In this month's edition of This is WA, read about the return of Roger Federer to Perth's Mastercard Hopman Cup, Rottnest Island quokka's raising interest among travellers worldwide, Perth's latest hotel openings and an exhibition paying tribute to local hero, Heath Ledger.There's also a special feature on wildflowers – plus all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

Roger returning to Perth for Hopman Cup 2018
One of the world's greatest tennis players, Roger Federer, has announced that he's excited to return to Australia's sunniest capital city in December to compete in the Mastercard Hopman Cup 2018, which will run from December 30 to January 6. The 18-time Grand Slam champion will represent Switzerland for the fourth time at the mixed teams tournament. Earlier this year, more than 103,000 fans flocked to Perth Arena to watch one of the most successful events in the tournament's history. Federer went on to win this year's Australian Open following his appearance at the Perth tournament. He will once again be joined by Swiss player Belinda Bencic. The full player line-up will be announced in October. 

Rottnest Island's quokka a global hit
Often referred to as the 'friendliest animal on earth', Rottnest Island's quokkas are now a regular fix on social media since the #quokkaselfie phenomenon raised interest among travellers worldwide. Located a 30-minute ferry ride off Perth's coastline, the mini-marsupial's permanent smile attracts visitors from near and far to the car-free and carefree island, including well-known names such as Hugh Jackman, Teri Hatcher, Martin Clunes, Lady Kitty Spencer, Dr Chris Brown and Tash Oakley. Adding to the global exposure, passengers can now fly aboard a Quokka following the release of names for Qantas' fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. More than 60,000 suggestions were put forward and 45,000 votes cast in selecting the names of the aircraft that will fly routes worldwide, including Perth to London from March 2018. 

Darren Robertson: headline chef for Broome's Shinju Matsuri
With sand between their toes and the sun setting over Broome's iconic Cable Beach, guests at this year's Shinju Matsuri long-table dinner are set to be 'surprised and delighted' by local ingredients and unique creations from acclaimed chef Darren Robertson, of My Kitchen Rules and top Sydney restaurant Three Blue Ducks. The deluxe dining experience on September 9 is a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri festival(September 2-10) – a vibrant celebration of Broome's multicultural and pearling history. The 2017 program also features a new street party, where pearlers will showcase their wares and rekindle the industry's heyday; the Floating Lantern Festival on Cable Beach; a multi-media production, Jetty to Jetty, at Roebuck Bay; and 3D sculptures by the ocean. Fly direct to Broome from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Darwin. 

Aloft and Tribe add to Perth's hot mix of hotels
Two hotel operators have officially opened their first stylish Australian properties, adding a combined 350 new rooms to Perth's abundant and affordable accommodation. In the emerging district of Rivervale – about halfway between the airport and CBD – the 15-storey Aloft has river views and is within walking distance of Perth Stadium, which opens early next year. Closer to the city, in West Perth, many of Tribe's modular rooms overlook Kings Park and the city skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows, while guests can mingle in communal dining and work spaces. Aloft and Tribe are among the 22 new or redeveloped hotels that have opened in the last few years, adding more than 2000 new rooms in the CBD and surrounding urban and coastal areas. The substantial increase in new hotel rooms has contributed to the drop in price, with the average daily rate dropping by 16.5% between 2012 and 2016 . More affordable accommodation, coupled with new and upgraded accommodation, means that Perth now offers some of the best quality holiday accommodation in Australia. A further 14 new or redeveloped hotels will be launched in Perth and surrounds over the next four years including The Ritz at Elizabeth Quay. 

'Royal' reef luxury for high-profile honeymooners
WA's Ningaloo Reef, whale shark experiences and unique luxury accommodation have received prominent praise after celebrity newlyweds Pippa Middleton and James Matthews chose to head west during the Australian leg of their honeymoon. Follow in the footsteps of Prince William's sister-in-law and her billionaire husband by staying at Perth's award-winning boutique hotel COMO The Treasury, exploring nearby Elizabeth Quay and dining at the Richardson Hotel's Opus restaurant. Fly two hours north to Exmouth to discover the turquoise waters teeming with marine life at World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, where the couple joined a boat tour for the ultimate wildlife encounter – swimming with enormous but harmless whale sharks – before relaxing at the Sal Salis beachside glamping resort. 

