The New Perth - WA's Capital Continues to Transform

People are talking about Perth. Foodies, investors, sun-lovers, entrepreneurs, creatives – and even locals – are experiencing the 'wow' factor as unprecedented investment in Western Australia's cosmopolitan capital comes to fruition.

Long celebrated as one of the world's prettiest and most livable cities, Perth is now striding confidently on to the international stage as a leading player in Australia's cultural, hospitality and events scene. More visitors than ever are marveling at the explosion in attractions, accommodation and nightlife which complements the city's natural beauty – delivering an all-round, exceptional destination.

So what's trending in the capital?

Urban offerings

• The vibrant waterfront precinct of Elizabeth Quay opened in 2016, connecting Perth's central business district to the Swan River. It's quickly become a focal point for visitors and locals, with an ever-expanding range of attractions. Look out for the Isle of Voyage restaurant inside a heritage pavilion, kids frolicking in the water playground, GoCultural's Indigenous walking tours and new river cruises departing from the Quay and neighbouring Barrack Square. Multiple development projects are taking shape, including the Ritz-Carlton's first WA property in a prime riverfront location.

• New Indigenous tours in Perth are enabling visitors to discover more about local Aboriginal lands and culture. Jump on board a solar electric boat for Indigenous Experiences Australia's two-hour cruise along the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River), learning about ancestral stories, sacred places and legendary warrior Yagan. Back on land, walking tours with Go Cultural's Noongar guides reveal fascinating alignments between modern Perth and ancient Aboriginal sites and tracks.

• Perth's multicultural and authentic flavours are revving up in the form of food trucks. The mobile meals are so popular that they inspired a local foodie and entrepreneur to launch the Food Truck Rumble – a gathering of some of the city's best street food in one place.

• Previously separated by a train line, the city centre is reconnecting with the Northbridge entertainment precinct through the Perth City Link project, near Perth Arena. Already up and running within the 13.5 hectare development are a state-of-the-art, subterranean bus station and the 120-room Peppers Kings Square, which will soon be joined by other accommodation including The Dorsett. Perth City Link's flagship public space, Yagan Square, is due to be unveiled in late 2017 with a design that celebrates WA through gardens, water feature, public art, and a digital tower and canopies for light, art, video projections and interactive content.

• Formerly disused heritage buildings and laneways are now home to bustling bars and street art. Through independent non-profit group FORM, more than 80 walls across Perth and surrounding suburbs have become a canvas for local, interstate and international artists.

• Fremantle was included in Lonely Planet's 2016 Best in Travel guide for good reason. With more than $1 billion dollars of redevelopment in the planning pipeline, look out for new venues such as Seashells and the Sweetwater rooftop bar in the Richmond Quarter, COAST at Port Beach, Segway and self-guided walking tours, a range of cruises and a thriving craft beer scene.

• Scarborough Beach is on its way to becoming one of Australia's best beachfronts. A $100 million foreshore redevelopment is set to be unveiled in early 2018, including a beachside swimming pool, cafes, restaurants, kiosks, public art and a skate park, as well as improved transport.

• Slightly further south, popular City Beach is home to lush lawns, white sand and an expanding range of waterfront dining options including the chilled-out deck at newly opened Odyssea Beach Café and watching sunsets from Clancy's Fish Bar.

• Visitors to Rottnest Island will see upgrades to the golf course and walk trails, as well as a new marina. Luxury refurbishments are complete at the Hotel Rottnest while an upmarket 'glamping' experience is expected to open at Pinky's Beach in late 2017.

International Horseman Guy McLean to Perform in Hervey Bay

World champion horseman and entertainer Guy McLean has wowed crowds of up to 8000 in stadiums across America and Canada and is excited to be bringing his show home to the Fraser Coast in a special one-off performance on January 27.

In a coup for the region and great family entertainment value on the Australia Day long weekend, Guy will perform a two-hour show at Hervey Bay's Seafront Oval.

