Welcome to the first edition of This is WA for 2016. In this month's edition, read about the launch of Perth's major waterfront development, Elizabeth Quay, the line-up announced for the Argyle Diamond Ord Valley Muster 2016, Western Australian produce chosen for Noma's pop-up restaurant and exciting developments for the 1.8 kilometre long Busselton Jetty. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

Elizabeth Quay launches in spectacular style
After nearly four years of construction, Elizabeth Quay has finally opened to the public. In late January, the first phase of the $440 million development launched with a stunning display of laser, lights and water fountains. Helping kick-off opening celebrations is Fringe World Fairground – a recreation of the original carnival style fairground located in Perth in the 1920s. The event, part of Fringe World, runs from January 29 to March 6, and features an eclectic mix of performance, theatre and music, an outdoor roller skating rink, carnival rides and amusements, food and drink and lots more. The precinct will also be home to Perth International Arts Festival's popular Chevron Festival Gardens from February 11 to March 6.
http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/projects-and-places/elizabeth-quay  
https://www.fringeworld.com.au/fairground/ 
https://perthfestival.com.au/ 

Ord Valley Muster announce 2016 line-up
Set in the ancient landscape of the Kimberley in WA's North West, this year's Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster features an exciting line-up of top Australian culinary, music and entertainment luminaries. Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning will perform alongside six-time ARIA nominated Fremantle band San Cisco and country music singer-songwriter Troy Casser Daley, while Masterchef Australia judge and decorated chef and restauranteur George Colombaris will be leading the event's culinary creations at the Kimberley Kitchen and Durack Homestead Dinner. A festival highlight, the Kimberley Moon Experience concert will be staged under the stars alongside the banks of the Ord River at the Jim Hughes Amphitheatre. Other event highlights include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow held at the Hoochery Rum Distillery, the Waringarri Corroboree, the Kununurra Rodeo and the community based Horizon Power Float Parade and Moon Fair. The event will run from May 13 to 22, 2016, and tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au.
http://www.ordvalleymuster.com.au/ 

Rottnest Island features in Tourism Australia's new global campaign
The sparkling blue waters of Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth, features in Tourism Australia's new global campaign, which focusses on the country's stunning beaches and coastal experiences. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth was announced as the global ambassador of the campaign, which was launched last month in New York. Watch the new ad at this link, http://www.tourism.australia.com/campaigns/Aquatic.aspx#latest, and read more about WA's aquatic experiences in the feature below.

Rugby's biggest rivalry tackles Perth in 2016
In a Perth-first for international rugby league, Australia will take on trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the city's nib Stadium in October this year, in the lead-up to the 2016 Four National tournament in the United Kingdom. The major coup reflects WA's passion for rugby, and sporting events in general. This will be the first international rugby league test hosted in WA, and it will also be the Kangaroos' first appearance at nib Stadium in Perth. Opportunities for major sporting events to be held in Perth is set to receive a significant boost in the lead-up to the opening of Perth Stadium in 2018.
http://www.rlif.com/  
http://www.perthstadium.com.au/ 

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

Emergence Creative release 2016 dates
The Emergence Creative Festival will be back and better than ever from March 16 to 19, 2015. The Emergence Creative Festival turns the iconic Margaret River region into a creative playground, bringing together creatives from across the globe for a four-day sensory overload. Dubbed the 'anti-conference', the festival is an influential celebration of creativity and a launching pad for big ideas. More updates will be announced in the coming weeks.
http://www.emergencecreative.com/ 

Spice up your night with a visit to Rooftop AGWA
Following its sold out sessions in 2015, the bar with a view, aka Rooftop at AGWA, is back, open every Friday night until February 26. Located at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) and set against Perth city's stunning skyline, visitors will enjoy food and drinks inspired by Ryan Trecartin 6 Movies which is running at the gallery as part of the Perth International Arts Festival.
http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au/events_programs/rooftop-at-agwa.asp 

