Travel and lifestyle news from Western Australia

April 2023

Kaya ,

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

We are in the last month of Noongar season Bunuru – the adolescence season.

Western Australia (WA) is still experiencing long warm days and shorter nights, so this time is traditionally best for living and fishing by the coast, rivers and estuaries and Noongar food would consist of fresh seafood. This season brings a sense of wonder for all to explore undiscovered and hidden spots across WA.

The vast land of Western Australia is an unpolished gem that offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures and experiences for everyone.

This is WA in April.

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Cable Beach in Australia's North West

Cable Beach voted one of the best in the world

Located in WA’s Kimberley region, Broome (Rubibi) is best recognised for its beautiful Cable Beach. The iconic destination was voted the third-best beach in the world in Tripadvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Awards, behind Baia Do Sancho in Brazil, and Eagle Beach in Aruba. With vast white sand stretching across 22 kilometres of beach and dramatic sunsets, Cable Beach has become a bucket-list spot for visitors from around the world.

To top off the spectacular views, visitors can ride a camel along the beach to get a different perspective of the magical location, sip on a cocktail at one of the bars, or enjoy a sunset dinner.

Voyager at Hutt Lagoon, Pink Lake 

WA band represents Australia at Eurovision

Perth (Boorloo) band Voyager is set to rock the world stage as they represent the synth metal musical genre and Western Australia at the 67^th Eurovision Song Contest. The music video for their song ‘Promise’, which they are officially taking to the global event, features WA’s dreamlike landscapes including Hutt Lagoon, Pink Lake and Kalbarri National Park. Following in the footsteps of Aussie icons Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and Kate Miller-Heidke, Voyager is preparing to rock the stage in Liverpool, with more than 160 million viewers expected to watch the contest between 9 to 13 May 2023.

Esperance (Kepa Kurl) 

Esperance voted as one of most-loved places to visit in the world

Esperance (Kepa Kurl) has been listed as one of the most-loved travel destinations in the world in the Tourism Sentiment Index 2023.  Coming in at number 12, Kepa Kurl is the Aboriginal name for the town of Esperance meaning, "where the water lies like a boomerang", which is evident from the many pristine bays that line the coast.

A 90-minute flight or an eight-hour drive from Perth, Esperance wows visitors with its abundance of natural beauty, white sandy beaches, outdoor adventures, national parks and wildlife.  Perth, Margaret River and Exmouth also made it into the top 100.

Boab Tree in Kununurra. Credit: Sean Scott

Discounted Tours and Experiences in the Kimberley

Ancient rock formations, untouched wilderness and remarkable wildlife – no place captures the imagination quite like the Kimberley. Despite recent flooding, the Kimberley is still welcoming holidaymakers and preparing for the 2023 tourism season.

A voucher incentive program to boost bookings for local tourism operators was launched last month, offering up to 50 percent off tours and experiences in Broome, Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) and Derby. The discounted tours and experiences are valid for travel through to 30 September 2023, and will remain on offer until 30 June or until funding is exhausted. The voucher incentive program is part of the WA Government’s $6 million Tourism Flood Recovery Package being delivered by Tourism WA to help tourism operators in the Kimberley who were affected by flooding earlier this year.

The package also includes 19,000 discounted airfares from Perth to Broome, and Perth to Kununurra, as part of a national marketing campaign to share the message that the region is well and truly open for tourism, and to support impacted overland and multi-day tourism operators.

If unsure whether their Kimberley trip has been impacted, travellers are urged to contact their accommodation or tour providers before changing their bookings.

Tours, Attractions & Accommodation 

Take to the sky and WA coastline for the trip of a lifetime

Soar across WA’s coastline in the trip of a lifetime with Scenic Helicopters. Flying from Broome to Perth (or vice versa) following the coast, passengers can view the changing landscapes from the rugged Kimberley, the tidal deltas of the Pilbara, the magnificent World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park (Nyinggulu) and the grassy shallows near Shark Bay. The eight-day helicopter trip includes the very best of WA’s experiences – sunset camel rides in Broome, swimming with humpbacks in Coral Bay, a river cruise and skywalk in Kalbarri, an Aboriginal experience in Karratha and fishing among the Pilbara’s Mackerel Islands.

