WHAT'S HOT

There's no better time to enjoy a Perth staycation

Locals are being encouraged to pretend Perth is a place they have never visited before and reacquaint themselves with the city on a 'staycation'. A selection of new and much-loved tours are on offer to accompany a city stay, highlighting Perth's history, heritage, landscapes, and food and drink hotspots.

Here's our pick of what to see and do in and around Australia's sunniest capital city:

• Enjoy a long lunch or dinner at a local hotspot. Visitors are spoilt for choice in Perth, with the city offering an array of award-winning restaurants, ranging from fine-dining to more casual beachside options, including Hearth at The Ritz-Carlton, Santini Bar & Grill at QT Hotel, Madalenas in Fremantle, The Royal Hotel in Perth CBD, Double Rainbow in Northbridge and Island Market in Trigg.
• Walk around the 'new' Perth. Experience one of Perth's newest public spaces on an outdoor guided walking tour. Not-to-be-missed locations include the waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay and cultural meeting place Yagan Square. A selection of local operators offer guided walking tours of the city, including Two Feet & a Heartbeat and Oh Hey WA.
• See the Swan. Take in one of the most photogenic cityscapes from the Swan River and its foreshore, joining Perth locals for a walk, cycle, jog, picnic or a gentle river cruise. A selection of local tour operators provide a unique way to take in one of the city's iconic gems, including an e-bike ride with GoGo Active Tours, a waterbike experience with Perth Waterbike Adventures and Perth Waterbike Co, or a relaxing cruise with Little Ferry Co and Mandurah Cruises.
• Get to know Perth's culture and history. There are a number of tours providing insight into Perth's history, culture and heritage, including Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Nyungar Tours.
• Get a feel for Freo. The vibrant city of Fremantle blends the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. One of the best ways to experience the eclectic city is on a walking tour with a passionate guide from Fremantle Tours or Two Feet And a Heartbeat.
• Sample the delights of the Swan Valley. Located a 25-minute drive from Perth's CBD will see visitors indulging their senses in WA's oldest wine growing region.

Since 2012, 42 new or redeveloped hotels have opened in and around Perth, adding 4,627 new rooms to the local market with names such as COMO The Treasury, Crown Towers, Alex Hotel, QT and Quay Perth among the mix. By 2022, it is expected that a further seven new hotels will come online, adding 1,683 new rooms. A mix of great deals on overnight city staycays can be accessed here. 

 

New boardwalk for popular Murujuga rock art site

Visitors to Murujuga National Park in the Pilbara now have improved access to viewing culturally significant rock art with a new walking trail and signage. The $1.3 million Ngajarli Trail helps showcase the national park's array of rock art – with some estimated to be more than 45,000 years old. Interpretive signage has also been added to educate visitors on the cultural importance of the area to traditional owners. The modern infrastructure, the first recreational development in the national park, will allow greater access for a wider range of people through tours run by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), and other traditional owner tour businesses. The 700-metre trail is designed for universal access, ensuring this facility can be enjoyed by all members of the community. The national park can be reached in a half-hour drive from the city of Karratha.

 

Aboriginal name for new WA Museum announced

The spectacular new WA Museum has announced an Aboriginal name – WA Museum Boola Bardip. Meaning 'many stories' in Nyoongar language, the name recognises that the museum sits on Whadjuk Nyoongar land and honours the cultural heritage of Australia's First Peoples. For those eager to experience Perth Cultural Centre's exciting new addition, an allocation of 50,000 free, timed tickets for the nine-day opening celebration events are available from an online ballot until September 30. Ticket holders will then be randomly selected and allocated for opening events between November 21 and 29, where they will get a taste of the extraordinary stories and experiences on offer inside. WA Museum Boola Bardip has been developed with a 'people first' approach and features the voices of West Australians sharing their stories. It will be a gateway to the State, giving visitors a taste of everything WA has to offer.

 

Blockbuster WA events shortlisted for national awards

Several 2019 WA events are in trophy contention for the Australian National and State Event Awards. The Manchester United Tour at Optus Stadium has been announced as a national and state finalist in the awards' 'Best Event' category. The Bledisloe Cup at Optus Stadium is also a national finalist in the 'Best Event' category, along with Perth Festival's closing event Highway to Hell and the ICC Women's World Cup. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 21. For the full list of finalists, visit the Event Awards.