FOOD AND WINE

Perth's coast welcomes new seaside venue
With spectacular views of the ocean and beach, Odyssea brings a new dining experience to WA's iconic coastline. Located at the rejuvenated City Beach foreshore, a 20 minute drive from Perth city, the modern-Australian menu offers sophisticated beachside fare with a focus on local producers and seasonality. The café's deck is the perfect place to while away the afternoon in the gentle breeze, or to enjoy fine wine as the sun sets over the ocean. The new venue is open seven days a week, from 7am until late.
http://www.odysseabeachcafe.com.au 

WA's gourmet wares chosen for world's best restaurant
The culinary genius behind one of the world's most celebrated restaurants, Noma, has put WA produce on the world map by choosing three WA products to feature on the menu at his pop-up restaurant, Noma Australia. After visiting the State in search of native ingredients, Rene Redzepi selected a handful of WA ingredients for his 11 course menu, including a rum created by the owner of Kununurra-based distillery Hoochery Distillery, deep-sea crystal crab from Chaceon in Albany and Blue Ridge marron from Manjimup.

Hopping ale trails in the Margaret Rive region
The Margaret River region, famous for its fine wine production, is now rising in the craft beer industry and is ranked as one of the fastest growing microbrewery regions in Australia. New craft breweries who recently turned on their taps include The Beer Farm and Black Brewing Co, while on the edge of Margaret River town is the Margaret River Distilling Company and the Brewhouse Margaret River, which both opened to the public in January 2016.
http://www.margaretriver.com/ 

New urban eatery for Perth
A new eatery has opened in the heart of the city at Perth Cultural Centre. Livingstone's Urban Jungle offers locally sourced food and drink in amongst the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or caffeine fix on the way to work, or have time to sit and indulge in a mac n cheese toastie or salt beef bagel, Livingstone's has you covered. During Fringe Festival, the venue will be open most mornings and on Wednesday to Sunday evenings. Following the festival, it will be open 7am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 3pm on weekends.
http://www.livingstonesurbanjungle.com.au/ 

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Turtle hatching season is underway in the Coral Coast
Exciting news from the Coral Coast, turtle hatching season is well underway along the Ningaloo coast! In January, Gnaraloo Bay had its first set of loggerhead hatchlings emerge from their nest after 65 days of incubation. Exmouth's coastline has also experienced a large number of hatchlings making their way to the shores of the sea. Ningaloo is recognised as one of the most important nesting grounds in the world for green and loggerhead turtles. Female turtles lay their eggs from November to February and approximately six weeks after laying, the hatchlings emerge. Visitors to the region are welcome to view this incredible natural event on a self-guide or guided tour but it's extremely important neither nesting females nor hatchlings are disturbed in the process.
http://www.visitningaloo.com.au/things-to-see-do/turtle-nesting 

Killer whales return to the Great Southern seas
Bremer Bay Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions have kicked-off in WA's South West for another year, following a successful 2015 season. The expeditions, run by Naturaliste Charters, explore one of the world's most raw and untouched deep-water ecosystems which is home to the largest known group of killer whales in the southern hemisphere. Other marine life such as whaler sharks, giant squid, sperm whales and masses of sea birds are abundant. The expeditions depart daily from Bremer Bay and are expected to run to the end of March. It costs $350, departs at 7.30am, returning around 5.30pm, and includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
http://whales-australia.com.au/bremer-killer-whales/ 

Second Airbus A380 to fly to Perth daily
Emirates will add a second Airbus A380 onto the Perth-Dubai route from August 1, 2016, with the superjumbo replacing the Boeing 777-300ER on the daily EK424/425 flight. Emirates began flying its first A380 into Perth in May 2015 and the addition of the second service will allow Emirates to transport more than 14,000 passengers inbound and outbound between Dubai and Perth each week.
http://www.emirates.com/au/english/ 

Exciting developments at the Busselton Jetty
Tour group Dive Busselton Jetty (the sister company to Ningaloo Whalesharks) has brought walking dive tours to Busselton Jetty, using Australia-first technology. The Busselton tour is the first walking dive tour available in WA and allows participants to experience the wonder of the ocean from a completely different perspective, using a unit which allows guests to free walk underwater without hoses. Tours start at the end of the jetty and participants walk up to 70 metres in seven to eight metre deep water.
http://www.divebusseltonjetty.com.au/  

