The countdown is over, and Western Australia's premier family event, the WA Day Festival, is set to deliver a spectacular weekend of entertainment. Kicking off on Saturday morning, the two-day carnival at Burswood Park is expected to attract tens of thousands of eager festival-goers.
A Carnival of Free Rides and Classic Showbags
Thrill-seekers of all ages are in for a treat with almost a dozen free fairground rides on offer. The lineup includes the adrenaline-pumping Dream Swinger and Storm, alongside beloved classics like Dodgem Drift and the charming Cup and Saucer. Seven-year-old Edie Murphy, who got a sneak peek of the Fiesta Balloon ride, exclaimed she wanted to ride it "100 times."
No carnival is complete without showbags, and this year's event boasts more than 40 options, featuring the iconic and ever-popular Bertie Beetle showbag. Edie's brother, ten-year-old Lachie Murphy, shared his excitement for the rides and showbags, though he cheekily suggested the Fiesta Balloon could use a bit more speed.
Immersive Entertainment and Cultural Experiences
Beyond the rides, the festival offers a rich program of activities. Families can lose themselves in the mind-bending Aussie Maze or be amazed by the jaw-dropping Hardwired BMX show. Fremantle’s Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will present The Whale, a hypnotic large-scale puppet show that celebrates these gentle giants and their vital role in our ecosystem.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in Noongar culture with Wadjuk Dreaming, a mesmerising dome installation. This experience portrays four Dreamtime stories through breathtaking projections of native animals and the authentic sounds of the country, teaching lessons of kindness and family.
Feasting, Music, and Meeting the Stars
Foodies will be spoilt for choice with a mouth-watering variety from over 50 food trucks at Perdaman Eat Street, featuring favourites like Chips on a Stick and KB's Creamy Creations. Owner Kerryn Bradshaw said she loves creating sweet treats for the kids and seeing their happy faces.
Music buffs are in for a treat with an all-West Australian lineup, including performances by local rapper Drapht and alternative rock legends Jebediah. Drapht, whose real name is Paul Reid, expressed his love for the annual festival and his special excitement for this year as his daughter and her school friends will be in the audience.
Fans can also meet their favourite Channel 7 presenters at the Spudshed Cooking Stage, where stars like Susannah Carr will be cooking alongside top WA chefs. Carr said she looks forward to enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the festival just like everyone else.
Grandfather Robert Trench summed up the mood, praising the brilliant weather and the festival's fantastic energy, noting it would be the "perfect weekend" with a good Ashes score. The WA Day Festival is supported by BHP, the WA Government, and Lotterywest. Patrons are encouraged to use public transport to get to Burswood Park. For more details, visit waday.com.
