In this month's edition of This is WA, read about the all-star line-up headlining Truffle Kerfuffle 2017, a new contemporary hotel opening in Perth, astronomical encounters with a Stargazing Live guide and massive dinosaur footprints unearthed in the Kimberley. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

Truffle Kerfuffle dishes up star chefs Paul West and Jack Stein
In WA's southern forests this winter, visitors to the Truffle Kerfuffle culinary festival can expect a warm welcome from special guests Paul West – presenter of the popular River Cottage Australia farm food program – and Jack Stein – executive chef at Britain's famous Rick Stein Group. The unique event celebrates the rare black truffle in Manjimup (three hours' drive south of Perth), one of the top spots for cultivating the world's third most expensive food. At the 2017 Truffle Kerfuffle, from June 23-25, Paul and Jack will host conversational cooking workshops and mingle with a stellar line-up of WA culinary talent who will spice up a range of interactive events. Staying on site at tranquil Fonty's Pool, guests also have the rare chance to see highly trained truffle dogs at work uncovering the rare morsels. 

Ord Valley Muster unveils new events for 2017
The east Kimberley's premier cultural and culinary event, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, will feature a host of new activities this year. Inaugural experiences in 2017 include a Literary Lunch with award-winning international crime writer Alan Carter, yoga and breakfast in one of the world's most spectacular settings, and unique tours of El Questro and the fascinating Ord Irrigation Scheme. Also new for this year's event – on May 19-28 – is the three-in-one Muster Multipass, offering a $39 saving and entry to the blockbuster Kimberley Moon Experience, Kimberley Kitchen and Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. Other highlights include the Durack Homestead Dinner and Fervor's degustation using local produce. 

Functional chic for inaugural Tribe hotel
Perth's newest contemporary boutique hotel, Tribe, opens in May on the western edge of the CBD, offering views over Kings Park's bushland or the city skyline. Geared towards modern travellers seeking functional but stylish private accommodation, the 126 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and signature beds, while wifi, smart TVs, Foxtel, movies on demand and Nespresso coffee are provided at no extra cost. Guests also have the option to be social in communal dining and work spaces. It's the first-ever property for Australian modular hotel specialists, The Tribe Group, which has partnered with Mantra to run the Walker Avenue site in West Perth, a short stroll or free bus ride from the city centre. 

Astronomical encounters with Stargazing Live guide
Space fans who watched the recent British or Australian editions of Professor Brian Cox's Stargazing Live will have spotted Broome-based astronomy tour guide Greg Quicke, who appeared on the BBC and ABC programs as a “practical astronomer”. From April to October, stargazers can meet Greg – nicknamed “Space Gandalf” for his impressive beard – on Astronomy Experience tours at a dark site 20 minutes' drive from Broome in the Kimberley, home to some of the world's clearest skies. 

Massive dinosaur footprint unearthed in Kimberley
The world's biggest dinosaur footprint, measuring 1.7 metres, has been uncovered in WA's north-west. The sauropod track is the latest find along a stretch of Kimberley coastline – dubbed "Australia's Jurassic Park" – which is home to footprints from 21 dinosaur species, the world's most diverse collection. While some locations are kept under wraps, visitors to Broome can see 125-million-year-old footprints at low tide at Gantheaume Point. Take a hovercraft tour and guided walk to get up close or, if the tide is high, look out for replica footprints at the top of the cliff.

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

Go your own way: Fremantle self-guided walks
Walking or cycling around Fremantle is an ideal way to delve a little deeper into the port city's history, art and culture. In addition to creative, heritage and multicultural highlights – and even a wet-weather option – Fremantle Story has added street art and literary trails to its suggested itineraries for exploring on foot or two wheels. Also look out for the forthcoming vintage shopping trail, part of a packed program for the 25th Fremantle Heritage Festival from May 26 to June 5. 

Margaret River opens doors for art lovers
Some of the South West's top artists will paint the town red – and many other colours – when they open their homes and studios to the public during the Margaret River Region Open Studios from April 22 to May 7. The largest free event of its kind in Australia, the 16-day showcase enables visitors to meet local artists, see them in action and buy exceptional paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewellery, photography, glassware, fine furniture, textile and other artworks. More than 120 artists are participating in the Open Studios throughout the region, where themed maps will help visitors plan their own trails around their location or areas of interest. 

