Qantas launches new direct flights from Perth to Italy

Tickets are now on sale for a new direct Qantas flight between Perth and Rome, which will launch in June 2022. The new direct Boeing 787 Dreamliner service will be the only non-stop link between Australia and continental Europe. The new seasonal route will operate three times a week, with the inaugural flight taking off from Perth to Rome on Wednesday June 22, 2022. The first flight from Rome to Perth will touch down two days later on Friday June 24, 2022. Onwards from Rome, connecting flights will be available to 16 European destinations, including Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris as well as a further 15 destinations in Italy such as Milan and Venice. Fares start from $1,620 return, with the service operating until October 6, 2022.

Hilton Garden Inn opens in Albany

Australia’s first Hilton Garden Inn opened its doors to the public last month, bringing a new level of accommodation to the coastal city of Albany in WA’s Great Southern region. The Hilton Garden Inn Albany offers stunning views over the Albany Waterfront Marina, and is conveniently located next to the Albany Entertainment Centre, and walking distance to the city centre. The five-story hotel comprises 108 stylish and functional king, twin and accessible guest rooms, including six deluxe rooms each with panoramic ocean views; a 24 hour fitness centre; three meeting rooms; plus a variety of dining options including a restaurant, bar and 24-hour shop serving grab-and-go menu options. The historic city of Albany, which is where the first European settlers set foot in WA, is located a 4.5-hour drive south of Perth, or a short one-hour flight.

Matagarup Bridge Zip-Line now open

The highly anticipated Matagarup Bridge zip-line is now zipping into action, having officially opened to the public on December 5. Similar to the Matagarup Bridge Climb, which opened in January this year, the zip-line adventure experience takes around 90 minutes, with guests having to climb around 150 steps up the bridge to the launch platform, sitting over 35 metres above Perth’s iconic Swan River. Zippers will reach speeds of up to 75 kilometres an hour in an exhilarating ride over the river before landing on Burswood Park foreshore. The zip-line was constructed with dual cable lines catering for two riders at a time, whilst also allowing riders as young as eight who are over 30 kilograms to participate with an adult guardian. Tickets for the zip-line start from $99 for Express Zip and up to $149 for the Zip and Climb package. Evening zip-line rides are also available, providing guests with a unique experience of Perth city at night. Bookings are now open for pre-purchased gift certificates, with general public sales commencing on December 19.

Tickets on sale for 2022 Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster

The Kimberley town of Kununurra in WA’s North West will welcome some of Australia’s biggest musical performers in May 2022 for the annual Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster. Australian rock legend Ian Moss is set to headline the Muster’s pinnacle event – the Aviair Helispirit Kimberley Moon Experience on May 14, alongside Brisbane band Sheppard, plus Baker Boy and King Stingray – both from Arnhem Land. Taking place from May 13 to 22, the 10-day festival will take over Kununurra and surrounds (Miriwoong country) with over 30 events across 10 exciting days. Program highlights include the return of the Kimberley Kitchen with one of Australian television’s most loved personalities, acclaimed Spanish chef Miguel Maestro; Comedy in the Park with comedian Steph Tisdell; global festival smash-hit Hot Dub Time Machine; Storytelling Night with Miriwoong Elder David Newry; Art in in Park; Corroboree Under the Stars at Waringarri Arts Centre and the iconic Muster Rodeo. The festival will close with the free community event Horizon Power Party in the Park on May 22. Tickets to all Muster events are now on sale, with travel packages including flights, accommodation and tickets soon to be released.

