More reasons to wander to the Kimberley

West Australians are being encouraged to make 2021 the year to visit the Kimberley, one of the world’s last true wilderness areas, with a new incentive on offer for potential travellers.

The Kimberley Wanderer Pass is giving travellers $300 towards participating tours and experiences in Kununurra and surrounds (the eastern gateway to the Kimberley), when they buy an airline ticket from Perth to Kununurra through Virgin Australia.

The offer applies to new bookings made from now until September 30, 2021, unless sold out, and visitors will receive information about how they can access their pass within three days of making their booking.

The Kimberley Wanderer Pass is valid at more than 20 businesses across the region, giving visitors discounted access to experiencing attractions such as the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, El Questro, Lake Arygle, Ord River, Mitchell Falls and more, with a range of land, air and boat tour operators participating.

With the region having experienced heavy rainfall through its wet season, otherwise known as ‘waterfall season’, the landscape has been replenished, waterfalls are flowing across the region, and tourism operators are ready to welcome visitors.

More information, and the top 10 ways to experience Kununurra and surrounds, can be found here.

World’s biggest fish returns to Ningaloo

Whale sharks, often known as the gentle giants of the ocean, have returned to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, heralding the start of the 2021 whale shark season. Tours are now operating from Coral Bay and Exmouth, with the season typically occurring between March and July each year, triggered by the annual coral spawning during a full moon. This year, the first whale sharks were spotted early, and following a successful extended season in 2020, some operators will be offering shoulder season tours through until October.

Ningaloo Reef remains one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Not only are sightings reliable – as it is one of the only places on Earth where these marine giants congregate on an annual basis to feed on plankton and krill – but the tours are also responsibly run by a small group of licensed professional operators to ensure a sustainable whale shark experience, with only a maximum of 10 swimmers in the water at any one time.

World’s biggest dam mural opens in Collie

The world’s biggest dam mural has officially opened in the South West town of Collie – located a two hour drive from Perth. The 8,000 square metre Wellington Dam mega-mural was painted by internationally-renowned Australian artist Guido van Helten, and is inspired by local stories and photographs which reflect the community. The mural – Reflections – is spread across the Wellington Dam wall within the Wellington National Park, just west of the Collie town centre, and represents how the waterways are culturally significant to both locals and visitors. The Wellington Dam mural forms the centrepiece of the new Collie Mural Trail, an expansive outdoor art gallery connecting the dam with Collie’s town centre. The trail showcases the talents of over 30 Australian artists, including many Collie locals, with 40 murals currently included in the trail.

Unique documentary showcases WA marine life

WA’s stunning coastlines and marine life are beautifully showcased in a new documentary - Jaimen Hudson: From Sky to Sea. Produced by Sea Dog TV, the film follows the inspiring story of Jaimen Hudson and his quest to become the world’s first underwater cinematographer with quadriplegia. The film captures Jaimen’s journey along the WA coastline, from his life growing up in Esperance in WA’s Golden Outback, to his first filming expedition on the water to see humpback whales off Rottnest Island in Perth, culminating in his attempt to film, and snorkel with humpback whales and whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. Jaimen lives in Esperance, and took up drone photography and videography after a motorbike accident left him in a wheelchair. Since then, Jaimen has become a social media sensation, with his spectacular aerial photography and videography of the region’s coastlines and marine life – in particular whales and dolphins - now seen by millions online. The film is now showing in select cinemas across Australia and New Zealand, with global streaming also available. Watch the movie trailer here.

WA Gourmet Escape returns in 2021

The Western Australia Gourmet Escape, one of the State’s premium wine and food festivals, will return this November 2021. Signature events are set to take place from November 17 to 21 across Perth, the Swan Valley and Margaret River regions, and in a new addition for 2021 - Perth’s island playground Rottnest will also be added to the program. Fringe events across these incredible locations will also be held throughout the month of November. The 2021 line-up will welcome the return of festival favourites such as the Gourmet Beach BBQ and Sunset Beats and Bites – to be held in the Margaret River region – alongside a number of new and exciting events to be announced in the coming months. The internationally renowned event has welcomed some of the biggest names in the culinary world over the years, including David Chang, Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White – helping to showcase WA’s fine wines, craft beers, amazing local produce and stunning destinations. More details on the 2021 event – including chef announcements and ticket sales – are set to be released in the coming months.

