WHAT'S HOT

Spectacular start to 2017 seasons
The Kimberley has experienced one of its wettest seasons on record, following several big rain events in the past few months. This is good news for travellers planning to visit in the dry season (April to October), who can expect gushing waterfalls and landscapes of green against striking red rock formations. In celebration of its 25th year, El Questro Wilderness Park is offering a number of special deals and unique events to tourists, from adventures in the sky to culinary delights. 

Meanwhile, on WA's mid-north coast the largest fish in the ocean - the majestic whale shark - has already been spotted at Ningaloo Reef. Their arrival has sparked excitement for the 2017 season, which runs from March to July each year. You can find more details in this edition's feature story.

Seaplane adventure lands in Perth
Recently launched Swan River Seaplanes offer return day tours from Perth to Margaret River aboard a seaplane. The aircraft flies up to 12 passengers along the stunning WA coast before landing at Margaret River airstrip. On arrival, guests are taken on a guided tour with Margaret River's Top Drop Tours to hand-picked wineries to taste award-winning wines and enjoy a gourmet lunch. The seaplane then flies back to Perth, landing on the Swan River near South Perth. The day tour is priced at $795 per person, and departs Perth at 9am on scheduled days. 

Premier league leaders to play in Perth
Premier League powerhouse Chelsea Football Club will head to Perth in mid-2018, for an international match against Perth Glory Football Club. Set for July or August, the Chelsea FC match will be the first international soccer club appearance at Perth Stadium, and an Australian exclusive. WA fans will have the chance to see some of the best players up-close, with open training sessions and grassroots training clinics planned for the UK team's visit. Due for completion in late-2017, Perth Stadium will play host to other major sporting events, including the State of Origin and Bledisloe Cup in 2019. 

WA chosen for three major broadcast productions
Three high-profile productions – two features and a primetime television drama series – will be filmed in WA this year, putting Australia's largest state under the global spotlight. International feature film Wonderful Unknown will showcase a number of Kimberley destinations including Broome, El Questro Wilderness Park and the Gibb River Road and will be produced by Victoria-based James Hoppe and John Finemore with Hollywood producer Mason Novick (Juno, 500 Days of Summer). The film adaptation of Dirt Music, based on Tim Winton's award-winning novel, will be filmed in the Mid-West – the first major film to be shot in the region for many years. A soon to be announced six-part drama series for primetime Australian television will also be filmed in the iconic Kimberley region. For more information, visit www.screenwest.wa.gov.au.

Movie release puts the spotlight on Pemberton
The hotly anticipated movie adaptation of Craig Silvey's best-selling novel, Jasper Jones, will be released to Australian audiences on March 2. The South West town of Pemberton, located a three-hour drive south of Perth, was taken over by cast and crew during filming in 2016, and saw local residents offering up their homes, cars and even themselves - with many used as extras or background actors in the film. Directed by Rachel Perkins, Jasper Jones features a stellar cast, including Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving, Levi Miller, Angourie Rice and Dan Wylie. To celebrate the movie's release Madman Entertainment and My Cinema are offering the chance to win a trip for four people to Australia's South West, valued up to $8,000 – including lunch with author Craig Silvey. Visit this link for more details. There is also the opportunity to see the cast in the flesh, with a series of cast Q&A's scheduled in the lead-up to the Jasper Jones premiering. 

WA receives international recognition for top tourism products

US travel publication Travel + Leisure named Perth as a top place to visit in the publication's round-up of '50 best places to travel in 2017'. Several venues and precincts were highlighted in the feature, including Elizabeth Quay, Crown Towers, Odyssea, the Reveley and Isle of Voyage. 

Another US travel publication, Conde Nast Traveller, included the Kimberley's Berkeley River Lodge in its 2017 Gold List of the 20 Best Hotels in the World. The luxurious resort set remotely in the North West took out fifth place in the highly-regarded annual list. 

