Welcome to the October 2023 edition of This is WA
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Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia
October 2023
Kaya ,
Welcome to the October edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.
Across Perth (Boorloo) and the South West region, yellow native flowers such as acacia are bursting into bloom, signalling the return of hot weather and the start of the Noongar season Kambarang (early summer). With the weather starting to warm up, Perth will soon welcome a series of exciting sporting events, including the legendary Matildas playing in Perth this month, the United Cup serving up a summer of tennis, and WWE ready to rumble at Optus Stadium in February 2023.
What's Hot
RAC reveals major redevelopment plans for Ningaloo Reef Resort
Plans have been unveiled for the $70 million redevelopment of RAC’s Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay on WA’s Coral Coast. The proposed redevelopment involves the demolition of the current resort to make way for 90 new holiday units, along with a new pool and sunlounge area, restaurant, bar and alfresco dining, and function spaces. The capacity of the resort is proposed to increase from 160 to 270 people, with a mix of new accommodation options, from hotel rooms to one, two and three-bedroom units offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. The design concept reflects the unique landscapes of the Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) region, with the use of local stone, natural timber and colourful native flowers. Sustainability is also a key focus, with a considerable investment in solar energy, adopting induction appliances and heat pump hot water systems to eliminate the need for gas, and the inclusion of electric vehicle chargers. Subject to approvals, works are planned to begin in early 2024 and are expected to take around 24 months to complete.
WA ready to rumble with exclusive WWE Premium Live Event
Western Australia will become the wrestling capital of the world on Saturday, 24 February 2024 as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) descends on Perth (Boorloo) for an exclusive globally-televised Premium Live Event at Optus Stadium. Thousands of wrestling fans will be able to witness the spectacle of the world's most famous WWE superstars when WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth power slams into town for the exclusive live event. It will be the first time a WWE Premium Live Event has been held in WA, and the only Premium Live Event in Australia or the Asia-Pacific region for 2024. Fans across the globe interested in an exclusive presale opportunity can register now at wwe.com/PreSale. Travel packages will be available through sportsnetholidays.com/wwe-elimination-chamber-perth and On Location Priority Passes can be purchased at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Tickets | Official Ticket & Hotel Travel Packages (onlocationexp.com).
Matildas Sunday Spectacle to be held at Perth's Optus Stadium
An extra 40,000 supporters will be able to cheer on the Tillies this month as they take on the Philippines – with the upcoming exclusive Olympic qualifier moved from HBF Park to Perth's Optus Stadium. The Matildas' match on Sunday, October 29 will take place at the 60,000-seat stadium to meet unprecedented public demand for the three exclusive matches, as part of Round Two of the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers. The Sunday match complements the two double header match days at HBF Park on October 26 and November 1, with the Matildas, Chinese Taipei, Philippines and Iran competing in a round-robin style tournament. Captained by WA homegrown hero Sam Kerr, this will be the first opportunity to see them compete in Australia following the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the first time playing in Perth in five years.
Western Australia shines in 2023 Australian Top Tourism Awards
Coastal city Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap) was recently crowned the nation's top tourism town at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra. The popular lifestyle town was recognised for its aquatic, adventure, fine dining and entertainment tourism experiences, as well as for its accessibility to the capital city, Perth (Boorloo). Dwellingup's picturesque township also took out gold in the Tiny Tourism Town category, putting the Murray region's swimming holes and world-class mountain bike trails on the map. In the Top Tour Guide category, Dampier Peninsula-based Rosanna Angus took out the award for her work running Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours in WA’s North West, as well as her work on the Board of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Council (WAITOC).
The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards are the national tourism industry's peak awards series, showcasing the value tourism adds to towns and communities across Australia and celebrating the diversity of regional destinations all over the country.
United Cup returns to WA to serve up a summer of tennis
The United Cup will once again bring the world’s top-ranked tennis players to Perth’s (Boorloo’s) RAC Arena in December, following the introduction of the tournament last summer. Co-hosted by Perth and Sydney for the second time, the tournament will bring the world’s top-ranked tennis players to WA for an exciting week of round robin competition. Starting from December 29 in Perth, it will feature mixed teams of the best female and male players in the world across 18 countries, with Perth and Sydney each hosting nine teams – three groups of three countries. Tickets for the group stage and quarter-final stage in Perth will be on sale October 25.
