WHAT'S HOT

Summer is the Greatest Show in Perth

Australia's sunniest capital city is brimming with activity from December to March, from arts and culture, to food and wine, comedy and sport. Kicking off the summer sporting season is the Mastercard Hopman Cup, where tennis fans are guaranteed to see their favourite players such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams battle it out on court. Cricket fans are also well catered for - see Australia versus India in the Domain Test, and the Big Bash League matches at the new Optus Stadium. Get your theatre, comedy and music fix at Perth's annual FRINGE WORLD and Perth Festival. There's also plenty of outdoor movies and performances at unique venues dotted across the Perth region, as well as evening markets such as the Twilight Hawkers Markets in Perth city, and the Scarborough Beach Sunset Markets. To learn more about summer in Perth and how to access great holiday deals check out our feature story below.

Hit the road for an epic adventure in WA 

A new guide to exploring Western Australia has been released, which highlights the variety of road trips that take in extraordinary landscapes, destinations and experiences around the State.

Start your adventure in Perth - where a thriving cultural, hospitality and events scene is complemented by the city's natural beauty. In an easy day trip from Perth city, you can sample your way around WA's oldest wine region, the Swan Valley; swim with wild dolphins at Rockingham; hike alongside spectacular waterfalls in the Perth Hills; explore the eclectic and historic port city of Fremantle; or walk on a lunar-like landscape at the Pinnacles Desert.

From Perth, head south to discover premium food and wine, beaches, dramatic coastline, tall-timber forests and caves – or drive north and experience the marine wonders of World Heritage listed Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, before exploring the rugged landscapes of the Pilbara and the Kimberley.

East of Perth, Kalgoorlie is where you'll find gold rush history and outback characters. Or take a journey through the Wheatbelt, passing by farmland and discovering wildflowers in bloom during the spring months. 

Serena Williams to face Roger Federer at 2019 Mastercard Hopman Cup

Tennis royalty Serena Williams will face current world No. 2 Roger Federer at the 2019 Mastercard Hopman Cup mixed teams tournament - one of the event's strongest line-ups in its 31 year history. Representing the USA, the 23-time Grand Slam winner will pair with rising star Frances Tiafoe. Federer, who holds 20 Grand Slam titles, will again partner with Belinda Bencic to defend Team Switzerland's 2018 title. The 2018 runners-up from Team Germany, world No. 3 Angelique Kerber and world No. 5 Alexander Zverev will also be returning, and Australia's highest ranked tennis player, world No.19 Ashleigh Barty, will take to the court with teammate and world No.48 Matthew Ebden. The tournament will be held at RAC Arena from December 29, 2018 to January 5, 2019. Selected single session tickets and ticket packages are now available to purchase through Ticketek.

Perth Festival program released

Returning to the city this summer from February 8 to March 3, 2019 – the 66th Perth Festival is set to deliver nine world premieres and seven Australian exclusives as part of its recently launched program.

Some of the highlights include The Magic Flute, by acclaimed director Barrie Kosky and presented with the West Australian Opera and West Australian Symphony Orchestra; a Vietnamese bamboo circus show, Lang Toi – and stunning physical theatre piece The Great Tamer by Greek Director Dimitirs Papaioannou. A line-up of local and international artists such as The Preatures, Cat Power and The Internet will perform at the Chevron Gardens pop-up outdoor venue at Elizabeth Quay, while the popular Boorna Waaginy: The Trees Speak immersive exhibition will return to light up Perth's iconic Kings Park with a nocturnal walk-through experience over the four-night opening weekend.

COMO The Treasury awarded best hotel in Australia and New Zealand

Perth's COMO The Treasury has been awarded the Best Hotel in Australia and New Zealand for the third year in a row in Conde Nast Traveler's 31st annual Readers' Choice Awards. Known as 'the best of the best of travel,' the awards are considered the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. COMO The Treasury's exclusive suites occupy the top floors of the immaculately restored 19th century State Buildings, located in the revitalised historic heart of Perth. Dining options at the precinct include the award-winning Wildflower, serving contemporary dishes revolving around the indigenous ethos of a six season calendar; Post, an all-day osteria serving Italian classics; Petition Kitchen and Long Chim.

