Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough to get a refurb 

Perth’s / Boorloo first and currently only beachside high-rise hotel, the Rendezvous Perth Scarborough will undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Taking place over two-years, it will see the 330 hotel rooms refreshed, upgrades to the hotel’s front entrance and conference space, with additional works planned for the hotel’s swimming pool and public areas. Inspired by the hotel’s stunning and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, the refresh will have a beach-inspired theme, with new furniture, soft furnishings and artwork throughout. Last month, the hotel also welcomed spa offering, Solace Day Spa – with plans to open more treatment rooms, ice baths and sauna area for the peak summer season.  

Oh Hey WA new Perth walking tours    

Perth-based walking tour company Oh Hey WA has launched three new tours in Perth’s CBD and Northbridge, designed to provide an immersive experience, blending historical insights with vibrant storytelling led by passionate local guides. The Perth City Highlights Tour offers a quick, comprehensive introduction to the city in just 90 minutes, visiting iconic landmarks and discovering the unique history and culture. For art enthusiasts, there’s a new Perth Art, Arcades and Lanways Tour - a 90-minute tour that dives into the city’s thriving art scene, exploring vibrant laneways, hidden arcades and stunning murals. In Northbridge, the Northbridge History, Culture and Crime Tour uncovers the intriguing stories and multicultural history that has shaped the area.    

Luxury cruising on the Swan River with Perth Swan River Cruises      

Perth Swan River Cruises has started operating luxury dining and sightseeing experiences on the city’s iconic Swan River / Derbal Yerrigan, onboard a luxurious 25-metre tri-level catamaran. Accommodating up to 240 guests, the cruises will operate from November to April, departing from Barrack Street Jetty at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay. The cruises available include a Sunset Dinner Cruise, where guests can enjoy a four-course a la carte menu on a three-hour cruise showcasing the city skyline, complemented by live commentary and entertainment. There’s also a 2.5-hour cruise with a two-course a la carte lunch; plus Christmas Cruise packages with four-hour lunch, sunset or beach and swim cruises available. 

Captain Cook Cruises new experiences    

Captain Cook Cruises has introduced two tour products to its offering of cruises and charters that connect Perth to the Swan Valley wine region and Fremantle/Walyalup via the Swan River. On a new Swan Valley Wine Cruise, guests can enjoy a WA wine tasting as they cruise along the river from Perth to the Swan Valley, arriving at Mandoon Estate for a wine and macaron pairing and free time to explore the grounds. Captain Cook Cruises has also expanded its scenic offerings with packages that include access to the Fremantle Maritime Museum, high tea boxes, cheese boards, and additional activities for a full-day experience. Packages, such as the Maritime Explorer, Afternoon in Port, and Perth & Port, provide a comprehensive exploration of the Swan River and Perth's rich maritime history. 

Cruise on the Willie Pearl Lugger at Rottnest Island   

Set sail on a new cruise along the dreamy coastline of Perth’s Rottnest Island aboard one of Australia’s last operating pearl luggers. Willie Pearl Lugger Cruises will be sailing from Broome to offer Rottnest Island Day Sails from now until March 2025. Guests will discover what it was like to sail a traditional pearl lugger that operated along the Kimberley coast from the late 1800s to the early 1970s, sailing through the pristine turquoise waters of Rottnest Island. After the sail, the boat will anchor in one of the island's idyllic bays for a swim and light lunch. Tours depart Thursday to Monday, with private charters also available accommodating up to 30 guests. 

Yoga and Pilates on Rottnest Island  

Connect with yourself and nature in a new beachside wellness experience on Perth’s Rottnest Island. Evolve in You Yoga is offering morning or evening yoga and pilates classes at either Thomson Bay or The Basin, with both locations overlooking the ocean. Indulge in a blend of yoga, mindfulness and community connection set against the stunning natural backdrop of the island. The classes include dynamic asanas, breathing techniques, mediation and holistic wellness practices, catering to all levels of fitness. Bookings are essential via the website, and yoga mats are provided.  

Castle Rock Estate launches new wine experiences    

Castle Rock Estate, located in the Porongurup region of WA’s Great Southern, has recently launched three new wine experiences to complement its existing cellar door offering. The experiences are designed to offer visitors a deeper understanding of the Porongurup wine region. The Wine Flights are a bookable seated tasting at the cellar door, exploring either the riesling or pinot noir range. There’s also a 60-minute ‘behind-the-scenes' Guided Vineyard and Winery Tour, opening the winery and vineyard to visitors for the first time.  The third experience is a Private Wine Flight (riesling or pinot noir) in the winery. Set within the winery barrel cellar, guests can enjoy a more in-depth and intimate wine tasting experience. After the tours, guests can relax on the cellar door verandah or newly established terrace overlooking the grounds, with the option to add a cheese grazing box and wine. 

Get Off the Beaten Track in Denmark  

One of WA’s premium hiking experiences and adventure tour companies Off the Beaten Track has launched a Denmark Luxe Adventure Escape in WA’s Great Southern. The four-day, three-night itinerary offers a blend of adventure, gourmet indulgence and relaxation – with accommodation at the recently launched Heyscape Tiny Cabins in Denmark. Highlights include a hike through Karri forests to the summit of Monkey Rock and Mt Hallowell, an immersive wine tasting experience at Singlefile Wines, a two-hour spa treatment at Chimes Spa Retreat, a scenic helicopter flight, chocolate and liqueur tasting at Denmark Chocolate Company and gourmet dining at some of the region’s top wineries and restaurants including The Dam at Raintree and The Lakehouse. Dates are currently available in February and March 2025, and can be booked here.    