In other news, Dunsborough artist Ian Mutch painted a stunningly beautiful life-size whale mural on Busselton Jetty, which can be seen in this drone footage - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePN7R11toF8. Reaching out 1.8 kilometres to sea, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere, and the second longest in the world.
www.busseltonjetty.com.au 

Secret gorge unveiled in the Pilbara
A secret gorge has been unveiled in the Pilbara by local tour guide Clinton Walker of Ngurrangga Tours. Walker, who guides travellers through the coastal and inland areas of the Pilbara, said many people would have visited Gregory's Gorge (about 130 kilometres south of Karratha) but they may never have found the natural beauty hidden nearby. The gorge is traditionally known as Bigunha or Driller's Hole, with two large swimming holes and waterfalls spilling over rocks after the rain. Walker is keen for more travellers to visit the gorge but said it's important they remember it is a significant site to his people, and it must be left in pristine condition.
http://www.ngurrangga.com.au/ 

Inspiration Outdoors launch new tour for 2016
South West-based tour company, Inspiration Outdoors, has launched a new tour aimed at active people aged between 50 and 70. Across 10 days, the South Coast Explorer tour takes participants through the stunning stretch of coastline between Albany and Esperance, including visits to Fitzgerald River National Park, Cape Le Grand National Park and Two People's Bay Reserve. Also built into the itinerary is a day out on a Naturaliste Charter expedition to Bremer Bay Canyon – home to masses of marine life, including killer whales.
http://www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au/tours/south-coast-explorer/ 

Berkeley River Lodge hosts Photographic Retreat
Located on the Kimberley coast, Berkeley River Lodge is taking bookings for a Photographic Retreat hosted by Australia's most awarded landscape fine art photographer, Tony Hewitt. The four night package, which runs from March 31 to April 4, is for those looking to combine photographic tutelage with adventure. Soar over the Kimberley's epic landscapes in a chopper on your aerial adventure, hike up gorges to find that perfect shot or meander down the might Berkeley River to capture the iconic red gorges. For bookings, contact stay@berkeleyriver.com.au, or call (08) 9169 1330.
http://www.berkeleyriver.com.au/ 

Smartphone app helps plan WA trail experiences
The recently launched Trails WA app helps users explore a range of walking, riding, paddling and driving trails from across WA. The app is a companion to the Trails WA website, and was developed in partnership between Trails WA and the Department of Parks and Wildlife. Each trail description is packed with information such as how long a route will take, directions, the best time to try a trail, facilities on-site, road access and more. The app can be downloaded from the app store at https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/trails-wa/id1056427684?mt=8.
http://trailswa.com.au/ 

New gaming console museum opens in Perth
A museum dedicated to gaming history has opened in Perth. At The Nostalgia Box, visitors can play and re-live the gaming moments of their previous years. The museum has more than 100 consoles on display, with some even dating back to the 1970s. The museum is based in Northbridge and open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:30am to 5pm.
http://thenostalgiabox.com.au/ 

FEATURE

WA's coastal and aquatic wonderland

Western Australia offers a diverse and exciting mix of marine and coastal experiences – many of which can't be found anywhere else on earth. The waters off WA's 12,000 kilometre long coastline are regarded as some of the most pristine in the world – and home to a myriad of marine life.
Here's a taste of the State's top aquatic experiences:

• Explore the car-free and care-free aquatic playground of Rottnest Island. On its shores, 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs invite you to enjoy some of Australia's finest swimming spots, snorkel trails and surf breaks. On dry land, you'll meet the cutest mini marsupial, found only in WA, the world famous quokka, as well as many unique plant and animal species. Rottnest can be reached in a short ferry ride from Perth city, Fremantle or Hillarys.
• Swim with whale sharks and humpback whales at Ningaloo Reef. Without a doubt, swimming with the world's largest fish is one of life's most exhilarating experiences. Ningaloo in the Coral Coast is regarded as one of the best locations in the world to swim with the gentle whale shark - due to the clarity of the water, regularity of the whale sharks and professionalism of the tour operators who depart from Coral Bay and Exmouth during the season (March to July). From June 2016, WA will begin trialing humpback whale swimming tours at Ningaloo Reef after the WA Government granted licenses for a select number of whale shark tour operators to offer the new wilderness experience. Easily accessible from shore, World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is also home to manta rays, sea turtles and dugongs.
• Take a camel ride along world-famous Cable Beach. Broome's Cable Beach is justifiably world famous for its 22 kilometres of sun-kissed white sand, turquoise water and spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. But what really gives it a top spot on the must-do list is the experience of taking in all its tropical splendour from the seat of a camel train. Further east in the Kimberley, you'll find magnificent gorges and natural swimming pools – the perfect place to refresh after a day hiking outback Australia.
• Be dazzled by one of Australia's whitest beach, Lucky Bay in Esperance – it's the biggest jewel in a string of stunning beaches along the coast of Cape Le Grand National Park in Esperance. The squeaky clean sand, turquoise water, perfect swimming conditions and breathtaking views of the Recherche Archipelago regularly put it at the top of Australia's best beach list. Even the kangaroos can't resist lazing on the sand here.
• Let's go surfing. It's no secret some of the world's best surfers – think Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning - visit WA's shores to catch some of the world's best waves. See local, national and international surfing stars at the annual Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, held in March/April each year, or find a surf school (they operate around the State), grab a board and hang ten.
• See one of the greatest shows on earth. WA hosts one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world. Each year from June to December, humpback, southern right and rare blue whales call WA's oceans home. Albany, Broome, Exmouth, Perth, Fremantle, Hillarys, Denham, Kalbarri, Geographe Bay and Rottnest Island offer top vantage points and tours. Then, there's Bremer Bay in WA's South West where the Bremer Bay Canyon is attracting hundreds of killer whales each February and March.
• Meet the wildlife. An easy 40 minute drive south of Perth you'll find Penguin Island, part of the Shoalwater Marine Park. Visitors can see and learn more about WA's largest colony of little penguins at the Discovery Centre. The island is also home to many species of seabirds and Australian sea lions. There is also the opportunity for visitors to join a wild dolphin swim tour with Rockingham Wild Encounters. Jurien Bay Marine Park, a three-hour drive north of Perth, is also famous for its sea lions and marine life. In Esperance on WA's south east coast take a cruise to Woody Island and see New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, white-breasted sea eagles and dolphins.
• Deep Diving. There are hundreds of shipwrecks along WA's coast – in the South West, HMAS Swan at Dunsborough is WA's most famous prepared wreck, while the HMAS Perth, sunk to 36 metres at Albany, is the largest. Also in the South West, Busselton Jetty is one of Australia's greatest artificial reefs - hosting tropical and subtropical coral, sponges, fish and invertebrates. While Exmouth's Navy Pier, in the Coral Coast, is rated as one of the top ten shore dives in the world.
• Secret spots. While nowhere in WA is crowded, there are some very special places which you're likely to have all to yourself. The Rowley Shoals in the North West are ranked amongst the most remote and pristine marine areas in the world – see colourful coral gardens, giant clams and schools of tuna and mackerel. The Abrolhos Islands in the Coral Coast are home to 19 shipwrecks, including the Batavia, and some of the finest diving, snorkelling and fishing in Australia. The clear waters off the Mackerel Islands in the North West offer incredible visibility for snorkellers and divers, and the Montebello-Barrow Islands Marine Park is teaming with wildlife. In the waters off Esperance in the Golden Outback you can snorkel among sea-dragons or advanced divers can tackle the Sanko Harvest shipwreck.