RAC Esperance Holiday Park opening this month

The coastal town of Esperance in WA’s Golden Outback region will welcome the opening of RAC Esperance Holiday Park on December 17, 2021. Originally named the Esperance Seafront Holiday Park, RAC purchased the property in December 2019, and has been closed since May 2020 for a complete redevelopment. The new park will feature 170 shady powered campsites, including eight with private ensuite bathrooms, two and three bedroom self-contained family villas, and four studio rooms for couples and small families. Facilities include a state-of-the-art camp kitchen, large indoor recreation room, resort style swimming pool, playground, and outdoor barbeque areas. Guests are also able to bring their furry friends, with two pet friendly cabins and an onsite dog wash available. Esperance is an eight hour drive south-east from Perth, or a 1.5 hour flight. The popular holiday town is home to some of the best beaches in Australia, with the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Cape Le Grand National Park right on its doorstep.

Ampersand Estates opens in Pemberton

Located on the picturesque Donnelly River in the Southern Forests town of Pemberton, Ampersand Estates has recently opened its cellar door. The winery is a reimagining of the original Donnelly River Wines, which was one of the first wineries established in the region. Working in partnership with some of the South West region’s top wine makers – including Bruce Dukes from Domaine Naturaliste – core wine varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Ampersands Estates is also home to Rainfall Distillery – Australia’s only single harvest distillery – producing vodka and gin using the finest local ingredients. In early 2022, the estate will also welcome the opening of three fully self-contained luxury accommodation offerings - Settlers Cottage, The Homestead and The Vintners Residence. It will also be available to book for weddings, as well as offering gourmet picnics to be enjoyed across the estate. The town of Pemberton is located a four hour drive from Perth, in WA’s South West region.

New exhibitions at WA Museum Boola Bardip

WA Musuem Boola Bardip will play host to a number of exciting new exhibitions over the summer season. Step into a world of breathtaking colour through the lens of award-winning cinematographer Michael Haluwana – recognised for his work with Sir David Attenborough. Walking with Colour features vibrant projections and mesmerising multimedia installations that showcase WA’s otherworldly landscapes and seascapes in incredible detail. WA’s rich and diverse culture is similarly celebrated in Belong, which combines the stunning photography of photo artist Martine Perret with video, audio, dance and painting to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and connection to land. WA Museum Boola Bardip will also host the world premiere of award-winning virtual reality documentary Beyond the Milky Way. The film will immerse audiences in one of the greatest scientific endeavours in history, as they step onto Australia’s future site of the incredible SKA telescope – one of the world’s largest radio telescopes located in the WA outback. The Walking with Colour and Belong exhibitions are available from now until January 30, 2022, and Beyond the Milky Way is showing from now until February 14, 2022.

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia opens at AGWA

In an Australian first, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia exhibition has opened at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA). Surveying historical and contemporary works by over 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia, this landmark exhibition will be the only showing in Australia, and is showing from now until April 18, 2022. Drawn from the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and Wesfarmers Arts, the powerful works in this touring exhibition reveal the contemporary views and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, bridging time and place and connecting through story and experience. AGWA is locate in Perth’s vibrant Cultural Centre, and entry to this exciting exhibition is free.

Black Swan release 2022 season

Black Swan Theatre Company of WA has released its program for the 2022 season – Kin, a celebration and exploration of connection and family. The season will be performed across five theatres and features seven productions, including three home-grown plays by WA writers. The season will commence with the fiercely political work City of Gold, written by Wongutha-Yamatji Meyne Wyatt, running from March 4 to 26 at Heath Ledger Theatre. Other highlights include the international smash hit and eight-time Tony Award-winning Once, which will play at The Regal Theatre from May 28 to June 12, and Connected by comedian Lawrence Leung – a live, online performance that takes place on two sides of the screen, Lawrence’s and the audience’s. The virtual performance will take place over three shows only, September 16, 17 and 18. Tickets to all events are now on sale, and member packages are available.

