The regions of Western Australia are as distinctive in their produce as they are in landscape, with one common theme - exceptional quality and freshness. From the picturesque vineyards in the south, to the luxury lodges in the north, and all of the spaces in between - Western Australia has the perfect ingredients for a gourmet getaway! Adding to the State's appeal for any foodie in the know is the impressive (and mouth-watering) events held each month in all corners of Western Australia.

JANUARY: Mount Barker Grapes and Gallops Festival *

Grapes and Gallops is the premier event in Mount Barker showcasing the best of the Great Southern region. Combining thoroughbred horse racing with the finest local food and wine offerings, guests can enjoy gourmet food samples, long table lunches and local entertainment in stunning vineyard locations.

FEBRUARY: Taste Great Southern *

In celebration of the region's award-winning food and wine, Taste Great Southern features degustation dinners, tastings, long table lunches, celebrity chefs and workshops dispersed across various towns in the Great Southern including Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Ongerup and Kendenup.

MARCH: Mandurah Crab Fest *

Over two days, the Mandurah foreshore is transformed into a lively celebration in honour of the famous blue manna crab which is abundant in this location. A range of kid's activities and entertainment is featured, with some of the highlights including live cooking displays using local crabs, an art competition and a dazzling fireworks display.

APRIL: Elmar's Food and Beer Festival, Swan Valley (April 20)

Elmar's Food and Beer Festival is set in the picturesque, park-like beer garden at Elmar's in the Valley. Many guests come in fancy-dress to enjoy a day of family fun in the sun with live music and entertainment including a bouncy castle and pony rides for children.

MAY: Ord Valley Muster (May 17-26)

Set in one of the WA's most spectacular destinations, the Ord Valley Muster is a celebration of all that is unique about the East Kimberley region, including its cultural diversity, incredible landscapes and local charm. Highlights of this year's festival include the Durack Homestead Dinner and the Kimberley Kitchen, which in the past has featured celebrity chefs such as Curtis Stone and Poh Ling Yeow.

JUNE: Southern Forests Food Festival - Truffle Kerfuffle (June 22)

Manjimup's famous black truffles and local produce will be celebrated this year at the third annual Truffle Kerfuffle. Manjimup produces around 70 per cent of Australia's overall truffle harvest, with the event featuring master classes by local and celebrity chefs, a local farmers market, truffle hunting demonstrations by the local truffle dogs and a prestigious gala dinner.

AUGUST: Gascoyne Food Festival (August 15-17)

The Gascoyne Food Festival is all about experiencing gastronomic pleasures in this outback oasis at the edge of the world. With the region being abundant with tropical fruits, succulent seafood and a vast array of temperate climate fruit and vegetables, this event showcases these fresh amazing foods in Carnarvon on the banks of WA's longest river. The event spans three days in August including a celebrity Long Table Lunch on the banks of the river.

SEPTEMBER: Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl (September 13-22)

Shinju Matsuri meaning Festival of the Pearl is a celebration of the unique culture, history and diversity of Broome. One event not to be missed during the 10-day festival is the Long Table Lunch. Savour the heart of Chinatown as local restaurants dish up their very own unique 'Broome Fusion' creations whilst you chill out to the acoustic tunes of Broome's finest entertainers.

OCTOBER: Cambinata Extravaganza (October 5)

Cambinata Yabbies celebrates the diversity and fabulous gourmet products of the heartlands with the annual extravaganza! The evening begins with an expo where visitors can meet regional producers and artists and sample their fares. The extravaganza features a silver service dinner, created using fabulous regional foods, including salt water trout, farmed abalone, lamb, beef, olives, and of course, yabbies.

NOVEMBER: Margaret River Gourmet Escape (November 22-24)

Margaret River is regarded by many as the jewel in Western Australia's culinary crown - and the Gourmet Escape event held each November celebrates this! Known for its world-class surf, beautiful beaches, quality vineyards and premium produce, Margaret River is the perfect setting for Australia's most extraordinary food and wine event. Attracting a five-star line up of international and local chefs, foodies and wine critics, the festival offers an extensive program of intimate food events that showcase the best wine and produce from around WA.

DECEMBER: Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival (December 14-15)

Celebrating the quality produce of the South West, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival presents a range of activities and events focusing on the locally grown cherries. Featuring a fashion parade, cherry pie competition, log chops, cherry pip spitting competition, cooking demonstrations and the popular long table lunch, the festival is a treat for all food lovers.

To find out more visit: westernaustralia.com/events

Note: * 2014 event dates to be confirmed

For more news on Western Australia, pick up a Tourism Western Australia media kit from the Tourism Western Australia stand or email michelle.kosonen@westernaustralia.com or sarah.turnbull@westernaustralia.com.

JULY: Good Food and Wine Show Perth (July 19-21)

Savour good food, acclaimed local produce, luscious cheeses, and of course, award-winning Western Australian wines at the Perth Good Food and Wine Show. Taste your way through hundreds of delicious food and wine exhibitors and see your favourite celebrity chefs live in action.

AUGUST: Gascoyne Food Festival (August 15-17)

The Gascoyne Food Festival is all about experiencing gastronomic pleasures in this outback oasis at the edge of the world. With the region being abundant with tropical fruits, succulent seafood and a vast array of temperate climate fruit and vegetables, this event showcases these fresh amazing foods in Carnarvon on the banks of WA's longest river. The event spans three days in August including a celebrity Long Table Lunch on the banks of the river.

SEPTEMBER: Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl (September 13-22)

Shinju Matsuri meaning Festival of the Pearl is a celebration of the unique culture, history and diversity of Broome. One event not to be missed during the 10-day festival is the Long Table Lunch. Savour the heart of Chinatown as local restaurants dish up their very own unique 'Broome Fusion' creations whilst you chill out to the acoustic tunes of Broome's finest entertainers.

OCTOBER: Cambinata Extravaganza (October 5)

Cambinata Yabbies celebrates the diversity and fabulous gourmet products of the heartlands with the annual extravaganza! The evening begins with an expo where visitors can meet regional producers and artists and sample their fares. The extravaganza features a silver service dinner, created using fabulous regional foods, including salt water trout, farmed abalone, lamb, beef, olives, and of course, yabbies.

NOVEMBER: Margaret River Gourmet Escape (November 22-24)

Margaret River is regarded by many as the jewel in Western Australia's culinary crown - and the Gourmet Escape event held each November celebrates this! Known for its world-class surf, beautiful beaches, quality vineyards and premium produce, Margaret River is the perfect setting for Australia's most extraordinary food and wine event. Attracting a five-star line up of international and local chefs, foodies and wine critics, the festival offers an extensive program of intimate food events that showcase the best wine and produce from around WA.

DECEMBER: Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival (December 14-15)

Celebrating the quality produce of the South West, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival presents a range of activities and events focusing on the locally grown cherries. Featuring a fashion parade, cherry pie competition, log chops, cherry pip spitting competition, cooking demonstrations and the popular long table lunch, the festival is a treat for all food lovers.

To find out more visit: westernaustralia.com/events

Note: * 2014 event dates to be confirmed

For more news on Western Australia, pick up a Tourism Western Australia media kit from the Tourism Western Australia stand or email michelle.kosonen@westernaustralia.com or sarah.turnbull@westernaustralia.com.

Media contact:

Michelle Kosonen

Destination/Events PR Manager – Tourism Western Australia                         

08 9262 1708/ 0414 244 715

michelle.kosonen@westernaustralia.com