What's New and What's in Store for 2024 in Western Australia

Kimberley Road Trip

Australia's largest State continues to welcome a mix of dreamlike new products and experiences. From new and refurbished hotels in the city and smaller boutique regional stays, to exciting new Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) developments, multi-level hospitality venues, cultural connections and new direct flights. Discover What's new and what's in store for 2024 in Western Australia here.

2024 is the year for a Kimberley Road Trip

In WA's Kimberley region, 2024 is the year to make road trip dreams a reality as the new Fitzroy River Bridge over the Martuwarra River opens this month, more than six months ahead of schedule. Connecting the eastern part of the Kimberley to the west along the Great Northern Highway, this vitally important piece of infrastructure was destroyed less than 12 months ago during the catastrophic flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. The opening of the bridge will allow visitors and tourism operators – as well as the local community and freight industry – to drive the dream in the Kimberley. As one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth, it is a bucket-list destination for road trippers with the Gibb River Road connecting travellers to iconic destinations such as the Bungle Bungle Range, El Questro, and ancient gorges and waterfalls.

Direct Flights from Sydney to the Margaret River Region

Sydneysiders will soon be able to fly non-stop to the iconic Margaret River region thanks to a new Jetstar route connecting Sydney and Busselton-Margaret River Airport. Taking off on March 26, 2024, the three-times-weekly service, operated by a Jetstar Airbus A320 aircraft, will provide East Coast visitors with easier access to the Margaret River Region, famed for its incredible premium wines, spectacular coastline, dazzling caves and towering forests. The introduction of the new service comes after the airline's hugely successful Melbourne non-stop flights launched in 2022. The Busselton Margaret River Airport is conveniently located just 6.8 km from Busselton city centre and approximately 45 minutes by car from the town of Margaret River. Flights are now on sale for the new route, with special fares on offer.

Rottnest Island's new summer experiences

Rottnest Island

From relaxation to exhilaration, Perth's iconic Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is welcoming several exciting new experiences for the summer season. Thrill-seekers can take on a breathtaking new perspective of the island, para-sailing almost 100 metres above the ocean with Cicerello's Jet Adventures. Skydive Geronimo can now accommodate larger groups for tandem skydives over Rottnest after acquiring a new Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, allowing more skydivers per flight with shorter ascent times. Major Blue Air has introduced scenic flights, providing unparalleled aerial views from a fleet of new aircraft. A new water taxi service by Rottnest Water Taxi provides another option to get around the island, departing from Thomson Bay. Stop for an afternoon treat at Simmos and HAVZA, tantalising taste buds at The Basin with a pop-up offering of ice creams, tapas, and cocktails. Relaxation awaits with in-house massages offered by Mobile Massage Rottnest Island, pampering Stay Rottnest accommodation guests with rejuvenating treatments. Meanwhile, families will find respite in the newly launched kids' holiday care by MBA Rottnest Kids Club, catering to children aged four to 12.

Discover Ancient Lands at Ngilgi Cave

Set above ground at the site of the historic Ngilgi Cave, the new Ancient Lands Experience takes visitors on a journey to discover 600 million years of stories associated with the Margaret River Region and its people. The new $3.6 million attraction officially opened to the public in November 2023, and offers a series of interactive installations woven throughout the natural bushland which pay homage to the landscape's formation, the limestone caves, the land, flora and fauna of the region, and the cultural connections to the 60,000-year custodianship of the Wadandi people. The new pathways lead to the entrance of Ngilgi Cave, one of many dazzling limestone caves in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and home to stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations. Visitors seeking a deeper cultural experience can explore Wadandi country through the eyes of traditional custodians with Koomal Dreaming at a new purpose-built Meeting Place.

History in the Vines of the Swan Valley

Swan Valley

Where there is a river, there is life, and the fertile plains of WA's oldest wine region is a symphony for the taste buds and soul. Recently launched in the Swan Valley is the Old Vine Charter, which encourages the preservation and continued use of the region's historic vines. Located less than 30 minutes from Perth's CBD, the vineyards are participating in age classification by registering all vines over 35 years, including wines equal to or greater than 125 years old. Wine has been grown in the Swan Valley for more than 190 years; a program of cellar door signage, wine labelling, and old vine and winery entry signage will guide wine enthusiasts through the Swan Valley region's rich heritage. The fruit from these vines can produce high-quality wine that showcases depth of flavour with beautiful softness and harmony.

Spinifex Brewery opening at Broome's Cable Beach

The highly anticipated Spinifex Brewery will open its doors at Broome's (Rubibi) iconic Cable Beach this month. The new multi-million-dollar venue will cater for up to 600 guests, offering a unique family-oriented venue with a children's playground, gubinge garden, large outdoor LED screens, a stage for live performances and onsite brewery. The kitchen will serve up a modern Australian menu utilising fresh seasonal produce, alongside woodfired pizzas. Spinifex Brewing Co is Australia's first part Aboriginal and veteran-owned craft brewery. The brewery uses native ingredients that support Aboriginal producers and supply chains throughout WA, with ingredients such as lemon myrtle, Geraldton wax, wattle seed, pepper berries and Kimberley gubinge flavouring the brews.

Hillarys Beach Club Makes Waves at Pinnaroo Point

Perth's eagerly awaited coastal hotspot Hillarys Beach Club opened its doors at Pinnaroo Point this month. This two-storey venue is the perfect place to experience Perth's golden sunsets, with multiple levels and spaces catering to different experiences. Bar Cicchettis on the lower level offers a casual beach vibe, serving up breakfast and Italian-inspired dishes later in the day. Completing the lower level is Bert's Ballroom - an elegant space for private events. Upstairs, The Heart boasts stunning views, a luxurious ambience, and a diverse menu featuring pub-style classics and Japanese-influenced dishes. A takeaway window opens daily from 6am, offering coffee, pastries, and paninis, with evening options like fish and chips and burgers to enjoy at the beach. Led by Executive Chef John Evans and Samson Brent, Hillarys Beach Club emphasises locally sourced produce.
* Tourism Western Australia https://www.westernaustralia.com/
* Tiana Anderson at tiana.anderson@westernaustralia.com