West Australian Opera launches 2022 season

The West Australian Opera will celebrate stories of hope, passion and purpose in 2022, with a program that offers audiences a range of experiences. The 2022 season will open with Bizet’s masterpiece Carmen, performed at the West Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground, complete with fully staged set, chorus, children’s chorus, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and pyrotechnics. Presented as part of Perth Festival 2022, it will play from February 25 to 26. In April, the world premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta will play at His Majesty’s Theatre, and in May, two diva sopranos – Emma Pettemerides and Naomi Johns – will face off in The Duel at Government House Ballroom.  In July, the company will stage Tosca – a production new to Perth, and in October Our Little Opera will charm a younger audience. The West Australian Opera will close out the season with a brand new production of Verdi’s La traviata, and following the success of its inaugural season, Koolbardi wer Wardong – the first opera performed in Noongar language – will tour regionally in Albany, Kalgoorlie and Esperance. Tickets for all shows are now on sale.

Nyumbi returns to WA Museum Boola Bardip

Visitors to the new WA Museum Boola Bardip, located in the vibrant Perth Cultural Centre, will be able to enjoy free performances by Noongar dance groups every Saturday morning as part of Nyumbi. Meaning 'celebration dance' in Noongar language, Nyumbi will offer a unique opportunity to experience WA’s Noongar culture as Aboriginal dancers perform traditional song and dance, and share stories of the State’s rich culture and history. Visitors are invited to experience a smoking ceremony followed by a celebration dance performance, with troupes changing each week. Kicking off from January 22, the free events will take place every Saturday morning at 11am until June 2022 at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

KAS Helicopters takes off in Busselton

KAS Helicopters will be offering scenic flights over the stunning South West region this summer, thanks to its new seasonal base which launched at Busselton Margaret River Airport on December 1. This is the third base for the helicopter tour provider, which also operates from Broome and Derby in the Kimberley region, and will provide a whole new perspective of the renowned Margaret River region, with scenic flights and winery tours on offer. Guests can choose from a short scenic flight over Busselton and surrounds, or a full Cape to Cape tour taking in all of the region’s stunning highlights. The range of winery tours combine spectacular coastal flights with wine tasting and lunch at selected venues. Bespoke itineraries are also available, including accommodation drop-offs and pick-ups, and VIP transfers. Prices start with an opening special for the month of December from $299 per person for a 30-minute flight, with tours available during the summer season.

Balanggarra Home Valley opens for guests during the wet season

Visitors to the eastern part of the Kimberley region during the wet season will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Aboriginal culture, with the newly launched Balanggarra Home Valley Exclusive Air Safari. Leading helicopter company HeliSpirit has partnered with Balanggarra Ventures and Nulla Nulla Aboriginal Corporation to offer travellers a three-night air safari tour package. This will be the first time Home Valley has opened to guests during the wet season, and the tour group will have the resort to themselves during their stay. Highlights of the itinerary include a scenic flight to Home Valley on Balanggarra Country - where guests will be greeted by local Traditional Owners who will also host them during their stay - a helifishing adventure to fish for the elusive barramundi, a stargazing tour, and a guided rock art tour. This unique cultural experience will depart from Kunnunurra in WA’s North West on limited dates throughout February and March 2022, with numbers limited to a maximum of eight guests per tour.

Orca expeditions to commence in 2022

The coastal town of Bremer Bay in WA’s South West region is home to one of the largest known congregations of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. Every summer more than 150 orcas and other marine predators, such as sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins and sunfish, visit the Bremer Canyon to feed on an abundance of prey. Visitors can witness first-hand the excitement of spotting these incredible creatures in the wild on a tour with Naturaliste Charters or Whale Watch Western Australia, which depart daily from January to April. The all-day expeditions include meals, beverages and on-board commentary by a Marine Biologist. The tours depart from Bremer Bay, which is located a six hour drive south east of Perth, with transfers also available from the nearby city of Albany.

