WHAT'S HOT

High praise for west coast in Australian beach honours
Western Australia is home to almost a third of Australia's top 25 beaches, according to a TripAdvisor list determined by visitors' reviews. Achieving fifth place was Exmouth's pristine Turquoise Bay, with the Ningaloo snorkelling hotspot described as 'magical'. Other west coast gems in The Travellers' Choice top 20 rankings included Broome's iconic Cable Beach, Denmark's picturesque Greens Pool and Cape Le Grand National Park in Esperance. 

Michael Palin to headline Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival
Stories will come alive in the South West this winter as the ninth annual Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival gears up to be the biggest and best yet! Held from June 2-4, the festival will feature renowned British comedian, actor, writer and television presenter Michael Palin. Well-known as a member of Monty Python, Palin has appeared in numerous films and has presented eight successful travel series. He has written books to accompany his travel series, and is also the author of a number of children's stories, the play The Weekend, novels Hemingway's Chair and The Truth, and has published three volumes of diaries. Other standout speakers featured on the festival line-up include one of Australia's most distinguished and respected journalists Kerry O'Brien, and writer, speaker and feminist thinker Clementine Ford. Held at the Margaret River Cultural Centre, the festival is supported by Tourism WA and combines author talks, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, book signings, free lunch time talks and free activities for children on the weekend in the festival's storytelling tent. 

WA tourism offerings shine bright at national awards
WA tourism businesses took home 10 awards, including two gold medals, at the 2016 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures took gold in the 'Adventure Tourism' category for its air and water experiences of the western Kimberley's unique horizontal waterfalls. The North West operator will commence its 2017 season on March 26, with bookings now available online. Albany's The Beach House at Bayside celebrated top honours in the 'Hosted Accommodation' category. Located in the State's Great Southern, the five-star bed and breakfast has eight bespoke hotel rooms plus Mediterranean spa villas.
Other WA winners at the national awards included:
• COMO The Treasury at the State Buildings – New Tourism Business (Silver)
• Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association – Visitor Information Services (Silver)
• Top Drop Tours – Tour & Transport Operators (Silver)
• Sail Ningaloo – Ecotourism (Silver)
• ADAMS – Major Tour & Transport Operators (Bronze)
• Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures Horizontal Hotel – Unique Accommodation (Bronze)
• Mandurah Crab Fest – Major Festivals & Events (Bronze)
• Sandalford Wines – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services (Bronze)
Next year's awards ceremony will be closer to home with Perth confirmed as the host, bringing 800 tourism industry leaders to the city early next year.

All-consuming experiences during Eat Drink Perth
Perth is serving up a sample of its flourishing dining and entertainment scene with more than 100 offers and events during Eat Drink Perth, from March 13 to April 9. From breakfast to nightcaps and accommodation, 70 central city venues are packaging and partnering to present their best offerings, including progressive dinners, the Love the Earth eco food festival, the chance to make your own gin, numerous limited edition or special deals – and lifting the lid on some of the city's best-kept culinary secrets. As part of Eat Drink Perth, walking tour company Two Feet and a Heartbeat is offering new themed strolls including Cocktails ($75 per person), Sunday Session ($80), Progressive Dining ($165), World of Whisky ($100), Perth and Northbridge Small Bars ($55) and Morning Tea ($35). 

Surfing's elite return to Margaret River
Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning will return to Margaret River later this month to compete in the annual Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, an event that forms part of the World Surf League's Championship Tour. Following a year off tour, Fanning will compete against the world's top 36 ranked male surfers at Surfers Point in Prevelly. The event, sponsored by Tourism WA, will also see the world's top 18 ranked female surfers compete for World Title points, including Margaret River local, Bronte MaCaulay, who secured her spot on the WCT following a bumper 2016. Be sure to check out the live action from March 28 to April 8, 2017. 