Bachelor stars' idyllic Kimberley engagement
Wedding bells were also tolling further north, where WA's Kimberley region provided a spectacular backdrop for reality TV star Tim Robards' proposal to partner Anna Heinrich. The famous couple, who met during The Bachelor's inaugural Australian season, were spotted at Cable Beach Club in Broome and at El Questro, 110 kilometres from Kununurra. 

New flights from Indonesia
WA recently welcomed a 19th international airline, with Indonesian operator Batik Air starting twice-daily flights between Denpasar (Bali) and Perth. Part of the Lion Air Group – which also owns Malindo, Lion and Wings – Batik Air offers business and economy fares from around $375 return on the 172-seat 737-900ER aircraft. 

Brisbane-Perth budget service
TigerAir launched its low-cost direct flights between Brisbane and Perth last month, providing four weekly return services year-round and up to six flights a week during peak periods such as school holidays. Regular one-way fares on the six-hour journey start at $189, with frequent promotions expected, on board an A320 aircraft. 

Affordable Esperance
Travellers can fly between Perth and the southern coastal paradise of Esperance for as little as $129 one-way with Regional Express (Rex) continuing its 'community fare' until 2020. Available to all passengers, the fare applies to advanced bookings (at least 60 days before departure) and any last-minute seats (within 24 hours of departure). 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

Heath Ledger exhibition pays tribute to local hero
Perth will host an exclusive exhibition to celebrate the achievements and creativity of the late WA-born actor Heath Ledger. With input from the star's family and close friends, the Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia have joined forces to present Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures. On display will be costumes such as the Joker suit from The Dark Knight and the iconic shirts from Brokeback Mountain, as well as striking photographic portraits, behind-the-scenes footage and Ledger's research journals revealing how he developed key roles. The free exhibition is at the Art Gallery of WA, at the Perth Cultural Centre, from October 14 to January 29. 

WA wildflowers and rugged Pilbara inspire artists
Two West Australian artists have returned to their home state for new exhibitions exploring vastly different but equally striking regions of WA. Wild Silence, by photographic artist David Charles Collins, is a series of abstract portraits of iconic orchids from the Fitzgerald Biosphere – a world-famous wildflower hotspot near Bremer Bay on WA's pristine south coast (see feature story on wildflowers below). Further north, in the Pilbara's rugged red landscapes, students in Port Hedland contributed to artist Gian Manik's spectacular 10-metre canvas, What's your name. It's a symbol. Don't talk. Both works are show at the FORM Gallery Perth until September. 

FOOD AND WINE

Perth city serves up Southern Forests' truffles
Is this Australia's most luxurious toastie? Made of 100% West Australian ingredients, the 'Lord Byron' is part of an expanded truffle menu on offer at eateries across Perth this winter. Harvested in the Southern Forests region of WA, three hours south of the city, the $20 sandwich – featuring butter sautéed Life Cykel oyster mushrooms, truffle béchamel, chardonnay and thyme macerated Stracchino cheese and shaved Manjimup black truffles on Wild Bakery truffle-infused sourdough bread – is the product of a partnership between The Truffle and Wine Co (in the truffle heartland of Manjimup) and Livingstone's Urban Jungle (in the Perth Cultural Centre) where it is served. You'll also find truffle on the menu at Fremantle's The Black Truffle and Young George and high-end restaurants Wildflower, Fraser's and Bistro Guillaume. Alternatively, visitors can head to the source in Manjimup to see specially trained truffle dogs sniff out the delicacy at local farms, and sample a newly released truffle ale and cider from Blackwood Valley Brewing (The Cidery). 

Sips and bites…
Iconic Margaret River winery Vasse Felix has a new head chef – Brendan Pratt, whose international experience included Michelin star restaurants The Fat Duck and The Ledbury before returning home to Perth in 2012 and joining Fraser's Restaurant Group. “I'm looking forward to uncovering more of the phenomenal local produce being grown in Australia's South West,” Brendan says. On the nearby coast, Vasse Felix's former executive chef, Aaron Carr, is setting up his own restaurant in Dunsborough. 

Venture slightly out of Fremantle to find out why Sohé is getting the thumbs up for fresh fusions of different Asian cuisines (one dish is called 'The omelette ate the stir fry') alongside classic curries and seafood. 

MOP Donuts' flagship outlet in the Perth urban village of Leederville has been joined by a prime city location, plus a Fremantle store is due to open by August. The CBD outlet, next to the Perth Underground station, is serving a classic and creative 'made on premises' selection including panini, burger, breakfast and ice-cream donuts. 