Tours, Attractions & Accommodations
Discovery Parks Broome redevelopment
Discovery Parks Broome Holiday & Caravan Park has recently undergone a $10 million redevelopment, with fresh new accommodation options now open for booking. Ideally located adjacent to Broome’s (Rubibi) Town Beach, and overlooking Roeback Bay (Yawuru Nagulgun) with prime waterfront views, guests can now choose from 22 brand new deluxe two-bedroom and studio cabins, with either ocean or pool views. All of the cabins have new furnishings, with kitchenettes, bathrooms, air-conditioning and balconies to enjoy the views; and two of the cabins are accessible. The redevelopment also included a new resort pool overlooking Roebuck Bay, which was completed in late 2022.
Wooleen Station’s new visitor hub
Wooleen Station, a working cattle station offering an authentic outback station stay experience, has transformed an historic 100-year-old shearer’s shed into its reception, café and art studio. Originally situated seven kilometres from the homestead, it's now been relocated to the entry of Wooleen Station, creating a distinct hub for visitors with its curved, domed tin roofline. The new reception and café also hosts a shop, providing an outlet for local creators and producers to showcase and sell products. The art studio will be used to offer artists residencies in 2024, with more details to be released over the coming months. The owners of the station, the Pollocks, also worked with the local Wajarri community to name the building Milimanmanha, meaning ignite something, and bring to light new possibilities and new knowledge.
Virgin Voyages adds WA to 2024 cruising itinerary
In exciting news for the WA cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has announced a second scheduled Australian season that includes visits to Albany (Kinjarling) in the South West, Broome (Rubibi) in the Kimberley and Perth’s port city of Fremantle (Walyalup). The Resilient Lady is set to arrive in Fremantle on December 3, 2024 for a full turnaround – meaning all passengers will be disembarking and new passengers will join the cruise from the eclectic port city. After launching two years ago, Virgin Voyages will cruise into Australia for the first time this December 2023, with stops along the east coast, and will be a welcome addition to WA’s sparkling coastlines when it is added to the itinerary list for summer 2024/25.
Lifestyle & Culture
Outdoor markets and movies are back
Perth’s balmy summer evenings will see the return of some of the city’s favourite outdoor markets. The ever-popular Friday night Twilight Food Market in the CBD will be satisfying tastebuds every Friday night from now until March 29; the Inglewood Night Markets returned this month with almost 40 food vendors dishing up treats every Monday night; and the family-friendly Scarborough Beach Sunset Markets is due to start its summer series on Thursday nights.
Visitors and locals can also enjoy a range of unique outdoor movie venues across Perth. Choose from a city rooftop experience at the Rooftop Movies in Northbridge; pack a picnic for an evening on the grass at the Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba); or choose from various locations at the outdoor Telethon Community Cinemas.
Food & Wine
Beyond Distilling opens for tastings in Busselton
A new boutique distillery has recently opened its doors for tastings in Busselton in WA’s Margaret River Region. Beyond Distilling has been creating spirits since 2022, utisiling sustainably sourced grains from farms in WA’s Mid-West region, and sustainably grown botanicals from across regional WA - such as native Geraldton Wax. The spirits are fermented and distilled at the Busselton distillery to produce a unique and truly West Australian gin. Created by winemaker and distiller Greg Garnish teaming up with former West Coast Eagles AFL legends Josh Kennedy and Chris Masten, the award-winning range of spirits includes three gins, a vodka, plus specialty small batch spirits such as bourbon and absinthe. Visitors to the new tasting room, which is open daily from 12pm to 5pm, can sample the Beyond Distilling range while viewing the distillery in action, with the distillers on site working the still, bottling and blending on a daily basis.
Swings and Roundabouts new cellar door
One of the Margaret River Region’s favourite wineries Swings & Roundabouts has opened its giant timber doors to reveal a stylish new cellar door at its Yallingup venue. Located in a dedicated tasting room, the new cellar door provides guests with an improved wine tasting experience for both wine lovers and the wine curious. The new space also allows for special events and experiences and will welcome the launch of Swings Sensory Sips – a new carefully created wine tasting experience revealing the impact of using the right glassware to enhance the characteristics of specific wine varieties. Swings & Roundabouts premium wine offering also continues to grow, with the recent acquisition of Brash Road Vineyard, a 24-year-old vineyard with sustainability-certified Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in low volume and high quality. The new Swings Sensory Sips experience is available daily at 10am and 2pm for $25, with the cost redeemable for Plumm glassware and wine purchases.