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

New exhibition shares Indigenous voices
A free exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) – Plain Speak – is providing an “up close and personal” experience of Indigenous voices. Part of the Perth International Arts Festival, Plain Speak features 50 powerfully personal works presented through videos, paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles and other media. Running until August 13, the exhibition marks the start of a new annual series at AGWA called “Everyone Has A History”, which presents compelling personal stories told through art. AGWA will also open a new “Six Seasons” permanent Indigenous art gallery in July as part of a major project focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. AGWA is located at Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge, a short walk from the city's CBD. 

North West remembers WWII history
Australia's annual remembrance of wartime sacrifices, Anzac Day on April 25, will be particularly poignant in the North West this year. In 2017 and 2018, the region is commemorating the 75th anniversary of World War II air-raids and other wartime events. From Marble Bar to Kalumburu, Onslow to Wyndham and Broome to Port Hedland, communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley played a key role in WWII operations. Visitors can learn more at sites and memorials located in the region – including the flying boat wreckage in Roebuck Bay from the Japanese air-raid on Broome in March 1942, the remains of a secret airfield at Corunna Downs near Marble Bar, the Mission Museum and aircraft at Kalumburu, a wireless station at Parry Lagoons near Wyndham, and Whim Creek's memorial to the five Lockyer brothers and other Indigenous defence personnel. Head to the ABC website for a podcast and heritage trail guide about the Roebuck Bay wrecks. 

National release of WA-filmed comedy A Few Less Men
The latest major movie to be filmed in Western Australia, A Few Less Men, has hit cinemas. Featuring popular day-trip spots from Perth – such as the Pinnacles' limestone formations, Lancelin's white sand dunes and bushland at John Forrest National Park – the filming locations are described as “a cornucopia of the most beautiful landscapes in Western Australia” by British actor Kris Marshall. Marshall joins Xavier Samuel, Kevin Bishop, Deborah Mailman and Shane Jacobson in the comedy sequel to 2011's A Few Best Men. In the latest adventure, three friends are stranded in the Australian bush with a coffin after an unexpected plane landing. 

FOOD AND WINE

KU DE TA opens its doors this month
KU DE TA has opened its new 850-capacity bar and restaurant in Perth – the first sister venue for the well-known Bali sunset spot. The precinct is activating the Swan River's eastern corner with three distinct zones; the Deck, extending over the water and offering 270-degree views; The West, offering an open seafood bar and sharing plates; and the a la carte Dining area. Led by chefs Daniel Fisher and Liam Atkinson, the cuisine has a strong Australian focus, with many ingredients sourced from local WA producers and suppliers, complemented by craft beers, wine, spirits and an extensive cocktail selection. “Make no mistake – this won't be Bali 2.0,” KU DE TA's Guy Neale says. “We're working hard to cultivate a unique personality for our Perth venue that celebrates and embraces all the amazing elements of WA, with an emphasis on outdoor living, glorious weather, relaxed culture and incredible fresh produce.” 

Great Southern serves up top tastes over three weeks
How does 18 days of exceptional produce, meat, seafood, wine and scenery sound? The State's pristine southern coastline, rugged ranges and farming hinterland provide an ideal the backdrop for the IGA Taste Great Southern festival, which encompasses the major centres of Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, Kojonup and Katanning, plus hidden gems in between. Colin Fassnidge and Miguel Maestre headline dozens of chefs who will cook and make guest appearances at up to 50 events during IGA Taste Great Southern from March 23 to April 9. From markets and masterclasses to helicopter picnics and degustations, each destination will serve up unique dishes and events that showcase the region's exceptional seafood, cereal crops, beef and lamb, vegetables and milk products, and its ideal climate for wine varietals such as Shiraz, Riesling and Pinot Noir. 

State Buildings presents the State Makers
Located in the heart of Perth city, State Makers is a celebration of the people that represent the State Buildings precinct, combined with a taste of the stories, experiences and flavours awaiting those who enter its doors. A series of fun and interactive events will be on offer until April 17, including a hands-on cooking class Long Chim Little Masters, An Evening with Antionio Carlucio celebrating the coming of the Djeran season at rooftop restaurant Wildflower, and an indulgent evening of fine champagne and chocolate at Hedonism at Halford.

