Travel & Touring | WA Things to Do
By: Monique Ceccato
There is no better reason to load the car up and head on a road trip than to attend one of Western Australia’s destination events. From Albany in the south to Kununurra in the north, there’s not an inch of the state you can’t explore through food, music, storytelling, and workshop-filled festivals.
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Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
Jackson St, Boyup Brook
16-18 February 2024
NSW has the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and WA has the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival. It’s the biggest celebration of the musical genre in the state, culminating in the all-important WA Country Music Awards.
The festival is held annually over the third weekend in February, drawing thousands of people from around the state to the small town on the banks of the Blackwood River. Spend the weekend listening to rising stars on the stage, checking out the ute and truck muster entrants, and wandering the street carnival in town on Saturday morning.
Getting there: It’s 2 hours and 45 minutes to Boyup Brook from Perth and 1 hour 15 from Bunbury. Buy a camping ticket, and you’ll also have accommodation sorted for the weekend.
Mandurah Crab Fest
Mandurah Foreshore, Mandurah
16-17 March 2024
Mandurah and the Peel region is a fertile hunting ground for Blue Manna crabs with an estuary and inlet system two times bigger than the Sydney Harbour. The crustacean thrives in the sand and seagrass and, as such, has become synonymous with the coastal city. They’re such a big part of Mandurah’s identity that there’s an annual festival to celebrate them.
Each March, the Mandurah Crab Fest rolls into town, bringing with it a score of live local music, cooking demonstrations, and indulgent long-table lunches. Though some events are ticketed (and hotly contested), there’s plenty of free fun at the festival hub, too. Wander the gourmet market stalls, watch the wakeboarding or BMX competitions, or learn some new crab-based recipes from the on-stage entertainment.
Getting there: Mandurah is a 1.5-hour drive or 50-minute train ride from Perth. Free shuttle busses run from the train station and the John Tonkin High School oval (where there is $5 parking) to the festival grounds.
A Table Somewhere
Parakeet Bay Beach, Rottnest Island
22-23 March 2024
Book a seat at A Table Somewhere: Wadjemup to experience an immersive dining event on Perth's favourite island paradise. With a menu curated by Australian culinary icon, Matt Moran and West Australian chef, Brendan Pratt, and a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, it's bound to be a one-of-a-kind long table dinner.
The unique event will showcase the abundant seafood local to the area, and feature a feast laden with other local produce, completed by premium WA beverages.
Getting there: It’s a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour.
The Karijini Experience
Karijini National Park
4-7 April 2024
Enjoy four days of culture, art, food and music events on country at The Karijini Experience. Celebrate the Homeland of the Banjima people and incredible landscape of the Karijini National Park with a jam-packed diverse and inclusive event program.
Getting there: It’s about 14.5 hours’ drive from Perth if travelling inland; slightly less if going coastal via Exmouth.
Margaret River Pro
Surfer’s Point, Margaret River
11-21 April 2024
Google ‘best surf spots in Australia’ and Margaret River shows up repeatedly. The region’s 200km coastline is peppered with around 75 different breaks. But the centre of all the surf action is at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly—home to the annual Margaret River Pro.
It’s one of just two Australian events on the World Surf League World Championship Tour, which brings big names like Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, and John John Florence to the region. You can watch all the action live and even meet some surfers at the free event hub at Surfer’s Point.
Getting there: Margaret River is a 3.5-hour drive from Perth and a 1.5-hour drive from Bunbury. Over the weekend, a shuttle bus runs from the Margaret River townsite to the event. During the week, park at Riflebutts dog exercise area. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Shore Leave Festival
Geraldton
24-28 April 2024
Celebrate all things seafood at the four-day foodie event of the season, Shore Leave Festival. Sign up for a smorgasbord of bucket list events, showcasing WA’s stunning Mid-West and the finest foods from the region.
Go from private plane to plate at the Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, where you’ll feast on fresh local seafood including Western Rock Lobster and Abrolhos scallops while you soak in the turquoise ocean views with your feet in the sand.
Dine under the stars with an unforgettable farm-to-table dining experience at the Paddock to Plate event, with a carefully curated menu designed by chef, Matt Stone, paired with wine, at Yanget Farm.
Take your pick from a total of 10 events happening across the four days, including the Kalbarri Skywalk Sundowner, Dongara Distilled, Nine Spices and the Back of Boat Western Rock Lobster BBQ.
Getting there: Geraldton is 4.5 hours by car from Perth. It’s one of the stops on the iconic Coral Coast road trip to Exmouth.
Taste Great Southern
Great Southern Region
2-12 May 2024
Not to be overshadowed by its more northern neighbour, Margaret River, the Great Southern Region’s wine and culinary scenes punch well above their weight. Shiraz, pinot, and Reisling are all at their best in the slightly cooler climate, and local King George whiting, Akoya, and Albany rock oysters dominate the menus. The best part? You can sample it all over the 11-day Taste Great Southern Festival.
