Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia

May 2023

Kaya ,

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

May is the last month of the Aboriginal season Djeran, when the hot weather subsides and cool nights bring early morning dew. Light southerly winds replace intense gusts, and red flowers like the Red Flowering Gum and Summer Flame are blooming.

Travelling to WA at this time of the year promises adventure. It’s the perfect time to visit the Kimberley region, home to spellbinding destinations and attractions such as Broome and Horizontal Falls. With pristine coastlines and the rugged outback landscapes, there is an experience for everyone in WA.

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Gibb River Road in the Kimberley Region

All areas across the Kimberley region are now open for visitors to explore

Renowned for its distinct weather, the Kimberley is characterised by two prominent seasons: the wet and the dry season. The wet season takes place from November to April, while the dry season is from May to October.  Both offer an abundance of stunning scenery and provide unique travel experiences that are equally beautiful. As the wet season ends, the Kimberley is now enjoying warmer weather, and gushing waterfalls as the rivers become engorged with the rainfall from the last few months. 

Horizontal Falls (Garaangaddim) is an other-worldly attraction carrying immense spiritual and cultural significance to the Dambimangari people - the traditional owners who call the Falls home. If you’re looking for a natural phenomenon, head to the picturesque waters of Talbot Bay and experience the Falls by seaplane or boat for a half-day, full-day or overnight experience on the newly launched Jetwave Pearl houseboat

El Questro is an ancient landscape and natural wonder that stretches across 700,000 acres amidst the expansive Kimberley region in WA. At the heart of the region, this destination offers the opportunity for visitors to tap into their adventurous spirit and explore deep gorges, majestic ranges, thermal springs, mud and salt flats, rainforests and cascading waterfalls.

Formed nearly 20 million years ago, the World Heritage-Listed Bungle Bungle Ranges, the curious beehive-shaped formations are located in the remote Purnululu National Park. Over the course of several years, the wind and rain eroded the formations, exposing the layers of sandstone from glowing orange to dark greys. Travellers can see the 250-metre-high Bungle Bungle domes on a scenic flight or take to the ground with a four-wheel drive (4WD) guided tour.

Gibb River Road is 660 kilometres in length and is an epic driving route to capture the Kimberley’s wilderness between Derby and Kununurra. Driving through the Kimberley is a bucket list item for many, featuring an abundance of natural wonders to discover, including cascading waterfalls and the tranquil waters of many gorges like Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls). Both the Fitzroy River crossing and Gibb River Road is now open and accessible to all vehicles, except between Mt Barnett and Pentecost River.

New direct flights from Melbourne to Exmouth

Direct flights between Melbourne and Exmouth (Learmonth) are now running, making it easier for Victorians to explore the iconic coastline and World Heritage-Listed Ningaloo region where the outback meets the reef. The Qantas service is operating twice a week until October 2023, saving travelers more than three hours’ travel time and offering special airfares starting at $339 one-way, when booked at least 45 days in advance.

Ningaloo Reef is one of WA’s sparkling gems and each year from March to July the fringing reef becomes a natural habitat for whale sharks. You can snorkel through the turquoise reef and alongside the massive fish for an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Visitors can also swim with manta rays and migrating humpback whales, encounter beautiful sea turtles, pods of dolphins and hundreds of colourful fish.

Whale watching in Augusta

Whale watching season is kicking off along the coast of WA

Observe the breathtaking annual migration of the humpback, southern right and blue whale journeys from the South West of WA to the Kimberley from May to December. Experience an awe-inspiring sight from the shores or embark on a whale watching journey to be immersed in the spectacular action on the water. Watch as they pass through Flinders Bay in Augusta or catch a glimpse of the magnificent creatures along the towering 40-meter cliffs on the Albany coastline.

WA's new regional airline, Nexus

New regional airline soars into WA’s north and mid-west

It will now be easier to access the most iconic locations in Western Australia following the launch of a new regional airline service. Aviair has launched its new high-capacity air service Nexus Airlines, connecting the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Mid-West regions. It's also providing new services linking Geraldton (Jamibun) to Perth (Boorloo), and Broome (Rubibi) to Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) and on to Darwin. Priding itself as a locally-based airline, amenities, in-flight catering, and services have been sourced locally from regional WA wherever possible, with all aircraft, crew, and operations based in Geraldton and Broome. Flight bookings are available now, with the first departures taking off on Monday, 10 July 2023.