Shore Leave Festival tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale to the inaugural Shore Leave festival – set to be held in the city of Geraldton on WA’s Coral Coast from May 6 to 9. The vibrant new festival will showcase the region’s seafood, culture and adventure with a jam-packed program of events. The program includes a Abrolhos Island Long Table event (May 6) which will be set against the stunning backdrop of Turtle Bay on East Wallabi Island – one of the 122 islands that make up the Abrolhos Islands, located 60 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton. Hosted and curated by renowned WA chef Brendan Pratt, the event will celebrate premium WA seafood, with locally caught rock lobster served alongside WA wines. The Foreshore Feast will take place on May 8 on the Geraldton Foreshore, where former MasterChef Australia contestant and renowned mixologist Jessica Arnott will serve up a range of signature cocktails to pair with seafood dishes. Another highlight event will be the Beach Price Markets @ Fisherman’s Wharf – which will feature a seafood market showcasing the range of seafood available in the region, alongside entertainment, food stalls, pop-up bars, educational workshops, activations, and seafood preparation demonstrations with chefs – including former MasterChef Australia contestant Derek Lau. The city of Geraldton, known for its stunning beaches and coastline, intriguing history and thriving arts scene, is located a 4.5 hour drive or 50 minute flight with Qantas north of Perth.

Truffle Kerfuffle announces culinary line-up

The heart of truffle country, Manjimup, will host an incredible line-up of Australia’s top culinary talent when the Truffle Kerfuffle festival returns in 2021. Taking place in WA's South West from June 25 to 27, the much loved foodie festival will welcome one of Australia’s most popular and acclaimed chefs, French-born Guillaume Brahimi from Bistro Guillaume – who will host a series of events including a long table feast and live cooking demos; and acclaimed chef and author, Analiese Gregory, formerly of Franklin restaurant in Hobart. A stellar list of local talent includes Kenny McHardy (Manuka), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Paul Iskov (Fervor), Brendan Pratt (Vasse Felix) and Liam Atkinson (Le Rebelle). Guests can expect long table dinners, masterclass sessions in the Chef’s Cabin, intimate wine tastings with Emma Farrelly from State Buildings, a lively Festival Village, cooking demonstrations and a kids cooking school. Now in its 10th year, the three-day festival is a celebration of one of the world’s most luxurious ingredients, fresh black truffles, with Manjimup producing more than 70 per cent of Australia’s supply. The town is located a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth. 

WA’s Great Graze

WA’s Great Graze is a new festival of food that celebrates the State’s abundance of quality food and wine, and the farmers who produce it. A range of events, activations and offerings will take place from now until May 1 across the State - from Carnarvon in WA’s Coral Coast through to Albany in the South West. Those who can’t make it to an event are invited to make their own locally sourced platter at home, or order a curated grazing box through Dinner Twist. In the South West there are events at Abbey Vale Winery and Happs Winery, plus the Southern Forests Pinot Picnic which will be held from April 22 to 25. The Swan Valley region, located less than 30 minutes from Perth, will also be hosting several grazing activations, including wine and cheese pairings at the cellar door of JK Wines; and in Carnarvon, Carnarvon’s Great Graze (April 16) will be held for the first time on the grassy banks of The Fascine overlooking the ocean. To discover the different ways to get involved, and support WA local suppliers, visit wagreatgraze.com.au.

Celebrate WA at the State Makers Festival

Celebrating WA food, wine and art, State Makers will return to Perth’s iconic State Buildings from April 17 to May 6. Highlight events include A Day in the Valley - an immersive wine experience with award-winning Director of Wine Emma Farrelly that goes behind-the-scenes to visit some of the winemakers in Perth’s Swan Valley wine region. Visitors can also experience a creative exhibition with plenty of flare with some of the State Building’s favourite chefs at Chef Play. Located in Perth’s CBD, the State Buildings connect three iconic heritage buildings – formally known as the Lands, Titles and Treasury buildings - into a vibrant cultural destination, and is also home to COMO The Treasury. 

New premiere bookstore opens at State Buildings

A new premiere bookstore has opened at Perth’s historic State Buildings. Edicole – meaning newsstand in Italian – is a bookstore for the modern explorer. Located in the heart of the Postal Hall, guests will be able to select a glass of wine from the neighbouring Wine Merchant, then become immersed in the selection of pictures and prose from across the globe. For the ultimate experience, book lovers can also join the subscription program, which offers a tailored selection of 12 new literary works, delivered straight to your door.

