What are some of the extraordinary WA attractions creating a buzz in the travel world? Visitors are increasingly drawn to unrivalled opportunities to interact with wildlife and nature; tackle the great outdoors on an active adventure or luxury 'glamping' stay; discover fascinating Indigenous cultures; sample world-class food and wine; visit secluded and spectacular islands; and weave through mesmerising landscapes on a small vessel cruise.

Wildlife and nature

WA's national parks, state forests and marine reserves will place you up close and personal with some of Earth's most diverse and dazzling flora, fauna and landscapes. Here's what's creating a buzz among the West's natural wonders:

• Swim with humpback whales: Humpback whale interaction tours return to Exmouth and Coral Bay from August to November 2017, following the successful inaugural season in 2016 when 1,644 people swam with the giants of the ocean. The world's largest humpback whale population (estimated at 30,000) offers tourists ample opportunity to see the whales up close as spectators from a boat, or interact with them in the water as they swim past or rest in the temperate waters of Ningaloo Reef – already famous for its whale shark swimming tours from April to July. At ATE, learn more about Exmouth Diving and Whaleshark Centre's new 11 metre boat, SeaDragon, which is designed for luxury guests on private, tailor-made tours including humpback whale interactions, whale shark swims, diving and snorkelling. http://www.exmouthdiving.com.au/
  
• Stop and smell the wildflowers: WA enjoyed one of its best wildflower seasons ever in 2016, with tourists flocking to country areas to see flowers carpeting the State in colours so vivid they could be seen from space. In the wake of this bumper season, increased awareness of the State's world-leading wildflower experiences – with some 12,000 species to see, 60 per cent of which are found nowhere else on Earth – is expected to blossom in 2017. At ATE, chat to the teams from Australia's Coral Coast, Australia's Golden Outback and Australia's South West about the best locations and times for a wildflower wander.
  http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/
  http://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com/
  http://www.australiassouthwest.com/
• Spectacular Kimberley: The word is out…2017 is a great year to visit the Kimberley. Record summer rains in the region mean this dry season (April to October) will be even more spectacular than usual for travellers to the State's north. Visitors are already enthralled by thundering and rarely seen waterfalls, engorged waterholes and breathtaking aerial views of the lush landscape and thriving waterways. At ATE, get the details from Australia's North West or award-winning Kimberley helicopter charter company Helispirit, which is showcasing several new tours offering unforgettable views over the stunning wilderness. Also speak with Aviair about its new Mitchell Falls Discoverer tour from Kununurra, which flies guests over the pristine Kimberley coast by plane, before switching to a helicopter for spectacular views of the famous falls.
  http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/
  http://www.helispirit.com.au/
  http://www.aviair.com.au/
  
  
• Quokka selfie: Interest in taking a snap with one of Rottnest's resident adorable marsupials shows no signs of abating, with the island near Perth welcoming record visitor numbers in 2015-16. The quokka is one of 25 mammal species that can only be found in WA. At ATE, chat to the teams at Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries about the best places to locate quokkas and other wildlife. https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/
  https://www.rottnestfastferries.com.au/
  
  
• Underwater canyons. Orcas (killer whales) are the star attraction of Bremer Canyon, a marine life hotspot 70 kilometres off WA's south coast. Naturaliste Charters' boat tours out of Bremer Bay have had an almost 100 per cent success rate in getting close to the southern hemisphere's biggest orca gathering from January to April. Not big enough? Whale Watch Western Australia is locking in more autumn blue whale tours for 2018 and beyond after a successful inaugural season in March and April 2017, when visitors witnessed the gigantic creatures feasting on krill at Perth Canyon, a 90-minute boat ride from Fremantle. At ATE, Australia's South West (Bremer Canyon) and Destination Perth (Perth Canyon) are on hand with more information, or see Australia's Coral Coast and Australia's North West about WA's other wonderful whale watching.
  http://www.australiassouthwest.com/  
  http://www.experienceperth.com/
  http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/
  http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/

Active adventures

• Walk into Luxury coastal hike: In 2016, Walk into Luxury was accepted as WA's first Great Walk of Australia member for its four-day Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk. The guided, small-group hike combines the best sections of the breathtaking South West trail, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, along with incredible food and wine experiences and deluxe accommodation. At ATE, see Australia's South West.
  
  
• Mountain biking: WA's climate, diverse environment and outstanding scenery support a thriving mountain bike scene. From beginner trails in the Perth Hills to the Kimberley's gruelling Gibb Challenge and the 1,000 kilometre Munda Biddi Trail to Albany, there's even a specific strategy in place to help the State become a world-class MTB destination. A recent addition to the network is Margaret River's Compartment 10 trail through the forests of Bramley National Park.
  
  
• Station stays: Some of WA's outback pastoral stations are the size of small European countries. From shearing quarters to luxury homesteads, staying at a working station is an increasingly popular option to discover country hospitality, breathtaking scenery, skilled stockmen and the chance to muck in, join a muster and crack a whip. Cattle stations and homesteads are scattered around Carnarvon, Exmouth and Broome, and along the Kimberley's legendary four-wheel-drive Gibb River Road. At ATE, see Australia's North West, Australia's Golden Outback and Australia's Coral Coast.
  
