Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia

December 2022

Kaya ,

Welcome to the December edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.

This will be the last newsletter for 2022, with the next edition scheduled for February 2023.

Tourism WA wishes you a safe and happy festive season.

What's Hot

Driving to Purnululu from Mimbi Caves along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley

Western Australia Tops Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 Hotlist

Global travel authority Lonely Planet unveiled its 30 must-visit destinations in its Best in Travel 2023. Western Australia illuminated the coveted journey list for its wide-open spaces, city adventures, amazing reefs, beaches, gorges, lakes and monoliths that provide the wondrous backdrop to a plethora of road trips. Western Australia is among six global destinations in the journey category alongside cities in Europe, Canada, Africa and Colombia, and is one of two Australian locations in the Best in Travel category. For the first time, this annual must-have guide has been reimagined to focus on local perspectives and recommendations at the heart of each destination.

WA welcomes new AC/DC inspired event – High Voltage

Iconic WA rock history will be celebrated in a new Western Australia AC/DC inspired event, High Voltage - set to take over the streets of Fremantle (Walyalup) on May 7, 2023. This new street circuit-style event will celebrate music, community and the spirit of Fremantle-raised former lead singer of AC/DC Bon Scott. National and international live music acts will perform from trucks in a musical procession throughout the streets of Fremantle, one of Time Magazine’s Greatest Places. This free, family friendly outdoor event builds on the success of Perth Festival’s 2020 finale event Highway to Hell, a 10-kilometre music route down a major Perth highway that brought together more than 150,000 music fans.

El Questro in the Kimberley

Historic land use agreement with Kimberley Traditional Owners and El Questro

In an historic land deal, popular tourism destination El Questro will continue its operations under G’Day Group, while also returning the land to the Traditional Owners. The agreement between the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian Government covers the traditional lands of Wanjina Wungurr Wilinggin people at El Questro Wilderness Park, near Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) in the Kimberley. Approximately 165,000 hectares of El Questro, stretching south of the Gibb River Road, will be converted from a pastoral lease to freehold and reserve, and returned to its Traditional Owners by the Western Australian Government. The historic agreement comes nearly 120 years after El Questro was first established as a cattle station. Known for its raw beauty and remote, untouched wilderness areas, El Questro will be leased back to the G’Day Group by the Traditional Owners. As part of the 99-year lease, G’Day Group will contribute to the social and economic growth of the region by providing training, development and employment opportunities for local young people.

True North II in the Kimberley

True North sets sail with new vessel  

Known for its once-in-a-lifetime adventure offerings in WA’s Kimberley region, True North Cruises will see its new vessel set sail in March 2023. True North II is a purpose-built expedition cruising vessel, offering a more intimate experience with capacity for only 22 guests, plus a combined saloon/lounge area, sundeck, outdoor bar deck and dedicated sports deck. A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia signature collection, True North II also offers guests barefoot sophistication, multiple adventure boats, as well as an on-board helicopter. Guests can choose from new itineraries ranging from fishing and snorkelling in the Montebello Islands off the Pilbara coast, seeing the solar eclipse at Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu), and short and long-term adventures in the Kimberley. Bookings for 2023 and 2024 itineraries are now available.

Tours, Attractions & Accommodation 

Dark Sky Festival to light up Total Solar Eclipse experience in Ningaloo

On April 20, 2023 Exmouth will be the best place for visitors to witness one of nature’s most phenomenal occurrences – a total solar eclipse. The Dark Sky Festival will take place from Wednesday, April 19 to Friday, April 21 in Exmouth, Carnarvon and Onslow, and includes a mixture of free and ticketed family-friendly experiences, including stargazing, science and astronomy activities, as well as live music performances and unique dark sky dining opportunities.

Exmouth will be the primary festival hub, with surrounding smaller events in Onslow and across the Shire of Carnarvon, including Coral Bay. Visitors, including those with existing bookings, will be encouraged to explore each region as part of their total solar eclipse stay, which is the peak season of whale shark swimming in World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu). Western Australia is the dark sky tourism capital of Australia, and one of the best places in the world to watch the stars, sun and moon journey across the sky.

Nesting turtle at Ningaloo

Exmouth Adventure Co. Starts Turtle Sunset Tour

Just in time for the start of turtle hatching season in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) Region in WA’s Coral Coast, Exmouth Adventure Co is now offering a Summer Sunset Turtle Watching Tour. From the Jurabi Coastal Park, visitors can watch nesting turtles in their natural habitat at the water’s edge as they inch up the beach and start to dig their nests. Learn the lifecycle and habits of marine turtle species nesting along the Ningaloo Coast, in small groups of 10 people. Tours take place three times a week from December to March.

