

Tours, attractions and accommodation

APT Showcases New Kimberley Program for 2015

APT has announced it is introducing its Freedom of Choice touring concept across all Kimberley Wilderness Adventures tours of 11-days or longer as part of its new small group 4WD program for 2015. For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to choose their sightseeing activities in Kununurra, El Questro Wilderness Park, Monkey Mia and Wyndham, enabling them to tailor their journey to suit their needs. The choices are featured in the new APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures 2015 brochure which is available now. As well as new touring options, the new brochure includes a greater choice of dates and departures, with APT growing its program by 20 per cent compared to 2014. Guests can choose from 19 itineraries ranging from two to 25 days in length.

W: kimberleywilderness.com.au

Take a historical journey through Freo by foot

Two Feet and a Heartbeat is launching a new tour experience through the historical streets of Fremantle, appropriately titled The Sailors Guide to Fremantle. The tour investigates life in Fremantle's west end since colonisation and visits to some of the old working man's clubs long established in the area when it was a hub of activity for maritime workers and sailors, including stops at the Roundhouse, Buffalo Club, Navy Club and Workers Social and Leisure Club. The Sailors Guide to Fremantle begins on October 25 and will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays throughout summer.

W: twofeet.com.au/sailors%20guide%20to%20fremantle

Perth launches exciting new foodie walking tours

A new foodie adventure is now available to Perth locals and visitors, showcasing the best culinary experiences on offer in the city. Two enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides lead the expedition and help guests discover some of the best food and drink available in Perth. Foodie Adventures is designed to be as involved and interactive as possible, and offers an International Food Adventure, Asian Affair Roving Dinner, Private Tour and Corporate Tour.

W: foodloosetours.com.au

New app teaches kids about environmental awareness

A new online game for children, Habitat, teaches kids about environmental awareness through gamification which includes collecting geo-located pins across the globe. As part of the game, 11 pins representing WA's unique flora and fauna can be found at various points across the State. The game is available for iOS and Android smartphones, tablets and the web.

W: habitatthegame.wordpress.com

Killer whale expeditions in the south west

Dunsborough-based whale watching tour company, Naturaliste Charters, will relocate to the Great Southern region of WA for two months over February and March, taking visitors on an expedition to get up close with killer whales. Located 60 kilometres off the coast of Bremer Bay, the Bremer Canyon is a hive of activity for many marine creatures, including the killer whales.

W: whales-australia.com.au/bremer-killer-whales/

FEATURE - Albany - the centre for Anzac Centenary Commemoration

As the location where the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops left for the First World War, Albany will be the curtain raiser for the commemorative event program of activities marking the Anzac Centenary.

Between 2014 and 2018, Australia and New Zealand will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since their involvement in World War I. To honour the first ANZACs, a significant program of events is planned in Albany between October 30 and November 2, 2014.

Albany is significant because on November 1, 1914, the first convoy of Australian and New Zealand troops departed for the First World War from Albany.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington described Albany as the birthplace of the Anzac Story.

"The commemorations will give people from Australia and around the world the opportunity to pay their respects to the thousands of soldiers who departed from Albany for the First World War," Mr Wellington said.

"For many Australian and New Zealand soldiers it was the last Australian soil they ever saw."

Featuring the combined Australian Defence Forces, the centre-piece commemorative event program will include a sunset ceremony, commemorative service, symbolic departure of between three to six naval ships, troop march and a ship open day program.

A series of supporting community events is also planned, including a free public concert featuring the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with high-profile special guests; a commemorative lighting and pyrotechnics show on Friday October 31; and an outdoor food and produce market called the Stirling Terrace Mess Hall.

Coinciding with the ANZAC commemorations, will be the opening of the new National Anzac Interpretive Centre as part of the historic Princess Royal Fortress. The innovative Centre will allow visitors to follow personal stories of the Australian and New Zealand men and women who left Albany.

Mr Wellington said thousands of visitors were expected to make the pilgrimage to Albany.

"Albany will be the focus of both national and international attention and will be transformed with many activities and events for visitors to participate in," he said.

In addition to its military history, Albany, which is located one hour by air from Perth or four and a half hour's drive, boasts some of the most awe-inspiring coastline and stunning landscapes in the world.

The region's beaches are routinely named among the best in Australia. Albany and the Great Southern are also known for their gourmet attractions - with an abundance of cosmopolitan cafes and bars, slow food, markets, wineries, olive oils, and organic produce.

Some of the area's major attractions include:

The Gap and Natural Bridge - Giant granite cliffs dropping straight into the rugged southern ocean. The Natural Bridge is a huge granite bridge, which has been formed over 1000 years of erosion from the ferocious Southern Ocean.

Blowholes - A crack line in the granite where air and spray 'blow' through.

Stony Hill - is the highest point in the National Park offering sensational views of Albany and surrounds.

Salmon Holes - Famous for the salmon schools and excellent fishing.

Frenchman's Bay area - numerous roads lead to secluded beaches and bays with picnic facilities.

Whale watching - see Humpback and Southern Right Whales frolicking close to shore and at one of the many lookouts along the coastline.

Bluff Knoll - in the Stirling Range National Park - is the highest peak in Western Australia

Wind Farm - Breathtaking views of the coastline and the most southerly point of Western Australia, West Cape Howe.