The Guy McLean Spectacular is being hosted by Fraser Coast Tourism and Events supported by councillors' discretionary funding.

This has enabled the event to be staged at the special ticket prices of $20 for adults, $10 for children and $50 for a family of four.

Guy grew up at Susan River Homestead Adventure Resort, between Hervey Bay and Maryborough, and has childhood memories of going to rodeos, carols and Aussie Rules footy training on the Seafront Oval. He left Australia in 2010 to launch his international career.

Fraser Coast events manager Robyn Peach said it was a thrill to book the renowned horseman and performer for a local event.

“His shows aren't just for people who love horses, they're for everyone,” she said.

“I think people will be impressed by the special connection he has with his animals and to hear the lessons that he shares, that he's learned from his horses, which are universal.”

Guy said if you were a good horseman, you had the opportunity to be a good parent and a good partner – “it's all just relationships”.

“The lessons they've taught me are far more wide reaching than anything I've learned in the human world,” he said.

Being able to perform at the Seafront Oval “in front of that beautiful beach in one of the prettiest towns in Australia is really exciting”, Guy said.

“I've driven past the Seafront Oval several times and I can already see the arena there and I can already see the crowds around and I'm so excited to go and do that because this is a beautiful area that I take with me all across the world. Now I get to share what I do across the world with everybody here.”

The Australian Stock Horse Ambassador is also looking forward to showing children they can chase their dreams to the other side of the world if they want to.

“That means more to me than anything,” he said.

Guy used to think his performances were about showing what a life dedicated to horses was like “but I realise now that it's showing people what a life dedicated to anything looks like”.

“So when I go to schools, I say to them whether you want to be a doctor, a policeman, a fireman or anything that you want to be, if you dedicate your whole entire life to it, this is what it looks like.”

The youngest of five boys in family of six children, Guy was probably the most awkward but around horses, he felt comfortable.

“To be able to share them with the world and see people get so excited about them is just fantastic,” he said.

“My shows are never the same - they always have the same core principles but I'm able to express what's in my heart and that's the coolest thing.

“That's what I love about horses and my steer Faith, they live in the moment and from moment to moment it can change. They're so real with everything, there's no lies in the animal world and I love that.”

The bush poet and whip cracker also appreciates audiences coming to see his shows.

“I'm very aware that if they weren't sitting there I'd just be performing to myself,” he said.

“I do so many hundreds of hours here at home with nobody watching, I really enjoy the company of the crowd.

“Even as a 42-year-old, I'm still quite a shy individual but I'm an entertainer, when I get out there I love being able to share it with everyone.”

In America, most of the crowd members were extreme horse lovers and “it's like preaching to the choir a little bit”, Guy said.

“The crowds over there are incredible, they just go off, you can get a standing ovation for just winking your eye over there,” he joked.

“Australia makes you work a bit harder.

“I'm really thrilled to have been able to do the Brisbane Ekka and Sydney Royal (Easter Show) over here because it made me as an entertainer.

“You had to do things that would bring non-horse people into it.”

Guy said it was wonderful to see people of all ages delighted by his horses.

“It brings me so much joy to be able to share it with everyone,” he said.

“People say to me all the time 'Guy do you do clinics or do you teach other people', I say if I was doing that I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my horses.

“Everything I do is dedicated totally to the relationships I have with the team here and the two teams in America.

“It's a big job to have so many horses understand at the level that they do but I dedicate my life completely to that.

“If you dedicate yourself, set yourself goals and dreams you can have them.”

To purchase tickets, which go on sale on Boxing Day, or for more information log on to frasercoastevents.com.

