WHAT'S HOT in Western Australia October 2016

Margaret River Gourmet Escape crowned Australia's Best Tourism Event

The Margaret River Gourmet Escape was crowned Best Tourism Event at last month's Australian Event Awards ceremony. This year's Margaret River Gourmet Escape program has been expanded with the release of more tickets to popular events, such as the Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ, Margaret River Icon Tasting, Augusta Seafood Discovery as well as a selection of new attractions across the festival's buzzing world of culinary delight that is the Gourmet Village. For Nigella Lawson fans, an extra session has been released for the cooking goddess' book signing, which offers guests the chance to get up close to the queen of home cooking and this year's festival headliner. For further details and to purchase tickets, visit the event website.

COMO The Treasury named second-best hotel in the world

Perth's COMO The Treasury has been voted the second best hotel in the world, according to leading travel publisher Conde Nast. Perth is COMO's first hotel in Australia, offering 48 contemporary luxury rooms in the CBD's newly revitalised historic heart. Occupied within the State Buildings, which date back to the mid-19th century, COMO The Treasury opens up the city with new experiences by way of two restaurants, a bar, 20-metre indoor pool and world renowned COMO Shambhala wellness therapies. To celebrate the establishment's first anniversary, it is offering an indulgent two night getaway package for $1,495, including a stay in the hotel's Heritage Room and a fine-dining experience at rooftop restaurant Wildflower.

Next stage of development unveiled at Elizabeth Quay

Concept designs have been unveiled for Elizabeth Quay's next stage of development, which includes premier hotel, residential and commercial buildings. WA architect Kerry Hill has been awarded the contract for designing the development, which will comprise of Australia's only high-rise public art museum and viewing area, with expansive views across Perth and out to Rottnest Island. Construction on the $385 million dollar development will commence in 2017, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

World-first golf tournament format for Perth

International golf will return to Perth in a world-first format at Lake Karrinyup Golf Course, from February 16-19, 2017. World Super 6 Perth has been created by the European Tour and PGA to make golf more exciting and aggressive. The major difference to the format is that on the final day of play, 24 players will battle it out over six-hole matches, with any ties decided by playing a new knockout hole. Tickets to the event will be made available to the general public soon.

Peppers Hotel hits Perth's doorstep

Perth's newest five-star hotel will open its doors next month, with the 120-room Peppers Hotel boasting a refined design and experience. The hotel will be home to an onsite restaurant, kitchen and bar, executive club lounge, concierge with valet parking service, the fastest Wi-Fi connection to be installed in a Perth hotel (complimentary in guest rooms) and a 24-hour reception. Visit the website to make a booking.

Perth International Arts Festival releases sneak peek at 2017 program

The longest running annual multi-arts celebration in the Southern Hemisphere, Perth International Arts Festival has released a sneak peek into the 2017 program. Experiencing The Trees Speak with the Boorna Waanginy people will be one of the program's highlights. Over three extraordinary nights Kings Park will transform into a cathedral of light, sound and imagery to explain the six seasons of WA's south west. Elizabeth Quay will again be the home of the Perth International Arts Festival's popular Chevron Festival Gardens, which will run from February 10 to March 5, 2017. The full program of events will be launched on November 2, with tickets going on sale November 5.