Just across the Swan River, in the urban village of Victoria Park, new bar Daddy Long Legs has a strong WA flavour. The second venue for the owners of Fremantle's Who's Your Mumma features local produce and craft beers, and a cocktail menu designed by a former barman from Must Winebar and The Classroom. 

Sample fresh WA produce with a 'farm to table' all-day breakfast at Fremantle multi-use space The Mantle, based in a heritage warehouse. Served from 8am on weekends, the Harvester menu includes trout cured in Limeburners whiskey, chicken waffles with Nannup honey and a probiotic bowl with Narrogin quinoa. 

South West surfing heroes Taj Burrow, Jay Davies and Adrian Dino have partnered with Margaret River's Black Brewing Co to launch their maiden beer label, Honest Ale. Made from all Aussie malt, the beer is full flavoured with a tropical aroma and length from the addition of Yallingup sea water to each brew. Honest Ale packaged product and draft tap points are available at select venues across Perth. 

'Good beer without the BS' is the aim of Otherside Brewing Co., based in Australia's craft brewing heartland of Fremantle. Launched in late 2015 by musical festival organisers, Otherside's brews have echoes of this origin with names such as Festival, Anthem and Social plus experimental concoctions in the Pilot series. The team has also just launched the Tapped By Otherside music grant program to help local bands. 

Get entwined in the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley's annual showcase of culinary, beverage and artistic talent will have a fresh flavour in 2017 with a new-look Entwined in the Valley from October 12-15. The festival is a chance to meet and learn from award-winning winemakers, brewers, artists and chefs in the picturesque region, just 25 minutes from the Perth CBD. This year's program includes cooking classes, a long-table lunch, a competitive barbecue cook-off and the chance to unwind with jazz and, of course, the famous local wines. 

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION

New and revamped waterfront apartments
'Million-dollar ocean views at affordable prices' is the philosophy behind Be.Fremantle, which has unveiled 24 new serviced apartments at the port city's iconic boat harbour. Part of a $10 million overhaul, the Ocean View apartments increase the property's capacity by almost 50%, while the WA owners have also updated the site's original 51 serviced apartments. Targeting leisure and corporate travellers, the studio and one, two and three-bedroom apartments offer views from every room and amenities including free wifi, Nespresso coffee and a laundry. Stays until August 30 are eligible for an opening special of free parking and 20% off for multiple-night stays in a two or three-bedroom apartment. Fremantle Boat Harbour was recently named Australia's best public boat harbour for its successful mix of commercial and recreational boating, fishing, heritage, hospitality and family-friendly activities. 

Walk into even more luxury on south coast
Walk into Luxury has expanded its range of exclusive experiences, launching the Bibbulmun Track luxury walk near Albany and Denmark on WA's south coast. During the four-day Bibbulmun walk, hikers are transported to different start points to comfortably explore wild clifftops, pristine bays and native bushland in three national parks, before relaxing with the region's top food and wine and high-end accommodation (Beach House at Bayside and Cape Howe Cottages). Walk into Luxury has also expanded its successful four-day, small-group Cape to Cape experience – which features on the prestigious Great Walks of Australia list – adding private packages to explore the spectacular South West coastline over two, three, four and six nights including a 'family escape' option suitable for children. 

Aboriginal tour in Mandurah offers unique insights
Newly launched walking, bus and canoe tours are showcasing the Noongar Aboriginal heritage and significant cultural sites of the scenic coastal city of Mandurah, one hour south of Perth. Led by former schoolteacher George Walley, Mandjoogoordup Dreaming's experiences include exploration of the waterways' natural riches and cultural connections, and an Aboriginal interpretation of the thrombolites – ancient rock-like living fossils. Guests can also participate in a bush tucker and natural medicine bushwalk or a canoe paddle along the Serpentine River.

Dampier Archipelago chopper tours take off
New helicopter flights from Karratha are offering a bird's-eye view of the Pilbara coastline, in WA's north, where red earth, white beaches and turquoise waters spectacularly unite. Operated by HeliSpirit – known for its award-winning Kimberley chopper tours – the 18, 30 or 45-minute scenic flights depart near the Karratha Visitor Centre and head out to the pristine Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula, with the chance to spot turtles, manta rays, dugongs and other marine life from the air. HeliSpirit has also partnered with Ngurrangga Tours to offer discounted packages to explore ancient rock art with the region's traditional Aboriginal owners. 

