11 Sep 2024
WHAT'S HOT
World's top tennis players to compete in third United Cup in Perth
The United Cup international tennis tournament will return to Perth for a third consecutive summer from December 27, 2024 to 1 January 1, 2025, attracting some of the world's top-ranked players. Eighteen countries represented by up to three men and three women will compete in singles and mixed doubles teams in the highly competitive team tennis tournament. Perth will open the tournament on December 27 at RAC Arena, followed by two quarterfinal matches on New Year's Day. A multicultural festival will also add vibrancy to the Perth event, taking place at The Plaza at RAC Arena with roving entertainment, cultural performances, multicultural food and DJs. The official draw for the countries and players in each group will be held later this year. Tickets for the quarterfinal matches in Perth are now on sale. Tickets to the group stage will be on sale in late October.
Jetstar launches new Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket flights
Three new Jetstar flights from South-East Asia will be taking off this year, boosting Perth's (Boorloo) reputation as Australia's Western Gateway. Jetstar's new Singapore route launched on August 1 and doubled its service to six each week on September 3. This was followed by the launch of a new connection from Bangkok, adding to the recently launched service between Phuket and Perth. The three new services will bring more than 150,000 seats into Perth each year and marks the expansion of Jetstar's operations in WA.
Nexus claims top aviation title
West Australian owned and operated airline Nexus has been awarded the prestigious title of Domestic Airline of the Year at the Australian Aviation Awards, held on August 29. With a mission to enhance air connectivity across regional Western Australia, the accolade comes just after Nexus Airlines celebrated its first birthday. With a strong commitment to serving regional communities by providing regular, reliable and affordable air services in WA, Nexus Airlines has established bases in both Geraldton (Jambinu) and Broome (Rubibi), and connecting Perth to the Mid-West and Kalgoorlie, the Mid-West to the Pilbara and Kimberley, and the Kimberley to the Northern Territory.
Busselton's South West Wine Shop named wine bar of the year
A boutique wine bar and bottle shop in the coastal city of Busselton (Undalup) has claimed the title of Australia's Wine Bar of the Year in Gourmet Traveller's annual Restaurant Awards. South West Wine Shop is a wine bar with a difference. Attached to the vibrant and modern gastro-pub Busselton Pavilion, it offers a curated and eclectic selection of wines to sample and purchase, sourced from local wineries and vineyards, as well as further afield. It's also a cosy wine bar, with a thoughtfully-crafted bar snack menu. Casa in Perth's neighbourhood suburb of Mount Hawthorn took out the State Winner for WA, another wine shop plus wine bar serving up an Italian inspired menu in a cosy café-style setting.
TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION
Enjoy The View in Albany
The coastal city of Albany (Kinjarling) in WA's South West has welcomed the opening of a new accommodation offering. The View is a luxuriously appointed holiday home suitable for large groups or families, and as the name suggests, offers expansive views over Middleton Beach, Emu Point and the Stirling Ranges. The holiday home features a large chef's kitchen, dining room, and lounging space, all designed to make the most of the view. It offers a spacious king-size master suite, and three guest bedrooms sharing a beautifully appointed main bathroom with standalone bathtub. Enjoy Albany's magnificent sunrises on the sunlit balcony and large outdoor area. Located on the slopes of Mount Clarence, it's just a short drive to Albany's town centre, with easy access to Middleton Beach. The View sleeps up to nine guests and for those travelling with pets, it's also dog friendly.
Revamped suites at Broome's Moonlight Bay
Overlooking the dreamy Roebuck Bay in the Kimblery town of Broome (Rubibi), Moonlight Bay Suites has undergone a complete refurbishment. Each of the property's spacious one and two-bedroom self-contained suites have been transformed with new fixtures, fittings and furnishings throughout. A softer colour palette has been reflected throughout the property, offering a fresh and contemporary feel. The rooms feature local artworks by Broome-based artist Suzy French, and bathroom amenities from The Sandalwood Shop in the Kimberley. Ideally located in the heart of Broome, Moonlight Bay Suites also offers the perfect location to witness the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.
