Western Australia's Cultural and Lifestyle Scene Flourishes with New Offerings
Western Australia is set to captivate residents and visitors alike with a diverse array of cultural events, boutique openings, and interactive exhibitions this season. From Indigenous art showcases to family-friendly holiday packages, the state's vibrant scene is expanding with unique experiences that celebrate local creativity and community spirit.
Colours of Country: A Celebration of Indigenous Art and Culture
A highlight of this year's cultural calendar is the Colours of Country event, part of the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster in Kununurra. Scheduled for May 17, this new cultural festival will feature a fashion parade unveiling the Boonkaj II Collection, a powerful showcase of wearable art from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Western Australia's oldest Indigenous arts centre. The collection uses fine linens and cottons screen-printed with designs from award-winning artists, inspired by bush plants in the East Kimberley region.
The event will also display works from artists and galleries across the region, serve local cuisine including crocodile, barramundi, and kangaroo, and host a music program with performances by Family Shoveller Band, Kankawa Nagarra, and Saltwater Kin. Hosted by Balanggarra and Yolngu digital artist, animator, and muralist Molly Hunt, the festival runs from May 15 to 24, offering a rich immersion into Indigenous culture and creativity.
By Charlotte: Jewellery Brand Returns Home with New Boutiques
Perth-born jewellery brand By Charlotte is making a heartfelt return to its roots, with three new boutiques opening in Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Claremont Quarter, and Westfield Booragoon. Founder Charlotte Blakeney, who grew up in Perth, drew inspiration from Western Australia's sweeping coastline and relaxed lifestyle to create her popular jewellery line.
"To now bring By Charlotte home and share it with the community that first inspired me feels like a beautiful full circle moment," Blakeney says. The brand's expansion into these shopping centres aims to bring its coastal-inspired designs closer to the local community, celebrating the slow and steady way of living that defines the region.
Bon Bonbon: Luxurious Easter Treats in East Fremantle
For those seeking indulgent Easter treats, Bon Bonbon in East Fremantle offers a luxurious edge. Founded by WAAPA and Tourism WA chair Di Bain, this local chocolatier has a shopfront on George Street selling elegant sweet creations. The Easter range includes an opulent take on a creme egg, bunnies in milk, white, and dark chocolate, and a hot cross bun-inspired bonbon with cinnamon, toasted brown butter ganache, and a delicate cross.
Customers can also purchase these treats online at bonbonbon.com.au, making it easy to enjoy high-quality chocolates from the comfort of home.
Juanita's & Friends: A Cocktail Party in Subiaco
Subiaco bar Juanita's is hosting an unforgettable cocktail party on March 29 as part of Subi Spritz. The event, called Juanita's & Friends, will be hosted by Luke Foyle of Juanita's, popular chef Blaze Young, and pop-up event specialist Drew Dawson of Off Licence. Tickets, priced at $104.45, include a night of Howard Park wines and snacks crafted by Young.
Known for its excellent wine and chips, Juanita's promises a lively evening that showcases Perth's vibrant food and drink scene. More details are available at subispritz.com.au.
Parmelia Hilton: Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Parmelia Hilton in Perth CBD is rolling out the red carpet for families during the school holidays with a special offer throughout April. The package includes a kids' concierge, a complimentary movie night, a special kids' dessert menu, breakfast for the whole family, and a late checkout.
This family-friendly initiative aims to provide a memorable stay for guests of all ages, with bookings available at hilton.com.
Cranky Pants: Interactive Art Exhibition at AGWA
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is hosting Cranky Pants, a new interactive exhibition by UK artist Bruce Asbestos, opening on March 28 and running for a year. This pop art playground encourages visitors of all ages to embrace emotions, including the cranky, chaotic, and disobedient parts we might usually hide.
Highlights include a design studio where visitors can create costumes, entered through the wide-open mouth of character Super Crank, and a pop-up catwalk to unveil new identities, surrounded by four large wooden sculptures. Asbestos's work explores cartoon characters with emotional nuance, moving beyond simple happy-sad binaries to foster creativity and self-expression.
These events and openings highlight Western Australia's dynamic cultural and lifestyle landscape, offering something for everyone to enjoy this season.