Neighbourhood hospitality in new CBD venue COPIA
Perth’s latest new venue offers neighbourhood hospitality nestled in the heart of the CBD. COPIA is an intimate community-driven space located in the lobby of the 12-storey OneNighty mixed-use building, serving up artisanal coffee, a curated global wine selection, and casual all-day snacks and small plates. Open from 6:30am from Monday to Friday, visitors can pick up grab-and-go breakfast options and freshly brewed small-batch coffee, designed with a self-service tap for those on the go. The wine selection is poured daily from 12pm, with a curated menu of small plates designed for sharing.
Perth welcomes new city wine bar
Enoteca Centro opened its doors at the start of this month, providing a European-style wine bar in the heart of Perth’s CBD. Serving up wine by the glass, it offers a cellar door type experience for wine lovers to sample different varietals produced locally and across the world. The Italian-influenced menu is designed for sharing, with charcuterie, a selection of cheeses, plus small and larger plates to choose from. The venue also offers wine courses, masterclasses and experiences, as well as exclusive venue hire for functions and events.
Bar Banter adds to Subiaco's growing hospitality scene
A new backyard-inspired beer and cocktail garden has opened its doors in Subiaco, nestled in the laneway behind the recently opened Mexican cantina La Condesa. Bar Banter is the tenth opening for Perth hospitality heavyweight Clint Nolan of Lavish Habits, with popular venues such as Sneaky Tony’s and La Cholita in the portfolio. The new venue is serving up a menu of Mediterranean-style small plates, and a WA-centric wine list with local draught beers and signature cocktails ideal for sipping in the summer sun. This new Subiaco venue adds to the growing list that have opened in the past year, including Subiaco Continental, Yiamas and Shui.
Lola’s Pizza opens in Fremantle
Fremantle’s renaissance continues to welcome exciting new venues, with the recent opening of Lola’s Pizza adding to the list of foodie hotspots. Lola’s delivers a menu of simple Australian-style pizzas, Italian small plates and a limited range of regional American-style pizza, served up in a charming 50-seater venue in Fremantle’s historic West End. It also offers a drinks menu of WA-wines and local tap beers, plus house cocktails. Currently offering dine-in service only, the pizza will be available for takeaway later in the year.
Margaret River wine receives international acclaim
The Margaret River wine region has once again received world-wide acclaim, with the recent announcement of The International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2023 Wine Trophy Winners. Margaret River stood out as the most decorated wine region, securing four wine trophies for its red wines; Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Syrah 2018, Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot 2020 and Robert Oatley The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Only 24 trophies were awarded from a selection of over 7,000 still, sparkling and sweet/fortified wines from 10 countries – with Margaret River receiving the highest number of trophies for one region. The full list of IWSC Trophy Winners can be found here.
Portside Pantry opens at Elizabeth Quay
Located on the ground floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront, Portside Pantry serves up quick and convenient breakfast and lunch options, made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. Catering to a variety of different dietary preferences, it offers a nourishing option for those looking for a grab-and-go, with barista-made coffee, juice or kombucha also available.
WA’s Top 25 Wines for 2023
Western Australia's Top 25 wines were announced this week at the State Buildings in Perth (Boorloo), for the WA Good Food Guide Wine Awards. The awards celebrate the breadth, diversity, talent and deliciousness that the State's winemakers deliver. Overseen by Drinks Director, Mike Bennie, the awards bring together a panel of local and national talent for a rigorous three-day judging program to deliver a Top 25 of the year, and a list of worthy award winners. The number one wine went to Battles Wine, whose Frankland River Shiraz from the Great Southern was described as a satin-textured, perfumed, poised and delicious red. Producers from the Margaret River Region took home multiple awards, with Winemaker of the Year going to Clive Otto from Fraser Gallop Estate, and McHenry Hohnen 2022 Hazel's Chardonnay taking home Best Certified Organic or Biodynamic Wine. Visit the WA Good Food Guide website for the full list of award winners.
