Welcome to the August 2024 edition of This is WA
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Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia
August 2024
Kaya ,
Welcome to the August edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest dreamlike travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.
We’re now in the Noongar season Djilba (first spring) in Perth, the South West and the coastal areas of the Golden Outback regions. The season of conception, the days are now starting to warm up, the flowers are starting to burst into bloom and the first of the newborn animals are beginning to appear.
In the Coral Coast region, Nyarlba (spring time) is the birthing season in Nyinggulu (Ningaloo), marked by wildflowers bursting into bloom, attracting the Jarrabarndi (burrowing bee) and Nyabarra (ants), in turn attracting other native animals such as lizards and echidnas.
Now is the time to start planning a WA festival experience, with program launches for two of the State’s homegrown events, Pair'd Margaret River Region and EverNow – a festival during Kambarang. Celebrate WA’s rich Aboriginal culture at EverNow in October, then indulge in the epicurean delights of the Margaret River Region at Pair’d in November.
Keep reading to discover the exciting updates across Western Australia.
What's Hot
Pair’d Margaret River Region event program revealed
Wine and food enthusiasts can explore the range of events on offer at WA’s new homegrown event, Pair’d Margaret River Region. Taking place from November 14 to 17, the program offers a collection of culinary-inspired events, including;
- Margaret's Beach Club - set against the backdrop of Castle Bay with local wines, bistro dining, seafood grills by local and world-renowned chefs and music by DJ Ken Fan;
- Nature's Table - four-course dining, local wine and ancient storytelling amongst the trees;
- Tasting events - including a Grand Tasting at Howard Park and New Wave Gathering at Skigh Wine, exploring the region's new generation of wine makers;
- Collaborative events - including Night Hawker at Chow's Table and a series of dinners at Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Vasse Felix and Wills Domain; and
- Origin series – featuring over 15 venues with unique wine and food pairings.
Tickets to all events are now on sale through www.pairdmargaretriver.com.
Powerhouse Lineup for Australian-first Global Summit
The next round of speakers has been announced for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit, being held in Perth (Boorloo) from October 8 to 11 - the first time it's come to Australia. Under the theme ‘Ancient Land: New Perspectives,’ industry trailblazers and international government officials from across the globe will meet in Perth to discuss opportunities for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in travel. Among many others, top business leaders include:
- Matt Goldberg - TripAdvisor CEO
- Jane Sun – Trip.com Group CEO
- Matthew Upchurch – Virtuoso Chairman & CEO
- James Thornton - Intrepid Travel CEO
They will join renowned wildlife conservationist and media personality Robert Irwin from Australia Zoo as a keynote speaker.
Australian-exclusive light show to headline EverNow 2024
The 2024 program for EverNow festival has been unveiled, with world-renowned French theatrical and pyrotechnics company Group F to headline. With credentials that include multiple Olympic Games opening ceremonies and the FIFA World Cup, Groupe F will bring an Australian-exclusive show to this year’s festival called From the Light Flow: Bena Koorliny, in collaboration with leading Noongar artist Dr Richard Walley OAM. Favourites from the inaugural 2023 event will return, including Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak and Song Circle. EverNow will take place across Perth (Boorloo) from October 3 to 7 during the season of Kambarang - the Noongar season of birth, new life and renewal. For more information, visit evernow.com.au.
Western Australia named in TIME's 100 Greatest Places for 2024
Western Australia's EV Highway has seen the Dream State named in TIME's 100 Greatest Places for 2024. A road trip is the best way to explore Western Australia's nature and wildlife encounters, 10,000km of spectacular coastline, aboriginal cultural experiences, plus unique flavours crafted by earth and sea. Made up of 98 electric vehicle fast-charging stations and back-up chargers at 49 different locations, Australia's longest EV highway will be completed by the end of 2024. It stretches more than 7,000 kilometres from Kununurra (Goornoorang) in the north, to Esperance (Kepa Kurl) in the south, and all the way east to Eucla. It's the only Australian location to make the 'places to visit' list in the new format, which dives deeper into specific stand out locations and establishments, creating a list of the best places to visit and stay this year.
Perth crowned the best city in the world to visit
Perth has been named the best city in the world to visit by global travellers in a recent Flight Centre global survey. Based on more than 170,000 customer responses from across the world, the survey revealed Perth has a satisfaction rating of 96 per cent – making the sunny capital the top-rated city in the world to visit. Perth was followed by another Australian capital, Brisbane which had a 94 per cent rating alongside Queenstown in New Zealand. From its stunning natural beauty, where golden beaches meet the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and vibrant sunsets illuminate a skyline framed by lush, expansive parks – Perth is the ultimate dream destination
Tours, Attractions & Accommodation
Pemberton’s Bicentennial Tree reopened for climbing
The Bicentennial Tree near the town of Pemberton in WA’s Southern Forests region has reopened for climbing. Visitors can climb to the first platform, located 20-metres above the forest floor. Originally used as fire lookouts, both of these magnificent karri trees stand at over 60-metres tall and offer stunning views over the karri and jarrah forests. This is the first step in a program of upgrades to both the Bicentennial and Gloucester trees so they can be fully reopened for climbing. The next stages include an upper tree canopy experience at Bicentennial Tree and a mid-tree platform at Gloucester Tree over the next 12 to 18 months. With Gloucester Tree currently closed to visitors, National Park entry fees have been waived at Gloucester National Park, and visitors are being encouraged to experience Aerial Adventure Pemberton’s tree canopy ropes and zip-line course.
