LATEST NEWS

Mega WWE weekend announced 
Seventeen-time WWE Superstar, turned Hollywood actor, John Cena’s final WWE experience will occur in WA before he retires, at the WWE Crown Jewel: Perth headline event taking place on Saturday 11 October.  The exclusive event at RAC Arena will be the highlight of a trio of showdowns, including a Friday Night SmackDown, the aforementioned Saturday Night Premium Live Event, and Monday Night RAW. It will be the first time the premium trio of WWE events has ever taken place in Australia, making it a huge drawcard for passionate fans. John Cena’s final Australian WWE appearance will be the only WWE broadcast event in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia this year, so it's sure to draw considerable attention.  

WA secures unprecedented exhibition 
In an Australian exclusive, WA is set to welcome Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor to the WA Museum Boola Bardip in June. The exhibition will comprise more than 225 Chinese artefacts including the warriors, with some of the pieces featured having never been on public display, while nearly half the objects have never left China. Announced as the most significant museum exhibition the State has ever seen, it will take visitors on an immersive journey through Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s reign, told through external projections, interactive experiences, events and multimedia displays. Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor will be on display from Saturday, 28 June until Sunday, 22 February 2026. 

Matildas to return for exclusive international matches 
Women's world-class football is set to return to WA with the CommBank Matildas poised to play four international ‘friendly’ matches in June and July. Three games will take place at HBF Park in Perth/Boorloo, while one fixture will take place at Bunbury’s Hands Oval; the first-ever Matildas match to take place in regional WA. Tickets are now on sale, with the Matildas taking on Slovenia and Panama in a two-match series commencing on Thursday, 26 June and concluding on Tuesday, 8 July. The matches will be the Matildas' first WA games since the Olympic Qualifiers in October 2023, and offer the last opportunity to see the team in action in WA before the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026™. 

Perth lands additional international Qantas services 
Western Australia looks forward to welcoming even more visitors from Auckland and Johannesburg, after new direct flights to Perth were announced. Commencing in December 2025, Qantas will operate three A330 services per week from both cities, with the routes expected to be popular with visiting family and friends. The Auckland service, starting from Monday 8 December, will deliver nearly 40,000 extra inbound seats to WA per year from New Zealand, while also enabling easier connections to Perth from the United States via New York City. The Johannesburg and Perth services will commence on Sunday, 7 December and deliver nearly 40,000 additional inbound seats annually. 

Sail GP charts its course towards Fremantle
The world-famous SailGP will race into Fremantle/Walyalup in January next year as part of a three-year hosting deal from 2026-2028. SailGP is one of the world’s most prestigious and fast-paced global sailing events and is anticipated to attract high yield sailing fans to WA to see the ocean spectacular. For the first time, the iconic competition will take place in Fremantle, and include a purpose-built grandstand and special activations to enhance the experience for local and visiting fans. The annual global Championship takes place in major cities including New York City, Saint Tropez and Abu Dhabi, with the new Australian leg in Fremantle to be called Perth Sail Grand Prix. The Perth Sail Grand Prix will also return in 2027 and 2028 as part of the three-year deal, bringing 50-foot catamarans, raced by teams from 12 nations at speeds of over 100km/h, along Western Australia's pristine coastline. 

Surfing pros descend on Margaret River  
The eyes of the surfing world are once again firmly fixed on WA’s South West, with the Margaret River Pro now in progress. A World Surf League Championship Tour event, the Pro attracts surfing's global elite to battle it out at the famous Main Break, with the world's best men and women surfers competing for Championship points. The 2025 Margaret River Pro will be the last competition before the mid-season cut, and marks the 11th year of Western Australia hosting a round of the prestigious World Championship Tour. 

NEW TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION OFFERINGS

Heyscape expands its offerings in Denmark
Heyscape is expanding its premium cabin experience in Denmark in WA’s South West, adding 15 cabins to its existing offering at Raintree Farm, a regenerative 880-acre cattle farm, by the end of 2025. The expansion includes three two-bedroom, eight one-bedroom and four family cabins (queen and bunk) with a choice of stunning ocean, karri forest or valley views. Select cabins will also offer a sauna and ice bath, further enhancing the wellness experience in the tranquil setting. In addition, complimentary e-bikes are now available to guests, providing access to Raintree’s award-winning onsite restaurant and distillery The Dam, as well as to popular cycling track the Munda Biddi Trail. The picturesque, sprawling property also includes local marron and truffle production, plus a cannabis botanical distillery, alongside the existing three Heyscape cabins. 

