In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's Innovations read about new additions to Margaret River Gourmet Escape's 2014 jam-packed program, the line-up for next year's Hopman Cup including two-time Grand Slam Champ Andy Murray, Giant marionettes set to roam Perth's streets in 2015 for the Perth International Arts Festival and the blooming beautiful wildflowers creating a blaze of colour across WA. There's also all the latest news of WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

What's Hot

New events added to the 2014 Gourmet Escape program 
Legendary artist Neil Finn has joined the Margaret River Gourmet Escape 2014 line-up and will perform a one-off vineyard concert alongside special guests Gurrumul and Megan Washington. The outdoor concert will be a spectacular evening under the stars, taking place at Margaret River's picturesque Sandalford Estate on Saturday November 22. Australian celebrity chef Matt Preston will also return to Western Australia in November to find the world's most knowledgeable foodie at the Gourmet Food Trivia Night on Friday November 21, with special guest appearances by Heston Blumenthal and Rick Stein. For more details, including the full line-up, key events and ticketing, visit gourmetescape.com.au.  

Hopman Cup attracts Grand Slam champ 
Two-time Grand Slam champion, Andy Murray of Great Britain and Australia's rising star, Nick Kyrgios, will visit Perth next year to compete in the Hopman Cup. 19-year-old Kyrgios skyrocketed to fame after defeating Rafael Nadal to make the quarter finals at Wimbledon last month. He will make his Hopman Cup debut in 2015, pairing with Perth's Casey Dellacqua to represent Australia in the mixed team competition. Dellacqua has recently entered the world's top 30 with three WTA doubles titles and playing in three Grand Slam doubles finals. Murray, Great Britain's most successful player ever, will be joined by Great Britain's number one female player, Heather Watson in the mixed team competition. Hopman Cup will take place at Perth Arena from January 4 to 10. 
hopmancup.com

Giant tribute to WA's Great War effort 
Two giant marionettes - more than six metres tall - will roam the streets of the City of Perth in February 2015 when world-renowned French company, Royal de Luxe perform one of the biggest professional live arts events ever staged in Australia. Perth International Arts Festival commissioned the major public event as a tribute to WA's World War One effort. The performance, which will run over three days for the opening weekend of the 2015 Festival, will tell the story of reunion, nation building and community participation.  
perthfestival.com.au

Perth Festival premieres The Rabbits and Madama Butterfly   
Perth International Arts Festival has just announced two advance highlights of the upcoming 2015 Perth Festival, the world premiere of The Rabbits and the Australian premiere (and exclusive) of the English National Opera's Madama Butterfly. Hailed as the most beautiful show of the year in operatic London, Anthony Minghella's Olivier Award-winning, Madama Butterfly, is set to the romantic melodies of Giacomo Puccini's music and will be performed at His Majesty's Theatre from February 24 to 28 and on March 3, 5 and 7.  The Rabbits will be brought to life as a new work of operatic theatre by an extraordinary Australian creative team (Barking Gecko Theatre Company and Opera Australia in association with West Australian Opera) in this world premiere production to be performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre from February 12 - 16. Award-winning vocalist, Kate Miller-Heidke leads a cast of singers and musicians to perform her own compositions. perthfestival.com.au 

Lifestyle and culture

The Waifs and WASO to perform at ANZAC Albany Concert 
Three of Australia's favourite musical acts will perform with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) at the ANZAC Albany Community Concert to be held at Centennial Park on November 1. The Waifs, Dan Sultan and Katie Noonan will join the 40-strong WASO orchestra to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first ANZACs leaving Australian shores. anzacalbany.com.au

Richard Avedon exhibition at the Art Gallery 
The Richard Avedon People exhibition presents a collection of 80 photographs by acclaimed American photographer, Richard Avedon. On display at the Art Gallery of WA until November 17, his work is a catalogue of the who's who of 20th century American culture. The exhibition features black and white portraits taken between 1949 and 2002 of entertainers, stars, writers, politicians including Mae West, Arthur Miller, Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote, Elizabeth Taylor, Twiggy, Malcolm X and Bob Dylan. 
artgallery.wa.gov.au  