New facilities open at Karijini National Park
One of WA’s most dramatic and spectacular destinations, Karijini National Park is more accessible for visitors, thanks to the official opening of new day-use areas, viewing facilities and upgraded access roads. The upgrades, valued at $21.2 million, include road sealing, additional car park bays, and new lookouts, toilets and picnic facilities. Located in WA’s Pilbara region, Karijini is famous for its gorges of ancient rock, cool swimming holes, cascading waterfalls and vertical rock canyons. Best explored over a number of days, visitors can either camp, or stay at the popular Karijini Eco Retreat.
Creation of new National Park to protect Pilbara stromatolites
Internationally-renowned carbon stromatolites that reveal details about the evolution of early life will be protected following the creation of Purungunya Conservation Estate. Located near Nullagine River in the Pilbara region of WA’s North West, Purungunya Conservation Estate encompasses 163,000 hectares of new national park and 39,000 hectares of new conservation park. The area has been home to the Nyamal People for tens of thousands of years and is internationally renowned for the 2.7-billion-year-old Meentheena carbonate stromatolites. The permanent deep pools of the Nullagine River are also important for a range of wildlife species.
Hidden De Tours new brewery experience
Perth-based touring company Hidden de Tours has launched a new tour offering, exploring the breweries south of Perth (Boorloo) in the Rockingham and Peel regions. Taking place once a month on a Sunday, the five-hour tour includes visits to three brewpubs, with tastings and lunch included. The breweries include FOUND.LAB in Byford, King Road Brewery in Oldbury, and The Brewship in Yangebup. The tour includes guided beer tasting sessions with beer experts, behind the scenes brewery tour, and a brewery lunch.
New hospitality offering in Perth CBD
Residence on Langley Park will take over the former Hyatt Regency Hotel from September 1. The new venue aims to become a hub of activity for the Perth CBD, with a variety of accommodation options for short and long-term guests, plus mixed hospitality and retail offerings. Residence on Langley Park will feature a lively retail precinct, providing an urban sanctuary with both hospitality offerings and public spaces, designed to create a vibrant and integrated hub in the CBD.
Lifestyle & Culture
TIME • RONE launches immersive bar and dining experiences
The highly successful TIME • RONE exhibition at The Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) will debut two new exclusive sensory offerings, in a first of its kind for Perth. Inspired by the prohibition era, TIME • BAR will open from August 29. Located in the historic Centenary Galleries, renowned chef Guy Grossi has curated a menu of signature snacks and cocktails. The immersive speakeasy will be open from Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm till late. Adding to this, TIME • DINING will open from September 5 - an exclusive culinary experience located in a hidden dining room designed by RONE. Guests will enjoy a four-course menu, again crafted by Guy Grossi, with matching wines from St Hugo – all inspired by the emotional depth of RONE’s artwork. The experience caters for up to 16 guests, with two sessions available from Thursday to Saturday. Bookings for TIME • DINING can be made online.
Food & Wine
History in the Vines of the Swan Valley wine region
The Swan Valley wine region has recently launched the Swan Valley Old Vine Charter, which encourages the preservation and continued use of the region's historic vines. Located less than 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD, along the dreamlike banks of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan), the vineyards are participating in age classification by registering all vines over 35 years, including wines equal to or greater than 125 years old. The Charter recognises the age of the vine as either Old Vine (35+ years), Survivor (70+ years), Centenarian (100+ years), or Ancestor (125+ years). Wine has been grown in the Swan Valley for more than 190 years; a program of cellar door signage, wine labelling, and old vine and winery entry signage will guide wine enthusiasts through the Swan Valley region's rich heritage. The fruit from these vines can produce high-quality wine that showcases depth of flavour with beautiful softness and harmony.
Cassia opens in Fremantle
Opening in Fremantle, Cassia celebrates and redefines the art of the classic Australian barbecue. Led by award-winning head chef Emily Jones (whose culinary journey includes the likes of Wildflower, Si Paradiso and Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway), Cassia's menu focuses on live-fire cooking techniques. Designed to be shared, the menu includes an array of smoked meats, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, cooked over a wood fire. Both the drinks list and the food menu showcase the best of WA producers. The venue is designed around its open kitchen, with the custom-made 1.2 metre wide wood-fire grill taking a fiery centre stage.