Kimberley Experiences new wet season tour

Kimberley Experiences, which offer packaged tours of the Kimberley region with its portfolio of award-winning tourism offerings, has released a new waterfall season package to showcase the magic of the Kimberley during the months of February and March. Based from Kununurra in WA’s North West, the five-night hosted group experience will take guests on a journey to explore the natural and breathtaking beauty of the eastern part of the Kimberly region by land, boat and air. Highlights of the itinerary include a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park; a helicopter flight to Lake Argyle to enjoy a swim in the iconic infinity pool, and a sunset cruise on the lake; a heli-adventure to experience some of the region’s most spectacular and remote waterfalls; plus a 4WD tour to some of the nearby waterfalls and waterholes. Accommodation each night is at the Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments in Kununurra. Packages start from $3,950 per adult (twin share), with current departure dates scheduled for February 17 to 22, 2022 and March 31 to April 5, 2022.

Celebrate the New Year on the True North

Bring in the New Year in style on-board luxury small cruise vessel the True North at Perth’s island playground, Rottnest. The four-day itinerary departs from Fremantle, and anchors up in the crystal-clear waters of Rottnest Island for the three nights. Guests will be able to explore the island on land or water, or get a bird’s eye view from the ship’s helicopter. Prices start from $4,995 per person, all-inclusive, with the New Year itinerary departing on December 30 to January 3, and a second departure available from December 26 to 30.

Holiday Inn opens in West Perth

IHG Hotels & Resorts has last month opened the Holiday Inn West Perth, located within walking distance to Perth’s Kings Park and Botanical Gardens. Formerly the Sage Hotel West Perth and built in 2016, the hotel’s 101 guestrooms have all received a soft refurbishment, and the hotel lobby has been transformed. Part of the hotel’s charm is the 1902 heritage building – the former Walsh family residence - that sits at the front of the property. The character-filled building is home to Julio’s, one of Perth’s favourite Italian restaurants, as well as two boardrooms. As part of the opening, Holiday Inn West Perth is offering packages with complimentary breakfast for two as well as discounts for mid-week stays.

APT release new Perth to Broome itinerary

Luxury touring company APT has launched a new 21-day small ship expedition cruise along WA’s Coral Coast and North West coastlines aboard the 99-passenger MS Caledonian Sky. Colours of the Coral and Kimberley Coast visits 21 destinations along the WA coastline, departing from Perth and finishing in Broome. Highlights of the itinerary include exploring Kalbarri National Park and the Kalbarri Sky Walk, visiting the friendly wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, swimming with whale sharks in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, taking an exhilarating fast boat ride through the Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley, and relaxing on the white sands of Broome’s Cable Beach. For cruisers shorter on time they can opt for the shorter 15-day Perth to Broome Colours of the Coral Coast cruise, which includes all of the main Coral Coast highlights and experiences of the 21-day option. Departure dates are available in March 2022 for the 21-day tour, and February and March 2022, plus April 2023 for the 15-day itinerary.

Rottnest Island’s new snorkelling tour experience

Visitors to Perth’s Rottnest Island can now discover the island’s underwater wonders on a new snorkelling tour experience. Rottnest Snorkel tours operate a three-hour snorkelling experience led by highly experienced snorkelling guides. Guests will step on-board a custom-built 10 metre boat to cruise the island’s shallow bays and crystal clear waters. Snorkelers will have the opportunity to discover more than 400 species of the fish, 20 types of coral and multiple shipwrecks. The tours depart twice a day from Rottnest Island, which is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth and can be easily accessed by a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Hillarys and Perth CBD.

The Brocation - guys weekends made easy

The Brocation is a new travel service that organises stress-free weekends away for groups of guys where everything is taken care of. Weekend packages include surfing, fishing, golf and beer tastings in the Margaret River region in WA’s South West, craft beer tours in Fremantle, and golf in the Swan Valley. The Brocation uses local knowledge to find the best accommodation available, and activities suitable for a guys weekend away to help them reconnect with mates.

