Oh Hey WA now walking the streets of Fremantle  

Award winning walking tour company Oh Hey WA is expanding into the historic port city of Fremantle (Walyalup), with public and custom private walking tours available from October 1. Explore the streets of the bohemian city with an experienced and lively guide, discovering its unique history and many gems. On the 2.5 hour walking tour guests will hear fascinating stories of Aboriginal history and the colonists, convicts and immigrants that shaped the area, as well as discovering incredible street art and the city’s hidden bars and hotspots.   

Rottnest Island’s new sustainability walking tour  

Award winning guided hiking company The Hike Collective has launched a new walking tour on Perth’s Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), exploring the environmental and conservation activities and world-class sustainability practices on the island. As an A-class reserve, Rottnest is known for its incredible landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the world-famous quokkas. This two-hour RISE: Rottnest Island Sustainability & Environmental Conservation Tour will go further to showcase what happens behind the scenes to keep the island thriving and sustainable, shining a light on the importance of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.  

Discover the wonders of Ningaloo on a new four-day trek and kayak tour  

Journey on a four-day adventure to discover the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) Marine Park with Exmouth Adventure Co and Trek Ningaloo. The new Ningaloo Odyssey Tour includes two days and two nights of guided trekking in Cape Range National Park, followed by two days and two nights of guided sea kayaking over Ningaloo Reef. Guests will go off the beaten track to explore the rugged gorges and majestic landscapes of Cape Range National Park, then traverse across coastal plains to swap trekking gear for a sea kayak and snorkelling equipment. Paddle across turquoise lagoons and snorkel through the coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef, all while camping under a blanket of stars. Tour prices start at $1995, with all equipment and meals supplied, and will commence August 28, 2023.  

RedSands release 4WD Camper vehicle The Wanderer  

WA-based 4WD camper and vehicle company RedSands Campers has released a new flagship product - The Wanderer. Offering a more luxurious 4WD campervan, the two-person vehicle includes a comfortable queen-sized bed, an indoor seating and dining area, a large fridge, storage space, solar power and a long-range diesel tank. Unlike standard campervans and motorhomes, The Wanderer provides the freedom to travel on unsealed roads without any restrictions. The Wanderer is available for booking now, with travel starting from April 2024, with pick-up and drop-off available in Perth (Boorloo) and Broome (Rubibi).  

Explore the Dampier Archipelago on a multi-day sea kayak expedition  

Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) small group eco-touring company Exmouth Adventure Co has recently introduced a new multi-day expedition tour in the Pilbara region. The five-day Dampier Archipelago and Murujuga National Park sea kayaking and island camping expedition will take guests to explore one of the most diverse marine environments in WA, and one of the most significant and diverse collections of Aboriginal rock art in the world. Explore the numerous islands, tidal channels, mangrove creeks and sweeping beaches on a double or single sea kayak, and on land, discover the fascinating collection of rock art with a ranger from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation. Tours run seasonally with a minimum of six participants, and will operate again from May 2024. 

Absolute Ocean Charters new Broome tours 

Broome (Rubibi) locally owned and operated charter and tour company Absolute Ocean Charters has recently expanded its tour offerings. The new Broome Town Bus Tour utilises the company’s existing charter buses to take guests on a guided tour of Broome’s iconic landmarks, with commentary on the region’s marine environment and fascinating history. The company has also partnered with Broome Aviation to offer Broome’s Ultimate SEAFAIR tour. The package includes a one-hour scenic flight along the coastline, followed by a sunset coastal cruise with a marine biologist guide to spot snubfin dolphins, turtles, dugongs and migratory birds.  

Discover the magic of an Abrolhos Islands night sky on a new five-day Astro Cruise 

Cruise the magical waters of the Abrolhos Islands in WA’s Coral Coast onboard a new five-day Astro Tourism Cruise with Eco Abrolhos Cruises. Search for far-off galaxies, nebulas filled with gaseous clouds, super giant red stars and giant star clusters under the night sky onboard the vessel with Star Tracks Astro Events. With 17 fully air-conditioned cabins all with ensuites, guests will also enjoy complimentary meals and a range of tours including snorkelling, cray pot pulling, fishing, marine and wildlife spotting; and discover the history of the Batavia shipwreck. The new five-day tour departs October 17 to 22, with guests departing on boat and flying back to Geraldton (Jambinu) from East Wallabi Island.  