www.westernaustralia.com 

EVENTS

FEBRUARY

Perth International Arts Festival
February 11 to March 6, 2016
Perth, Experience Perth
As one of Western Australia's premier cultural events, the Perth International Arts Festival is a feast of joyous, cutting-edge performances and activities for all ages. Experience some of the world's best international and contemporary theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts and literature. The 2016 festival will open with a grand-scale concert, titled Home, featuring acclaimed local musicians and writers including, Tim Minchin, The Panics, The Pigram Brothers, The Waifs and John Butler.
www.perthfestival.com.au 

SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim
February 13 to 14, 2016
Busselton, Australia's South West
The SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim 2016 event will be held over two days, with activities and family entertainment for everyone. The swim itself will take place on the Sunday morning. The course will take participants out and around the 3.6 kilometres of Busselton's iconic jetty, in the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay.
www.busseltonjettyswim.org.au 

Perth International
February 25 to 28, 2016
Karrinyup, Experience Perth
Western Australia's premier golfing event returns to Perth this February, taking place at the world-class Lake Karrinyup Country Club. This year's Perth International will attract some of the world's top ranked players including defending champion Thorbjorn Olesen, runner up champion Victor Dubuisson and winner of the 2010 British Open Louis Oosthuizen. With a prize purse of AUD1.75million, the Perth International is known as the richest tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia, and is the only Australian event co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian Tours.
www.perthinternational.com 

MARCH

Taste Great Southern
March 18 to April 3, 2016
Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, Frankland River & Porongurup, Australia's South West
This year's Taste Great Southern will see more than 50 events staged across 17 days using and promoting the best local produce available. Guest chefs will join with local hosts at a range of both intimate and larger venues. Highlight events include the Porongurup Wine Festival, Taste of Plantagenet Affair, Fervor's Island Escape and Albany's Seafood Night Markets.
http://www.greatsoutherntastewa.com/ 

Sculptures by the Sea
March 4 to 20, 2016
Cottesloe, Experience Perth
Sculpture by the Sea returns to Cottesloe Beach for the 12th annual exhibition. One of Perth's largest free public events, Cottesloe Beach transforms into a sculpture park with more than 70 sculptures on display from artists across Australia and the world. Enjoy exhibits from some of the world's top sculptors against a backdrop of one of the city's most popular beaches.
www.sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe/ 

Channel Seven Crab Festival
March 19 to 20, 2016
Mandurah, Experience Perth
The Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest is Mandurah's premier annual event which is enjoyed by more than 100,000 locals and visitors. This must-visit annual event celebrates Mandurah's vibrant coastal lifestyle. The jam packed weekend festival features a plethora of fun and activities including live performances from international and local talent, cooking displays, and free family entertainment. Of course, food is in abundance with tasty crab-inspired dishes, fresh seafood and sweet treat delicacies.
http://www.crabfest.com.au/ 

APRIL

York Motorcycle Festival
April 16 to 17, 2016
York, Experience Perth
York Motorcycle Festival is held on Avon Terrace, York, which is around a 90 minute drive from Perth. Market and trade stalls will be set up along the street displaying a range of products and services. Entertainment will be scheduled throughout the family-friendly festival and highlights will include freestyle motocross demonstrations, live music, junior moto gymkhana, custom bike displays, raffles and children's activities. Local businesses will be open for the day with plenty of food and drink available to purchase.
www.yorkmotorcyclefestival.com.au 

Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
April 8 to 19, 2016
Margaret River, Australia's South West
The 2016 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro will see the top 36 ranked male and top 18 ranked female surfers in the world descend upon the Margaret River Region to surf its world-class waves in April. The event sees thousands of spectators flock to Surfers Point in Prevelly to watch the world's best surfers take on the famous Margaret River Mainbreak and the fearsome Box.
www.worldsurfleague.com 

Quit Forest Rally
April 22 to 24, 2016
Busselton, Australia's South West
Western Australia's round of the Australian Rally Championship attracts Australia's best cars and drivers, including the best classic cars. The rally also incorporates motor bikes, and with more than 200 cars and bikes expected to compete across the weekend the Quit Forest Rally is a motorsport extravaganza you don't want to miss.
www.rallywa.com/rallyevents/quit-forest-rally