RAC Esperance Holiday Park expands its accommodation
After the hugely successful redevelopment project completed in 2021, RAC Esperance Holiday Park is expanding to offer more accommodation options in the popular Golden Outback town of Esperance (Kepa Kurl). The $9.5 million expansion project will deliver increased guest amenities such as barbecue facilities and open areas, increased ablution and laundry facilities, along with a range of new accommodation options, including up to 21 new one, two and three bedroom cabins, plus powered caravan sites. The work also includes the refurbishment of the Blue Waters Lodge – a four-bedroom, four-bathroom house originally built in 1947 and formerly operating as a youth hostel. The project is expected to be completed over the coming months, and some of the new accommodation options are now available to book, with stays available from December 1, 2024.
New chalets open at Ningaloo Coral Bay
In the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) region, the Ningaloo Coral Bay holiday village in the Coral Coast town of Coral Bay has welcomed the opening of four Bayview Villas. The new three-bedroom villas are self-contained, with kitchens, bathrooms and new furniture. Two of the villas are ground floor units, and the other two are on the first floor. Both have private decks and balconies. Adding to this will be 16 new two-bedroom villas, expected to be completed later in the year. Ningaloo Coral Bay offers the ideal base for exploring the wonders of Ningaloo Reef on WA's Coral Coast.
Step into zen at Perth Zoo
Award-winning Perth-based tour company The Hike Collective has launched an exclusive experience at Perth Zoo. Guests can step into a sanctuary of calm before the gates to the zoo open to the public. The two-hour exclusive tour begins with a gentle walk through the rainforest, followed by a 45-minute beginner-friendly yoga session in the calming presence of the elephants. The journey then continues with a walk through the African savannah and Australian bushland, meeting some of the much-loved locals—from lions and meerkats to pandas, and koalas. The experience finishes with a refreshing cold-pressed juice as you soak in the wonders of the wild. Bookings are now available for select dates in October, November and December.
Get Mindful in Nature with new tour offerings
Perth-based tour company Mindful in Nature has unveiled a number of new tours and experiences, all designed to foster a deeper connection with nature and promote health and well-being. The Discover Forest Bathing in Dwellingup tour offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest in Perth's Peel Region. The Serenity in the Park: Eco-Wellness Experience in Yellagonga Regional Park in the northern suburb of Joondalup offers a peaceful retreat with mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and sensory activities to deepen the connection with nature. There is also a new day retreat, the Forest Alchemy Day Retreat in Beelu National Park in the Perth Hills. Guests will participate in a transformative day featuring a silent walk, Qigong practice, and a nourishing vegetarian lunch, complemented by a follow-up 1:1 coaching session.
FOOD & WINE
Step into The Broome Closet
The Kimberley town of Broome (Rubibi) has welcomed the opening of a new cocktail bar, tucked away in the heart of Broome's town centre. The Broome Closet is a charming venue serving up a crafty selection of creative cocktails in a cosy setting with a speakeasy-inspired vibe. The cocktail menu features timeless favourites alongside bold and original creations that celebrate local flavours and local spirits. The venue hosts regular events, including music nights and mixology classes, and is the only venue in Broome offering full table service to its customers.
Kimberley cafe focuses on native flavours
Blak Tapas Bush Food Cafe has opened its doors in the Kimberley town of Kununurra (Goonoorang). The proudly local and Aboriginal-owned cafe has partnered with Job Pathways to host job seekers interested in beginning a career in hospitality. The café showcases the native flavours of Indigenous Australia, with house made sweet and savoury treats showcasing signature bush food flavours and flare.
Japanese dining experience opens in Northbridge
A premium Japanese dining experience has opened its doors in Perth's cultural hub of Northbridge. Azabu by Kampai focuses on showcasing premium A5 wagyu sourced directly from Japan. With restaurants in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, Azabu by Kampai is the first to open in Australia. The restaurant offers a carefully crafted menu that showcases Wagyu Kappo & Yakiniku – a style of Japanese cuisine that emphasises the meticulous preparation and presentation of dishes using premium A5 Wagyu as the centrepiece. Also on the menu is a seafood selection of oysters and sashimi, along with smaller bites and a curated cocktail list.
A new love to open in Northbridge
Another Northbridge newcomer set to open its retro-inspired doors this month is Bar Love. Well-known Perth bartenders Pippa Canavan and Murray Walsh (who made a name for themselves at Mechanics Institute) have teamed up to open the city's latest dive bar-inspired venue. The hand-painted outdoor signage promises 'cold drinks, warm service and hot bartenders', with the interiors offering 70s maximalist with hot pink walls, bric-a-brac and velvet love seats. Signature cocktails are served up alongside seasonal creations and quality classics, with four taps pouring batched cocktails and local brews and a minimalist wine list. A menu of classic bar snacks is also on offer to keep patrons satisfied.