International travel publication Lonely Planet included Rottnest Island's Pinkys Eco Retreat and Beach Club (due to open later this year) in its Top 35 New Travel Openings in 2017, while eco-safari camp Sal Salis was rated the fourth best place to stay in the world in the publication's Best in Travel 2017 edition. 

Shell Beach in the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay region was the only Australian beach listed in National Geographic's top 21 Best Beaches in the World. Owing to its “countless white cockleshells, up to 30 feet deep in some parts, spread for miles…”, the listing recommends visitors take nothing but pictures and to stop at the Old Pearler Restaurant when visiting. 

Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments has again been successful in ranking among the Top 10 hotels in Australia in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2017. The award highlights the world's top properties based on the millions of reviews collected in a single year from travellers around the globe. 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

Kings Park turned into theatre for PIAF opening
More than 100,000 people flocked to Kings Park to see Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) opener, Boorna Waaginy: The Trees Speak, earlier this month. The spectacular exhibition featured high-tech 3D projections, animation, sound and lighting effects, as audiences walked through Kings Park to experience the natural splendour and diversity of the Noongar six seasons of the South West. This year, PIAF welcomes an unparalleled line-up of events, including lively music performances at the Chevron Gardens and an Australian exclusive showing of Tony Award-winning playwright and director Richard Nelson's new trilogy, The Public Theatre's production of The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family. 

Cottesloe welcomes Big Boy
A striking five-metre sculpture of a young man will make its world debut at Perth's Cottesloe Beach when the hugely popular Sculpture by the Sea returns this March. 'Big Boy' is by Israeli artist Zadok Ben-David, who joins renowned British sculptor Tony Cragg as the Invited International Artists participating for the first time in the 2017 exhibition. One of Perth's largest free public events, Sculpture by the Sea sees Cottesloe Beach transform into a sculpture park with more than 70 sculptures on display from artists across Australia and the world, and will run from March 3 to 20. 

Albany to host world premiere of Lighthouse Girl
The story of the famed Lighthouse Girl, based on Dianne Wolfer's novel, will be brought to life on stage. The world premiere will launch at Albany Entertainment Centre, in association with Black Swan Theatre Company, from April 21 to 22. Based on a true story, the production is centred on Fay, a young girl who lives with her lighthouse keeper father on Breaksea Island, located off the coast of Albany in WA's South West. Fay played a pivotal role in transcribing Morse code messages from WWI soldiers stationed offshore before they headed to the frontline. The Albany performance will be followed by a season in Perth, from April 28 to May 14. 

Get creative in the Margaret River region
Returning to Margaret River, Emergence Creative Festival promises its best program and speaker line-up yet in celebration of its fifth anniversary. Professionals from music, film, advertising, digital and the visual arts will travel to the South West town from March 29 to April 2 to share recent developments in their disciplines, as well as emerging trends in a series of workshops and talks. Highlight speakers for the 2017 program include Angus Kingsmill (director at Breakfast Epiphanies), J Walter Thompson (chief creative officer from NYC), Jen Hertzum (executive creative director at TVNZ) and Jennifer Sullivan (president at memBrain, LLC). For further information on the festival and line-up of speakers, visit this link. 

FOOD & WINE

Sky high dining comes to Perth
Food lovers and adrenaline seekers will unite when Dinner in the Sky comes to Perth next month. Operating across 40 countries, the unique dining experience seats 22 people around a bar-table, who are lifted 60 metres off the ground by a crane, secured by a four point strap system on seats that are able to rotate 180 degrees. Perth's Dinner in the Sky experience will be located at South Perth foreshore, providing stunning views of the iconic Swan River, Perth City skyline, Perth Hills and beyond! Diners can choose from six 'flights' per day, including brunch, lunches, cocktails and dinners, which can take up to 90-minutes. 

