What’s New and Trending in Western Australia in 2026

Where dream events happen

Western Australia is truly where dream events happen. Kicking off 2026, SailGP will race into Fremantle/ Walyalup from 17–18 January — marking the prestigious event’s debut in WA. Sport fans can also look forward to the return of AFL Origin for the first time in 26 years, with Perth / Boorloo hosting the iconic interstate clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 14 February — the only Origin fixture scheduled for the year.

Food and culture lovers have plenty to celebrate too. Taste Great Southern returns from 5–8 March, featuring new experiences and acclaimed talent. Coinciding with the festival, the Australian-exclusive Lighting the Sound will illuminate Albany / Kinjarling over nine magical nights in March. This breathtaking outdoor installation by world-renowned Finnish artist Kari Kola — his first in Australia — is expected to be the world’s largest light display. Set against King George Sound, it will showcase the coastline and landmarks while sharing the rich cultural heritage of Menang Noongar Country, forming part of Albany’s 2026 bicentenary celebrations.

Up north, the Kimberley will come alive for the 25th anniversary edition of the Ord Valley Muster from 15–24 May. The festival offers a full calendar of Aboriginal culture, music, entertainment, food and wine, and art, making it a highlight of WA’s event calendar.

Sleep where dreams unfold

The heart of Perth will welcome an exciting multi-level hotel development in early 2026. Hyde promises to be a sophisticated, luxury hotel offering — and an exceptional new experience for Perth. It’s after Garde officially opened its doors in Fremantle in September 2025. Warders Hotel has now rebranded to ‘Garde’, signalling the enduring connection between both properties and marking the new chapter.

Further south, and dreamy cabin offering Heyscape Denmark is taking bookings for the first of 12 new cabins on its Denmark property. The staged expansion is expected to be completed by March 2026 offering stunning ocean, karri forest or valley views.

Looking beyond 2026, and world-leading luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is developing a new eco-lodge in Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to the world-famous Bungle Bungle Range, believed to be more than 350 million years old. The environmentally and culturally sensitive premium lodge is due to open by 2027 and is being developed in partnership with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC).

Wonders that awaken the senses

Cameras at Perth Film Studios start rolling in early 2026, bringing world-class production facilities to WA. The Malaga-based studio features four sound stages, plus production offices, an art department, wardrobe, workshops and set storage. A key feature will be an expansive 23,200sqm backlot – larger than Optus Stadium’s playing field.

From rolling cameras to rolling waves – Perth Surf Park is also gathering momentum, with the state-of- the-art centre set to start pumping in late 2027. Its Wavegarden Cove will be the equal-largest in the world. The centre will be a dynamic tourism and sports hub with a surf academy, fitness and wellness facilities, skate park and pump track delivering big on adrenaline. Meanwhile a member’s lounge, beach club, hospitality offerings and rooftop glamping accommodation will round out the precinct.

Culinary journeys from your dreams

One of Perth’s original craft breweries, Little Creatures, expands from Fremantle to Elizabeth Quay this summer. Its new location at Nine The Esplanade features spacious dining, brewing, and taproom areas, along with a large alfresco space offering waterfront views.

Also opening this summer, Baillie Hill in East Victoria Park combines a bar and bakery with an ‘urban homestead,’ including fresh produce markets and the Baillie Stables petting zoo. The development centres on the lovingly restored heritage-listed Elizabeth Baillie House set within expansive grounds.

Looking ahead, Kailis Hospitality Group will create a multi-venue hub in Sorrento, featuring up to four complementary restaurant brands designed by Rezen Studio. Slated to start work in late 2026-early 2027, the beachfront hub will showcase stunning Indian Ocean views.

Connect with the spirit of Country

A 20-site Camping with Custodians visitor campground is set to open at Yallalie Downs in 2026, operated by Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation. Located on Yued Boodja of the Noongar Nation in the Coral Coast region, the nature-based park will offer cultural tours, agritourism experiences, Aboriginal storytelling, and astrology, marking WA’s eighth Camping with Custodians site.

Meanwhile, an immersive Aboriginal cultural experience will debut at El Questro in WA’s Kimberley during the 2026 season. The Munbula Cruise, led by Ngarinyin Traditional Owners, is a three-hour journey along the Chamberlain River featuring Dreaming stories, traditional songs, and insights into the region’s sacred plants, animals, and landscapes. Accessible by road and air from Kununurra / Goonoonoorrang, it offers a unique window into Kimberley culture.

A dream island getaway

Rottnest Island / Wadjemup is introducing exciting new attractions and experiences for the 2025/26 summer, with a focus on Aboriginal culture and outdoor recreation. Dooga Waalitj Healing will offer art workshops, cultural walks, smoking ceremonies and language classes, while Koorda’s Crew provides immersive Aboriginal cultural activities for children. Outdoor fun includes pickleball at the redesigned Bathurst tennis courts, with Rotto Rackets Sports, beach equipment from Rotto Rentals and guided island tours with Rotto Rickshaws. The island has also upgraded the South Thomson boardwalk, and refurbished 52 Stay Rottnest units at Longreach and Fay’s Bay with new kitchens and bathrooms.

Sail into your dream horizons

Coral Expeditions will launch short itineraries in October 2026, including a six-night Margaret River Region tour, featuring Busselton / Undalup, Margaret River, Cape Naturaliste and Augusta. The Coastal Adventure series offers guests immersive wildlife and nature experiences, optional food and wine tours, and dark-sky nocturnal activities. This complements 47 Kimberley departures from March to September, visiting the region’s most stunning natural attractions and otherworldly landscapes, showcasing Coral Expeditions’ signature blend of exploration and adventure.

Meanwhile, Fremantle will be home to the Sapphire Princess’ 2027-28 summer season. Forming part of the Princess Cruises fleet, the premium vessel carries up to 3,200 guests and will set off on nine itineraries across WA.

Soar beyond the imaginable

Perth’s growing reputation as Australia’s Western Gateway continues to soar to new heights, with WA’s capital currently offering non-stop connections from 20 global destinations. Western Australia is the only Australian state offering non-stop flights to Europe, with Qantas offering direct Perth to Rome, Paris and London flights.

In 2026, Qantas will expand its direct Rome to Perth service, to welcome 44 additional flights and almost 10,000 extra inbound seats to WA compared to the 2025 season. Offering seamless connections for visitors to WA from Italy, the seasonal service will run from Sunday, 3 May to Friday, 23 October 2026. The uplift extends the operating season by eight weeks and boosts flights from three to four services each week during the peak travel period.