WHAT'S HOT

Affordable airfares to Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth

Slipping into Broome time, experiencing the magic of the Kimberley, or diving into the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef will now be more affordable for travellers, thanks to the release of 50,000 reduced flights between Perth and Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth. Virgin Australia is offering flights between Perth and Broome from $199 one-way for travel between November 2, 2020 and October 30, 2021, while flights to Kununurra are on offer from $249 one-way between March 29 and September 30, 2021, when purchased 21 days in advance. Qantas is also offering special one-way fares between Perth and Exmouth from November 20 for 12 months, priced at $149 one-way during low season (November 4 to March 27) when booked 30 days in advance, and $169 during high season (March 28 to October 30) when booked 45 days in advance. The Virgin and Qantas special fares can be booked online or through travel agents, with tickets on sale now.

 

Experience WA's epic landscapes in the film Dirt Music

Based on the novel by acclaimed West Australian author Tim Winton, Dirt Music is a gripping drama and a haunting love story set against the powerful backdrop of Western Australia's breathtaking and evocative landscapes – including the Kimberley, Esperance and Perth. Directed by Gregor Jordan (Two Hands, Ned Kelly), and starring Scottish actress Kelly MacDonald, US actor Garrett Hedlund and Australian favourite David Wenham, the cinematic adaption is now screening across Australian cinemas. For more information on how to plan an epic Dirt Music advetnure, and retrace the steps of the film's star crossed lovers, visit www.australiasnorthwest.com/dirt-music and www.roadtoesperance.com.

 

Vibe Hotel opens in Subiaco

The inner-city suburb of Subiaco has welcomed its first lifestyle hotel, with the opening of Vibe Hotel Subiaco on October 1. The 168-room hotel features a rooftop pool, gym, conference space, versatile guest rooms that can be transformed into three-bedroom suites, a St Marks Road Co. eatery on the ground floor, and alfresco dining at the rooftop Storehouse Restaurant and Bar.

 

New Kalbarri Skywalk dining event

Enjoy a dining experience like no other at one of WA's most awe-inspiring new tourism attractions with the inaugural Kalbarri Skywalk Dinner. Offering breathtaking views over Kalbarri National Park and the Murchison River Gorge, the new event at the iconic Kalbarri Skywalk in WA's Coral Coast will be held on October 31 and November 1. The night will showcase WA produce, wines by Wise Wines and beers from Gage Roads, as well as live performances and a stargazing experience with Perth Observatory. A Welcome to Country will be performed by Nanda Traditional Owner Colleen Drage, who will also share stories about the Aboriginal art at the Skywalk. With the experience selling out quickly, an additional three-night coach package has been released for October 30 to November 2. Starting from $1,099 per person the package includes return transfers from Perth, three nights' accommodation at Kalbarri Edge Resort, breakfast daily, a welcome drink event, a visit to Hutt Lagoon (pink lake), and the exclusive Kalbarri Skywalk Dinner package.

 

Australian film Rams set to showcase WA's Great Southern

WA's stunning Great Southern region will be showcased on the big screen, with the release of Rams in cinemas on October 29. An adaptation of the Icelandic film Hrútar (Rams), the film is set in Mount Barker - a small regional farming town located near Stirling Range National Park. Starring New Zealand actor Sam Neill, and Australian favourites Michael Caton, Asher Keddie and Wayne Blair, the movie tells the story of two estranged brothers, both sheep farmers, who must come together when disaster strikes and disease threatens both of their flocks.

 

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

Pilbara's Aboriginal art movement celebrated in new exhibition

The culture, knowledge and creative expression of Aboriginal artists from the Pilbara will be celebrated in a new multi-artform exhibition and documentation project highlighting the important art movement in the North West region. Pilbara Survey (a working title) has been initiated by not-for-profit organisation FORM, in collaboration with Martumili Artists in Newman, Spinifex Hill Studio in South Hedland, Roebourne's Yinjaa-Barni Art, Juluwarlu Art Group and Cheeditha Art Group, as well as Yindjibarndi artist Katie West and Martu artist Curtis Taylor. The exhibition will map the historical context and development of the Pilbara's Aboriginal art movement for the first time, and demonstrate the region's Aboriginal communities as vital contributors to Australia's cultural identity. The first exhibition in the series, What Now? The next generation of Martumili Artists, opened this month at the Goods Shed in the Perth suburb of Claremont, and a major region-wide exhibition is in development for showcase in 2022.

