Welcome to the October 2024 edition of This is WA
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Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia
October 2024
Kaya ,
Welcome to the October edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest dreamlike travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.
Across Noongar County in the southern parts of Western Australia , yellow native flowers such as Acacia – commonly known as Wattle – are bursting into bloom, signaling the start of Kambarang season (early summer). In the Kimberley region, October is the start of the Yawuru season of Laja – when the days are very warm and the humidity is high, with the first rains indicating the end of Laja. Many plants begin to flower during this time, including the white gum trees that attract the honey fly.
This week Perth welcomed the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, bringing together international government representatives, senior tourism leaders, investors and media to discuss global tourism, consider investment opportunities and explore Western Australia.
Keep reading to discover more exciting updates from across Western Australia.
What's Hot
World’s biggest tourism summit lands in Perth
Perth / Boorloo is hosting the world’s biggest tourism summit this week (October 8 to 10), with the WTTC Global Summit commencing yesterday. Under the theme ‘Ancient Land: New Perspectives’ the event is being headlined by 68th United States Secretary of State John Kerry, and environmentalist Robert Irwin. This week, the WTTC will launch its Indigenous Tourism, and its Oceania Reports which will reveal the economic impact of travel in these areas. It’s the first time the WTTC Global Summit has been held in Australia, and will elevate WA as an emerging global leader in tourism trade, with the conference expected to drive investment and development in tourism accommodation, attractions and inbound aviation routes.
Multimillion dollar rejuvenation of Perth Cultural Centre
The design for the highly anticipated rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre (PCC) in the heart of Perth’s CBD has been unveiled. The revitalised PCC will connect WA’s major cultural institutions with inviting landscaped areas, enhanced shaded spaces and greenery, and accessible pathways - creating a more welcoming public space. A feature of the precinct will be improved amenities including a new large video screen, services for pop-up events, food and beverage outlets and improved lighting. The PCC is home to iconic institutions such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip, State Library of Western Australia and the State Theatre Centre of WA. Celebrating the PCC's rich history, stories and sense of place, the design was developed following close engagement with local First Nations representatives and community members who have played an important role in the precinct's past. Building work will start in January.
Perth Track Classic to ignite Perth in 2025
A red-hot line up of international track and field stars and homegrown talent will arrive in Perth in March next year for the highly anticipated return of the Perth Track Classic. Upgraded and reimagined as a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meet, the Perth Track Classic will take place during the Australian domestic season on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The event will see international stars taking on the best of Australia’s athletic talent. The World Athletics Continental Tour is one of the world's premier track and field series, with the bronze level meet offering prize money and world ranking points which assist athletes in their quest for qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, taking place in Tokyo in September. More information, including tickets, will be released soon, with athlete announcements to come in the following months.
Little Creatures has a second home at Elizabeth Quay
One of Perth’s original craft breweries and a much-loved Fremantle / Walyalup institution will be expanding from its traditional roots to Perth’s sparkling Elizabeth Quay. Little Creatures will be situated at Nine The Esplanade - a new-build multi-level commercial building developed by Brookfield Properties. The location will offer more than 500 square metres of internal dining, brewing, and taproom space. It’ll also have 390 square metres of alfresco space with waterfront views overlooking the picturesque Elizabeth Quay. A collaboration between Little Creatures and Three Pound Group – the company behind some of Perth’s most beloved venues, including The Camfield, The Reveley and The Stables; the shared vision is to deliver the best of Western Australian hospitality, with great food and drinks, and a venue suited to all ages. The construction of Nine The Esplanade is currently underway, with completion anticipated in early 2025.
Tours, Attractions & Accommodation
New eco tents at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has announced the opening of its latest accommodation offering, with 12 new eco-friendly tents now available for booking. Located on the Dampier Peninsula, 200 kilometres north of Broome / Rubibi in the Kimberley, the third-generation family-owned business provides visitors with an immersive and comfortable experience. The site features five family tents each with one queen and one bunk bed accommodating up to four people, and seven single tents with queen beds. Each of the tents are fan-cooled and have private ensuites. The eco tents provide a relaxed and natural atmosphere for guests and are just a short walk from the pearl farm’s main amenities, including the Homestead Restaurant, infinity pool and pearl gallery. All of the new tents are also easily accessible by 2WD vehicle, providing the perfect base for exploring the otherworldly colours and landscapes of the Dampier Peninsula.
