Western Australia - Business Travel Guide 2022

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Whether coastal, urban or outback, the landscapes of Western Australia are like walking on a dream. Through cultural immersion and nature-based tourism, prepare to embark on an otherworldly adventure

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Deane Anderton

Occupying one-third of the vast landmass of the Australian continent and encompassing a coastline that stretches more than 12,500 kilometres (approximately 7,767 miles), the allure behind Western Australia (WA) is as boundless and diverse as its awe-inspiring landscapes.

A treasure trove of natural wonders, from the arid plains of the Outback to the kaleidoscopic marine life of the Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu), the lands of WA are intrinsically bound to the 50,000-year-old heritage of the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Aboriginal Australia can be experienced through authentic opportunities

for cultural immersion, whether through touring the metropolitan centre of Perth (Boorloo), or marvelling at footprints that echo through history in the ancient rock art of the Kimberley region. Blessed with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the sunny riverside city of Perth is WA’s urban epicentre. Here, Mediterranean conditions abound compared to the tropics of the North. This varied climate means that whenever you visit WA, you are sure to find a taste of summer.

With such an expanse of distances to cover and a cornucopia of sights to explore, the only thing you’ll find lacking on a trip to WA is time.

Roebuck Bay, Broome

Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

Discover Western Australia’s rugged beauty by going Off The Beaten Track

www.offthebeatentrackwa.com.au

Western Australia (WA) is a region of wilderness and adventure, where the desert, outback and forest meet a coast that curves around the country from north to south. It is no surprise then that it draws such a large number of visitors from abroad who wish to experience all that WA has to offer.

Promising to deliver tourists’ wants and needs is Off The Beaten Track WA (OTBT), Perth’s premium provider of hiking experiences and adventure tours.

OTBT is an award-winning outdoor activity operator that offers an extensive range of varied nature-based experiences ranging from hours to days and up to an entire week in duration. Over 70 different escapades can be undertaken across ancient forests, rocky hills, roaring rivers and the wild coast, with OTBT fulfilling its oath of exciting expedition for those who choose to tour with the organisation.

OTBT’s Stirling Range & Porongurup 5 Peak Adventure is not for the faint of heart! This four-day group experience combines the most scenic and rugged summit hikes including the highest peak in the Stirling Range – Bluff Knoll with campsite cooking for an immersive adventure experience. Watch the cloudfall as you witness the sunrise from the summit of Bluff Knoll, or admire 360 degrees of awe-inspiring views from the summit of My Talyuberlup at sunset. Like all of OTBT’s Adventure Tours, transport is included Ex-Perth so Guests can simply book their experience, and OTBT will take care of the rest.

Yet it’s not all rugged

exploration; each of OTBT’s experiences also incorporates the finer things in life; comfortable stays and gourmet meals combine the best of the outdoors with hedonism for a truly memorable holiday.

And there is no need to worry about getting lost! As with every experience, each guide/host is equipped with two-way communication devices and a personal location beacon to ensure safety throughout an adventure.

Epitomising this combination of comfort and adventure is OTBT’s Walpole Wilderness Gourmet Adventure, where the coastline, lush forests, pristine bays and white beaches merge with the best hiking trails, restaurants, wineries and attractions the South Coast Region has to offer.

Over the course of six days, visitors will trek the world-class wilderness of the Bibbulmun Track, as well as summit heights such as Mt Frankland and Mt Lindesay, exploring forests to summits and coastal clifftops. Between this, the finest restaurants such as Pepper & Salt and the Lake House Winery will be there to fill the bellies and raise the spirits of those who take the journey.

For those looking for a weekend getaway, OTBT’s 2.5 day Southern Forests Weekender Experience offers adventurers a 27-kilometre hiking experience that unveils the magic of WA’s Southern Forests region. This carefully crafted adventure combines the best hiking trails, restaurants and wineries of the region. Guests will hike through forests by day and relax and unwind in your chalet amongst the tall karri trees by night! This is a gourmet foodie adventure suitable for all hikers!

