LATEST NEWS

WA Tourism Awards winners announced
Incredible operators from all corners of the Dream State have been recognised in the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards over the weekend. The two most coveted awards, the Sir David Brand individual and business awards, were won by two renowned Australian South Sea pearl operators - Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and Robert Banfield from Willie Creek Pearls. View the full list of winners here.  

Perth and the South West home to Michelin stays
Two Western Australian hotels have been awarded Michelin Keys - the new global tiered accommodation equivalent of the highly coveted Michelin Star, by Michelin. Empire Retreat in Yallingup and COMO The Treasury in Perth/Boorloo were both awarded one key for offering guests 'a very special stay'. COMO The Treasury is a luxury hotel and spa in the heart of Perth city's iconic State Buildings, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in October. Empire Retreat is an elegant and understated haven tucked away in the outstanding natural surrounds of Yallingup, with a luxurious onsite spa. Hotels are ranked against five criteria spanning architecture and interior design, service, personality and character, value for the price, and contribution to the surrounding area or neighbourhood.

2030 Gay Games XIII to be hosted in Perth 
One of the world's largest LGBTQI sporting events is coming to Perth/Boorloo in 2030. The Gay Games XIII will be held over eight days from 9-16 March 2030 and see thousands of competitors take part in up to 36 sporting and six cultural events. A celebration of inclusion and diversity, the event is open to participants regardless of gender, sexuality, or any other factor. Sporting events include aquatics, track and field, cycling, basketball and football. The vibrant Games will feature an opening and closing ceremony, plus an LGBTQIA+ cultural celebration including music, performance and cheerleading. 

Australian garden to feature at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026
Western Australia will be centre stage at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London next year, as part of a special Australian garden installation. Award-winning gardener Max Parker-Smith will create a 'Journey Beyond the Tracks: From Adelaide to Perth' —a vibrant celebration of travel and horticulture.  WA is sure to provide plenty of inspiration as the end of an exceptional wildflower season draws near.  More than half of Australia's declared biodiversity hot spots are located in WA.   

World-first Aboriginal food and art experience announced for Victoria Quay
An Aboriginal food and art precinct is being developed in Fremantle/Walyalup, in a world-first initiative. Gather Hospitality Group is working to restore a 1950s heritage industrial workshop in Victoria Quay.  The workshop will be home to a cafe, retail, Aboriginal art and literature area and event space by the end of 2026. A state-of-the-art visual and immersive experience will allow visitors to discover 60,000 years of Aboriginal stories and knowledge through advanced digital technology.

The Crown Princess' arrival heralds the start of cruise season
The port city of Fremantle/Walyalup welcomed the Crown Princess to Fremantle Harbour marking the start of the Dream State's cruise season. The luxury liner is the largest vessel of the 2025–26 season boasting more than 3,000 passengers and 1,200 crew. Across WA, this season will see more than 140 cruise ships visit Albany/Kinjarling, Broome/Rubibi, Busselton/Undalup, Dampier, Esperance/Kepa Kurl, Exmouth, Fremantle and Geraldton/Jambinu.

Home and Away filming wraps
Western Australia will be home to the return of iconic couple Brax and Ricky to the much-loved Australian drama series, Home and Away​​​​​​​. Filming has wrapped this month on a Western Australia special, due to air in early 2026. The episodes will feature Perth and the Coral Coast, highlighting WA's breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged outback, and unique tourism destinations. The WA special event is expected to air in early 2026. 

NEW TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & ACCOMMODATION OFFERINGS

Helispirit and Box Hill Esperance partner on scenic experience
New premium accommodation offering Box Hill Esperance​​​​​​​ has partnered with award-winning aviation operator Helispirit to offer exclusive luxury experiences in the Esperance/Kepa Kurl region. Guests can now join a Helispirit tour direct from their doorstep at Box Hill and be whisked away on scenic flight before landing for a secluded beach swim or private picnic. Guests will marvel at aerial views of the Recherche Archipelago, Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks before landing at Woody Island, Hammer Head Beach, or Middle Island for a swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters and picnic on pure white sand shores. Box Hill Esperance is located 12 kilometres east of Esperance, and 30 kilometres from Cape Le Grand National Park.