'Off the beaten path' Perth daytrip option
Take a different daytrip from Perth by exploring the picturesque Chittering Valley and Toodyay regions like a local. A 60 to 90-minute journey from the city centre with Chittering Valley Tours takes visitors to an area rich in food, wine, arts, history, pristine bushland and rural scenery. Tour options include bush tucker, fruit picking, barbecues and local wine tastings, meeting kangaroos, emus and alpacas, stargazing with a local astronomer and following the footsteps of notorious bushranger Moondyne Joe. 

Broome aquarium launch goes swimmingly
A purpose-built aquarium has opened in the Kimberley pearling town of Broome, providing up-close encounters with local sea life and habitats. Aqua Broome houses around 1,000 fish and other underwater creatures in large tanks that replicate the area's diverse marine environments including reefs and mangroves. Interactive tours and fish feeding experiences are also on offer at the attraction, located less than a kilometre from Broome's deep-water port and cruise ship hub. 

See Perth city with Peddle power
Experience Perth from a different perspective with a rickshaw taxi or tour operated by new company Peddle. On weekends and public holidays, the pedicabs can be hailed or booked for “pay what you like” journeys in the CBD from locations including Elizabeth Quay, Murray Street Mall and the Perth Cultural Centre. On weekdays, hop aboard for a tour of Northbridge eateries, Perth's street art and hidden gems or a VIP trip featuring one-on-one walking tours and champagne or whiskey. 

New trail guides put Peel region on the map
Visitors will find it even easier to plan and navigate a visit to the picturesque Peel region – which can be reached in around 40 minutes from the Perth CBD – thanks to 10 new trail maps that connect key experiences and attractions. Peel is known for its superb waterways, dolphin sightings, rich Aboriginal culture, scenic forests and dams, fresh produce and wineries, as well as the cosmopolitan coastal hub of Mandurah. 

Head west for indulgent experiences
WA hotels and experiences have dominated several categories of Luxury Travel's 2017 awards, with the magazine's readers voting Perth's Crown Towers as the world's best new luxury property and Australia's best luxury hotel. In the Kimberley, El Questro was chosen as the world's top luxury ecotourism property and True North claimed best luxury expedition cruise brand and Australian luxury adventure experience – a category dominated by WA operators. Margaret River was celebrated as Australia's best food and wine region, with the Swan Valley rounding out the top 10, while Perth's COMO The Treasury and Margaret River's Cape Lodge featured prominently in the boutique and luxury accommodation listings. In addition, COMO The Treasury has recently been awarded Best Hotel in the Qantas Business Travel Awards and the Best Mini Bar in Australia at the Gourmet Traveller 2017 Australian Hotel Awards.

FEATURE

WA wildflowers: the greatest show on Earth
There are 12,000 reasons to visit WA between June and November. That's the number of wildflower species that blanket the State in colour – the world's largest collection. It's a phenomenon in itself, even before you consider that 60% of them are found nowhere else on Earth and around 50 new species are identified each year.

In particularly dazzling seasons, hints of the vivid colour can even be seen from space – but there's no need to go that far. From vast carpets to rare specimens, it's easy to witness the wildflowers at their breathtaking best with drives, hikes, tours, events and artworks throughout WA as each region takes turns springing to life, like a wave rolling from north to south.

The 2017 season is starting slightly later than usual with the most vibrant blooms expected to be seen from late June into August against rugged red landscapes and turquoise waters in the Pilbara, Coral Coast and northern Golden Outback.

By September, the paintbrush will have reached Perth's bushland and Kings Park's botanical collection, plus the Wheatbelt's rolling hills and the historic Goldfields. The flowers then finish with a flourish between October and early December in the forests and coastal heaths of the South West and southern Golden Outback.

Professor Jim Barrow, author of How To Enjoy WA Wildflowers, tells This is WA that his top three “jewels in the crown” locations for wildflowers are:

• Lesueur National Park – around three hours' drive north of Perth, near the coastal town of Jurien Bay (best time: late winter/ spring)
• Stirling Range NP – north of Albany, on WA's south coast (spring/early summer)
• Fitzgerald River NP – also on the south coast, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has more flower species than the entire UK (spring/early summer)

Honourable mention also goes to the coastal and inland stretch between Geraldton and Perth where enormous carpets of pink, white and yellow everlastings create a photographers' paradise at locations such as Coalseam Conservation Park.

