Issue February 2017

2017 Membership Drive

Visitor Centre building imageOur 2017 membership drive is now well underway and we are gearing up for an exciting year ahead! A big thank you goes out to all of our existing members; we look forward to continue to working together to grow tourism within our fantastic region. We welcome all our new members who are coming on board, we can’t wait to meet with you all.

The 2017 membership program will welcome in some exciting new events, further details will be released in upcoming newsletter editions so make sure to keep posted and like our 'Visit Armadale' Facebook page to stay in touch.

Remember to share any exciting news or promotions with us so that we can promote on your behalf! Email our social media officer Laura – lkennedy@armadale.wa.gov.au. If you are interested in becoming an Armadale Visitor Centre member you can get in contact by calling 9394 5410 or by emailing VisitorCentre@armadale.wa.gov.au.

Welcome to our Newest Members

We are very excited to introduce and welcome our newest members for 2017, Carol from WA Getaway and the team from Rockingham Wild Encounters, both are fantastic additions and we look forward to working with them in the near future!

WA Getaway

WA Getaway imageCarol at WA Getaway specialises in creating tailor-made itineraries and transport in her 14 seater coach. Although her forte is the South West, Carol is knowledgeable and flexible, so can help create an array of itineraries to suit her customer’s interests.

Carol is looking forward to working with the industry across the Perth Hills and bringing visitors into our vibrant region. Get in contact to plan your itinerary!

Rockingham Wild Encounters

Rockingham Wild Encounters imageRockingham Wild Encounters offer once in a lifetime experiences – like swimming with dolphins and kayaking with seals! Based on the shores of the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Rockingham Wild Encounters also operate a ferry service to Penguin Island, where you can meet the colony of fairy penguins at the Discovery Centre.

Come see us at the Visitor Centre to pick up a brochure and book one of these fantastic tours!

Blues in the Hills at Araluen

Blues in the Hills at Araluen imageAraluen’s annual blues night is coming back to the breathtaking amphitheatre at Araluen Botanic Park, located in the picturesque setting of the Perth Hills. Blues in the Hills will be bringing you at an evening of WA’s finest blues music under the trees and stars and overlooking the water at Araluen Botanic Park, guaranteeing a beautiful summers evening.

This year’s event will see the talents of ‘Hunt for Dallas’, ‘Steely Blues Lez Karski Trio’ and ‘MattyTWall’ take to the stage for the ultimate blues night out.

Gates will open at 4pm with music starting from 6pm. Tickets are available at the gate, or can be pre-purchased online for a discounted rate.

So grab your family and friends, pack a picnic, some drinks and come have a toe-tappin’, groovin’ good time!

Don’t miss the hottest festival of 2017

Araluen's Chilli and Avocado FestivalAraluen’s Chilli and Avocado Festival will be returning for 2017 to celebrate two of the ‘Super-Fruits’ at McCallum Park in Victoria Park. Chilli lovers will unite with avo-enthusiasts on the 11 March for the two day celebration on the banks of the Swan River. 

Wander through the Araluen Village to experience a taste of the Perth Hills and purchase some of the best local produce from the Hills Orchard Improvement Group. There will be three stages with Perth’s best talents to keep you entertained as well as kids activities and roving entertainment to keep the little ones busy.

Celebrity chefs will be on stage demonstrating just how easy it is to create your own Chilli and Avocado sensations at home.

Horticulturalists will be on hand ready to provide the expert knowledge needed to grow your own Avocado and Chilli orchard at home, AND you can purchase your own plants on your way out.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or get yours here at a discounted price. For food lovers, this is one event not to be missed!

Applications Open for Tourism Boost Mentoring Program

Tourism Council logoDiscover how to boost bookings and sales and grow your business by promoting your product and reaching millions of potential customers through online bookings and packaging with Tourism Council WA’s free Tourism Boost Online & International Bookings Mentoring Program.

