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Monday, March 11, 2024

The Anam Cam Ranh Launches Honeymoon Villas




The Anam, a luxurious 12-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam's Cam Ranh peninsula, has unveiled two exquisite villas just for honeymooners, each replete with a private pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna room and daily afternoon tea.

Top domestic and international travel destinations for Easter revealed!


 

The Gold Coast has been named the top destination Aussies are looking to travel to this Easter and school holiday period, according to Booking.com's latest data*, in a likely bid to hold onto the sunshine and warm weather. 

 

Next on the list is Sydney, brimming with events from the Royal Sydney Easter Show to live music. This is followed by Melbourne and the festival state of South Australia with Adelaide jumping four places on the list, rounding out the top five with Perth

 

Asia dominated the top ten international destinations from Booking.com, with Japan on top (up five places), followed by Singapore (up three places), Seminyak and Ubud. Aussies are also looking for the hustle and bustle of cities as Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong rise a massive twenty-two and fourteen spots respectively. 

 

AU Top 20 Domestic Destinations*

  1. Gold Coast
  2. Sydney
  3. Melbourne
  4. Adelaide (+4)
  5. Perth
  6. Brisbane
  7. Cairns
  8. Canberra
  9. Byron Bay
  10. Hobart (+1)
  11. Coffs Harbour
  12. Newcastle
  13. Port Macquarie (+3)
  14. Airlie Beach
  15. Noosa Heads (+1)
  16. Nelson Bay
  17. Forster (+1)
  18. Lakes Entrance
  19. Mooloolaba (+10)
  20. Port Douglas

 

AU Top 10 International Destinations 

  1. Tokyo (+5)
  2. Singapore (+3)
  3. Seminyak
  4. Ubud
  5. Canggu (+3)
  6. Bangkok (+4)
  7. Ho Chi Minh City (+22)
  8. Hong Kong (+14)
  9. Osaka (+51)
  10. Legian (+2) 

 

AU Top 10 International + Domestic 

  1. Gold Coast
  2. Sydney
  3. Melbourne
  4. Adelaide
  5. Perth
  6. Tokyo
  7. Singapore
  8. Brisbane
  9. Seminyak
  10. Cairns

 

*Methodology: this report looks at search sessions between 2024-02-15 and 2024-02-25, with check in dates between 2024-03-29 and 2024-04-01. For comparison figures we looked at search sessions between 2023-03-06 and 2024-03-12, with check in dates between 2023-04-07 and 2023-04-10

 


Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Vietnamese Stars Aim to Top 2023 Heroics as 15th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Returns




Asian kids to battle it out for crown at World Top 100 Golf Resort Laguna Lang Co in April


Vietnam’s junior golf stars will be seeking to ensure recent history repeats itself when the 15th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final returns to Laguna Lang Co at the end of April.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

AirAsia Move - formerly airasia Superapp - unveils fresh new look


AirAsia MOVE debuts with refreshed app look, taking a bold first step in its ongoing transformative journey


  • New app icon on App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android) effective 26 Feb

  • Convenient functions remain the same, book AirAsia flights & 700 other airlines, hotels, rides, and so much more on the AirAsia MOVE app 

  • More exciting changes coming up, including new app layout & experience 


AirAsia MOVE, formerly known as airasia Superapp, today unveiled the updated, refreshed look of its app icon on the App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android). 


This comes as AirAsia MOVE enters another phase of its brand refresh and transformation as was announced in September 2023



Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE commented, "The new AirAsia MOVE app icon is the first of many exciting changes coming up that are designed to elevate and enhance every travellers' experience. From the app layout, to exciting new products, services and unbeatable deals, the new AirAsia MOVE will help you go all the way seamlessly when you travel. For those of you who already have the app on your phones, it would've been refreshed & updated to the new look. 


"While the app icon boasts a new appearance and AirAsia MOVE takes the spotlight as our new brand name, we would like to reassure everyone that everything you love such as booking AirAsia flights & from more airlines, hotels, rides, managing your bookings, or even connecting with fellow travellers via the Chat & Community as well as AskBo functions still remain intact. So don't worry and we hope you enjoy all the improvements that are coming your way!" 