Matters of Taste launches exclusive new Pilbara tours
Foodies seeking a taste of the Pilbara will be thrilled to join the new five-day tour from Matters of Taste, taking intrepid travellers into the heart of the outback, for an immersive experience on working cattle stations. The exclusive and limited tour will take place during August 2025 and 2026, giving guests the the unique opportunity to see the annual muster in action. At Yarrie Station, guests will experience the thrill and pace of the muster, gather for fireside meals and stories under the stars. Then, on Pardoo Station, guests will learn about the Wagyu operation and irrigation system, before later indulging in a three-course Wagyu feast. Staying in a mix of swag tents and ensuite cabins, the tour will include expert guides, all transport, and incredible dining experiences. 

Lethal Adventures launches new explorer vessel 
Pilbara based tour operator, Lethal Adventures, has launched a new eco-tour offering allowing visitors an unforgettable wildlife experiences in the Dampier Archipelago. Onboard a purpose-built Gemini 880 vessel, visitors will enjoy seasonal close encounters with humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, rays and seabirds, guided by experienced eco-hosts. The tours will emphasise sustainability and safety, allowing visitors to explore in comfort, at a relaxed pace. The new offering enhances Lethal Adventures’ current product mix, including award-winning jet ski tours. 

BWH Hotels debuts in the Kimberley
The Cambridge Hotel Kununurra, located in the East Kimberley town of Kununurra/Goonoonoorrang in WA’s North West, is set to be rebranded to Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra by June, through a hotel management agreement with BWH Hotels. The relaunch will see the hotel open with 49 fully refurbished rooms; followed by the expansion of facilities, including a conference centre, wellness centre and a pool bar to complement the existing restaurant, bar, swimming pool and parking. The final stage will almost double the hotel’s capacity with an extra 48 new guest rooms to come online by the end of 2026. Located a few minutes from Kununurra Airport, the hotel is positioned within walking distance to local shops, restaurants and galleries. 

New luxe cabin nears completion in Esperance
A premium accommodation offering is set to open soon in Esperance, giving visitors an elegant, nature-inspired base from which to explore the region. Box Hill Esperance is situated 12 kilometres east of Esperance, and 30 kilometres from Cape Le Grand National Park, and has been lovingly constructed using local materials including reclaimed jarrah beams. The cabin’s centrepiece is an impressive stone fireplace which includes ancient, fossilised shells, dated between 37 and 50 million years old. The final cabin fit out and landscaping is now underway, with Box Hill set to open just in time for a cosy winter escape.  

Ibis Perth unveils refurbishments
The Ibis Perth hotel has revealed a fresh new look, with upgrades to its 192 rooms and bathrooms, alongside a revitalised lobby area. Rooms are airy and comfortable, with contemporary design features and soft lighting, and practical elements like work desks, coffee machines and clever storage. The onsite restaurant and bar, Chelsea Social, serves both buffet and a la carte breakfast, as well as pub classics and share platters. Located in the heart of the Perth CBD, Ibis Perth offers convenient access to both the Hay St and Murray Street shopping malls, Yagan Square, the Perth Cultural Centre and the vibrant Northbridge precinct.  

Stargazing along the Rockingham Coast
Creative and characterful tour operator Hidden de Tours has announced a new twilight tour to harness the growing interest in dark sky tourism. The Rockingham Sunset and Stargazing Tour blends science and storytelling with the magic of the night sky, led by an expert astro guide. Taking place along the beautiful Rockingham coastline, located just 45 minutes south of Perth city, the tour will allow visitors to view the moon’s craters and features, explore constellations and zodiac signs, and view planets using a telescope and laser pointers. The tour utilises silent disco technology and also includes a Q&A session for enhanced learning. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view local wildlife, including seals and pelicans, through a telescope. 

NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE OPENINGS

Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop sweetens Busselton
Visits to the picturesque Busselton foreshore are set to be even sweeter, with the recent opening of Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop. The playful new addition offers house-made chocolate and gelato, alongside shakes, coffees and other takeaway sweet treats. Owned and operated by the team behind Shelter Brewing Co, the shop carries a bright and joyful aesthetic, sure to appeal to the young and young -at-heart. The namesake behind the shop is Otto, the 24-metre blue whale on display in the WA Museum Boola Bardip, preserved by taxidermist Otto Lipfert in 1897 after it was discovered beached in Busselton. 

Skigh Wines team opens new wine bar
The team behind Skigh Wines has recently opened the doors to Strange Brew Wine Bar, in the South West town of Cowaramup. Designed as a bar, bottle shop and events space, it offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a glass of local or international wine, share a charcuterie board with friends and unwind in the spacious garden. Each week, ‘Strange Brew Sundays’ takes over – with DJs setting the mood with the venue’s eclectic vinyl record collection. With scope to host exhibitions upstairs, the venue looks set to expand its events and offerings even further in the future. 