 

COMO The Treasury voted best hotel in Australia and the Pacific

For the fourth time, Perth's COMO The Treasury has been voted Best Hotel in the Australia Pacific region in Conde Nast Traveller's 2020 Reader's Choice Awards – as voted by more than 715,000 readers of the world's authoritative and most distinguished travel title. COMO The Treasury is located in the heart of Perth, within the historic 19th century State Buildings, and comprises 48 elegant and contemporary rooms and suites, the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape wellness experiences, and award-wining dining venues including Long Chim, Petition, Post and rooftop restaurant Wildflower, where the menu revolves around the Nyoongar Indigenous ethos of six seasons.

 

FRINGE WORLD returning in 2021

Perth's annual FRINGE World festival is set to return over 31 days this summer, from January 15 to February 14, 2021. Due to the current unprecedented times across the globe, the festival will see a smaller footprint of hubs, from five in 2020 to two in 2021 – with The Woodside Pleasure Garden and Girls School confirmed as venues. Early release tickets to shows will go on sale from November 12, and the program will be released on November 26 – with the flexibility to release more shows up until the festival is held.

 

Cooking school attracts three million YouTube views

One Table Farm – a small family run farm and cooking school in the Margaret River region owned by husband and wife team Tim Hall and Cree Monagham – has recently been thrown into the spotlight thanks to a short YouTube film, which has amassed more than three million views since its launch. The four-minute video was made in February as part of the YouTube Learning Stories series, showcasing how Australians are learning new skills on the digital platform. One Table Farm is a small 'climate-change aware' farm-based cooking school, started by Cree and Tim after moving from Perth in 2014 to pursue their dream of living sustainably and regenerating the land. The couple now share their farm and what they have learnt by offering sustainable farm tours and workshops, including the popular sourdough workshops.

 

Perth welcomes first permanent floating venue

Perth's iconic Swan River recently welcomed the opening of its first permanent floating venue. Catering for up to 250 people, The Raft is a 445sqm event space offering uninterrupted Perth city views, with access available via the private tender vessel. Permanently moored on the Swan River, The Raft's spacious open deck features custom designed furniture and a bar, with a drinks list featuring local beers and wines from Margaret River and the Perth Hills, and catering provided by Heyder & Shears. The venue is available to hire for private events, and is set to host a range of ticketed events throughout the year.

 

WA's writing community joins hands with Bali

Writing WA has collaborated with the producers of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival to present Kembali 20 Perth – an afternoon of conversations (both live and live-streamed) with some of WA and Indonesia's most exciting literary voices, presented simultaneously to audiences in Perth and Ubud. Tickets to the event, which will be held at The Rechabite in Northbridge, are now on sale, with packages available including drinks and canapes.

 

FOOD AND WINE

WA Good Food Guide announce launch of Southern Weekender

The WA Good Food Guide has announced a series of events in WA's South West region. The WAGFG Southern Weekender will take place from November 20 to 22, and will celebrate the best of WA's culinary talent, from chefs and growers to winemakers, brewers and distillers. The weekend will kick off with the official opening party in the courtyard at Wise Winery in Margaret River on Friday, November 20. Other events include the WA Good Food Guide Spring Fling at Wills Domain on Saturday, November 21 – celebrating 20 years of the winery, with award-winning chef Seth James crafting a spring party inspired menu; and on Sunday November 22, a Long Lunch event at Tiller Farm in Yallingup where chef George Cooper will hero South West produce overlooking the farm's paddocks. The full line-up of events, as well as accommodation packages in the region, will be announced soon.

 

Pirate Life Brewery to open in Perth this summer

Due to open this summer, Pirate Life Perth is a new 1,000 person brew-pub, and the first WA venue for the South Australian brewery. Local hospitality heavyweight Andy Freeman – the founder of Sneaker & Jeans group which manages popular small bar venues Varnish on King, Goody Two's and Caballitos – is behind the new venture, which is set to be his biggest opening yet. Taking over the former Sony building on Murray Street in Perth's CBD, the multi-storey space will house three bars and two kitchens catering to casual bar bites and restaurant meals, in addition to brewing almost all of Pirate Life's main beers on-site, as well as custom beers for Sneakers & Jeans venues.