For more information regarding the refreshed look and upcoming changes, visit this page.


AirAsia MOVE envisions travel complemented by a community-led experience through features such as airasia chat, games, gifting, and a strong loyalty program that rewards users across its expansive ecosystem. 

AirAsia MOVE's ecosystem includes OTA services such as flight bookings from over 700 airlines, including the World's Best Low-Cost Carrier AirAsia and 900,000 hotels world-wide plus ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance and more, underpinned by integrated financial services by BigPay. AirAsia MOVE won 'Asia's Leading Online Travel Agency 2023' by World Travel Awards in its first nomination in the OTA category. 

Download the AirAsia MOVE app via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei App Gallery.

Both AirAsia MOVE and BigPay are part of MOVE Digital, the digital arm of Capital A Berhad. 



Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Anam Cam Ranh Resort’s New Sustainable Farm Feeds Mouths and Minds


With 8500sqm of its 12 beachfront hectares dedicated to cultivating an array of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and eggs for meals for guests and staff, a luxury resort has launched a program for children to learn about sustainable farming.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Vietjet takes flight with United Cup and Kooyong Classic in 2024



Vietjet has partnered with the United Cup and Kooyong Classic in 2024, with each tournament, spearheading a mission to ignite the fervour for travel, health, and fitness across the globe. 

Thursday, December 14, 2023

What's New in #WesternAustralia - December 2023

#WesternAustralia


Highlights for this month include the opening of landmark new venues such as Spinifex Brewery in Broome and Hillarys Beach Club in Perth, Rottnest Island welcoming several exciting new experiences, a new direct flight from Sydney to the Margaret River Region, Kimberley road trip adventures with the opening of the Fitzroy River Bridge – plus loads of new tours and F&B openings in time for the festive season!

What's New and What's in Store for 2024

Australia's largest State continues to welcome a mix of dreamlike new products and experiences. From new and refurbished hotels in the city and smaller boutique regional stays, to exciting new Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) developments, multi-level hospitality venues, cultural connections and new direct flights. Discover What's new and what's in store for 2024 in Western Australia here.

2024 is the year for a Kimberley Road Trip

In WA's Kimberley region, 2024 is the year to make road trip dreams a reality as the new Fitzroy River Bridge over the Martuwarra River opens this month, more than six months ahead of schedule. Connecting the eastern part of the Kimberley to the west along the Great Northern Highway, this vitally important piece of infrastructure was destroyed less than 12 months ago during the catastrophic flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. The opening of the bridge will allow visitors and tourism operators – as well as the local community and freight industry – to drive the dream in the Kimberley. As one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth, it is a bucket-list destination for road trippers with the Gibb River Road connecting travellers to iconic destinations such as the Bungle Bungle Range, El Questro, and ancient gorges and waterfalls.

Direct Flights from Sydney to the Margaret River Region

Sydneysiders will soon be able to fly non-stop to the iconic Margaret River region thanks to a new Jetstar route connecting Sydney and Busselton-Margaret River Airport. Taking off on March 26, 2024, the three-times-weekly service, operated by a Jetstar Airbus A320 aircraft, will provide East Coast visitors with easier access to the Margaret River Region, famed for its incredible premium wines, spectacular coastline, dazzling caves and towering forests. The introduction of the new service comes after the airline's hugely successful Melbourne non-stop flights launched in 2022. The Busselton Margaret River Airport is conveniently located just 6.8 km from Busselton city centre and approximately 45 minutes by car from the town of Margaret River. Flights are now on sale for the new route, with special fares on offer.