Broome on the ball for beach polo glitz and glamour
The Kimberley pearling paradise of Broome is one of only a handful of beach polo destinations in the world. On May 20-21, leading polo players and their elite horses will join visitors, media and celebrities on the sand for the annual Airnorth Cable Beach Polo tournament. The unique Indian Ocean sporting action is complemented by a full program of entertainment, fashion and food including a long-table dinner under the stars on Cable Beach. 

Sounds and scenery at Jazz by the Bay
Four days, 40 performances, 200 artists and 20 venues across Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River – the increasingly popular Jazz by the Bay festival returns to WA's South West on June 2-5. The latest additions to the line-up are Singapore's hot 'neo-vintage soul-funk' band, The Steve McQueens, and Tasmanian jazz favourites Nadira and Friends. Other highlights among the free and ticketed events include the Buena Vista Social Club, Young Guns with Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys – amid a gourmet feast at the Piano Box Jazz Bar at Busselton's Old Broadwater Farm – and UK-based Karen Lane with her four-piece band. 

Shop till you drop at Fremantle pop-up
Looking for a different shopping experience? A dynamic retail collective in Fremantle is breathing new life into an empty building with an eclectic mix of pop-up retail and workshop outlets. Formerly located in Kings Square and known as MANY 6160 (in honour of the port city's postcode), the successful concept store has a new home, on Adelaide Street, and a new name, MANY 2.0. An evolving line-up of artisans and retailers is offering a fresh, experimental approach to shopping for unique hats, artwork, vintage clothing, retro furniture, artisan lamps, jewellery, footwear and more. 

Geraldton literary festival turns over a new leaf
The turquoise waters and historic buildings of the Mid West city of Geraldton set the scene for the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival on May 5-7. Anyone who loves to tell, share, read or listen to great stories can join guests including award-winning Indigenous writer Bruce Pascoe, Singapore's Felix Cheong, prolific crime writer Garry Disher, playwright, author, and scriptwriter Hannie Rayson, bestselling psychological suspense author Sara Foster and celebrated photographer Frances Andrijich. 

FOOD AND WINE

Cider and ale blaze a trail in Swan Valley
A new Cider and Ale Trail is shaking up the picturesque Swan Valley wine and food hub, just 30 minutes from central Perth. By following the loop of nine contemporary and creative breweries, visitors can sample unique craft beers and crisp ciders – including some made from WA's own pink lady apples. Whether in a rustic pub, a German beer hall or a tranquil farm setting, there's also the chance to meet talented local brewers and learn the secrets of their trade, before exploring more of the Swan Valley's smorgasbord of wine, chocolate, cheese and gourmet meals. 

Limeburners toasts international whisky prizes
Albany and Margaret River-based Limeburners has confirmed WA's excellence in craft beverages after clinching the Best International Whisky prize at the American Distilling Institute's annual awards in Baltimore. As well as taking the top international award and the International Smoked Whiskey category for its Darkest Winter Peated Single Malt, Limeburners claimed two bronze prizes for its port and sherry casks. Visitors can have a hands-on whisky experience with tours and classes at Limeburners' flagship oceanfront distillery in Albany, or become a distiller for the day at 'Giniversity' at its sister site, the Margaret River Distilling Company. 

Sips and bites…
TWR - Perth: A giant marble bar with rose-gold detailing and a “liquid gastronomy” cocktail list can be found at the newly opened TWR (The Waiting Room) at Crown Towers. The bar also has an outdoor terrace and a private lounge, where you can enjoy cocktail creations such as the Aqui Estoy, with cassis wood burnt in front of you, and Jasmineae, which fuses Chinese, Persian and Egyptian influences. 

Pretzel Perth - Northbridge: Now serving fresh, hand-made sweet and savoury pretzels from a pastel-pink shipping container at the Perth Cultural Centre. 

Fremantle has welcomed the arrival of Miss Chat's Bar and Kitchen – a bohemian-themed salon with kegs, cocktails and share plates. For the morning after, try Raw Energy's all-day energy bowls, breakfasts and smoothies, or head to Queens Street for coffee and treats at Baby Grumpy Sailor – a sister site for Freo favourite, The Grumpy Sailor. 