Albany to host CineFestOZ

The inaugural CinefestOZ Albany Film Festival will be taking over the city of Albany in WA’s Great Southern region from April 29 to May 1, offering a range of live film screenings and special events in the region’s cinemas and picturesque venues. The festival will champion Australian stories and films, with a packed program of seven feature films, 12 short films, special film events, the Cinesnaps school program and an Industry Program session. This inaugural event complements the annual CinefestOZ Film Festival, set to take place in WA’s stunning South West from August 25 to 29.

Esperance welcomes its first distillery

The coastal town of Esperance in WA’s Golden Outback is now home to Australia’s smallest distillery, thanks to the recent launch of Esperance Distillery Co. Owned and operated by a father and son team with a mutual love of high quality spirits, surfing and environmental conservation, their tiny 30 litre still produces a spirit that is truly handcrafted, and unique to Esperance. Distilled using local native botanicals, the first release Cut & Run Gin has been designed to showcase the internationally significant floral diversity of the region.

The Elford coming to Beaufort Street

The iconic Beaufort Street Pub, formerly known as The Flying Scotsman, will reopen as The Elford in June. Located in the inner-city suburb of Mount Lawley, the new venue will be connected to the historic Clarke’s Building, which was constructed in 1934 as a modern art deco commercial and retail premises. The Elford will pay homage to the iconic art deco architecture throughout the two-storey venue, including an extensive upgrade of the alfresco area. The venue will host live music, comedy and quiz nights, alongside a great beverage program paired with classic pub meals.

Samuels on Mill at Parmelia Hilton

The recently revitalised Parmelia Hilton hotel in Perth's CBD has also welcomed a new signature restaurant and bar experience. Samuels on Mill is a new brasserie concept, led by Chef Chad Miskiewicz. The menu features local dishes designed for sharing that hero WA’s finest seasonal produce and native ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and the bar is open until late, serving up a curated list of local wines and Samuels signature cocktails.

New award winning chef at Pullman Bunker Bay

The luxury property Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, located in the Margaret River region in WA’s South West, has recently appointed Kiren Mainwaring as the new Executive Chef for the resort’s food and beverage offering. As the former owner and head chef of Dear Friends restaurant in the Swan Valley, and more recently, Co – Op Dining in East Perth, Kiren has received various awards and national accolades over the years. With Kiren’s direction, the resort’s signature restaurant – Other Side of the Moon – has now launched a new menu featuring a range of local produce such as Leeuwin Coast oysters, Manjimup cauliflower, Margaret River venison, Capel region marron, and Angus Beef from the South West.

Fremantle welcomes two new boutique breweries

The eclectic port city of Fremantle, located less than 30 minutes from Perth's CBD, has recently welcomed the opening of two new boutique breweries.

Running with Thieves is a new brewery and distillery, located in the historic Sealanes warehouse, opposite the beach in South Fremantle. The 1400-square-metre facility includes a retail outlet, restaurant, and a 20-metre long bar wrapping around three copper pot stills and brew tanks. The fully operational brewery and distillery produces a range of craft beers, in addition to premium spirits and craft cocktails; and the food menu offers casual style meals, inspired by favourite cuisines from around the world.

Calamity's Rod is a new shipping container bar and brewery located in the heart of Fremantle, right next to the Hougoumont Hotel. The industrial-style venue, with an outdoor courtyard setting, offers a range of craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site, along with wines and spirits. The food menu includes a selection of bar snacks, such as Japanese barbecue-style skewers - provided by Emily Taylor restaurant in Fremantle.

The Humble Onion opens in Perth

Perth CBD has welcomed the opening of another new food venue – The Humble Onion. Located in the former Greenhouse building – where the head chef and owner Chris Howard spent time as an apprentice - the café offers a dine-in and takeaway brunch menu, with flavour-packed dishes that showcase fresh seasonal produce, some of which is grown in the rooftop space above.

Vincent Wine opens on William Street

A new Parisian-inspired wine bar has opened on the top end of William Street in Northbridge. Vincent Wine features a street-facing courtyard, a striking golden bar and an intimate interior dining hall. In a nod to the French wine bars frequented by the owner, the drinks menu features a range of French and Italian winemakers, alongside quality Australian wines, cocktails and gin and tonic on tap. Head chef Andre Mahe, formerly of Must Winebar, has created a French bistro style menu featuring cheese and charcuterie, steak tartare, chicken liver pate, baguettes and butter, plus seasonal flavours such as nectarines with buratta – which pair perfectly with the wines on offer.