Food fusion in Perth
Perth's ever-expanding dining scene has recently welcomed a number of new eateries across a range of cuisines. With 12 per cent of the State's population speaking a language other than English, and its proximity to Asia, it's no wonder Perth's evolving food scene reflects WA's multiculturalism. Here's a snapshot of the city's recent openings...

Dusit Dheva Thai, Northbridge – Taking over Dusit Thai, Dust Dheva is offering Thai-inspired cuisine using fresh and seasonal local produce. 

Sakura Sake, Northbridge – West Aussie's love their Japanese cuisine, and Sakura Sake does not disappoint. Specialising in traditional sushi, sashimi and tempura, and offering an exciting sake menu, it's a must visit next time you're in the cultural hub of Northbridge.

8 on the Point, East Perth – Offering scenic views of the iconic Swan River, 8 on the Point is a high quality Asian restaurant with a modern contemporary Chinese twist. 

Malaya, Perth – Located in the city's centre, Malaya offers unique, authentic and modern Malaysian food. 

Cucina on Hay, Perth – Mecure Perth will welcome a new Italian eatery this month, providing diners with an authentic Italian menu complete with house-made ingredients and local WA produce. 

Papa Kings, Fremantle – Located where X-Wray Café used to sit, Papa Kings is bringing a slice of the Caribbean to town, serving spicy Caribbean food and a wide range of rums. 

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Historical twist for Quest's converted heritage warehouse in Fremantle
A 159-year-old Fremantle heritage warehouse has been transformed into Quest's 12th WA property, offering 122 apartment rooms on Pakenham Street, a stone's throw from the port city's trendy cappuccino strip and historic West End. The 'Inter-War Chicagoesque' style building started life in 1858 as Manning Hall, a local merchant's family residence. It became a Fremantle landmark – nicknamed 'Manning's Folly' for the unusual architecture and extravagant features for its time – and evolved into a major warehouse after a 1929 rebuild that retained the original façade. It has been named a State Registered Place for its heritage significance, and the $36.5 million Quest development has added studio, one and two-bedroom apartments plus a gym, conference room and rooftop terrace. 

New seat technology for Qantas' London-Perth non-stop flights
Qantas has revealed its next-generation Premium Economy seat, which will be available on the airline's non-stop Perth to London flights, commencing in March 2018, as well as other Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from October this year. The new seats are 10 per cent wider and feature multi-section reclining, more personal space, storage compartments, larger screens, charging points and ergonomic head and foot-rests. Tickets for the regular, non-stop Perth to London flights can be purchased from April 2017 onwards. 

Busselton Visitor Centre taps into technology
Large interactive touchscreens and virtual reality content showcasing the experiences and attractions on offer between Busselton and Augusta is now available at Busselton's new visitor centre. Located near the famous 1.8km timber jetty, the innovative centre is housed within the Railway House, and provides visitors with virtual reality experiences and digital advertising. The 'Your Margaret River' app has also been relaunched with more than 1,000 attractions and services displayed in relation to the user's location. 

New activity options

• Rottnest Fast Ferries is making waves with a 90-minute Coastal Cruise along Perth's iconic beaches. Departing on weekends from Hillarys Boat Harbour until the end of April, the lunchtime cruise travels along the Sunset Coast, offering visitors a picturesque perspective of some of the city's 19 metropolitan beaches. Guests receive a complimentary drink and can add on lunch options. Prices start at $20 for children and $30 for adults. 
• Designed with the independent backpacker in mind, Albany-based tour company Busy Blue Bus is offering two new ways to discover the ruggedly beautiful south coast. 'The Gap and Natural Wonders' (priced from $45) is a half-day tour departing at 1.30pm on Thursdays, exploring the weather-carved features of Torndirrup National Park. Or make a day of it and head to Bremer Bay for $99, departing early morning and returning at 7pm until mid-April, with the option of linking to the Bremer Bay Discovery Tour with history, scenery and wine. 
• The South West's tuart forests are part of the experience at Busselton's Forest Adventures high rope park. Spread across eight acres, the park offers 65 activities for all levels of skill, fitness and daring, including 500m of flying foxes, uni-cycles and BMX in the sky, a 13m BASE jump and spider webs. Visitors must be at least seven years old. Entry costs $34 for ages 7-11, $37 for teenagers and $40 for adults. 