Margaret River From Above 
From documenting war zones to photographing a world renowned tourism destination, former UN photographer, Martine Perret recently published From Above, a book of aerial photographs of the Margaret River Wine Region. Photographs taken by Martine from a helicopter showcase the region's stunning diversity, showcasing the rugged coastal settings, agricultural landscapes, orderly vineyards, wineries and wildlife from a dramatic airborne perspective that many are unfamiliar with. 34degreessouth.com

Outback hats off to Big Apple 
Broome milliner, Felicity Brown, will soon be the first Australian designer to showcase her work at the Designer's Premier as part of the New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Since receiving the unexpected invitation to NYFW, the Broome community and fashion aficionados from across Australia have rallied to raise funds for transporting magnificent head pieces to New York and hosting a runway show. Hats by Felicity will make their New York debut at the Helen Mills Event Space on September 9. millineronthemove.com

Discovery Bay Spring Festival celebrates new tourism precinct 
The inaugural Discovery Bay Spring Festival will officially herald the opening of Albany's impressive new tourism precinct. Formerly known as Whale World, the newly branded Discovery Bay Tourism Experience is a multi-faceted natural and built heritage tourism precinct. The precinct now includes a botanic garden featuring an open air amphitheatre with stunning views over King George Sound. 20 hectares of land behind the historic whaling station has been painstakingly restored with thousands of native plants. The official opening celebration will include live music, acrobatic displays, wildflower walks, animal feeding and a bouncy castle. Activities will be held each day of the week-long festival and will include workshops, lectures, performances, demonstrations and displays. 
discoverybay.com.au

Roar with laughter and rock to live music at Rottofest 
The sixth annual Rottofest promises to be the best yet, with 25 comedians and 12 music acts to perform across five venues on the island from September 19 to 21. Headline comedy acts include Donnell Rawlings (Chapelle's Show), John Safran, Troy Kinne, Claire Hooper, Neel Kolhatkar and Triple J Raw Comedy Winner 2011, Dayne Rathbone. Music acts include up and coming local and national musicianssuch as Andy Bull, Panama, Coin Banks, Woodlock and Rainy Day Women. Australia's Funniest Shorts will feature a curated selection of Australia's most hilarious short films and filmed sketches. Special events include The Big Hoo Haa, Bogan Bingo and Tomas Ford's Crap Disco. 
rottofest.com.au 

Food and Wine

Pete's paleo influence at new Heirloom restaurant 
Celebrity chef Pete Evans has created a new, paleo inspired menu for Perth's Fraser Suites' restaurant, Heirloom. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Heirloom's new menu uses fresh and seasonal WA produce. Signature dishes include Steamed wild barramundi with sweet potato, lime and coconut sauce and chia seeds and King prawn and avocado salad with preserved lemon, piquillo peppers, fennel and pepitas. The extensive wine list offers a selection of local and imported wines from the Swan Valley, Margaret River and the Great Southern. 
heirloomperth.com.au

Lot 20 is raising the bar in Northbridge 
There's a revolution happening in Perth's Northbridge and Lot 20 is the advance party. Located on William Street in the heart of the cultural precinct, Perth's newest small bar is housed in a two-storey Heritage-Listed building,  and features a modern warehouse style interior with edgy decor and a range of spaces to catch up with friends. Diners can choose from bar snacks, share plates, gourmet sandwiches, burgers and main meals made with premium WA produce, such as locally caught seafood, farm fresh lamb, beef, chicken, pork, vegetables, eggs and cheese. Lot 20 caters to all dietary requirements by offering the opportunity to mix and match menu items. The beverage list is also extensive with a range of cocktails, jugs, local and imported beer, wine and cider. 
lot20.co

Northbridge Brewing Company serving beer straight from the tank 
Beer lovers are beating a path to the doors of Perth's newest brewery, Northbridge Brewing Company (NBC). Comprising two storeys of bar and dining areas and a rooftop skydeck overlooking the Northbridge Piazza and city, NBC provides a welcoming family friendly atmosphere. Acclaimed master brewer, Ken Arrowsmith (the former face of infamous WA beer Emu Bitter) is heading up the brewery, which offers four craft beers, along with a range of other beers, ciders and wines. The in-house brews, which are only available over the bar straight from the tank, currently include Beerland Lager, Beerland Pale Ale, Beerland Wheat and Beerland Mild. 
northbridgebrewingco.com.au 