Guy McLean Spectacular:

Saturday, January 27, 2018
Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
Gates open 4pm, show 6-8pm
Market stalls
Alcohol-free event
BYO chair
Tickets on sale Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 26 – go to frasercoastevents.com

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Coming in Western Australia in 2018

This year has been a big one for Western Australia, and it's only going to get bigger in 2018, with a number of exciting new projects and experiences coming to life. Everyone is starting to talk about WA, and with Perth, the State's capital city undergoing such a significant period of change – that's not about to stop anytime soon. We've put together a rundown of what will be trending in WA for 2018.
Yagan Square will to open to the public in early 2018, and is set to become one of the city's most popular community, meeting and celebration places. It will be a hub of activity during the day and night with cafes, restaurants, green spaces, native gardens, public art, interactive digital media, pop-ups and shopping providing plenty to see and do.

Perth is fast becoming a sport-lover's dream destination following the construction of the 60,000 seat Optus Stadium, which will officially open in January 2018. The stadium will be one of the major sporting and entertainment venues for Perth and one of the top international sporting venues in Australia.

It'll also be home to Australian Rules Football in WA, with the first AFL game to be between the Fremantle Dockers and Collingwood women's teams on February 10, followed by the main season with the first game at the stadium on March 25.

New Vibe Hotel North Sydney, Northpoint

TFE Hotels will open the doors of the beautiful new Vibe Hotel North Sydney in the area's most exciting new social and shopping address, Northpoint, in April. Hotel guests will have access to a rooftop pool and bar and Northpoint's exciting new eat street and casual dining atrium, making it a one-stop destination seven days a week.

Cromwell Property Group's newly reimagined Northpoint development offers residents, guests and tenants a new retail precinct packed with specialty stores, and an exciting new array of dining offerings, all in the heart of the suburb's existing cafes and shops, conveniently close to the train station.

Northpoint will offer employees and the 72,000 residents of North Sydney a well-connected destination for work, lifestyle and convenience, with a range of boutiques, a Woolworths supermarket and many great new casual dining options on site.

The new Vibe Hotel North Sydney has an inspired design by Nettleton Tribe throughout its 187 rooms as well as access to a sophisticated new rooftop pool and bar with sweeping views of the urban skyline. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, excellent fitness facilities and four flexible meeting and conference room options, providing a great place to relax, recharge and connect – whether for work or play.

TFE Hotels will operate the new hotel as one of a series of new generation Vibe Hotels to have opened in recent years, including Vibe Hotel Canberra and Vibe Hotel Marysville near Victoria's Yarra Valley. Others are due to open soon at Darling Harbour, Sydney, and Hobart.

TFE Hotels CEO Rachel Argaman said North Sydney had seen very few hotel openings in the past 40 years – serviced apartments opened there in October 2016 and hotels in 1973 and 1978 – so the hotel would meet a supply shortfall that had existed for some time.

"This new addition will give local residents and business people something to celebrate, when this landmark building becomes an attractive social hub and overnight destination," she said. "The area is New South Wales' second biggest commercial office district and the hotel will do very well servicing the corporate clients visiting the area.

"This will be the first Vibe Hotel to be incorporated into a mixed-use development, highlighting the growing trend for emerging lifestyle precincts featuring drinking, dining and retail together with a hotel at their hub and heart."

Cromwell Head of Property Damian Horton said the Northpoint redevelopment was a central component of North Sydney's broader rejuvenation to a seven-day destination.

"We have shaped the development with both convenience and style in mind, tailored to the ever-growing professional population in the area," he said. "The base of the retail façade will feature Woolworths and Westpac, as well as a suite of speciality retailers, with the upper levels dedicated to dining and leisure.

"Once it opens in early 2018, Northpoint will fill the gap in quality retail, dining and accommodation in North Sydney. Partnering with Vibe Hotels has helped us to create a truly integrated, one-stop destination for residents, workers and travellers alike. With all the pieces coming together, it's exciting to see our vision for the North Shore being realised."

Located on the corner of Miller Street and Pacific Highway, Northpoint will be directly across from the proposed Victoria Cross Metro station to be opened in 2024. The hotel is due to open in April.

Marine biologist steers passions for the Great Barrier Reef

Marine biologist Gareth Phillips has been fascinated with coral regeneration since he started his career some 18 years ago growing coral in a laboratory in South Africa.