  
• Horizontal Falls: WA's Kimberley is home to the world's only horizontal waterfalls – two powerful streams created when massive tides squeeze water through openings in the rugged cliffs. Represented at ATE is Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, the gold winner in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards' adventure tourism category, which is now offering a 24-hour stay experience at the unique Kimberley waterfalls. It's the only tour to see both incoming and outgoing tides, with guests taking a thrilling seaplane flight before switching to a fast boat and spending the night on a luxury houseboat.
  http://horizontalfallsadventures.com.au

Cultural ventures

Australia's Aboriginal people have the world's most ancient living culture, with a history spanning at least 50,000 years. In WA, visitors can have unique and authentic Indigenous experiences throughout the State as a growing number of Aboriginal tour operators share their stories.

As well as adventures on country in regional areas, there are more options to discover the Noongar culture in and around Perth through new walking, food and river cruise tours.

Represented at ATE is the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, who can provide information on more than 100 Aboriginal cultural experiences that visitors can enjoy across WA, including new ventures in the Perth region.

http://www.waitoc.com/now/index.html

Food tourism

With such a varied landscape and climate, it's not surprising that WA is developing a reputation as a world-class food and wine destination. From Albany oysters and Manjimup black truffles to Exmouth king prawns and Pemberton marron, an ever-expanding feast of gourmet produce and fresh seafood awaits – paired perfectly with premium wines, craft beers and ciders and award-winning spirits.

• 50 years of Margaret River wines: In 2017, WA's premier wine region celebrates 50 years since its first contemporary commercial vineyard was planted in Margaret River's fertile soil and maritime environment. Located an easy three-hour drive south of Perth, Margaret River accounts for more than a quarter of Australia's premium wine with more than 220 wine producers and 100 cellar doors surrounded by a pristine coastline and tall timber forests. At ATE, learn about three new Ultimate Winery Experiences in the State's South West. Margaret River luxury tour operator Experiencesmith is overseeing one-day, overnight and five-day itineraries, starting and finishing in Perth. http://experiencesmith.com.au/ultimate-winery-experiences Also at ATE, discover a new way to explore Margaret River comfortably in one day from Perth through a new luxury tour from Swan River Seaplanes and Top Drop Tours. After an exhilarating low-level flight along WA's coastline from Perth to Margaret River, guests will then explore some of the region's best wineries and seasonal produce before flying back to Perth. http://topdroptours.com.au/
  
  
• Fine dining with native/seasonal ingredients: Establishments such as Wildflower in Perth's CBD are serving contemporary dishes revolving around the indigenous ethos of six seasons with farmer and forager-driven menus. Head chef Jed Gerrard uses a variety of local ingredients and even has a beehive at the rooftop restaurant.
  
  
• In a similar style, Fervor is becoming one of WA's most popular food enterprises. The team's novel, pop-up culinary experiences include intimate, long-table degustation dinners featuring up to 10 courses at unique locations (think caves, atop cliffs, forests, the desert). Guests are treated to locally sourced, fresh produce and native ingredients such as marron, green ants, crab, youlk, wattleseed, seaweed, wallaby and muntrie berries.
  
  
• Food trails: A network of visitor-friendly food and wine trails is taking shape as part of a State-wide culinary tourism drive. The first servings are the Cider and Ale Trail and the Sweet Temptations Trail, both in Perth's Swan Valley, and the Blackwood Valley Food Trail around Bridgetown, Nannup and Balingup in the South West. The culinary maps also link to nearby activities such as hiking, cycling, horse-riding and canoeing.
  
  
• Yagan Square: Fresh food markets will return to the heart of Perth when the Yagan Square multidimensional public space opens in November 2017 near the central train station. Part of the Perth City Link major redevelopment, the lively pedestrian thoroughfare will provide a showcase of WA food and beverages through dine-in and take-away options in laneways and a market hall and plaza.
  
  
• The spotlight is on Manjimup's truffle industry, one of the State's best-kept foodie secrets. In the tranquil Southern Forests region, The Wine and Truffle Company produces more of the world's most edible commodity than the rest of Australia combined. The region's annual Truffle Kerfuffle winter food festival is also increasingly popular as word spreads about the rare delicacy.
  
  
• WA boasts a diverse mix of world-class food and wine events. The annual Margaret River Gourmet Escape (November) is one of Australia's top food and wine showcases, bringing together the world's best chefs and wine experts (think Heston Blumenthal, Nigella Lawson, Rick Stein, AA Gill – the list goes on) for the ultimate culinary adventure. Other standout events include Taste Great Southern (March/April), Truffle Kerfuffle (see above) and the Arygle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, which includes a celebration of the east Kimberley's vast food bowl (mangoes, chick peas, chia, melons, pumpkins and seeds).

