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Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia
July 2024
Kaya ,
Welcome to the July edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest dreamlike travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.
The Noongar season of Makuru has fully descended upon Perth (Boorloo), enveloping the landscape in a tapestry of clouds and raindrops.
In the lush, emerald and pindan expanses of the Kimberley region, this time is marked by the transition to the dry season, or Barrgana on the Yawuru calendar. Clear, azure skies and a gentle coolness grace places like Broome (Rubibi). The hot time of Parnten – one of five seasons – is in full swing in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, on Gija, Jaru and Malngin Country.
The month will bring forth vibrant blooms of wildflowers that are beginning to unfurl and paint the arid landscapes a riot of colours. Wildflower season in WA has now begun in the Pilbara and will continue to spread across the Golden Outback and Coral Coast regions. From now until October, visit Wildflower Country to marvel at breathtaking displays of everlastings that blanket the landscape in hues of pink, white, and yellow.
Keep reading to discover the exciting updates across Western Australia.
What's Hot
Perth’s Kings Park claims the title of Australia’s top attraction
Perth’s (Boorloo) iconic Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba) has been named Australia’s top attraction in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, which spotlight the highest rated and reviewed destinations and travel experiences around the world. Claiming the top spot ahead of other well-known Australian attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge - this stunning natural attraction has been described by Tripadvisor as the ideal day out for relaxing and exploring. Stay in one of the three Heyscape Tiny Cabin's currently resting in Perth’s iconic Kings Park until July 28. Two of the cabins feature elevated, uninterrupted views of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan), with the other offering views of the city skyline. The World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison was also named in the top 10.
Bonjour Paris! Perth direct flights take off
A new Qantas direct flight service between Paris and Perth will take off on Friday, July 12. The 17-hour flight will operate four days per week during the European summer and the Paris Olympics on a Qantas’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Services will move to three per week from mid-August 2024.
Jetstar’s new non-stop flight between Broome (Rubibi) and Singapore also launched earlier this month. The 4.5 hour flight will operate twice a week until October 26, 2024 and is expected to bring almost 6,500 inbound seats to Broome.
EverNow returns to alight the senses in Perth/Boorloo during Kambarang
EverNow will return to Perth in October, with new locations and events added to the 2024 program. The festival will run from October 3 to 7 during Kambarang, the Noongar season of birth, new life and renewal. EverNow 2024 will welcome back the immersive walk-through wonder of Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak - transforming Kings Park into a display of light, sound and projections, telling the stories of Noongar culture and celebrating the beauty and diversity of WA's South West. This year's event will also welcome back a fresh production of Song Circle, a live celebration of Noongar performance that immerses audiences in music, dance and light. It will also feature exciting new Australian-exclusive content, to be announced soon.
WA to host Perth International Football Cup in first-of-its-kind event
Western Australia will host four elite women’s football teams for the Perth International Football Cup in August and September later this year. The major event is exclusive to Perth and the first of its kind to be held in Australia. Women's Super League (WSL) teams Manchester City, West Ham United and Leicester City, and France’s Paris Saint-Germain, will be playing during the week-long competitive exhibition tournament held at HBF Park and Optus Stadium. Following the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2024 Perth International Football Cup is the next world-class women’s football event being held in WA.
World Supercross Championships race into Perth
The FIM World Supercross Championship will race into Perth this November in a high-octane double-header dirt racing spectacle. Perth has been confirmed as the only Australian destination to host two legs of the global event this year, which will also be hosted in Canada and Abu Dhabi. Fully sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocylisme (FIM), the Championship is the pinnacle of global supercross racing, offering a thrilling spectacle of exhilarating motorcycle racing on purpose built, in-stadium, dirt tracks. The two rounds of the Perth leg will take place on the weekend of November 23 to 24 at HBF Park, which will be transformed into an arena of world-class dirt bike racing featuring some of the world's best riders.
Perth takes out top 10 in Architectural Digest’s ranking of world’s most beautiful skylines
Perth’s dreamy city skyline has been named in the top 10 of Architectural Digest’s list of the 17 most beautiful skylines in the world. Sitting pretty on the shores of the Swan River, Perth’s sparkling cityscape took out the number six spot in the list of 17. The international authority on design praised the city’s undulating bridges, such as the Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge, that add a dynamic quality to the cityscape.
