Freo takes the title of best town
Fremantle/Walyalup or Freo, as the locals call it, has been named 'Australia's Top Tourism Town' at the Australian Top Tourism Town awards. The category recognises towns with a population of more than 5,000 that offer amazing visitor experiences, and towns are also judged on their attractions, amenities, and accommodation. Steeped in history and charm, Fremantle is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, the iconic Fremantle Markets, lively Fishing Boat Harbour, and thriving restaurant and cafe scene. It's also known for its rich maritime history and is home to the WA Shipwrecks Museum and WA Maritime Museum.

Perth welcomes first direct flights from Newcastle
This week marked the launch of Qantas' year-round direct flights from Newcastle to Perth/Boorloo, with the new services officially commencing on Monday, 8 September. The direct flights offer travellers from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region a seamless connection to WA's sunny capital. Newcastle is New South Wales' second largest city, and the new tri-weekly flights are estimated to deliver 23,400 inbound seats each year. The flights are expected to be popular with Rugby League fans, ahead of the Perth Bears NRL launch in 2027.

Albany to host Lighting the Sound spectacular
A vibrant, Australian-exclusive event, Lighting the Sound, is set to illuminate Albany/Kinjarling over nine magic nights in March 2026. This breathtaking outdoor installation by world-renowned Finnish artist Kari Kola will ignite the skies across three weekends and is anticipated to be the world's largest ever lighting installation. Lighting the Sound will be Kari Kola's first light installation in Australia, and it's set to showcase King George Sound and surrounding coastline and landmarks in an otherworldly way, while telling the story of the region's rich cultural heritage on Menang Noongar Country. The event will form part of Albany's 2026 bicentenary events and is supported by Tourism WA. Albany is located in WA's South West and can be reached via short flight or four-and-a-half hour road trip from Perth.

Garde hotel opens its doors in Fremantle
The Garde hotel, one of Western Australia's most anticipated accommodation openings of 2025, is now officially welcoming guests. Located in Fremantle's historic convict quarter, Garde comprises 83 new rooms and suites, a spa and wellness offering, and Anglesea, a luxurious ground floor restaurant serving a lively Japanese and Korean fusion menu. The newly opened rooms, combined with the existing Warders Cottages inventory, bring the total room count to 106, each of which carry a rich heritage and distinctly Fremantle aesthetic. The Warders Hotel recently rebranded to Garde, signalling the enduring connection between both properties and marking the new chapter.

WA announces Rome–Perth flights expansion
Qantas is set to expand its direct Rome to Perth/Boorloo 2026 service, to welcome 44 additional flights and almost 10,000 extra inbound seats to WA compared to the 2025 season. Offering seamless connections for visitors to WA from Italy, the seasonal service will run from Sunday, 3 May to Friday, 23 October 2026. The uplift extends the operating season by eight weeks and boosts flights from three to four services each week during the peak travel period. WA is the only Australian state offering non-stop flights to Europe, with Qantas offering direct Perth to Rome, Paris and London flights.

Wildflowers abound in the Golden Outback
Wildflower season is well and truly underway in WA, with the Golden Outback region particularly vibrant, with an incredible array of blooms now at their best. Within the Wheatbelt region, seek out the 15 species of wattle which reside in the Shire of Dalwallinu, see carpets of everlastings in the Karara Rangeland Park, and marvel at spectacular wreath flowers in Wubin. Meanwhile, various species of orchids abound in Merredin, Narrogin and Moora. Esperance/Kepa Kurl is also in bloom, and orchid lovers will enjoy spotting spectacular Spider Orchids along the Rotary Lookout and Walk Trail located on the region's Great Ocean Drive Trail, a scenic 40 kilometre loop, which takes in area's coastal highlights.

NEW TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION OFFERINGS

A new jewel bound for Fremantle
The WA port city of Fremantle/Walyalup has been announced as the home for the Sapphire Princess cruise ship's 2027-28 summer season, in an exciting boost for WA's cruise industry. The premium vessel, which forms part of the Princess Cruises fleet, carries up to 3,200 guests and will set off on nine itineraries across WA during this time, which will depart from and return to Fremantle. The tourism boost is set to deliver millions for WA and support over 1,000 jobs, with cruise an ever-growing sector in WA. The full itineraries will be revealed in November.

Coral Expeditions unveils 2027 cruising season
Small ship expedition cruise line Coral Expeditions has unveiled its 2027 Kimberley season, with 47 departures scheduled across its purpose-built fleet, Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer, and Coral Geographer. The seasonal voyages, operating from March to September, will offer a variety of itineraries taking in some of the region's most outstanding natural attractions and otherworldly landscapes, including Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and King George River. In 2027, Coral Expeditions will also offer 'A Lens on Nature: The Kimberley', a partnership voyage with Australian Geographic Society. The seven-night voyages, across two departures will offer photographers, videographers and visual storytellers outstanding opportunities to capture the light and elements of the Kimberley wilderness. 