High-end tasting space launches in Margaret River 
Western Australia's largest family-owned and operated winery, Burch Family Wines has launched The Wine Chapel, a high-end tasting space designed to enhance the wine experience and raise the bar of tourism offerings in WA's South West. The new building sits separate to the current cellar door and offers weekly tours to visitors who can sample premium barrel and museum stock tastings, including the very first Howard Park Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. Private groups can access the building's commercial restaurant which offers tasting plates, cheese platters and customised chef cooked lunches. 
burchfamilywines.com.au

Meatballs making their mark in Leederville 
Accomplished international chef Ivan Mather, has just opened The Meatball Bar on Newcastle Street in Leederville. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, The Meatball Bar serves a variety of meatball inspired meals from a hearty meatball sandwich (known as a 'hero sandwich' in the USA) to vegetarian dishes such as falafel balls with saffron aioli. facebook.com/themeatballbar

Margaret River wine wins top Halliday awards 
The Margaret River Wine Region has consolidated its reputation for producing top quality wine at the 2015 Qantas epiQure James Halliday Australian Wine Companion Awards. Margaret River's Xanadu Wines, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen Wines and Flowstone received four of the awards, with Xanadu's 2011 Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon securing the prestigious title of Wine of the Year and best Cabernet in show, with 99 points. Leeuwin Estate's 2011 Art Series Chardonnay took out best Chardonnay in show with 98 points and Cullen Wines' 2012 Diana Madeline named best wine in the Cabernet family at 98 points. Up and coming producer, Flowstone, was awarded Best New Winery of the Year. 
margaretriver.com

Pop into Crown's new pop-up bar 
An edgy new pop-up bar offering Asian Fusion delights has opened at Crown Perth on Friday and Saturday nights. Jimmy Wong's Bar and Supper Club offers a tasty range of 'east meets west' style tapas such as pulled pork steamed buns, Shanghai dumplings and Singapore noodles. The beverage list includes wine, beer and spirits along with Asian inspired cocktails such as Tokyo Rose and Chop Chop. Located on Crown's Riverside entrance, Jimmy Wong's has a quirky vibe and views of the Swan River and Perth city skyline.  
crownperth.com.au

The Swan Valley is Australia's first humane food region 
WA's oldest wine growing region, the Swan Valley, has recently been named Australia's first humane food region. Supported by 30 of the region's restaurants and cafes, chefs and producers are committed to producing and serving humane food. Visitors can enjoy fresh, cage-free eggs, free-range pork and tastier, more wholesome produce from animals living happier and healthier lives. The Swan Valley Humane Food Region is an initiative by the City of Swan and RSPCA WA and is led by six eminent local chefs who are ambassadors of the project. Ambassadors are Caroline Taylor (Taylor's Art and Coffee House), Kiren Mainwairing (Dear Friends Restaurant), Dean Williams (Sandalford Wines), Mike Price (Sittella Winery and Restaurant), Fiona Lamont (Lamont's Winery and Small Tastes Venue) and Manu Fillaudeau (Fillaudeau's Restaurant and Cafe). swanvalley.com.au

International accolades for Great Southern Distilling Company 
Great Southern Distilling Company has taken home four silver medals from the 2014 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) held in London for Whisky Liqueur and Single Malt Whiskies. The Limeburners Cask Strength Single-Malt Whisky received silver medals for its three-year-old, six-year-old and nine-year-old expressions, while the Limeburners Whisky Liqueur received a silver medal and was declared 'outstanding' by the judges. The results mark seven years of continuous medals for the distillery's whiskies at the IWSC. Located in Albany in WA's South West, Great Southern Distilling Company is WA's only single malt whisky distillery. 
limeburners.com.au 

Tours, attractions and accommodation

Etihad touches down in Perth 
Etihad Airways is now offering a daily service between Perth and Abu Dhabi. The airline has been named the World's Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for the past five years and has a network that services 84 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide. The new service between Perth and Abu Dhabi offers new connections to the Middle East and other locations including the UK, the USA and Germany. Four international airlines have added Perth to their networks since 2004, which has improved air access and increased visitation to Western Australia. 
etihad.com 

Luxury Kimberley coast and cattle station experience 
El Questro and luxury adventure cruise-ship, True North, have partnered to offer the ultimate Kimberley coast and cattle station experience. Guests who book a True North seven-day Kimberley cruise from Broome and stay at the El Questro Homestead during 2015 can take advantage of a value-added offer, which includes $250 per person onboard credit for any True North Kimberley cruise, a two-for-one Miri Miri two-hour helicopter scenic flight from El Questro Homestead, half price scheduled transfers to and from El Questro Homestead and a premium bottle of wine each night at El Questro Homestead. elquestro.com.au 
northstarcruises.com.au