These days he has swapped the laboratory for the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland where the annual coral spawn puts on a spectacular regeneration show each year.

"I joined a crew documenting the recent coral spawn and saw the most amazing spectacle. Corals releasing egg parcels and clouds of genetic material, like a fog rising from the huge boulder corals," Mr Phillips said.

"The coral spawn occurs two to six nights after the full moon in November which this year was early and the water was still cool so we there was a second Great Barrier Reef spawn early in December.

"There has been a decline in coral from the two bleaching events, but there is still more live coral than deceased coral in the places I visit and as this spawning event has been so successful, it is looking good for the recovery of the reefs in the next few years."

Mr Phillips skippers Passions III for Passions of Paradise, a carbon-neutral locally owned Great Barrier Reef operator, and operates Reef Teach, an entertaining interactive presentation by marine biologists about the Reef.

"I love boats and I've always like the ethos of Passions so when I was invited to skipper their new catamaran I was very excited – who doesn't want a new boat," he said.

"The crew send passengers who want to know more to talk to me as I have three degrees in marine science and the crew ask questions too which means their knowledge of the Reef is increasing."

Mr Phillips' first foray into tourism was in South Africa coordinating a centre for dolphin studies and he still enjoys encounters with the larger marine animals, especially the dwarf minke whales that visit the Ribbon Reefs north of Port Douglas each June and July.

"Some of the more intimate encounters with smaller animals can be just as exciting, for example watching a rock mover wrasse lift up coral and feed on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates underneath.

"I also have a few favourite places like Tracy's Bommie at Flynn Reef which is just stunning with sharks, turtles, immense coral cover and diverse fish life.

"My ultimate place to go is the north-eastern outer shoulder of Thetford Reef where there is almost 100 per cent live coral cover and big drop-offs with the potential for megafauna to be seen."

A big year for Adelaide

2017 has certainly been a big year for Adelaide, South Australia with the destination having just hosted its biggest ever incentive visit, its biggest conference and to top off the year, the Adelaide Convention Bureau has just announced it has just had its biggest year ever with respect to the value of business won.

In June, almost 3000 delegates from Perfect China visited Adelaide in waves of 500 and each for 3 days at a time. For a destination famous for its wine regions, and visits to these sites being requested not be included as part of the event itinerary, it was exceptionally pleasing to have received high post event praise from the visitors and organisers. Adelaide rated an average 91.8% ‘Very Satisfied’ score for its overall itinerary, transport, food and accommodation.

In September, the newly expanded and re-developed Adelaide Convention Centre played host venue to the biggest conference to be held in Adelaide – the 68th International Astronautical Congress.

4470 delegates from 71 nations plus visits by 700 school children and several thousand members of the public (who attended the public exhibition day), made the 2017 congress one of the biggest in IAC history. Of major significance in these numbers is that the distance to Australia from the northern hemisphere was not seen as a negative by industry delegates, Governments, space agencies, organisations or corporations.

2017 was also a year of big famil showcases with the Bureau’s calendar of events expanding from their annual Destination SA in April and a Health Sciences and Medical event in May to the inaugural Agricultural showcase held in June. All three events were exceptionally well attended, received positive feedback from invited buyers and the desired results on leads and confirmed events on target.

To cap off a year that can’t be described as anything but BIG, the Adelaide Convention Bureau posted its most successful result ever with a record $247m of business won in the last financial year. Key events won over the period include:

· 2018 Australian Diabetes Society Annual Scientific Meeting, 2,000 delegates, 2018

· Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists 50th Scientific Congress, 1,700 delegates, 2018

· Human Proteome Organisation World Congress, 1,200 delegates, 2019

· Cardiac Society of Aust & NZ Endovascular Therapies Annual Scientific meeting (2019)

· 38th International Symposium on Combustion (2020)

· Australasia Conference of Radiological Technologists (AACRT) & Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMMIRT) 2019

· Land Forces (2018)

Quote from Damien Kitto – CEO Adelaide Convention Bureau

“Adelaide truly came of age this year. As a destination we’re more large group incentive ready than ever with the local industry learning a lot since Dreamtime and the Perfect China visit in June. The rating we received from that event told us we are well and truly heading in the right direction.

