Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia

September 2022

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Welcome to the September edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.

What's Hot

Western Australia - Walking On A Dream 

Walk on a Dream in Western Australia and explore the awe-inspiring attributes that make the State such a wondrous, dreamlike destination.

Tourism WA’s new Walking on a Dream campaign launched today is led by the reimagining of Empire of the Sun’s hit single ‘Walking on a Dream’ – WA-raised frontman Luke Steele coming together with his music partner Nick Littlemore to create an exclusive new version of the popular double platinum track.

The creative is inspired by WA’s unique Aboriginal culture and inspires holidaymakers to book their next visit to WA by showcasing the State’s dreamlike qualities - jaw-dropping landscapes, supernatural colour contrasts, otherworldly phenomena, immersive connections with authentic characters, and one-of-a-kind experiences that inspire a sense of unparalleled freedom. 

Be transported to the otherworldly destinations of the Bungle Bungle Range in the Kimberley’s Purnululu National Park, the pristine Ningaloo Reef on the Coral Coast, the vineyards of the Margaret River Region in the South West, and the sparkling lights of Perth city in the new brand creative.

WA-born Aboriginal performers, Rika Hamaguchi and Ian Wilkes, star in the central 60 second hero brand video, and shorter 30 second videos, which launched today in interstate markets. It will launch internationally soon.

Tourism WA has also launched its new-look consumer website westernaustralia.com, creating an incredible user journey while showcasing regional tourism products, itineraries, accommodation and experiences State-wide through the Walking On A Dream creative lens. 

West Australians and visitors are being encouraged to share their dream-like experiences across social media, with #WAtheDreamState.

Tours, Attractions and Accommodation

New luxury accommodation at Bullara Station Stay

Located between Coral Bay and Exmouth along WA’s Coral Coast, Bullara Station / Punurrba offers authentic outback station stays on a working cattle station deep in the heart of the Ningaloo Reef region. New for the 2022 season, the station has recently introduced two new luxury bell-style glamping tents and safari huts. Both accommodation offerings are furnished with bedding and linen, and the safari huts also include a kitchenette, ensuite and are air-conditioned. The station has also welcomed 60 new camping and caravan sites, as well as new ablution block with hot water system, a shearing shed hub, upgraded power systems and a commercial kitchen and café.

Ningaloo's first Aboriginal tour experience

Baiyungu Dreaming is the first Aboriginal tour experience on offer in the Ningaloo Reef region in WA’s Coral Coast, traditionally owned by the Jinigudera, Baiyunga and Thalanyji people. Join Baiyungu woman Hazel Walgar on a 4WD tagalong tour from the Aboriginal-run Carbadia Station in Coral Bay to explore hidden locations along the Ningaloo coast, discover culturally significant places and hear the stories connected to them. Tour options include sunset campfire experiences with Dreamtime stories, and exploring the coastal plain near Coral Bay to discover shell middens and a sea turtle nursery, learning how to find fresh drinking water, plus the chance to snorkel on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

Karijini Eco Retreat new luxury tents

Karijini Eco Retreat, which offers safari-style eco tents, cabins and campsites in the heart of the spectacular Karijini National Park in WA’s Pilbara region, has recently added three new luxury eco tents to its accommodation offering. The new glamping tents feature a bespoke design, with furnishings of natural wood and leather, king sized bed with linen, a private ensuite bathroom, front and rear decks, local Aboriginal artwork, and a spacious interior with pristine views over the national park. The new tents offer an exclusive experience, incorporating eco-friendly designs and practices to ensure the sustainable management of the park’s natural and cultural values. Karijini Eco Retreat is 100% owned by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, with direct access to Joffre Gorge and other nearby waterfalls and geological wonders.

Luxury farm stay in Denmark

Upland Farm is a boutique eco-friendly farm stay located near the town of Denmark on Menang Noongar County in WA’s South West. Nestled in rolling hills on a 107-acre working cattle farm, the stunning property features three environmentally-conscious indulgent cabins clad in Iron Ash timber and large glazed windows to celebrate the panoramic farm land views. The three cabins all have their own unique qualities and views, with a guest house featuring a master king bedroom with ensuite, a king or twin single room with adjacent bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen; and two recently completed luxury cabins with one king bedroom with ensuite and a ploughman style kitchenette. The deep cattle trough baths are an iconic piece of the new cabins. The property is located just a fifteen-minute drive from the town of Denmark, which is located a five hour drive south of Perth.

Kimberley Wild Expeditions release new walking tour

Award-winning 4WD tour company Kimberley Wild Expeditions has released a new Kimberley tour offering for the 2023 season. The new 12-day 4WD and walking adventure provides an opportunity for guests to explore more of the Kimberley region – one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth - on foot. The walking component of the tour means guests have more time to trek through cave tunnels, into remote gorges, under waterfalls, across savannah plains, along escarpments, up rocky river beds and of course, around an ancient desert meteorite crater. The tour includes three nights at El Questro, plus a mix of National Park camping and private camps that are set up ready and waiting, and an excursion to the famous Wolfe Creek Crater / Kandimalal.

