Western Australia is renowned for its natural beauty, state-of-the-art venues and diverse culture and these 8 world-class cultural, sporting and culinary events are great reasons to head to the west throughout the remainder of 2017.
#1
Shinju Matsuri, September 2-10
Hunky chef Darren Robertson of Three Blue Ducks (and recent guest judge on My Kitchen Rules) is the headline chef for Shinju Matsuri 2017 in Western Australia. The “festival of the pearl” is a vibrant celebration of Broome’s proud multicultural and pearling history and has a winner line-up of unique events including the Sunset Long Table at Cable Beach and A View to Asia Exhibition. For more visit shinjumatsuri.com.au
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Did you know?
Originally founded in the late 1880s as a pearling port, Broome has a multicultural population lured there by the promise of finding their fortunes.
#2
National Ballooning Championships, September 2-9
The protected and stunning Avon Valley, just east of Perth, is considered WA’s top spot for hot air ballooning. During the national championships, up to 30 colourful balloons launch from the historic town of Northam, creating a breathtaking spectacle above the farmland as competitors show off their skills. For more visit northamnationals.com
#3
CinefestOZ, August 23-27
Australia’s premier destination film festival unites cinema stars, top screen industry professionals and thousands of film lovers in the spectacular surroundings of WA’s South West. Now in its 10th year, the festival includes Australia’s richest annual film prize and the chance to see extraordinary new works. More info visit cinefestoz.com
#4
Margaret River Gourmet Escape, November 16-19
Nigella Lawson, Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White are just some of the big names who’ve made a beeline to the famed Margaret River wine region for Gourmet Escape. The ultimate culinary adventure brings together the world’s best food and wine experts for a unique weekend of satellite and fringe events including beach barbecues, long-table lunches, sundowners, Q&A sessions and more, surrounded by spectacular coastal, forest and rural scenery. More info visit gourmetescape.com.au
#5
Telstra Perth Fashion Festival, November
Following the runway extravaganza of Telstra Perth Fashion Festival’s main program in September, the spotlight turns to the coast for the Swim and Resort Series in November. The temperature will rise with dazzling local talent and breathtaking creations as the hottest swimwear and resort looks are revealed against the backdrop of Perth’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast. More info visit telstraperthfashionfestival.com.au/event/swim-resort-series
#6
Lighthouse 2 Leighton, kiteboarding race, December 2-3
Dazzling colour and astonishing speed will thrill spectators and competitors on Perth’s coast during the southern hemisphere’s top kiteboarding race. With the Indian Ocean providing ideal conditions, 135 participants will take on the 19 kilometre challenge from Rottnest Island to Fremantle, aiming to beat the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton record time of 22 minutes. More info visit lighthouse2leighton.com.au
#7
Ironman competitions x 2, December 3
One of only three Australian events on the global IRONMAN circuit, the SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia is celebrated for its scenic course through the South West city of Busselton, where local and international competitors often achieve personal-best times. After a power swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty, athletes cycle through picturesque tuart forests and run along the rugged coastline. The popular shorter-distance 70.3 race takes place alongside the main triathlon. More info visit ap.ironman.com
#8
Mastercard Hopman Cup, December 30 to January 6
One of the world’s greatest tennis players, Roger Federer, will return to Australia’s sunniest capital city in Western Australia come December to compete in the Mastercard Hopman Cup 2018. The 18-time Grand Slam champion will represent Switzerland for the fourth time at the mixed teams tournament in Perth, which runs from December 30 to January 6. Earlier this year, 103,167 fans flocked to Perth Arena to watch one of the most successful events in the tournament’s history. Federer went on to win this year’s Australian Open following his appearance at the tournament. He will once again be joined by Swiss player Belinda Bencic. The full player line-up will be announced in October. More info visit hopmancup.com
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