Welcome to the March edition of This is WA
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Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia
March 2024
Kaya ,
Welcome to the March edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.
We’re still in the Noongar season of Bunuru – bringing with it warm gentle breezes, endless days of sunshine and perfect conditions for making the most of Perth’s (Boorloo) sparkling beaches. In the Kimberley town of Broome (Rubibi), it’s now moving into the Yawuru season of Marrul, the conclusion of the wet season when the tides rise, the wind dies down, the seasonal watering holes are full of life and the Gadgur (bloodwood) trees start to flower.
This month marks the start of the swimming with whale shark season in World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) - the only place in Australia where you can swim with these gentle giants. Now is also the perfect time to start planning an otherworldly Kimberley adventure, with the recent launch of the Kimberley Season Pass offering a range of consumer travel incentives, including 50 per cent off tours, discounted accommodation and two-for-one airfare deals.
Read on to discover all the exciting updates across WA.
What's Hot
Swim with the world’s biggest fish in Ningaloo
The biggest fish in the world has once again been spotted at Western Australia's World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park (Nyinggulu), heralding the start of the swimming with whale shark season. Almost 40,000 visitors travelled to Exmouth and Coral Bay last year to swim with whale sharks, that migrate to the shores of WA between February and July each year to feed on plankton and krill. In 2024, tours run through to late July in Exmouth, and late June in Coral Bay , allowing visitors the opportunity to have a face-to-fin encounter with the friendly giants – which are up to 11 metres long. Ningaloo is one of the only places on Earth where visitors can experience swimming with three big marine wonders in the one location - manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks - on occasions, at the same time when the migration seasons align from August.
Discounted Travel to the otherworldly Kimberley
Half price tours, discounted accommodation and two-for-one airfare deals are now available to travellers planning a visit to the Kimberley region in 2024. The recently launched Kimberley Season Pass offers a range of consumer travel incentives including 50 per cent off tours and experiences (when booked through the Broome and Kununurra Visitor's Centre), along with $100 off stays at Kimberley caravan and holiday parks through a partnership with the Caravan Industry Association of WA. The Pass also includes discounted airfares with Nexus Airlines through a 'Fly a Friend for Free' promotion, which offers 50 per cent off flights when purchasing two airfares. Discounted airfares into Broome (Rubibi) and Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) are also available with Airnorth.
Italian football giants to go head-to-head in Perth exclusive
Two of Italy's most successful men's football clubs, AC Milan and AS Roma, will go head-to-head in an Asia Pacific exclusive blockbuster match at Optus Stadium on Friday, 31 May. It's the first time two Series A teams will play each other in Australia, as well as being AC Milan's first game on Australian soil in more than 30 years, and AS Roma's first since 2015 when they took on Real Madrid in Melbourne. The last time AC Milan and AS Roma were in WA was 1980 and 1966 respectively. The match is the latest initiative growing WA's connection with Italy, with the popular direct flight between Rome and Perth (Boorloo) set to return for a third season in 2024, allowing more visitors from Italy and Continental Europe.
Perth to host Socceroos World Cup Qualifier
In other international football news, the Socceroos will face Palestine's national men's team this winter in a blockbuster football match. Australia's national team will play in Perth as part of its quest to World Cup 2026. Socceroos vs Palestine Round Two Qualifier will take place at the award-winning HBF Park on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. Tickets for the match are now on sale.
Tours, Attractions & Accommodation
Rejuvenated Chimes Spa Retreat reopens its doors
Chimes Spa Retreat has reopened its doors in WA's South West following an extensive two-year renovation. Originally built in 1995, and perched atop Mount Shadforth near the town of Denmark, the adults-only luxury wellness escape offers a new level of rejuvenation and relaxation for the Great Southern region. Featuring 10 guest rooms, the deep freestanding circular baths stand as the epitome of luxury and elegance that is evident across the locally-led design. The Day Spa at Chimes reflects the overarching theme of quiet luxury and can accommodate up to five guests simultaneously, including two double treatment rooms. Among its array of amenities, guests can indulge in a traditional Finnish sauna, steam deck, Vichy shower, and a refreshing cold plunge pool. Chimes Spa Retreat also offers a range of high tea and platter options for guests indulging in the delicious wonders of the Denmark wine region.