Spring into Parks

National parks and reserves across WA will be showcased through a diverse range of events and activities available throughout the spring months. Spring into Parks celebrates WA’s spectacular wilderness and access to nature, and focuses on the benefits of spending time in nature for improved mental health and wellbeing. Running from September to November, the events and activities on offer range from forest bathing to stargazing, hut building to flag making, nature journaling and yoga in an ancient cave.

Perth Wildlife Encounters launches new wildlife tour

Perth Wildlife Encounters has launched a new wildlife ecotourism offering in the spectacular Shoalwater Island Marine Park, located just a 40-minute drive south of Perth. The new 3 Island Snorkel, Wildlife & Seafood Cruise takes visitors to some of the top snorkelling spots to experience the best of the local marine life. Look out for the resident wild bottlenose dolphins, explore limestone reefs and rocky outcrops, meet the marine bird life and frolic with the Australian sea lions who call the nearby Seal Island home. Experience crew will guide guests through the water, pointing out the best wildlife spotting opportunities. Guests will also enjoy a gourmet grazing platter, including a selection of local seafood, al onboard a luxury cruising vessel.

Perth Coastal Explorer here to stay

After a trial period last summer, WA’s only open-top double decker bus will now be permanently cruising along Perth’s Sunset Coast during the spring and summer months, allowing guests to experience Perth’s premier coastal destinations from a unique perspective. The Perth Coastal Explorer tour offers pick up and drop off in Perth City, taking guest to the iconic Scarborough Beach, plus Hillarys Boat Harbour and Sorrento Quay. Hop off to experience white sandy beaches, cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping and attractions – plus the Aquarium of WA. The new expanded service will be launching on September 24.

Sustainable skydiving in WA

WA skydiving company Skydive Geronimo has become the first skydiving operator in Australia to commit to offsetting 100 per cent of its aviation fuel carbon emissions. This is a major step forward in reducing the company’s global footprint – as part of its 2022/23 Climate Pledge - which will be achieved through offsetting its Rottnest Island flight carbon emissions through a WA-based carbon neutral program. Skydiving Geronimo offer adventure seekers the opportunity to experience skydiving over the spectacular Rottnest Island, one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Perth’s majestic coastline.

Witness wildlife wonders on a whale watching tour

In line with WA’s annual humpback whale migration – the largest in the southern hemisphere – a selection of whale watching tours are currently available across the State, including the regions of Perth, the South West and Coral Coast. Guests can enjoy up-close and personal encounters with the ocean’s majestic giants on an expert-guided tour departing from Fremantle / Walyalup, Hillarys and Rottnest Island / Wadjemup in Perth, and Busselton / Undalup, Dunsborough and Albany / Kinjarling  in WA’s South West. There is also the opportunity to swim with humpback whales in Exmouth and Coral Bay at Ningaloo Marine Park – the only location in WA where you can do so between the months of August and October.

Lifestyle and Culture

Singaporean Ceramic artist to perform at WA Museum Boola Bardip

One of Singapore’s upcoming master ceramicists, Jason Lim, will be coming to Perth next month to make the next in a series of long form clay performance works on a grand scale. From October 22 to 26, from 10am to 4pm daily, Jason will create a large-scale installation of cathedral like forms at the WA Museum Boola Bardip. The physically demanding work using 2.5 tonnes of clay, with visitors gaining an up-close insight into the world of sculpting and making. His previous series, Under the Shade of a Banyan Tree, saw the creative development of enormous temporary works through performances in

Food and Wine

Wine Folly releases Margaret River Region guide

Leading global digital wine education platform Wine Folly, has recently announced the launch of its new Margaret River Region Guide. This is the first comprehensive digital guide for the award-winning Margaret River wine region in WA’s South West, and the first of its kind in Asia Pacific. It is also only the eighth global region guide produced by Wine Folly. Producer data is supported by exclusive content created by award-winning author Madeline Puckette and Wine Folly’s Head of Wine Education, Christine Marsiglio MW, in partnership with Margaret River Wine Association. Margaret River is only the eighth Region Guide produced by Wine Folly in a constant pursuit to change wine education and discovery.

Terrarium opens in Perth CBD

Terrarium is an exciting new multi-level cocktail and spirits bar located in the heart of Perth’s CBD. Serving up specialist cocktails, a comprehensive selection of spirits, and a refined bar food menu, the stylish yet moody space is overflowing with greenery and timbers tones, all centred around the huge terrarium it’s named after. The venue features a green tiled bar, large timber slab tables and blue velvet booths, as well as a plant-filled open-air rooftop terrace. The cocktail list puts a creative spin on the classics and the food menu offers up refined bar snacks.

Margaret River Cabernet takes out James Halliday Challenge

A cabernet from the renowned Margaret River wine region in WA’s South West has been crowned the 2022 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Trophy Winner as the highest scoring Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia. The 2020 Forester Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River scored 97 points and topped the 295 entries from 22 wine regions across Australia. Forester Estate is a family owned winery established in 2001, and located near the town of Yallingup in the Margaret River Region. In other wine news, Margaret River is now home to more 5-star wineries than any other region in Australia following the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Glenn Goodall from Xanadu Wines and La Kooki Wines won Winemaker of the Year; Deep Woods Estate was named Best Value Winery; L.A.S Vino took Dark Horse Winery honours; Stella Bella Wines was awarded Chardonnay of the Year, and; Flowstone Wines won Sauvignon Blanc of the Year.

Events

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