New Luxury Beachside Stays in Margaret River and Dawesville

Private Properties Holiday Homes has welcomed two new properties to its ever-growing portfolio. Marmaduke is located in the Margaret River Region in WA’s South West, and Oceanic is in the suburb of Dawesville in the coastal city of Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap), an hour’s drive south of Perth. While located 200 kilometres apart, both offer coastal views and iconic WA sunsets over the Indian Ocean, sweeping verandas and wide-open living spaces. Marmaduke offers access to the famed Margaret River wine region, and Oceanic is just a five-minute drive from The Cut Golf Course - one of the Great Golf Courses of Australia.

Lobster Shack Sea Lion Tour in Cervantes

New Lobster Shack sea lion tours in Cervantes  

The Coral Coast town of Cervantes, a popular holiday stop along the Coral Coast Highway, is now offering a tour with the friendly local sea lions. The Lobster Shack’s Australian Sea Lion Tours takes visitors to the islands around Cervantes to witness sea lions playing, jumping and somersaulting out of the water. Guest will also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these friendly and playful seals. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and start from $85 per adult.

Orcas swimming off the coast of Bremer Bay

Orca expeditions to commence in 2023

The coastal town of Bremer Bay in WA’s South West region is home to one of the largest known congregations of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. Every summer more than 150 orcas and other marine predators, such as sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins and sunfish, visit the Bremer Canyon to feed on an abundance of prey. Visitors can witness first-hand the excitement of spotting these incredible creatures in the wild on a tour with Naturaliste Charters or Whale Watch Western Australia, which depart daily from January to April. The all-day expeditions include meals, beverages and on-board commentary by a Marine Biologist. The tours depart from Bremer Bay, which is located a six-hour drive south east of Perth, with transfers also available from the nearby city of Albany (Kinjarling).

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse reopens tours after restoration

The iconic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in WA’s Margaret River Region has reopened its tours and ocean viewing deck after a year-long restoration of the 1895 limestone structure. During the restoration, moss was removed, mortar replaced, and metalwork and timber restored. A brass wind instrument, removed from the top of the lighthouse some 50 years ago, has also been reinstated. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - located near the town of Augusta - a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth - has cast its protective light since 1896, and at 39 metres high, it remains the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, at the treacherous meeting place of the Southern and Indian Oceans.

Esperance Flying Pub Crawl

Visitors to the coastal town of Esperance in WA’s Golden Outback region can take to the skies on a flying pub crawl thanks to a new tour offered by Fly Esperance. The Esperance Flying Pub Crawl offers guest spectacular coastal scenery, an exciting remote airstrip landing, plus lunch and drinks at a quaint rural Australian pub and one of the region’s iconic breweries. Marvel at the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of Twilight Bay, Blue Haven, Hellfire Bay, and Australia’s whitest beach – Lucky Bay, before stopping for lunch at the Condingup Tavern, then moving on to Lucky Bay Brewery to sample a tasting paddle of Esperance’s only locally made beers. Tours start from $695 per person and run for 4 to 5 hours.

Chimes Spa Retreat in Denmark

Chimes Spa Retreat offers a new level of luxury in Denmark

Chimes Spa Retreat is a new architecturally-designed boutique lodge offering a dreamy and restorative experience, near the town of Denmark in WA’s South West region. The owners purchased the property in February this year, and have completely renovated the existing accommodation offering to reveal a luxurious and welcoming space where guests can rest and relax, whilst taking in the panoramic views of the picturesque coastline. Chimes Spa Retreat offers 10 exclusive boutique suites, all beautifully appointed with freestanding double round baths. The on-site day spa includes three treatment rooms, with two accommodating couples or friends, where guests are treated with luxurious organic products. The spa also features a steam deck, sauna, ice plunge and vichy shower. Whilst nestled amongst nature, Chimes Spa Retreat is located less than a 10 minutes’ drive from the Denmark town centre, close to local eateries, wineries and a spectacular array of south coast beaches. 

