In this month's edition of Tourism Western Australia's media e-newsletter, This is WA, read about a new hotel and entertainment precinct plan for Perth city, the State's latest aviation developments, a local tour company winning gold at the Australian Tourism Awards and local WA Day celebrations. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

New hotel and entertainment precinct for Perth CBD
Perth's biggest entertainment venue, Perth Arena, will be complemented with a new hotel and entertainment precinct to be built on Milligan Street in the CBD. Construction on the Avani brand, 4.5 star, 250-room hotel is due to start in late 2016. More than 200 one and two bedroom serviced apartments will also be built as part of a 14-story development. There will be a roof top bar at the hotel and the new precinct will include restaurants, a public plaza and open lawns and paved areas. The hotel is just one of several recent hotel announcements including the Ritz Carlton, Doubletree by Hilton, Rottnest Lodge and State Buildings development.
Read more - http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/News-Media/NewsArticle/New_hotel_and_entertainment_precinct_for_Perth_CBD/135?cid=tt356 

Aviation access to Perth increases
Qantas will reinstate its Singapore to Perth route from late June, with five return flights per week offering more choice for people travelling between Singapore and WA. In other airline news, Perth welcomed its first regular Airbus A380 service when Emirates flight EK420 landed at Perth Airport earlier this month. The leading European carrier has commenced daily A380 services between Perth and Dubai on the 489 seater aircraft. Emirates' introduction of this service means passengers from more than 35 cities across the world can now start and end their journey to WA on one of the most spacious aircrafts in the sky.

Top Drop Tours wins big at Australian Tourism Awards
South West tour company Top Drop Tours were announced as the gold medal winner of the Tour and Transport Award category at the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The coveted award recognised Top Drop Tours as the best tour operator in Australia. In its 30th year, the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is Australia's premier event recognising the best of the nation's tourism businesses who deliver excellence in product and experiences. Top Drop Tours are a family owned tour company specialising in small group and private wine tours of the Margaret River region.
Read more - www.topdroptours.com.au 

Socceroos to kick-off FIFA World Cup in Perth
Perth will be the first Australian city to host the Socceroos as they start their 2018 World Cup Campaign. Fresh from their AFC Asian Cup win in January, the Australian team will kick off their first qualification match against Bangladesh at the revitalised nib Stadium, on Thursday, September 3. The world-class match is a major drawcard for interstate and overseas visitors, as well as fans across Australia.
Read more - www.socceroos.com.au 

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

Hoodoo Gurus headlining Cable Sounds with Eskimo Joe
Two of Australia's greatest rock and roll bands, Hoodoo Gurus and Eskimo Joe, will headline Cable Sounds – a music festival set overlooking one of Australia's most famous beaches, Cable Beach. On Saturday, August 8, Cable Sounds will kick off the Broome Cup Carnival, with ticket holders receiving free entry to Broome Turf Club's Ladies Day on Tuesday, August 11. Tickets go on sale 9am Thursday, 30 April. For tickets head to www.ticketmaster.com.au (136 100) or Broome Visitor Centre (08 9195 2200).
Read more - www.mellenevents.com 

Local musicians kick-off WA Day celebrations
What better way to celebrate our great State than by dedicating an entire music festival to WA artists? Perth born rock band Birds of Tokyo will headline the State of the Art (SOTA) music festival on Saturday, May 30, as part of the Western Australia Day long weekend celebrations at Perth Cultural Centre. WA Day is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in June each year to commemorate the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Presented by Celebrate WA, in association with West Australian Music, SOTA 2015 will have three ticketed stages as well as free entertainment for festival goers.
Read more – www.sotafest.com.au 

Jazz festival returns to town
Perth International Jazz Festival will return to the city from Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31. The three-day festival will feature a blend of 52 ticketed and free community events by a host of celebrated local and international jazz artists; including Grammy nominated pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger, Barney McAll from New York City; Perth-born Parisian, revelled for her jazz and hip-hop style, Rachel Claudio; and award winning Sydney vocalist and songwriter, Tina Harrod. The jazz performances will take place across 17 venues in Perth, including The Ellington Jazz Club, The George, Laneway Lounge and Brookfield Place.
Read more - www.perthjazzfestival.com.au 

FOOD AND WINE

South West gets ready for truffle season
WA's truffle season is almost upon us – the black truffles are ripening in the soil and will soon be harvested. Each year, the South West town of Manjimup plays host to the Truffle Kerfuffle Southern Forest Food Festival, a weekend celebration of the renowned black truffle that flourishes in the region as well as the diverse food and wine of the Southern Forests. The event provides a great opportunity to experience a masterclass, take part in a truffle hunt and participate in a delicious gourmet dinner, from June 26 to 28. Manjimup produces more of the world's most edible commodity than the rest of Australia combined.
Read more - www.trufflekerfuffle.com.au 

New hospitality venture for Margaret River chef
High-profile WA chef Tony Howell will launch a new business in Margaret River, leaving his current position as head chef at Aravina Estate. The 45 year old, who has been at Aravina Estate for the past 15 months following a 14 year tenure at Cape Lodge, is partnering with local business owner Anthony Janssen and hospitality expert Alex Brooks to form the Margaret River Hospitality Group. Howell will start as the Group's executive chef in July, alongside Janseen and Brooks who already run two popular Margaret River venues – Morries Anytime and White Elephant café. The tender for the construction and operation of a new eatery at Dunsborough Foreshore has recently been awarded to the Group, with construction to begin after completion of site surveys and compliance in conjunction with the City of Busselton.