“In September following the completion of the final stage of our world class Convention Centre, we again stepped up to the challenge with the IAC. Organisers and delegates highly praised the venue and destination for delivering what is one of the most successful IACs in recent times.

It’s an exciting time to be in a relatively undiscovered destination that seems to be on a lot of ‘must see’ lists.”

18 Reasons to Put Auckland on Your Holiday Wish List for 2018

1. ASB Classic, ASB Tennis Arena, Stanley St – January 1-13. Consistently a player favourite on the international circuit, kick off the year with world-class tennis, food and entertainment nestled at the edge of a stunning heritage park, the Auckland Domain. Check out https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/events/whats-on/sports/tennis/asb-classic
2. The Art of Banksy, Aotea Centre – January 4 – February 6. An exclusive exhibition by one of the world's most elusive, provocative and thought-provoking artists of our time - Banksy. The exhibition of around 80 works is here for 33 days only. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/events/whats-on/exhibitions/social-political-history/art-banksy
3. Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival (and Auckland Anniversary Weekend), Viaduct Events Centre and Viaduct Harbour – January 27-29. Celebrate Auckland's unique Māori heritage and culture on the city's stunning waterfront, with live traditional and contemporary music and kapa haka; authentic crafts and delicious kai (food); traditional healing and tattooing; and paddled and sailing waka. https://www.aucklandnz.com/tamaki-herenga-waka-festival. This is one of a host of exciting events happening on Auckland's waterfront and harbour over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, including Ports of Auckland SeePort Festival, Sunset Symphony & Fireworks and the Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. 
4. Vector Lights, Auckland Harbour Bridge – January 27 onwards. On Auckland Anniversary Weekend, Auckland Harbour Bridge will be transformed by the launch of Vector Lights. It features a ground-breaking renewable energy technology powered light show that will ignite imaginations and demonstrate a smarter way to power our city. The six minute specially-composed Vector Lights opening show sequence will feature original music and spectacular lighting effects, vividly demonstrating the new lighting capabilities. https://www.vector.co.nz/about-us/sponsorship/lights. 
5. Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover, Viaduct Events Centre and Viaduct Harbour – February 24 – March 18. Auckland – a world-renowned sailing host city – welcomes eight teams competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, the world's toughest sailing challenge that covers four oceans, six continents and eight months of battling the forces of nature. Auckland's Viaduct Harbour is home to the race village, where people can get up close to the teams and their boats, enjoy the best of Auckland hospitality and entertainment, and try their hand a fun, free sailing activities. http://volvooceanraceauckland.com/index.php
6. Auckland Lantern Festival – 1-4 March. The Auckland Lantern Festival is Auckland's largest cultural festival – and New Zealand's largest Chinese festival – attracting more than 200,000 people to its home at the Auckland Domain. https://www.aucklandnz.com/lantern-festival
7. Auckland Arts Festival, various venues – March 8-25. A non-stop showcase of New Zealand and international acts, spanning theatre, dance, music, circus and visual arts and ranging from the most gloriously classical to the very edge of contemporary. http://www.aucklandfestival.co.nz/
8. Pasifika Festival, Western Springs - March 24 & 25. Renowned as the world's largest festival celebrating of Pacific Island culture, featuring 11 villages each showcasing authentic food, crafts and performances from different Pacific Island cultures. Performers and artisans from around the Pacific travel to Auckland every year to take part alongside local Auckland artists. https://www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika
9. SKYCITY Auckland Double-Header, Mt Smart Stadium - April 7. Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium will be the stage for an NRL doubleheader extravaganza with the Vodafone Warriors and the Wests Tigers hosting their fifth-round games against 2017 premier Melbourne Storm and beaten grand finalist North Queensland Cowboys. https://www.aucklandnz.com/skycity-nrl-double-header