Rottnest Island's new summer experiences

From relaxation to exhilaration, Perth's iconic Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is welcoming several exciting new experiences for the summer season. Thrill-seekers can take on a breathtaking new perspective of the island, para-sailing almost 100 metres above the ocean with Cicerello's Jet Adventures. Skydive Geronimo can now accommodate larger groups for tandem skydives over Rottnest after acquiring a new Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, allowing more skydivers per flight with shorter ascent times. Major Blue Air has introduced scenic flights, providing unparalleled aerial views from a fleet of new aircraft. A new water taxi service by Rottnest Water Taxi provides another option to get around the island, departing from Thomson Bay. Stop for an afternoon treat at Simmos and HAVZA, tantalising taste buds at The Basin with a pop-up offering of ice creams, tapas, and cocktails. Relaxation awaits with in-house massages offered by Mobile Massage Rottnest Island, pampering Stay Rottnest accommodation guests with rejuvenating treatments. Meanwhile, families will find respite in the newly launched kids' holiday care by MBA Rottnest Kids Club, catering to children aged four to 12.

Discover Ancient Lands at Ngilgi Cave

Set above ground at the site of the historic Ngilgi Cave, the new Ancient Lands Experience takes visitors on a journey to discover 600 million years of stories associated with the Margaret River Region and its people. The new $3.6 million attraction officially opened to the public in November 2023, and offers a series of interactive installations woven throughout the natural bushland which pay homage to the landscape's formation, the limestone caves, the land, flora and fauna of the region, and the cultural connections to the 60,000-year custodianship of the Wadandi people. The new pathways lead to the entrance of Ngilgi Cave, one of many dazzling limestone caves in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and home to stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations. Visitors seeking a deeper cultural experience can explore Wadandi country through the eyes of traditional custodians with Koomal Dreaming at a new purpose-built Meeting Place.

History in the Vines of the Swan Valley

Where there is a river, there is life, and the fertile plains of WA's oldest wine region is a symphony for the taste buds and soul. Recently launched in the Swan Valley is the Old Vine Charter, which encourages the preservation and continued use of the region's historic vines. Located less than 30 minutes from Perth's CBD, the vineyards are participating in age classification by registering all vines over 35 years, including wines equal to or greater than 125 years old. Wine has been grown in the Swan Valley for more than 190 years; a program of cellar door signage, wine labelling, and old vine and winery entry signage will guide wine enthusiasts through the Swan Valley region's rich heritage. The fruit from these vines can produce high-quality wine that showcases depth of flavour with beautiful softness and harmony.

Spinifex Brewery opening at Broome's Cable Beach

The highly anticipated Spinifex Brewery will open its doors at Broome's (Rubibi) iconic Cable Beach this month. The new multi-million-dollar venue will cater for up to 600 guests, offering a unique family-oriented venue with a children's playground, gubinge garden, large outdoor LED screens, a stage for live performances and onsite brewery. The kitchen will serve up a modern Australian menu utilising fresh seasonal produce, alongside woodfired pizzas. Spinifex Brewing Co is Australia's first part Aboriginal and veteran-owned craft brewery. The brewery uses native ingredients that support Aboriginal producers and supply chains throughout WA, with ingredients such as lemon myrtle, Geraldton wax, wattle seed, pepper berries and Kimberley gubinge flavouring the brews.

Hillarys Beach Club Makes Waves at Pinnaroo Point

Perth's eagerly awaited coastal hotspot Hillarys Beach Club opened its doors at Pinnaroo Point this month. This two-storey venue is the perfect place to experience Perth's golden sunsets, with multiple levels and spaces catering to different experiences. Bar Cicchettis on the lower level offers a casual beach vibe, serving up breakfast and Italian-inspired dishes later in the day. Completing the lower level is Bert's Ballroom - an elegant space for private events. Upstairs, The Heart boasts stunning views, a luxurious ambience, and a diverse menu featuring pub-style classics and Japanese-influenced dishes. A takeaway window opens daily from 6am, offering coffee, pastries, and paninis, with evening options like fish and chips and burgers to enjoy at the beach. Led by Executive Chef John Evans and Samson Brent, Hillarys Beach Club emphasises locally sourced produce.