The Cape to Cape | End to End Hiking & Resort Experience is a prime example of an expedition. The week-long journey will see visitors cover a distance of 124 kilometres as a group, collectively traversing WA’s coastline and the Cape to Cape Track. The route is one of incredible diversity; hikers will be taken along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge between the lighthouses of two separate capes, and along the path will witness sights from waterfalls and turquoise bays to caves and clifftops.

Gourmet packed lunches are there to fuel hiker’s journeys, giving them the energy to become fully immersed in and enjoy the wonderous trail. At the end of each day, adventurers will be met with comfortable coastal accommodation.

For those adventurers that want to be completely immersed in the wilderness, OTBT offers Multi-day hikes along the world-class Bibbulmun Track! The Bibbulmun (Bib) Track is WA’s longest walking trail at 1003 kilometers, stretching from Kalamunda to Albany, and is the center of many of OTBT’s exciting hiking tours. Guests can choose to hike from 3-7 days through the Darling Range or South West of WA on one of these adventurous expeditions. Visitors can expect to walk through lush forests, rolling hills, Wandoo woodlands, granite outcrops and past flowing rivers. These wonderous walks in the wilderness provide Guests the opportunity to go off the beaten track and experience parts of WA that are only accessible by foot.

OTBT’s Premium Perth Tours: Perth Hills Hike, Wine & Dine, Hidden Gems of Perth, and Perth Hills Sunset Grazing, are three premium all-inclusive experiences that allow travellers the chance to see the real natural beauty of Perth. Meander lush forests, rocky pools, and witness awe-inspiring views, ending your day with gourmet antipasto platters and a taste of local beverages while the sun dips below the horizon.

Off The Beaten Track WA also specializes in creating private and bespoke experiences individually flavoured to suit their Guests’ desires. Their premium experiences include only the best hiking trails, gourmet picnics, wine tasting or fine dining, wellness activities such as pilates, meditation or yoga and they can even add in a glass of premium West Australian sparkling wine and a sensational sunset! Getting off the beaten track never looked or felt so reinvigorating!

OTBT is passionate about providing quality, unique and unforgettable nature-based experiences and is committed to best practices with all environmental aspects to ensure it leaves a minimal footprint.

Restore your soul now, through connection to nature, to others and yourself with one of OTBT’s experiences!

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

CAROLYN

TURNBULL, MANAGING DIRECTOR

of Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA), shares her thoughts on why WA should be top of any traveller’s bucket list – from pioneering eco-tourism initiatives, to bountiful opportunities for authentic cultural immersion.

Outlook Travel (OT): Talk us through the mission behind Tourism WA - why, in your opinion, should someone visit WA?

Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director (CT): Our role at Tourism WA is to grow the state’s tourism industry by promoting WA as an incredible holiday and events destination to inspire more people to visit the state from around Australia and the world.

We do this by marketing the state through innovative campaigns and industry partnerships, interstate and internationally; securing direct aviation routes to WA; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, cultural, arts, culinary and business events; and by working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors.

People should come to our state as WA truly offers what dreams are made of – from our vast, jawdropping landscapes, to supernatural colour contrasts and otherworldly experiences, WA is a place where reality can feel like an extraordinary

Managing Director

dream, and this has been the foundation for the messaging behind our new global tourism brand.

OT: What inspired Tourism WA’s recent rebrand?

CT: A unique global tourism brand has always been fundamental to a destination’s success, but a powerful brand has never been more critical than in today’s crowded, highly competitive travel marketplace.

Walking On A Dream has been designed to elevate WA on the world stage and make our state shine in the fiercely-contested international travel climate that all destinations are currently competing in. It is all about growing awareness and driving consideration for WA as an aspirational destination in the minds of our key international and interstate High Yielding Traveller (HYT) audience.

Our new global tourism brand is

an invitation to the world to come to WA and explore the awe-inspiring attributes that make it a wondrous, dream-like place.