10. Park Hyatt Auckland, opening April. This will be the first Park Hyatt hotel in New Zealand. This exciting project is an exemplar of what the Wynyard Quarter revitalisation is all about: quality design and build at the highest sustainability standards and a site use that contributes to economic activity on the waterfront. http://www.wsp-pb.com/sv/What-we-do/Property-and-Buildings/Sectors/Hospitality/Park-Hyatt-Hotel-Auckland. 
11. Techweek 2018 – 19-27 May. The focus for Techweek'18 is 'innovation that's good for the world', and within that a celebration of New Zealand's unique, interconnected innovation ecosystem. Techweek provides a week-long opportunity for connection and cross-pollination, and an independent platform through which to amplify New Zealand's unique and inspiring innovation stories to the world https://techweek.co.nz/
12. Auckland Art Fair, The Cloud, Queens Wharf – May 23-27. New Zealand's premier showcase for contemporary art from the Pacific region. For an art-lover who likes nothing more than looking at paintings, prints, video installations and sculpture, it's quite possibly a dream come true. https://artfair.co.nz/
13. SO Sofitel Auckland, opening May. The highly anticipated SO Sofitel Auckland strategically located in the heart of central Auckland. Neighbouring the lively Britomart precinct and waterfront, the hotel combines innovation, design and luxury service all delivered in a uniquely playful manner the hotel combines innovation, design and luxury service all delivered. http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-9149-so-sofitel-auckland-opening-may-2018/index.shtml
14. Auckland Restaurant Month – all of August. Indulge in some of Auckland's best cuisine during Restaurant Month. Try specially created menus at more than 100 central city restaurants and 25+ foodie events on during Auckland Restaurant Month. The line-up of special events is spectacular, from the enormously popular Street Eats and Taste of Federal Street in the first week, to The Big Cheese and Dinner in the Dark wrapping the month up, with new events and menus every year. https://www.aucklandnz.com/restaurant-month
15. New Zealand Fashion Week - August 27 – September 2. New Zealand and international designers showcase and promote their collections and their brands during this week which includes a trade and industry event for thousands of fashion-focused delegates throughout the week before inviting the style-savvy public to the party during NZ Fashion Weekend. http://www.nzfashionweek.co.nz/
16. Sculptureum – year-round. Sculptureum is a new world-class sculpture park which has opened up in Matakana, presenting a new destination for art, food and wine. Located an hour north of Auckland city, it has three sculpture-filled gardens, six galleries, a vineyard, an event space, a restaurant and bar. Owners Anthony and Sandra Grant have spent ten years creating a destination that is designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. They have spent many more years collecting the displayed works, which have been brought together for an art experience that is internationally unique. www.sculptureum.nz
17. The Hunting Lodge – year-round. A stunning spot to grab a bite and sample some great New Zealand wine, set on 80 acres in the Northwest of Auckland - only a 30 minute drive from the city. The Hunting Lodge provides the opportunity for visitors to get a taste of the region with seasonal locally produced food, wine and crafted beers. There are different tour packages available to choose from, and they have live music playing during summer. www.thehuntinglodge.com
18. Top international and local live music in Auckland – throughout the year. From international acts, to multi-faceted music festivals and the best of home-grown artists, you can hear the best in Auckland. Check out Splore, St Jerome's Laneway or Auckland City Limits festivals, grab a ticket to The XX, Roger Waters, Mariah Carey, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Macklemore, Robbie Williams, Queen + Adam Lambert, Bruno Mars, Incubus, James Blunt, The National, Pink, Lionel Richie, The Killers, Katy Perry, Fleet Foxes, Ed Sheeran, or home-grown Kiwi music like Fat Freddy's Drop, Neil and Liam Finn, The D4, Marlon Williams, Teeks, Tiki Taane and a celebration of Māori music great, Mahinārangi Tocker. To learn more about Auckland and all the great things to experience while you visit, check out www.aucklandnz.com

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