The Standard celebrates 10 years with a makeover
Northbridge favourite The Standard has celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a fresh new look. The first venue for hospitality stalwarts Parker Group, the decade of South-East Asian cuisine has now made way for a refreshed Mediterranean-inspired menu, with small to medium Med-style share plates. Blending a reinvigorated ambiance with classic European charm, the original rooftop and wine garden dining remains. Inside the walls have been reinvigorated with artwork by local artist Peta Roebuck, alongside eclectic new furnishings throughout.
Beyond Distilling finds new Perth home
Busselton-based distillery Beyond Distilling has found a home in Perth's CBD. Beyond City Distilling opened its doors this month at the Spring on Queen venue on Perth's Queen Street – serving a range of expertly crafted Beyond Distilling cocktails. Thanks to the arrival of 10 baby copper stills, the venue will also offer 'make your own gin' sessions, where guests can create their own signature gin. The Beyond City Distilling events program will include intimate masterclasses, curated cocktail degustations and Beyond Bottomless lunches, accompanied by Spring's seasonal menu.
Enjoy Botanical High Tea at Pan Pacific
Pan Pacific Perth's signature High Tea experience will return to the iconic Perth hotel this spring. The Botanical High Tea is inspired by the delicate and subtle flavours of Australia's native botanicals. The elegant three-tiered menu offers an array of sweet and savoury delicacies such as roast pumpkin and goats cheese tartlets with salt bush dukkah, pork and fennel sausage rolls with spiced bush tomato chutney and coconut mousse lamingtons with botanical lemon myrtle curd. The High Tea experience is available every Saturday and Sunday from September 7 to November 24, 2024.
Paella experiences at InterContinental Perth
The signature restaurant for InterContinental Perth, Heno & Rey is serving up some delicious new menu offerings. The Spanish-inspired venue has a fresh tapas menu featuring the likes of torched salmon, handmade empanadas and Basque cheesecake. However, the hero offering is the new paella experiences. Every Friday enjoy street side paella for just $19 per person, and tableside paella for groups of 10 or more from Monday to Friday – which includes a bespoke 'build your own paella' with seafood option and jugs of sangria.
Wave hello to Scarborough's latest wine bar
Perth's coastal suburb of Scarborough will soon welcome the opening of wine bar and cafe – Little Wave. Offering stunning Indian Ocean views, patrons are encouraged to enjoy a wine whilst watching an iconic WA sunset over the ocean. The menu offers Mediterranean-inspired flavours, with share plates and larger dishes, and a wine list featuring local and European varieties. As well as an evening wine bar, the venue also offers a relaxed beach-side café vibe, serving up coffee from 6am for the early beachgoers.
Otherside of Nowhere launches in West Leederville
Otherside of Nowhere has opened its doors in West Leederville in Perth (Boorloo), taking over the former Nowhereman venue. The venue is the result of a merger of craft beer, with Nowhereman and Otherside breweries joining forces in November 2023. The venue has undergone a number of upgrades, including external painting and signage, a revamped food menu, internal layout changes, a revamped food menu, a live music program, and a selection of Otherside brews on tap. In the coming months, the venue will also welcome a dedicated children's area, an outdoor alfresco area, and an integrated retail and takeaway space.
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
Stormie Mills' upcoming exhibition on staying mentally healthy
Internationally renowned Perth (Boorloo) artist Stormie Mills will be returning to his hometown with his latest exhibition Once Upon a Sometimes. Held in collaboration with not-for-profit cultural organisation FORM – Building a State of Creativity, the captivating collection of work conveys a powerful message about how art and journalling can aid in expressing emotions and addressing mental health challenges. The exhibition will be held at the FORM Gallery, located in Perth's inner suburb of Claremont from October 17 to December 7, 2024. The space will be transformed into a visual and immersive storybook through a series of large-scale paintings, drawings, sculptural works, smaller and more intimate pieces, and a picture book. The exhibition offers a rare and deeply personal insight into Mills' mental health challenges, and how harnessing the power of art and journalling can be a tool to manage them.