 

Rambla on Swan gets a revamp

Located on the banks of the Swan River in South Perth, Rambla on Swan has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. With a focus on casual dining, the newly renovated waterfront deck bar, alfresco area and restaurant now provides the ultimate spot for a long lunch or sunset drink with views of the river and city skyline. The food and beverage menu has also been revamped with an expanded cocktail list, curated share boards, locally sourced casual dining dishes plus more substantial meals.

 

Funk Cider releases new gin cider

Located in Perth's Swan Valley wine region, Funk Cider recently launched a hybrid gin cider in collaboration with Old Young's Distillery. The hybrid gin cider is a blend of classic London-style gin from Old Young's Distillery, and craft apple cider from Funk Cider and is available through the website or selected stockists. The award-winning cidery will also soon relocate to a much larger venue, with the owners – brothers Dustin and Michael – having recently purchased the former Swanbrook Winery. The new venue will open following a multi-million dollar makeover, including the restaurant, kitchen, al fresco areas, and retail space, as well as expanding the production facilities.

 

Fremantle's The Raw Kitchen relaunches as Mother

The Raw Kitchen – an institution for plant-based food lovers for 10 years – has recently relaunched as Mother. Located in a newly refurbished warehouse in the eclectic port city of Fremantle, the restaurant serves up delicious plant-based meals with a focus on nourishment and sustainability. The new menu takes inspiration from the Mediterranean, and now offers natural wines and speciality cocktails.

 

Hidden deTours 'Gin Getaways'

Hidden deTours is launching a new three-day gin tour of the Margaret River region this October. The boutique tour operator has teamed up with six South West distilleries in Collie, Margaret River, Wilyabrup, Eagle Bay and Bunbury to offer guided gin tastings and behind-the-scenes experiences over three days. Combining vodka, rum, wine and mead tastings, the tour also includes distillery lunches and visits to honey, olive oil, cheese and chocolate producers. Starting from $880 per person, the experience includes two nights' accommodation at Stay Margaret River, with tours taking place once a month.

 

Toast Face Grillah opens in Margaret River

One of Perth's favourite grilled-cheese sandwich-makers, Toastface Grillah, has recently expanded its offering into the Margaret River region. The café is one of the newest additions to Margaret River town's revamped main street. The toastie and coffee makers have also opened an additional venue in Scarborough, adding to the existing locations in Perth's CBD and Wolf Lane precinct.

 

Ritz Carlton's Songbird Sunday Brunch

The luxurious five-star Ritz Carlton Perth, overlooking the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay, has launched a signature Sunday brunch at rooftop venue Songbird. Guests will be immersed in an interactive experience showcasing the finest WA wines, exquisite local cuisine and live music, from 11am to 2pm every Sunday. With three different beverage packages to choose from, the menu features local cuisine from across the region, hand-selected and curated by Executive Chef Jed Gerrard, including Shark Bay scallops, wagyu beef and quail egg.

Guests can also celebrate this year's Melbourne Cup at the hotel's signature restaurant Hearth with a four-course luncheon. Overlooking Perth's stunning Elizabeth Quay, guests will start the day with chef's canapés and a glass of sparkling wine in the alfresco area as they watch the race that stops the nation on November 3.

 

Mr Barval Fine Wines reopens with new exhibition

Mr Barval Fine Wines, a small-batch winery located in the renowned Margaret River region, will be reopening its cellar door and art gallery on November 20. To celebrate, the winery will hold a sunset launch event, where the onsite gallery's inspirational new art exhibition Wandjina: The Rainmaker will be revealed. The exhibition will showcase a number of talented artists from the remote Aboriginal community of Kalumburu in the Kimberley. The winery's owner-operators – Robert and Kellie Gherardi – recently spent three months living with their family in Kalumburu, and this exhibition will be the first whole-of-community collaboration for the Aboriginal artists in that community. Tickets to the opening night are $45, and include dinner and a glass of wine.

 

TOURS, ACCOMMODATION AND ATTRACTIONS

Kununurra to welcome new 4WD camper hire

The eastern gateway to the Kimberley, Kununurra, is set to welcome its first four-wheel-drive camper hire company in time for the 2021 season. RedSands Campers will open its fifth WA depot location in the North West town from April 2021, allowing travellers to do one-way road trips along the iconic Gibb River Road, and spend more time exploring Kununurra and surrounds – including Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle and the Ord River. RedSands Campers will offer both its four-wheel-drive campers and premium Landcruiser Prado 4WDs, with no one-way fees as part of the hire conditions.