Accommodation updates
The picturesque Coalmine Beach Holiday Park, near Walpole's Tree Top Walk, has added “glamping” luxury tents to its accommodation offering. Prices start from $95 to $235 per night and some tents have their own bathrooms and kitchens. 

Want a taste of staying in a prison but not necessarily in a cell? Fremantle Prison YHA has added to its 'cell room' experience at the World Heritage Listed site with a brand-new wing containing private ensuite rooms. 

StudyPerth welcomes students at airport booth
A welcome desk for international students will reopen in June after a successful semester one launch at Perth Airport's Terminal 1. StudyPerth volunteers greeted newly arriving students with welcome packs containing a map with local tips, hints and special offers, a Perth holiday experience offer from Sightseeing Pass WA and a Vodafone sim card with $10 credit. The airport desk will operate again from June 21 to August 2 for the semester two intake.

Walk into the wilderness on south coast trail
A new 6.2 kilometre coastal path in the Great Southern town of Denmark is providing a direct link from Ocean Beach to William Bay National Park for walkers and cyclists. The $700,000 Wilderness Ocean Walk (WOW) Trail connects Lights Beach, Back Beach and the Denmark Community Windfarm along the spectacular Wilson Head reserve. The two metre wide trail winds through an A-class reserve, providing breathtaking views of Wilson Inlet, Monkey Rock, Ocean Beach and surrounding farmland. It also has seating, signage and direct links to other walking and biking drawcards such as the Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track. Pedestrians should allow 90 minutes and cyclists 40 minutes to complete the trail one-way.

FEATURE

Water wonderland: record rain transforms the Kimberley

The word is out: this is the year to visit the Kimberley, as the region's spectacular beauty reaches new heights – literally – following its wettest summer on record.

Kununurra Visitor Centre's Angela Dean said people who were planning a Kimberley trip in the next couple of years have now decided to come this year.

“We've already had high demand for helicopter and fixed-wing flights over the waterfalls, and the cruises on Lake Argyle have been much busier than usual taking in all the waterfalls that are running,” Angela said.

It's been a case of when it rains, it pours for North West scenery as the deluge delivered a photographer's paradise and set the stage for a magnificent tourist season over coming months.

Visitors are already enthralled by thundering and rarely seen waterfalls, engorged waterholes and breathtaking aerial views of the lush landscape and thriving waterways.

A whopping 944mm of rain fell across the Kimberley during December, January and February. This is more than double the region's seasonal average of 452mm, and washes away the previous record of 787mm set in 1996-97, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

El Questro's general manager Lori Litwack said aerial tour bookings have soared across the region following the recent rains.

“Everyone is trying to get that one-off opportunity to see the falls from the air. Our own Amalia Gorge often stops running in May or June, but this year I would expect it to go until late June or July. The same goes for Mitchell Falls where we'll be able to do our scenic flights further into the year,” Lori said.

“The cane grass is at least 2.5 metres tall and the boab trees are utterly amazing with the amount of foliage.

“From the station's horse paddock you could see the waterfall flowing over the top cliff at Zebedee Springs several kilometres away – that's unheard of.”

Broome recorded its wettest December ever, and summer rainfall records were smashed at El Questro, Lake Argyle – where water levels rose by 10 metres and its capacity was equivalent to 30 Sydney Harbours – and Kununurra Airport.

Visit Australia's North West for more information on the Kimberley. 

