What’s On in WA | August 2016

What's On

Explore all that Perth has to offer - events, tours, things to see and do, food and wine and more. Read on to discover what’s on in Perth this August!

Spring into Armadale Festival

1st August to 30th October

Fresh from the amazing success of the inaugural festival in 2015, Spring into Armadale returns this year to provide visitors a unique opportunity to delight in the City's rich tapestry of culture, arts, food, wine and people.

Hosted by the City of Armadale from 1 August to 31 October, the festival will present a unique series of events to cater for all tastes - showcasing its people, their products and the region's natural beauty to the rest of Australia.

Avon River Festival

5th August

Celebrate the excitement of the start of the world’s greatest white water event at the Shire of Northam’s Avon River Festival on Friday 5 August, 4 - 9pm at Bernard Park, Northam.

The Northam River Festival provides a chance for spectators and competitors to come together and enjoy entertainment by Murphy's Lore, a street parade, amusements and rides, free family fun zone, largest freworks display in the Avon Valley and food.

Say Cheese!

5th August

Cheese lovers, it's time to get excited! Indulge in in the happiness associated with wine and cheese pairing at Say Cheese! on Friday 5 August, 6.30 - 9.30pm at Halo Espresso, South Perth.

Avon Descent 2016

6th to 7th August

Experience the excitement of the world's greatest white water event at the Avon Descent, held every year on the first weekend in August. The Avon Descent is a spectacular 124km race over two days through some of Western Australia's most picturesque scenery.

This incredible race takes paddlers and power craft drivers down the Avon River through the historic farming regions of Northam and Toodyay, the steep and spectacular gorges of the Avon Valley, Swan Valley wineries and eventually into the tidal waters of the Swan River.

Toodyay International Food Festival

6th August

Come and celebrate the 2016 Avon Descent at the annual Toodyay International Food Festival on Saturday 6 August, 10am - 3pm. 

On Saturday 6 August competitors tackle day one of the Descent. Spectators can sit right on the River and watch all the competitors race past while enjoying delicious food from around the world at the Toodyay International Food Festival.

Avon Descent Festival

7th August

The City of Swan Avon Descent Festival returns with gusto on Sunday 7 August, 10am - 3pm at Fishmarket Reserve, Guilford.

Cheer on the competitors from the amazing riverfront vantage point and enjoy a packed program of onstage entertainment from Beatwalkers Dance Crew, Ricochet Circus, Josephine and Goggles and Belle Harvey. Meander around the reserve to experience the Artonomy Art Trail, circus workshops, Swan Valley cooking demonstrations and giveaways, roving entertainment, face painting, amusement rides, craft activities, artisan markets and gourmet food truck fare. Or you can simply lay back on a picnic rug and soak up the atmosphere as the boats come flying past. There is something for all ages and all entertainment is completely free.

Perth Stamp & Coin Show

12th to 13th August

Don't miss the 2016 Perth Stamp & Coin Show on Friday 12 & Saturday 13 August at the UWA Guild Function Centre.

This two day show will bring together not only overseas, interstate and local stamp, coin, banknote, postcard, militaria including medals and collectable dealers, but also an upstairs room of local collectors with their own single tables selling their excess or unwanted material.

Perth Science Festival

13th t0 14th August

Snakes, stargazing and slime, oh my! Get down to the Perth Science Festival at The Perth Cultural Centre on 13 & 14 August, 10am - 4pm, for over 50 interactive stalls, explosive experiments, science theatre and more.

2016 also features bio-hacking extraordinaire Ellen Jorgenson, reptiles and native animals, electric vehicle technology with the RAC, and the World Biotech Tour, hosted by Scitech. Perth Science Festival is a family-friendly event with something for everyone!

Springtime at Araluen

20th August to 18th September

Springtime at Araluen features over 120,000 tulips planted throughout the Araluen Botanic Park from 28 August - 19 November, as well as thousands of other bulbs and flowers. 

Araluen is a wonderful place to have a picnic, wander over bridges with softly cascading waters beneath and refresh your life with its beautiful scenery. Well kept unique park facilities including barbeque facilities, a gift shop and Chalet Healy for coffee and light luncheons are a delight. 

