In this month's edition of This is WA, read about Nigella Lawson leading an impressive line-up of chefs, wine and food personalities at this year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape, UK creative pioneers Arcadia Spectacular landing in Perth for an Australian-exclusive and a new Aboriginal cultural experience in the Kimberley. There's also all the latest news on WA tours, accommodation, food, wine and events.

WHAT'S HOT

Domestic goddess joins Gourmet Escape line-up
Seductive queen of the kitchen, Nigella Lawson, will join this year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape, leading an impressive line-up of chefs, wine and food personalities for the event's fifth year anniversary. As one of the international headline guests, Nigella will vist Margaret River for first time at the three-day culinary extravaganza, from November 19 to 20, 2016. The playful cooking goddess will be joined by more than 40 of the world's leading food and wine personalities, including seven chefs from the 'World's Best 50 Restaurants', four of whom will visit WA for the first time, including Joan Roca (#2 El Celler de Can Roca, Spain), Mauro Colagreco (#6 Mirazur, France), Andoni Luis Aduriz (#7 Mugaritz, Spain) and Isaac McHale (#26 The Cove Club, UK). A selection of signature events that will wow food lovers include the famous Audi Gourmet Beach BBQs, the unmissable Gourmet Village, Feast in the Forest, Margaret River's Secret Garden, as well as showcase dinners, intimate master classes, and demonstrations. Located a three hour drive south of Perth, Margaret River is the only wine region in Australia that has some of the world's best beaches, coastal 'cape to cape' walking tracks, world-renowned surf breaks, tall tree forests and spectacular wining and dining experiences all located on its doorstep. Tickets to the Margaret River Gourmet Escape will be available via Ticketek from July 22.

Arcadia to land at Elizabeth Quay in Australian-first
Following its widely-acclaimed performance at Glastonbury, United Kingdom creative pioneers, Arcadia Spectacular, will bring their award-winning, 50-tonne, fire breathing spider to Perth's Elizabeth Quay for an Australian exclusive in November 2016. Arcadia's Australian debut will engulf audiences with a 'Landing Show' alongside a unique local, national and international music program. Leftfield will headline the opening party, while local artists Alison Wonderland and Carmada will entrain crowds on nights two and three, with a fusion of electronic and dance music. Combining ground-breaking performance, creative engineering, sustainability, music, innovative technology and spellbinding sensory magic, Perth is set to ignite in an explosion of unity and celebration. The Arcadia spider will be at the heart of three ticketed shows, which will include a performance of Yallor Keeninyarra (Dance of the Wadjuk Nyungar people), lead by Noongar representative Barry McGuire. The dance calls on the Spider Spirit to weave a web of strength and togetherness for the men who gathered for the traditional ceremonies at Gumap – the area near Elizabeth Quay. It will be the first time the dance has been performed in its traditional form to the public of WA since 1901. The Arcadia Spectacular shows will be performed on November 25, 26 and 27 with community open days on November 23 and 24.

Finding Dory shines a light on whale sharks
WA's Ningaloo region has welcomed increased interest in whale sharks following an appearance by the world's largest fish in the Disney-Pixar blockbuster Finding Dory. In the Finding Nemo sequel, blue tang fish Dory is joined by new characters including Destiny, a friendly, nearsighted whale shark. As one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim with wild whale sharks, the Ningaloo Marine Park is receiving increased media attention about where tourists can see real-life Finding Dory animals in their natural habitats. Read more here.

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

Western Australia's gold rush inspires new exhibition at FORM
WA's iconic gold mining towns are the inspiration behind FORM's latest exhibition Bedazzle – Photographing Western Australia's Gold Towns, a compelling and darkly humorous exploration of the State's regional areas. Open at FORM Gallery until September 24, Bedazzle takes WA's gold rush as a point of departure for new contemporary art by three leading WA artists, developed through residencies in the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance regions during 2015 and 2016. Artists Thea Costantino, Rebecca Dagnall and Tarryn Gill have created works capturing some of WA's most remote landscapes, drawing on its gold rush past, including Marble Bar, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Gwalia and the mining communities of Kambalda, Menzies and Coolgardie.