Facelift for Four Points by Sheraton 
Located on Wellington Street in Perth's central business district, Four Points by Sheraton Perth has just received a multi-million dollar refurbishment. The hotel's lobby, restaurant, guest rooms and meeting venues have all been completely transformed and the hotel has opened a new bar and dining venue, The Best Brew Bar & Kitchen. All 278 guest rooms have been decorated in colours and textures inspired by the unique WA landscape and feature large walk-in showers. Overlooking the Perth Arena, the new Best Brew Bar & Kitchen's menu features premium WA produce, local craft beers and refreshing cocktails. Following this major transformation, Four Points by Sheraton Perth was awarded Best Superior Accommodation at the 2014 Australian Hotels Association Accommodation Industry Awards. 
fourpointsperth.com

New Aboriginal art centre on Gibb River Road 
Tourists travelling along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley can now buy Aboriginal art from a new gallery next to the Imitji Roadhouse. Since the gallery officially opened with a corroboree last month, it has become popular with tourists, who visit to buy paintings, carved boabs, boomerangs and didgeridoos. The gallery is also used to teach children songs, stories and painting techniques.

New truffle tour a feast for foodies 
Margaret River-based tour company, Go In Style, has recently launched a new luxury truffle hunting tour - the first of its kind in WA. The fully inclusive day tour departs Margaret River taking guests to Oak Valley Truffle Farm in Manjimup followed by a truffle themed lunch at Watershed Premium Wines in Margaret River. Guests experience how truffles are grown, harvested and processed and learn about the history and operation of the Oak Valley Truffle Farm. The tour also includes a guided walk with a specially trained truffle hunting dog and its handler.
margaretriver.com

Explore Perth's new urban art 
Artists from across the globe have brightened Perth's walls and laneways with artworks throughout Northbridge and the CBD. Public Urban Art Walks are now offered to discover the art and learn about the artists. The guided 2.5-kilometre walking tour takes approximately three hours to complete and is offered on Thursday at 2.30pm and Saturday at 2pm. The tour costs $45 per person and includes an artwork map, artist studio/gallery visit, a small gift and a drink at The Mechanics Institute Bar. Alternatively, pick up a map from the King Street Arts Centre/FORM gallery during opening hours to discover the art at your own leisure. 
form.net.au

P&O Cruises announces biggest WA season 
P&O Cruises has announced that another of its cruise ships will soon call Fremantle home. 1500-passenger ship, Pacific Eden, will offer 13 cruises from April to July 2016, which is the cruise line's longest ever cruise season in the west and is expected to generate more than $15 million for the State. P&O Cruises' fleet expansion provides a greater variety of cruise options from Fremantle to South East Asia and coastal cruises to provide a boost to WA's regional ports. Fremantle will benefit from 12 turnaround calls, while Broome, Esperance, Busselton, Geraldton and Exmouth will receive a total of 14 visits by Pacific Eden. There's a range of coastal cruises around WA, which include visits to the Coral Coast, North West and South West pocruises.com.au 

Feature - Blooming beautiful wildflowers create a blaze of colour across WA

Home to more than 12,000 species of wildflowers, WA is currently experiencing a bumper wildflower season after good rainfall earlier in the year created ideal conditions for them to grow. 

The State's wildflower season commenced in the Pilbara in June and has gradually swept south in a blaze of brilliant colour throughout winter. 

Areas north of Perth have enjoyed an excellent season, with pink, yellow and white everlastings creating vibrant carpets of wildflowers inland and delicate orchids and many other species sighted near the coast.

Australia's Coral Coast Chief Executive Officer, David O'Malley said visitors were attracted to the region from interstate and overseas to experience the region's extraordinary wildflower season.

"There are thousands of different wildflower species throughout the Coral Coast and we even have a number of rare species that are only found in our region," Mr O'Malley said.

"We are internationally renowned for our everlastings, which create carpets of colour in areas like the Coalseam Conservation Park, located between Mullewa and Mingenew, north east of Perth."