Foodie bites…

Mister Gills of Subiaco has opened, much to the delight of locals and tourists visiting the cultural hub. Head chef Tess Davison (Noma, Rockpool) is delivering a mix of stylish but simple high-brow dishes, alongside fish and chip shop favourites. Subiaco is located a short drive (or moderate walk) from Perth CBD.

Another seafood venue has opened in the lively suburb of Mt Lawley. Located on Beaufort Street, Starfish Bar is serving everything from fresh oysters to Perth's tastiest fish and chips, exciting salads and your favourite ocean fare with a twist. 

A new craft beer bar has also opened in Mt Lawley, located atop The Flying Scotsman. Taking over the old Velvet Lounge, Caboose is aimed at beer connoisseurs. 

Duck Duck Bruce is serving delcious breakfast and lunch in the port city of Fremantle. With meals titled 'I Didn't Quit Sugar' and 'We're All Going On A Summer Hollandaise', this new, dog-friendly venue is a must-visit. 

Fusing Modern Australian with South-East Asian cuisine, Panda and Co is one of the hottest new restaurants to open in Highgate, located a short walk from Perth CBD. The venue is open for breakfast and lunch every day of the week except Tuesday.

With a focus on using pure WA cream, organic milk and free range eggs, Kuld Creamery is Mt Lawley's newest ice-creamery, chock-full of delicious, local flavours. 

Located a short walk from Elizabeth Quay at Barrack St Jetty, Laputa is an international buffet restaurant providing a wide range of live active cooking stations, as well as an impressive salad and dessert bar. 

Margaret River's late night cocktail bar and restaurant Morries is bringing a little sophistication to the South West town. Live jazz, funk and blues dinner shows will be held on select Friday nights starting this month. Following a refurbishment in 2016, the contemporary dining venue introduced a small stage specifically for live music, to provide a dinner and show experience. To see the performers on Morries' 2017 Jazz Series line-up, check out this link. 

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION

Swimming with Ningaloo humpbacks continues
Humpback whale interaction tours will return to Exmouth and Coral Bay from August to November this year, following the successful inaugural season in 2016, where 1,644 people experienced a swim with the giants of the ocean. The humpback whale interaction tours follows the popular whale shark tour season (March to July) at Ningaloo, and takes visitors over the entire area of the Ningaloo Marine Park, including 300 kilometres of reef between Coral Bay and Exmouth, the North West Cape, Lighthouse Bay and Muiron Islands and Bundegi Beach. 

Explore Perth's cultural past on a new river cruise
Indigenous Experiences Australia has launched a new tour in Perth. The Derbal Yerrgian Tour takes groups of up to 10 people on a cruise of the Swan River, where they will explore the culture and history of the Whadjuk people of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River). Guests will experience the land owners' connection to the waterway and surrounds through language and stories, while enjoying the picturesque sights of the Swan River. The two-hour tours depart from and return to Elizabeth Quay via the Little Ferry Co, and costs $75 for adults, $50 for children and $200 for families (two adults and two children). Group bookings are also available. 

Busselton-Margaret River set for take off
Work to expand Busselton-Margaret River Regional Airport has officially started, paving the way for direct flights to the world-renowned South West region from Melbourne and Sydney. Developments will include upgrades to the runway, which will allow bigger planes to land at the airport, plus additional terminal capacity to accommodate new visitors to WA. The new airport is due to be completed in 2018. 

WA secures national ballooning championships
Northam's reputation as a premier hot air ballooning destination has reached new heights, with the national championships set to return to Perth this year. Set in the heart of the picturesque Avon Valley, Northam hosted the event in 2015, attracting competitors from around the globe. This year's event will be held from September 1 to 9, and is expected to attract thousands of spectators to the region. 