NEW TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION

Karijini Eco Retreat expands accommodation

Karijini Eco Retreat will welcome four new deluxe eco tents for the 2024 season. Located in Karijini National Park, the tents include fully enclosed ensuite bathrooms, king-sized beds with quality bedding, daily room servicing and a front deck offering spectacular views over the park. Nestled at the edge of Joffre Gorge (Jijingunha), guests can spend their days fuelled by adventure, exploring incredible gorges and canyons, swimming under waterfalls, marvelling at colourful wildflowers, admiring a sky full of stars, and indulging at the retreats Outback Restaurant. Karijini Eco Retreat is 100% Aboriginal-owned by Gumala Enterprises, proudly representing the Banjima, Yinhawangka and Nyiyaparli people of the Pilbara region.

New guided Cape to Cape experience

Cape2Camp has launched a unique self-guided and fully catered hike and tenting experience on the iconic Cape-to-Cape track in the Margaret River Region. Travellers looking to take on the incredible 123-kilometre trek can do so without extensive planning - just carry a day pack and enjoy the spectacular views. Camping equipment, transfers, plus food and drinks from the region are included. Hikers will have their camp set up at Contos and Hamelin Bay Holliday Park, allowing for starlight dinners and a comfortable night's sleep on a quality mattress. Regardless of previous hiking experience, outdoor enthusiasts can choose between Cape2Camp three days, Cape2Camp two days and Cape2Camp Family. Hikes are seasonal and available between March and June and September and November.

Fly Perth takes off

Fly Perth (an expansion from the owners of Fly Esperance) has introduced a range of new aerial tour packages across Perth. Highlights include the 'Perth and Rottnest Grand with Stopover', offering breathtaking views of the Swan River, Perth City, and Northern beaches, with a two-hour stop on Rottnest Island, ending with a flyover of historic Fremantle and the Port. For those seeking a full-day experience, the 'Breakfast on Rotto and Lunch in the Swan' tour includes breakfast on Rottnest followed by lunch at a Swan Valley winery of choice. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in the 'Busselton Flying Golf Day' - an all-inclusive day with morning tea, a full day of golf, drinks, and lunch at Shelter Brewery in Busselton in the Margaret River Region.

Optus Stadium new tours

Perth's multi-award-winning Optus Stadium has introduced two new tours that promise to immerse visitors in the rich history and cultural significance of Stadium Park and WA's sporting legacy. 'The Stadium Park Discovery Tour' is a leisurely-paced walking tour guided by informative experts, unveiling the evolution of Stadium Park into a world-class facility. Explore the captivating sculptures and state-of-the-art facilities in this unique destination. 'The WA Sporting History Tour' is for sports enthusiasts keen on discovering the remarkable characters and achievements shaping WA's sporting landscape. Visit the Dennis Cometti Media Centre, explore sporting memorabilia, and relive legendary moments.

Alkoomi Wines launches new Wine Experiences

Third-generation winery Alkoomi Wines has released a range of new bespoke tourism experiences in Frankland River in the heart of WA's Great Southern region. The 'A Place We Choose Tour' is an intimate progressive tasting throughout the property led by one of the owners. Immerse in the history, production, and growth of the acclaimed wines before ending the day with a private picnic. The 'Shiraz and Riesling Masterclass' explores the nuances of the varietals while discovering the distinct offerings of the Frankland River wine region. The 'Laze + Graze Experience' includes a picnic amongst the grapevines with a specially curated hamper and bottle of wine.

Hijinx Hotel hits Karrinyup

Creators of Holey Moley and Strike Bowling, Funlab are back at it again with an interactive gaming experience, the Hijinx Hotel. Set in a New York-style hotel, there are ten rooms for game-seekers to conquer, with the traditional hotel rooms transformed into lively, quick-play challenge rooms. The adventure opened this month at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Perth's premier retail venue located just 12 kilometres from the CBD.