FOOD AND WINE

Taste the flavour of Broome
A Taste of Broome has kicked-off for another year, celebrating the role of local indigenous women in the creation of the community's identity, through pearling and the town's cultural development. Now in its fourth year, the event has quickly become a highlight of the Broome tourism calendar, with three nights of festivities scheduled across July, August and September. The unique music and picture show experience combines Broome's distinctive indigenous culture and its multicultural community to promote its vibrant soul through music, dance, food, arts and crafts, tradition and heritage.

New place to drink and dine in Highgate
Perth pizzeria Ace Pizza has undergone an overhaul and transformed into Highgate Drink and Dine. The new venue offers good old fashioned service, classy drinks and a menu created by former El Publico chef, Sam Ward. Guests are welcome to enjoy artisan cocktails in a 1960s styled bar, or gather in a booth for quiet conversation and neighbourhood dining in stylish, modern surroundings.

Fremantle welcomes rooftop bar to growing list of venues
Forming part of Fremantle's new $90 million Richmond Quarter development, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar has opened to the public, offering a stylish and easily accessible option for those wanting to enjoy WA's sunny weather with a delicious beverage in hand. Former head chef at Melbourne's Gingerboy and former bar manager at Mechanic's Institute have joined forces to create a new local haunt for Perth, serving tasty cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine which can be enjoyed while looking out to incredible views from the sixth story venue. What's more, takeaway alcohol sales are available, including some of the house cocktails.

TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION

Mackerel Islands open for business
Following a partial closure, the Mackerel Islands are now in full operation for business. Visitors to the islands will enjoy new and improved features, including refurbished beachfront cabins, daily ferry services to and from the islands, world class fishing and diving and a range of family friendly activities. The Mackerel Islands have been operating since the 1970s and are committed to providing an unforgettable and unique island experience. The region is made up of 10 islands, located 22 kilometres off the coast of Onslow in the State's Pilbara region. Two of the 10 islands, Thevenard Island and Direction Island, offer accommodation and easy access to exciting holiday experiences.

Reef construction begins for dive trail
Construction has begun on an artificial reef for a dive trail showcasing the Omeo shipwreck at Port Coogee, located in Perth's southern suburb of Cockburn. Situated just 25 metres from the shore, the Coogee Maritime Trail will consist of 33 reef modules ranging in height from one to five metres. The trail will feature land-based and underwater attractions including reefs, underwater sculptures and educational signage. The project is scheduled to open to the public in January 2017.

New Aboriginal cultural experience opens in the Kimberley
Recently opened wilderness camp, Imintji Campground and Art Centre, invites guests to experience the magic of the Kimberley from a local's perspective. Located close to Bell Gorge, the new, pet friendly campground features plenty of facilities, including flushing toilets, hot showers, barbecue area, local art sales, store and fuel. The site is the first Camping with Custodians development, which aims to create a network of campgrounds on Aboriginal land. Once an important rest point for bullock drivers on the Gibb River Road, Imintji is a welcome stop-over for Kimberley travellers.

Perth to welcome new era of luxury
Opening in December 2016, Crown Towers will bring a new era of luxury to Perth, boasting exciting new restaurants and unique event spaces. Epicurean, stylish cocktail bar The Waiting Room will be a welcome addition to the hotel, while Crown Spa will transport guests to another world with its aqua-hued treatment rooms and luxurious product. The Crystal Club will be located on level 15 of the hotel and provides an exclusive space for club guests, featuring a private reception and concierge area, cocktail bar and outdoor terrace. The multi-tiered pool area will offer a true resort experience including the Enclave, a secluded poolside retreat with cabanas and cocktail bar surrounding a circular infinity pool. Guests have the luxury of choice with the renowned fine dining restaurants located across the complex, including Silks, Nobu, Bistro Guillaume and Rockpool. The highly anticipated Crown Towers will bring Crown Perth's total capacity to 1,200 rooms, making it the largest hotel complex in Perth city.

National Anzac Centre recognised for Superior Service
The National Anzac Centre has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for Superior Service. The Certificate of Excellence is based on the quality, quantity and timeframe of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall rating of at least four out of five, and the National Anzac Centre has a rating of five out of five. The Certificate adds to the myriad awards won by the commemorative centre, since opening in November 2014. The National Anzac Centre is Australia's foremost museum honouring the Anzac legend. Set within Albany Heritage Park, it offers visitors a deeply personal connection with the Anzac experience.