 

Aviation services increase to WA regions

In a boost to local tourism, more flights from Perth have been confirmed to the regional areas of Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia. Albany now receives 14 services a week from eight, while Esperance services have increased to 13 from eight. The Gascoyne region also has additional flights, with an increase from five to eight services weekly for Carnarvon, and an additional flight per week for Monkey Mia, taking it up to four weekly air services. One-way community fares are priced at $139 for Albany, $138 for Esperance, $158 for Monkey Mia and $199 for Carnarvon.

 

New Aboriginal Bushfood and Wildflower Trails

Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) has launched a new Aboriginal Bushfood and Wildflower Trails brochure, helping readers discover medicinal, nutritional and cultural significance of some of WA's plants and wildflowers. WA's wildflowers rank among the most spectacular flower displays in the world. Between July and October, many parts of the State become blankets of colour with everything from tiny crimson myrtles, dainty smokebush, fiery mountain bells and more than 150 varieties of orchids coming into bloom. Please see the below feature story for more information.

 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

 

Quokka birthday celebrations kick-off for 2020

The world's happiest animal will be celebrating its birthday across the month of September on Rottnest Island. Every Saturday, there will be activities and entertainment in the Thomson Bay grassed area including live music, quokka dreamtime stories and dancing, wildlife talks from Rottnest rangers and quokka walking tours. Wildlife Wednesdays will include activities such as quokka and wildlife walking tours, ranger talks and a quokka photography workshop. A Quokka Sleepover Party will be held every Friday and Saturday night with marshmallow toasting at a bonfire and a quokka-spotting twilight tour. All quokka birthday activities are free, however tickets are required. Spring is primetime to see adorable joeys hop out of their mum's pouches on the island, which is home to around 12,000 quokkas. A full list of celebrations can be accessed at rottnestisland.com/quokkabirthday.

The Perth Mint is joining the quokka birthday celebrations, releasing a new limited edition bullion coin – an ideal keepsake for the calendar of activities hosted across September. Crafted from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver, the latest release in the Mint's investment coin range features the much-loved marsupial, known as 'the world's happiest animal'. Individually presented in an acrylic capsule, The Perth Mint will release no more than 30,000 of the Quokka 2020 1oz Silver Bullion Coin for sale worldwide.

 

Get your cultural fix at Fremantle Art Centre

Two new exhibitions will open at Fremantle Arts Centre on September 25. Morphing figures, performing bodies and pop icons populate Bodywork, an exhibition that brings together mid-career Australian artists Tarryn Gill (WA), Amber Boardman (NSW), and Kaylene Whiskey (SA). Are You Having A Good Night? is artist Michelle Hamer's first solo exhibition in WA. Drawing on an archive of collected language, from her own experiences and those of other women, Hamer's hand-stitched works and drawings highlight the pervasiveness of threats and the irony and complexity of language in the #metoo moment.

 

FOOD & WINE

 

Delight the senses at Perth's Entwined in the Valley

Entwined in the Valley will return for a three-day showcase of the Swan Valley's unique offerings from October 9 to 11, 2020. Across the weekend, more than 25 venues and producers will open their cellar doors, restaurants and grounds. From bottomless brunches and long relaxed lunches, to family fun and exclusive tastings, there's something for all ages and budgets. New events include Beers, Beat and Bites at Mash Brewing, a cider-making masterclass at Funk Cider, and an afternoon of bush tucker, sweet treats and native teas at Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery. Returning events include the Swan Valley Sisters Family Market Day, Sittella's Sparkling Brunch and Make Your Own Nougat classes with Mondo Nougat. Located just 25-minutes from Perth CBD, the Swan Valley is home to an abundance of talented chefs, winemakers, brewers and purveyors of fresh produce and artisan goods.

 

Busselton's new brewery on track to open in October

An exciting addition to the Margaret River region's food and drink scene, Shelter Brewing Co is on schedule to open to the public in late-October. Situated on Busselton foreshore, the sustainably-designed venue will feature 10.6-metre floor-to-ceiling windows designed, maximising the stunning views of Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay. Licensed for up to 650-people, the brewery sits on an 1,850 square metre site adjacent to the Busselton Visitors Centre. Further details of Shelter Brewing Co, including its beer production, will be released soon. Stay up-to-date with the latest news at shelterbrewing.com.au.

 

WA Good Food Guide launch dining and content series

Celebrating a new season of culinary possibilities, WA Good Food Guide will launch an ABCs Dining and Content series this month. As part of the new series, 10 unique dining events will be hosted between Perth and the South West. Each event will be based around a letter of the alphabet, with chefs forming their menu on that letter using local seasonal produce. Participating Perth restaurants include Heritage Wine Bar, Uma at Pan Pacific, Bib and Tucker, Young George, Fleur at the Royal and Millbrook Winery, while Margaret River venues include Arimia, Wise Winery and Market Eating House. The digital content series will combine producer stories, chef interviews and a guide of what to drink in spring, produced by the editorial team behind the WA Good Food Guide. Details on the events can be found at wagoodfoodguide.com.

