TOURS, ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Kalbarri skywalks capture new gorge views

Breathtaking skywalks in Kalbarri National Park, along WA's Coral Coast, will become a major tourism drawcard for the region, providing stunning vistas of the Murchison River Gorge. As part of a $20 million tourism initiative, two new 100 metre high skywalks will be installed at the Inyaka Wookai Watju site, otherwise known as the West Loop. The skywalks will extend 12 and 20 metres beyond the gorge rim, and will feature interpretation signs, shade shelters and caravan parking. They will also be accessible for people of all ages and abilities, including users of wheelchairs. Construction will begin next year and the skywalks are expected to be completed by 2017. Kalbarri National Park can be reached by road from Perth, in around six hours.

Australia's first pop-up waterpark now underway

Construction is underway on Perth's newest summer attraction, Xscape at the City – Australia's first pop-up waterpark. Set to be located just out of the Perth CBD in Belmont near the Crown Perth entertainment precinct, the main attraction of the waterpark will be a 23-metre high, dual-lane inflatable racer slide called the drop – the world's tallest inflatable waterslide. More than 50 people are working on site to ensure the park is ready to open late November in what is a mammoth logistical task. The park will utilise a custom-engineered, world-class water filtration system that will recycle and reuse water to minimise wastage.
www.xscapeatthecity.com.au

Willie Creek Pearl Farm expands pearling investment

Willie Creek Pearl Farm has increased its interests in the Broome pearling industry through the acquisition of a pearling licence. The business previously had access to and certain rights in relation to a pearl shell quota from Clipper Pearls, part of the Autore Group – one of the largest South Sea pearl companies in the world. Willie Creek Pearl Farm has now acquired one of only 17 pearling licences in Western Australia together with a substantial pearl shell quota and pearl farm leases. Based in Broome, Willie Creek Pearls has been educating and enlightening visitors to the region on the history and modern day workings of the Australian South Sea cultured pearl industry for more than 20 years.
www.williecreekpearls.com.au

New jetty signals Hartog anniversary countdown

A new $2.2 million recreational jetty has opened in Denham, marking one year until the 400th anniversary of Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog's landing in Western Australia. On October 25, 1616, Hartog first encountered the WA coastline, and left a pewter plate nailed to a post on the island, located off the coast of Denham in the Coral Coast, to herald the occasion. The jetty is a modern, multipurpose structure which will be the focus of community events and celebrations taking place in Denham next year. The centrepiece of local celebrations will be a five-day festival Dirk Hartog – Voyage of Discovery: Shark Bay 1616, which will reflect the State's maritime history.
www.sharkbay1616.com.au

Seashells expands to Fremantle

Opening early 2016, Seashells Fremantle will offer 24 luxury self-contained apartments with a rooftop cocktail bar and tapas restaurant with views over Fremantle's brightly coloured heritage streets. Located in East Fremantle, the hotel is part of the new Richmond Quarter development which will also include shops and an outdoor cinema.
www.seashells.com.au

Travel arranger rebrands to reflect expanding product offering

Broome and the Kimberley Holidays have rebranded to reflect the expanding nature of its collection of products beyond just the Kimberley. It is now known as Broome, Kimberley and Beyond. The travel arranger offers the consumer expert advice for self-drive, adventure, luxury and value package holidays.
www.broomekimberley.com.au

Local Hotel to offer accommodation in Fremantle 

The recently opened Local Hotel in South Fremantle is set to launch its accommodation offering next month, which includes individually styled, boutique budget short term rooms. Local Hotel is set within one of Western Australia's oldest trading hotel premises, the old Seaview Hotel, which was built in 1897. New owners Phil Thompson and Ross McPherson, opened the Local Hotel in September, following a four-week transformation of the old Seaview Hotel.
www.thelocalhotel.com.au