After 21 years as Vasse Felix head chef, Aaron Carr will depart from the pioneering Margaret River winery to launch his own restaurant on the coast in nearby Dunsborough, expected to open in November.

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Luxury leap on Rottnest helicopter-skydive
See Perth's pristine Rottnest Island from a different perspective on WA's first island helicopter-skydive experience, operated by Skydive Geronimo and Corsaire Aviation. Described as a step up from fixed-wing plane skydiving, the VIP tour whizzes guests over to the island from Perth's Jandakot Airport in a luxury six-passenger Eurocopter EC130. The chopper's hovering position means skydivers go from zero to terminal velocity in 10 seconds on the 10,000 feet tandem leap, before landing safely in Rottnest's picture-perfect surroundings. Spectators can travel free with a minimum of two paying skydivers. 

Mountain bikers blaze a trail on Margaret River course
WA's world-class mountain biking options have gone up a gear with a new 10 kilometre trail at the doorstep of the Margaret River township, three hours' drive south of Perth. “Compartment 10” weaves through the forests of Bramley National Park on a circuit ranging from easier green zones to black-rated descents for experienced riders. According to the Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association, more than 4,000 pedal-pushers per month are already tackling the course – one of many trails within WA's impressive mountain bike network. 

Refurbishments and new restaurants at Cable Beach Club
The multi-award-winning Cable Beach Club in Broome starts the 2017 season with fully refurbished studios, upgraded bungalows and two new dining concepts due to launch at the end of April. The boardwalk around the Club Restaurant will transform into Cichetti Club, a modern Italian dining experience with an all-day share menu, while the poolside Kichi Kichi serves up an east-meets-west lunchtime offering. 

Four-wheel-drive gold prospecting tour
The Global Gypsies four-wheel-drive touring and training guides have added a five-day gold prospecting experience to their outback tour options. The Go For Gold Expedition will be offered for the first time from June 24-29, using a base camp in the heart of WA's goldfields east of Kalgoorlie. In keeping with Global Gypsies' “independent but not alone” approach, participants will drive their own vehicles in a guided convoy with permits, catering, prospecting training and equipment provided – plus they can keep whatever they find! 

FEATURE

Shark Bay – 25 years in the World Heritage spotlight

A visit to WA is guaranteed to provide sights and experiences that you'll find nowhere else on Earth – and a particularly breathtaking bundle of unique phenomena awaits at Shark Bay's pristine peninsulas.

Located 800 kilometres north of Perth at the western-most point of the Australian continent, Shark Bay's best known visitors are the friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins that come in to meet you at Monkey Mia. It's the only place in Australia that dolphins choose to approach and interact with humans every day, and one of the world's best spots for this experience.

Shark Bay recently celebrated 25 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while May 2017 also marks its 10th anniversary on Australia's National Heritage honour roll. These accolades recognise the unique natural wonders waiting to be explored amid the dramatic red cliffs, white sands and turquoise waters, including:

A massive stretch of sea grass that provides a smorgasbord for around 10,000 resident dugongs (sea cows). These curious-looking creatures and a menagerie of other marine life – humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, turtles and fish – can be seen on cruises, kayak trips, diving and snorkelling, scenic flights and even from land.

The world's biggest and most diverse collection of stromatolites, the oldest living fossils on Earth. See these ancient, other-worldly formations from boardwalks at Hamelin Pool and marvel at their 3.5 billion-year survival.

The chance to relax on pure white shores at Shell Beach – one of only a handful of beaches in the world formed by billions of tiny shells, up to 10 metres deep.

Guides like Darren “Capes” Capewell, from Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, are still amazed every day by the area's sights and spirituality. A descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana people, who call the area Gutharraguda (two waters), Capes explores the pristine environment and rich Aboriginal culture on paddle, four-wheel-drive, didgeridoo and camping tours.

“It's an eco-adventure paradise,” Capes tells This Is WA by phone while kayaking in the crystal-clear Big Lagoon at Francois Peron National Park.

“Words really can't do it justice. You'll see sharks and dolphins swimming together, white-bellied sea eagles with a two-metre wingspan, sea turtles next to your kayak. There's amazing energy here from an Aboriginal point of view – it's about feeling nature, not just seeing nature.”

