In this month's edition of This is WA, read about a Margaret River tourism operator winning Gold at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, updates on humpback whale swim trials at Ningaloo Reef, a new state-of-the-art library opening in Perth and Regional Express (Rex) launching air services in Western Australian. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

Extra Qantas flights for Broome
Qantas has announced the inclusion of a third direct flight between Melbourne and Broome, making it even easier for east-coast visitors to travel to the exotic pearling town. The service will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with the Sunday service re-commencing on March 20, the Wednesday service on May 4, and the new Friday service from June 3. It means that during the peak months, Broome will have direct flights to cities on the east coast five days a week, with services to Brisbane and Sydney also set to resume in the coming months.
www.qantas.com.au/

Local operators win big at Australian Tourism Awards
Margaret River operator, Top Drop Tours has been named Australia's best Tour and Transport Operator at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2015. It's the second year running that the company has brought home Gold in its category. The small family-run business takes guests to the region's best food and wine hotspots as part of a set itinerary, customised or private tour. Tourism excellence was also awarded to Koomal Dreaming, which won Bronze for Indigenous Tourism, and Sandalford Wines, which was awarded Silver in the Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category.
http://topdroptours.com.au/

Locals vote for Elizabeth Quay with their feet
Recently opened waterfront development Elizabeth Quay has attracted more than 800,000 visitors in its first three weeks. Locals and visitors to Perth have embraced the events and attractions on offer in the CBD including the Perth International Arts Festival and Fringe World Festival, which recorded its most popular season yet with more than 900,000 people attending free and ticketed events across the metropolitan area – a 36 per cent increase on the 2015 Fringe World season which attracted more than 660,000. Transperth ferry services have been expanded in response to the popularity of Elizabeth Quay, with services running on a 15 minute frequency until 9:30pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/projects-and-places/elizabeth-quay

Rex launch regional flights in WA
Australia's largest independent regional airline, Regional Express (Rex) has started its air services from Perth to Albany and Perth to Esperance, as part of a five-year agreement to provide regulated air services on the two air routes. Residents and travellers in these regional communities will benefit from Rex's timetables which will see an increased number of flights and annual seat capacity when flying to and from Perth, compared to previous services to the regions.
www.rex.com.au

Visitors invited to register interest for humpback whale swims
Following the November announcement of humpback whale swim trials starting at Ningaloo Reef, a number of tour operators in the region have released their prices and tour structure, and visitors are being asked to register their interest. The tour structure will combine the whale shark tour model with the whale watching eco-tour, with in-water interactions dependent on the whale's behaviour and the weather. There will be a maximum of 10 swimmers per tour, with five people in the water with any one humpback whale. Swimmers won't be allowed near mothers and calves for both the protection and safety of whale and human. All operators are offering a full day tour experience, starting from approximately 10am, concluding at around 5pm, with some offering a whale watching cruise price with an additional cost if there is an in-water experience, while others offer an all-inclusive price. It's anticipated that the season will start in August but could start earlier, depending on the whale migration (traditionally July to October). To register interest and for more information visit this link. And to read more about Ningaloo's marine encounters, read the feature below.
www.australiascoralcoast.com/attractions-events/swim-with-humpback-whales-in-2016

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

State-of-the-art library opens in Perth
The new multi-level City of Perth Library, located near the Perth Town Hall and new Cathedral Square precinct, is the first major civic building to be constructed since the Perth Concert Hall was built nearly 40 years ago. Conveniently located in the heart of Perth city, the new library will be the reading destination of choice for local residents as well as workers, students, tourists, visitors, shoppers and researchers. The building covers 3,500 square-metres and showcases a range of features over seven levels, including collections, reading rooms, AV multi-function rooms, a master staircase, story-telling zones and terrace.
http://www.perth.wa.gov.au/living-community/city-perth-library

History of the world opens at WA Museum
The international exhibition from the British Museum, A History of the World in 100 Objects is now on at the Western Australian Museum in the Perth Cultural Centre until June 18, 2016. The exhibition showcases two million years of human history, from the oldest objects in the British Museum's collections to those from the present day. The WA Museum has selected the Yamaji antennas as the Western Australian object to be displayed alongside the international exhibition. The antennas highlight the importance of the Murchison Widefield Array as part of the world's largest radio astronomy project, the Square Kilometre Array, and the unique relationship that emerged between the astrophysicists and the Yamaji people. A History of the World would be the last exhibition to be displayed at the WA Museum's Perth site before it closes to accommodate works for the new museum, which will be built at the existing site, incorporating the heritage buildings, and is expected to open in 2020.
http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/perth/history-world-100-objects