Coldplay

Australian-exclusive Coldplay concert secured for WA

Coldplay will paint Perth ‘yellow’ when the world-famous band descends on Perth for an Australian-exclusive concert at Optus Stadium. The ‘Music of The Spheres World Tour’ event will take place on 18 and 19 November at award-winning Optus Stadium. A second show was announced after the first was sold out within minutes. These two performances will be the only Australian Coldplay show in 2023 as part of the Asia leg of their tour and is expected to drive thousands of international and interstate visitors to Western Australia. Both shows will be held at Optus Stadium, with the UK rockers to be joined by Thelma Plum. Amy Shark will support Saturday’s show and Tash Sultana will support on Sunday.

Winners Announced in 2023 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards

Mandurah has been named the winner of the 2023 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Award for the second year in a row at the 2023 Perth Airport WA Regional Tourism Conference Dinner last week. In the Small Tourism Town category, the Gold Medal was awarded to Exmouth, also for the second year running. In the category of Tiny Tourism Town, the Gold Medal was awarded to Dwellingup, with Pemberton winning Silver and New Norcia claiming Bronze. Each town will win an airtime package with 7West Media. Visitor Centres enter the awards on behalf of their destination, and entrants are required to submit a short video, itinerary and editorial article, to be reviewed by a panel of industry judges before the public have their say.

Tours, Attractions & Accommodation 

Boutique accommodation achieves Eco Certification and net zero carbon status

Hand planting 6,000 rose gum saplings on their 100-acre family farm 14 years ago set Busselton couple Andrew and Fran Robinson on an unanticipated environmental journey. Thanks to these trees, and plenty of dedicated hard work, the couple has just achieved Eco Certification for nature tourism for their multi-award-winning boutique accommodation facility, Tree Chalets. Located just 15 minutes from the coastal town of Busselton, it is one of Australia’s only holiday accommodation facilities to achieve net zero carbon emissions by their own means. The property works with local businesses to enhance the visitor experience – offering masseurs, local produce hampers, farm produce tours and country hospitality. 

Alisa Cabin in WA's South West

Discover nature with Tiny Cabins in WA’s countryside

Heyscape Tiny Cabins is a locally owned business in WA, operated in collaboration with enthusiastic landowners to feature their cosy cabins on stunning and secluded properties that introduce their unique regions to visitors. Cabins are entirely self-sufficient, relying on solar power, batteries and a water tank, making them the perfect retreat for couples or individuals seeking to disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with nature and each other.

The newest addition to the Heyscape Tiny Cabins is Alisa, nestled in a charming landscape of Whicher Ridge Wines, located just 20 minutes outside of Busselton in WA’s South West. This is a remarkable spot to taste some family-made wines at an award-winning cellar door, while kangaroos graze nearby in the evening and black cockatoos soar overhead.

Walkers can enjoy a new walkway across WA’s iconic dam and mural

A brand-new walkway in Collie is now open, spanning 367 metres across the top of the Collie Mural Trail, an outdoor art gallery connecting Wellington Dam with Collie’s town centre. Walkers will be able to experience a fresh perspective of the expansive dam and the mega-mural ‘Reflections’ by Australian artist Guido van Helten, that depicts stories and photography of locals. Collie’s new walkway is located 213 kilometres south of Perth and now allows walkers to complete the 87 kilometre Wiilman Bilya Trail around the reservoir, making it one of the largest public murals in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Postmaster sculpture by Georgia Zoric

WA’s iconic jetty adding to its underwater experience

This month, 13 underwater sculptures will be placed below the Busselton Jetty in the Margaret River Region of WA’s South West, to create a sculpture trail and underwater reef. This new addition is a submerged experience for divers, swimmers and snorkellers, while the sculptures create new habitat for local marine wildlife. Sculptures featured in this project are a tribute to WA, designed by local artists and displayed within one of the state’s most iconic destinations. To enhance the immersive experience for visitors, special signage and a map will be provided for the underwater journey. 