OT: What kind of traveller does WA appeal to most?

CT: As the world continues to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumer desire for freedom, space, time and connection has never been stronger – and WA offers endless experiences that speak to these new consumer needs.

Visitors here are seeking dreamlike encounters with wildlife and immersive experiential moments as they embark on the state’s otherworldly adventures – all bound together by connection with authentic locals, including 50,000 years of ancient stories.

Our research shows that nature, wildlife, and aquatic and coastal experiences remain the key drivers for visitation. We have seen strong demand for the bucket list and dream-like experiences that WA offers, such as swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef and exploring the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Visitors are also especially keen to explore the gourmet food and wine experiences of Perth and the Margaret River Region, and our incredible nature and wildlife experiences like swimming with wild dolphins in Rockingham and meeting friendly quokkas on Rottnest Island.

Carolyn Turnbull,

Swimming with a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), Ningaloo Marine Park

Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

Stay on the Water

A stunning waterside destination, The Marina, Mindarie is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Western Australia’s capital and largest city, Perth.

Bring your family for a leisurely day out, get together with friends over a locally brewed boutique beer, or have a mini-break at one of the resort’s beautifully appointed accommodation suites.

Boasting crystal clear marina waters, stunning sunsets and a relaxed Mediterranean feel, The Marina, Mindarie is therefore perfect for waterfront dining, live entertainment, family fun, and a stylish, comfortable stay.

Providing the latter, for those that plan on staying a little longer and making the very most of their visit, is The Marina Hotel.

THE SUITE LIFE

With sweeping views of the marina and private balconies, The Marina Hotel is the perfect waterside setting for a family holiday or a romantic escape.

Step from your room at The Marina Hotel and you will be greeted by the bustling boardwalk, where you can explore the various dining and entertainment venues that are on offer.

Enjoy coffees or cocktails, share sumptuous meals, listen to live music, and get the kids involved in free fun-filled activities. From micro-breweries to cafes & restaurants, pool bars and pop up movie theatres, there is something for everyone.

Alternatively, for a bit of fun on the water, head out on a cruise, take a dip at one of the local beaches, or add some play to your day with a stand up paddle boarding lesson or hire a bike form reception and hit one of the coastal bike tracks, before settling down in the serene style and comfort of your hotel suite.

There is a wide variety of accommodation options on offer at The Marina Hotel, from one- and two-bedroom suites to a one-bedroom spa suite and three-bedroom villa. The Marina Hotel’s one-bedroom suites are stylish, modern rooms with polished concrete floors and large private balconies

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a business visit or a romantic retreat for two, the spacious and beautifully appointed suites of the Marina Hotel are the perfect escape

Located minutes Perth. The Mindarie stunning destination. www.themarinamindarie.com

Located just 30 minutes from The Marina, Mindarie is a stunning waterside destination.

that overlook The Marina, Mindarie. Just steps away from the boardwalk, these suites are the perfect base from which guests can enjoy all of the great dining and entertainment options available at the resort.

For all the style and comfort of a one-bedroom suite but with the added luxury of a private spa bath to relax in, consider the one-bedroom spa suite. Perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring Mindarie, the balconies’ breathtaking views of the marina are just the place to experience a beautiful sunset whilst polishing off a bottle of bubbles.

The two-bedroom suite, meanwhile, is perfect for families. Featuring large rooms with a queen bed, twin bedroom and a spacious lounge area that looks out onto a private balcony, these suites are situated just a short walk from a vibrant shopping complex, whilst food outlets are available downstairs. With plenty to do outdoors, the two-bedroom suites at The Marina Hotel have everything you could need for a family holiday or a getaway with friends.

For a home away from home, the hotel’s self-contained threebedroom villas come equipped with a kitchenette, separate lounge and dining areas, and a spacious courtyard. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion with friends and family or attending an event at the marina, the three-bedroom villa is the accommodation of choice for small groups.