First international art show for 105 year-old Kimberley woman
Artwork from a 105-year-old woman from WA's Kimberley is being showcased internationally for the first time at two separate exhibitions in the United States. One of the world's oldest artists, Loongkoonan's work is being exhibited at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. until April 26, before it moves to the University of Virginia. Loongkoonan picked up her first paintbrush aged 95, at Manambarra Aboriginal Artists Studio in Derby. She has since produced hundreds of works showcasing Nyikina country along the region's Fitzroy River. The New York Times' Women of the World published an in-depth feature on Loongkoonan's outstanding career here.

FOOD AND WINE

Pop-up dining to tour the State
WA's pop-up dining group Fervor have released details for its 2016 Fervor Tour. Fervor's philosophy is to present fresh, locally sourced produce at unique locations around WA, with the April and May tour schedule including Albany and Denmark as part of Taste Great Southern, Dumbleyung, Karijini National Park and Kununurra, as part of the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster. Each event features intimate, long table, 8-10 course degustation dinners with guests treated to ingredients such as marron, green ants, crab, youlk, wattleseed, seaweed and wallaby. As part of the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, Fervor will present the delicious Breakfast by Fervor on May 20 and the delicious Degustation Dinner on May 22.
www.fervor.com.au
www.ordvalleymuster.com.au

Festival of foodie fun - Eat Drink Perth 2016
The newest and best of Perth's food and beverage scene will be served up in the City of Perth's 12th annual foodie festival, Eat Drink Perth from March 16 to April 23. This year, more than 90 events will entice you to try new and old favourites, with everything from markets to masterclasses, long table dinners to dessert degustations, food trucks and walking tours, to picnics and pop-ups. Coinciding with Earth Hour in March, there will be a focus on sustainable food choices and events featuring organic, gluten-free, vegan, raw, paleo and biodynamic foods, as well as locally grown produce and homemade products at the weekly Perth Home Grown market. Get a taste of the program at www.visitperthcity.com/eatdrinkperth.

Northbridge welcomes new gelateria
For all the ice-cream lovers out there, a new gelateria has opened in Perth. Chicho Gelato offers fresh, daily churned gelato, rotating up to 20 flavours according to the season. Chicho guests can dine in or takeaway and watch the fresh gelato being churned. The gelateria is located on William Street in Northbridge, just outside of the Perth CBD, and is another great addition to the ever-expanding Northbridge area.
Sweet delicacies are taking Perth by storm with many local businesses offering an exciting selection of dessert food and drink which taste just as good as they look. Get your sweet fix at some of Perth's most visited venues, including Gusto Gelato in Leederville, Babooshka in Northbridge, Chu Bakery in Highgate and Mary Street Bakery in Mount Lawley.
http://chichogelato.com/

New cidery opens in Swan Valley
Four Brothers Cider is a new cidery in the Swan Valley producing the only preservative-free, unpasteurised cider in WA. The cider is made from locally sourced fruit and includes apple, pear, strawberry, ginger, mango and coconut flavours, as well as one seasonal cider. Four Brothers is owned by two pairs of brothers, Dustin and Marty Michaels, who created Michael Brothers Juice Company, and Peter and Adam Watts, who have a background in brewing having worked with established names in the Swan Valley such as Ironbank Brewery, Mash Brewing and Feral Brewing. WA's oldest wine-growing region, the Swan Valley is a 25 minute drive from Perth city.
https://www.facebook.com/4brotherscider/ 

Milking demonstrations on show to South West visitors
South West business Millers Ice Cream has opened a milking shed at their Cowaramup operation, giving visitors the chance to view live milking demonstrations – including hand and machine milking techniques. Visitors can also meet and greet young calves and have a chance at bottle feeding the mini-moos. The educational experience gives guests an opportunity to learn about dairy farm life, milk production and local dairy history, and taste creamy, farm fresh milk. The Milking Shed is open at 11am on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, with the onsite farm café open seven days a week.
http://www.millersicecream.com.au/