Walk amongst wildflowers with Boola Bidi Dreaming
The Boola Bidi Dreaming Centre located in the town of Harvey / Korijekup in WA’s South West has recently launched a walking tour to coincide with the Djilba wildlfower season. Walk alongside local Elder Lesley Ugle on the Ridge Walking Tour – a two-hour experience showcasing bush medicine, flora and stunning views over the backwaters of Harvey Dam to the east and the coast to the west. There’s also the Noongar Kaartdijin Bidee (Noongar Knowledge Path) Tour – a one-hour walk taking in the sights, sounds and cultural stories of the Harvey River, and the six Noongar seasons. The Boola Bidi Dreaming Centre offers visitors Aboriginal cultural experiences on Bindjareb Noongar Country including cultural ceremonies, bush food and medicine workshops, artefact and tool making, and Noongar language lessons – as well as an extensive retail range of Aboriginal products.
New adventure hub at Wellington National Park
Collie based tour company Adventure Connections will welcome a new Tours and Hire Hub in Wellington National Park this month. The hub will offer adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers a range of guided tours on the picturesque Wambenger Trails, as well as equipment hire and mountain bike shuttle services into and around the park. The guided tours will include e-bike, hiking and kayak tours, with equipment hire for each also available. Adventure Connections has also launched a Spring into Hiking Series, with guided hikes catering to all ages and interests. The Adventure Connections Tours and Hire Hub will be open from 9am to 5pm from Friday to Sunday, with Wellington National Park located near the town of Collie, a two-hour drive south of Perth / Boorloo.
Experience Broome’s treasures on a new tour
Broome tour company Broome and Around has released a new tour, showcasing some of the true gems of the Kimberley region in WA’s North West. The Treasures of Broome is an all-inclusive afternoon tour that immerses guests in Aboriginal art at the Ngarlu Jarndu Aboriginal Women’s Art and Resource Centre, then delves into Broome’s rich pearling history with a pearl harvest and tasting in the historic Chinatown. Complementing the tour is a Vietnamese lunch at Mr Saigon, followed by a Mystery Cocktail and appetizers at the recently opened Broome Closet.
Pan Pacific Perth celebrates refurbishment milestone
Pan Pacific Perth has reached a significant milestone in its multi-million-dollar refurbishment. All 392 rooms and suites in the main tower of the CBD hotel have now been fully refurbished, inviting guests to indulge in a sophisticated blend of modern elegance, scenic views over the Swan River / Derbal Yerrigan and Perth city skyline, and exceptional service. The full refurbishment of the hotel, including the ballrooms, meetings rooms and porte cochère, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Food & Wine
A new chapter for the beloved Bayswater Hotel
Local favourite, the Bayswater Hotel has reopened its doors this month after a $7 million-dollar redesign and extensive renovations. Located in Perth’s eastern suburb of Bayswater, the historic hotel’s old charm has been thoughtfully mixed with a modern design, and now boasts one of the largest and most impressive family offerings in Perth / Boorloo. Inside, there’s a lively sports bar with pool tables and its own alfresco space. The hall-sized family restaurant has been refreshed with a bespoke wood-fired pizza oven and locally sourced vintage décor. The newly designed outdoor area offers a beautifully landscaped beer garden featuring a large TV screen, and a custom-built children’s playground with an impressive 10-metre-tall tower with slide. The menu offers a mix of classic pub favourites, wood-fired pizzas, innovative new dishes, and kid-friendly options; alongside an impressive 64 beer taps featuring local brews, plus wine and cocktails.
Gibney celebrated at Australian Wine Awards
Perth’s newest coastal dining offering Gibney has been recognised with top honours at the 31st annual Australian Wine List of the Year Awards. Owned by Kailis Hospitality Group, the seaside brasserie and grill was awarded two of the event’s major accolades; Australia’s Best New Wine List – The Tony Hitchin Award and Best Wine List in Western Australia. Gibney was also a runner up for the ultimate accolade – Australia's Wine List of the Year. Judges highlighted the champagnes and international offerings that complement the local wines on Gibney’s list as a reason for its frontrunner status. Since opening in May 2024, Gibney has received national acclaim as one of Perth’s hottest new restaurants. Established in 1993, The Australian Wine List of the Year Awards are Australia’s most prestigious awards program for wine and beverage lists.
An intimate new restaurant opens at Perth listening bar
Perth listening bar Astral Weeks has welcomed the opening of a new restaurant. Ah Um is an intimate offering, with only a 25-seat capacity. Tucked behind Astral Weeks, Ah Um has the same focus on sound, with the dining soundtracks being chosen from mixes uploaded to AW Radio - Astral Weeks’ recently launched online streaming platform. Former Wines of While chef Branden Scott will join the team, curating a modern-European share-style menu.