ACCOMMODATION DEALS

The Marina Hotel’s Girls Getaway package is the perfect escape for a group of friends. Including one night’s accommodation in a two-bedroom suite or a three-bedroom villa, indulge in sparkling wine, fruit and cheese platter on arrival, a manicure or pedicure per person at Alannah Lee Beauty, as well as a food and beverage voucher to experience the resort’s rich dining and entertainment options.

For couples that are looking for the ideal escape, a mini break at The Marina Hotel is just the treat. It includes a night in a one-bedroom spa suite with a bottle of sparkling wine, red wine, cheese platter, gourmet chocolates and bath bombs awaits.

Family staycations are also taken care of. Available from Sunday to Thursday, enjoy a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite with a $50 food and beverage gift card, as you explore and share moments together at The Marina, Mindarie.

Guests staying at The Marina Hotel can even add a delicious breakfast from Sistas Mindarie to their visit. For only $30 per person, wander down to the waterfront and select any main course from the breakfast menu as well as a coffee of your choice.

The reviews from some of The Marina Hotel’s happy guests speak for themselves. Magnificent views, fabulous décor, spacious and ultra-modern bathrooms, comfortable beds, a great choice of eateries and free entertainment, spotlessly clean – just a few of the reasons why people strongly recommend The Marina Hotel for a visit to Western Australia.

OT:

CT: Two growing areas of demand for tourism in WA are cultural tourism and ecotourism.

Our vision is to make WA the premier Aboriginal tourism destination in Australia, so growing the Aboriginal tourism sector is one of our top priorities. Walking On A Dream as a brand has been inspired by WA’s unique Aboriginal culture in an artistic, authentic way, to align with our Jina WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan objectives.

A recent initiative in this space is Camping with Custodians. This exciting, Australian-first programme is a network of high-quality campgrounds on Aboriginal lands. The campgrounds are open to the public and are owned and operated by the community. They allow visitors to experience the world’s oldest continuous living culture in a personal, authentic setting.

Sustainability is also critical to Tourism WA’s vision, to shape and protect our industry’s future across the community, economy and environment. Excitingly, WA will soon be home to the world’s longest electric highway, with a network of almost 100 new electric vehicle fast-charging stations and back-up charges at nearly 50 different locations.

The Margaret River Region has also recently become WA’s first certified ECO Destination – one of only four in Australia. Through this globally recognised certification programme, visitors are assured the region has a range of high-quality, nature-based tourism products and a strong commitment to improving sustainable practices into the future. 68 wineries across the Margaret River Region are also certified members of Sustainable Wine Growing Australia, with 12 percent of vineyards certified organic or biodynamic.

WA is a leader in minimal impact glamping and eco-friendly accommodation, including iconic properties such as Sal Salis Ningaloo, Eco Beach Resort in Broome and Discovery Rottnest Island. Tourism WA is currently investigating opportunities to further develop these types of accommodation offerings.

We have also placed experience development managers in our five tourism regions to work with operators to grow tourism experiences and products to capitalise on investment in National Parks.

OT: What are Tourism WA’s key priorities for the near future?

CT: We’re focusing on three key pillars to continue to reset the state’s tourism industry and give travellers a compelling reason to visit WA –marketing, event and experience development.

We’ve already delivered our new world-class tourism brand to set the state up for long-term success and increase tourism’s contribution to the economy, so our next step is to officially launch the Walking On A Dream brand in our priority markets around the world. We will also continue to help bring blockbuster stadium fixtures, mass participation events and high-impact art and cultural events to our state, to give visitors that ‘hook to book’ a visit to WA.

In experience development, we are focusing on growing and strengthening the current and future tourism workforce, and working with private sector investors and government stakeholders to help develop world-class luxury lodges in strategic regional locations. Tourism WA is also supporting the development of authentic Aboriginal tourism experiences and tourism infrastructure projects in WA’s regions, restoring aviation access into and around our state, and driving success in the cruising sector, which contributed AUD$262 million to WA’s economy and supported almost 1,000 jobs prior to the pandemic.

TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tel: +61 (8) 9262 1700 info@westernaustralia.com www.westernaustralia.com

What are some of the major trends you’re seeing for tourism in WA?

ABORIGINAL TOURISM

Many may not realise that Australia’s Aboriginal people belong to the oldest continuous living culture on Earth, dating back more than 50,000 years. This ancient culture is kept alive in WA by more than 100 Aboriginal tourism operators who share their unique traditions, lands and legendary stories with visitors from around the world.

Kingfisher Tours, Bec Samp, Echidna Chasm

Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

Aboriginal experiences can be found across the whole state – from the limestone caves of the southernmost Margaret River Region to the urban centre of Perth (Boorloo), where a Warrang-Bridil cultural tour will immerse visitors in the Aboriginal culture of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan). The city pays homage to its Aboriginal heritage, as seen in Yagan Square and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, located in the Perth Cultural Centre.

Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Koomal Dreaming

All photos: Tourism Western Australia

The scenic wilds of WA’s Northwest in the Murujuga National Park boast one of the world’s most ancient art galleries, with the largest collection of rock art/petroglyphs. Experience a guided trip led by an Aboriginal host

to this magnificent historic landmark with Ngurrangga Tours, as the park progresses to becoming an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elsewhere, head north to Broome (Rubibi) and the Dampier Peninsula to meet with a member of the area’s Bardi Jawi people to retrace the ocean journey from the mainland through a wild network of islands and tidal passages on an excursion with Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours.

Meanwhile, in Broome, you can participate in an Aboriginal corroboree experience, referred to as Wakai – meaning ‘the coming together of family’ - provided by Mabu Buru Tours in collaboration with Yatangal.

With myriad other authentic Aboriginal experiences on offer, be sure to seek insight into the ancient culture that lies at the heart of these lands.

Nyungar Tours, Kerry Ann Winmar, Perth

Njaki Njaki Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Merridin

Bundy’s Cultural Tours, Dampier Peninsula

Go Culutral Aboriginal Tours and Experiences, Kings Park, Perth

Girloorloo Tours, Mimbi Caves, Fitzroy Crossing

Cultural Tour with Bolo, Dampier Peninsula

South West Tapestry, Boodja Gin, Harris River Estate

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Adventures, Shark Bay

All photos: Tourism Western Australia

The beauty of the Kimberley is unsurpassed. There is nothing quite like journeying through the remote and rugged land, discovering the vast, untouched wilderness of Australia’s final frontier. Planning a trip to the Kimberley can be overwhelming, with a large area to cover and many places to explore.

This is where Kimberley Experiences comes in. Locally owned and operated in Kununurra, the gateway to the East Kimberley, our friendly team of travel designers will work with you to seamlessly curate your itinerary to ensure you maximise every moment of your time here.

With in-depth knowledge of the region and insight into the Kimberley that spans many years of living and exploring here, we strive to make planning your Kimberley adventure an enjoyable process. From the initial planning

stage, to finally stepping foot on the ochrecoloured Kimberley dirt, let Kimberley Experiences help create your adventure of a lifetime.

We offer itinerary creation services where you work closely with our travel designers to compose your dream Kimberley adventure. Whether you’re flying in or self-driving, going solo or with a group of family or friends, our team will listen to your holiday wants and needs and build your trip around them. We have a selection of tried and tested itineraries, covering all the key destinations such as the Bungle Bungle Range, El Questro and Broome, plus many other locations and experiences that you may have never heard of.

Our most popular itinerary ‘An Unforgettable Week in the Kimberley’ is a 7-day foray into some of the East Kimberley’s most

iconic destinations. Spend two nights in the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, discovering the ancient sandstone formations of the Bungle Bungle Range from both above and ground level. Staying in the eco-accredited Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, immerse yourself in the natural heritage of the park and learn about Aboriginal culture from the Traditional Owners that we work closely with.

