Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia

October 2022

Kaya ,

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

We're now in the Noongar season Kambarang (early summer) of the South West with yellow flowers like acacia signaling the return of hot weather. The warmer weather welcomes the start of summer markets, the season of shows, and shifts in human and (animal) travel – the return of big ship cruising welcomes the Coral Princess into Fremantle at the end of October, turtles begin their nesting season along the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast, and the long-awaited exploration of renowned Danish Artist Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah, presents a whimsical larger-than life experience that visitors won’t want to miss.

With more sunshine and movement around the State, This is WA October.

What's Hot

Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah make their Australian debut

In five secret locations throughout Mandurah and the wider Peel region, whimsical, larger-than-life wooden sculptures, standing around five metres tall will be on display for visitors to discover and explore from November 12 in this free world-class event, Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah.

Internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo has created 80 sculptures globally, with this project being arguably one of his most ambitious to date. Dambo's practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with the Giants of Mandurah intentionally designed as a game of self-discovery that celebrates and encourages stewardship and protection of the Peel region's natural environment, Traditional Owners of the Bindjareb people. 

The hunt for Dambo's Giants will begin at the Mandurah Visitor Centre, where visitors will receive a clue to the Giants' locations. They will then need to explore the region to locate each Giant, collecting a special symbol at each site along the way. All symbols need to be entered into a special codebreaker at the Mandurah Visitor Centre to reveal the location of the final secret Giant. 

This unique public art event is initiated and produced by FORM – Building a State of Creativity Inc., and further information including tips, resources and a map can be found through the Giants of Mandurah website.  

Big Ship Cruising returns to Western Australia – Luxury Liner Coral Princess set to arrive in Fremantle  

For the first time in two-and-a-half years, six large cruise ships will return to Western Australia with more than 10,000 passengers expected to visit the State between October and December 2022. The first large cruise ship Carnival Australia’s luxury liner Coral Princess will return into the Port of Fremantle on October 28, followed by Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth arriving on November 7 into Perth. The return of big ship cruising complements the comeback of the Kimberley cruise season and smaller expedition ships since April.

Shipwreck Hunters Australia launches on Disney+

Disney’s Shipwreck Hunters Australia hit screens around the world this week, as a team of adventurous divers and underwater filmmakers along with expert maritime archaeologists from the WA Maritime Museum, hunt for long-lost shipwreck secrets in remote locations off the coast of Western Australia.

WA’s own Nush Freedman, an underwater camera operator based in Exmouth, gateway to Ningaloo Reef, stars as one of five divers and the only female Shipwreck Hunter. Through six episodes discover dramatic stories and incredible wildlife, where decks and gangways are taken over by corals and reef fish. From the most horrific mutiny, the Batavia in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, to world-class diving on the HMAS Swan off the coast in the Margaret River Region.

Matt Moran announced as Shore Leave Festival’s guest chef

Acclaimed Australian Chef Matt Moran is set to attend the annual Shore Leave Festival – hosting and curating the menu for the Midwest Paddock to Plate event, presented by Midwest Port. Shore Leave Festival will take place in the Coral Coast city of Geraldton from April 27 to 30, 2023 and showcases the region's seafood, culture and adventure with a packed program of events. Tickets are on sale now for Midwest Paddock to Plate at Yanget Farm, a 1900s homestead and station - along with other signature events such as the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch. The coastal city of Geraldton is just a one hour flight north of Perth, or a four-and-a-half hour drive.

WA Photographer receives global recognition at Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards 

Western Australia photographer Brooke Pyke has received international acclaim, taking home the Female Fifty Fathoms award at Oceanographic Magazine’s annual Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022 competition in London. Based in Exmouth, Brooke was recognised in the prestigious awards for her portfolio capturing the diverse marine life thriving in Ningaloo Marine Park, including whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. She is the underwater photographer with Live Ningaloo, one of the Exmouth tour operators that provides in-water experiences and snorkelling tours in Ningaloo Reef.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year award winner French Polynesia-based Ben Thouard, will travel to Western Australia in 2023 to capture the State’s coastline as part of his prize, with the winner announcement videos shot on location in WA and featuring iconic locations such as Shark Bay along the Coral Coast and Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth. 

Exmouth named Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town

The Coral Coast town of Exmouth has been named Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town at the 2022 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards presented by the Tourism Council of Australia and supported by Tourism Australia. A 1.5 hour flight or 13-hour drive north of Perth, Exmouth is the gateway to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, home to the world’s largest fringing reef, the Ningaloo Reef, and one of the world’s best locations for swimming with whale shark tours. Also adding to the list of WA accolades, Jamie Van Jones, Operator of Salt and Bush Eco Tours, boutique-guided nature walks and kayak tours just south Mandurah in Perth’s Peel Region, was named Australia’s Top Tour Guide.