The program is delivered by Tourism Council WA and funded through Tourism WA as part of the federal government’s national Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program. Through a process of one-on-one mentoring, this program aims to improve the growth of WA tourism businesses to sell their product online and introduce new WA tourism product to international markets.

Tourism Boost is designed to assist tourism businesses at various levels of market readiness across the state and is delivered in two streams - Boost Online Bookings and Boost International Bookings. For more information or to apply, visit the Tourism Council WA website.

Tourism Council Industry Events

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Friday, February 24: The national tourism awards, to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre in 2017, recognise outstanding industry achievements across 25 categories.

Ni Hao WA

Monday, March 13: Meaning 'hello' in Chinese, this annual Tourism WA event brings key Chinese trade to Western Australia to meet local tourism representatives with the aim of strengthening business relationships with key buyers and media. A full day of one-on-one appointments and networking is combined with opportunities for selected Chinese buyers to tour WA destinations to gain greater product knowledge. Seller applications have now closed.

The full industry events calendar can be found here.

Stars over Bungendore

Stars over Bungendore imagePresented by the Bungendore Park Management Committee.

Leave the bright lights of the city and the luminescence of your digital devices for a short while and savour the wonders of the eternal sky at the ‘Stars over Bungendore’ astronomy evening on Friday 17 February from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

Richard Tonello of Astronomy Education Services will start with a fascinating presentation, after which he will train his telescopes on targets including the constellations or Orion, Southern Cross, Carina, Gemini and Taurus and other cosmic features such as the Great Orion Nebula, the Jewel Box Cluster, the Wishing Well Cluster and the Tarantula Nebula.

Should the weather prevent direct star gazing an extended presentation will be provided. The event is suitable for adults and children alike. Participants can meet at Southern Hills Christian College oval, in Admiral Road, Bedfordale, adjacent to Bungendore Park.

Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children or $12 for a family. Tea and Coffee will be available. Bookings are essential, please text John on 0418 111 664.

Love is in the Hills

Valentine dining imageWith Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching it is now the time to make reservations to treat your special someone to a romantic evening. We are spoiled for choice with a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes within the region. To make your choice easier we have narrowed down our top picks to wine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Dinner at Avocado’s plus accommodation special!
3 course menu, gentle live entertainment, $60pp
9496 3838
Add on accommodation and breakfast for two for just $160!

Core Valentine’s Dinner at The CORE Cider House
3 course menu, cider cocktail on arrival, live music, $85pp
9293 7583

Valentine’s Dinner at Elizabethan Village Pub
Share platters and a chance to win a secret giveaway
9399 4531

Valentine’s Dinner at the Manse
A la Carte menu, BYO, no corkage
9399 6078

Valentine’s Dinner at Roley’s on the Ridge
3 course decadent menu, romantic setting amongst the hills $70pp
9496 0666

Why not truly spoil yourself and indulge in a romantic weekend away in the Perth Hill’s, book here or visit us at the Armadale Visitor Centre for our expert recommendations.

What's On

17th Feb 7.30-9.30pm
Stars over Bungendore
at Bungendore Park, Admiral Road, Bedfordale

18th Feb 4-10pm
Blues in the Hills
at Araluen Botanic Park, 362 Croyden Road, Roleystone

18th Feb 3-7pm
The Glades Arts & Produce Markets
at Anzac Crescent Memorial Park, Byford

24th Feb 5-8.30pm
Twilight Markets
in the Jull Street Mall, Jull Street, Armadale

24th Feb 5.45-10pm
Flash Nat and the Action Men
at The CORE Cider House, 35 Merrivale Road, Pickering Brook

26th Feb 7am-12.30pm
Jarrahdale Markets
at Fire Station, Munro Street, Jarrahdale

5th March 9am-1pm
Serpentine Country Markets
at Clem Kentish Hall, Karnup Road, Serpentine

5th March 3-8pm
Roleystone Autumn Market
at Cross Park, Roleystone

11th and 12th March 10am-5pm
Araluen’s Chilli and Avocado Festival
at McCallum Park, Taylor Street, Victoria Park