> See Tourism WA's Wildflower Guide and top 10 wildflower spots
From dazzling colours to insect-eating abilities, Professor Barrow says many wildflowers have developed extraordinary survival characteristics to flourish in WA's rugged environment.

“An awful lot of the plants rely on birds to pollinate and as a result they need to be spectacular to attract a bird's attention, and robust to support its weight,” he explains. “The royal hakea has bizarre red, yellow and purple leaves, and the Drakaea glyptodonorchid disguises itself as a female wasp to attract male wasps for pollination.”

As well as a range of tours and easy-to-follow drives and hikes through wildflower country, floral-themed events also offer up-close and unique encounters:

• Experience Perth: Kings Park Festival (all of September), Chittering Spring Flower Festival (September 15-17)
• Australia's Golden Outback: Dalwallinu Wattle Week Festival (September 2-8), Esperance Wildflower Festival (September 12-16), Ravensthorpe
• Wildflower Show and Spring Festival (September 12-23), Red Soil Riches (Kondinin, October 6-11)
• Australia's South West: Nannup Flower and Garden Festival (August 17-20), Hidden Treasures Bloom Festival (September 11 – October 12)
• And if you're in the UK, have a sneak-peek by visiting the new Western Australia garden at The Eden Project in Cornwall.

EVENTS

JULY
Mowanjum Festival
July 6 | Derby | Australia's North West
One of WA's biggest cultural celebrations is hosted each year by the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, on the rugged Gibb River Road in the Kimberley. The unique Mowanjum Festival brings together locals and visitors to share the vibrant, living culture of the Ngarinyin, Worrorra and Wunambal peoples through powerful traditional dances and story-telling under the vast northern skies near Derby.

Broome International Airport Marathon
July 16 | Broome | Australia's North West
Perfect weather, hard-packed sand and panoramic views make Broome's superb Cable Beach an ideal venue for this marathon, which is accompanied by a vibrant festival and other races. 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. 

A Taste of Broome
July 20, August 17 and September 6 | Broome | Australia's North West
The Kimberley pearling town of Broome comes to life during this multi-arts, culinary and cultural festival that celebrates the local rich Indigenous heritage and diverse cultures. Immerse your senses in food, dance, tradition, culture, music and film as the 2017 event marks 75 years since World War Two attacks in the area and 50 years since the 1967 referendum on Aboriginal people. 

AUGUST
Dwellingup 100
August 19 | Dwellingup | Experience Perth
This award-winning mountain bike event involves a challenging but picturesque course through the jarrah forests around Dwellingup, a 90-minute drive south of Perth. Appealing to participants of all ages and experience, the race features four distances including the gruelling 100 kilometre Classic, which attracts top riders from Australia and overseas. 

North West Festival
August 19-20 | Port Hedland | Australia's North West
One of the biggest events on the Pilbara region's calendar, the North West Festival attracts thousands of locals and visitors to Port Hedland. The concert is headlined by major national musicians and the town buzzes with fringe events, art displays and awards, markets, sundowners and warm winter weather. 

CinefestOZ
August 23-27 | Busselton and surrounds | Australia's South West
Australia's premier destination film festival unites cinema stars, top screen industry professionals and thousands of film lovers in the spectacular surroundings of WA's South West. Now in its 10th year, the festival includes Australia's richest annual film prize and the chance to see extraordinary new works. 

SEPTEMBER
National Ballooning Championships
September 2-9 | Northam | Experience Perth
The protected and picturesque Avon Valley, just east of Perth, is considered WA's top spot for hot air ballooning. During the national championships, up to 30 colourful balloons launch from the historic town of Northam, creating a breathtaking spectacle above the farmland as competitors show off their skills. 

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and Spring Festival
September 10-22 | Shire of Ravensthorpe | Australia's Golden Outback
Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, pristine coast and national parks, the Shire of Ravensthorpe shows off its incredible wildflowers and other flora at this show and festival. More than 600 labelled specimens will be on display or visitors can head further afield on four-wheel-drive tag-along tours. 

Red Earth Arts Festival
September 15-24 | Karratha | Australia's North West
See why this festival is so named by experiencing the striking red landscape and rich culture of Karratha. Locals and visitors to the ruggedly beautiful Pilbara city will enjoy a packed program of local arts and culture, nationally recognised performers, live music, dance, comedy, markets, films and more.