Also making the exclusive list for top hotels in Australia and New Zealand was InterContinental Perth City Centre – coming in at number 13. Opened in October 2017, the hotel offers guests a luxury five-star experience, with an ideal location in the charming King Street precinct in Perth city.

Wild Thing captures the heart of the Kimberley

The extraordinary Kimberley region of WA stars in the latest fashion collection Wild Thing from eclectic Australian fashion label Spell and the Gypsy Collective. Worn by international celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Elsa Pataky, Spell has almost one million followers on Instagram and filmed social media and campaign content in Kununurra and surrounds earlier this year. Spell muse and Australian model Megan Irwin, features alongside the Kimberley's striking landscapes in Wild Thing - from boab trees and ancient rock formations, to palm fringed turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls. Songstress Kasey Chambers penned a song that features as part of the campaign, aptly titled Wild Thing. For further information on the fashion brand's experience exploring the Kimberley, including El Questro Wilderness Park, Mirima National Park and Lake Argyle, check out this Spell and the Gypsy Collective blog post.

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

First shows on sale for 2019 FRINGE WORLD Festival

Perth's annual FRINGE WORLD Festival has released its first 150 shows, with more to come when the program officially launches on November 15. Held across Perth's summer months, from January 18 to February 17, 2019, it is now the third largest Fringe festival in the world. Shows on sale now include Le Aerial – a high flying performance of breathtaking aerial manoeuvres, and Fuego Carnal – a high-octane spectacle of wild stunts and mesmerising flames.

Have a laugh at Yagan Square

Perth comedy institution - The Laugh Resort – will reopen in Perth at the new Yagan Square precinct from November 21. Located at the Shoe Bar and Café, The Laugh Resort – which helped grow some of Australia's comedic heavyweights, such as Dave Hughes, Rove McManus, Claire Hooper and Joel Creasey - has been running in Northbridge since 1991, but recently took a two year hiatus. The new 100 seat venue will host The Laugh Resort monthly, as well as a month-long FRINGE WORLD program of multiple shows per day.

Scarborough Beach set to sizzle this summer

The recently revitalised Scarborough Beach precinct – located only 20 minutes from Perth's CBD - welcomes a number of events and activations this summer. Kicking off last week was the return of the popular Scarborough Beach Sunset Markets - on each Thursday to April 25, 2019 - and the start of a new evening event, the Scarborough Sunset Appaluse. The Sunset Applause is a celebration of Perth's glorious Indian Ocean sunsets, with locals and visitors encouraged to applaud the sunset each evening from the beach, bars, restaurants and markets. Other events include a Youth Festival on November 17, Christmas Carols on December 16 and the Sweet-As Festival from January 26 to 27, featuring everything sweet. A new casual beach bar – the Peach Pit, also opens this November.

Opera and lights await visitors this summer

Visitors heading to Albany to see Bruce Munro's Field of Light: Avenue of Honour exhibition may like to time their visit to coincide with the West Australian Opera's inaugural Concert for Conservation, set to be held among towering tingle trees at the nearby Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk on December 1. The Albany Visitor Centre is offering a three-night travel package that includes accommodation, tickets to the concert with a picnic dinner hamper, and a Field of Light: Avenue of Honour Sunset Panorama Tour. Since opening on October 4, Field of Light has welcomed more than 12,000 visitors to the city of Albany. Located in WA's South West, Albany is situated 415 kilometres, or a five hour drive, from Perth. It can be reached by air in just over an hour, with REX airlines flying to Albany daily.

Save the date for Ord Valley Muster 2019

Experience the magic of the Kimberley when the Ord Valley Muster returns to WA's North West from from May 17 to 26, 2019. The annual 10 day festival will take over Kununurra and surrounds, offering a variety of unique experiences including black tie dining under starry skies, Aboriginal culture and dance, foodie event FEASTival showcasing the region's producers, the Gibb River Road Challenge bike ride, a local talent quest, a country rodeo and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. The Muster's pinnacle event, the Kimberley Moon Experience, will be held on May 25 and will be headlined by some of Australia's biggest artists, with past acts including Lee Kernaghan, The Cat Empire, Jimmy Barnes and Paul Kelly. More information including talent, ticket sale and travel packages will be released soon.