Venture to the very northwest of Australia to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) on a full-day plane, hike and helicopter combination tour that covers an area the size of central Europe. Enjoy a day exploring the Ord Valley by hire car, whether it’s a drive to El Questro or Wyndham or sampling local rum at The Hoochery or visiting Waringarri Art Centre. Finally, cruise the pristine waterway of the Ord River, discovering stunning gorges and an abundance of native flora and fauna.

If the salty breeze of the West Kimberley is calling your name, our ‘ Broome, Horizontal Falls & Cape Leveque’ itinerary may take your fancy. Your adventure begins in the historic town of Broome, visiting key destinations such as Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, and Chinatown. Explore the tip of the Dampier Archipelago on a guided experience, visiting Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and One Arm Point, as well as an exciting sea safari on the Buccaneer Archipelago. Experience the incredible Horizontal Falls and the pristine beauty of the West Kimberley coastline with a scenic flight from Broome to the Horizontal

Falls and thrilling boat ride through the falls and surrounding bays and creek systems. Or you can take the guesswork out of going solo by joining one of our newly launched hosted small group experiences. These premium travel experiences explore iconic destinations with like-minded travellers, leaving you with a lifetime of memories. Basing yourself from the comfort of 4.5-star accommodation in Kununurra and one night in the heart of Purnululu National Park, these hosted experiences are simply the best way to explore the remote Kimberley region without the stress of navigating the landscape yourself. Discover the magnificent three-tiered waterfall of Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) by air and land, cruise the vast expanse of Lake Argyle and enjoy a sunset swim, explore the iconic Australian destination of El Questro and its many gorges and springs and marvel at the ancient sandstone formations of the Bungle Bungle Range.

Be guided by our local team, whose insight into the East Kimberley spans many years of exploring and living in the region. Our intimate group size of 12 means you’re not just a number but an integral part of the adventure!

Whatever your travel style is, our team can help you on your way to an unforgettable Kimberley adventure. For more information about our suggested itineraries or hosted experiences, visit: kimberleyexperiences.com.au or contact us on 1800 960 991.

EVENTS

Shore Leave Festival

27-30 April, 2023

FRINGE World Festival

20 January – 19 February, 2023

FRINGE World Festival returns, showcasing more than 170 circus, comedy, theatre, and children’s events from local, national and international artists. The festival is produced by Artrage – one of the oldest arts organisations in WA – and next year returns to its home ground at the Perth Cultural Centre in the heart of Northbridge, surrounded by a vibrant offering of arts, music, food and entertainment. New additions to the 2023 Festival include Liberty Fringe, which will bring the iconic Liberty Theatre in the Perth central business district (CBD) back to life as the old cinema room and basement transforms into theatre spaces for comedy and variety. fringeworld.com.au

A celebration of the Midwest region’s seafood, culture, food and adventure offerings, this festival hosts one of the most unique dining experiences in WA, the Abrolhos Islands Long Table Lunch. shoreleavefestival.com.au

Margaret River Pro

20-30 April, 2023

This World Surf League Championship Tour event attracts top men’s and women’s professional surfers to Margaret River each year, to compete in one of the world’s most consistent big wave destinations, with more than 75 major surf breaks. worldsurfleague.com

Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster

19-27 May, 2023

The Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster celebrates the culture and extraordinary natural landscapes of the Kimberley region in WA’s Northwest. The festival prides itself on embracing the local community to present an impressive line-up of events including comedy nights, a street party and the Waringarri Corroboree. The muster’s major drawcard, the Kimberley Moon Experience, is held on the banks of the Ord River and provides an idyllic setting to enjoy a stellar line-up of national and local musical acts. ordvalleymuster.com

From circus extravaganzas to sporting spectacles, here is a selection of some of the major events in WA’s cultural calendar next year

All photos: Tourism Western Australia

IN FOCUS PERTH

AUSTRALIA’S SUNNIEST CITY can be found between the bright sandy shores of the Indian Ocean and the shimmering banks of the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan). With 18 pristine beaches a short drive away, you won’t be short of places to watch one of Perth’s famous sunsets.