Discover Honey Ants in the Goldfields

Goldfields Honey Ant Tours offer an authentic on-country Aboriginal bushfood foraging experience in the heart of WA’s Golden Outback. Guests will be able to sample the sweetest of bushfoods, the prized honey ant, forage for witchetty grubs, discover seasonal nuts and fruits, and learn about bush medicine plants. After the foraging, guests will then gather round the campfire for billy tea, damper and slow cooked stew whilst being captivated by cultural stories about the traditional lifestyles of the Tjupan people and how they still practice cultural ways on country. The half-day tours depart from Kalgoorlie, and are offered as a self-drive tag-a-long tour.

New sunset, seafood and pearling cruise in Broome

Experience a deluxe dining experience on the water in the tropical pearling town of Broome in WA’s Kimberley region with Broome Cruises this season. The new half-day Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise is the only one of its kind in Australia, and showcases the region’s unique character, exquisite local cuisine, pearling heritage and magical sunsets. The all-inclusive half-day experience includes a seven-course menu showcasing fresh Kimberley seafood prepared by a private on-board chef with complimentary beverages, including Howard Park Margaret River wine, local Matso’s and Spinifex Brewing beer. The cruise visits Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm for a hands-on experience of wild pearl fishing, with guests joining a pearl oyster harvest, sampling rare pearl meat, while admiring stunning Broome pearls on deck. The tour concludes with a stunning Broome sunset, anchored in the waters of iconic Cable Beach. The tours will commence from May 15, 2021 and start from $329 – all inclusive.

Coral Expeditions now sailing in WA

Australia’s pioneering small ship cruise line, Coral Expeditions, has restarted its operations in WA. The 2021 voyages include a number of new itineraries exploring the coastline and unique islands off WA – including the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef, Rowley Shoals, the Dampier Archipelago and the Montebello Islands, as well as the celebrated Kimberley voyage departing from Broome. The cruising company has also welcomed the addition of a brand new vessel this year, the Coral Geographer. Both the Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer have been designed and built specifically for extended expeditions along the Australian coast.

Experience Collie with TraaVerse

TraaVerse has recently started operating in the Collie River Valley region in WA’s South West, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the tracks, trails and waterways in the region. The company offers stand up paddle board and kayak hire, bike transfers to the Munda Biddi and Bibbulmun tracks for mountain bikers and hikers, as well as custom tour packages.

Donnybrook & Collie new tour packages

A number of new all-inclusive tour packages have recently been launched, designed to showcase the stunning waterways, forests and valleys, and produce available in the Donnybrook and Collie River regions in WA’s South West. The two or three night packages include accommodation, dining and tour experiences. Visitors can stock up on fresh produce and explore the wineries of the Geographe Wine region, paddle down the Collie River on a guided kayak tour, and enjoy a traditional pub lunch in a classic country pub.

New wellness offerings in Esperance

The coastal town of Esperance, located in WA’s Golden Outback, has welcomed a number of new retreats and experiences for travellers seeking a more wellness focused holiday. Twilight Yoga Studio and Retreats run wellness retreats in Esperance and on Woody Island. Body Pulse Pilates will be running its first retreat at Esperance Chalet Village from April 28 to May 2, 2021 – which includes pilates, yoga, a sound healing session, dinner at Taylor Street Quarters and a day trip to Cape Le Grand National Park, with a hike up Frenchman Peak and picnic lunch at Hellfire Bay. There are also a number of nature experiences available in and around Esperance. For a guided offering, Edgewalkers run multi-day guided hikes in the Fitzgerald River National Park, about two hours’ drive from Esperance – during the wildflower season, with a number of dates available in September.

Experience Aboriginal culture in the Swan Valley

Experience Aboriginal culture in the Swan Valley with Dale Tilbrook on a number of cultural workshops running until June 2021. Dale, a Wardandi Bibbulmun woman, is one of Australia’s most experienced and recognised Aboriginal tourism operators with a wealth of cultural knowledge and passion for Aboriginal art and bush foods. Dale will present a range of captivating workshops, at three different locations in the Swan Valley – located less than a 30 minute drive from Perth – that will appeal to both adults and children. The workshops include discovering the health benefits of Australian bushfoods, experiencing the flavours and textures of bush tucker, sampling native fruits, nuts, herbs and spices, taking part in Aboriginal art classes and discovering the fascinating insights into the history of local Aboriginal people pre European settlement. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

New Kimberley air safaris

Kimberley Air Tours is set to launch a series of small group air safaris for the 2021 season, showcasing the iconic destinations of the Kimberley in WA’s North West. Spanning four to eight days, and with a maximum of 12 passengers, the tours offer an unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s last true wilderness areas. The air safaris will start and finish in Broome, flying over iconic Kimberley landmarks such as the Horizontal Falls and Mitchell Falls, and landing in Kununurra to experience a range of air, ground and water tours - such as a guided walk of the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, Ord River and Lake Argyle cruises, and El Questro day tours. Packages start from $4,950 per person and include activities, accommodation, daily breakfasts and other select meals.