WA Ultimate Winery Experience of Australia rebadges is accommodation offering

One of the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia has rebadged its onsite accommodation to reflect its commitment and connection to Country. Formerly known as 'The Colony', the 32-room retreat at Mandoon Estate in Perth’s Swan Valley wine region has been changed to 'Maya Maya' – meaning 'camp' in Noongar language. The land on which Mandoon Estate now resides was a popular camping location for the Whadjuk Noongar people, due to its rich resources. Aboriginal artist Samaja Miller was engaged to create the new logo for the accommodation, which represents the camp, the soil and the Swan River. Visitors to Mandoon Estate winery can enjoy numerous Aboriginal cultural experiences, including bush tucker tastings with Wardandi Bibbulman woman, Dale Tilbrook; and the opportunity to browse through the Maalinup Gallery, which recently moved to the Mandoon grounds. 

Oaks Perth Hotel opens in the city   

Minor Hotels, one of the world’s fastest growing hotel groups, is expanding its WA portfolio with the launch of Oaks Perth Hotel - its first Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites property in Perth (Boorloo). Opened on August 18, the newly acquired 190-room hotel is ideally located in the heart of Perth’s CBD. Guests can choose from a range of spacious self-contained studio accommodation. The property also has two rooms designated for conferences and events. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant, the 45-seat Oak and Vine which offers breakfast, dinner and room service with a modern Australian cuisine.  

Discover more Hidden de Tours across Perth 

Hidden de Tours has released several new tours to add to its unique range of walking and bus tours across Perth (Boorloo) and beyond. Perth Hidden Bar Walking Tour is a new three-hour tour uncovering the secret bars up on rooftops, down in basements and through hidden doors - launching in October. In the port city of Fremantle (Walyalup), a new Fremantle Hidden Bar Walking Tour launching in November will explore the range of hidden bars through the historic heart of the bohemian city. Also on offer is a new Celebrity Walking Tour of Perth with local talent Famous Sharron who will take guests on 1.5-hour history tour through Perth and Northbridge, with commentary through silent disco headphones revealing plenty of secrets and scandals, facts and funny stories on Perth’s past and present.

Naturaliste Charters upgrade its whale watching vessel 

Naturaliste Charter’s premium whale watching vessel Alison Maree has recently undergone some modifications, offering guests an incredible one-of-a-kind viewing experience on its tours departing from Perth (Boorloo), Bremer Bay and the Margaret River Region. The installation of new platforms at the rear of the vessel allows passengers to get a lot closer to the action, with the platforms almost at ocean level, allowing for an epic whale watching experience. The vessel has also had two bulbous bows on the front of the vessel installed, providing more stability and reducing fuel usage by 10 to 15 per cent. Electric thrusters have also been installed which are whisper quiet, allowing the vessel to maneuver around wildlife without the need to use engines, reducing noise pollution in the water.  

Perth’s Outback Splash to welcome a new lagoon experience  

Perth’s Outback Splash will welcome a new addition this summer – The Lagoon. Offering a luxurious oasis within Perth’s iconic waterpark in the Swan Valley region, The Lagoon features an expansive resort-style pool surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and lavish amenities. Guests will be able to unwind on sun lounges or in private cabanas, with a poolside pop-up bar serving a range of beverages. Perth’s Outback Splash will be open from September 23, with the new Lagoon opening in November.  

WA welcomes more national parks 

More than a quarter of a million hectares has been added to WA's conservation estate with the expansion of Kennedy Range National Park and the newly created Pimbee National Park in the Gascoyne Region of WA’s Golden Outback. The parks will be named in consultation with the Yinggarda Traditional Owners and jointly managed and jointly vested by the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and State Government. The area is important for biodiversity and home to more than 400 native plant species and more than 150 animal species – some not found anywhere else in the world.  Another new national park has recently been declared on Bunuba Country in the Kimberley. Co-designed and managed with the Bunuba Traditional Owners, the new Bunuba National Park will cover 220,000 hectares and protect part of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and its unique landscapes and species.  

Perth joins WA EV Network with launch of Kings Park fast charger 

Perth (Boorloo) has joined the WA EV Network with Kings Park's first electric vehicle fast charger now operational. The new EV charging site links Perth to regional towns along the WA EV Network, which is one of the longest EV networks in the world and the largest in Australia. The Gascoyne region in WA’s Coral Coast has also welcomed its first EV charger in the town of Carnarvon. When completed, the WA EV Network will stretch over 7,000 kilometres from Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) in the north, to Esperance (Kepa Kurl) in the south and east to Eucla, featuring 98 new electric vehicle charging stations across 49 key locations.  