Lighting the Sound tour soon to pop up in Albany
Albany Tours has launched a twilight hike experience to coincide with the breathtaking 'Lighting the Sound' event by Kari Kola, occurring over three magic weekends in Albany/Kinjarling in March 2026. Beginning in the late afternoon, the hike will depart from Whalers Cove and conclude at Uredale Point, for the most spectacular vantage point of this world-first, exclusive installation. Along the way, guests will marvel at the otherworldly surroundings of King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and Bramble Beach, before enjoying a gourmet bush food picnic and a warm beverage for the return journey. The expert, fully guided tour shares the stories of Menang elder, Uredale.  

Pemberton Discovery Tour launches new agritourism experience 
Visitors to the Southern Forests region can discover more about the region's incredible produce on a new tour by Pemberton Discovery Tours. 'Beyond the Farm Gate' takes food-loving visitors behind the scenes, with three exclusive stops to showcase the best produce of the season. Growers may include avocado orchards, apple or potato farms, strawberry fields or beef of poultry farms. Visitors will also sample top drops from local wineries, cideries or distilleries.  

Harvest Tours reaches accessible travel milestone
Award-winning small group tour operator, Harvest Tours is now fully accredited for accessible travel. Harvest Tours offers food and wine discovery experiences throughout the Margaret River Region, and earlier this year debuted a new wheelchair accessible transfer vehicle allowing even more visitors to enjoy the wonders of the South West. The spacious 11-seater, high-roof bus features a RYCON accessible lift, providing transportation of up to two wheelchairs plus nine additional seats. Harvest Tours offers departures from both Perth / Boorloo and Margaret River and its new accreditation reinforces its commitment to providing inclusive and empowering experiences for all visitors to the Dream State.

Sunsets, sips and dips: the new experience by Quokka Adventure Tours
Quokka Adventure Tours has launched its 'Beaches of Perth Sunset Picnic and City Lights Tour' just in time for summer. Starting in the Perth CBD, the tour takes a scenic drive through several riverside suburbs, stopping briefly for a riverside stroll, before arriving at the iconic Cottesloe Beach. Here guests can opt for an afternoon dip, before heading north along the coastline to City Beach and Scarborough. As the sun sets, guest will enjoy a light supper accompanied by a glass of Margaret River wine. The return journey to Perth includes a scenic dessert stop at Kings Park and Botanic Garden / Kaarta Koomba to appreciate the Perth city lights, and finally, the chance to view Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge illuminated at night. 

A unique wildlife tour experience launches in Perth
Off the Beaten Track's new Kaarakin Wildlife Experience invites visitors to experience the beauty of Banyowla Regional Park, located on the outskirts of Perth, while learning about WA's iconic red-tailed and white-tailed black cockatoos. The full day tour starts with a guided behind-the-scenes experience at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, where guests meet cockatoos, kangaroos, emus and dingoes, and a unique encounter in Jack's Interactive Aviary – a fantastic photo opportunity. Next, guests set off on a 3km hike at a relaxed pace through stunning natural bushland, before enjoying a nutritious morning tea with Perth city skyline views. Each tour ticket also includes a donation to directly support the Kaarakin centre.

Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network now complete
Dwellingup's growing reputation as a Trail Town has received a significant boost with the opening of Stage 2 of the Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network. With Stage 2 now complete, visitors to the region can now explore a world-class 68km trail. Just over an hour from Perth, Dwellingup is known for its towering forests, winding rivers and array of wildlife, providing the perfect surroundings for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and canoeing. Its varied natural attractions include Lane Poole Reserve, a section of the famous Bibbulmun Track and the picturesque Murray River.

NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE OPENINGS

Mrs Jones: a long-awaited reopening in Denmark
After temporarily closing its doors in April 2024, the beautifully renovated Mrs Jones Denmark has made its anticipated return. Located in the heart of Denmark, in Australia's South West, the restaurant features soaring ceilings, an elegant wine bar, cosy fireside lounge and inviting balcony area. Menu standouts include its 'breakfast gnocchi', the Black Sheep full breakfast with local Denmark sausages, and the Denmark lamb fattoush. Meanwhile, its Great Southern focussed wine list provides the perfect accompaniment. Mrs Jones Denmark has retained much of its original character as the former Old Butter Factory Denmark, with heritage repainted signage, exposed brick walls and historic photographs. 