Pink Taquito adds cheeky flavour to Stories 
A neon-pink, disco-inspired interior and a vibrant cocktail list are among the standouts of playful taco and tequila bar, Pink Taquito. A newly refreshed addition to the recently re-launched Stories precinct at Yagan Square in Perth’s CBD, Pink Taquito is a lively restaurant and bar, which celebrates the flavour and energy of Mexican street food culture. The expansive taco selection includes short ribs, baja fish, and octopus and chorizo, and the accompanying drinks list offers an extensive margarita selection, ‘no-rita’ non-alcoholic options, plus a Western Australian centric wine list. Pink Taquito is the latest venue to join the Stories precinct, which also includes KARLA, Ugly Baby, and the CBD’s largest beer garden, Stories Front Yard.  

Delicious new additions to Republic of Fremantle
Award-winning Fremantle distillery, the Republic of Fremantle has unveiled a new Distillery Bar and a partnership with Da Napoli’s Kitchen and Pizzeria. The new Distillery Bar is tucked away near the working stills area and offers a unique bar experience and a varied drinks menu, including signature spirits, spritzes and classic cocktails. Meanwhile, the Da Napoli team has moved in the pizza ovens and is serving up handmade pizzas and pasta, classic desserts and sharing starters. The new offerings enhance the venue’s existing experiences including a cocktail bar, gin school, tours and tasting flights. 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE UPDATES

So hot right now: Alchemy Saunas arrives in Scarborough 
After its popularity at Perth coastal hotspots including Fremantle, Cottesloe and City Beach, Alchemy Saunas is bringing the heat to Scarborough Beach. Featuring an epic rooftop location, it comprises a 10-person sauna and four ice showers offering panoramic Indian Ocean views. Blending the ancient healing qualities of sauna bathing with contemporary facilities, Alchemy Saunas is offering beach goers across the Perth coastline additional post-swim mental and physical health benefits. Each Alchemy Sauna is crafted in Australia with Western Red Cedar wood, with an emphasis on environmental efficiency and durability, alongside luxury design.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Gibb Challenge
16-23 May | Various | The Kimberley
Touted as ‘the ultimate cycling adventure’, The Gibb Challenge races into the Kimberley this month, across 660 kilometres, raising vital funds for the Kyle Andrews Foundation. In a team relay format, riders will depart from Derby and cross the finish line in the heart of the Kimberley at the El Questro, as part of teams of two to six riders, along with supporters. The event includes overnight camping and fellowship at Imintji Community, Mount Elizabeth Station, Ellenbrae Station, Home Valley Station and El Questro. With the Gibb River Road renowned for its corrugated unsealed surface, the race is a true test of bicycle and rider and is described as a life-defining Kimberley adventure. 

Perth Super 440 
6 to 8 June | Perth 
Get ready for the thrill of the 2025 Supercars Championship at CARCO.COM.AU Raceway in Perth. Witness drivers go head-to-head on one of the most dynamic tracks in the series. With its sweeping curves and challenging sand traps, this iconic circuit promises high-speed action and edge-of-your-seat excitement.  

AFL: Roos out west 
8 and 14 June | Perth 
The North Melbourne Kangaroos will make their way to WA for two unmissable high-energy games. Round 13 will see the Kangaroos heading to Bunbury on Sunday, 8 June, for a game against the West Coast Eagles. They’ll then make their way up to Perth for a game against the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 14 June. 

State of Origin 
18 June| Perth 
State of Origin II is coming to Perth/Boorloo on Wednesday, 18 June at Optus Stadium. This fierce rivalry sees the New South Wales ‘Blues’ and Queensland ‘Maroons’ battle for state pride in a best-of-three series that has captivated rugby fans for decades. Game II in Perth promises to be a thrilling contest, as it often serves as a pivotal turning point in the series—either sealing victory for one side or setting up a dramatic decider in Game III.   

Ningaloo Sky Festival 
27-29 2025 | Exmouth | Coral Coast region 
The Ningaloo Sky Festival is a new biennial event held in Exmouth. Organised by the Shire of Exmouth, this festival showcases the magic of the Ningaloo Coast and includes live music, a dazzling drone show, bustling food stalls, degustation dinners and insightful astronomy talks that unlock the secrets of the universe. 

British and Irish lions v Western Force 
28 June | Perth 
For the first time in 12 years, The British & Irish Lions tour will return to Australia for a festival of rugby across the country. The world’s biggest and most in-demand rugby tour kicks off in Perth when the Lions take on WA’s Western Force at Optus Stadium on Saturday 28 June. The tour will will see the Lions — a team of the best men’s rugby players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – play nine matches across Australia in six different cities.  

Collie River MTB Marathon 
5 | Collie | South West 
The Collie River MTB Marathon welcomes back riders for 2025. Riders get to pick their challenge - either the 70-kilometre marathon distance or 40-kilometre mountain bike single track - plus two short course options of 15-kilometre or 25-kilometre to get a taste of MTB Marathon racing. For 2025 the event village and start/finish line will be based at the beautiful Harris River Estate Winery just five kilometres north of Collie - on the doorstep of the Arklow MTB Trail Network.