 Glamping

Be eco-friendly and in touch with nature while enjoying an ensuite, chef-cooked meals and guided tours. WA has some of Australia's best and most unique deluxe camping options.

• 'Glamp sites' can be found right around WA – deluxe safari tents can be found around the Kimberley on the Dampier Peninsula (Kooljaman, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Goombaragin) Broome (Eco Beach, The Billi), and at El Questro, Home Valley Station, Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls, and the Bungle Bungles. Further south, visitors to Ningaloo Reef can unwind and indulge at beachside safari camp Sal Salis, while those around Karijini National Park can rest weary legs at the Karijini Eco Retreat. In the South West, olive farm Olio Bello recently added six safari-style lakeside bungalows to its tranquil Margaret River property.

• Pinky's Eco Resort and Beach Club: Scheduled to open in time for summer 2017-18 on Perth's popular Rottnest Island, this eco-sensitive accommodation is set to feature 29 ultra-comfortable four and five-star tents, each with an ensuite bathroom, plus 10 two-bedroom 'family' tents and 35 backpacker or budget tents. At ATE, get more details and updates from Rottnest Express, which is behind the Pinky's project. https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/
  
  
• Pop-up glamping sites:

• • WA Wilderness Glamping gives guests a chance to go camping in national parks with everything provided – kind of like a pop-up hotel room in a forest, next to a river, in a World Heritage listed national landscape.
  • Glamping Co provides luxury, bohemian-style accommodation for weddings, festivals, parties, corporate events and romantic weekends away.
  • Soul Camping combines a passion for interior decorating with camping. Situated in the Margaret River region, the tents can be hired for a special occasion or a simple weekend away.
  • Tears of Joy Campers has introduced a unique way to travel around WA – in a retro Gidget camper! The quirky accommodation can easily be attached to any vehicle's tow bar and comprise a queen-size bed, a fully equipped kitchen, an 80-litre water tank and a TV and DVD player. A 110 watt solar panel sits on the roof, allowing users to run much-needed appliances while travelling in remote locations.

 Islands

The waters off WA's 12,000 kilometre mainland coastline are regarded as some of the most pristine in the world – and home to a myriad of marine life and coastal treasures. Here are some of the island gems primed for increased attention in 2017.

• The Abrolhos Islands, 80 kilometres off Geraldton in the Coral Coast, are expected to become Australia's newest national park by mid-2017. There are also plans to introduce floating hotels, campsites and more diving and sightseeing tours to the coastal paradise, which is home to spectacular coral reef systems and the notorious 17th century shipwreck, Batavia. At ATE, see Australia's Coral Coast.

• Known for its postcard-perfect beaches and bays, friendly quokkas, incredible snorkelling, super surfing and all-round relaxed holiday vibe, Rottnest Island continues to be a favourite Perth destination for locals and visitors. Visitation to the island is at an all-time high (year on year), partly attributed to the rising fame of the 'quokka selfie'. At ATE, see Rottnest Fast Ferries about its new options for flexible and guided bus tours around the island, as well as whale watching experiences with a marine biologist. Rottnest Express is also on hand to discuss travel, tour and accommodation options on the island.
  https://www.rottnestfastferries.com.au/
  https://www.rottnestexpress.com.au/

• Also within day-trip distance of Perth is the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, around 40 minutes' drive south of the city centre. As their names suggest, Penguin Island and Seal Island are home to little penguins and sea lions, while eco-tours elsewhere in the marine park offer the chance to swim with wild dolphins. At ATE, see Destination Perth.
  
  
• World Heritage Listed Shark Bay is home to WA's largest island, Dirk Hartog – named after the Dutch captain who left a pewter plate there in 1616, becoming the first known European to make landfall on Australian soil. Events in 2016 marking the 400th anniversary also revealed Dirk Hartog Island's many attractions including excellent cliff fishing, four-wheel-driving, bird and marine life, a relaxed homestead and secluded beaches. At ATE, see Australia's Coral Coast.

Small-vessel cruising

Cruise the pristine waters of the Kimberley on a luxury small vessel and venture into one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth. Small luxury cruisers such as True North, Kimberley Quest, Great Escape and Silversea are able to explore secluded gorges of the Kimberley coast that larger vessels can't reach. Journey past towering red cliffs and pockets of rainforest, observe rare wildlife and ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim in crystal clear pools and shower underneath dramatic waterfalls. On board, enjoy the best food and wine, including fresh local produce prepared by a personal chef, and relaxing at night in the comfort of a private suite. At ATE, meet the crew from Kimberley Quest, Great Escape Charter Company and Silversea Cruises. Silversea will set sail in the Kimberley in July-August 2018 with the Silver Discoverer, a sleek, 120-guest ship with ocean views from all suites. It can navigate close to shore and guests can land on isolated shores and explore wetlands and submerged ecosystems up close on zodiacs, as well as take up a varied program of unique, expert-led experiences including aerial tours and ancient Aboriginal artworks.
http://www.kimberleyquest.com.au/
https://www.greatescape.net.au/

http://www.silversea.com/Expeditions/