Le Petit Chateau Gyspy Wagon

Escape to the French countryside in Bridgetown

Experience a touch of France in the countryside of Bridgetown, with a stay at Le Petit Chateau Luxury Accommodation’s newest offering, in a vintage Gypsy Wagon. Located right on the banks of the Blackwood River, in Australia’s South West, you are instantly immersed into nature, surrounded by gum trees. The wagon sleeps two in a comfortable queen bed with electric blankets to keep guests toasty warm. Visitors will enjoy a rustic outback bathroom experience with a wine barrel bath and outdoor shower, all set within large glass windows and ceiling to take in your setting. This unique stay will also see guests lazing in the wooden wagon wheel chairs around a fire pit to watch the amazing stars at night.

Ningaloo World Heritage Area

Uncover the wonders of WA’s landscape with a local guide

Experience Ningaloo World Heritage Area and learn firsthand about the otherworldly region from a local. Owner of Ningaloo Quest, Michael McNab, grew up exploring the Coral Coast region throughout his childhood and now hopes to showcase the landscape and share his knowledge through small, guided tours. You can witness some true marvels of the Ningaloo World Heritage- Listed area or reserve a safari tour to discover the iconic gorges in Karijini National Park.

New Giant coming to Mandurah’s foreshore

A highly anticipated addition to world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo's Australian-first Giants of Mandurah sculpture trail is just about to arrive. After working closely with Dambo and partners, FORM Building a State of Creativity and the City of Mandurah are pleased to reveal this new Giant will take up residence at Coodanup foreshore. After installation, a free family event celebrating the Giants of Mandurah will be held at Coodanup foreshore (with dates to be confirmed shortly).

Steven the Dingo

Dingo encounters at Wooleen Station

Wooleen Station, located 700 kilometres north-east of Perth in the Murchison region, is now offering dingo education and encounter experiences after welcoming two pure Australian Dingoes, Eualia and Steven, to the station. The station is well known for combining strong support for dingo protection with sustainable practices with their animals.  Frances and David Pollock, owners of Wooleen Station, complement this endeavour with an award-winning eco-tourism business aimed at educating visitors on sustainable pastoralism and regenerative tourism. Dingo talks and encounters are now available to visitors at the station’s brand-new reception and café.

Pinnacle Travel Group preserves legacy of regional transportation

Integrity Coachlines has been a well-known WA business for decades, providing express bus transfers from Perth to Port Hedland and Broome. Recently, the family-owned integrated transportation company Pinnacle Travel Group acquired Integrity Coachlines. The coachline company has played an important role in connecting regional communities and tourists. The new owners will maintain this legacy, continuing to provide exceptional service to travellers through Pinnacle Travel Group.

Travel through the history of the Southern Wheatbelt region

The Southern Tourism Alliance of Western Australia will be inviting guests on a self-drive journey through the Great Southern and Southern Wheatbelt with its distinctive Indigenous cultural heritage, its cozy country pubs and curious towns. People will converge in Katanning, before making their way further south from 21-23 June. The weekend will include a guided walking tour, a tag-along convoy travelling through wheatbelt and woodland country, a unique indigenous cultural experience and a homestead tour. Highlight event of the weekend will be a Gala Dinner at the Hyden Hotel showcasing the wonderful produce of region. For further information and tickets visit the website.

Food & Wine 

Artist impression of South Camp accommodation

Southcamp foodie offering now open

Southcamp is located in Dunsborough, within a new village in the centre of town, including a brewhouse bar and beer garden, a great coffee place and a continental grocer. A unique hospitality experience where craft and the South West is celebrated, Southcamp has 18 cosy timber cabins, 2 comfy apartments which are set amongst the bush, fully set up for a South-West getaway complete with surf boards and bikes for hire. The new foodie offering opened this month in partnership with Albany’s Wilson Brewing Co, with accommodation due to be available in June 2023.

Authentic Northern American cuisine made in Margaret River with local ingredients

Canadian chef Robert Webster has called Margaret River home since 2018, when he immediately noticed a lack of authentic North American food in the Region. He started Normal Van as a mobile food truck that is constantly exploring new locations in Margaret River and collaborating with friends who share the same mission of championing local business.

The menu changes every season to ensure food is fresh and dynamic, adapting to the availability of ingredients and resulting in a daily rotation of delicious delights. Just about everything enjoyed by customers is made from scratch, including hot sauce, potato brioche buns, pickles and smoked briskets.

