Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival serves up a fresh new celebration

Exmouth is preparing something special for this year with the first-ever Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival. Taking over the coastal Gascoyne town from Thursday, April 9, until Sunday, April 12, the festival will not only celebrate one of WA’s most loved seafood treasures but also the unique natural environment and hardworking local industry it comes from.

Forged by Nature, Guided by Science

The story of Exmouth’s prawn industry began more than six decades ago, when the Kailis family first established operations in the Gulf. Today, Sea Harvest has taken over stewardship of the fishery, holding 100% of the prawn licences in the Exmouth Gulf and upholding a long-held philosophy: fish lightly, fish respectfully, and protect the ecosystem that sustains both community and industry.

Only a quarter of the fishery is trawled each year, with sensitive coral, sponge, and seagrass habitats permanently protected. Vessels undertake carefully timed 22-day trips, returning to shore during each full-moon closure. The fishery earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification in 2015—the global benchmark for sustainable fishing—was recertified in 2020, and will mark a decade of continuous MSC certification in March 2026, affirming its status as one of the world’s most responsibly managed prawn fisheries.

Sea Harvest’s sustainability commitment includes continual investment in cutting-edge bycatch reduction technology—escape grids for turtles, rays and sharks; mesh panels to allow fish to swim free; and live-water hopper systems that return bycatch to the ocean. These innovations are developed in collaboration with researchers and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to ensure long-term ecological balance.

A Festival That Tells the Story

The Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival will give locals and visitors the chance to experience the fishery, its people and its produce like never before. From immersive experiences to seaside feasts, the festival will reveal a side of Exmouth often unseen—the working port, the culinary talent, the local pride and the environmental stewardship behind every prawn.

The Welcoming of the Fleet – 9 April

A tradition usually witnessed only by locals, the fleet returns to harbour with the first catch of the season. Chefs from across Exmouth will gather along the wharf, waiting for their first glimpse of the Gulf’s annual harvest, providing a rare opportunity for visitors to get a front-row view of Exmouth’s prawning industry.

The Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Feast – 10 April

At this progressive beachfront dining event, guests will move between six culinary stations, each serving Exmouth Wild Prawns prepared in a different style—from wok-fried and chilled to grilled, smoked and raw. Each station is paired with WA wines, with live music setting the tone as the sun sets.

The Wharf Celebration — Salt, Stories and Seafood – 11 April

Starting late afternoon, The Wharf Celebration gives visitors and locals a rare chance to step aboard a working prawn trawler as crews welcome them onto the deck and explain the gear, the nets and the long nights spent hauling in prawns. Back onshore, buckets of freshly cooked Exmouth Wild Prawns will be sold straight from tubs while a community market spreads across the precinct, featuring local makers, cooking demos, food stalls, distillers and microbreweries pouring Exmouth-made beer and spirits.

The Exmouth Prawn Trail

Throughout the month of April, eateries across Exmouth will each create a signature Exmouth Wild Prawn dish—everything from dumplings to tacos, linguine, brioche rolls, laksa, ceviche and grilled classics for an edible adventure across town.

April in Exmouth: Where the Fishing Comes Alive

For many four-wheel drivers, the prawn is the bonus, but the fishing is the main event. And April is one of the hottest months of the year.

Warm water temperatures and abundant bait bring pelagics into full action. Spanish mackerel are at their peak, longtail and yellowfin tuna crash bait schools, and mahi-mahi and wahoo light up offshore waters. It’s also an exceptional month for bottom species, including coral trout, red emperor, Rankin cod, spangled emperor and bluebone.

The flats and shallow systems come alive too, with queenfish, golden trevally, mangrove jack, whiting and juvenile GTs hunting across the warm sand.

Tracks for the Adventurer

4WD territory in the Exmouth region is legendary. Yardie Creek Track is known for its cliffs, sand and deep blues, while Bundegi Beach offers soft sand, Gulf views and easy access for boat launching. Ningaloo Station delivers some of the wildest, most isolated beach camping in the state—red dunes against turquoise water. And the backtracks through Cape Range provide plenty of classic, dusty, scenic runs.