Greatest wildflower show on Earth set to bloom
One of the greatest flower shows on Earth is starting in WA – with wildflowers starting to bud in the northern regions of WA’s Golden Outback and Coral Coast, thanks to recent heavy rainfall. Species such as Mulla Mulla and Senna are beginning to burst into colour. With more than 12,000 species, 60 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world, the flowers will colour the landscapes from coast to forest and city to outback from now until November. One of the best ways to experience and discover WA’s collection of wildflowers is on a guided wildflower tour, or by attending a wildflower-themed event. The WA Visitor Centre also offers a compiled list of information on the wildflower season and where to find them in bloom from across the State.
Tours, Attractions & Accommodation
Eclipse Expeditions set sail in WA
Eclipse Expeditions is a new boutique cruise charter bringing a new level of adventure to WA's North West and South West regions. Four fresh tours ranging from three to eight days in length are now available to explore the Kimberley, Montebello Islands and the Margaret River Region. Eclipse Expeditions offers bespoke small group cruises available for exclusive charter. Guests will travel in style onboard a brand new vessel - a sailing catamaran equipped with four ensuite queen cabins, a main deck and a sun lounge.
Pretty Pearls in Paspaley
Journey Beyond has partnered with Paspaley to launch a new half day pearling experience in the pearling capital of Broome (Rubibi) in WA’s North West. Departing from Gantheaume Point, guests will dive into the history of pearling in the Kimberley region whilst viewing harvested pearls on board the boat at Paspaley’s on-water Pearl Farm in Roebuck Bay. After the tour, guests will get the opportunity to shop in the Paspaley Boutique whilst sampling pearl meat canapes.
Swim once more at Smiths Beach Resort
Smiths Beach Resort has unveiled a freshly renovated infinity pool and children’s wading pool, complete with cabanas and sunlounge decks. Located in the heart of the Margaret River Region, Smiths Beach Resort offers luxury beachside accommodation overlooking the shores of Smiths Beach nestled alongside the popular Cape to Cape track. Both pools are heated, making them perfect for the cold winter months and have been fully re-rendered and painted with updated tiling and new lighting installed.
Scenic helicopter flights over Ningaloo/Nyinggulu
During the month of July, Scenic Helicopters will be offering flights over the magical wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu), departing from Coral Bay in the Coral Coast. With five, 15 or 30 minute scenic flight options to choose from, guests will be able to spot an array of marine life from above, including whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales and turtles; and marvel at the turquoise colours of the reef.
Discover Burrowing Bees in the Coral Coast
A new Aboriginal cultural tour that uncovers the unique burrowing bee has launched in the Coral Coast town of Carnarvon. Burrowing Bee Dreaming runs a 90-minute walking tour that strides through the Gascoyne region, exploring traditional bush foods and the cultural background of the region. The main highlight of the tour is spotting one of the largest bees in the world, the Mungurragurra (Burrowing Bee). Only found in WA, these bees do not produce honey or live in colonies, instead thousands of them cluster together and dig individual nesting burrows. Toni Roe, named The Bee Lady of Carnarvon, leads these tours and shares the story of the Mungurragurra and their relevance to local Aboriginal culture.
Adventure into the Kimberley with Ventur Atlas
Ventur Atlas is a new WA-based touring company providing premium and immersive land, air and sea adventures in the dreamy Kimberley region. Offering one-to-six-day explorations of one of the last true wilderness areas, the western area of the Kimberley, the tours provide exclusive access to iconic landmarks such as the Horizontal Falls, Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi), Windjana Gorge (Bandilngan), Tunnel Creek (Dimalurru), Twin Flame Falls in the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and Mount Hart Station. The all-inclusive tour packages all meals and three-course dinners, high-end eco-tent accommodation and an itinerary of adventures including extensive helicopter and seaplane travel, luxury 4WD coach tours and boating adventures. Both group and private tours are available, with dates open for booking for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Lifestyle & Culture
A Quorum of Quokkas in WA’s South West
Renowned local artist Mikalea Castledine has unveiled a new art installation in the Southern Forests and Valleys region of WA’s South West. A Quorum of Quokkas awaits discovery from people walking through the Understory Art and Nature Trail in the town of Northcliffe. The life size quokka sculptures are crocheted out of polypropylene and symbolize the delicate connection between art, nature and community resilience.