New Perth Airport Trainline creates easy access to Perth City

Visitors arriving into Perth Airport can now access Perth City in less than 20-minutes thanks to the new Metronet Airport line. Trains will operate every 12 minutes in peak, every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night between suburbs High Wycombe and Claremont in Perth. The new Airport Line is the only train service in the country that will transport commuters to and from the airport at the regular fare, capped at $5 per passenger, making travel affordable and accessible to accommodation and attractions. 

Tours, Attractions & Accommodation 

Heritage venue the Terrace Perth reopens 

One of Perth City’s favourite heritage venues, The Terrace Perth has re-opened its doors after two years just in time for warmer weather. Originally named Bishop’s Grove, St George’s House was built in 1892 and resides in the West end of Perth’s central business district. Extensive renovations for the hotel were completed in 2012, kicking off a proliferation of new and revitalised hotel developments across the city. Architect Jean-mic Perrine helped transform the venue into a boutique hotel with 15 rooms and a restaurant, which offers a range of casual dining options.

New BODHI Spa Retreat opens in Yallingup 

WA’s premier wellness spa group BODHI Wellness Spa Retreat has opened the doors to its latest luxury offering near the town of Yallingup in the Margaret River Region. After five years at Injidup Spa Retreat, this new custom designed five-star wellness retreat overlooks the tranquil waters of Lake Gunyulgup, and offers a strong focus on wellbeing with all-natural beauty and body treatments, boasting five couples’ suites, hydrotherapy baths, infrared sauna and reiki. BODHI Yallingup is the most luxurious wellness destination yet and adds to the five existing locations in Wembley, Highgate, Cottesloe, Qantas T3 Perth International Transit Lounge and The Westin Hotel in Perth. 

New Lakeside Glamping at Olio Bello

Award-winning olive oil farm Olio Bello, located in the Margaret River Region, is offering a new lakeside glamping experience on its 320-acre property. Six new luxury safari-style bungalows nestle around the lake surrounded by 8,000 olive trees. Designed for minimum environmental impact and maximum luxury, each bungalow features a private ensuite, kitchenette, eco-fan, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and farm-made products. By day enjoy the gourmet produce, hand-rolled pasta and olive oil of the farm and by night take in sunset views and the sound of ocean waves from nearby Gracetown. Olio Bello is a certified organic farm located near the town of Cowaramup in the Margaret River Region, a three-hour drive south of Perth.

The Grove Quindalup opens new luxury accommodation

New boutique luxury accommodation awaits in WA’s renowned Margaret River Region. The Grove Quindalup is an award-winning, architectural home, inviting guests to enjoy an immersive, relaxing getaway among five acres of bushland, located just minutes from the town of Dunsborough. Accommodating up to eight, the luxury escape features four rooms and two master suites with private ensuites and a central freestanding bath, plus an outdoor infinity pool.

Turtles begin their nesting season along WA’s Coral Coast

From November to March each year, green, hawksbill and loggerhead mature female turtles make the long arduous journey up the beaches off the Ningaloo Coast - one of the world's major breeding areas for sea turtles - to lay their eggs. Visitors can take in the action of the journey on a night tour with Jurabi Turtle Centre, and continue exploring Ningaloo with a number of operators offering snorkelling tours to discover the marine life wonders that call Ningaloo Reef home, including turtles, manta rays, dugongs and dolphins, plus whale sharks and humpback whales during season. 

Lifestyle and Culture

Wonderland travels to WA Museum Boola Bardip

WA Musuem Boola Bardip, in the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre, welcomes the touring exhibition Wonderland, an interactive exhibition that celebrates Lewis Carroll’s timeless stories and Alice’s adventures on film. Presented by Australia’s national museum of screen culture, visitors are invited to explore Alice’s journey from book to screen, through original picture books, magic lanterns, and more than 40 moving image, film and TV moments. An immersive Mad Hatter’s Tea Party comes alive with digital wizardry; get lost in the Hallway of Doors, squeeze into a tiny house, climb a giant chair to peek into Alice’s room, and post personalised soldier avatars on the Queen’s croquet ground. Wonderland exhibits from December 16, 2022 to April 23, 2023.

Outdoor markets return

Perth’s balmy summer evenings will see the return of some of the city’s favourite outdoor markets and movies. The popular Scarborough Beach Sunset Markets will kick off every Thursday night at 5pm from November 3; in the coastal suburb of Trigg the Summer X Salt Markets will appeal to the eco-conscious; and Perth City’s favourite foodie markets - the Friday night Twilight Hawkers Markets - will satisfy tastebuds every Friday night from now until March 2023. The ever-popular Inglewood Night Markets also returns this month with almost 40 food vendors dishing up treats every Monday night. 