Another Serve of Gascoyne Goodness

Marking the start of the annual prawn season, the Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival follows on from the success of the Gascoyne Food Festival in 2025 as the region showcases its extraordinary produce to the rest of the country and the world.

“The Gascoyne is blessed with outstanding produce, and Exmouth Wild Prawns are truly unique,” says Chris Higham, Chair of the Gascoyne Food Council. “They come from a fishery that has always valued tomorrow as much as today.”

Hailing from a unique environment and a community full of pride and resilience, the Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival is set to become a fresh highlight on WA’s regional events calendar.

The Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival runs from Thursday, April 9, until Sunday, April 12, 2026. For more information, head to www.exmouthprawnfestival.com.au

Lace up your boots for the Blackwood River Arts Trail

The Blackwood River Arts Trail (BRAT) is back for its sixth year this autumn. The ten-day arts festival, running from Saturday, March 28, to Monday, April 6, is set to showcase the creative spaces and art of more than 62 artists across 37 venues spanning the Blackwood Valley region.

An extensive range of art forms will be on display along the trail, including sculpture, painting, ceramics, textiles, wearable art, mosaics, weaving, felting, illustration, poetry, mixed media and fine furniture. There is also the opportunity to participate in a variety of creative workshops and demonstrations offered by artists along the trail. These include wheel throwing, needle felting, “live” drawing, plein air painting and weaving.

Work on display along the trail includes that of both emerging and established artists.

Gary Smitherman’s landscape art/sculpture offers an outdoor optical illusion sculpture set amongst native trees—a unique blend of art and entertainment, including AI-generated surreal videos and science fiction pieces.

In Nannup’s Supper Room Gallery local Chrissie Parrot AO, whose work spans dance, choreography, costume/set design and visual art, displays her Parrot Fernaylia. Handmade theatrical paraphernalia, tiny theatre sets and embellished artworks made from vintage fabrics, figurines and found objects create intimate and visual storytelling. Josh Windram’s art evokes space, beauty and harmony, drawing inspiration from Australia’s vast scenery.

The Bridgetown-Greenbushes artists include John Sanders’ sculpture and metalwork featuring old metals, railway spikes and discarded farm equipment exhibited at his studio Off The Rail WA in Hester Brook. Along with bronze equestrian pieces by Margaret Beechey Rothery, who began sculpting at age 91 and is now regarded as one of Australia’s leading small-scale equestrian sculptors.

Also returning for 2026 is the Blackwood River Film Festival, which will showcase six short films by Australian filmmakers on top of three features in venues at Nannup, Bridgetown, Balingup, Boyup Brook and Ampersand Estates.

One of which includes the regional premiere of Pointe – Dancing on a Knife’s Edge, a documentary telling the story of Australian dancer Floeur Alder at the Balingup Town Hall.

The film festival screenings will take place at 4pm and 7pm at the Balingup Town Hall on Saturday, March 28; the Boyup Brook CWA on Sunday, March 29; the Bridgetown Repertory Theatre on Saturday, April 4; the Nannup Town Hall on Sunday, April 5 and Monday, April 6; and Ampersand Estates on Saturday, April 11.

“Our guiding principle is to provide opportunities for the public to engage with artists from the Blackwood River Valley region, showcasing artists’ work, thereby enhancing marketing opportunities and providing them with access to new audiences and collectors,” said Chairperson of the Blackwood River Arts Trail and exhibiting artist, Liz Janney.

“Autumn is a beautiful time to explore this region, as each town along the trail has its own unique charm, from flourishing orchards and rolling pastures to ancient forests, rich histories, and main streets filled with distinctive shops and eateries. Threading through it all is the magnificent Blackwood River, winding through the landscape and shaping the region’s character.”

The Blackwood River Arts Trail runs from Saturday, March 28, to Monday, April 6, 2026. The Blackwood River Film Festival runs from Saturday, March 28, to Saturday, April 11, 2026. For more information, head to blackwoodriverartstrail.com

Karijini Experience reveals four-day program of culture, music and community

The full program for Karijini Experience 2026 has been released, bringing four days of culture, music and community to Banjima Country in Karijini National Park from Friday, April 10, to Monday, April 13.