EVENTS

APRIL

Karijini Experience
April 11-15, 2017 | Karijini National Park | Australia's North West
The magnificent Karijini National Park is the setting for this unique fusion of art, music, food and culture. With limited ticket numbers, The Karijini Experience is an exclusive experience of the Pilbara through a selection of intimate, authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences presented by Traditional Owners, nationally renowned artists and talented locals. The five-day program combines free and family-friendly activities with high-quality ticketed events such as dining under the night sky and Opera in the Gorge.

Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash
April 14-16, 2017 | Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction | Australia's Coral Coast
Affectionately known as the 'Gas Dash', the Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash is a motorsport challenge that covers 350 kilometres of some of Australia's harshest and remote country. Over two days, the race pits car against car and bike against bike - and then the quickest of each against each other. Free for spectators, the Dash is a unique, adrenaline-filled way to discover the WA outback and the 'desert by the sea' scenery near Gascoyne Junction. 

Goldfields KidsFest
April 23-24, 2017 | Kalgoorlie | Australia's Golden Outback
The historic gold-rush hub of Kalgoorlie becomes even more entertaining during the Goldfields KidsFest, which offers families and children the chance to enjoy live performances by national artists. The two-day free event has activities designed for youngsters from babies to 12 years, including arts and crafts, science, dance, magic, cooking, circus skills and, of course, mining. 

MAY

Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster
May 19-28, 2017 | Around Kununurra and Wyndham | Australia's North West
Highlighting the East Kimberley's rich cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is a festival like no other. Named the best regional event in Australia in 2015, the Muster offers more than 30 events over 10 days. Highlights include the internationally acclaimed Kimberley Moon Experience - which this year brings Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite and other top Australian talent to the majestic Ord River - and the Kimberley Kitchen with Colin Fassnidge. 

Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival
May 26-28, 2017 | Exmouth | Australia's Coral Coast
Where else would you find a festival dedicated to the world's biggest fish? The World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Marine Park's most famous annual visitors – the whale sharks – are celebrated over three days in and around the town of Exmouth. Highlights of the Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival include music performances, markets, food stalls, an opening night gala dinner and, of course, the chance to see and swim with the gentle giants of the ocean.

TX Civil and Logistics Western Australian Goldfields PGA
May 15-21, 2017 | Kalgoorlie Golf Course | Australia's Golden Outback
Hot on the heels of the world-first ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, golfing action returns to WA with the TX Civil and Logistics Western Australian Goldfields PGA. The critically acclaimed Graham Marsh-designed Kalgoorlie Golf Course will see top talent vying for a prize purse of $110,000, official world golf ranking points and PGA Tour of Australasia exemptions. 

JUNE

Truffle Kerfuffle presented by Genuinely Southern Forests
June 23-25, 2017 | Manjimup | Australia's South West
The black truffle is the third most expensive food in the world, and 70 per cent of the Australian supply comes from the tranquil Southern Forests around Manjimup and Pemberton. Truffle Kerfuffle presented by Genuinely Southern Forests is a weekend of hands-on activities built around searching for and sampling the rare delicacy in the heart of truffle country. With a host of local and national culinary talent on site, the festival is a must-do event on WA's flourishing food and wine calendar. 

Mullewa Muster and Rodeo
June 2-4, 2017 | Mullewa | Australia's Coral Coast
Experience a weekend of red dust, rodeo action, country hospitality, music and big outback skies at the annual Mullewa Muster and Rodeo in the heart of WA's Wheatbelt. The event incorporates the Australian Championship Rodeo on Saturday, June 3, as well as 'beaut ute' and whip-cracking contests, food, entertainment and some of Australia's top names in country music: Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey and Amber Lawrence. 

Albany Classic Motor Event
June 3-4, 2017 | Albany | Australia's South West
More than 180 magnificent vintage and classic motor vehicles will be in action and on display in the historic Great Southern city of Albany over the June long weekend. Vehicles will climb the iconic Mt Clarence on Saturday followed by a 'Round the Houses' circuit through the CBD on Sunday. While in Albany, visitors can also explore the region's rugged coastline, Anzac and whaling history, local produce and numerous hiking and cycling trails.