20 Feb 2025
WHAT'S HOT
New luxury eco-lodge coming to the Kimberley in 2027
The Kimberley will soon become Australia's latest sustainable tourism hotspot with world-leading luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent set to develop a new eco-lodge in Purnululu National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to the world-famous Bungle Bungle Range, believed to be over 350 million years old. The environmentally and culturally sensitive premium lodge is due to open by 2027 and will be developed in partnership with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), with the initiative endorsed by BAC as the Traditional Owners. The luxury eco-lodge will be an exciting new offering for visitors to experience the magic of the Kimberley - one of the world's last true wilderness areas, where ancient culture, prehistoric landscapes and otherworldly nature abound. Read more about the development here.
Perth to host Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 matches
The largest sporting event in Western Australian history will be held in October 2027, as Perth prepares to host Men's Rugby World Cup matches, including the opening match featuring the Wallabies. Taking place every four years, the Men's Rugby World Cup is the most prestigious rugby union event, and the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup. In addition to the opening match, Perth will host four pool and two round of 16 matches at Perth Stadium, taking the total Western Australian matches to seven overall. The event coup comes amid the State's golden decade of rugby, with the British and Irish Lions tour match kicking off in June 2025, and the Bledisloe Cup in October 2025. The Men's Rugby World Cup will take place in Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027. Find out more at world.rugby.
Western Australia named one of the top destinations to travel to in 2025
Western Australia has received international acclaim as one of the top destinations to travel to in 2025, taking out spots in both the BBC's 25 Best Places to Travel and the New York Times 52 Places to Go. Coming in at number eight, WA was the only Australian destination to feature in BBC's inaugural guide to the 25 best places to travel this year, receiving praise for its vast landscapes, pristine coastlines, wildlife encounters and Aboriginal cultural experiences – and for being Australia's new gateway with increased flight connections from Asia and non-stop routes from Europe. In the New York Times 52 Places to Go, Western Australia took out number 42 thanks to the recently installed EV Highway stretching 7,000 kilometres across the State, with 110 charging stations located along some of WA's most scenic road trips including the Coral Coast Highway and South West Edge.
Drive the Dream in WA on one of the world's longest EV Networks
Western Australia is now home to one of the world's longest connected electric vehicle (EV) charging highways with the WA EV Network successfully completed and fully operational. EV drivers now have access to 110 fast and ultra-fast charging points across 49 locations, from Mundrabilla near the South Australian border in WA's Golden Outback, up to Kununurra in Kimberley. In some of the more isolated locations across the State, the chargers are being supported by standalone power systems drawing on solar and battery storage. With increasing EV ownership and access to EV vehicles through car hire companies, a road trip is now one of the best ways to sustainably explore Western Australia's dreamy nature and wildlife encounters, spectacular coastline, Aboriginal cultural experiences, and unique flavours.
Discounted airfares to Geraldton for Shore Leave Festival 2025
Travelling to Geraldton for the annual Shore Leave Festival will be even easier this year, with discounted airfares for the Coral Coast region's signature event. Taking place from April 23 to 27, 2025, Shore Leave celebrates the Mid West region's rich maritime heritage, unique seafood, local produce and vibrant culture. Nexus Airlines will offer 300 discounted one-way airfares between Perth and Geraldton for Shore Leave ticket holders - with $150 fares from Perth to Geraldton available April 19 to 25, and Geraldton to Perth from April 24 to 29. This year's festival will feature WA chefs Scott Bridger from Fremantle's Bib & Tucker, and Ben Ing from Alberta's in Busselton. Scott Bridger will headline the iconic Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, while Ben Ing will take the lead at the Mid West Paddock to Plate. Tickets are now on sale and come with a booking code for discounted airfares.
TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION
The refurbished Denmark Hotel opens its doors
Sitting right in the heart of Denmark in WA's Great Southern region, the Denmark Hotel has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation. The classic coastal pub has been an icon for the town since 1926. Celebrating WA heritage, seasonal produce and warm community spirit, it will continue operating as the town's bar and bistro but is also now home to The Lodge and Denmark Drops. The Lodge offers accommodation with 24 renovated guest rooms catering to singles, couples, families and groups, with single rooms, plus two and three-bedroom apartments available. Denmark Drops is a new community cellar door meets bottle shop, offering a thoughtful selection of local wines and artisanal beer and spirits. Alongside these new additions, The Denmark Hotel's Bar & Bistro has been beautifully restored, offering an elevated pub menu highlighting seasonal produce that champions local farmers and growers.