FOOD AND WINE

Rottnest Island celebrates Seafood Saturday

Rottnest Island will showcase WA's fresh succulent seafood at a new summer event, Seafood Saturday. On November 24, the island will host a mix of ticketed events and free activities in breathtaking beachside locations. Catch and cook crayfish boat tours, fishing clinics, a seafood degustation dinner, beach barbecue, unique sunset tours, a long table dinner, beach bonfire and a live cooking station will be on offer at the event. Seafood Saturday will run from 10am to 8pm, with late ferries scheduled. Promotional ferry fares are currently on offer, starting from $30 with SeaLink.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape releases Gourmet Village line-up

The famed Gourmet Village, the heart of Margaret River Gourmet Escape, will immerse guests in a rich food and wine experience when it returns to Leeuwin Estate on November 17 and 18. This year will see the return of some of the village's most popular attractions, along with some new experiences including; The Wine Hub – a series of informal and engaging wine tastings hosted by acclaimed wine critic Nick Stock; Consuming Conversations – an intimate gathering with some of the world's most influential foodies, hosted by food writer Max Brearley; The West Winds Gin Masterclasses; and Regional Flavours – cooking demonstrations hosted by Rebecca Sullivan (from Warndu). Popular returning attractions include the Chef's Amphitheatre, Meet the Makers and Battle of the Breweries. The Gourmet Village's pop-up restaurants will also offer visitors a chance to sample their way around some of the region and WA's best and most exciting restaurants. Adding to the festival vibes, live music will play across the weekend. 

Howard Park receives Winemaker of the Year award win

Howard Park Wine's chief winemaker Janice McDonald was recently awarded Winemaker of the Year for 2018 by Australia's premier food, travel and lifestyle magazine, Gourmet Traveller. The family-owned business is one of WA's premium wineries, producing a range of handcrafted fine Australian wines from the State's premier grape growing regions of Margaret River and the Great Southern. A boost to WA's winemaking industry, Janice was the first WA finalist included in the line-up since 2015, and the first WA winner since 2012.

Margaret River welcomes Caves Road Collective

One of Margaret River's most favoured venues and home of Black Brewing Co in Wilyabrup has a new name – Caves Road Collective. Black Brewing Co beer will continue to be brewed on site, alongside Dune Distilling and Ground to Cloud Wines. Visitors can enjoy a beer, gin or wine tastings good food and friendly service, along with exhibitions, music and special events.

Tea, chocolate and barbecue in the Swan Valley

Recently opened in the Swan Valley is the Swan Valley Collective. Comprising a smokehouse barbeque, chocolateria and ice-creamery, coffee and tea company and honey company, the collective specialises in slow cooked meats and offers hearty breakfasts and meaty lunches, with freshly made ice cream and locally sourced honey, along with tea, coffee and sweet treats. The Swan Valley is WA's oldest wine growing region, located a 25 minute drive from Perth city.

Perth's latest late night hot spots

The team behind popular venue No Mafia has opened another small bar and eatery on William Street in Perth's cultural hub Northbridge. Los Bravos serves up Spanish-inspired foods, including seafood paella, croquettes, pickled whiting and sherry. 

An all-day 'nuovo Italo-Australian' drinking, dining and dancing venue is the premise behind Si Paradiso – a new Beaufort Street venture in the inner-city suburb of Highgate. Taking inspiration from European summer nights, the venue is a mix of restaurant, bar and club – with food available from lunch till late on weekends, with the music changing in style throughout the day.

Accoldaes for WA's top food venues

Good Food Guide winners
Wills Domain, located in the Margaret River region, was named WA's Restaurant of the Year at the recent 2018 West Australian Good Food Guide Awards. Also coming out on top was newcomer Tiny's Bar winning Best Bar Dining, while its owners Paul Aron and Michael Forde won the prestigious Hospitality Operator of the Year, and bartender Emma Crisp took out the award for Best Breakthrough Talent. Jed Gerrard from Wildflower was awarded Chef of the Year, and the restaurant's wine selection won Wine List of the Year. Santini Bar and Grill at the new QT Perth took out Best New Restaurant. The Good Food Guide is WA's premier hospitality awards and dining guide, listing 50 of the State's top restaurants to drink and eat.