Less than an hour's drive away - Denmark, Porongurup and Mt Barker offer more stunning scenery, top restaurants and wineries and a wealth of activities and attractions.

The Anzac Albany events are being hosted and delivered by the Federal Government, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian Defence Force, the Western Australian Government and the City of Albany.

For more information about the events planned for the commemoration visit anzacalbany.com.au.

Events

OCTOBER

Yalgoo Emu Cup & Goo Fest

October 11, Yalgoo

Features emu-themed races, activities and competitions. The program includes novelty emu costume races, small sculpture competitions and a Goo Fest concert.

Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival

October 11, Dardanup

With the 2014 theme "Celebrating the World", this event will bring the colours, culture, sounds and flavours of places from around the globe to Western Australia.

Perth International

October 23 - 26, Perth

The Perth International is the only event in Australia to partner with the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, and with a prize purse of US$2,000,000, it is the richest annual golf tournament in Australia. Providing one of Australia's hilliest championship courses, Lake Karrinyup is surrounded by magnificent eucalyptus trees and kangaroos that freely roam the fairways - the perfect setting for hosting the successful Perth International golf tournament. Jason Dufner will return to the Perth International in 2014, along with world number 23 Victor Dubuisson and the recently announced former US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy. Tickets are now on sale with prices starting from $22 to attend on the first day of the tournament (Half Price Thursday). Entry is free for children under 16 who are accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au

perthinternational.com

Cape to Cape MTB

October 23 - 26, Augusta to Dunsborough

A fast-paced four-day mountain bike race from Augusta to Dunsborough. The event is suitable for riders of all levels and provides a great way to explore the South West region.

capetocapemtb.com

West End Markets: Pilbara Food Edition

October 25 - 26, Port Hedland

A food festival that focuses on agriculture and seafood from the region with master classes, produce tours and hawker style food markets.

visitporthedland.com

WA Goldfields PGA Championships

October 30 - November 2, Kalgoorlie

Set in Western Australia's iconic gold mining town, the event provides an opportunity for the winner to gain entry into the PGA of Australasia's biggest events - such as the Perth International.

pga.org.au/wa-pga

NOVEMBER

Anzac Centenary Commemoration

October 30- November 2, Albany

The international spotlight will be on Albany in WA's South West in November 2014 when the historic and picturesque coastal city hosts the first in a series of commemorative and community events as the curtain raiser to the Anzac Centenary period. Featuring the Australian Defence Force, the official event program will include the Royal Australian Navy ceremonial sunset commemorative service, symbolic departure of naval ships, troop march and a ship open day.

A free public concert will feature the West Australian Symphony Orchestra with high-profile special guests, The Waifs, Dan Sultan and Katie Noonan. The Stirling Terrace Mess Hall will feed the masses with pop-up restaurants and Great Southern produce. The National Anzac Centre will also be officially opened as part of the Anzac Albany event program. The innovative centre will allow visitors to follow personal stories of the young men and women from across Australia and New Zealand who left from Albany to fight for their countries.

anzacalbany.com.au

Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest

November 1 - 2, Augusta

Recognised as the world's biggest adventure race - a multi-race, multi-adventure weekend with something for everyone, taking place amidst the rugged landscapes of the South West.

rapidascent.com.au/augustaadventurefest

Blues at Bridgetown

November 7 - 9, Bridgetown

For lovers of blues music, this event features some fantastic artists as well as market stalls, buskers and entertainment for all ages.

bluesatbridgetown.com.au

Geographe Crush Food & Wine Festival

November 7 - 9, Geographe region

Showcases the local food and wine of the region, the exhibition includes wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, food and wine matching sessions and entertainment.

wineandfood.com.au/geographe.html

Indian Ocean Festival

November 8, Jurien Bay

A great day out for the whole family with dance and music performances, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

indianoceanfestival.com.au/

SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Mandurah - Australian Pro Championship

November 9, Mandurah

This event sees competitors take on a demanding 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run throughout Mandurah's beautiful waterways, foreshore and city centre.

ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman-70.3/mandurah.aspx#axzz37VRZUMJ7

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.

nutrigrainironman.com.au

DECEMBER

Saint Barbara's Festival

December 4 - 8, 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. 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/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman/western-australia.aspx#axzz3AeXeOBMb

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.

hopmancup.com

WA Country Builders Albany Half Triathlon

January 9 - 10, Albany

The triathlon features a 1.9 kilometre swim, a 90 kilometre cycle and a 21.1 kilometre run throughout the beautiful Great Southern region.

albanyhalf.com.au

Lancelin Ocean Classic

January 15 - 18, Lancelin

It's the longest running windsurfing event in Australia, attracting world-class competitors.

lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

Mount Barker Co-operative Ltd Grapes and Gallops

January 18, Mount Barker

Features the Great Southern's richest race, the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint.

grapesandgallops.com

Western Australian Circus Festival

January 24 - 26, Karridale

Features local, national and international contemporary circus performers.

lunarcircus.com/2015-western-australian-circus-festival

BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series

January 30- February 1, Perth

One of the world's richest swimming meets, with international water polo and an elite and mass participation open water swim.

aquaticsuperseries.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

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