Rosie's Deli in Cowaramup

Rosie’s Deli offering you a glimpse into her home kitchen

Don’t let the name fool you. Opening in late 2022 along the Cowaramup strip in the Margaret River Region, Rosie Griffith’s new hospitality offering is like wandering into someone’s dining room for a shared meal. She’s the chef owner with serious credentials, having worked alongside Tony Howell at the luxury Cape Lodge for six years. Rosie describes this as stepping into her home, right on the Cowaramup main street. She even brings the food to your table in the most intimate of settings, with a maximum 40 very lucky diners.

Regional WA welcomes a game-changer for coffee lovers

Margaret River Roasting Company’s James Tischhauser, celebrated coffee roaster Isaac Kara and one of the state’s best chefs, Brendan Pratt, have joined forces to create Coffee Heads. The trio is redefining what drive-through coffee means for locals and visitors, with the creation of the Coffee Heads app that allows customers to order custom-blended coffee on the go and pick up quickly, with hopes of breaking the slow drive-through stigma.

Brendan Pratt is a much-loved local, having spent the last five years heading up Vasse Felix’s award-winning restaurant. In his new venture, he is collaborating with local bakers and butchers to source high-quality produce for Coffee Heads.  Coffee Heads is located in Vasse and welcomes travellers making a quick stop in the South West region, whether they are arriving or leaving.

Cabin Fever long table dinner event

Break the winter boredom and head to Cabin Fever 2023

Cabin Fever is a 10-day destination winter festival held each July throughout the Margaret River Region. Festival favourites are back in 2023 with more than 40 events dotted from Busselton to Margaret River and everywhere in between. The festival highlights the diverse range of experiences throughout the region with a series of unique events featuring regional produce, award-winning wine and beverages, live music, art and entertainment.

Quest East Perth's new venue, Folly

Elevated elegance at Quest East Perth’s top venue

Nestled at the top of Quest East Perth, Folly offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Perth city, including the WACA and Optus Stadium. Guests can take in the panoramic views while sipping on a classic cocktail on the veranda, or enjoy a meal in the lush leafy green dining room. Chef Jose Perez-Baros offers a concise menu of bar snacks, inspired by global flavours that include Sichuan spiced dumplings, Korean fried cauliflower or Fremantle octopus with an extra nduja kick.

ARARA offering a South American multi-venue vibe to Perth city

Opening just last week, ARARA, is heading to Queen Street located in the inner city of Perth, once home to the iconic gin bar, The Flour Factory. This new vibrant multi-level venue includes multiple bars, a rooftop garden, colourful laneways, and an impressive new 60-person restaurant, Tupí. Led by Brazilian-born Head Chef Diego Machado de Mello, known for his work at The Brisbane Hotel and Santini Bar and Grill, ARARA combines the vibrant colours, textures, bold food, and rhythmic music of The Americas.

Yiamas located in Subiaco

Experience the flavours of Greece

The latest addition to Subiaco’s food scene, Yiamas, will bring rich wood-fired flavours of ancient Greece to the table. Located on Denis Street, Yiamas marks a new beginning for the venue, located in the inner-city suburb of Subiaco, which previously housed family-style Greek restaurant, George’s Maze, for over two decades. The menu showcases grilled seafood, chicken, and meat, alongside classic Greek accompaniments such as hummus, tzatziki, succulent lamb meatballs and a unique twist on the classic Greek salad.

Margaret River distilled Lavender Gin

Smilov Spirits are distilled in Margaret River and created by a husband and wife duo who released a premium blended vodka during COVID in 2021.  Recently launching Lavender Purple Gin made with premium ingredients and featuring a flavour profile that is of a classic dry gin, it accents infused botanical notes of juniper, citrus and a floral essence of lavender. It is an inspired gin with a natural colouring that is reflected in its subtle taste.

Leederville is the new cheese and wine heaven

Powells Fromagerie and Wine Bar has recently opened on Electric Lane in Leederville, offering a heaven for cheese lovers and fine wine enthusiasts. The establishment was created by Perth’s platter queen Jasmine Powell, who is also the director of @tapasaddict. The sophisticated space is filled with Perth’s finest cheeses and gourmet nibbles, along with a wide selection of beverages to complement your tasting experience.

Events

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