Western Australia (WA) continues to expand its tourism and cultural offerings with a series of exciting new projects, events, and experiences for 2026.
Events and festivals: Fremantle / Walyalup will host SailGP from 17–18 January, marking the event’s WA debut. Perth / Boorloo will welcome the return of AFL Origin on 14 February, the first in 26 years. Food and cultural celebrations include Taste Great Southern (5–8 March) and the Australian-exclusive Lighting the Sound in Albany / Kinjarling, a world-record light installation by Finnish artist Kari Kola. The 25th Ord Valley Muster in the Kimberley (15–24 May) will celebrate Aboriginal culture, music, and art.
Accommodation developments: Perth’s city centre will welcome the Hyde Hotel, a luxury multi-level property, while Fremantle’s Warders Hotel has rebranded as Garde. Further south, Heyscape Denmark is expanding its cabin offerings, and Abercrombie & Kent is developing an eco-lodge in Purnululu National Park, opening in 2027 in partnership with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation.
Cultural and nature experiences: WA will feature a Camping with Custodians site at Yallalie Downs, an immersive Aboriginal cultural Munbula Cruise at El Questro, and new experiences on Rottnest Island / Wadjemup, including Dooga Waalitj Healing art workshops and upgraded visitor facilities.
Tourism and adventure: Coral Expeditions will launch Margaret River Region itineraries in October 2026 and continue Kimberley departures from March to September. Fremantle will host the Sapphire Princess cruises in the 2027–28 summer season. Perth maintains non-stop connections to 20 global destinations, with Qantas expanding direct flights from Rome to Perth, adding 44 extra flights and nearly 10,000 inbound seats.
Western Australia continues to position itself as a global tourism hub, combining world-class events, cultural experiences, luxury stays, and unique natural attractions for visitors in 2026 and beyond.