New national park for North Kimberley
The first section of what will be Australia's biggest national park, Kimberley National Park, is a step closer. Located in the north Kimberley in WA's North West, Wilinggin National Park will soon be established and will protect the area's exceptional cultural and biodiversity values. The remote landscapes contain ancient rock art, stone arrangements, burial sites, ceremonial sites and mythological areas immensely significant to the region. In partnership with Wilinggin traditional owners, the new national park will adjoin the soon-to-be renamed north portion of the King Leopold Range Conservation Park, which will become known as the Wilinggin Conservation Park, taking in landmarks such as Bell Creek and Lennard River Gorge. More details on the new national park to come.

New tourism product launches in the Wheatbelt

Njaki Njaki Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Join Njaki Njaki Nyoongar traditional owner Mick on various tours exploring the rich Aboriginal culture and heritage of the Wheatbelt region, including a walking tour of Merredin Peak or full day Moulyk Tour that takes guests across a number of locations in the region. Learn about seasonal bushfoods and bush medicine and get hands on with traditional tools and weapons. For information and bookings visit www.njakinjaki.com.au.

Westbrook Merredin
A new bed and breakfast combining comfort and style with modern convenience has opened in the Wheatbelt town of Merredin. Westbrook Merredin houses two self-contained studios, offering guests private accommodation surrounded by 3.7 acres of picturesque gardens and bushland located minutes from the town centre. The studios feature comfortable beds, with ensuite amenities. They also include tea/coffee making facilities, fridge, LCD television and electric blankets for the cooler nights, along with split-system air conditioning and overhead fans. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. For information and bookings visit www.westbrookmerredin.com.

Airnorth to launch weekly seasonal service
Regional airliner Airnorth has scheduled a weekly seasonal service from Kununurra and Darwin to Perth from June to September 2017. Services will depart Kununurra and Darwin for Perth on Friday afternoons, and will return on Saturday mornings between the scheduled dates. Fares are on sale now at www.airnorth.com.au and start from $299 one way from Kununurra to Perth, and $309 one way from Darwin to Perth.

Whale Watching WA launch blue whale tour
For the first time in Perth, Whale Watching WA has launched a new Blue Whale Expedition. The full-day tour takes guests 100 kilometres off the coast to Perth Canyon, in search of the rare and endangered blue whale. Thought to be carved from the Swan River mouth, the area is abundant with marine and bird life that gathers for an annual feeding fest. The tour is available from March until the end of April and costs $297 per person. 

ADAMS add to Pinnacles tour offering
ADAMS Pinnacle Tours has commenced a new low cost tour to the Pinnacles and Coral Coast region. The full day Pinnacle Desert Explorer tour accommodates between six and 48 guests, and departs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays. Tour highlights include Hillarys Boat Harbour, the Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park, sand-boarding and swimming at Lancelin and lunch at Lancelin Beach Hotel. For more information on the itinerary and tour costs, visit this link. 

New train for Australia's longest jetty
After four years of planning and one year of building, the Busselton Jetty in WA's South West will receive its first new train in 22 years. The new electric train can accommodate up to 90 people and is powered by solar panels. Extending 1.7 kilometres out to sea, Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, and the second longest in the world. 

Explore Tours Perth introduce new product offerings

The new Swan Valley half-day tour is packed with activity as guests visit a range of the best venues in the Swan Valley and taste a variety of local produce, including, chocolate, honey, nougat, wine and nuts. They also have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture and taste traditional bush food at the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery. The tour costs $89 per person. The Swan Valley is WA's oldest wine region, and located around 25 minutes from Perth city.

A Caversham Wildlife Park shuttle bus service now collects customers from their central Perth hotel or train station, and delivers them to the Swan Valley wildlife park (entry fee included). Prices are $39 per adult, and $25 per child.

FEATURE

Whale sharks' arrival sparks excitement for 2017 season

Western Australia is preparing for another successful whale shark season, following sightings of the world's largest fish at Ningaloo Reef in the State's Coral Coast.

More than 27,700 people visited World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef in 2016 (a 32% increase from 2015) to get up close with the gentle giants of sea, who migrate to WA shores between March and August each year to feed on plankton and krill.