Featuring authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences and high-quality arts programming, the four-day event is designed to forge connections between people and the Homeland of the Banjima people, as well as the awe-inspiring landscape of Karijini National Park.

A key cultural highlight of the event is the Barlgabi (corroboree), led by Banjima Elders and families, which will open and close the event and welcome visitors onto Country. The ceremony brings together traditional song, dance and storytelling, creating a powerful cultural moment that connects visitors with the living traditions of Banjima people.

The 2026 event features an all-Aboriginal live music lineup, headlined by Jessica Mauboy, alongside South Summit, Mitch Tambo, Nathan Lamont, Family Shoveller Band, Koy Smith and Boox Kid.

Other highlights include Opera by the Gorge starring Georgina Powell, a yarn with former Fremantle Dockers star Michael ‘Sonny’ Walters and Noongar boxer Alex Winwood, story-reading and creative workshop sessions with didgeridoo player, dancer, singer and author Mitch Tambo and more.

The event is also bursting with culinary highlights, headlined by the Fervor degustation—a premium dining experience showcasing native ingredients and stories from the Pilbara.

For those wanting to elevate their experience, Karijini Sky Tours will be offering scenic flights over the national park, giving you a rare opportunity to witness this extraordinary landscape from above.

Visitors can also experience guided cultural walks, bush tucker, bush medicine and language workshops, artefact and weaving workshops, art markets, yarning circles, interactive wildlife displays, and stargazing.

In 2022, Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) assumed ownership of Karijini Experience on behalf of the Banjima people. Since then, the event has been Banjima-led, with a strong focus on sharing Banjima culture and highlighting the people’s deep and enduring connection to Country.

Banjima Elder, BNTAC Director and Karijini Experience storyteller May Byrne said the event plays an important role in passing cultural knowledge from Elders to the next generation. “Our Elders carry the stories and responsibility for Country, but it’s a cycle—the young people are the future Elders,” she said. “Karijini Experience gives us a place to share knowledge on Country and keep our culture strong for generations to come.”

The Karijini Experience takes place across Karijini National Park from Friday, April 10, to Monday, April 13, 2026. For more info and to buy tickets, head to karijiniexperience.com.au

Kununurra saddles up for the Ord Valley Muster

Kununurra is saddling up for the Ord Valley Muster, with the iconic annual event returning to the Kimberley town from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 24.

Now a much-loved fixture for more than two decades, the Muster signals the start of the East Kimberley tourism season, bringing together live music, long-table luncheons, comedy, Indigenous culture, arts, fashion, a rodeo and a host of family-friendly events.

The 10-day program also features a wide range of outdoor experiences that showcase the region at its best, including the Purnululu 4WD Safari, Lake Argyle Sundown Soiree, The Gibb Challenge, Muster Afloat, Morning Brew on the Ord and more.

Back in town at Celebrity Tree Park, the Kimberley Moon Experience remains the festival’s centrepiece, headlined by some of Australia’s biggest names. This year’s lineup includes one of the country’s most powerful and enduring voices, Tina Arena, ARIA Award-winning indie rockers Boy & Bear and platinum-selling Indigenous artist Budjerah.

Other highlights across the program include Comedy in the Park, Corroboree Under the Stars, the Waringarri Textile Experience, Muster Idol and many more events.

The Ord Valley Muster runs in Kununurra and the East Kimberley region from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 24, 2026. Tickets are available at ordvalleymuster.com

Mandurah Gears up for the 2026 Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show

The Mandurah Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show returns in 2026, taking over Rushton Park from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11.

Presenting new release 4WD vehicles and accessories, boats, caravans, camper trailers, camping equipment and more, the show will feature demonstrations and displays of the latest products and services, showcasing the best the industry has on offer.

The Peel Craft Beer Festival will run as part of the show, with brewers of the greater Mandurah region, such as Boundary Island Brewing, Thorny Devil Brewing, White Lakes Brewing, Dingo Brewing, Kind Road Brewery, and Spinifex Brewing Co., all presenting their finest ales in the Mandurah Show licensed area, titled “The Abbar.”