 

Discover Passel Estate's new boutique offerings

Located in the Margaret River region, family-owned winery Passel Estate has launched a series of intimate and immersive wine experiences. With nature conservation at its heart, the estate's new offerings allow visitors to reconnect with nature, people and place. This includes a Wine and Food Pairing – a Sensory Journey, where award-winning wines are paired with artisanal chocolate bonbons; Wine Sunsets at Passel Estate, combining fine wine, hand-crafted chocolate, cheese and wildlife conservation; The Ultimate Experience for Wine and Nature Lovers, an education on local flora and fauna along with a guided wine tasting, set in the property's lush vineyards; and Provenance Unearthed – A Guided Tasting, an engaging wine experience showcasing the region's stylistic differences.

 

Albany welcomes new bistro and lodge

The city of Albany in WA's South West has welcomed a new culinary and accommodation offering, Majuba Bistro and Majuba Country Lodge. Located centrally on York Street, Majuba Bistro's menu is influenced by French and Spanish bistro-style cooking, and serves hearty dishes heralding produce from Albany and its surrounding regions. Majuba Lodge is a bespoke guesthouse offering two private suites, overlooking Oyster Harbour in Kalgan, located a 20-minute drive from Albany. The suites have been designed with understated luxury in mind, with every element thoughtfully chosen to complement the stunning natural surroundings. Passionate about good food and service, partners Johann and Andrea opened the bistro and lodge in 2020.

 

Rooftop takeovers at Alex Hotel

Across the month of September, Alex Hotel will host a series of rooftop parties on its sun-filled terrace. Free ticketed events will run every Sunday from 1pm to 8pm at the boutique Northbridge hotel. The rooftop extravaganza will feature newly released gins, alongside a range of cocktails, line-up of local DJ's and food prepared by Shadow Wine Bar. Get your tickets here.

 

Howard Park's exclusive Wine Chapel experiences return

One of the Margaret River region's much loved wineries has relaunched a selection of experiences, with Howard Park Winery now hosting private tastings in the luxury surrounds of its Wine Chapel. Several exclusive culinary experiences are also back on the menu, including a Private Sparkling Wine Lounge Experience, combining award-winning bubbles with a locally sourced charcuterie selection; Private Marron and Native Foods Experience, matched with Howard Park wines; an indulgent Seafood Experience; and Private Group Tasting and Regional Tasting Platter, where guests will enjoy a showcase of varietals and charcuterie selection. The Wine Chapel experiences are available to book daily, with more information available at howardparkwines.com.au.

 

Little Creatures launches Little Brews

Fremantle institution Little Creatures has released a limited-edition range Little Brews which will feature on tap at the iconic brewery and selected venues across WA. The brewery aims to bring local beer-drinkers a fresh line-up of beers, showcasing the best of the single batches it has brewing in Fremantle and making them easily available for people to purchase at their local. The first of Little Brews will be Engineer's NEIPA, a juicy New England IPA developed by the brewery's engineering team.

 

TOURS, ACCOMMODATION & ATTRACTIONS

 

Coral Expeditions wins Travellers' Choice Award

Small-ship expedition touring company Coral Expeditions has taken home Tripadvisor's 2020 Travellers' Choice Award. Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, Coral Expeditions was commended for its consistent positive traveller feedback, placing it in the top 10 per cent of hospitality businesses around the globe for quality of experience. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2020, the cruising company is regarded as one of the country's pioneering cruise lines. Between April and December, a selection of Kimberley expedition cruises are on offer, giving guests the opportunity to experience the region's thundering waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art and unique wildlife.

 

Experience one of Australia's most magnificent reef systems

Cruises to one of WA's most spectacular diving and snorkelling destinations, the Rowley Shoals located 330-kilometres off the coast of Broome, will commence from September. TRUE NORTH will spend September and October exploring coast and corals on a range of itineraries – including a 13-night, seven-night and five-night adventure, while The Great Escape Charter Company will head to the Rowley Shoals on five and seven-night cruise itineraries in November and December. Kimberley Expeditions will host Rowley Shoals cruises between September and November, with departures from Broome – as is Seaestar Boat Charters who will host six-night cruises. Lady M Luxury Cruises is taking off on a five-night Rowley Shoals Snorkelling Cruise, with departures from Broome, in October and November. Visitors can cruise the Kimberley coastline for most of the year - from the early season waterfalls cruises, through to the iconic Kimberley cruise itineraries and the late season fishing and Rowley Shoals trips, there's something for everyone.