Print Hall dining room to make way for Asian inspired venue
The dining room at Perth venue Print Hall will be relaunched as an Asian-fusion style restaurant and bar in the coming months. Renovations will involve removing a wall between Print Hall dining room and the venue's main bar space, creating a big, casual dining and drinking area with a modern Asian menu. Housed in Perth's original Newspaper House, Print Hall opened to the public in September 2012, and houses popular venues including The Apple Daily Bar and Eating House and Bob's Bar.
http://www.printhall.com.au/

Restaurant festival returns to Langley Park
Tickets are now available to WA's biggest restaurant festival, Taste of Perth 2016. Over three indulgent days, visitors will rub shoulders with Perth's top chefs and like-minded foodies as they graze through tasting menus designed by the city's latest, greatest and hottest restaurants. This year's event will return to Langley Park from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, and will include a variety of gourmet attractions, artisan producers and live entertainment.
http://www.tasteofperth.com.au/

Organic kitchen puts the earth in Perth
A small, owner-operated business, Pearth Organic Kitchen, has opened in West Leederville, serving up wholesome and healthy food. The cafe's menu feeds the gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian and meat eating people of Perth, and is open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
http://pearthorganickitchen.com.au/

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Rotorvation open new helipad at Nambung National Park
Visitors can now visit the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park in a short, one hour chopper ride from Perth. WA owned and operated helicopter company, Rotorvation, has opened a new and exclusive helipad at the Pinnacles, which is located a two hour drive north of Perth. Along with the new helipad, Rotorvation has launched a full-day tour north of Perth which includes a visit to Yanchep National Park, wildlife encounters, limestone cave exploring, an Aboriginal Cultural show, lunch, and a visit to The Pinnacles and the Stromatolites at Cervantes.
http://www.rotorvation.com.au/

Enjoy a dream holiday along WA's pristine coastline
Luxury Outback Tours' latest experience offers guests an exciting and memorable trip to Broome, departing from Perth on June 3, 2016. The 13-day experiential tour includes a whale shark swim tour, snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef, glamping at Karijini National Park, Monkey Mia dolphin cruise, visit to Yamiji Art Gallery, an overnight stay at Wooleen Station, sunset drinks at Cable Beach and an overnight stay at Cable Beach Club Spa and Resort. The personalized small group luxury 4WD eco tour is inclusive of all meals, accommodation, experiences and entry fees to national parks. The tour can accommodate a maximum of six passengers, so those interested in the dream holiday experience are urged to book as soon as possible. Luxury Outback Tours allows guests to experience nature and heritage with a personal touch on tailor-made 4WD eco tours.
www.luxuryoutbacktours.com.au

Coral Coast operator welcomes new vessel
Family-run business Ningaloo Discovery (formerly known as Charter 1) has introduced a new vessel to its fleet – a 55-foot luxury sailing catamaran, which was recently featured on Tourism Australia's latest campaign ad. Along with the company's 60 foot power boat, the sailing catamaran will offer whale shark and humpback whale interactions with the option of staying overnight on the Ningaloo Reef.
www.ningaloodiscovery.com.au

Perth hotel renovations revealed to public
Visitors to WA's capital city have welcomed Pan Pacific Perth's newly refurbished guest rooms and arrival experience. The inner city hotel has introduced new Premier rooms and suites, along with a revitalised lobby, offering guests an engaging and modern space to begin and end their stay.
https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/australia/perth.html

Metro Hotel Perth has also unveiled its latest renovations, including a newly-built 53-room 'Aspire Wing', a new Red Bill Restaurant, function rooms, reception area and lobby. Based in South Perth, Metro Hotel Perth is minutes away by car from Perth city and provides easy driving access to the south, including historic Fremantle. Other nearby attractions include Perth Zoo, Crown Perth, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth Mint and a myriad of restaurants, cafés and bars.
http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/western-australia/metro-hotel-perth/welcome/