Adding to the record-breaking year, 2016 saw a total of 1,624 tours take place across the season, with a whale shark sighting success of 97 per cent.

Whale shark swim tours will kick-off from Coral Bay and Exmouth from mid-March until July, allowing visitors the opportunity to have a face-to-fin encounter with the friendly giants - most commonly between four to eight metres in length.

Ningaloo Marine Park's nutrient rich waters are considered one of the best places to swim with whale sharks due to reliability of numbers and accessibility to interact with the leviathans of the ocean.

At 300-kilometres long, World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef. Visitors can walk straight off the beach and snorkel in the underwater wonderland swarming with brilliant coloured coral, manta rays, sea turtles and more than 500 species of tropical fish.

The annual Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival will celebrate the season with a family festival day, gala cocktail evening, movies under the stars and live music from May 26 to 28, 2017. 

For further information on swimming with whale sharks and booking a trip to the Ningaloo coast, visit www.australiascoralcoast.com.

EVENTS

MARCH

Porongurup Wine Festival
March 5, 2017
Porongurup, Australia's South West
The Porongurup Wine Festival showcases ten of the distinct Porongurup wine labels, which is located in WA's Great Southern region. The family-friendly festival offers great music, food, craft, children's activities, wine mater classes, a 'Great Grape Stomp' competition and a 'One Wok Wonder' cook-off challenge. 

Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest
March 18-19, 2017
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, in celebration of the city'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. 

Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
March 29 – April 7, 2017
Margaret River, Australia's South West
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 each March/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 Box. The Drug Aware Margaret River Pro has been awarded World Championship Tour status in part thanks to the fact that it offers some of the best surfing conditions in the world. 

APRIL

Fremantle Street Arts Festival
April 14-17, 2017
Fremantle, Experience Perth
Australia's biggest street arts festival returns in full force to Fremantle this Easter long weekend. Performers from around the globe will invade the streets, turning them into stages to amuse, astound and amaze. The Fremantle Street Arts Festival will showcase the world of busking, street theatre, comedy, circus and lots more. 

York Motorcycle Festival
April 15-16, 2017
York, Experience Perth
York Motorcycle Festival is held on the main strip of the town and is a family friendly weekend of events. Market and trade stalls are setup along with entertainment throughout the two day festival. Highlights will include exciting Freestyle Motocross demonstrations, live music, show and shine competitions, custom bike displays, and children's activities. 

Quit Forest Rally
April 22-24, 2017
Busselton and Nannup, Australia's South West
WA'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, making it a weekend of Motor Sport Extravaganza. 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. 

MAY

SunSmart Busselton Festival and Triathlon
May 5-7, 2017
Busselton, Australia's South West
SunSmart Busselton Festival and Triathlon consists of a 1.9 kilometre swim, 90.1 kilometre bike ride and 21.1 kilometre run, making it the largest event of its type in the southern hemisphere. The 2016 event was a sell-out, and it's anticipated that 2017 will follow in the same suit. A world class weekend festival of multisport with something for everyone, including an open-water swim, health and lifestyle expo, kid's triathlon as well as a fun run. 

Supercars Perth Super Sprint
May 6-8, 2017
Perth, Experience Perth
Get your pulse racing with a ticket to the Supercars Perth Super Sprint. Support categories, training sessions and qualifying races complete your V8 Supercars package. Don't miss out on seeing your favourite motorsport drivers take to the track again for some fast-paced, fuel-injected action at Barbagallo Raceway. 

First National Lake Argyle Swim
May 6, 2017
Kununurra, Australia's North West
Swimmers can choose between two distances to race, 10 or 20 kilometres with event categories including solo, duos and teams of four. Situated 75 kilometres from the town of Kununurra, Lake Argyle is twenty-one times greater in size than Sydney Harbour. Recognised as one of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia, the Lake Argyle Swim provides experienced swimmers with an unsurpassed outback adventure.