The area’s natural beauty thrives alongside the urban epicentre of WA, home to a smorgasbord of gourmet food and wine experiences and endless bars, restaurants, hotels, shopping and cultural spaces. Perth boasts one of the world’s most beautiful inner-city parks, Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba), with more than 3,000 species of native plants and around 80 bird species.

Elsewhere, the bustling waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay is a cosmopolitan celebration of the city’s love affair with the Swan River, where

5-star hotels like The Ritz Carlton Perth and the DoubleTree Hilton Perth rub shoulders over scenic riverfront views.

Just a 30-minute drive out of the Perth CBD will transport visitors into awesome natural surroundings,

including WA’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley. Swim with wild dolphins at Rockingham, cruise the canals in Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap), discover crystal caves in Yanchep National Park and hike trails in the Perth Hills. Nearby, the island paradise of Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) can be reached via a short ferry ride from the mainland and promises a glimpse of the world’s happiest animal and West Australian icon, the quokka.

Rottnest Island, Quokka selfie

Perth skyline, Matagarup Bridge

Swan Valley

All photos: Tourism Western Australia

Sailing Eventide specialises in personalised sailing experiences for private groups, designed to create opportunities for connection, and inspire a sense of freedom and adventure under sail.

Personalised half day, full day, overnight and Learn to Sail holiday options are available.

Choose from a number of carefully curated sailing experiences or let Eventide’s expert team guide you to plan your own sailing adventure.

Step aboard your private yacht with friends and family for an unforgettable experience, exploring the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and Perth’s magnificent white beaches and coastal islands.

Swim with seals at Carnac Island, snorkel the limestone reefs at Rottnest, hoist the sails and grind the winches or simply relax and enjoy the magic of movement under sail. With the yacht exclusively yours and skipper and crew at hand, the choice is yours.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS…

DO: FOR PERSONALISED CHARTERS IN THE SOUTHWEST... Kombi Cruz

FOR SETTING SAIL...

From its base in Fremantle, Sailing Eventide offers a unique and immersive sailing experience on board a 38’ Lagoon sailing catamaran designed exclusively for small groups of up to 12 people. As WA locals and passionate lifelong sailors, you are in expert hands with Eventide’s owners.

FOR BLOCKBUSTER STADIUM FIXTURES...

Voted the world’s most beautiful stadium, Optus Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 people. Be sure to check the venue’s listing for world-class fixtures, from music concerts to cricket, football, and rugby Adrenaline-seekers must try ‘The Ozone’ for unforgettable rooftop tours and other experiences.

FOR A BIRD’S EYE VIEW...

Kimberley Experiences Group has a long-standing reputation for excellence in customer service and adventure tourism. Today, its multi-award-winning Kimberley-based portfolio includes Aviair, HeliSpirit, Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments, the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, and Bungle Bungle Guided Tours.

FOR AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE...

Off the Beaten Track WA is a hiking experience and adventure tour operator transporting guests to the Great Outdoors through unforgettable immersive experiences. Their tours range from multi-day treks along scenic long-distance trails, to weekendlong trips across WA. Offering a diverse array of experiences, the company prides itself on providing unique nature-based trips designed with minimal

environmental impact in mind. Guests can create bespoke private excursions or gamble on making new connections with like-minded travellers by joining a group tour. From rugged coastal beauty to deep immersion in ancient forests, rekindle your connection with nature.

SLEEP:

FOR A LUXURY STAY IN PERTH’S CBD...

Duxton Hotel. The Duxton offers guests accommodation in the heart of Perth’s CBD with 306 rooms and suites and facilities including a steam room, sauna, and outdoor-heated pool.

FOR THE OPEN ROAD...