Captain Cook Cruises launch new Perth experiences
Captain Cook Cruises has launched two new cruises, taking in some of Perth's new experiences and trends. In Fremantle, they've teamed up with Clancy's, the Sail and Anchor and The Monk, to create the ultimate day out for beer lovers - the Fremantle Craft Beer Tour and Cruise. Fremantle has become a haven for brewing enthusiasts, and the full-day tour departs from Perth, and cruises the Swan River before disembarking in Fremantle for a walking tour to sample beers from some of the best brewers in the area.
http://www.captaincookcruises.com.au/full-day-cruises

Around Perth city, the EQ Floating Pop-Up Bar is a fully licenced pop-up bar which cruises into Perth's new waterfront precinct, Elizabeth Quay for a sundowner floating session. The tours depart from 5:30pm (and every half an hour thereafter) every Friday from Barrack Street Jetty. Check out the Facebook page for scheduled departure times.
https://www.facebook.com/events/987148161376657/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular&feed_story_type=17&action_history=null

Pensioner packages to Kalgoorlie Boulder launched again for 2016
The Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre has launched tourism package deals for 2016, including three, four-day Pension Packages. The themed packages include a golf mini break, a self-drive adventure with a Golden Quest Discovery Trail book, and a history and heritage package in Kalgoorlie Boulder. Prices for the packages start from $285 and include TransWA train fares, accommodation and attraction tickets. Book your Golden Outback experience before the offer ends on July 31, 2016.
www.kalgoorlietoursim.com

Health and wellbeing retreat in the South West
A new five-day health and wellbeing retreat is available in the South West from May 13 to 17. With activities ranging from coastal hikes to healthy cooking classes and meditation, Revive Weight Loss Retreat is the perfect platform for anyone wishing to step into a nurturing environment that's all about them. Run by locals to the region, Katie Carmichael and Sarah Breheny, the cost of the retreat covers all food and activities, and accommodation at the luxurious Smiths Beach Resort in Yallingup.
www.reviveweightlossretreat.com.au

FEATURE

Whale sharks' arrival sparks excitement for 2016 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 20,834 people visited World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef in 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.

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 - which can grow up to 18 metres in length.

For the first time in WA, visitors experiencing a whale shark tour will also have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales, who migrate through the waters of Ningaloo Reef between July and October each year.

Interactions will be completely on the whale's terms, so if the humpbacks behaviour and the weather allows, there will be the chance for tour participants to have a genuine wildlife encounter in the water.

Department of Parks and Wildlife Whale Shark Conservation Officer, Dani Rob hopes to see more travellers visit WA's mid-north coast in 2016 to experience the magic of swimming with whale sharks.

"Last year we had a total of 1,181 tours taking place in the Coral Coast, and a whale shark sighting success rating of 92 per cent,” Ms Rob said.

“We're excited to welcome the first whale sharks of the season and look forward to a successful 2016 season.”

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 25 to 29, 2016.

For more information, visit ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com. For further information on swimming with whale sharks and booking a trip to the Ningaloo Coast, visit westernaustralia.com.

EVENTS

MARCH

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/

Taste Great Southern
March 18 to April 3, 2016
Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, Frankland River and 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/

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

MAY

Moondyne Festival
May 1, 2016
Toodyay, Experience Perth
Once again the town of Toodyay steps back in time to celebrate the annual Moondyne Festival, bringing infamous Moondyne Joe and his various escapades back to life. The Moondyne Festival is a display of life during the pioneer years from the re-enactment of the 1860 Rifle Regiment to the grace and favour of the enchanting Clydesdale horses. With a variety of stalls, exhibitions, games and rides there is something for everyone at this family fun day.
http://www.moondynefestival.com.au/

Vancouver Street Festival
May 7, 2016
Albany, Australia's South West
The Vancouver Street Festival is a large-scale street festival held in conjunction with the Western Australia Heritage Festival. The event will focus on the historic Vancouver Street in Albany with a program featuring music, markets, heritage tours, visual arts, street entertainment and Great Southern food and wine.
http://www.albany.wa.gov.au/

First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim
May 7, 2016
Kununurra, Australia's North West
The Lake Argyle Swim is a 10km and 20km open water swim which offers solo, duo and teams of four categories. The event takes place in the East Kimberley in the fresh water lake. Lake Argyle is Australia's second largest manmade lake, holding a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water – more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. Long since recognised as one of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia, the Lake Argyle Swim provides experienced swimmers with an unsurpassed outback adventure.
http://www.lakeargyleswim.com/