Shark Bay is also home to WA's largest island, Dirk Hartog – named after the Dutch captain who left a pewter plate there 400 years ago, becoming the first known European to make landfall on Australian soil. Along with history buffs, you'll share the island with anglers enjoying some of Australia's best cliff fishing, plus four-wheel-drivers, birdwatchers and those seeking the ultimate secluded beach break.

Add in the chance to soak in an artesian hot tub, dive over dramatic shipwrecks, help out with wildlife conservation, stay at a rustic homestead or be pampered in paradise – plus much more – and you'll discover why Shark Bay is like nowhere else on Earth.

Shark Bay can be reached from Perth in around nine hours (driving) or one hour, 45 minutes (flight) and explored in your own vehicle or on a range of tours. See Australia's Coral Coast for more information and sample itineraries.
sharkbayvisit.com.au/tours/
australiascoralcoast.com/destinations/shark-bay-region
australiascoralcoast.com/holiday-planner/itineraries/drive-itineraries/6-day-shark-bay

EVENTS

May

Vancouver Street Festival
May 6, 2017 | Albany | Australia's South West
Head to the south coast city of Albany for this dynamic festival on historic Vancouver Street, the location of WA's first European settlement. The community dresses with heritage, vintage or retro flair for an entertaining day of family activities, gourmet food, entertainment, artisan market stalls, exhibitions and penny farthings in the annual Vintage Tweed cycling race. 

Virgin Australia Supercars Perth SuperSprint
May 5-7, 2017 | Barbagallo Raceway | Experience Perth
The WA debut of the high-horsepower Stadium Super Trucks is set to be a SuperSprint highlight. The trucks, which resemble their scaled-down, radio-controlled counterparts, will come direct from California for the off-road racing action – part of a packed program including Aussie Race Cars, Formula 4 and the prestigious CAMs Australian GT Championship. 

Act-Belong-Commit Toodyay Moondyne Festival
May 7, 2017 | Toodyay | Experience Perth
The escapades of legendary bushranger Moondyne Joe come to life at this free festival in the historic town of Toodyay, 86 kilometres east of Perth in the picturesque Avon Valley. Highlights of the all-day program include 19th century costumes, log chopping and re-enactments of Moondyne Joe and his gang's adventures, arrest and mock trials. 

June

Jazz by the Bay Festival
June 2-5, 2017 | Dunsborough and surrounds | Australia's South West
What could be cooler than beaches, wineries, gourmet food and top jazz talent? From traditional sounds to swing jazz and improvised rhythms, the festival brings together 40 performances at 20 vibrant venues around Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River. 

LiveLighter Pinjarra Festival
June 3-4, 2017 | Pinjarra | Experience Perth
The WA Day long weekend livens up at this festival at the Edenvale Homestead, around an hour's drive south of Perth. A range of family-friendly activities will showcase the charm, history and rural lifestyle in and around Pinjarra, including entertainment, markets, amusement rides and local produce and crafts. 

Goldfields Cyclassic
June 3-4, 2017 | Kalgoorlie-Boulder and surrounds | Australia's Golden Outback
Cyclists will zip across some of the richest and most historic landscapes in the WA Goldfields on this two-day, two-stage race from Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Menzies and on to Leonora. As Australia's richest handicap cycle race, riders of all grades will be in with a chance to claim a piece of the $40,000 prize pool. 

July

National Rugby League
July 1, 2017 | Perth | Experience Perth
Rugby league fans will be relishing this blockbuster NRL Premiership match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors. The trans-Tasman rivals will clash at East Perth's nib Stadium, bringing sporting star power and exciting live action to the west coast. 

Revelation Perth International Film Festival
July 6-19, 2017 | City venues | Experience Perth
This year, one of Australia's leading independent film events will present more than 100 films, special guests, animation and Iranian showcases and the WA Screen Awards. Venues include Luna Leederville, Luna SX, Cinema Paradiso and pop-ups across the city. 

Broome International Airport Marathon
July 16, 2017 | Broome | Australia's North West
Perfect weather, hard-packed sand and panoramic views make Broome's superb Cable Beach an ideal venue for the races and an accompanying festival. Runners and walkers have the choice of a 10.5 kilometre challenge, a 21.1 kilometre half-marathon or the full 42.2 kilometre marathon.