Tourism Western Australia recently embarked on an ambitious trade mission, highlighting its unique allure to the Malaysian market. The mission sets to showcase the breathtaking beauty and experiences of Western Australia and strengthen the growing trade relations between Malaysia and Australia. The trade mission highlighted three new marine-based experiences for Malaysians to look forward to:
Scenic helicopter rides: A bird’s-eye view of Western Australia
This summer, take to the skies over Western Australia’s Great Southern region with Scenic Helicopters, now offering flights from Albany (Kinjarling). Known for their success in the Margaret River Region, Scenic Helicopters invites you to experience a 20-minute scenic flight from Albany Town Jetty, starting at $245 per adult.
Enjoy stunning aerial views of Vancouver Peninsula, Misery Beach, Albany Wind Farm, and more. Enhance your adventure with luxury packages, including a Spa Day at Chimes Spa Retreat, lunch at The Dam, or a Great Southern Winery tour—all paired with a breathtaking helicopter ride.
Interactive marine experience at the new Marine Discovery Centre at Busselton Jetty
Busselton Jetty in Western Australia’s Margaret River Region has introduced a new family-friendly Marine Discovery Centre, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Located in the Railway House Ballaarat Room, this 30-minute interactive experience brings the ocean’s wonders to life, allowing guests to encounter a lifelike shark, pilot a virtual submarine, and create their fish habitat.
Without needing to take the 1.8-kilometre train ride to the jetty’s end, visitors can explore the marine life beneath the Southern Hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty, making it a must-visit attraction that blends education with entertainment.
Pearl farms: Discovering the lustrous gems
Immerse yourself in the rich history and allure of pearling with a new half-day experience launched by Journey Beyond and Paspaley in Broome, the pearling capital of Western Australia’s North West. Departing from Gantheaume Point, this exclusive adventure takes you through the storied past of pearling in the Kimberley region and offers an up-close look at harvested pearls aboard Paspaley’s on-water Pearl Farm in Roebuck Bay. After the tour, indulge in pearl meat canapés while browsing the exquisite offerings at the Paspaley Boutique, making for a truly luxurious and immersive experience.
A fantastic schedule of events
The coming months in Western Australia are packed with exciting events that truly encompass the region’s culture and creativity. From 14 to 17 November, Margaret River will host Pair’d, a four-day celebration of wine and food, where the stunning coastal scenery meets unique pairings that highlight the flavours of the South West.
In Perth, the EverNow festival returns from 3 to 7 October, coinciding with the Noongar season of Kambarang, to celebrate the state’s rich biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage through a multi-sensory experience. Meanwhile, The Art Gallery of Western Australia presents Time – Rone until September, where renowned street artist Rone transforms the Centenary Galleries into an immersive installation that evokes a forgotten chapter of mid-century Australia.
Strengthening Malaysia-Australia trade relations
Australia has become a favourite destination for Malaysians, ranking as their second-most preferred travel spot. In November 2023 alone, Malaysian arrivals surged by 137.3% compared to the previous year, with 175,600 visitors by December—80% of whom were holidaymakers. Impressively, over 70% were repeat travellers, highlighting Malaysians’ deep affinity for Australia and their eagerness to explore its diverse offerings time and again.