Dive into a day of Margaret River aquatic adventures

Discover the aquatic wonders of the Margaret River Region with a new and unique experience by Swimming Women, launching in January 2024. For more than a decade, Swimming Women has provided a haven for women in Margaret River, and now they invite travellers to explore the region in a "watery" way. The Margaret River Aquatic Adventure tour goes beyond swimming, exploring unique aquatic spots intertwined with regional tales and nourishing food. As locals for two decades, the guides are swim coaches who share their favourite places. Indulge in three unique swims - rockpools, rivers, and the Indian Ocean - plus scenic walks immersed in nature. The tour includes morning tea, lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients and a curated wine tasting for up to 12 people.

Upland Farm launches new cabins

Discover the serene charm of Upland Farm in Denmark - a haven where sustainability meets tranquility. The accommodation offering has recently introduced two new one-bedroom cabins, 'Forest' and 'Wren,' which seamlessly blend rustic allure with modern comforts. Both cabins feature a natural wood fireplace, open-plan kitchen, outdoor shower, and a bespoke round concrete bath. Located near the Great Southern town of Denmark, Upland Farm provides easy access to award-winning wineries, scenic trails, and renowned beaches, ensuring an immersive experience in the heart of WA's breathtaking landscapes. Nestled on 107 acres, this working cattle farm a model of sustainable living, minimizing its environmental impact on water, waste, and energy.

Experience the delights of Denmark with Off the Beaten Track

Explore the delights of Denmark in WA's Great Southern region on a new immersive gourmet adventure with Off the Beaten Track. Explore the Valley of the Giants and the uncover secluded bays and turquoise waters at William Bay before lunch at The Dam on a charming 880-acre property home to 2500 oak trees. Head to Denmark Farmhouse to sample local cheeses, followed by a Singlefile Wine's Sense of Place tour, taking you through the iconic flavours of the Great Southern with a private tasting. The day finishes with a grazing experience set against the stunning backdrop of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

Basket Weaving Workshop with Nyungar Tours

In South Perth's picturesque Mindeerup Scented Gardens, join an exclusive quiet and healing Yorgars (female only) basket-weaving workshop. Nyungar Tours has launched a three-hour immersive experience exclusively for females, celebrating the strength and artistry of Noongar culture. Led by experienced instructors, partake in the intricate art of weaving traditional baskets while listening to the captivating stories passed down through generations.

Red Ochre Dreaming Cultural Tours on Dryandra Country

Immerse in the vibrant tapestry of Noongar culture with Red Ochre Dreaming Cultural Tours half-day experience in the Dryandra Woodland National Park, a two-hour drive from Perth in the Golden Outback region. Walk on Dryandra Country, connect with the land's spirit, and explore local bush tucker with Wilman Noongar man Ross Storey. Develop tracking skills for native wildlife and tune into nature's symphony, identifying bird calls and absorbing insights into the six Noongar seasons. The tours will also uncover essential bush survival techniques, plus traditional spear and boomerang-throwing, offering a connection to Noongar heritage.

NEW FOOD & DRINKS OFFERINGS

A Table Somewhere on Rottnest Island

Perth's favourite island destination, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), will be the host location for a unique Australian culinary experience. Taking place in March 2024, A Table Somewhere: Wadjemup | Rottnest Island will offer an immersive dining experience unlike any culinary event ever staged on the island, with a menu curated by culinary icon Matt Moran and celebrated West Australian chef Brendan Pratt. Central to the evening is showcasing WA produce, with Rottnest a natural choice for the inaugural event due to its stunning natural environment and abundant native ingredients. The much-anticipated event will take place on March 22 and 23, with tickets now on sale.

Singlefile's new Sense of Place wine tasting experience

Singlefile Wines, located in WA's Great Southern region, has recently launched a new 'Sense of Place' tasting experience, offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the beautiful flavours of the region. Guests will experience a guided tour of the picturesque grounds and estate vineyard and hear from wine experts, taking them through selected varietals and vintages from the archives inside the vineyard's Private Tasting Room. Gain insights into Singlefile's history and how it came to be, in addition to delving into the diverse beauty and terrain of the Great Southern Wine region.