The festival brings national cheffing names like Gary Mehigan, Analiese Gregory, and Even Hayter to venues across the Great Southern region, including Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker where more than 30 ticketed lunches and dinners occur. Get in early to grab a spot at the popular Women of the Region Luncheon and Great Southern Wine Journey.
Getting there: The Great Southern Region is approximately 4.5 hours by car from Perth.
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Ord Valley Muster
Celebrity Tree Park, Kununurra
17-25 May 2024
Destination events in WA don’t get much more far-flung than Kununurra’s Ord Valley Muster. It’s an annual 10-day celebration of the art, music, and culture of the East Kimberley, all of which come together at the pinnacle event, the Kimberley Moon Experience.
Learn more about the Miriwoong Gajerrong culture with tickets to the powerful Corroboree Under the Stars and Storytelling Night, or opt for something light-hearted and catch comedy in the park. While in the region, drive the famed Gibb River Road, take a scenic flight over Purnululu National Park, and head out on the impressive 1,000 km2 Lake Argyle.
Getting there: Kununurra is quite the road trip from Perth, taking 33 hours to drive there. Make sure you’re well-prepared for the drive with these hints and tips. Virgin and Qantas also fly Perth to Kununurra direct.
Truffle Kerfuffle
Fonty's Pool Caravan Park and Chalets, Manjimup
June (dates vary)
Truffle is considered up there in indulgence with caviar and saffron. Given its per-kilo price, it’s only used sparingly on WA winter menus. Unless, of course, you’re at the annual Truffle Kerfuffle.
With your ticket comes the promise of lashings of truffle. It’s on—and in—everything, from your scrambled egg brunch in the festival restaurant to artisanal packets of rice you can take home from the marketplace. Before heading to Fonty’s Pool to sample your way through an unholy amount of truffled food and drink, join the truffle dogs as they unearth the black gold.
Getting there: It’s 3 hours and 45 minutes to road trip to Manjimup from Perth and 1 hour 30 minutes from Bunbury. Parking is available at the event site.
Albany Classic
Albany CBD
1-2 June, 2024 (dates change annually)
Motoring enthusiasts can get their racing fix with a touch of nostalgia at the annual Albany Classic.
The race has been run since 1936, and the cars haven’t changed much since then, either. Vintage and classic Chevys, Fords, and more take to the tarmac at speeds up to 140km/hr, all vying for the major prize. Tickets include access to the four races on Saturday and a weekend display of cars, market stalls, and food vendors.
Getting there: Albany is 4.5 hours from Perth and 3 hours 45 minutes from Bunbury.
Cabin Fever
Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River
July (dates vary)
Fires, food, and fun are the three all-important ingredients for the South West’s Cabin Fever festival. Over ten wintery days, there are more than 50 warming dinners, masterclasses, concerts, and parties held across the region, beckoning you out from beneath the doona to experience something other than the sunshine and beaches the area is known for. Events range from the free to the ticketed, casual to elegant (cheese fondue and wine by the fireplace or five-course truffle dinners, anyone?). Book some cosy accommodation and make a weekend of it, attending multiple events while you’re there.
Getting there: Busselton is a 2.5-hour drive from Perth and 40 minutes from Bunbury.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
Nannup Town Centre, Nannup
August (dates vary)
Flowering bulbs outnumber the population of Nannup 17:1. The town plants more than 25,000 tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths each year, which bloom at the tail end of winter. It’s such a beautiful display that they’re now the centrepiece of the annual Nannup Flower and Garden Festival.
Head into town to see the flowers in all their glory and peruse the market stalls and floral exhibition at the town hall ($5.00 entry) while you’re there. If you’re keen on learning, there’s also a small program of ticketed garden workshops. You can even have a nosey at a handful of private gardens around town, opened up specifically for the festival (entry varies from free to $7.00).
Getting there: It’s a 3-hour drive from Perth to Nannup and 1-hour from Bunbury.
Shinju Matsuri
Town Beach, Broome / Rubibi
August
Broome / Rubibi’s pearling history dates back to as early as the 1880s, when the Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, and Europeans flocked to the Yawuru Aboriginal coastline to share in the treasures of the South Sea pearl. The industry is a huge part of the Kimberley town’s identity and forms the basis of the annual Shinju Matsuri—’the festival of the pearl’.
The two-week multicultural festival has been on the calendar since 1970, falling at the end of each pearling season. It’s a colourful celebration, marked by ticketed gourmet dining events, cultural tours, and performances set to a backdrop of rust read earth and turquoise blue waters.