Australia II 40 Years On  

Relive the excitement of the monumental America's Cup win by Australia II with a series of free events in the port city of Fremantle (Walyalup) on September 24. Festivities include a free concert and drone show at Fremantle’s Victoria Quay – two days before the 40th anniversary of the yacht breaking the longest winning streak in sporting history. The free concert will feature live performances from WA’s Eurovision contestants Voyager doing a special performance of the Australia II anthem Down Under, as well as the Hoodoo Gurus and Baby Animals performing nostalgic 1980s themed ballads. There will be sailing-themed activities and food trucks, and a drone show will light up the sky over Fremantle waters as the event finale. The WA Maritime Museum, home of Australia II, will also offer free entry from September 23 to 26 to see the famous yacht and enjoy the special Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition.  

Embers Bathhouse opens in Perth 

Embers Bathhouse is Perth’s new wellness destination, offering blissful soak and steam experience inspired by bathing rituals from around the world. Located in a converted warehouse space in Osborne Park, the bathhouse is the first of its kind in Perth (Boorloo). The relaxing space offers a Moroccan hammam steam room, a Finnish sauna, cold spas and hot mineral baths, plus rainfall showers with Japanese-style onsen tools. There are also facials, ayurvedic massage and hammam ritual treatments on offer for a truly indulgent experience.  

Argyle Restaurant sparkles at Elizabeth Quay 

Nestled in the heart of Perth’s (Boorloo) vibrant Elizabeth Quay precinct, Argyle Bar & Restaurant has recently opened its doors. Serving up a fusion of traditional Japanese techniques infused with a modern Australian twist, and a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The feature painting at the entrance to Argyle, and the design of the interiors, is inspired by the Dreamtime stories of the Mirriuwung and Gija peoples and the origin of the Arygle Diamond Mine near Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) in the Kimberley. Located right on the sparkling Elizabeth Quay, diners can enjoy Izakaya-style bar nibbles and sushi platters whilst sipping sake with stunning views.  

Apple Daily returns to Perth's iconic Print Hall 

Apple Daily is set to reopen its doors on September 22 as the signature dining venue at Perth’s (Boorloo) iconic Print Hall. Original Head Chef Sunny De Ocampo will return to the helm, bringing a modern twist on Asian cuisine with a distinctly Spanish flair. Menu highlights include a spicy porchetta-style roast pork cooked on the Hibachi grill, an al pastor-inspired duck taco and slow beef rib curry. Adding to the dining experience is SUBO, a select-your-own raw bar serving up fresh WA seafood with sashimi, fresh oysters and hibachi-grilled fish presented on banana leaves and hollowed out coconuts delivered to your table. To complement the experience is an exotic list of cocktails to tickle the taste buds. 

Dahl Daddys curry canteen opens in Margaret River 

Taking over the café space at Margaret River’s Skate Park and Youth Precinct, Dahl Daddys is a casual canteen style eatery serving up bold South Asian flavours. Open after 4pm on selected days, the café's blackboard menu of curries changes regularly, with dal a mainstay as well as Burmese-inspired house-made condiments and golden parathas. With Burmese heritage, chef and founder Corey Rozario has honed his Asian-influenced cooking skills with time spent at Margaret River’s Glenarty road and dining pop-up Fervor.   

New Boab Nut Native Series Beer  

Margaret River Region brewery Beerfarm and pop-up dining experience Fervor have once again collaborated to produce a ninth edition of the Native Series. This time they have partnered with Nyul Nyul custodian Robert Dann and his company Bindam Mie to procure the ingredients for the Boab Nut Brown Ale. Using the Boab fruit from the boab trees in the Kimberley region, which have been used as a source of food and medicine for Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The Native Series no.9 puts a spin on the classic Brown Ale, with the Boab fruit’s slightly tangy, nutty flavour creating an earthy and caramelly brew with a slight citrus punch.   

Perth’s latest Farm-to-table Steak House  

New restaurant The Steak House offers a true farm-to-table experience in one of Perth’s (Boorloo) outer suburbs. Located at the family-owned and operated C.Y.O’Connor Village Pub precinct in Piara Waters, the authentic steak house sources its beef its very own Melaleuka Farm. The farm’s signature herd is made up of specially bred Akaushi Cattle, a premium Japanese breed that produces a melt beef due to its low melting temperature fats. Along with premium steaks cooked over fire, the menu offers seasonal sides and entrees with locally sourced ingredients.  

Bodega Wine Bistro opens in Scarborough 

A new 60-seat neighbourhood wine bistro has opened its doors in the coastal Perth suburb of Scarborough. Bodega Wine Bistro offers a casual setting, with bright teal walls, eclectic furnishing and alfresco seating, and a Mediterranean style menu serving up share plates that can be enjoyed over a glass of wine.