Lady Ningaloo sets sail

Exmouth tour operator Dive Ningaloo has recently welcomed a new dive charter vessel to its tour offer. The newly restored Lady Ningaloo will provide visitors with access to the underwater wonderland of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) and the Muiron Islands. The vessel is the only one of its kind in the region, and will be used for high-end liveaboard three or seven-night diving expeditions along the Ningaloo Coast – offering the only overnight dive charter service in the region. The liveaboard dive charters can be operated year-round, offering a new unique experience for visitors to Ningaloo. 

Lifestyle & Culture

The iconic His Majesty’s Theatre revitalised

The refurbishment of one of WA’s much-loved heritage and cultural icons, His Majesty’s Theatre, is now complete with the original heritage balconies fully reinstated. Removed in 1953, the return of the balcony structures across the two levels respects the 118-year-old building’s original façade, reflecting its grand opulence, while also allowing visitors to walk along the balconies and verandas. Built in 1904, His Maj, as it’s affectionately known, is a world-class venue for opera, dance and theatre, and is the only remaining operating Edwardian Theatre in the Southern Hemisphere. The revitalisation of this iconic heritage buildings has been taking place over four years, and includes the addition of a state-of-the-art orchestra pit lift, new acoustic treatments, improved air-conditioning, a more spacious box office, a new entrance and ticketing window, accessible toilets, and the refurbishment of the street level Crew and King café – offering theatre patrons a unique dining experience with WA produce featuring prominently on the menu.

WA’s South West on the big screen in Tim Winton’s Blueback

The raw, rugged and awe-inspiring coastal beauty of WA’s South West will shine against an all-star cast when the film-adaptation of Tim Winton’s best-selling novel Blueback hits the big screen. The film follows the story of Abby, a young girl living with her environmentalist mother on WA’s pristine Great Southern coast. While diving, Abby forms a bond with a magnificent wild blue groper living in her local reef. Realising the fish is under threat, Abby takes on poachers to help protect the ocean she loves. A raft of beloved Australia actors including Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell and Eric Bana feature in the film, as well as Western Australian Clarence Ryan, directed by Australian Robert Connolly (The Dry, Paper Planes). The production was filmed in the Great Southern town of Bremer Bay, a coastal hamlet known for its stunning beaches, annual whale migrations, and access to the ecologically significant Bremer Canyon, where one of the largest congregations of orca in the world go to feed each summer. After making its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in September, and WA premier at Somerville Auditorium in November, Blueback is set to open in cinemas across Australia on New Year’s Day. 

Food & Wine 

The Claremont Hotel (artist's impression)

The iconic Claremont Hotel set to open this summer

An institution of Perth’s western suburbs, The Claremont Hotel, is set to reopen this summer after a highly anticipated renovation that’s returned the heritage hotel to its full glory. Acquired in 2022 by Australian Venue Company - the country’s second largest pub operator - the original corner pub, built back in 1902, has been expanded, restored, modernised and completely reimagined with a design flair and sense of glamour. The two-level Claremont Hotel will boast a radically redesigned space with sports bars, lounges, a bistro, rooftop dining terrace and significant functions and meeting spaces, all enveloped by original balconies and newly-created open-air dining and relaxing terraces. The Claremont Hotel is set to open in January 2023.

Shui Subiaco opens on Rokeby Road  

Shui Subiaco has just opened its doors on Rokeby Road in Perth’s neighbourhood suburb of Subiaco. The new restaurant offering is helmed by two of Perth’s well-known hospitality stalwarts, Benny Tua and Leigh Power, with Benny being behind beloved Perth venues such as Mechanic’s Institute, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar and Old Synagogue in Fremantle, and El Grotto in Scarborough; and Leigh Power named 2022 WA Chef of the Year. Shui Subiaco offers a modern Asian fusion of flavours, with a balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salt in its dishes. The menu is designed for sharing, with small and large plates on offer, and a drinks list offering fun and flavoursome cocktails.

Truffle Kerfuffle festival in Manjimup

Truffle Kerfuffle returns to the Southern Forests

One of the highlights on WA’s foodie calendar will make its return to Manjimup next year. Truffle Kerfuffle will return from June 23 to 25, 2023 for the first time since 2021. Eventgoers can expect truffle hunts, tastings, cooking classes and a variety of other activities at the three-day event, which showcases Manjimup’s premium truffles and other produce in the Southern Forests and Valleys region of WA's South West. 