Rottnest Fast Ferries launches new catamaran
Western Australian-owned and operated ferry company Rottnest Fast Ferries recently launched its new ferry, adding to its existing fleet. Ocean Master is a brand new cutting-edge 32-metre catamaran, designed by Australian firm Incat Crowther and constructed by Austal Australasia. As the first purpose-built vessel for Rottnest since 1999, the new catamaran features a capacity for up to 400 passengers and five crew seated over three decks. With Rottnest Fast Ferries departing from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth's northern coastal suburbs, the Ocean Master promises to be both a swift and comfortable 40-minute journey to Perth's iconic Rottnest Island / Wadjemup.
New cultural and snorkelling tour in Ningaloo
Discover the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park / Nyinggulu and its connection to Aboriginal culture on a new tour in Coral Bay. The Nyinngulu Cultural and Snorkelling Tour is a collaboration between Baiyungu Dreaming and Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat. This unique glass bottom boat tour includes snorkelling to discover Ningaloo Reef's stunning corals and incredible marine life, as well as offering fascinating insights into the cultural history of the Ningaloo Coast, guided by the Traditional Custodians of the area. The three-hour tours are available from April 2025.
Explore Perth's beaches on an open-top bus
Perth Coastal Explorer bus tours have returned for the summer season, offering visitors a unique way to experience Perth's coastal destinations. Operated through City Tours, passengers can board an open-top double-decker bus in Perth's CBD and travel to Scarborough Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour, with six hop-on, hop-off trips before returning to Perth's Barrack Street Jetty in the late afternoon. Ticket holders will have unlimited stops between Scarborough Beach and Hillarys to experience the stunning white sand beaches, coastal cafes, bars and restaurants, shopping, and child safe swimming beaches.
New Truffle tours in the Margaret River Region
Margaret River Truffle Farm in the renowned Margaret River Region continues to expand its tour offerings for the 2025 season. Growing truffles for a number of years, the family owned and operated farm started operating truffle hunting experiences for the 2024 winter season, in a first for the region. For the upcoming 2025 season – which runs from June to August – a new Dig Deep – Truffle Hunt Experience is now available to book, which includes joining the farm's friendly truffle dogs to hunt for truffles, digging them up and discovering how they are produced. After the excitement of finding truffles, guests can then sample the extensive truffle farm product range in the shop. There's also the option to extend the experience with the Dig Deep & Eat – The Full Experience tour which includes the addition of a four small course lunch topped with truffle and a menu showcasing regionally sourced ingredients.
Indian Pacific's new Perth to Sydney itinerary
One of Australia's iconic rail journeys has launched a new itinerary for 2025 offering extended off-train experiences in WA. For over 50 years, the Indian Pacific has journeyed from Perth to Sydney and back again along the world's longest stretch of straight railway track. The new five-day, four-night eastbound itinerary means guests have more opportunities to explore each destination they stop in. With the first stop in Kalgoorlie in WA's Golden Outback, guests can immerse themselves in one of three experiences. Explore one of the world's largest open cut gold mines on The Super Pit tour, try panning for gold and play a game of two-up on the Golden Treasures tour, or discover Kalgoorlie-Boulder's quirky charm and historic streets and buildings on the Curious Kalgoorlie tour.
Margaret River's first wine school
The Margaret River Wine Academy has recently launched in the Margaret River Region in a first of its kind for WA's South West. It offers small group wine education courses for individuals, groups, tourism and hospitality providers, corporate and conferencing programs, and workplace training. Specialising in teaching people about the unique attributes of the region and its world-class wines, each course runs for two to three hours, finishing with a tasting of various regional wines. There are a range of wine enthusiast courses on offer that focus on varietals including chardonnay, cabernet and sparkling, as well as a wine basics course. Run by Margaret River local Leah Clearwater, who has lived in the region for 20 years, the courses are hosted at wineries throughout the region and can also be privately run at visitors' accommodation.