Offering something for the whole family, the event will also feature monster truck rides, bouncy castles, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more.

Rushton Park is conveniently located close to the Mandurah Train Station, with parking and a dedicated complimentary shuttle bus service available for patrons heading to and from the show gates.

The Mandurah Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show hits Rushton Park from Friday, October 9, to Sunday, October 11, 2026. For more info and to buy tickets, head to mandurah.show

Perth 4WD and Adventure Show revs up for 2026 return

The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show returns in 2026, taking over McCallum Park on the South Perth foreshore from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8.

The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in Australia, celebrating outdoor exploration in all its forms, with leading brands showcasing 4WDs and SUVs, camping and 4WD accessories, caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, fishing gear and more.

Featuring a wide range of activations, information zones and entertainment hubs designed to educate and inspire visitors to get everything they need for their next adventure, this year’s theme is “Get the info, get the gear, get inspired and get out there!”

The 2026 show will feature attractions including the 4WD Traction Track, Show Your Dirt Show & Shine display, Toyo Tires’ Open Country Zone, 4WD Recovery and Demo Zone, special guests, camp cooking demos, fishing demos and more.

The Engel Bush Camp Stage returns in 2026, with special guests including Graham Cahill from 4WD24/7, Mike “Outback Mike” Atkinson from Camping & 4WD Hacks, Kimberley stories with Owen Douglas, The Snake Whisperer and others.

The Western 4W Driver Travel Zone will also feature at this year’s show, bringing tour operators and regional experts on site to share advice and inspiration for your next trip. The Western 4W Driver team will also be present, offering visitors the chance to hear stories, grab merchandise and past issues, and win prizes.

The Content Creator Zone is expected to draw crowds, where visitors can meet popular YouTube personalities such as Mac Preston, Harry Fisher (Fire to Fork), Bridget Crosata (Red Dirt Diary) and Luke Bathis (Wildfire Touring), see their vehicles, and hear about their latest adventures.

The Isuzu Iron Summit will once again deliver an extreme 4WD experience, taking visitors on a thrilling 45-degree climb over a custom-built, six-metre-high hydraulic ramp.

The Seashells Jurien Bay Fishing Zone will feature the Engel TBarra Tank, leading fishing tackle exhibitors, and a range of boating and angling information, along with expert presenters including Mark LeCras, Scott Coghlan, Birchy the Barra King and others.

The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show offers free parking at Sir James Mitchell Park, as well as parking and free shuttle bus services from Belmont Park and Burswood Train Station.

The show runs from 8:30am to 5pm daily. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults, $12 for children, $20 for concession and $55 for families. Children under five can attend free. Two-day and three-day passes are also available, with tickets purchasable online or at the gate.

The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show takes over McCallum Park from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from perth.4wdshow.com.au 

Beverley Airshow takes flight to celebrate WA’s aviation history

Western Australia’s only dedicated airshow, Beverley Airshow, is set to return in 2026, hitting Beverley Airfield on Saturday, April 11.

Reviving a proud aviation legacy that dates back to Aviat ’70 and Beverley’s early aircraft innovators, the Beverley Airshow celebrates both the region’s rich aviation history and the future of flight.

The 2026 event will feature exhilarating aerobatics, vintage and historic aircraft, and impressive static displays showcasing decades of aviation progress. Aviation heritage storytelling sessions will also include the remarkable history of the Silver Centenary, Western Australia’s first homebuilt biplane, created in Beverley.

Visitors can also expect ground attractions and family-friendly entertainment, such as car and bike displays, a static tractor pull display, and a dedicated kids’ entertainment zone with food trucks and market stalls.

Headlining the flying program, Paul Bennet Airshows is also set to bring world-class aerobatic action to the skies over Beverley, delivering high-energy, precision flying that has thrilled audiences across Australia.

Organisers are also anticipating the presence of the Royal Australian Air Force, with a display planned to add to the excitement of the day. Further details will be announced closer to the event.

Beverley Airshow hits Beverley Airfield on Saturday, April 11, 2026. For more info and to buy tickets, head to beverleyairshow.com.au

Vintage Rally and Searchlight Party to light up Nungarin

The Nungarin Heritage, Machinery and Army Museum is set to host a Vintage Rally & Searchlight Party this coming April.