Camplify boasts an extensive fleet of campervans, motorhomes and caravans for your WA road trip adventure. As a sharing community for ‘vantrepreneurs’, Camplify connects holidaymakers with thousands of unique neighbourhood vans that are available to hire – from luxury trips for two to homes for the family on four wheels.

FOR A WATERSIDE SOJOURN...

The Marina Hotel can be found just 30 minutes from Perth in the stylish harbour town of Mindarie. Combining waterfront dining with live entertainment and chic accommodation, The Marina is well-positioned to enjoy scenic views across the harbour, especially from the private balconies of its accommodation suites. The area boasts a rich variety of eateries and bars, including a microbrewery and gastropub right on the water’s edge. Take a stroll along the Mindarie boardwalk, and head out on a cruise straight from the marina before returning to the hotel, where comfort awaits.

Eye level view of the nightlife outside Optus Stadium, Burswood Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK

This World Heritage-listed treasure is home to the Bungle Bungle Range. Venture here for various hiking options amongst the curious ochre and black striped domes of rock which have been formed over the past 350 million years. Check out Cathedral Gorge and the Echidna Chasm for some of the most-popular day hikes.

MARGARET RIVER REGION

This exquisite southern region recently became WA’s first certified ECO Destination thanks to its range of nature-based tourism products –not to mention its mouth-watering local food and wine scene. In Wardandi Noongar Country, marvel at a unique network of more than 100 limestone caves and explore some of WA’s top surf spots before winding down at a premium winery.

NINGALOO MARINE PARK

Where the outback meets the reef, World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is one of very few places in the world where you can swim alongside gentle giants, namely whale sharks and humpback whales, when they grace these shores between March and July. This part of WA’s Coral Coast is also a major breeding area for sea turtles.

All photos: Tourism Western Australia

Attention to detail is the unmistakeable trademark of Perth’s finest and most elegant hotel - The Duxton.

Located in the heart of the Perth CBD, the 5-star Duxton Hotel Perth offers guests superior accommodation rooms with all the amenities one would expect to find at a luxury hotel, including an award-winning dining experience at the Firewater Grille restaurant and The Lobby Bar which is the perfect place to unwind in the evening.

Relax in the outdoor heated pool while enjoying a poolside drink, stay on track with fitness goals by taking advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre, and sauna – there’s room for everyone at the Duxton.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

AS A GATEWAY to the region, most visitors begin their WA adventure in Perth (Boorloo). The city is well-connected with international airlines, with direct flights from the UK, Middle East, South Africa, New Zealand and Asia, and many domestic flight options from the rest of Australia. Visitors arriving at Perth Airport can access Perth city in less than 20 minutes by the new Metronet Airport train line. If visiting during spring or summer, the Perth Coastal Explorer is an open-top double decker bus that provides the perfect way to cruise along the city’s Sunset Coast.

For those travelling from elsewhere in Australia, the iconic Indian Pacific offers an unforgettable rail experience, connecting Adelaide and Sydney to Perth on one of the longest rail roads on Earth.

Internal flights are a great way to reach some of WA’s regional destinations, as seen with the new direct flight from Jetstar which connects Melbourne with Busselton in the Margaret River Region. You can also reach Kununurra Airport in eastern Kimberley with a three-hour direct flight from Perth with Virgin Australia. Coming soon in April 2023, a new direct flight between

Melbourne and Exmouth is set to launch, providing a swift and easy route for travellers looking to explore the Ningaloo Reef.

Finally, road trips were made for WA, as one of the world’s largest states. Car and motorhome rentals are popular options, or join a bus or coach tour travelling along the Nullarbor Plain to Perth. From here, three of Australia’s ultimate adventures and long-distance road trips connect Perth to the rest of the country, including the Eyre Highway, the Outback Way and the Savannah Way.

Perth skyline, Kings Park

Photograph:

Nature’s Window, Kalbarri National Park

Photograph: Tourism Western Australia

Kalbarri Skywalk, Kalbarri National Park

Photograph: Tourism Western Australia