Mini Golf at Matagarup
Matagarup Mini Golf is the latest new offering to open at Perth’s (Boorloo) Burswood Park. Ideally located on the picturesque banks of the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), between the Matagarup Bridge and the Zip+Climb experience, and The Camfield hotel. With a West Australian inspired 18 holes set amongst native landscaping, a 50 metre creek, artwork and leafy trees – it's Perth’s biggest mini golf course. Obstacles include kangaroo and black swan sculptures, and a miniature version of the Matagarup Bridge. The first nine holes are also architecturally designed to be wheelchair accessible and pram friendly. The course is open seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm during summer months, and 9am to 8pm over winter. An on-site kiosk is available for food and drinks, with a café currently under construction, due to open in late 2024.
Women’s only hiking tour through the Murchison Gorge
Embark on a women’s only walking wilderness adventure through the ancient and rugged Murchison Gorge in the spectacular Kalbarri National Park along WA’s Coral Coast with boutique eco-tourism company Edgewalkers. The seven-day tour package departs from Perth, and includes five days of hiking along the ancient riverine gorge carved over millions of years by the lower reaches of the Murchison River on Nanda Yamatji Country. Departing from Perth on August 24, the tour includes return transport, all meals, accommodation, hiking and camping equipment. Tour highlights include walking amongst colourful wildflowers, wading across the flowing Murchison River and spending four nights camping under the stars in the Murchison Gorge.
JUCY Campervan Hire opens in Perth
Last month JUCY Campervan Hire opened a new Perth branch, ideally located just up the road from Perth Airport. Perth is also now available for one-way bookings in and out of any other mainland Australia branch and is opening its door to welcome other vehicles such as the Star RV Polaris 2, Polaris 2+2 and Cruiser. This is great news for travellers looking for a WA road trip adventure. With so many diverse road trip itineraries that showcase dreamlike landscapes and wondrous experiences, WA is the ultimate destination for a self-drive holiday.
Wheatbelt and Bremer Bay Orcas Tour
Great Southern Outback Tours has released a new tour exploring WA’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions. The seven-day Wheatbelt Down Under Bremer Canyon Tour includes a two-night stay in Bremer Bay to join a marine expedition with Naturaliste Charters to witness wild orcas along with other marine life at Bremer Canyon; a two-night stay in Albany to experience the National Anzac Centre; and a two-night stay at the historic Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning. Tours are seasonal, with the departures scheduled for February and March, 2025.
Lifestyle & Culture
Fremantle International Street Art Festival returns
The historic streets, laneways and parks of Fremantle (Walyalup) will be transformed into an open-air theatre of world-class, wacky and wonderful performances when Fremantle International Street Arts Festival takes over the port town from March 29 to April 1. International artists from Germany, USA, UK, Ireland and Togo will join home-grown talent from Australia in the extraordinary line-up of talent. In an Australian debut, AFUMA will take to the streets as a troupe of talented stilt walkers and musicians; and will be joined by the impressive all-femme YUCK Circus. Other highlights include Fremantle’s Old Courthouse transforming into The Bubble Canteen, with more than 12,000 bubbles coming alive every minute, a Mermaid Lagoon at the Esplanade Hotel, and silent discos along South Terrace.
Yuck Circus brings the rooftop Naughties
Following sell-out shows at Perth’s FRINGE WORLD Festival, Popular West Australian all-female production Yuck Circus are back with a new show celebrating all things Naughties. Performing under the stars at the Rooftop Movies venue in Northbridge, guests will be thrown back to the 2000s in a thrilling live circus show. Yuck Circus! Naughties will be performing from April 4 to 27, with tickets now on sale.