Denmark welcomes a new restaurant and distillery

The Great Southern town of Denmark, home to turquoise beaches and tall timber forests, has recently welcomed the opening of a new hospitality venue. The Raintree is a picturesque farming property, home to The Dam restaurant and a Cannabis Botanical Distillery – the first distillery in WA to use cannabis sativa to make its spirit base. The restaurant offers stunning views over the property’s green hills and large dam, and serves up a seasonal menu featuring local produce sourced straight from the property, alongside seltzers and cocktails made from the in-house distillery, plus local beers and wine. The Dam’s garden also features an amphitheatre, where guests can enjoy drinks and antipasto platters in the sun whilst listening to live music. The town of Denmark is located a 4.5 hour drive from Perth, in WA’s South West region.

Pinjarra Bakery takes out best meat pie in Australia

WA’s Pinjarra Bakery has been awarded the Best Meat Pie in Australia in the annual Official Great Aussie Pie Competition. Located in the town of Pinjarra, just under an hour’s drive from Perth, the bakery is a local institution for those visiting the Peel Region. The classic Chunky Steak Pie took home the top honour in the coveted pie awards, which were established in 1989 and sets the industry’s benchmark for pie excellence.

Discover fortified wines in the Swan Valley fortified wine trail

Perth’s Swan Valley wine region – located less than a half hour drive from the CBD, and one of the oldest wine regions in Australia – has just released a new Fortified Wine Trail. Fortified wines created in the Swan Valley are some of the most unique and complex made anywhere in the world, with the region’s warm Mediterranean climate allowing for a range of grape varieties to be grown, and styles to be produced. There are 35 wineries to discover on the trail, all producing fortified wines for tasting and sale, with rich and luscious liquors made from Muscat and Pedro Ximenez, through to Shiraz, Verdelho, and aged Tawny fortified wines.

State Buildings State of Wine

The State of Wine Festival is returning to Perth’s historic State Buildings over five days, taking place from January 5 to 9, 2022. Curated by the award-winning State Buildings Wine Director, Emma Farrelly, the wine festival celebrates WA growers, visionaries and disruptors who are bringing grapes to glasses across the State. Events range from wine masterclasses and panel discussions, to four-course seafood dinners matched with Blanc de Blancs and a pool party hosted in the COMO The Treasury hotel pool. Tickets for all events are on sale now.

Bar Rogue opens in Mount Lawley

The owners of the award-winning small bar and restaurant Le Rebelle, located in the city fringing suburb of Mount Lawley, have opened a new wine bar just down the road. Bar Rogue, which opened its doors on December 10, is a casual 75-seat wine bar that proudly features WA producers and wines, alongside classic cocktails and a food menu that focuses on quality produce with around a dozen small share plates designed for enjoying over drinks.

Flight Club lands in Perth

In an Australian first, the iconic international social darts experience Flight Club has opened its door in Perth’s CBD this month. The 1800s UK fairground-themed venue is home to two bars across two levels, and pays homage to the heritage of darts combined with the traditional British pub. Flight Club has transformed the traditional game of darts into a fast-paced, exciting social experience for groups to enjoy, alongside a DJ, an extensive food menu featuring hearty and healthy dishes, and a cocktail menu of classic favourites.

Golden Boy and Jade Girl opens in Perth

Golden Boy and Jade Girl has recently opened in the heart of the Perth CBD at Allendale Square. The venue delivers two spaces in one, with casual Asian-fusion eatery Golden Boy on the ground floor, and Jade Girl – a vibrant rooftop bar perfect for summer drinks, located upstairs. Both venues will serve up Chinatown-style dishes with a modern twist, and at the bar, expect remixed classic cocktails alongside quality wines and brews.

Aravina Estate celebrates 14 Days of Summer Festival

One of the Margaret River region’s leading wineries, Aravina Estate, will be celebrating the summer season with 14 jam-packed days of activities. Taking place from December 27 to January 9, the 14 Days of Summer Festival will feature live music every day, an Aperol Bar, flowing craft beer, sunset concerts, helicopter rides, oyster shucking and giveaways for the first guest of each day. With a grass area of outdoor tables, umbrellas and picnic rugs right next to the playground overlooking the vineyard, the festival is the perfect summer’s day out - and entry is free.