International Hockey Stars to Shine in Perth

The InternationalSuper Series Hockey 9s is now on at Perth Hockey Stadium, Bentley. The event features a fast-paced, modified version of the traditional game, which was first played during last year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The event will see Australia's men's hockey team, the Kookaburras, take on some of the highest ranked sides in the world including England, Pakistan and India. In the women's draw, Australia's Hockeyroos and Jillaroos (under 21 squad) will compete against each other and the Malaysian national team. The event finishes on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

(Source: Talking Tourism – Issue 243)

Perth in the Top 10 Destinations On the Rise

Perth has been recognised as the world's fifth "destination on the rise" in 2012, in a TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice survey.

The list is based on increasing traveller interest and positive feedback about the destination's hotels, restaurants and things to do. 

The number one destination was Mar del Plata in Argentina, followed by Sao Paulo in Brazil, Kiev in Ukraine and Montevideo in Uruguay. Hobart in Tasmania was ranked number seven.

Perched on the banks of the wide Swan River, between the Indian Ocean and the... more

Don't miss

• Kings Park War Memorial
• Cottesloe Beach
• Perth Zoo

All 121 things to do

(Source: Talking Tourism – Issue 243)

Perth Airport Considers Reduction in Arrival Spacing

Reduced arrival spacing has been suggested as a means to minimise delays, enhance operations and increase capacity at Perth Airport.

Airservices Australia and the United Kingdom’s air navigation service provider, UK NATS, released findings from their July 2012 jointly-funded study, indicating measures necessary in maximising the airport’s efficiency.

Perth Airport has responded positively to the 45 recommended amendments.

“Perth Airport is well advanced in implementing the 13 recommendations relating to our operations”, Perth Airport chief executive Brad Geatches said.

“We are confident that if Airservices Australia implement the 25 recommendations relating to their procedures and airlines cooperate with the remaining seven recommendations, significant improvements can be made at Perth Airport.”

Perth Airport will employ a schedule coordination system by early 2013, allocating landing and take-off slots at the airport and aiding in airport management during peak operational periods.

“At the moment, we have a significant peak morning departures period, from 6am to 8am every Tuesday to Thursday... There is more than sufficient airfield capacity to meet demand, however, the practices of some airlines and Airservices Australia have not seen optimal usage of the infrastructure,” Mr Geatches said.

“The report highlights that mid-week morning congestion, driven by first-in first-out departures, can only be addressed by continuing to spread airline schedules, or by constructing a third runway.”

(Source = e-Travel Blackboard)

Incoming Passenger Changes into Australia

A quicker and more convenient quarantine, biosecurity clearance is assured when you arrive in Australia now that low-risk products such as commercially prepared and packaged lollies, chips and chocolates need not be declared.

The changes, which have been made on the Incoming Passenger Card, are a result of the latest scientific advice that shows such food poses a lower risk.

Biosecurity officers will now focus on goods such as raw meats, live plants, seeds and fresh fruit and vegetables, which have a “much greater potential to bring diseases and pests to Australia,” Chapman said.

Upcoming Perth Events 2013

Pen in these following events coming soon to Perth! 

Venus Williams and John Isner sign up for Hopman Cup

Venus Williams and John Isner will represent the USA at the 2013 Hyundai Hopman Cup, the first to be staged at the new Perth Arena. Former world number one Williams is one of the most successful female athletes on tour, boasting seven Grand Slam singles titles, and Isner is currently world number 10. 

The event has attracted a great field so far, which includes current world number two and winner of three Grand Slam events Novak Djokovic, French Open winner and current number 12 Ana Ivanovic, French world number six Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Aussie young gun Bernard Tomic. The event will be held from December 29, 2012 to January 5, 2013.

W: hopmancup.com 

Rooftop Movies returns

From the producers of Perth's Fringe World festival, Rooftop Movies returns to Northbridge for an extended Perth summer season. The pop-up venue is now open with the season running until April 2013. Expect more old-school film favourites, cinephile classics, cult and arthouse movies every night of the week. Rooftop Movies is located on the top floor of the City of Perth Roe Street Carpark. Access for vehicles is from 68 Roe Street Northbridge. Pedestrian access is via an elevator off James Street, opposite the Northbridge Piazza.

W: rooftopmovies.com.au

Jamie Oliver set to open in Perth

Jamie's Italian is set open in Perth's CBD in early 2013. The new restaurant, to be located in the one40william precinct, will feature the renowned Jamie's Italian signatures of a unique pasta machine (producing fresh pasta daily) and the legendary planks of anti-pasti too. Boasting a spacious dining and bar area, the Martin Brudnizki designed space will definitely leave Perth diners having experienced the Jamie Oliver wow factor.

W: one40william.com.au

Duyfken is docked

The Duyfken 1606 replica has returned to its home of Fremantle. The ship commenced its voyage from Sydney in April and sailed 5,500 nautical miles (10,000km) via Darwin to Fremantle, nearly a six month journey to get home. The ship, which was built in Perth, is now going to become a tourist attraction and 'living history' educational facility.

W: duyfken.com

(Source: Travmedia.com 29/10/12)

Your Perth This weekend

This week Perth city is home to a group of Aussie music superstars and for those willing to travel a little further out of town, a coastal delight awaits you.

'Grey nomads' and coastal adventurers of all ages are invited to embark on an outback musical journey to the Sounds Outback (...to Reef) Festival in Exmouth from October 5 to 9.

Some of the state's most picturesque locations will set the scene for the likes of Etica Ensemble, Stephen Pigram, Defying Gravity and Jon Rose across several stunning venues including Shothole Canyon, offering breathtaking views of Cape Range National Park.

This is a fabulous mid-spring getaway option for lovers of music and the outdoors.

For more information and accommodation options visit the website.
Meanwhile back toward the city, Aussie rock's old favourites Regurgitator are at The Astor on Sunday October 7.

Now in their nineteenth year together, the band is bringing the hits of Tu Plang and Unit back to WA, with this one off show.

A few tickets are still available, head to BOCS now.
Also this week, Pridefest WA kicks off a month's worth of festivities with the City of Perth Pride 
Fairday on Saturday October 6.

Folks of all genders and sexual persuasions are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy live entertainment, including live Drag Shows and the Pridefest dog parade.

Plus join in for a bunch of fun activities like novelty races, tug-of-war and water-pistol duels – just to name a few.

For more information on this weekend's fair and to check out the other events running until November 6 for Pridefest visit www.pridefestwa.com.au.

Enjoy your Perth this weekend!

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'Vibrant Perth' Bid to Draw Tourists

Perth will be rebranded under a campaign to attract interstate visitors, while almost $8 million will be spent on tourism marketing in the regions, the State Government will announce today.

The Tourism WA campaign, to be launched in Sydney and Melbourne next week, will feature a 60-second cinema advertisement and eight shorter versions for digital and social marketing. They focus on Perth's music, arts and cultural scenes, nightlife and beaches. Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the new brand reflected the energy and vibrancy the city now exuded.

The State Government will also announce a new marketing campaign for regional WA, committing $7.9 million over four years through Royalties for Regions.

The funding will go towards a new 1001 Extraordinary Experiences campaign and produce two new commercials to entice interstate and local visitors to the regions.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said this season would be "make-or-break" for many operators.

Mr Hall said interstate tourism contributed $1.4 billion to the WA economy last year.