FOOD & WINE
Sunsets and Pelicans at The Lodge Wadjmeup
The opening of stage one of The Lodge Wadjemup on Perth's Rottnest Island / Wadjmeup has also seen the opening of two hospitality venues. Sunsets Bar and Dining is the signature dining offering, operated by the highly successful Social Grounds Hospitality, with Chef Mat Powell leading the culinary team. Sunsets offers a Mediterranean-inspired all day dining venue serving up Australian seafood, house made pasta and rotisserie items. With large indoor and outdoor dining areas, the venue boasts the island's best sunset views over the salt lake. Pelican kiosk is designed to bring back the nostalgia of island summers past with its corner milk bar aesthetic, serving up soft serve ice creams, coffee, sandwiches, baguettes and sweet treats. Guests can 'grab and go' or sit back and relax under the umbrellas in the precinct's courtyard.
Lil's Rooftop & Bar opens in Perth's CBD
Perth's / Boorloo CBD has welcomed a new era of modern hospitality for a former stalwart in Perth's late-night scene – Tigerlils. Taking over the venue is Lil's Rooftop & Bar, a well-rounded, retro-chic eating and drinking hub that features a 600-person capacity with two distinct spaces - a ground floor main bar and a vibrant open-air rooftop. The main bar is home to casual bites, large TV screens for live sport, sunny outdoor tables for after-work drinks, and lively Saturday nights with Lil's Late Night Disco. The rooftop is a lush, open-air oasis in the heart of the city, designed for sun-soaked drinks and share-friendly plates. The Mediterranean-inspired menu by Executive Chef Mark Zavone offers small plates, woodfire pizzas and hearty mains, paired with a curated drinks menu of local wines, beers, spritzes and agave-forward drinks.
An underground Mexican discotheque opens in the CBD
Lupe's Cerveceria is a new underground tequila and taco bar located in the heart of Perth's CBD. A 'Mexican discotheque meets agave oasis,' the venue is the latest venture from hospitality group Sesh Mafia – adding to the growing list of Perth hot spots including Shui, Margot's and neighbouring Papi Katsu. Inspired by the colourful, back-alley bars of Mexico, the bar features bright neon lights, vintage Mexican posters and a wall lined with tequilas, mezcals and raicillas – which are used for the venues vibrant cocktail offering. The food menu is kept simple, with a selection of tacos, botanas (snacks) and la paletas (ice creams).
Perth's latest Japanese-inspired late-night lounge
A Japanese-inspired late-night lounge has opened its doors in Perth's CBD . Zypher Lounge takes its inspiration from modern Japanese izakaya, serving up a Japanese fusion menu of both indulgent dinners and late-night snacks, alongside a selection of sake and cocktails inspired by Tokyo's vibrant nightlife. Friday and Saturday nights feature live entertainment before the DJs hit the decks from 9pm.
Beach-side dining at ilma Beach House in Bunker Bay
The Margaret River Region in WA's South West has recently welcomed the opening of a stunning beach-side restaurant. Taking over the former Bunkers Beach House, ilma Beach House is the latest venue from restauranteurs Liz and Mark Ahearn, who also own the popular Meelup Farmhouse in Dunsborough. Located on the shores of Bunker Bay, the restaurant offers stunning views of the pristine waters of Bunker Bay Beach, and has been freshly renovated to reflect the coastal backdrop. The menu offers Mediterranean-inspired flavours featuring locally sourced seafood, with brunch and lunch options for relaxed and shared-style dining. There's also a Kofe Kabana for takeaway coffees and ice creams to take to the beach.
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
Albany 2026 – Western Australia's first Bicentenary
In 2026 the city of Albany / Kinjarling in the Great Southern region will host Western Australia's first Bicentenary. Albany 2026 will deliver a year-long program of events, uniting the community and visitors through arts and cultural experiences. In partnership with the City of Albany, FORM Building a State of Creativity will produce and present three key events. In an Australian-first, Lighting the Sound by internationally renowned Finnish artist Kari Kola, will see 1,000 hectares of the landforms in and around King George Sound illuminated. Albany Is will share the voices, sounds and stories of Albany; and Carrying the Fire is slated to be one of the largest performative gatherings staged in WA, with residents and visitors invited to hold lamps and walk as one along the trails of Albany. For the current list of events visit albany2026.com.au.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 14 to 23 | Subiaco | Perth
Subi Spritz is bringing a touch of Europe to the streets of Subiaco this Autumn for 10 days and nights of la dolce vita. The city fringing suburb will host more than 25 events which celebrate life's simple pleasures. Enjoy lazy long lunches in the park, discover pop-up pasta restaurants in hidden laneways, delight in an apertivo trail, take part in street art tours, participate in cooking workshops, indulge in cocktail masterclasses and relish live music. Subi Spritz encapsulates the essence of epicurean delights, bringing them together for a truly immersive experience spanning 10 delicious days in the heart of Subiaco.