The northern wildflower season is expected to end soon, but wildflowers have already started to bloom in areas of Perth and the south of the State.

Overlooking Perth's iconic Swan River, Kings Park and Botanic Garden features around 1,700 of the State's wildflower species. Nearby, the Serpentine and Avon Valley National Parks showcase a range of wildflowers from orchids to grevilleas and offer easy day trip options for people staying in the city or suburbs of Perth.

For those keen to head further afield on a wildflower adventure, spring hotspots include the Stirling Range, Porongurup Range and Fitzgerald River National Parks.

Located a short drive north of Albany, the Stirling Range and Porongurup Range National Parks each have a great variety of flowering plants in a spectacular mountain setting, with peaks of the Stirling Ranges rising more than 1,000 metres above sea level.

Located near Ravensthorpe, (approximately 500 kilometres south east of Perth), the Fitzgerald River National Park is home to a remarkable range of wildflowers, showcasing nearly 20 per cent of the State's plant species, including many that are endemic to the area. This UNESCO-listed biosphere situated on the stunning south coast has recently had a $40 million makeover of facilities. Spring is the best time to spot wildflowers in the National Park's hotspots, which include East Mt Barren, Cave Point and West Beach Roads and Hamersley Drive. Species include qualup bells, scarlet banksias, 4-winged mallee, dryandra, coastal foxglove, orchids, dampiera and hakea.

The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show will be held from September 10 to 21 and will feature 600 labelled specimens, guided wildflower bush walk, escorted wildflower four-wheel-drive tag-along tours and a gala dinner with ABC's gardening presenter, Sabrina Hahn.

WA's wildflowers are easily accessible with a number of self-drive itineraries available. Alternatively, guided tours are also offered. 

westernaustralia.com 

Events

September

Shinju Matsuri 
September 5 to 14, Broome 
Japanese for Festival of the Pearl, the event celebrates the unique culture, history and diversity of the exotic pearling town of Broome in WA's North West. Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community share with the world this beautiful locale and the people who call it home. shinjumatsuri.com.au 

Davis Cup 
September 12 to 14, Perth 
In a major sporting coup, Western Australia has been selected to host the Australian Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Uzbekistan in September. Australia would play Uzbekistan at the picturesque Cottesloe Tennis Club in a bid to extend their stay in the World Group into 2015. With a stunning backdrop of Cottesloe Beach and the Indian Ocean, the Cottesloe Tennis Club offers a fantastic view for players and spectators. WA is already host to the Hopman Cup at the Perth Arena, which continues to be a popular sporting event attracting a great mix of international teams and tennis superstars. 
daviscup.com

Telstra Perth Fashion Festival 
September 17 to 22, Perth 
The Telstra Perth Fashion Festival will be held from September 17 to 22 and is set to showcase the work of more than 100 designers, including 42 from WA. WA designers will feature in more than half of the festival's 45 events, providing excellent exposure for the local fashion industry. The festival programme features a range of events catering to all ages, styles and budgets, from Restyle Runway, featuring recycled clothes from op shops, high street fashion from retailers like Myer and Target to high-end couture by designers such as Perth's Ae'lkemi, Indonesian Sebastian Gunawan and Dubai based, Filipino Michael Cinco at the opening night's International Runway event. Two events will pay tribute to well-known WA fashion designer, Ruth Tarvydas, who passed away earlier this year. Cult WA label, Zhivago will close the 2014 festival with a showcase from their Equilibrium collection.  
telstraperthfashionfestival.com.au

Australasian Safari 
September 19-27, Perth, Golden Outback, Coral Coast and North West 
The Australasian Safari is considered one of the toughest and most challenging motoring events in the world. Competitors come from all over Australia and the world to compete in more than 3,500 kilometres of off-road racing over seven tough days. The race will take competitors through Perth, the Coral Coast, Golden Outback and North West, finishing in the coastal town of Kalbarri. 
australasiansafari.com.au

Country Cups - XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup 
September 20, Kalgoorlie 
The Kalgoorlie Race Round features the Boulder Cup, Hannan's Handicup and culminates in one of the Goldfield's most iconic events, the Kalgoorlie Cup. As well as the excitement of the races, race goers can enjoy a concert, a picnic day, the traditional game of two-up, as well as other activities. 
wacountrycups.com.au

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 OgilvyTickets 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 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 
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. 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

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

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

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

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.