Good food awaits at The Good Paddock
After opening its doors in August, Perth/Boorloo permaculture newcomer 11 Acre Farm has unveiled its latest addition, The Good Paddock. This 'farm-to-fork' style restaurant serves up delicious breakfast and lunches with ingredients sourced directly from 11 Acres' gardens and orchard, or from local growers. Menu highlights include fruit laden harvest bowls, fresh spring crudo and share dishes like La Delizia burrata. The Good Paddock is currently open for breakfast and lunch, with plans to host pop up dinners and curated events in the future. 11 Acres Farm is located 30 minutes southeast of Perth, and is also home to the Cubby Kiosk - a family-friendly food truck. The property offers an animal experience to meet the farm's friendly residents, plus behind-the-scenes farm tours.   

Busselton Pavilion welcomes Supper Club
Supper Club is an exclusive, chef-led dining space which has launched in Busselton/Undalup just in time for summer. This 30-seat intimate dining experience has taken over the former South West Wine Shop at Busselton Pavilion and is hosting special seasonally inspired dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. The concept is led by renowned chef Brendan Pratt and sous chef Tai Yokoyama - both formerly from Vasse Felix. The duo will partner with Australia's best talent spanning chefs, sommeliers, bartenders and winemakers to create unique dining experiences which celebrate the region's exceptional produce, including Casa's Paul Bently (January) and Matt Stone (February). 

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE UPDATES

Merse Wellness Spa opens its doors
Western Australia's wellness sphere has been strengthened with the arrival of Merse Wellness Spa in Perth/Boorloo, which invites guests to try the rejuvenating benefits of contrast therapy. Opening late October, it's home to Perth's largest hot magnesium pool and offers a variety of premium bathhouse services including cold plunge, salt room therapy, monsoon showers and steam room. Guests can opt for either (or both) infrared sauna and hot rock sauna, and 'Restore Me' membership sessions also offers access to the 'Rejuvenate Lounge' replete with LED light therapy, massage guns and audio sound healing. In addition, visitors can try restorative services such as compression therapy. Merse Wellness Spa features a luxurious and calming design, with soft colours, muted lighting and natural textures throughout. 

Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors installation arrives in Perth
Eighty brightly hued lantern warriors are illuminating the City of Light as part of the exclusive Terracotta Warriors exhibition at WA Museum Boola Bardip. The silk lanterns will be on display in Perth until the end of February 2026, first in Forrest Place, before moving to Elizabeth Quay and finally, to WA Museum Boola Bardip. The spectacular lanterns are on loan from Beijing and were originally part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Each spectacular lantern showcases traditional Chinese lantern-making craftsmanship, and the illuminated figures include armoured warriors, charioteers, soldiers and horses and civilians. So far, more than 160,000 visitors have seen the Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Emperor exhibition, making it the Museum's most successful exhibition to date.  

CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

Talent lineup revealed for Taste Great Southern 
The full Taste Great Southern program has been announced, with new experiences and acclaimed chefs to join the lineup in 2026. Renowned chef Jo Barrett and WA talent Evan Hayter, Paul "Yoda" Iskov, and Corey Rozario will feature at Tides of Taste x Singlefile at Maitraya Retreat Homestead. Offering outstanding scenery and a gourmet lunch in the Porongurups, Peak to Plate will feature renowned chef and television personality Guy Turland. Returning favourites will include the Denmark Wine Hop, a continuous bus loop allowing visitors to discover the region's cellar doors. Plus, new experience the Taste Market will feature local wine producers, chef pop-ups, and sommelier-hosted masterclasses Taste Great Southern 2026 will be held from 5-8 March 2026. 

Fremantle Biennale
The vibrant port city of Fremantle/Walyalup is celebrating its fifth edition of Fremantle Biennale from 13-30 November 2025. SANCTUARY invites visitors to experience music, performance, community and storytelling against the natural soundscape of the city. Highlights include a floating choir, public artworks, a seaside sauna, community kitchen and futurist digital installations.

Event listings

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 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 promises to be an unmissable event.  

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. 

United Cup Perth  
2-11 January 2026 | Perth
The United Cup sees some of the top international men's and women's tennis stars join forces in an electrifying mixed-team competition. Across nine days, RAC Arena will come alive with high-stakes group matches and unmissable finals qualification clashes. Beyond the court, fans can enjoy live entertainment, food, and family-friendly experiences in the heart of Perth city. 

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. 

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026
1- 21 March 2026 | Perth
Perth/Boorloo is set to host a series of matches from some of Asia's top women's football teams as part of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026. Perth Rectangular Stadium will play host to six group stage matches, followed by two quarter final matches, promising fast-paced matches and unforgettable moments.