Lygon Lane offers classic Italian food with a twist

A new restaurant in the Perth (Boorloo) suburb of Claremont has a unique twist on Italian cuisine. Inspired by the rich culinary tapestry of Melbourne's Lygon Street, Lygon Lane promises a unique blend of Italian and Asian flavours. Renowned restauranteur Jacqui Chan, the mastermind behind the Miss Chows group and affectionately known as 'the dumpling queen', recently opened the doors of Lygon Lane. The venue will boast a significant bar component, offering a diverse, sophisticated wine list and expertly crafted cocktails. An intimate space with a warm ambience, the venue aims to provide a relaxing and inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind and savour the unique fusion of Italian and Asian culinary delights.

Banksia Tavern Opens in Busselton

The Banksia Tavern has opened its doors in Busselton (Undalup) in the Margaret River Region. The cosy 80-seater bar offers visitors good old-fashioned hospitality, top-notch drinks, delicious plates utilising South West ingredients and classic vinyl hi-f to create a truly memorable dining experience. Seasoned in Southeast Asian and Melbourne bar scenes, co-owners Brendan McCarthy and Nathan Headlam have transformed the long, narrow building into a stylish space with velveteen booths, a polished timber bar, and stonework details, with chef Stephanie Vass crafting a dynamic menu featuring local produce and seasonal variations. The drinks menu boasts local and national craft wine and beer, complemented by cocktails fused with West Australian flavours.

Fremantle Welcomes Ode to Sirens

Ode to Sirens opened in Fremantle's (Walyalup) historic West End last month, enticing patrons with its blend of good music and great hospitality. Conceived by esteemed hospitality guru Daniel Goodsell, this new venue is set to become a respite for those seeking a unique experience. Nestled in the front bar of the iconic P&O building, Ode to Sirens boasts a distinctive charm with its mismatched interior and quirky orange courtyard. The new venue includes a selection of wine, tap beer, craft cans, cocktails and Greek-centric cuisine. The exclusive use of a tape deck and record player adds a nostalgic touch, seamlessly blending with the venue's 1970s aesthetic.

Bistro Dining in the Heart of Witchcliffe

Dear Darnells has opened in the town of Witchcliffe in the Margaret River Region, offering a full bar, contemporary woodfired bistro dining, and a rustic, old-world feel. A reimagining of the old Darnell's Heritage Building, the quirky new venue has an eclectic and fun fit-out filled with repurposed furniture and mismatched wooden features, including ceiling fans made of windmills, and the choice to dine at an old Parliament House bench. The new venue offers a cosy experience that complements the quaint little town of Witchcliffe, only a ten-minute drive from Margaret River town.

Redgum Wine Estate Unveiling a Premier Cellar Door in Dwellingup

Redgum Wine Estate has opened in the town of Dwellingup, located in the Peel Region, just a 90-minute drive southeast of Perth. Unveiling a stunning cellar door overlooking the Marrinup State Forest and offering panoramic views of the Dawesville estuary and the Indian Ocean, the vineyard's unique microclimate ensures optimal conditions for cultivating premium wines. Formerly known as Newbliss Winery, the estate underwent a four-year transformation led by the new owners, reviving the existing vines, which boast seven grape varieties, and opening the new cellar door this month. Redgum Wine Estate invites guests to savour the culmination of nature, climate, and craftsmanship in a relaxed and breathtaking environment.

Otherside Brew Lounge Opens at Perth Airport

Otherside Brewing Co has opened the gates to the Otherside Brew Lounge at Perth Airport's Terminal 2. In a never-before-seen airport hospitality experience, the Brew Lounge celebrates a combination of West Australian craft beer, live music, arts and culture all under one roof. The venue offers the brewery's core range of beers plus experimental offerings on tap, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment for optimum live sports viewing and locally sourced dishes and takeaways. Travellers can also order beers for home delivery on return from their travels.