 

Rediscover Perth and the Swan Valley with Captain Cook Cruises

Captain Cook Cruises is returning to the Swan River from September 26, 2020. Bookings are now open for a Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise, a date night with a difference set against the lights of Perth; Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise, journeying to WA's oldest wine growing region; and Fremantle Lunch Cruise, where guests are treated to food and drinks prepared by an in-house chef, as the cruise travels the Swan River waterway between Perth and Fremantle.

 

Witness nature at its finest on a whale watching tour

In line with WA's humpback whale migration – one of the largest of its kind – a selection of whale watching tours are currently available across the State, including the regions of Perth, the South West and Coral Coast. Guests can enjoy up-close and personal encounters with the ocean's majestic giants on an expert-guided tour, including those run by Whale Watch WA, Naturaliste Charters, All Sea Charters and Albany Whale Tours. There is also the opportunity to swim with humpback whales in Exmouth and Coral Bay at Ningaloo Marine Park – the only location in WA where you can do so between the months of August and October.

 

Bookings open for Christmas Lights Cruises

The countdown is on for Mandurah's famous Christmas Lights Cruises. Visitors can experience the festive magic alongside family and friends on-board a tour with Mandurah Cruises, as it journeys through the wonderland of Christmas lights on the homes lining Mandurah's luxury canals. Tours will depart every night between December 1 and January 3, 2021, with standard and premium cruise options available. Those who sign-up to a cruise can receive special offers from local businesses, including a wide selection of accommodation, hospitality and local attraction providers. The coastal city of Mandurah is located an easy 40-minute drive south of Perth. For more information, visit Mandurah Cruises' website. 

 

Hougoumont release staycay special

Located in the port city of Fremantle, the Hougoumont hotel has released an Ultimate Staycation Package, where families can enjoy two nights at the boutique hotel in two Superior Cabin rooms, with the addition of a return trip to Rottnest Island with Rottnest Sealink. The September special is priced at $399 and includes the hotel's complimentary Wine and Cheese Hour and a light breakfast, featuring freshly baked goodies from Bread in Common.

 

Australian Luxury Escapes release new Margaret River itinerary

Specialising in small group and private touring, Australian Luxury Escapes has released a new four-day Margaret River itinerary, departing from Perth. The journey combines a mix of the region's highlights, including cave visits, wine and beer tasting, an Aboriginal-guided cultural tour, and visits to some of Margaret River's most spectacular sites, such as its iconic lighthouses and beaches. The package combines commentary from a highly-qualified guide, travel in luxury air-conditioned vehicles, three-night's accommodation at Cape Lodge (including breakfast and dinner) and lunch daily. For bookings, contact tours@australianluxuryescapes.com.

 

Shoot for the stars with Stargazers Club WA

Stargazers Club WA is hosting a mix of family-friendly events over the coming months, giving astronomy-lovers the chance to master a telescope, build their astronomy knowledge and learn to photograph the Milky Way. Upcoming events include an Astronomy and Telescopes Practical Night on September 19 in Perth, a BYO Telescope Class on October 25, and an Astrophotography Field Trip on November 7 in Northam. For more information on upcoming events and forums, visit stargazersclubwa.com.au.

 

FEATURE

 

Aboriginal bushfood and wildflower trails

WA's wildflowers rank among the most spectacular flower displays in the world. Between July and October, many parts of the State become blankets of colour with everything from tiny crimson myrtles, dainty smokebush, fiery mountain bells and more than 150 varieties of orchids coming into bloom.

For the Aboriginal people, these flowers are also a traditional source of food and medicine – part of WA's bush supermarket, full of highly nutritious foods which can be found through the land, seas and waterways. Tour guests are treated to interactive and delicious cultural encounters as Aboriginal guides share an ancient cultural knowledge of what the land has to offer.