Chocolate cafe opens in Margaret River
Temper Temper has opened next door to Yahava Koffeeworks south of Margaret River town. The new café makes fine chocolate sourced from sustainable farms around the equator, serving alongside fresh coffee and a delicious menu of fresh produce.
Read more - https://www.facebook.com/tempertempermargaretriver?fref=ts 

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION

Northbridge welcomes The Nest on Newcastle
Located on Newcastle Street in the heart of Northbridge, The Nest on Newcastle offers guests a comfortable and homely experience with 20 individually styled rooms. The majority of the hotel's rooms have their own private balcony with views overlooking Perth city. They also come equipped with free WiFi, smart televisions, iPod docks, individually controlled air conditioners and a Nespresso machine with complimentary pods. All guests have exclusive use of the hotel's rooftop terrace and have access to reception 24 hours, seven days a week.
Read more - www.thenestonnewcastle.com.au 

New camp sites open in Cape Range National Park
Improved camping facilities are now available near Exmouth for the peak tourist season from April to October with the reopening of Osprey Bay campground in Cape Range National Park. The popular campground within the Ningaloo World Heritage area now has 45 camp sites and new walking tracks to the beach, following a $1.25 million redevelopment. New campground facilities include toilets, shade shelters, picnic tables, sunset viewing platforms and a walk trail to Sandy Bay, while each campsite offers a scenic view of Ningaloo Marine Park. A separate area for day users was also built to provide direct access to the offshore kayak mooring, snorkel trail areas and beaches.

Broome racing specials on sale
Broome and the Kimberley Holidays are currently offering special packages for Broome's popular racing season. A Ladies Day package including four nights' accommodation, airport transfers and members entry is currently on sale for $826 per person, while a Broome Cup package including three nights' accommodation, airport transfers, members entry and a free drink is available for $635 per person. For bookings call Broome and the Kimberley Holiday on 1300 245 565, or email reservations@broomekimberley.com. Visit www.broomekimberley.com.au for information on additional packages currently available.

Hospitality ventures at Elizabeth Quay takes shape
A landmark construction inspired by the Kimberley's world famous Argyle pink diamonds will be one of the first to open for business at Elizabeth Quay in Perth. It is believed the $1.8 million building will be one of two kiosks ready in time for the waterfront development's November opening. It's also been announced that three well-established local businesses have been selected as the preferred proponents for three of the five venues around the Quay. The operators of Voyage Kitchen café in Sorrento will bring casual dining to the Florence Hummerston Kiosk located on The Island, while the team at V Burger Bar in Floreat and Victoria Park will develop their flagship store at Elizabeth Quay adjacent to the BHP Billiton Water Park. The operators of popular Perth CBD venue, Stables Bar, will transform the two-story Eastern Promenade outlet into a new restaurant and bar.
Read more – http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/projects-and-places/elizabeth-quay 

Double your stay for nothing with Seashells Hospitality Group
Accommodation provider Seashells Hospitality Group is currently offering a two for one deal across its Yallingup, Broome, Mandurah and Scarborough properties. Visitors can stay two or more nights at the hotel, and receive the second half of their holiday for free. The 'Double your Stay' offer is valid for stays from April 29 until December 17 2015 at Seashells' Mandurah, Scarborough and Yallingup properties, and stays from October 11 2015 to May 31 2016 at Seashells Broome. Bookings must be made before May 24 2015 at reservations@seashells.com.au.
Read more – www.seashells.com.au 

FEATURE

Kimberley dreaming

Australia's winter months are the perfect time to visit the spectacular Kimberley region, located in Western Australia's North West. Between April and October, the Kimberley experiences dry and warm weather and is an ideal getaway for those seeking adventure, relaxation, tranquillity or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

There are many elements that make the Kimberley extraordinary. From dramatic landscapes to cultural events and activities – there's something to suit all tastes and budgets.

One of the region's most iconic events, the Argyle Diamond Ord Valley Muster will return for its 15th year, with an outstanding line-up of concerts and activities from May 15 to 24.  Highlight events include the Kimberley Moon Experience featuring live music from The Living End, Dan Sultan, The Whitlams and Megan Washington, while renowned Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran will be dishing up gourmet delights at the Kimberley Kitchen and Durack Homestead Dinner.

The Essence of Ardi will celebrate Aboriginal culture and community of the Dampier Peninsula, located north of Broome, on May 30, presented by the local Lombadina community. Whilst learning about one of the world's most ancient cultures, visitors can enjoy performances by local musicians and dancers, cultural workshops and market stalls showcasing the flavours of the Dampier Peninsula at the one-day event.