The flight-only option is available from $7990 per person, or to experience all the tours along the way is $13,990 per person.

Dale Tilbrook from Maalinup Gallery

Authentic Aboriginal Gallery relocated to the Swan Valley 

A must-see destination in Perth’s Swan Valley is Maalinup Gallery, owned and operated by Wardandi Bibbulman woman Dale Tilbrook and her brother Lyall.

Having recently moved to a new home at Mandoon Estate, Maalinup Gallery also offers visitors a selection of native Australian herbs and spices to try and buy, exquisite hand painted glassware, woodware and ceramics and Aboriginal art by local artists that tell a story of connection to the land.

Mandoon Estate is located on traditional Noongar land and visitors can learn more about the history of the area by joining Dale’s Bush Tucker Tasting and Talk. Listen to Dale’s wisdom as she takes you on a cultural journey with ancient Aboriginal stories about farming methods, foods of the land and the meaning of the land.

Tiny Matilda located in Bridgetown

WA’s first tiny home-escape

Tiny Matilda is the first wellness retreat venture by Into the Wild Escapes in Western Australia. Located near Bridgetown, just over three hours' drive south-east of Perth, experience an off-grid getaway in a sustainable tiny home with space for up to four guests, with a queen bed and second double bed in the loft. These tiny homes are inspired by nature and are minimalist in design for a simplistic escape from city life, with solar heating and cooling, contemporary furniture, and an outdoor deck for enjoying a glass of wine (or coffee) while taking in the Marri Forest and native wildlife. Furry friends are welcome to join in the nature experience. 

Peddle through Perth’s quirky City of Fremantle

Peddle Perth has launched tours in Perth’s port city of Fremantle (Walyalup).

Known for its cultural and nightlife tours in Perth’s CBD and Northbridge, Peddle Perth is now exploring the vibrant streets of Fremantle with museums, galleries, art, coffee culture and pubs on every corner. Discover Fremantle with an interactive local guide and have a truly unique and memorable time exploring Freo.

The Jetwave Pearl 

Visit one of the world’s greatest natural phenomenons

Witness one of WA’s natural phenomena and ‘one of the greatest wonders of the world’, Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim) with the Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury Stay.

Experience the power of this natural attraction as the massive Kimberley tides turn each day. Depart from Talbot Bay and begin a 24-hour voyage through Horizontal Falls on a ‘floating hotel’, the Jetwave Pearl, offering an exclusive base for a maximum of 20 guests.

There are three types of room on offer, including premium cabins with a queen bed, private ensuite and balcony. Passengers will take to the sky with helicopter views of the Falls and finish their day with a resident shark show, swimming in the marine viewing enclosure and enjoy locally-sourced produce for dinner.

Newest glamping experience in WA’s South West

Escape from the city and relax on 100 acres of vast natural beauty, and share the sunrise and sunset with local wildlife at Willow Wood Glamping Retreat. Opening at the end of April, the retreat is located in WA’s world-class South West region at Ambergate, between Busselton (Undalup) and Margaret River and boasts a unique glamping adventure.

Ten sustainable eco-tents are scattered across the property, each with a king or queen-size bed, timber floors, ensuite bathrooms, kitchenettes, and heating and cooling.

An 11^th tent will be offering massage and spa experiences, using Aboriginal product, Larnwa. Willow Wood Glamping Retreat is perfect base to take in the surrounding nature and relax or embark on a journey to the beautiful beaches, vineyards, forests, and caves the area has to offer.

Swan River Seaplanes landing at Rottnest Island

Luxury trip from Perth to Rottnest

Travel from Perth to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) in style with Swan River Seaplanes on one of its Cessna seaplanes. For a once-in-a lifetime experience, glide over the turquoise ocean from South Perth to Thomson Bay in 20 minutes and visit the paradise that locals affectionately refer to as ‘Rotto’. Before landing, the pilot will fly in a low-level figure of eight scenic swoop for passengers to view the vibrant blue of the water and white sandy beaches before landing on the water. There is plenty to do on the island with regular tours, an island hop-on, hop-off bus and bikes to hire so you can explore some of the island’s 63 beaches or 20 beautiful bays. Fly return to Perth on the same day or extend your island journey to return on a later date.