Little Leaf opens in Kalbarri

Little Leaf Kalbarri opened its doors in the Coral Coast town of Kalbarri earlier this year. The café uses seasonal produce from local farmers and fishermen, and fosters a vibrant sense of community in Kalbarri, with a strong commitment to sustainability. The current menu, which changes seasonally, features Asian flavours such as banh mi burgers, Korean fried chicken and bao buns. Offering outdoor dining and bonfire nights, the café places a premium on environmentally conscious practices from sourcing to delivery, with the kitchen operating on solar power and only using biodegradable compostable packaging.

Wedgetail Brewing Opens New Tap Room in Mandurah

Wedgetail Brewing Co has opened its first tap room in the coastal city of Mandurah, just a one-hour drive south of Perth. The new venue boasts 16 taps and showcases all 10 of the Wedgetail brews alongside a roster of six guest taps. Enjoy pub-style share plates, tasty burgers and wood-fired pizzas alongside matched brews. Wedgetail Brewing Co is an independently owned craft micro-brewery sandwiched between the Peel Estuary and the Indian Ocean, brewing traditionally styled high-quality beers, including a Pilsner, Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, and Double Red Ale using globally sourced natural ingredients.

WA Good Food Guide Awards

The WA Good Food Guide Awards took place at the end of November, honouring this year's recipients with a unique bash at Gage Roads in Fremantle (Walyalup). Recognised as the ultimate celebration of WA's culinary scene, the awards applaud excellence in various aspects of the dining experience, including cooking, entrepreneurship, wine, beer, and service. Annually, the awards highlight 50 of the most exceptional restaurants, chefs, sommeliers, and restaurant managers in WA. Madalenas in Fremantle took out the coveted Restaurant of the Year award, with Si Paradiso's Paul Bentley claiming the title of Chef of the Year. See the full list of winners here.

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE UPDATES

Australian Geographic's cinematic experience launches in Perth

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Australia's untamed beauty with Australian Geographic's captivating cinematic experience Our Country, now showing at Perth's Convention and Exhibition Centre. This multi-sensory adventure explores the breathtaking wilderness of iconic WA locations such as Ningaloo, the Kimberley, Esperance, Nullarbor Plains, and Dryandra Woodland; as well as locations from across Australia. A decade of meticulous work and the expertise of 25 cinematographers culminate in a cinematic experience capturing the essence of Australia. It comes to life through highly crafted cinematography, shown across more than 40 screens with ultra-high-definition resolution and a powerful 360-degree surround soundscape.

WA Museum Boola Bardip 2024 season launch

Perth's WA Museum Boola Bardip has launched its 2024 season with an eclectic mix of science, culture, and art from locally and internationally acclaimed exhibitions. The feature exhibition Three Journeys opens the season with a transformative journey celebrating Aboriginal voices, culture, and stories. The season includes the unconventional TV series Bush Mechanics, the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Cleverman, and the transformation of an old car wreck into a sonic sculpture called Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool. These exhibitions will be on display until February 4, 2024 and will be accompanied by an array of profound, inspiring, and imaginative experiences, including art, virtual reality, and documentaries.

Yallingup Aboriginal Art Gallery Opens

Yallingup Aboriginal Art Gallery has opened its doors in the stunning backdrop of the Margaret River Region. This newly established gallery proudly presents a collection of original contemporary art crafted by talented Aboriginal artists. With a commitment to diversity, the gallery aspires to expand its collection, offering a rich tapestry of creations from some of Australia's most gifted Aboriginal artists. As the gallery evolves, its mission extends beyond showcasing established artists, focusing on providing a platform for emerging talents from WA's South West region, incorporating the profound narratives embedded in the local Noongar culture.

EVENTS

United Cup

December 29 to January 3 | RAC Arena | Perth

The world's best tennis players will unite in Perth (Boorloo) to compete at the United Cup. Serbia's current men's world number one Novak Djokovic and 24-time grand slam winner is the headline act alongside Poland's current women's world number one Iga Swiatek. Local stars Alex de Minaur, Ajla Tomljanovic and newly crowned world number one women's doubles player Storm Hunter will represent Australia. Perth will host top-ranked players from Serbia, Poland, Australia, the United States, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Spain and China and the Women's Tennis Association, with all matches to be played at RAC Arena over six action packed days. The quarterfinals will be played in Perth on January 3, with the winners of each quarterfinal progressing to the semifinals and finals held in Sydney.