Open-air movies return

Perth locals and visitors can enjoy a movie under the stars, with a range of unique outdoor venues across the Perth region. Choose from a city rooftop experience at the Rooftop Movies in Northbridge – and during the month of October guests can roller-skate under the stars to retro disco beats; snuggle into a bean bag at Northbridge Piazza for free kids’ flicks in the outdoor community cinema; pack a picnic for an evening on the grass at the Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park; or choose from various locations at the outdoor Telethon Community Cinemas.

Explore almost 400 years of Batavia stories through a rich digital experience

Curious ocean adventurers will be eager to take in WA Maritime Museum’s new innovative and interactive digital experience exploring 400 years of one of the world’s great shipwreck tales of loss and tragedy– the wreck of the ship, Batavia. The Batavia 1629: National Heritage Listed Place Guide is the first interactive e-book produced by the Western Australian Museum and takes readers on Batavia’s first and final voyage, its wrecking at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and the aftermath of mutiny and massacre. The e-book is free to download.

Perth International Jazz Festival is back

The annual Perth International Jazz Festival celebrates 10 years of bringing Australian and international jazz music to Western Australia. Both ticketed and free community activities for all ages will fill open air venues in iconic outdoors venues from Perth Cultural Precinct to Hyde Park (November 4 to 6), and on tour in Busselton and Yallingup in the Margaret River Region (November 12 to 13). Each year the Perth International Jazz Festival promotes jazz music throughout Perth, Australia and internationally.

Food and Wine

The Bassendean Hotel Is back 

After two years and a $7 million renovation, the historic Bassendean Hotel is back serving patrons in the Perth suburb of Bassendean. Architectural firm Woods Bagot and local historians worked together to restore the 1930s pub’s historic charm and character. The Bassendean Hotel is now welcoming locals and visitors to enjoy live music and entertainment amongst its cosy lounges, saloon bars, a speakeasy, state-of-the-art sports bar and family-friendly courtyards. Bassendean is located between Perth City and the Swan Valley.

Lulu La Delizia crowned WA’s best restaurant

Perth Italian restaurant Lulu La Delizia has been named best West Australian restaurant in Gourmet Traveller’s Annual Restaurant Awards. Perth Chef Joel Valvasori took the award for the beloved eatery that has been pairing fresh pasta plates with regional West Australian wines since 2016. Lulu La Delizia is tucked away off the main street of Rokeby road in the city-fringing suburb of Subiaco. 

Mexican Cantina La Condesa opens in Subiaco

Legendary Perth Restaurateur Clint Nolan – curator behind nearly 10 of Perth’s favourite venues including Henry Summer, Sneaky Tony’s and Alabama Song – has brought the joy of Mexican flavours and energy to his latest creation, a new cantina La Condesa, which just opened its doors in Subiaco, Perth. Sister venue to Northbridge’s iconic La Cholita, the team at La Condesa calls it, ‘Tulum-meets-SoCal Mexican cuisine.’ An interior of warm earthy tones, and a food menu offering mouth-watering tacos, local seafood, and seasonal fruit cocktails create an authentic resort-like experience. 

Pirate Life opens two new Perth Bars: CRUSH and Honey

The largest brewpub in Perth’s CBD, Pirate Life Perth, has recently welcomed the opening of two incredibly unique spaces - heralding the completion of this sprawling, multi-venue precinct. Located at the rear of the precinct, CRUSH is Pirate Life’s light, bright and breezy Cali/Mex meets Palm Springs inspired space. The sprawling venue is furnished with 60s and 70s inspired decor, with the modern bar area serving up colourful and fruity drinks. Tucked away in the basement below is rum bar - honey; a broody and intimate space connected to CRUSH through a huge open balustrade balcony. The venue showcases an impressive 10-metre-long cocktail bar, where darker spirits play the hero, and serves up a selection of tasty bar bites. The two new venues coincide with a new alfresco space on the venue’s frontage, adding to the existing in-house brewery and restaurant TOMA.

Parisienne-style Café and Bistro La Lune opens in Fremantle

La Lune, a charming Parisienne-style cafe, bar and bistro, has opened in a gorgeous light-filled heritage space on George Street in East Fremantle. The venue’s relaxed all-day dining concept is inspired by New York French-style neighbourhood bistros with a menu developed with the direction of chefs Jesse Blake and Josh Chen, both formerly of Petition at State Buildings. French classics such as steak frites, nicoise salad and steak tartare feature alongside lighter offerings, with a big focus on Western Australian produce and seasonality. The venue is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.

Sample chocolate coated crickets at Margaret River Chocolate Company

In an Australian first for boutique chocolatiers, WA’s Margaret River Chocolate Company has introduced chocolate-coated edible insects to its sweet treat offerings.  Partnering with Pinjarra-based Grubs Up Australia in Perth’s Peel Region, its first insect-based product is a crunchy, milk chocolate coated 'cricket cluster', made with whole, roasted crickets. Margaret River Chocolate Company has produced award-winning chocolate for more than 20 years with stores in Perth’s CBD and the Swan Valley, along with its flagship store in the Margaret River Region.

Events

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