A program of events occurs throughout the Spring Festival for your enjoyment. A free train operates during peak times for your comfort and ease of access throughout the Park.

Rottnest Island Beneteau Cup

27th to 28th August

The annual Rottnest Island Beneteau Cup hits the crystal clear shores of Rottnest Island on 27 & 28 August. Keep an eye out for the beautiful fleet offshore.

The Club Marine Beneteau cup is an exclusive regatta for Beneteau yacht owners. The event is held in countries worldwide. Beneteau is the largest yacht producer in the world and recently celebrated its 130th year birthday.

Trek the Trail

28th August

Trek the Trail is Shire of Mundaring's free annual cycling and walking event that is held on a different section of the historic Railway Reserves Heritage Trail each year. Trek participants are offered experiences of diverse landscapes, beautiful and natural bush land and the heritage and history of the Railway Reserves Heritage trail. 

Trek the Trail has something for everyone; physical activity, the arts, community activity, history and heritage and the beauty of the natural environment, which are just a few reasons why participants both locally and from the greater Perth region come to enjoy the day.

Go Explore

Perth has a wide variety of attractions and activities to entertain the whole family. Get outside and explore our beautiful state with some of WA's top tours and activities.

Bickley Valley Day Tour

Set in the Perth Hills, around 350 metres above sea level, the Bickley Valley has the ability to produce grape varieties that you wouldn't expect to find on the West coast of Australia. Even without the amazing scenery, wildlife, forests and wildflowers it is worth a trip to the Bickley Valley to visit the dozen or so vineyards, Cider houses and eateries as the quality of produce is exceptional.

Experience all that the Bickley Valley has to offer. You will visit at least three beautiful venues including boutique wineries and a cider house to try premium wines and cider, as well as a hearty lunch whilst enjoying a glass of wine/beer/cider with glorious views of the surrounding valley.

From $199 | Continue to Bickley Valley Day Tour

Caversham Wildlife Park

Spend the day at one of Perth’s most incredible attractions, showcasing the largest private collection of native wildlife in Western Australia. Hand-feed the kangaroos, join the interactive farm show, touch a possum or lizard, meet a wombat and have your photo taken with koalas. All shows, talks, photo opportunities and animal food are included in the entry fee.

From $26 | Continue to Caversham Wildlife Park Day Tour

Pinnacles Adventure

Spend the day exploring some of the best sightseeing in Western Australia! You will begin your day at Caversham Wildlife Park getting up close and personal with the friendly koalas and kangaroos before moving on to explore the Pinnacles Desert with a guided tour and learn about these unique limestone formations. Relax and cool off at the beach while your guide prepares your lunch. Finally complete your tour with sand boarding on the Lancelin Sand Dunes. 

From $150 | Continue to Pinnacles Adventure Day Tour

Perth's Best Wildflower Tour

Enjoy a relaxing day taking in the spring wildflowers. With a botanical guide you visit various locations on Perth's outskirts in search for the finest wildflowers. Kings Park is renowned for its guarantee of wildflowers but also areas such as Wireless Park, Toodyay and Gingin are also prolific at various times. Your experienced tour guide to help identify rare and delicate wildflowers including renowned everlastings, orchids, red and green kangaroo paw, banksias, bottlebrush and Western Australia's most famous orange flowering Christmas Tree.

From $169 | Continue to Perth's Best Wildflower Tour

Swan Valley Wine Tour

Enjoy a full day of food and wine indulgence with our popular d’Vine Tours, which operate every Saturday and Sunday. The tours showcase the Swan Valley’s most exquisite wines and gourmet foods along with delicious treats from the local chocolate factory and other boutique providores. Wine tasting fees are inclusive of the booking price.

From $99 | Continue to Swan Valley Wine Tour

Riverside Segway Tour

Cruise east to Langley Park and then loop back next to Supreme Court Gardens and continue west along the foreshore to the base of Mount Eliza, Kings Park. We explore some hidden areas of parkland which many Perth locals have never seen; beautiful fountains and waterfalls, right in the centre of Perth. Cruise back around the new Elizabeth Quays development where city planners aim to create a bustling district on the riverfront.

From $89 | Continue to Riverside Segway Tour