Healing plants and flowers
Bush medicine has been used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Many of the bush plants also support the health and nutrition of the body, while others have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and assist in the healing of aches and wounds or soothing of intestinal issues. Bush medicine exists all over Australia and there are special methods to collect, grind, boil and create a paste, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Aboriginal six seasons
Aboriginal people have always practised sustainable hunting and gathering methods. There are certain seasons to collect and times of the year to avoid collecting some species. In contrast to the 'classic' four seasons, many Aboriginal cultural groups celebrate six seasons which are not strictly anchored to dates, but are determined by nature and environmental changes – like a change in weather, a plant flowering or the hibernation of reptiles. Two of WA's six season calendars are outlined below:

The Nyoongar Six Seasons (Perth and the South West)
Birak – December/January; hot and dry
Bunuru – February/March; warm easterly wind
Djeran – April/May; cool and pleasant
Makuru – June/July; cold and wet
Djilba – August/September; cold, lessening rain
Kamba – October/November; warming, rains finishing

The Bardi Six Seasons (Kimberley)
Mangal – December/January; green tree frog brings first big rains
Ngaladan – February/March; cyclone season brings storms from the ocean
Iralbu – April/May; hot period after the wet
Bargana – May/June/July; south easterly winds below, cool season
Djalalayi – August/September; west winds return, warming up season
Lalin – October/November; hot and humid, turtle mating season

Bushfood benefits
Spider orchid – the bulb of native orchids formed part of the Nyoongar spring diet, the flower was eaten raw.
Bloodroot – with a hot chilli taste, the bloodroot is eaten raw or used as a flavouring on cooked meats.
Quandong – eaten straight from the tree or as a sweet jam, quandongs are a favourite food of the emu.
Bush pear – with a taste likened to fresh peas, the bush pear is eaten raw or roasted over coals.
Sandalwood nut – with many medicinal properties, every part of the sandalwood tree was utilisied.
Mulla mulla – the flowers of the mulla mulla were used by Aboriginal people as decoration in ceremonies.
Bloodwood apple – the insect induced gall of the bloodwood eucalypt is also known as the bush coconut.
Banksia – When ripe, the nectar rich flower was a sweet treat for both people and wildlife.

Here's a snapshot of WA cultural tours, offering insight in the State's bushfood and wildflower trails:

• Bindi Bindi Dreaming, Perth
• Bundy's Cultural Tours, Kimberley
• Bush Ghoodhu Wongutha Aboriginal Tours, Goldfields 
• Girloorloo Tours at Mimbi Caves, Kimberley
• Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences, Perth 
• Kaarak Dreaming, South West
• Koomal Dreaming, Margaret River 
• Kurrah Mia Culturally Noongar, Albany
• Luridgii Tours, Kimberley
• Maalinup Aboriginal Experiences, Perth
• Narlijia Experiences Broome
• Ngurrangga Cultural Tours, Pilbara
• Nyungar Tours, Perth
• Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures, Kimberley 
• Waringarri Art and Culture Tours, Kimberley
• Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures, Shark Bay

For the full list, visit waitoc.com.

 

EVENTS

OCTOBER 

SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon | October 17, 2020, Busselton

The SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon comprises a series of events culminating in the IRONMAN 70.3. In addition to the SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3, which will remain the premier event of the festival, there will also be a SunSmart Kids Triathlon and the Funman Teams Triathlon. The expansion of the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon allows for a more inclusive weekend of events that brings a new level of excitement to the coastal city Busselton, in the Margaret River region.

A Taste of Chittering | October 17 to 18, 2020, Chittering

Held at beautiful Nesci Estate Wine Farm in lower Chittering, A Taste of Chittering celebrates the produce and lifestyle of the region. Meet and taste with food producers, and enjoy roving talks and cooking demonstrations. There will be a huge range of stalls featuring local wares and artisans. The Chittering region is located a 50-minute drive north east of Perth CBD.

Brew and the Moo | October 23 to 24, 2020, Dampier

Brew and the Moo is the Pilbara's premier beer and beef festival which brings together some of the best beef in the Pilbara and a range of beers from some of the country's top producers. Hampton Oval provides a perfect backdrop of the Dampier Archipelago, while expanses of lush lawn offer ideal picnic spots for guests to indulge the tastebuds and enjoy a drink.

 

NOVEMBER

Tour of Margaret River Pro AM | November 6 to 8, 2020, Margaret River region

As the Australian Team Championships, the Tour of Margaret River (TOMR) is the ultimate experience for cycling teams. The unique format of the tour means that amateur cyclists can compete directly against riders from the pro tour peloton. Designed especially for teams, TOMR is a highly tactical race where competitors are allocated points in a way specific to each stage.

Eagle Bay Epic | November 7 to 8, Margaret River region

The Eagle Bay Epic has been designed as the ultimate mix of off-road adventure racing. Imagine a mountain bike, ocean swim, kayak and trail run traversing the rugged and pristine coastline of WA's South West. Eagle Bay Brewery is the official venue of the event, offering sweeping views out to Cape Naturaliste in Geographe Bay.