Adventure Quokka Tours announces new tour
Adventure Quokka Tours has launched a new experience, inviting visitors to journey to the Dryandra Woodlands for a memorable evening adventure, blending astrotourism, nature and wellness. Located in the Wheatbelt, the woodland is a spectacular conservation area and biodiversity hotspot, home to numbats, bilbies, echidnas, brush-tailed wallabies, woylies, quendas, and chuditch. Upon arrival in the woodlands, guests enjoy a short bush walk, before sitting down for a delicious sunset picnic dinner in the forest. Guests then embark on a guided night tour at the Barna Mia wildlife sanctuary, before the night concludes with a memorable sound healing session beneath the Milky Way.

Mindful in Nature launches new experiences
Visitors to WA's Margaret River Region seeking a renewed sense of calm can now choose from three additional experiences from wellness tourism operator Mindful in Nature. The 'Cape Wellness Wander' takes visitors on a rejuvenating half-day experience in Dunsborough, including a mindful wander at Cape Naturaliste, and a delicious seasonal lunch at Ilma Beach House. The 'In Bloom: Qigong, Creativity & Wine at Whicher Ridge Winery'  tour combines the restorative movements of qigong with mindful journalling, a shared picnic, sensory garden walk and wine tasting at Busselton small batch winery Whicher Ridge. The 'Nature for Everyone: Accessible Wellbeing Experience at Crooked Brook Forest' is a gentle, three-hour session which includes nature connection, journalling and a picnic lunch. 

Oh Hey! WA launches Canning Bridge Art Tours
Art loving visitors to Perth/Boorloo will relish the chance to explore the vibrant Canning Bridge precinct on foot as part of Oh Hey! WA's new Canning Bridge Art Tours. Supported by the City of Melville, the new tours take in the incredible public art works of this iconic riverside precinct, which is located in the city's south, and shares the behind-the-scenes stories, and the 'why' behind these remarkable murals. A variety of tour options are on offer including a kids art hunt, low-sensory children's option, and a Seniors Saunter at a leisurely pace. For a truly relaxed afternoon, the Sundowner Art & Bar Walk takes visitors on a meandering stroll between the art works and local hotspots Clancy's Fish Bar, Parley Wine Bar, The Raffles and The Rowing Pavilion for included drinks and snacks.  

NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE OPENINGS

It's going to be a Baillie Hill summer
An epic architectural undertaking in the inner Perth suburb of East Victoria Park is nearing completion. The $25m Baillie Hill project, by Blackoak, is set to open this summer, breathing new life into the landmark heritage site, and delivering big on hospitality and community. Visitors will be able to dine at the all-day Berwick Bar and Kitchen, unwind in the bar, grab coffee at Beth's Cafe and Bakery, or visit Milly's Acre, an 'urban homestead' complete with fresh produce markets and the Baillie Stables petting zoo. Rounded out with an onsite distillery, gelato window, woodfired pizza parlour and children's playground, Baillie Hill is set to be a premium entertainment, community and lifestyle destination. The anchor of the development is the heritage-listed Elizabeth Baillie House, which has been loving restored, and sits proudly within the expansive grounds and new additions.  

Discover Witchcliffe's new wine bar
Located in Witchcliffe, deep in the Margaret River Region, Vintners Wine Bar & McHenry Hohnen Cellar Door is now open, offering wine tastings and meals within an inviting setting. Taking style cues from its surroundings, the rammed earth venue features a spectacular centrepiece bar, cosy fireside lounge and elegant dining area. Its expansive wine list of more than 300 bottles spans McHenry Hohnen's range, from current releases to rare, museum wines, alongside regional and international drops and bottles from Murray McHenry's collection. At the cellar door, visitors can enjoy a tasting and discover more about the winery's sustainable practices and acclaimed portfolio. Meanwhile, the kitchen is helmed by Head Chef Nicolas Delorme (formerly of Cape Lodge and Wills Domain) and heroes local produce (including from McHenry Farms) within its seasonal, Mediterranean-style sharing menu.

Dandanning Brewery launches tours
A small batch brewery in the Wheatbelt is inviting visitors to get a glimpse behind-the-brew. Dandanning Brewery, in Mukinbudin, has launched guided tastings and tours, allowing beer lovers to discover the process and how the brand incorporates locally grown grain from the owners' family farm, WA hops, and honey from nearby producers into each batch. Each small group tour includes a tasting flight with six samples, a guided walk-through of the brewing facilities and plenty of question time. Founded by Calvin Squire, the Dandanning Brewery's lively product range includes a Rejuvenation Pale Ale, infused with native lemongrass; Farmer's Lager; and Victoria Bragg, a full-strength honey beer. 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE UPDATES