On August 8, Aussie rockers the Hoodoo Gurus and Eskimo Joe will headline Cable Sounds, a music festival set on world famous Cable Beach, while keen punters must not miss the Kimberley's biggest race days held in August, including the Kimberley Cup, Ladies Day and Broome Cup.

A Taste of Broome celebrates the town's unique multicultural community from now until September. Showcasing the vibrant soul that is the essence of Broome's identity, A Taste of Broome features music, media, dance, food, arts and crafts and heritage events each month of the dry season.

Venture outside of the region's two major gateways of Broome and Kununurra and explore rugged ranges, beautiful gorges and waterfalls, and dramatic coastline. Regarded as one of the world's last true wilderness areas and more than 20 million years in the making, the Kimberley is home to the world's only Horizontal Waterfalls, the unique beehive-like formations of the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, and Lake Argyle - the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere.

Multiple daily flight options are available from Perth to Broome year round, with direct flights from Melbourne operating twice a week. During peak season, direct flights are also on offer from Sydney and Brisbane. Broome can be reached by plane in just two and half hours north of Perth, and Kununurra is a one-and-a-half hour flight from Broome.

EVENTS

MAY
A Taste of Broome
May 14
Broome, Australia's North West
A Taste of Broome is a unique multi-arts performance and cuisine experience created around the distinctive Indigenous culture within Broome's multicultural community. It promotes the vibrant soul that is the essence of Broome's identity, and showcases local music, media, dance, food, arts and crafts, tradition and heritage. Monthly A Taste of Broome events are held from April until September.
www.goolarri.com/atob 

Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster
May 15 – 24
East Kimberley, Australia's North West
Now in its 15th year, this iconic WA event will feature an outstanding line-up of concerts and activities for the entertainment of Kimberley residents and the many visitors from around the nation and across the globe that the region attracts.  Highlighting its extraordinary cultural diversity, stunning primeval landscape, friendly folk and warm country hospitality, the Ord Valley Muster is an all-embracing community celebration of the prodigious talent to be found in the East Kimberley region.
www.ordvalleymuster.com.au 

Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival
May 22-24
Exmouth, Australia's Coral Coast
The Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival is an annual event held in and around the town of Exmouth. The festival celebrates the annual migration of the whale shark, its conservation and the tourism industry it supports. It also provides an opportunity for Exmouth to showcase its talents and raise awareness of its various organisations and sporting clubs.
www.ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com 

JUNE
Leonora Golden Gift
June
Leonora, Australia's Golden Outback
A truly unique event held in the WA outback. The Leonora Golden Gift is a weekend filled with family friendly activities all centred on the running of Australia's richest mile running race, the Golden Gift. Other activities over the weekend include; Horse Racing at the Leonora Race Club, free community concert featuring Chelsea Basham, live children's entertainment and a community breakfast.
www.leonoragoldengift.com 

Albany Urban Downhill
June 20 – 21
Albany, Australia's South West
Albany Urban Downhill features mountain bikers racing from the Princess Royal Harbour through the streets of Albany ending at the ANZAC Peace Park. The endurance event on Saturday afternoon has participants competing in a 'King of the Mountain' style race, riding from the base of Mount Clarence to the summit in a test of fitness and skill.
www.facebook.com/albanyurbandownhill 

Truffle Kerfuffle - Southern Forest Food Festival
June 26 - 28
Manjimup, Australia's South West
The Truffle Kerfuffle Southern Forest Food Festival is an annual event highlighting regional food and wine. It's a celebration of the range of cultures which brought about the ability to produce the foods grown in the Southern Forests, the range of foods themselves, as well as a focus on the black truffle. WA produces more black truffle than the rest of Australia combined.
www.trufflekerfuffle.com.au 

JULY
Goldfields Kidsfest
July 4-5
Kalgoorlie, Australia's Golden Outback
The Goldfields KidsFest features 13 different zones where children can participate in interactive and educational workshops and activities. The 13 zones include science, construction, mining, adventure, outdoors, creative, under 5's, busy bodies sports, music, kids kitchen and main show arena.
www.goldfieldskidsfest.com/ 

Wyndham Stars on the Bastion
July 4
Wyndham, Australia's North West
Wyndham Stars on the Bastion is a night of fine dining and entertainment by some of Australia's top country music singers, set on top of the spectacular Bastion Range – one of Australia's best lookouts. Start this amazing experience off by taking in the magnificent sunset on top of the 'Bastion' at the Five Rivers lookout. Enjoy an evening listening to Australia's own talented music artists, both well-known and rising stars.
www.wyndhamstarsonthebastion.org.au 

Mowanjum Festival
July 9
Derby, Australia's North West
A public concert featuring more than 200 Aboriginal performers from across the Kimberley region. The festival is a celebration of Indigenous cultural life for the people of the Kimberley, in particular the Worora, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people involving dance, music, song, story and art. Prior to the performance, free afternoon workshops are held by Aboriginal artists which include Boab Nut carving, Ochre painting and Didgeridoo playing.
www.mowanjumarts.com