An immersive art experience at Elizabeth Quay
Perth’s Elizabeth Quay will be transformed through an immersive art experience this April with large-scale ‘bubbles’ in the water, on land and in the air. The ground-breaking public art event, Ephemeral will captivate audiences with its stunning display of colour, light and sound - brought to life by the acclaimed Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu and led by the visionary duo Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield. By day, the large-scale bubble installations will reflect the ever-changing hues of the sky, casting a rainbow of colours across Elizabeth Quay, then by night the 150 bubbles transform with lighting, bringing the waters of Elizabeth Quay alive with vibrant and dynamic colour. The free installation will run every evening from April 5 to 25.
Food & Drinks
An urban winery oasis opens in Fremantle
WA’s first urban winery has opened its doors in the port city of Fremantle (Walyalup). H&C Urban Winery is a bar, restaurant, events space, cellar door and fully operational winery all under one roof. Taking over the former Mother restaurant site, the venue has been brought to life by a collective of owners across Perth’s hospitality and drinks scene. The concept of the urban winery means parcels of grapes are sourced from WA, then crushed, stored and fermented on-site, and produced through collaborating with some of the State’s best wine makers. With the various owners also managing multiple distilleries, there’s also a focus on spirits - plus beer taps pouring local brews. The food menu is inspired by ‘Modern Fremantle’ with a focus on fresh local produce designed to share. The large venue offers a lush and serene setting, with a large barrel room used to host events.
Shirley’s Fremantle opens its doors
Fremantle’s ever-expanding hospitality scene continues to thrive, with another venue opening its doors in the city’s bustling east end. Shirley’s is a new venture from the team behind the popular Manuka Woodfire Kitchen, located just 35 metres down the road. The cosy wine bar serves local and international wines alongside spirits and creative cocktails, with an art deco décor mixed with vintage pieces. The food menu offers bar snacks, and more substantial bites – with pies, lasagna, vegetable terrine and cheese plates on the menu.
Save the date for Truffle Kerfuffle
Truffle Kerfuffle festival will return to the heart of Australia’s truffle country in Manjimup from June 28 to 30, 2024. A celebration of Manjimup’s ‘black gold,’ the weekend of festivities includes long table feasts, decadent dishes laden with freshly harvested black truffle, intimate fireside cooking masterclasses with acclaimed chefs, truffle dog demonstrations and truffle hunts in orchards, wine sessions and spirit tastings, free cooking demonstrations and a marketplace filled with locally grown produce. Manjimup, in WA’s Southern Forests and Valleys region, is the most prolific truffle growing region in the Southern Hemisphere, producing about 85 per cent of all black truffles grown in Australia. Manjimup is located a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth.
Events
Karijini Experience
April 4 to 7 | Karijini National Park | WA’s North West
The Karijini Experience is a four-day festival celebrating the culture, art, food and music of the Banjima People on Country, set amongst the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park. The event’s diverse program offers authentic, high-quality arts and cultural experiences, with a rich array of activities that aim to provide a genuine and immersive understanding of the region's culture and natural beauty. There’s exclusive fine dining under the stars with Fervor, bush tucker high teas, bush medicine workshops, guided walks and art exhibitions and workshops, showcasing renowned artists, emerging performers, and grassroots experiences.
Jamba Nyinayi Festival
April 11 to 13 | Coral Bay | WA’s Coral Coast
Jamba Nyinayi (rest awhile) will captivate audiences again when it returns for a second year in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) Region. Held on Baiyungu Country at Cardabia (Gunjayindiya) Station near Coral Bay, the community festival is a celebration of local Aboriginal music, arts, dance and culture, with local and nationally recognised Aboriginal performers. Headlining the event is iconic Australian musician and songwriter Stephen Pigram; and award-winning playwright and musician David Milroy, accompanied by multi-Grammy award-winning Lucky Oceans. The festival is owned by the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, hosted by Traditional Owner and Elder Hazel Walgar. It’s free to attend, however registration is essential, with limited one and two night, on-station camping packages available.