FRINGE World Perth

January 19 to February 18 | Perth

Perth's annual FRINGE World Festival is set to once again light up the city with culture and colour when it returns in 2024. Featuring a packed program of more than 200 events covering circus, comedy, cabaret, theatre, dance and children's entertainment from local, national and international artists, it is set to surprise and delight audiences of all ages. The ever-popular Pleasure Garden will return with some of the hottest shows in the Festival, and a brand new venue L'Euro Grand will also bring the heat – giving life to the former European Foods Warehouse in Northbridge transforming it into a vibrant destination for entertainment.

HSBC SVNS

January 26 to 28 | HBF Park | Perth

Perth will host the Australian leg of the HSBC SVNS next year, with the Australian-exclusive global rugby event will taking place at Perth's rectangular stadium, HBF Park. HSBC SVNS attracts the world's top rugby nations to play an alternative rugby union format which involves seven players competing in seven-minute halves in a tournament format with round robin and knockout matches over three days. Twelve men's and twelve women's national teams will go head-to-head in seven regular season events, with round three set to take place in Perth plus a Grand Final. A fan festival will surround the event and provide a carnival-like hub for visitors and locals to enjoy before, during and after the matches.

Busselton Jetty Swim

February 10 to 11 | Busselton | WA's South West

The Busselton Jetty Swim is a premier sporting event on the WA calendar. Held over two-days, it features a 3.6 kilometre open water swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Competitors can swim solo, or in a two or four person relay. There's also a one mile swim to shore, starting at the end of the jetty, and a 500 metre swim starting at the eastern side of the jetty. The event also includes entertainment and activities, plus a family friendly concert.

Perth Festival

February 9 to March 3 | Perth

Australia's longest running cultural festival will radiate with stories from WA and across the globe. The Perth Festival 2024 program has a collective theme of Ngaangk – the Noongar term for our star, our sun and our mother. The festival will open with West Australian Opera's world premier commission from Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse bringing Noongar magic to the opera stage with Wundig we Wilura and ends with a free Lotterywest Closing Event Under the Same Sun, bringing together leading Aboriginal musicians and internationally renowned guests such as singer songwriter Paul Kelly. For the three weeks in between, audiences can enjoy the festival spectacle at indoor theatres, galleries, beaches, parks, suburban streets and concert halls.

WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

February 24 | Optus Stadium | Perth

WA will become the wrestling capital of the world on Saturday, 24 February 2024 as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) descends on Perth (Boorloo) for an exclusive globally-televised Premium Live Event at Optus Stadium. Thousands of wrestling fans will be able to witness the spectacle of the world's most famous WWE superstars when WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth power slams into town for the exclusive live event. It will be the first time a WWE Premium Live Event has been held in WA, and the only Premium Live Event in Australia or the Asia-Pacific region for 2024.

Sculpture by the Sea

March 1 to 18 | Cottesloe | Perth

Sculpture by the Sea sees Cottesloe Beach transform into a spectacular sculpture park with more than 70 works on display from artists across Australia and the world. As Perth's largest free public event, exhibits from some of the world's top sculptors are displayed against a backdrop of one of the city's most popular beaches.

Joondalup Festival

March 8 to 9 | Joondalup | Perth

The City of Joondalup's popular Joondalup Festival is back for three weeks in March, presenting a program of world-class shows, experiences, live music and dance. Last year, more than 200,000 people flocked to Hillarys Boat Harbour to see the immersive Noongar light and water show - Many lights across the sea - as part of the festival. This year, the lineup of entertainment includes a Valentine's concert on February 8, and an Aretha Franklin tribute concert on March 8 and 9.

Mandurah Crab Fest

March 16 to 17 | Mandurah | Perth

Mandurah Crab Fest, one of WA's biggest free regional events is set to make a triumphant return in 2024 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.


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The Expeditionist

The Expeditionist
Venturing to the world's special places