Enjoy Chippies at the Rottnest Island Golf Club
Visitors to Perth’s Rottnest Island / Wadjemup can now enjoy an iconic Aussie dining experience – eating fresh fish and chips served from a food van. Located at the Rottnest Island Golf Club, Chippies is serving up freshly battered snapper, hot chips, crumbed prawns, squid rings and more. Open from 11am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday, it’s the ideal food stop after a round of golf at the much-loved golf course or a game of barefoot lawn bowls.
A new home for Wilson Brewing Co
Wilson Brewing Co in WA’s South West has announced the opening of a new venue at the historic White Star Hotel in the coastal city of Albany. With a capacity to host 500 patrons, this space not only preserves Albany’s rich heritage but also provides an exciting new home for craft beer lovers in the Great Southern. The family-friendly venue features an on-site microbrewery, where visitors can enjoy Wilson Brewing beers brewed right in the heart of Albany. The venue also serves as a hub for live entertainment and events, further connecting the local community and welcoming visitors to experience the vibrant culture of the region. Guests can enjoy locally brewed craft beer alongside classic, tasty pub food made with quality local ingredients.
Esperance welcomes Little Local
Popular Esperance / Kepa Kurl bakery Bread Local in WA’s Golden Outback has welcomed a baby bakery sister – Little Local. Open Monday to Saturday and conveniently located in the Esperance town centre, the cafe offers the core bread, pastry and sandwich range from Bread Local. Specialising in handcrafted, naturally leavened and slowly fermented sourdough bread, the Bread Local bakery is only open Friday and Saturday – so the opening of Little Local gives baked bread lovers the chance to sample the goods six days a week, with the convenience of a ready-made range. Enjoy delicious pastries, freshly prepared sandwiches and cold press juices for lunch on the go.
Vegan café Flora & Fauna has a new Fremantle home
One of Perth’s popular vegan cafes has moved from its ‘hole in the wall’ location in Northbridge, to the port city of Fremantle / Walyalup. Flora & Fauna serves up delicious and vibrant plant-based dishes, alongside baked treats, coffee and freshly squeezed juices. The new Fremantle location offers a bigger café space, with vintage and eclectic furniture welcoming patrons to sit down and dine.
Bread in Common expands its bakery offering
One of Fremantle’s much-loved restaurants and a mainstay in Perth’s culinary scene, Bread in Common, has expanded its offering to the port city’s historic west end. Common Bakery serves up the signature Bread in Common wood-fired and preservative free bread that’s baked daily, alongside freshly baked foccacias and pastries, and barista coffee. This will be the third Common Bakery opening for Bread in Common, with two locations in the western suburb of Nedlands.
Little Otto's Big Choc Shop to open at Busselton Foreshore
Construction is now underway for Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop, the newest sweet spot for the bustling Busselton Foreshore in WA’s Margaret River Region. Taking over the former old tennis club building, the 500-square-metre venue will create chocolates and sweet treats, as well as fresh gelato flavoured with local ingredients. The family-focused venue is owned by LCLG which is made up of six directors from two fourth-generation Busselton / Undalup families. Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop is scheduled to open around Easter 2025.
Lifestyle & Culture
The Seafarers Canvas on display at Busselton Cultural Precinct
The historic Old Courthouse Complex in Busselton’s Cultural Precinct is presenting a powerful new mixed art exhibition – The Seafarer’s Canvas. On display in the Bond Store Gallery from now until October 22, the exhibition is displaying maritime inspired works by 20 local artists with a mix of artistic interpretations including paintings, printmaking, textile and ceramics. The Seafarer’s Canvas has opened alongside a new heritage exhibition about the infamous S.S. Georgette shipwreck that occurred in nearby waters almost 150 years ago. Forgotten Voyages - Rediscovering the S.S. Georgette recounts the harrowing final voyage of a steamer sail ship along the south coast of WA in 1876. The Busselton Cultural Precinct in WA’s Margaret River Region will also welcome the opening of a new Convention and Performing Arts Centre, Saltwater, in mid-2025. The modern, multi-purpose venue will connect the Busselton foreshore to the CBD, located across from the heritage-listed Old Courthouse Complex.