The annual event will kick off at 2pm, Saturday, April 4 and will feature vintage vehicles on show, such as army tanks, cars, tractors and trucks. The main highlight for the evening is set to be the firing up of a WWII anti-aircraft searchlight, first established in Nungarin to respond to potential nighttime attacks.

The museum is located in an Army Vehicle Workshop building that was built in 1942 as part of Australia’s World War II defence, due to the advantages of Nungarin’s inland location against an incoming Japanese attack.

Anti-Aircraft Searchlights (AASL) such as the one being displayed were used during World War II to keep lookout for enemy aircraft, such as in Kings Park in the 1940s.

When a beam of an AASL or multiple searchlights zeroed in on an aircraft, it made the anti-aircraft artillery gunners’ job easier, allowing an estimate to be made on the height, speed, and direction of the enemy aircraft. Being ‘coned’ by a searchlight beam was a dangerous predicament for the enemy aircraft crew, as the pilot, bombardier, navigator and gunners’ sight would be impacted, making the searchlights regular targets.

The searchlight being displayed has an incredible power of 800,000 candela, which equates to 10 million lumens, and is powered by a separate 15 kW generator.

Attendees can also check out the wide variety of stalls at The Nungarin Markets on Sunday, April 5. Multiple accommodation options include McCorry’s Old Hotel, The Woolshed Hotel, and Mangowine Homestead.

The Vintage Rally & Searchlight Party hits The Nungarin Heritage, Machinery and Army Museum on Saturday, April 4, 2026. For further information contact 9046 5040 or email nungarinheritage@bigpond.com 

Ready 4 Adventure show heads to the South West

Western Australia’s all-new outdoor expo, the Ready 4 Adventure Show, is heading south in 2026, taking over Glen Huon Oval in Eaton, near Bunbury, from Saturday, February 14, to Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The action-packed two-day event will celebrate the best in four-wheel driving, caravanning, camping and boating with the latest products and innovative technology.

Visitors can expect exclusive show deals on camping gear, outdoor lifestyle equipment, off-road accessories and adventure tech, plus live cooking demos, guest speakers from the outdoor and adventure industries, high energy BMX stunt shows, food trucks, a licensed bar and more.

Offering fun for the whole family with live entertainment and family-friendly interactions, kids can check out wildlife displays, and children under six enter free.

This new South West event follows on from the success of the Perth Ready 4 Adventure Show, which took over Wanneroo Showgrounds in May 2025 and is returning in May 2026.

The Ready 4 Adventure Show takes place at Glen Huon Oval from Saturday, February 14, to Sunday, February 15, 2026. For more info and to buy tickets, head to  ready4adventure.com.au

Taste Great Southern serves up fresh 2026 program

Taste Great Southern returns in 2026 with a program inviting guests on a culinary journey throughout the Great Southern region.

Building on the success of the 2025 festival under new management, Taste Great Southern returns from Thursday, March 5, to Sunday, March 8, and will feature over 20 exciting experiences from Albany to Denmark and extending to Mount Barker, Porongurup, Katanning and in between.

Among this year’s highlights are the Taste Trails—a self-guided, pay-as-you-go journey through the region—plus opportunities to learn traditional fishing techniques, cook over the coals, and share fireside yarns with Menang/Goreng man Lindsay Dean and his sons. Visitors can also enjoy sparkling tastings overlooking the Southern Ocean, wander the markets at Boston Brewing Co., dive into a whisky masterclass at Limeburners, hike the Porongurups before dining with “Bondi Chef” Guy Turland, or explore Denmark’s wineries on a relaxed bus adventure.

“We’re looking forward to sharing this special part of the world with visitors,” said Taste Great Southern Festival Director Erin Molloy. “We have a passionate team of chefs and sommeliers eager to showcase the region through the creation of sublime culinary experiences and superb wines, to surprise and delight visitors and locals alike.”

Taste Great Southern returns to the Great Southern region from Thursday, March 5, to Sunday, March 8, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from tastegreatsouthern.com.au 

Photo by Jenny Feast Photography