Moon & Mary to open in Fremantle next month
Fremantle’s (Walyalup) newest hospitality venue is set to open in September. Moon & Mary will bring together an exciting mix of modern Asian dining in The Dining Room, casual beer garden vibes in The Rec Yard, and a speakeasy bar plus in-house distillery at Best Behaviour. This venture from Perth restauranter Jacquie Chan (who already has a raft of successful venues to her name, including Miss Chow’s, Lucy Luu and Lygon Lane) pays tribute to Fremantle’s little-known Asian heritage, drawing inspiration from WA’s first documented Chinese person to arrive in the State - Moon Chow. Moon & Mary is a bespoke build, with three venues under one roof and incorporating the existing heritage elements on the site of the Old Fremantle Lockup. Patrons can expect a seafood focused, modern Asian fusion menu, and a drinks list of premium spirits distilled in-house.
Margot’s, Martini and Wine Bar opens in Northbridge
Margot’s has opened its doors at the upper end of William Street in Perth’s (Boorloo) cultural hub of Northbridge. The 120-person venue has taken over a 100-year-old building and transformed it into a modern deli, cellar and bar – dedicated to the craft of creating the classic martini cocktail. Curated by Sesh Mafia(the team behind the CBD’s latest venue Papi Katsu and the popular Shui in Subiaco) Culinary Director Chase Weber has designed a Baltic and North-Eastern European-inspired menu. Expect to see share plates that include house-made seasonal pickles, local meats, cold and cured seafood, charcuterie and stone baked breads. From behind the custom-built red marble bar sourced from the Pilbara, the drinks menu pays homage to martinis and classic cocktails, and old-world European inspired wine list, plus an extensive selection of WA wines, spirits and pre-made beverages available in the bottle shop for drink in and takeaway.
Cherubino reopens Margaret River restaurant
The Margaret River Region in WA’s South West will soon welcome a new Italian dining experience, with the team at Cherubino Wines planning to re-open the iconic Caves Road site (formerly Frui Momento) in Spring. Masseria Restaurant will showcase a casual Italian-Mediterranean cuisine using traditional methods with a South West twist. Head Chef Ben Jacob from Yallingup Lagoon has curated an osteria-inspired menu that showcases WA produce with flavours from Italy’s culinary hotspots. The wine list will complement the menu, with Cherubino wines featuring alongside a selection of Italian and French wines from Larry Cherubino’s import portfolio.
Events
Perth International Football Cup
August 28 to September 1 | Perth
WA will host four elite women’s football teams this month. The major event is exclusive to Perth (Boorloo) and 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.
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 CinefestOZ Film Festival will showcase an extraordinary line-up of new and exciting films and events in the region’s cinemas, wineries, boutique breweries, small bars and galleries. A selection of uniquely Australian films will be in the running to win Australia’s coveted $100,000 annual film price. 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.
Gascoyne Food Festival
August to September | Gascoyne Region | WA’s Coral Coast
Australia’s largest regional gastronomic food experience will return to the Gascoyne region in WA’s Coral Coast for 2024, inviting all foodies to embark on a food festival road trip. Highlights of the 2024 festival program 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.
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 Margaret River 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.
Everlasting Kings Park Festival
September 13 to 29 | Kings Park | Perth
The annual Everlasting Kings Park Festival celebrates the extraordinary diversity and beauty of Western Australia’s incredible wildflowers. During the month of September, a pink field of everlastings bursts into bloom in Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba), along with more than 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora. Visitors will be able to take part in dozens of fabulous workshops, tours, art displays, guided walks and family activities while wandering through one of Perth's favourite attractions.
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 array of artwork such as textiles, painting, sculptures, photography and more. The art is displayed in pop-up exhibitions across 74 different venues across the towns of Albany (Kinjarling), Denmark (Koorabup), 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 and the wildflowers bursting into bloom across the Great Southern region of WA’s South West. This annual event offers a range 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 | Destination Perth
Perth is set to host 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 involving the best 48 teams from around Australia. Matches will be held at RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre and HBF Arena. Basketball fans can also look forward to supporting events such as Sneakerland and the official HoopsFest Fan Festival at Forrest Place with music, entertainment, street basketball and more.
2024 SeaLink AFL Masters National Carnival
29 September | Fremantle | Destination Perth
The AFL Masters National Carnival is a week-long competition, played in five-year age group increments, with both men and women over 35 years of age competing for national titles. 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.
Lost & Found Festival
October 10 to 13 | Bunbury Geographe Region | WA’s South West
Get lost in Bunbury Geographe Region this spring with a four-day festival celebrating food, wine, craft beer and live music. Lost & Found invites visitors and locals to get lost in the bustling port city of Bunbury and the neighbouring Ferguson Valley wine region. Both regions will host a range of events held across various different venues in the region, including pop-up restaurants and long table dinners in barrel halls, wine tasting on horseback or mountain bike, cooking and art classes, wine workshops, and rocking hoedown.
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 24at 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 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.
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