Getting there: Broome is a 22-hour drive from Perth. Make your way up over a few days, or take a direct flight (2 hours and 40 minutes).
A Taste of Broome
Goolarri Media Amphitheatre, Broome
August (dates vary)
If you can’t get enough of Broome and its flavours, sights, and sounds, consider extending your stay for the entirety of August to attend A Taste of Broome, too. There’s a host of free and ticketed musical events, cooking experiences, and traditional dance performances, all celebrating the town's multiculturalism over the three days. Kids will love the festival, too, with picture shows and circus acts explicitly designed for their entertainment.
Getting there: Broome is a 22-hour drive from Perth. Make your way up over a few days, or take a direct flight (2 hours and 40 minutes).
Bloom Festival
Great Southern Region
Late September to the end of October
There are just 34 global biodiversity hotspots in the world, and the southwestern corner of Australia is one of them. As many as 8,000 plant species populate the region—more than double the number of plants across Britain. Many of the 8,000 aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
Come August, the region erupts into carpets of colour as many of the native plants begin to flower. The annual Bloom Festival celebrates the display by hosting more than 50 spring-themed events across the nine shires and 26 communities that comprise the Great Southern. Tickets to tea-blending workshops, Noongar cultural events, and guided wildflower tours are limited, but access to the national parks and their abundance of blooms isn’t.
Getting there: Self-drive from Perth to the Great Southern, or find a coach service to any hub with TransWA.
Margaret River Open Studios
Margaret River Region
September
Get a rare glimpse inside the workspaces of some of the South West’s most creative minds during the free, two-week-long Margaret River Open Studios. It’s the largest event of its kind in Australia, with more than 160 artists opening the doors to their spaces across Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup, and Margaret River. The type of art on display is just as broad as the area the festival covers—everything from paintings and drawings to ceramics, woodwork, and sculpture. Take your time popping in to see your favourite artists, watching them in action and planning your next purchase.
Getting there: Margaret River is a 3.5-hour drive from Perth and a 1.5-hour drive from Bunbury. You’ll have to self-drive between studios.
York Festival
York
Two weeks over the spring
York is a fabulous place to visit year-round. But drop in sometime in late September or early October, and you’ll catch the town’s annual festival. It’s heavily focused on showcasing the local Noongar culture, with exclusive events such as yarns with elder Dr. Marion Kickett, damper-making workshops, and children’s emu egg carving, all highlights of the program. Nature lovers will love the educational photo walks, and Avon River walks, and any history buff will get their kicks walking through the historical town centre, too.
Getting there: 1 hour and 25 minutes is all it’ll take to drive from Perth to York. Book accommodation in nearby Northam early, as spots are limited.
Bull & Barrel Festival
Ferguson Road, Dardanup
October (dates vary)
The Dardanup Bull & Barrel Festival is as close to Burning Man as you can get without hightailing it to the USA. It’s a short and sweet festival—just one day—that goes out with a bang as they set fire to a locally-made timber bull sculpture.
Before the main event at 8:00pm, get to know what makes the rural community of Dardanup, Dardanup. You can browse the 150+ market stalls selling antiques and crafts, watch the goat races, or send the kids off to the kids' craft marquee while you enjoy a beverage and live music on the main stage. The best part? It’s all free.
Getting there: Dardanup is just 20 minutes from Bunbury and 2 hours 20 minutes from Perth. There’s plenty of parking when you arrive.
Fine Vines
Margaret River Region
October
By volume, the Margaret River Region accounts for only 2 per cent of Australia’s total wine production, but it produces a whopping 20 per cent of the premium wine.
The annual Fine Vines festival is your chance to get exclusive access to some of the rarest drops in more than 80 wine makers’ catalogues. Dive into a legacy tasting while you sit back and enjoy the atmosphere at your favourite boutique vineyard. More than 30 ticketed events are on the calendar, catering to the casual wine enthusiast, to those who claim sommelier-type status, and everyone in between.
Getting there: Margaret River is a 3.5-hour drive from Perth and a 1.5-hour drive from Bunbury.
CinefestOZ
Sun Pictures and other satellite locations, Broome
October (dates vary)
Aboriginal culture is front and centre at CinefestOZ Broome’s WA First Nations Film Festival. The four-day immersive film festival combines feature film screenings and special events that highlight the importance of on-screen storytelling in connecting communities and aiding reconciliation in the Kimberley. Enjoy thought-provoking films at the world’s oldest operating movie theatre, Sun Cinemas, and iconic Broome landmarks like Matso’s Brewery and Willie Creek Pearls (tickets required). Then, take the chance to ask any burning questions you have when you meet the filmmakers in conversation.
Getting there: Broome is a 2-hour and 40-minute flight from Perth or take a few days and make it a road trip with stops along the way.
RELATED: Perth to Broome road trip »
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