The Everlasting Kings Park Festival celebrates major milestone
From 12-29 September, the annual Everlasting Kings Park Festival will be in full bloom, with a fantastic calendar brimming with dozens of events including exhibitions, walks and talks, wellness sessions, guided tours and workshops. The free Kings Park's Community Garden Party on Monday, 29 September promises to be a festival highlight, with floral festivities and performances from partner WA Music's stable of artists. In 2025, the Western Australian Botanic Garden is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the renowned Kings Park Plant Development team has created the 'White Diamond' waxflower to mark this historic milestone. The celebrations continue at the State Library of Western Australia and Western Australian Museum with both hosting special events and exhibitions as part of the 60th anniversary. Kings Park and Botanic Garden/Kaarta Koomba is located on the outskirts of Perth's CBD and is one of the world's largest inner city parks. It is home to the WA Botanic Garden, which showcases an outstanding collection of WA flora, includes areas of natural bushland, and offers sweeping views of the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan.

Groundswell Festival set to shake up Scarborough
Surfing competitions, BMX battles, skateboard shows, a roller-skating display, and 3x3 basketball tournaments are just some of the epic events bound for Scarborough Beach this October as part of the Groundswell Festival. The free sporting, lifestyle, music and wellness festival will return for the 13th year from 11-12 October 2025 and promises culture, connection and community. Those seeking a slower-paced weekend can partake in wellness activities at the Tipi Village, including breathwork and sound healing, Pilates and yoga, reiki and tarot readings. Meanwhile, foodies will love exploring the Festival Village food trucks serving up tasty treats all weekend. And for those simply after good vibes – Groundswell LIVE will deliver a golden-hour mini festival at the Scarborough Ampitheatre.

Shipwreck Hunters Australia showcases WA
Western Australia's 'Treasure Coast' is at the forefront of the eagerly awaited Season 2 of Shipwreck Hunters Australia, now streaming on Disney +. Produced with support from Tourism WA and with expert assistance from the Western Australian Museum, the new season takes a deep dive into the histories and mysteries of Western Australia's perilous seafaring past. Showcasing the remote Abrolhos Islands, the World Heritage-listed locations of Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef; plus Australia's South West, Season 2 is another epic underwater adventure, led by the talented and intrepid Shipwreck Hunters divers and filmmakers. 

CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

Perth Hills to host inaugural WanderFest
Across four days in September, nature lovers are invited to experience the Perth Hills like never before, as part of the inaugural Perth Hills WanderFest. From 26-29 September, guided hikes will be held along five trails in Armadale, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Gidgegannup. In Armadale, the guided hike will offer a senior's focussed experience, along a gentle 5km loop trail. In Gidgegannup, beginner hikers are encouraged to book an easy-going 3km walk through the leafy F.R. Berry Reserve. Young hikers can sign up to the youth-focused guided hike in Kalamunda through the picturesque trail along Piesse Brook. Off the Beaten Track WA will host an accessible guided hike around Lake Leschenaultia, and the Serpentine-Jarrahdale 16km hike along Kitty's Gorge Trail is perfect for advanced hikers. 

Event listings

Bledisloe Cup
4 October | Perth
Rugby Union's ultimate showdown is back at Perth Stadium. The Wallabies face archrivals, the mighty New Zealand All Blacks, in an epic battle for the iconic Bledisloe Cup. With the Wallabies determined to reclaim the Cup after years of anticipation, the stakes have never been higher.  

WWE Crown Jewel: Perth
10 - 13 October | Perth
Crown Jewel: Perth will feature some of the biggest WWE Superstars at RAC Arena, including Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, who will make his final WWE appearance in Australia as part of his 2025 farewell tour, Australian star Rhea Ripley, and more.  

Pair'd Margaret River Region
20 – 23 November | Margaret River Region
Pair'd Margaret River Region x Range Rover returns from 20–23 November 2025 with over 30 unique events across four days, each curated to showcase the best of the region's wine, food, culture, and natural beauty. World-renowned chefs join forces with local culinary icons, acclaimed winemakers, and musical trailblazers to create iconic experiences in this breathtaking wine destination.  

The West Test - The Ashes
21 - 25 November | Perth
The most iconic series in world cricket is coming to Perth in November. The NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes series kicks off at Perth Stadium on Friday, 21 November. The Ashes remains one of the most historic and hotly contested events in world sport – and you will not want to miss this

Ironman WA & Ironman WA 70.3
7 December | Busselton
Ironman 70.3 Western Australia and Ironman Western Australia take place in the scenic town of Busselton in WA's Margaret River Region. Incorporating the iconic Busselton Jetty, both events are renowned worldwide for being the place to go for a personal best, with the bike and run courses amongst the flattest on the global Ironman circuit. 

The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix 
17-18 January 2026 | Fremantle
Perth is set to host the world's best in high-speed, close-to-shore racing for the first time in Fremantle. The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG, will kick start the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, a global calendar of events featuring national teams battling it out in identical high-tech, foiling catamarans and racing at speeds exceeding 100kmph.