Zookeepers by Spinifex Brewing Co in Broome

Spinifex Brewing Co launches new Cable Beach restaurant

Spinifex Brewing Co will open a pop-up bar and restaurant at Broome’s (Rubibi) iconic Cable Beach in March. Taking over the former Sydney Cove Oyster Bar venue, and prior to that, the popular Zookeepers café, the new Zookeepers by Spinifex Brewing Co will to offer a premier casual dining experience for the North West pearling capital. After closing Sydney Cover Oyster Bar, former owner and operator Phillip Thompson has decided to stay on in Broome and take on the role of General Manager of Hospitality at the new Zookeepers. The venue overlooks the site for Spinifex Brewing Co’s multi-million-dollar, 4,500 sqm development – Spinifex Ale House. Guests will be able to enjoy a cocktail and dine on locally-sourced cuisine while watching the landmark hospitality venue’s construction.

Flame Trees in Denmark

Flame Trees Opens in Denmark

The Great Southern town of Denmark in WA’s South West has recently welcomed the opening of a new restaurant in its town centre. Flame Trees offers a 1920s prohibition atmosphere – moody lighting, crystal chandelier, oil paintings, and antique furniture complement a list of crafted cocktails, craft beer and wine from of the Great Southern alongside Mediterranean tapas style dining.

New coastal dining venue in North Fremantle

The coastal pocket of North Fremantle is set to welcome a new neighbourhood bar this summer. Overlooking one of Perth’s most popular beaches, Leighton Beach - Al Lupo will offer a contemporary coastal dining destination for locals and visitors alike. The 120-person venue features expansive windows, a sunken sunroom and alfresco dining – with a menu showcasing local WA seafood and a drinks list featuring Italian-style cocktails, local beer and a mix of Australian and European wine.

French-inspired high tea in the Margaret River Region

Maison LASSIALLE opened its doors in the Margaret River Region earlier this year, offering a  fine French patisserie option for diners in the famed wine region. Owner and French pastry chef Romain Lassiaille mastered the art of chocolate and pastry making at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Switzerland. He worked his magic at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort until opening his own venue with business partner Romain Bouthier. Maison LASSIALLE offers Parisian-style patisseries including macarons, chocolate bonbons and petit gâteau in the French-themed café and gardens. The venue has recently launched a new High Tea offering, available on Thursdays between 11:30am and 1:30pm, with French favourites such as Foi gras Gougère, macarons and pannacotta on the menu, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Espresso & Prosecco in Perth's Hay Street Mall

Espresso & Prosecco opens in Perth’s Hay Street Mall  

Perth CBD’s (Boorloo) Hay Street Mall has welcomed its first alfresco food and beverage offering in nearly a decade. Espresso & Prosecco is serving up Italian style dining in the CBD’s major shopping precinct, and is the first alfresco offering in nearly a decade. Serving up breakfast, lunch and apertivo in the outdoor licensed area, the venue will also soon open a rooftop bar. Diners can enjoy traditional Italian fare such as panino, focaccia, gelato and spritz.

Revered degustation at Wildflower now includes 8-course option  

One of Perth’s most lauded fine-dining restaurants, Wildflower – located in the historic State Buildings precinct and the signature restaurant for COMO The Treasury hotel – has unveiled a new eight-course tasting menu. In celebration of seven years of Wildflower, the uniquely elevated menu, curated by Head Chef Michael D’Adamo, features exceptional ingredients from WA’s renowned producers, including the highest quality pearl meat sourced through world-renowned WA pearling company Paspaley Pearls.

Kuld Creamery ice-cream van at Rottnest Island

Kuld Creamery pops up at Rottnest

Kuld Creamery, which has been serving up locally crafted ice-cream to Perth locals and visitors since 2016, has opened up a pop-up venue on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) for the summer season. Located at The Basin, the ice-cream van will scoop out delicious and unique flavours all made using locally sourced cream, milk and eggs. Alongside the local favourites, Kuld Creamery will also offer a ‘Rotto’ exclusive, the Quokka Traxx – vanilla ice-cream, Kuld peanut butter cups and a thick ripple of fudge.

Jetty Jump Pale first non-alcoholic beer by Shelter

Shelter Brewing Co has released its first alcohol-free beer, the easy drinking Jetty Jump Pale. Brewed with carefree summer days in mind, and with a flavour profile of tropical notes and citrus characteristics, the non-alcoholic option adds to the Busselton brewery’s core range. Available in select bars and bottle shops, patrons can also enjoy the non-alcoholic option whilst overlooking the stunning Busselton Foreshore in WA’s South West at Shelter’s popular and family-friendly venue.

Events

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