March 15 to 16 | Mandurah | Perth
Mandurah Crab Fest, one of WA's biggest free regional events is set to make a triumphant return in 2025 along the waterfront spaces of Mandurah. This acclaimed celebration promises an abundance of culinary delights and lively activities. Highlights include the music stage, family-friendly activities, live cooking demonstrations, thrilling action sports, fireworks, and an array of delectable options from diverse pop-up food stalls to cater to every palate.
March 15 to April 5 | Joondalup | Perth
Joondalup Festival returns in 2025 with a world-class lineup of art, music and performance taking over the city streets of Joondalup in Perth's northern suburbs. With more than 50 performances and activations spanning across 22 days, this year's program encourages attendees to embrace the unusual and experience the weird, the wild and the wonderful. Highlight events include Feast, a long table dinner inspired by traditional bush tucker flavours and local produce prepared by the team at All Good Grub led by Kija woman Stacey Goodall, and The Cube – a curious cubic container that will showcase live performances and form the centrepiece of a vibrant festival hang-out, with pop-up bars, food trucks and cosy nooks to watch the multi-dimensional space come to life.
April 4 to 21 | Fremantle | Perth
Sculptures at Bathers returns to the shores of Fremantle / Walyalup for its sixth event. Taking over Fremantle's Bathers Beach Art Precinct / Manjaree, the free exhibition showcases contemporary sculptures by established and emerging WA artists from across the State. This year's event will also include an exhibition of indoor sculptures at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, as well as a program of events including engaging artist-led tours, twilight torchlight tours and hands-on workshops for all ages.
April 11 to 14 | Karijini | Pilbara region
The Karijini Experience is a four-day festival celebrating the culture, art, food and music of the Banjima People on Country, set amongst the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park. The event's diverse program offers authentic, high-quality arts and cultural experiences, with a rich array of activities that aim to provide a genuine and immersive understanding of the region's culture and natural beauty. The program of events includes live entertainment, guided walking tours, cultural storytelling, cooking demonstrations, Aboriginal traditional healing workshops, art exhibitions and workshops, showcasing renowned artists, emerging performers, and grassroots experiences.
Fremantle International Street Arts Festival
April 18 to 21 | Fremantle | Perth
The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival is returning in 2025, transforming the streets of Fremantle / Walyalup into an open-air theatre of the amazing, weird and wacky. This year's program will feature events for all ages, with day and night programming and international acts from France, Japan, Canada, Finland, Argentina, Peru, Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand and Australia. Roving performers will be popping up in surprising and interesting locations across the city, and Fremantle's alfresco dining scene will be bursting with pop-up bars and eateries extending into the streets.
April 18 to 20 | Coral Bay | Ningaloo region
Jamba Nyinayi (rest awhile) will captivate audiences again when it returns for a third consecutive year in 2025. Held at Cardabia / Gunjayindiya Station near Coral Bay in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo/Nyinggulu Region. Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation invites people of all cultures, communities and nationalities to join them for a soulful celebration of connection, culture and community. Camping packages for three, four and five nights are available, which includes festival entry and a range of inclusions and options. All campers and festival attendees will enjoy the hugely popular campfire sessions, main stage dance and music performances, cultural workshops, food and arts markets and station amenities.
April 21 to May 18 | Perth
The Perth Comedy Festival is WA's biggest annual comedy event, where the best comedians from Australia and beyond take to the stages across Perth for a massive month of comedy. The festival program features performances from the finest local and Australian acts, alongside some of the biggest international stars and promising emerging talent, ranging from stand up to sketch, satire, improv, musical, absurdist, theatre, magic and children's comedy. The festival is held at venues across Perth including the Regal Theatre in Subiaco, Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley, The Rechabite in Northbridge and Freo Social in Fremantle.
May 3 to 4 | Bickley Valley | Perth
The Bickley Harvest Festival is an annual celebration of the Bickley Valley's rich heritage in wine, cider, spirits and local produce - located just 35 minutes from Perth's CBD in the Perth Hills Wine Region. The first weekend of May will be filled with activities, with satellite events happening across the month at multiple participating venues including wineries, distilleries, cideries, restaurants and galleries. Each venue will offer a unique experience, from intimate wine tastings to family-friendly activities. Sample award-winning wines, savour gourmet meals or simply enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Bickley Valley.