 

Bike, swim and hike in Dunsborough

Bike Swim Hike Dunsborough is a new tour operator offering scenic adventure tours showcasing the pristine Dunsborough coastline in the Margaret River region. Catering to a maximum of 10 people, the two-hour tours include two diverse cycling legs, including a coastal hike spotting local flora and fauna, with the opportunity to swim at some of Dunsborough's best beaches. Additional packages include a Pedal and Plonk wine tasting bike tour, and a Beers with Gears beer tasking bike tour, showcasing some of the region's best wineries and breweries.

 

Quay Perth reopening with staycay packages

Boutique hotel Quay Perth reopened its doors this month, and is celebrating by offering guests the ultimate, all-inclusive staycation package. For just $245 a night, guests will receive an early check-in, late check-out, a private carpark space, unlimited WI-FI, a bottle of sparkling, a signature breakfast for two, and a yoga session at MyAll Wellbeing Studio.

 

Private Properties' new Margaret River accommodation offerings

Private Properties has listed three stunning new holiday homes available for rent in WA's Margaret River region. Holiday makers searching for pristine ocean views will be spoilt for choice with these three beach houses – located in Yallingup, Meelup and Prevelly. With a range of holiday homes to suit large and small groups located in Busselton, Dunsborough, Eagle Bay, Yallingup and Gracetown, Private Properties provides accommodation across a choice of popular holiday locations.

 

Spring into WA Parks

Western Australia's national parks are set to be showcased with a diverse range of events and activities available throughout the spring months. Spring into Parks celebrates WA's spectacular wilderness and access to nature, providing opportunities to enjoy the wealth of experiences available in the State's 101 national parks and 17 marine parks. Running until November 28, events and activities range from discovering birds of the night, to stargazing in woodlands, yoga in an ancient cave and learning how to camp and cook on a traditional campfire. Highlights include Cabaret Cave Yoga and Mindfulness at Yanchep National Park on October 25, Parks and Bush Tucker in the Swan Valley with native food specialist Dale Tilbrook on November 21, and Opera in the Valley of the Giants at Walpole-Nornalup National Park on November 28.

 

Swings and Roundabouts launch Backyard Stories

Iconic Margaret River winery Swings and Roundabouts has recently started offering Swings Backyard Stories cellar door experiences. The tours will take guests on a guided stroll through the vineyard's 40-year-old dry grown Cabernet Sauvignon vines, while taking in the views and enjoying a glass of the Backyard Stories Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay. Following the tour, guests will then be seated under the gumtrees for a shared grazing feast, accompanied by a selection of premium Backyard Stories Wines. Tours are offered daily and start at $80 per person.

 

ADAMS launch suite of new tours

ADAMS Pinnacle Tours has recently launched seven new day tours, aimed at encouraging locals to 'wander out yonder' and experience WA. The new tours highlight key destinations located only a few hours' drive from Perth, including the dolphins in Mandurah, the iconic Busselton Jetty, the awe-inspiring Gravity Discovery Centre at Gingin, the other-worldly Pinnacles and the local produce in York and Cervantes. All tours are operated on-board five-star luxury touring coaches, and include full commentary – with regular departures throughout October, November and December.

 

GPS Adventure Tours new Toodyay tour

Family run and owned adventure touring company GPS Adventure Tours has recently released a new Toodyay Wildflower Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour. Located a one-hour drive east of Perth in the Avon Valley, Toodyay boasts some of WA's finest examples of 19th century heritage. On the 6.5-hour small group tour, guests will visit the historic town site, sample wine at one of WA's oldest wineries, discover wildflowers and native plants and bushfoods, visit a camel dairy then settle down for a barbecue dinner in a paddock as the sun sets. Thanks to a mobile observatory, guests will also be amazed by the starry night sky, while listening to stories created by the world's first astronomers, Australian Aboriginals.

 

New campgrounds and walk trails for Jurien Bay

Located a 2.5-hour drive north of Perth, the Coral Coast town of Jurien Bay has recently welcomed the opening of two new campgrounds. Karda Campground is located 20 kilometres east of Jurien Bay, adjacent to Lesueur National Park, and includes 31 campsites suitable for all types of camping accommodation. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit, and includes toilets at each of the two camping areas. Wanagarren Campground is situated alongside the pristine waters of Jurien Bay Marine Park. It includes 15 campsites for standard, rooftop and awning tents, and is suitable for self-sufficient campers.