Clear Mind Studio opens in Fremantle
A sanctuary for mental and physical well-being, Clear Mind Studio has expanded its Perth (Boorloo) offering by opening a second venue in Fremantle (Walyalup). The unique urban retreat experience offers cold therapy ice baths, Finnish saunas, float therapy rooms, massage therapy and a Mediterranean-inspired indoor and outdoor relaxation lounge. Adding to the existing studio in Inglewood, the new Fremantle studio is the ideal destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Food & Wine
Gascoyne Food Festival returns in 2024
Australia’s largest regional gastronomic food experience will return to the Gascoyne region in WA’s Coral Coast for 2024. Running through August and September, the Gascoyne Food Festival invites all foodies to embark on a food festival road trip. Highlights of the 2024 festival program include the Mediterranean Long Table Feast with Jenna Holmes, also known as Pasta Mama, who will be using local produce for a lavish lunch
experience between two banana plantations near the town of Carnarvon. Other hero events include the Bullara Long Table dinner experience at Bullara Station in the Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) region, the ‘Catch a Taste’ of the Gascoyne Food Festival in Carnarvon with live cooking demonstrations from renowned WA chefs Ben Ing and Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov, and Australia’s Biggest Barbecue at Mount Augustus.
Perth Plates are about to overflow
Plateful Perth is returning to Perth’s (Boorloo) CBD this year in a culinary extravaganza of unique events and experiences. Running throughout August, Plateful Perth will celebrate food and wine on a gastronomy journey across the city. The 2024 program includes more than 65 specially curated events, experiences and offers across Perth’s vibrant bars and restaurants. Highlights include Brendan Pratt’s Greatest Hits at Fleur, Shrooms and Sours at The Rechabite, a Bottomless Pizza Party at Spring on Queen, A Fromage Affair at Small Print Wine Bar and Cabernet & The Carnivore at Mayfair Lane.
Soaring into Dunsborough is a new cafe
The owners of Merchant & Maker and Elski Danish Ice Creamery in the Margaret River Region town of Dunsborough have added Sora Cafe to their repertoire. Located on the Dunsborough foreshore, the style is inspired by the beachside location, designed with aesthetically pleasing minimalist colours and decorations, to match the menu which has a less is more philosophy. Local products are used to make granola bowls, bacon and egg rolls, chicken sandwiches and green bowls. Gluten-free options are also available, making this cafe the perfect breakfast or brunch stop for both locals and travellers.
Oscars in the Valley
Family owned and operated restaurant Oscar’s has recently partnered with the team at Limeburners Whisky and Ginversity Gin to open Oscar’s in the Valley. Formerly located in Guilford, Oscar’s can now be found at the cellar door of Limeburners and Giniversity in the Valley in Perth's Swan Valley wine region, just a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The restaurant offers a modern Australian menu designed for sharing and
one that celebrates the incredible produce of WA. The food can be paired with an array of different gin and whisky cocktails from Limeburners and Ginversity, as well as Swan Valley wines and local beers.
Events
Cabin Fever
July 12 to 21 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Cabin Fever is a 10-day destination winter festival held each July throughout the Margaret River Region. Festival favourites are back in 2024 with more than 40 events dotted from Busselton (Undalup) 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.
Avon Descent
August 10 - 11 | Northam to Bayswater | Destination Perth
The Avon Descent is a thrilling two-day, 124 km river challenge, taking participants from Northam to Bayswater across the Perth (Boorloo) region. Held annually in August, this event sees competitors navigating the river in various paddle and power rafts. It offers different participation options, including a full two-day race, one-day challenges, and team relays. The event is celebrated with festivals and family activities along the river, making it a vibrant community spectacle.
RE//PERTH
July 4 to 27 | Perth
RE//Perth is a new winter arts and cultural festival set to activate multiple spaces across Northbridge in a celebration of creativity and urban exploration. Produced by ARTRAGE, the team behind Perth’s popular FRINGE WORLD Festival, each of the different event components will focus on a different theme. The program includes food and drink (RE//Birth); performance (RE//Flect), sustainable fashion (RE//Purpose), and family friendly (RE//Play). Each series will have a range of free and ticketed events varying from high-end degustation culinary experiences, dance and acrobatics shows, recycled fashion workshops, live ice carving and more.