Hats off to WA
Western Australia nearly doubled the number of its coveted hatted restaurants following the release of the second annual National Good Food Guide 2018. Receiving two hats, Wills Domain was the highest ranked restaurant in WA, with a total score of 16.5. This was followed closely by neighbouring Margaret River venues, Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines and Yarri – with each scoring two hats. Closer to Perth, a mix of new and established restaurants joined the ranks of some of Australia's best dining options, receiving one hat, including Wildflower, Bread in Common and Millbrook Winery. For the full list of WA Hat accolades, visit the Good Food website.

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Hop on, hop off in the Swan Valley

Visitors to Perth can now experience WA's oldest wine region using a hop on, hop off bus service. Operated by ADAMS Charters, the Swan Valley Explorer runs seven days a week, departing from Guildford Train Station – a 20 minute train journey from Perth CBD. The circle route runs along West Swan Road, Great Northern Highway and Reid Highway, and allows guests to hop on and off at award winning wineries, distilleries, breweries, cideries, eateries, gourmet food providores and nature-based attractions. The new service commences on November 10, with $20 adult tickets available for purchase on-board the bus or online.

Bookings open for Discovery Rottnest Island

Bookings for the much anticipated new eco tent accommodation on Rottnest Island – Discovery Rottnest Island – are now open for stays from March 1, 2019. Nestled behind the dunes of Pinky's Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse, three levels of tent accommodation will be on offer – with accommodation prices starting at $119 per night in low season for a standard tent, to $592 per night for a deluxe tent in high season. All tents include ensuites, beds, furnishings and a private deck – with boardwalks through the sand dunes connecting the tents to Pinky's Beach Club, which will have a resort pool, poolside bar and restaurant. Home to 63 pristine beaches and 20 secluded bays, Rottnest Island is located 19 kilometres off Perth's coast, and is easily accessible via a short ferry trip from Perth city, Fremantle and Hillarys, or via helicopter or small plane.

Southern hemisphere's largest bell to chime at Perth's Bell Tower

The largest bell in the southern hemisphere has been installed at Perth's iconic Bell Tower at Elizabeth Quay.Commemorating the centenary of WWI, ANZAC Bell will chime for the first time on Remembrance Day on November 11, 2018. The 6.5 tonne bell is the heaviest of its kind ever to be cast in Australia and signifies the efforts of Australian and New Zealand serviceman and women involved in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world. Located at Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower is one of the largest musical instruments in the world, and allows visitors to discover and experience the ancient art of bell ringing.

New Esplanade Hotel to reopen as Quay Perth

The former New Esplanade hotel will reopen in early 2019 as a new 80-room boutique hotel. Rebranded as Quay Perth, the hotel will be a premium co-live, co-work, co-play destination, located in the vibrant hub of Perth's Elizabeth Quay. The multi-million dollar redevelopment will completely transform the former hotel – comprising new guest rooms and public areas, an all-day lobby café, rooftop bar and restaurant, and innovative co-working spaces.

Holiday homes for all across WA

Private Properties manages some of the most exclusive family-friendly holiday homes in Perth, Swan Valley, South West, Great Southern and Peel regions. Offering a choice of more than 100 luxury family-friendly holiday homes, guests can be matched with a property based on specific needs, such as private pools, beach access, large open spaces or enclosed yards, tennis courts, basketball hoops and home theatres. All properties are fully self-contained, and offer a concierge service to manage any special requests. 

New Aboriginal rock art tours

A new interpretive tour of rock art petroglyphs is now on offer at Deep Gorge in Murujuga National Park – located near the town of Karratha in Australia's North West. The Aboriginal-guided Rock Art tours operate daily from 9am, subject to demand and will be run by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). 

El Questro Season Opening Offer

El Questro Station, one of the world's most unique holiday destinations, located in the heart of El Questro Wilderness Park in WA's Kimberley region, has released its 2019 season opening offers. Book a three night stay at the station and pay for only two nights, with complimentary breakfast provided daily for two people. The deal is available until April 30, 2019.