 

Kingfisher Tours new Kimberley sailing experience

Kimberley-based adventure tourism operator Kingfisher Tours is set to release a new tour for the 2021 season. Launching on May 1, guests will be able to sail the northern Kimberley coast on-board the Tropic Rover. The lovingly restored 60-foot ketch yacht will find a new mooring in Honeymoon Bay next year when it departs from Fremantle in April 2021. The new Tropic Rover tour offerings include a sunset sail and day tours exploring the remote north east Kimberley coast with local Aboriginal guides, overnight tours at a secluded private bay, and private charters. Tours are available to book now through the website.

 

Yallingup Maze receives Travellers' Choice Award win

Popular family-friendly attraction in the Margaret River region, Yallingup Maze was recently awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice award for 2020. The only timber maze in the region, the facility has outdoor mazes, nature play areas, a bouncy castle, and an indoor puzzle café. Also adding to the offering is the recently opened Yallingup Maze Farm House, offering accommodation for up to eight people. The luxury holiday home is managed by Exclusive Escapes, and is ideal for families and friends, located just a few steps away from the Yallingup Maze.

 

Experience the WA outback with Global Gyspies

Outback adventure tourism company Global Gypsies is offering a number of new guided tag-a-long tours across WA. The South Coast Eco Safari is a guided self-drive and self-catering tour suitable for caravans, camper trailers, tents or motorhomes. Departing from November 11 to 19, guests will visit the highlights of the Great Southern region, including Cape Le Grand, Hopetoun, Fitzgerald River National Park, Bremer Bay, Albany, Walpole, Manjimup and Dunsborough. For a short adventure, the 4WD Mini Break explores some of the four-wheel-driving tracks of Preston Valley, Wellington National Park and Collie, just outside of Perth. The guided, self-driving tours depart Perth from November 23 to 26.

 

New ecotours in Mandurah

Salt and Bush Eco Tours is a new Mandurah-based ecotourism business showcasing the region's natural wonders – including Yalgorup National Park. Run by local professional naturalist guides Jamie and Sebastian Van Jones, the small group nature-based tours includes guided kayak and sailing kayak tours of the Peel-Harvey Estuary, and guided nature walks showcasing the local wildflowers, birds and geology of the biodiversity hotspot. Mandurah is located an easy one-hour drive south of Perth.

 

Sail Ningaloo release additional tour dates

Coral Bay-based tour operator Sail Ningaloo has released additional tour dates for the summer season. Offering world-class eco experiences of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef on-board a luxurious sailing catamaran, Sail Ningaloo is offering regular departure dates from now through to early-January. Guests will enjoy an all-in-one holiday, with accommodation and all meals provided on-board, and activities exploring the pristine Ningaloo Reef.

 

EVENTS

WA Beer & Beef Festival October 31 to November 1 | Burswood Park, Perth

The WA Beer & Beef Festival will showcase some of the State's best beers, pairing them with beef dishes from some of Perth's top chefs, restaurants and barbecue masters. With over 120 beers to choose from, and beef dishes showcasing top local produce, it's the perfect event for all beer and beef lovers. Set in the picturesque gardens of Burswood Park, the festival will also include live music, roaming entertainment, market stalls and rides.

Tour of Margaret River Pro AM November 6 to 8 | 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.

Perth International Jazz Festival November 6 to 8 | Perth Cultural Centre

Presenting an array of incredible jazz performances across Northbridge, the Perth International Jazz Festival features both ticketed and free community events. The festival will showcase a host of celebrated local, national and international artists, and offers a jazz program that is sometimes intimate but often boisterous.

Unwined Subiaco November 28 to 29 | Subiaco, Perth

Unwined Subiaco is a festival that celebrates the unique and boutique beverages in WA. Sample wine, craft beer, cider and spirits from over 45 exhibitors from across WA keen to showcase their produce. A range of different food vendors will offer delicious bites, and live music, a silent disco and lawn games will also add to the festivities.

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival December 12 | Manjimup |South West

Fruit lovers flock to one of WA's top culinary destinations, Manjimup, for this gourmet festival and the chance to enjoy delicious cherries fresh from the tree. A full day of activities celebrates the diversity of fresh produce from Manjimup and the surrounding Southern Forests region, including food and craft stalls, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, children's entertainment, street theatre, and log chopping competition. Manjimup is located around three hours' drive south of Perth.