Events
Perth International Jazz Festival
October 7 to November 12 | Perth & Margaret River Region
The annual Perth International Jazz Festival celebrates 11 years of bringing Australian and international jazz music to Western Australia. Both ticketed and free community activities for all ages will fill open air and indoor venues at various locations from the Perth Cultural Precinct to Hyde Park, plus bars and restaurants across Perth (October 7 to November 5). The festival will also travel to Busselton and Yallingup in the Margaret River Region (November 10 to 12). Each year the Perth International Jazz Festival brings inspiring jazz music to WA from around Australia and the world.
Cape to Cape MTB
October 19 to 22 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Australia’s largest and longest running four-day mountain biking stage race, the Cape to Cape MTB features almost 200km of world-class trails. This iconic riding experience includes access to stunning private trails, vineyard visits, brewery finishes and some of the warmest hospitality the region has to offer.
Kalgoorlie Desert Race
October 19 to 22 | Kalgoorlie | WA’s Golden Outback
Australia’s largest outback town brings together participants from motorcycling and four-wheel off-road racing in this annual calendar event to race 135-kilometres of dusty red sand tracks, salt lakes, and sandy-wooded sections. Post-race visitors can explore the fascinating past and present of Kalgoorlie and explore the region’s gold rush era to the modern-day Super Pit mine. Kalgoorlie is a one-hour flight or seven-hour train ride from Perth.
Fine Vines Festival
October 20 to 29 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Exceptional wine and extraordinary experiences - Fine Vines Festival brings together a curated selection of more than 30 unique events that celebrate the people, passion and places that have made Margaret River the world-class wine region it is today. Over the 10 days, guests can expect to get exclusive access to over 80 of the region’s growers, winemakers and venues – including exclusive museum tastings, tours, dining experiences, masterclasses, garden parties, whale watching with wine tastings, plus more to be announced.
Fremantle Biennale
November 3 to 19 | Fremantle | Perth
A biennial festival of site-responsive contemporary art, Fremantle Biennale is set to return with a groundbreaking program – SIGNALS 23. Taking over the streets, buildings and waterways of Fremantle (Walyalup), the event will feature over 80 Australian, international and local artists, performers and musicians, exploring the themes of movement and communication across distances. Highlights include the activation of the vacant Elders Woolstores for the first time in over 30 years with an immersive light and sound experience Nonotak’s Satellites. The skies will also light up with a sequel to 2021’s Moombaki drone show, Kooranup – created by First Nations artists.
Rockingham Beach Cup
November 11 to 12 | Rockingham | Perth
The Channel 7 Rockingham Beach Cup and Community Festival returns showcasing Australia’s only beach racing carnival along the city’s beautiful coastline. The free community and family-friendly event brings together DJs and bands, artisan markets, food and beverages and fashion over two days with activities for everyone to enjoy, including an outdoor cinema on Saturday evening. All funds raised benefit a variety of charities. Rockingham is a 40-minute drive or train-and-bus ride south of Perth.
WA Comedy Week
November 19 to 25 | Perth
WA Comedy Week is a hilarious seven-night comedy festival offering over 25 shows across iconic venues in Perth, including the State Theatre of WA, The Blue Room Theatre, Fremantle Comedy Factory and Connections Nightclub. Showcasing the best comedians from across WA in one jam-packed program of events, its sure to offer a bunch of belly laughs for all those who attend.
CHICAGO the Musical
November 21 to December 17 | Crown Perth | Perth
Broadway’s longest-running musical CHICAGO will begin its Australian tour at Perth’s Crown Theatre from November 21 to December 17. A sizzling star-studded cast has been announced for the new Australia tour, with Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Tickets are now on sale, and are selling fast.
GWM IRONMAN Western Australia
December 3 | Busselton | WA’s South West
One of only three Australian events on the global Ironman circuit, the Ironman Western Australia is celebrated for its scenic course through the City of Busselton, After a challenging 3.8-kilometre swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, athletes then take on the 180-kilometre cycle through the picturesque tuart forests and a 42.4-kilometre run along the crystalline waters of Geographe Bay. The popular shorter-distance 70.3 race takes place alongside the main triathlon.
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