No More Blank Walls takes over Subiaco
The No More Blank Walls street art festival will return to Perth in October, taking over the inner suburb of Subiaco with a celebration of street art culture. From October 17 to 27 the streets of Subiaco will be transformed with more than 10 murals, a pop-up gallery exhibition, community events, workshops, street art tours, mural battles, a festival hub and live art activities. The festival will showcase a talented line-up of both local and world-renowned mural artists, including Sofles (QLD), Curtis Hylton (UK) and Wild Drawing (IDN), who will bring a new and unique creative flare to the Subiaco precinct. No More Blank Walls festival is run by Blank Walls, an international street art company founded in Perth by Jerome Davenport, Will Clark and Alex Harvey.
AGWA's TIME • RONE exhibition extended
Due to its incredible success, the TIME • RONE exhibition at the Art Galley of WA (AGWA) has been extended until February 2025. Held in the historic Centenary Galleries, TIME is a truly immersive art exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through time and into a lost era of Australian history. Visitors can now journey deeper into TIME with the recent opening of the TIME • RONE bar and dining experiences. The two multi-sensory offerings blend curated food and drink experiences immersed within soundscape and an art installation, offering a truly unique and immersive experience and a first of its kind in Perth.
EVENTS
October 4 to 27 | The Swan Valley | Perth
Entwined in the Swan Valley will return to the Perth wine region this year. Located just a short 30-minute drive from the CBD, this year will see the festival expand to a month-long celebration offering a mix of long table lunches, indulgent dinners, family activities and immersive masterclasses. Highlights include an afternoon of sipping pink cocktails and rose at The Longest Rose Luncheon at Sandalford Wines; Twilight Picnic and Jazz at Bailey Brewing Co; tasting events and workshops featuring the region's wines, brews, spirits and coffee; asparagus masterclasses; fortified blending classes; market days; Italian Family Days and a Kids Oktoberfest.
October 3 to 7 | Perth
EverNow – a festival during Kambarang, is a multi-sensory festival celebrating WA's rich Aboriginal culture and breathtaking biodiversity, lighting up Perth (Boorloo) with five nights of sound, light and fire. The 2024 program for the 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. Favourites from the inaugural 2023 event will return, including Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak and Song Circle. EverNow will take place across Perth during the season of Kambarang - the Noongar season of birth, new life and renewal.
November 14 to 17 | Margaret River Region | WA's South West
Wine and food enthusiasts can explore the range of dreamy events on offer at WA's latest homegrown event, Pair'd Margaret River Region. The event showcases the uniqueness of the Margaret River Region and will tantilise tastebuds with a dreamlike blend of incredible local produce paired with wines harvested from local vines, accompanied by live music on nature's stage. Highlight events include Margaret's Beach Club, set against the backdrop of Castle Bay; a four-course dining event under the karri forest with Nature's Table; wine tasting events and collaborative events with a series of dinners at Leeuwin Estate, Voyager, Vasse Felix and Wills Domain.
September 19 to 22 | Destination Perth
It's a slam dunk for Perth, with the city being confirmed as the host of 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 across RAC Arena, HBF Stadium, Bendat Basketball Centre and HBF Arena. Basketball fans can also look forward to supporting events such as Sneakerland, Australia's largest sneaker culture festival, plus the official HoopsFest Fan Festival at Forrest Place including music, entertainment, street basketball and more.
Dardanup Bull & Barrel Festival
October 5 | Dardanup | WA's South West
The Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival celebrates the rich agricultural history of Dardanup, located east of Bunbury, two hours' drive south of Perth. Launched by the Dardanup Community to celebrate the diverse offering of the region, locals and visitors will enjoy a full day of activities and entertainment with more than 150 market and food stalls, live music and demonstrations, a children's craft marquee and a Tastes of the Ferguson Valley tent featuring local wines and produce, plus the burning of the Wespine Fire Sculpture.
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.
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.
FIM World Supercross Championships
November 23 to 24 | HBF Park | Perth
The FIM World Supercross Championship will race into Perth in a high-octane double-header dirt racing spectacle. Perth is the only Australian destination to host two legs of the global event this year, which will also be hosted in Canada and Abu Dhabi. Fully sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocylisme (FIM), the FIM World Supercross Championship is the pinnacle of global supercross racing, offering a thrilling spectacle of exhilarating motorcycle racing on purpose built, in-stadium, dirt tracks. The two rounds of the Perth leg will take place at Perth's HBF Park, which will be transformed into an arena of world-class dirt bike racing featuring some of the world's best riders.