Accommodation updates for the South West
Two new purpose built holiday houses have opened in Denmark at Parry Beach Houses. The guest houses, Kudeta and Shangri-La, are fully self-contained and exclusive to guests for the duration of their stay. They offer sweeping ocean views from living areas, the main bedroom and outdoor areas and have been designed with unique character and style, whilst being luxuriously appointed with the very best in furnishings, bedding, fabrics, kitchenware and amenities.

A new glamping experience is available in Margaret River at Mile End Glamping. The newly opened, luxury glamping domes are centred between Busselton and Margaret River. The perfect escape for those wanting to be at one with nature with access to the tent's creature comforts.

Upgrades to Margaret River's iconic lighthouses
Margaret River's iconic Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouses will receive an upgrade, with works scheduled to start immediately following a major funding boost. The developments will include interactive interpretive centres and multi-purpose classrooms at both sites, while Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse will receive a new café, audio tours, timber-based playground and ocean viewing platform. The project is expected to be complete in time for the whale watching season at Augusta in June 2017.

Cruiseco's exclusive charter of Ponant's L'Austral visiting WA in 2018
Cruiseco has announced the exclusive charter of Ponant's L'Austral for a unique 40 night Australian circumnavigation voyage in 2018, taking in some of WA's extraordinary destinations. The exciting news follows on from the cruise liner's inaugural Kimberley season scheduled for 2017. L'Austral will arrive at Esperance on February 5, 2018 and cruise north along the WA coastline visiting Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Geraldton, Broome, and Wyndham.

A new way to see Perth
Explore Tours Perth have launched a new day tour which takes in some of the city's most exquisite sites. Those who sign-up to the Explore Perth and Swan River tour will enjoy a morning at Kings Park, followed by a journey on the Swan River with Little Ferry Co, and then either a walking tour with Oh Hey WA or an exciting Segway riverside tour. Following a lunch at Matilda Bay's Bayside Kitchen, the tour takes guests on a guided coach tour of Mosman Bay, Freshwater Bay and Claremont, finishing at Cottesloe Beach to take in an iconic Indian Ocean sunset. The Explore Perth and Swan River tour costs $159 and departs at 8am, returning at 6pm.

Troy Casser Daley live at Home Valley Station
For one night only, multi-award winner Troy Cassar Daley will perform live in concert, under the stars at Home Valley Station in the Kimberley on August 7, 2016. Tickets start from $99, including the concert, dinner, and a campground site. Alternatively, guests can stay in a Guest House Room from $227 per person twin share, including the concert and dinner. For bookings, call 08 9161 4322 or email info@hvstation.com.au.

FEATURE

Meet our local 'WAmbassadors'

Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, taking a boat ride through the world's only Horizontal Waterfalls in the Kimberley, experiencing the new food, wine and cultural experiences in Perth, watching kangaroos laze on the beach at Lucky Bay or simply enjoying a Margaret River Chardonnay are just some of the extraordinary experiences on offer in WA - but to West Australian tourism operators, it's just another day in WA.

Sharing their Just Another Day moments with visitors is exactly what our tourism industry love to do each day, and below are just a sample of some of their extraordinary experiences...

“I love sharing the Margaret River experience that most visitors tend to miss. Tranquil, stunning, no traffic lights and country quiet. The real Margaret River.”
Sean Blocksidge, Margaret River Discovery Co

“My daily job description…well it usually involves taking a very excited group of guests out onto the back of the Ningaloo Reef and positioning them in a safe spot to jump in to the big blue and swim along with the biggest fish in the ocean, the whale shark!"

Sarah Ellis, Ningaloo Discovery

“Yurlburrunha aka Python Pool is a very special and sacred place for my people and I quite enjoy bringing people to this spot for a swim and relaxation but also teach them the story of this place.”
Clinton Walker, Ngurrangga Tours

“The shouts of joy and excitement when you take people out on a 90 minute thrill ride around Rottnest, introducing them to Humpback whales, dolphins, Osprey eagles, New Zealand fur seals – it's a pretty nice way to spend a day.”
Oliver Merritt, Eco Express Skipper for the Adventure and Snorkel Tour at Rottnest Express

“The face of Perth has changed so much since we took our first tour ten years ago. Walking through the city on any given day – there's always something new to uncover and share.”
Ryan Zaknich, Two Feet & A Heartbeat