Margaret River Pro
April 11 to 21 | Margaret River | WA’s South West
The Margaret River Pro will return to the region for 2024, as one of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour (CT). The 10-day event will once again be positioned as the mid-season decider, which means the world’s best surfers will compete at the event to advance to the second half of the world tour. Spectators can watch all the action live and free at Surfers Point at Prevelly near the town of Margaret River, with big screens set up to show replays, expert commentary, food trucks and merchandise stands.
Shore Leave Festival
April 24 to 28 | Geraldton | WA’s Coral Coast
Held in Geraldton (Jambinu), Shore Leave is a celebration of the distinctive elements that make the Mid West region unique – seafood, adventure, and local cuisine. At the heart of the festival is the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, offering one of Western Australia's most unique dining experiences. Shore Leave, a bucket-list foodie event, entices with daily freshly caught western rock lobster and live music every night. This immersive festival seamlessly combines the region's culinary delights, adventure spirit, and vibrant entertainment.
Taste Great Southern
May 2 to 12 | Great Southern region | WA’s South West
Taste Great Southern is a celebration of the region’s incredible food, wine, people and attractions. The program offers more than 40 culinary events over 11 days with long table lunches, unique dinners, degustations, premium pairing events, community markets and wine sessions. More than 20 local and nationally acclaimed chefs will head up the program, with festival favourites including the Great Southern Cellar Door, Catch of the South, Women of the Region Luncheon and Great Southern Wine Journey returning in 2024. The events are held across the Great Southern towns of Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Frankland River, Porongurup and Katanning.
Busselton Festival of Triathlon
May 4 to 5 | Busselton | WA’s South West
Now in its 23rd year, the Busselton Festival of Triathlon is one of the most popular and much-loved events in the triathlon community. This year’s event will include the SunSmart Busselton 100, a 2km swim alongside the iconic Busselton Jetty, an 80km cycle through the Tuart Forest and an 18km run along the Busselton Foreshore. The event is open to individuals and teams, and the weekend offers a range of festival events for upcoming athletes, including a SunSmart Kinds Triathlon.
Triple World Title Boxing: Lomachenko vs Kambosos
May 12 | RAC Arena | Perth
Perth (Boorloo) will host a premium boxing event this May, with three World Title fights, including the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight World Title, secured in an Australian-exclusive. Thousands are expected to flock to Perth's RAC Arena on May 12 to see the world's best boxers take part in this blockbuster event, which will also be broadcast across the globe to more than 100 countries. The main event will see Australian George Kambosos Jr. and Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko fight for the IBF Lightweight World Title, with two additional world title fights to be announced in the coming weeks. A range of activities, including a public open training session, will build the excitement in Perth in the leadup to the event.
Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival
May 17 to 19 | Margaret River | WA’s South West
Escape to a world where words, creativity and expression have no limits at the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival. Each year the festival brings together an array of thought-provoking writers to the Margaret River Region including novelists, journalists, academics and established and emerging storytellers from WA, interstate and overseas. The biggest literature event in WA, guests can immerse themselves in a weekend of talks, panels and workshops. The series of events are taking place at the festival hub, at Margaret River HEART in the town centre, and also includes a new Busselton Special Edition satellite event in Busselton.
Ord Valley Muster
May 17 to 25 | Kununurra | WA’s North West
The annual Ord Valley Muster will once again light up the Kimberley in 2024 with dazzling performances from some of Australia’s top artists. The Screaming Jets, Rogue Traders, Sarah McLeod and Bob Evans will all take to the stage at the Nexus Airlines Kimberley Moon Experience on May 18, with tickets now on sale for the pinnacle event. Held in the town of Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang), the eastern gateway to the other-worldly wonders of the Kimberley region, the iconic nine-day festival will take place from May 17 to 25. The program also features traditional dance, performance and art from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, storytelling led by local Miriwoong Elder David Newry, comedy shows, local cruises, art shows and unique dining experiences, plus the mustering rodeo.
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