Private property offerings in WA’s South West   

Private Properties has recently added four dreamy holiday stays to its collection in the Margaret River Region.  Bunkers Vista sleeps up to 10 guests and offers stunning views of Bunker Bay, with lavish features including a hot tub, open plan kitchen, living and dining spaces, while The Stokehole also sleeps up to 10 guests and is a beach retreat with luxury interiors featuring stone, concrete and timber. Ravenswood is nestled in a secluded three-acre bush setting at Eagle Bay, and can accommodate up to 12 guests with two private studios plus an infinity pool and sprawling outdoor space and lastly, Salisterra is a double-storey home sleeping up to 10 guests in four bedrooms. 2024 marks 30 years of Private Properties managing some of Western Australia’s most exclusive family-friendly holiday homes across the South West, Great Southern and Peel regions.  

4WD tag-a-long adventure with Mabu Buru Tours 

In the Kimberley town of Broome/Rubibi, Mabu Buru Tours has introduced a 4WD tag-a-long coast foraging tour to its range of Aboriginal cultural experiences. The Binba Mayi coastal foraging experience is a half-day tour exploring Broome’s surrounding mudflats, mangroves and creeks. An Aboriginal guide will show guests traditional foraging techniques and talk to the local culture. The tour finishes with a bush barbecue to cook up the catch of the day.   

The Basin at Rottnest welcomes HAZVA  

A contemporary Mediterranean dining experience has popped up on the shores of one of Rottnest Island’s / Wadjemup most popular beaches, The Basin. HAZVA is an outdoor dining experience offering stunning Indian Ocean views alongside a menu that blends the flavours of the Aegean Sea with local WA produce. The casual, family-friendly dining experience serves up tapas-style dishes designed for sharing – with takeaway options also available for true beachside dining.     

Lola Underground opens at State Buildings  

Lola Underground has opened its doors in the basement of the historic State Buildings precinct in Perth’s CBD. A new venture from the team behind Dunsborough’s Lady Lola in the Margaret River Region, the late-night venue offers a cosy yet energetic atmosphere to unwind and indulge in after-dark activities. Guests can enjoy European-inspired bites and a drinks menu featuring a selection of Spanish, French and WA wines alongside sophisticated, stirred cocktails made with top-shelf spirits.  

Ginza Nana Alley serving up authentic Japanese experience  

Australia’s first Yokocho-style dining experience has opened its doors down a Perth / Boorloo CBD laneway. Ginza Nana Alley is a 70-person space with an authentic street-style atmosphere. The five venues within the space include Ginza Midai which specialises in oden; Yakitori Washokudo, a fire grill dedicated to skewers; Onomichi Ramen Mitsuya offers Onomichi-style ramen; Tonkatsu Kubota is Japanese comfort food with a western twist; and Monkey and Bird is a retro-inspired Japanese style cafe and bar. An array of Japanese vending machines can also be found in the venue, providing visitors with an authentic street experience.  

FOUND. Brewery has a new home in Subiaco   

A new brewery has found its home in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Subiaco. FOUND. Subiaco opened its doors on November 29 and is the flagship venue for the brewery – with an existing venue in the outer-city suburb of Byford. The refurbished 350-person venue includes an inside area and outside beer garden, and an on-site brewery pouring a range of different brews on tap. The venue’s food menu focuses on elevated pub fare showcasing the best of WA produce.  

WA Museum launches exhibition of profound cultural significance    

'Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru' exhibition has opened at Perth’s /Boorloo WA Museum Boola Bardip. The exhibition is a modern story with ancient origins, celebrating the creativity and resilience of a unique Aboriginal community through their art, images and voices. Featuring a stunning array of artworks, objects, digital projections and film, it will transport visitors into the world of the Spinifex People and their enduring connection to Country. For thousands of years, they lived in a land that few outsiders ever saw. Then during the mid-1950s, British atomic bomb testing around the fringes of Spinifex Country led to the removal of the people from their homelands. Visitors can view poignant pieces of artwork that represent their displacement during the testing, and the pivotal works that contributed to the community's successful Native Title Determination in 2000. The exhibition is running until May 4, 2025. 

Pearls and plates in the Kimberley and Abrolhos Islands  

Two WA pearling families will come together in 2025 to host Pearls and Plates - an exclusive series of culinary dining and cultural events held at two stunning pearl farm locations in WA. The Liddons from the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Geraldton in the Coral Coast and the Browns of Cygnet Bay near Broome / Rubibi in the Kimberley will share their coastal homelands, rich in Australian pearling history, to host an incredible long table dining experience. Pearls and Plates is now in its fifth year at Post Office Island in the Abrolhos, taking place from April 19 to 21 with a long-table lunch showcasing local seafood. It will premiere at a secluded site at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm from May 30 to June 1 with an evening dining experience under with local pearl meat and Kimberley produce on the menu. Tickets to both events are now on sale.