TOURS, ACCOMMODATION AND ATTRACTIONS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA JUNE 2019

Whale Sharks attempting to mate at Ningaloo 

Mating whale sharks spotted at Ningaloo
Each year, majestic whale sharks congregate at World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef along WA's Coral Coast, but in a first for the region, the world's biggest fish have been captured on film attempting to mate. Ningaloo Aviation pilot Tiffany Klein captured the moment whilst aerial spotting the gentle giants as part of her work for the whale shark tour operators. The interaction involved a nine metre long male whale shark, who had earlier been swimming with tour operators and their guests, and a five to six metre long female. Ningaloo is the only place in Australia where swimming with whale sharks is available, via the towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay, with the season generally operating from March until August each year.

Direct access to the Kimberley
Discovering the magical wonders of the Kimberley region in WA's North West is set to become easier, thanks to the recent announcement of direct flights between Melbourne and Kununurra. Operated by Alliance Airlines on a code-share arrangement with Virgin Australia, the flights will commence in May 2020, with up to three return flights a week operating until August.

For international visitors, the direct flights from Singapore to Broome have recommenced this month, following the success of a trial in 2018. The regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, have rolled out a second phase of the trail, with four return flights operating on June 13, 17, 20 and 24 to coincide with Singapore's school holidays, two race meets across the Broome Turf Club racing season, and the Staircase to the Moon natural phenomenon.

In addition, Qantas also offer direct flights to Broome from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on select dates.

Kings Park and Botanical Garden 

New Aboriginal tours in Kings Park

New Aboriginal tours and cultural experiences have recently commenced in Perth's iconic Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba). Nyungar Tours and Go Cultural Tours and Experiences are both owned and operated by local Aboriginal people who have a strong family connection to country. The new Nyungar Tours Kings Park Yorgas Walk allows guests to walk alongside Kerry-Ann Winmar, a Whadjuk woman and Traditional Owner from the Perth region – as she shares her stories, ancient customs and traditions, and knowledge about bush foods and medicines. Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences offers guests the opportunity to learn about Kaarta Gar-up, the traditional name for the Mount Eliza escarpment in Kings Park, and its intriguing past and spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people.