Breakfast with the Birds

Experience the unique birds of the Kimberley in WA’s North West, thanks to a new tour offered by Kimberley Naturally. Breakfast with the Birds is an easy-paced, small-group nature experience led by bird enthusiasts, and provides a close up view of some of the Kimberley’s rare and diverse bird species. Guests are provided with binoculars and spotting scopes to ensure great sightings, and get to enjoy a savannah breakfast of fresh produce grown locally in the Ord River region. The tours departs from Kununurra at 6am, and take guests through the savannah grasslands to spot finches, then onto the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve to view the waterbirds at Marlgu Billabong bird hide.

Sky dive into the Perth CBD

Adventure seekers will now have the opportunity to sky dive right into the heart of Perth’s CBD, thanks to Skydive Australia’s revitalised drop zone at Langley Park, one of the biggest open spaces in the city. The new drop zone offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Perth, flying over towering skyscrapers, amazing coastlines, Rottnest Island and the Swan River. The Perth City drop zone is also the closest skydiving centre to a major capital city, making it an ideal location for post-jump celebrations.

Set sail on-board the Leeuwin

Set sail on-board WA’s iconic sailing ship, the STS Leeuwin II, with a new adventure voyage along the stunning coastline of Monkey Mia in Shark Bay, located in WA’s Coral Coast region. On the five-day journey guests will be able to experience the thrill of being on-board a fully working, three-masted sail train ship, and take part in hands-on activities such as navigating the ship and taking the helm, setting and furling the sails and climbing the masts and working aloft. The voyage sets sail from Monkey Mia on April 24, returning on April 28. Day and sunset sails on-board the Leeuwin are also offered throughout the year, departing from the port city of Fremantle, and voyages will also be offered late in the year from Exmouth in the Coral Coast, and Dampier in the North West.

Ningaloo’s gentle giants return for the 2021 season

Western Australia is set for another successful whale shark season, following the arrival of the world's largest fish at Ningaloo Reef in the State's Coral Coast.

Whale shark swim tours have begun operating from Coral Bay and Exmouth, with the season typically occurring between March and July each year, allowing visitors the opportunity to have a face-to-fin encounter with the gentle giants – which are around four to 11 metres in length.

Ningaloo Reef remains one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Not only are sightings reliable – as it is one of the only places on Earth where these marine giants congregate on an annual basis to feed on plankton and krill – but the tours are also responsibly run by a small group of licensed professional operators to ensure a sustainable whale shark experience.

There are 11 licensed whale shark tour operators based in Exmouth and Coral Bay, who all work together to ensure that the whale shark management practices are adhered to. When purchasing a whale shark swim tour, a percentage goes towards important whale shark research and conservation to help the world understand more about this unique fish species. To ensure a true eco-tourism experience, the maximum number of passengers on each tour is 20, with no more than 10 allowed in the water at any time with a whale shark. Additionally, each Ningaloo whale shark experience includes on-board education from dive instructors, most of whom are marine biologists/scientists.

The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area covers more than 600,000 hectares, with scenic stretches of coastline, beautiful beaches and plenty of wildlife; and includes the rugged canyons and gorges of the Cape Range National Park to explore.

At 300 kilometres long, Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s largest and most accessible fringing reefs. Visitors can walk straight off the beach and snorkel in the underwater wonderland teeming with brilliant coloured coral, manta rays, sea turtles and more than 500 species of tropical fish.

Ningaloo is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with Australia’s marine big three – whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales. Manta ray tours operate year round from Coral Bay, and the humpback whale swim tours take place from July to October each year. It’s also one of Australia’s newest Hope Spots, with WA’s Coral Coast home to two of the seven Australian Hope Spots. Hope Spots are global locations considered critical to the health of the ocean. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and adjacent Exmouth Gulf were designated as having global significance by international marine science organisation, Mission Blue.

For more information on swimming with whale sharks and booking a trip to the Ningaloo coast, visit www.australiascoralcoast.com.