Events
Cape to Cape MTB
October 17 to 20 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Australia’s largest and longest running four-day mountain biking stage race will return to the world-class trails of the Margaret River Region in 2024. This iconic riding experience includes access to stunning private trails, vineyard visits to world-class wineries, and brewery finishes, plus some of the warmest hospitality the region has to offer. Covering almost 200 kilometres with 2,500 metres of climbing in total, each day’s riding is between 34 kilometres and 59 kilometres, with a mix of terrain ranging from farm tracks to fast flowing single trails.
Perth International Jazz Festival
October 24 to November 3 | Perth
The annual Perth International Jazz Festival will return in 2024 bringing not only Australian and international jazz music, but a variety of other musical genres, to WA. Grammy award-winning jazz vocalist, bass player and composer Esperanza Spalding will headline this year's festival, performing on October 24 at Regal Theatre. Adding to the international line-up, two of the world’s greatest DJs will collide onstage, with Carl Cox and Eric Powell bringing their mobile disco to the Perth / Boorloo CBD on October 26. Both ticketed and free community activities for all ages will fill open air and indoor venues at various locations across Perth, plus bars, clubs and restaurants across Perth.
Pair’d Margaret River Region
November 14 to 17 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Wine and food enthusiasts can explore the range of dreamy events on offer at WA’s latest homegrown event, Pair’d Margaret River Region. The event showcases the uniqueness of the Margaret River Region and will tantilise tastebuds with a dreamlike blend of incredible local produce paired with wines harvested from local vines, accompanied by live music on nature’s stage. Highlight events include Margaret’s Beach Club, set against the backdrop of Castle Bay; a four-course dining event under the karri forest with Nature’s Table; wine tasting events and collaborative events with a series of dinners at Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Vasse Felix and Wills Domain.
The West Test – Australia vs India
November 22 to November 26 | Optus Stadium | Perth
Perth’s Optus Stadium is set to host the first Test of the 2024/25 summer in a blockbuster series against India. The Australian men’s team will play India across five days, as the opening Test in what is set to be a scintillating five match series. This will be India’s second Test Match at Optus Stadium, after playing in the first ever Test Match at the world-class 60,000 seat stadium in December 2018.
FIM World Supercross Championships
November 23 to 24 | HBF Park | Perth
The FIM World Supercross Championship will race into Perth in a high-octane double-header dirt racing spectacle. Perth is the only Australian destination to host two legs of the global event this year. Fully sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocylisme (FIM), the pinnacle event of global supercross racing will offer a thrilling spectacle of motorcycle racing on purpose built dirt tracks. The two rounds of the Perth leg will take place at Perth's HBF Park, which will be transformed into a world-class dirt bike racing arena with some of the world's best riders.
Wardarnji Festival 2024
November 30 | Esplanade Park | Fremantle / Walyalup
Wardarnji Festival 2024 will offer a breathtaking night of song, dance and storytelling on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar in Perth’s port city of Fremantle / Walyalup. The festival will feature traditional and contemporary performances by Aboriginal dancers of all ages. Browse market stalls showcasing local Noongar makers and artists or simply settle in on the lawns and enjoy a pre-show picnic at Fremantle's Esplanade Park.
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival
December 14 | Manjimup | WA’s South West
Fruit lovers flock to the town of Manjimup in WA’s Southern Forests and Valleys region for this gourmet festival and the chance to enjoy delicious cherries fresh from the tree. Returning for 2024, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival boasts a weekend of activities that celebrate the diversity of fresh produce from Manjimup and the surrounding Southern Forests region. Program highlights include food and craft stalls, cooking demonstrations, a Grande Parade through the streets, musicians, street artists, and a log chopping competition.
IRONMAN Western Australia
December 1 | Busselton | WA’s South West
Ironman Western Australia is celebrated for its scenic course through the city of Busselton. Incorporating the iconic Busselton Jetty, the triathlon is renowned worldwide for being the place to go for a personal best, with the bike and run courses amongst the flattest on the global Ironman circuit. 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 crystal waters of Geographe Bay. The popular shorter-distance 70.3 race takes place alongside the main triathlon.
United Cup
December 27 to January 1 | RAC Arena | Perth
The United Cup international tennis tournament will return to Perth for a third consecutive summer attracting some of the world's top-ranked players. Eighteen countries represented by up to three men and three women will compete in singles and mixed doubles teams. Perth will open the tournament at RAC Arena, followed by two quarterfinal matches on New Year's Day. A multicultural festival will also add vibrancy to the event, taking place at The Plaza at RAC Arena with roving entertainment, cultural performances, multicultural food and DJs. The official draw for the countries and players in each group will be held later this year. Tickets for the quarterfinal matches in Perth are now on sale.
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