“The most difficult decision to make is where we'll have morning tea. The whitest sand, turquoise water as well as the beach kangaroos - the iconic Lucky Bay seems to win each day!”
Mark Adamson, Esperance Eco Discovery Tours

EVENTS

AUGUST

Avon Descent
August 6 to 7
Northam, Experience Perth
Established in 1973, the Avon Descent is Western Australia's most iconic event. The Avon Descent is a gruelling race open to all types of paddle and power craft. Competitors will race 124 kilometres over two days, along the Avon and Swan Rivers. Held on the first weekend of August each year, this event attracts approximately 600 competitors, 2,000 support crew and more than 1,000 volunteers.
www.avondescent.com.au

Ningalens Film Competition
August 20
Exmouth, Australia's Coral Coast
The Ningalens Film Competition is back in 2016 and continues aiming to help aspiring filmmakers from the region and showcase the splendid surroundings of the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef and coastline. Films can be on any genre or topic, provided that all footage is shot between Exmouth and Red Bluff. The festival and film screening will be held on Saturday August 13 at the Exmouth Yacht Club.
www.facebook.com/Ningalens

CinefestOz
August 24 to 28
Busselton, Australia's South West
CinefestOZ is Australia's premier film festival. It attracts filmmakers, stars and visitors to the South West, with a massive program of film related events and film industry forums in the centres of Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River and surrounds. Award-winning Australian feature film and documentary director, Gillian Armstrong will be attending the 2016 CinefestOZ Festival as Film Prize Jury Chair.
www.cinefestoz.com

SEPTEMBER

Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup
September 3
Dwellingup, Australia's South West
The Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 Mountain Bike Classic is Perth's premier MTB event. Launched in 2009, the event quickly has become Perth's largest one day mountain bike race, attracting some of Australia's best riders including Jason English, Andy Blair, Craig Cooke, Jodie Willett, Gracie Elvin, Jenny Fay and Stephanie Russell. In 2016, Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 will again form part of the 2016 National Cross Country Marathon (XCM) Series. The event will be the fourth race of a six event series travelling over four states and two territories.
dwellingup100.com.au

Telstra Perth Fashion Festival
September 20 to 25
Perth, Experience Perth
Perth is fast becoming a fashion hot spot and with iconic events like Telstra Perth Fashion Festival, there's little wonder why. Now in its 18th year, the Festival sees fashionistas experiencing high fashion events at a range of unique venues. With world-class runway shows, free public events and fashion lunches, the Festival's line-up keeps getting better. You can experience six fashion-filled days with over 30 world-class events showcasing the best in local, national and international design.
www.telstraperthfashionfestival.com.au

Annual University Games
September 25 to 30
Perth, Experience Perth
The 2016 Australian University Games will welcome more than 5,500 students from 42 universities across Australia to Perth, to compete in this national sporting event. Participants will compete across 32 sports over five days. Sports include athletics, Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, cheer, cycling, fencing, football, futsal, golf, handball, hockey, judo, kendo, lawn bowls, netball, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, softball, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, tenpin bowling, touch, twenty20 cricket, ultimate, volleyball and water polo.
www.unisport.com.au

OCTOBER

LiveLighter Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival
October 8
Dardanup, Australia's South West
A recreational ride suitable for most fitness and skill levels, participants can take in the picturesque landscapes of the Avon Valley as they cruise through a patchwork of green rolling hills, babbling brooks and the historic town of Beverley. Whether you ride on your own or in a group, you're guaranteed to have a great day out.
www.bullandbarrel.net.au

Cape to Cape MTB
October 20 to 23
Augusta to Dunsborough, Australia's South West
Cape to Cape MTB is a four day mountain bike race through the Margaret River region, set to an iconic backdrop of world famous surf beaches, private farmlands, wineries, rocky outcrops and national forest. The mix of riding trails make the Cape to Cape one of the most popular and well recognised endurance stage races in Australia, attracting elite competitors from Australia and around the world.
http://capetocapemtb.com

Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash
October 20 to 23
Carnarvon, Australia's Coral Coast
The Kickstarters Gascoyne Dash is a motorsport challenge in some of the toughest terrain through Western Australia's outback. You can enter the race with a car, motorbike or quad bike.
www.gasdash.com