Rugby Championship – Wallabies vs Springboks
August 17 | Optus Stadium | Perth City
Australia’s Wallabies will face off against the back-to-back world champions, South Africa’s Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium. It’s the first time Rugby World Champions South Africa have played a test match in Perth since 2017. The Springboks will compete against the Wallabies in two rugby Tests in Australia, with the first match set to occur in Brisbane a week prior.
UFC 305
August 18 | RAC Arena | Perth
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to Perth in August in another Australian exclusive, following the record -breaking event in 2023. The UFC 305 will be the UFC’s only Pay-Per-View (PPV) event in Australian in 2024, and broadcast live to more than 975 million TV households in more than 170 countries. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans to Perth, with several fan-favourite events set to take place over three days including the ceremonial weigh-in for the athletes at RAC Arena, and an open athlete workout at Elizabeth Quay.
CinefestOz Film Festival
August 31 to September 8 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Australia’s largest destination film festival is set to return to the stunning backdrop of WA’s South West. A celebration of Australian film, the annual event will showcase an extraordinary line-up of new and exciting films across the region’s cinemas, wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries. Cinema stars, top screen industry professionals and thousands of film lovers will enjoy a range of different film and event options on offer during the five-day festival.
Shinju Matsuri
August 17 to September 1 | Broome | WA’s North West
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Shinju Matsuri (festival of the pearl), being held in Broome (Rubibi) – the pearling capital of Australia. This year’s program includes an exciting line-up of events and activities such as the iconic Sunset Long Table Dinner at Cable Beach, the Jetty Gala on Town Beach Jetty, the Floating Lantern Matsuri, the Chinatown Feast, the Shinju Opening Ball and the Shinju Matsuri Festival Hub at Town Beach. The annual event is a celebration of the diverse cultures that have come together in Broome over the past century for pearls, including Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese and Aboriginal.
Margaret River Region Open Studios
September 7 to 22 | Margaret River Region | WA’s South West
Australia’s largest open studio event will return in 2024 with a huge 144 artists from across the region opening the doors to their studios for visitors to get a first-hand experience of their creative realm. Art lovers will discover painters, potters, printmakers, milliners, mosaicists, timber craftspeople, textile creators, illustrators and installation artists in some of the most unique settings. From old timber mill cottages, hobby and dairy farms to hay sheds, shearing sheds, beach shacks and breweries – it's bound to inspire creativity for all who visit.
2024 SeaLink AFL Masters National Carnival
29 September | Fremantle | Destination Perth
From 4:45pm on Sunday September 29, football fans from across Australia will walk through the streets of Fremantle, beginning at the historic Esplanade Hotel. To celebrate WA's love of AFL, the walk will end at Freo Oval where an Opening Ceremony, Welcome to Country and feature matches will follow. All participants are encouraged to wear their State's colours and wave banners and flags. Spend the afternoon celebrating friendships and footy in Fremantle.
Southern Art and Craft Trail
September 21 to 6 October | WA’s South West
The Southern Art and Craft Trail is an annual event showcasing the array of artists across the South West region. It features an multitude of artwork such as textiles, painting, sculptures, photography and more. The art is displayed in pop-up exhibitions found in 74 different venues across the towns of Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker and Manjimup. The trail includes exhibitions, artist demonstrations, and interactive experiences, showcasing diverse artistic talents in various mediums.
Bloom Festival
September 21 to 20 October | WA’s South West
Celebrate spring blooming across the Great Southern region of WA’s South West. This annual event offers an array of events and activities including arts, crafts, exhibitions, fauna and flora-themed activities, creative workshops, food events, markets, Aboriginal cultural events, open gardens and guided walks and hikes. Spanning various locations from Kojonup to Bremer Bay, the festival highlights the rich cultural and natural beauty of the region.
HoopsFest
September 19 to 22 | Perth
It's a slam dunk for Perth, with the city being confirmed as the host of the inaugural HoopsFest event, Australia's largest basketball festival. Over four days, Perth will exclusively host all matches of the opening round of the 2024-25 Australian National Basketball League (NBL) season, the preseason competition for the Women's NBL, plus the Under 18s Club Championships. Matches will be held across RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre and HBF Arena. Basketball fans can also look forward to supporting events such as Sneakerland, Australia's largest sneaker culture festival, plus the official HoopsFest Fan Festival at Forrest Place.
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