Cruise the Kimberley in a day

Guests who want to enjoy the Kimberley waters but don’t have enough time to jump aboard a multi-day cruise, can now join a full day with Kimberley Day Cruises.

The day will start early in the morning, where the purpose-built vessel will make its way past Buccaneer Archipelago, Hidden Island, Silica Beach and Cockatoo Island. Upon arrival at Talbot Bay, guests will board a fast boat and cruise up to the Horizontal Falls.

The day will include time to relax and unwind, enjoy a hot breakfast and later in the day - indulge in a delicious seven course menu featuring WA seafood and local produce.

Cruises depart from both Cygnet Bay and Broome, with prices starting from $875 per person.

Food & Wine

Vin Populi in Fremantle 

New authentic Italian restaurant with rich history

Vin Populi is the new addition to the Italian dining scene for which Fremantle is famous.

It’s located in the Vin Populi heritage building, which has housed many restaurants since 1950. With a chef from Lazio and restaurant manager from Tuscany, owners Emma Ferguson and Dan Morris are sure to be onto another winner – adding on to their well-known Perth favorite's No Mafia and Balthazaar’s. Exposed plaster walls, mosaic-tiled floors, softly fluttering linen valance curtains, and charming yet timeless furniture oozes authentic Italian vibes. The menu is updated daily and revolves around local produce and whatever the local Fremantle fisherman pull out of the water that day.

Bookings can be made online, but a large section of the restaurant is reserved for casual walk-in customers.   

Fremantle’s bar culture continues to grow

Adding to Fremantle’s small bar scene is Patio, tucked away in Essex Street. The welcoming space encourages guests to connect and relax over local wines and a simple menu, including house-made focaccia, ricotta and giardiniera or you can try the hearty meatballs for a more substantial meal.

Craft beer favourites new home in the heart of Fremantle

What started as a shared passion for brewing beer between five mates, has become a shared love with West Australians.

A product of South Fremantle Brewing, Alley Bar is taking over a space in FOMO Freo.

The FOMO precinct is located in the heart of Fremantle and is known for its architecture, culture, retail, food and drinks scene. To bring its dream to life, South Fremantle Brewing is teaming up with food from Normadical and creating a menu to complement the zing of its Melon Sour or roasted malt of its Dark Lager.

Wildflower Restaurant tops the AGFG Readers Choice Awards

Wildflower takes out readers’ choice award

The 2023 Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) Readers’ Choice Awards are designed to give the Australian public the opportunity to vote for their most-loved hospitality venue throughout the year. In WA, Wildflower has won the number one prize while Wills Domain, Vasse Felix, Hearth, Voyager Estate and Twenty Seats were runners-up.

Wildflower is situated in the heart of Perth’s CBD and is best known for menus that follow the seasons of the Noongar people and showcase local produce.  

New bar and wine cellar adding to Northbridge’s nightlife

Perth's nightlife hub of Northbridge is set to welcome the opening of a new wine bar and cellar, Margot’s. Owners of the popular Wines of While and Vincent Wine have taken over an old nightclub, offering indoor and outdoor seating where furry friends are welcome and guests can try the tasting bench where local wine makers share their love of local wine.

The interior design features jarrah wood flooring and has a strong Pilbara red marble benches that aim to highlight and connect patrons to WA’s landscapes.

Lums of Subiaco welcomes new Head Chef

Lums Wine Bar has welcomed new Head Chef Nick Young, whose work experience includes Perth’s top restaurant, Wildflower. Nick has brought Lums into a new Spanish era with the venue’s much-loved tapas still available but additional meals have been developed to offer more substantial offerings. If you’re hungry, tuck into paella with squid or stick to something light with the share platters of jamon and Spanish salami served with cultured butter and anchovies.

Perth gin wins global recognition  

From humble beginnings in a 36sqm shed, WA’s Old Young’s Distillery has again received global recognition. Old Young’s Distillery was the first Australian distillery to be named Craft Producer of the year and the business was the second Australian brand to win Brand Innovator of the Year award at the global Icons Gin awards. Old Young’s gins are inspired by WA’s landscapes and native botanicals and pay tribute to the Aboriginal people of the Swan Valley.

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