Localista Articles

Alliance Française French Film Festival

Australia’s leading French Film festival is launching in Perth on March 13, and over 5 weeks is showing 42 extraordinary French films at 4 magical Perth cinemas including: the Palace in the Perth CBD, Luna in Leederville, Luna in Freo and the Windsor in Nedlands. The festival will also run regionally in Bunbury at the Bunbury Regional Enterta...

Escape into Perth’s best boutique bookstores

Looking for a book to enjoy while you’re relaxing on the beach, or a richer alternative to doomscrolling on Tiktok? Fortunately for you, Perth is scattered with quirky, independent bookstores that cater to all kinds of reading interests. Whether you are into the latest bestsellers, vintage classics, or mind-altering sci-fi you are sure to find a...

Emerging artist from the Pilbara Jenna Pickering wins Lester Prize award

Jenna Pickering was a relatively unknown artist until 2024 when she won two awards at the acclaimed Lester Prize for Portraiture Awards for her extraordinary portrait of an Aboriginal man on paperbark. Incredibly, this piece sold at the exhibition for $20,000. The Lester Prize is the biggest cash prize art award in Australia and one of three ...

Janice Stanley – Aboriginal artist from Ernabella in South Australia

Janice Stanley is an early career painter and ceramic artist and the third generation of Stanley women to create artwork at the oldest regional arts hub in Australia, Ernabella Arts. Over the last four years, Janice’s art has been exhibited in 35 exhibitions around Australia and internationally, in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Broome, Sydney and ...

Perth Cup new year’s day party at Ascot Racecourse

If you are looking for a fun way to keep the party going on new year’s day, then look no further than the legendary TABtouch Perth Cup Day at Ascot Raceway. There is a huge day of racing including the Group 2 TABtouch-Perth Cup, Group 3 La Trice Classic and Listed Summer Scorcher. After the last race, everyone has the chance to party on into ...

Artitja’s First Nations Christmas Gift Collection exhibition opens Dec 11 at Terrace Greenhouse in Fremantle

Since 2008, Artitja Fine Art Gallery’s “THE GIFT COLLECTION Art + Objects” exhibition has become an annual tradition for discerning shoppers and art lovers. The collection features a wide range of stocking-sized treasures, from luxurious scarves to festive baubles, eco-friendly bags and stunning artworks. Each year brings something new: this ...

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Perth

The concept of fine dining has broadened in recent years.  High-end casual restaurants are on the rise, making fine dining about more than just price.  Today, it’s about the experience.  Fine dining involves meticulously designed interiors, attentive, personalized service, and dishes that are more than just meals—they’re meant to be “tasted.” If...

Help get kids off the screens with the magic of the performing arts

The negative impact of screens and social media on kids’ mental health and social skills is reflected in a generation of children and young adults plagued with social and mental health issues.  Excessive screen time provides an ever-present source of distraction, destroying the ability for kids to lose themselves in the magical world of their...

Why Northbridge has become Perth’s new lazy Sunday afternoon shopping destination

Northbridge is fast becoming Perth’s new favourite shopping destination and place to browse and chill out for a lazy Sunday afternoon. This is old school shopping with an eclectic mix that reflects Northbridge’s history as an inner-city destination for various migrant waves, initially from continental Europe and more recently from Asia. Th...

Summer school arts courses in Perth

Each summer, Perth universities and arts companies host summer arts courses and workshops, giving students the chance to learn from professional instructors, mix with industry professionals, meet other students and get a head start in the performing arts.  We looked at courses on offer from three institutions (WAAPA, Perth Academy of Performi...

WAAPA Summer school performing arts courses for Jan 2025

WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) is one of three leading performing arts universities in Australia. Students Australia-wide and across the globe battle to gain entrance into the prestigious university, with courses such as Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting accepting less than 4% of applicants per year. Each summer, WAAPA ...

Shark nets on the beaches and rivers of Perth and WA’s southwest

There are eight shark nets (or technically, ‘shark barriers’) in WA, four installed in Perth and another four on the beaches of WA’s southwest with one more due for installation in February 2025. They are a relatively new addition to beach life in WA, giving us peace of mind to enjoy an ocean swim without jump-starting at every underwater shadow...

The best 5 star hotels in Perth

Dreaming of your next holiday? Whether you’re a local in need of a stunning staycation, or a traveller on the hunt for luxurious services and unparalleled comfort, we’ve rounded up Perth’s most outstanding hotels for your next 5 star stay.   Crown Towers Burswood, Perth Nestled up against Perth’s spectacular Optus Stad...

Best Tours in the Kimberley

At almost twice the size of Victoria, the Kimberley is one of the world’s largest and most untouched natural wonders. Characterized by dramatic gorges, ancient Aboriginal rock art, secluded coastlines, and hidden swimming holes, the region offers a wealth of natural beauty—many areas accessible only via air tours, luxury cruises, or off-road 4WD...

Kids’ theatre production HOUSE is playing at Octagon Theatre UWA

The Barking Gecko’s extraordinary kids’ theatre production HOUSE is playing at the Octagon Theatre at UWA, with five magical shows running over two weekends. We saw HOUSE in the 2021 launch season and count it as one of the best live kid’s theatre productions to be created in Perth. A delightful blend of humour, entertainment and inspiration,...

Stormie Mills exhibition open at Form Gallery in Claremont

The new Stormie Mills exhibition has opened at FORM Gallery in Claremont, with powerful new works on display and for sale to the public. Stormie’s new collection focuses on reflective journaling as a means of staying mentally healthy and showcases the iconic black, white, and grey characters, blending themes of isolation and hope. Renowned...

The Best Art Galleries in Perth

Perth is home to over 200 public and commercial art galleries, showcasing everything from contemporary to Aboriginal art. With such a rich and vibrant art scene, we’ve picked five galleries that stand out for their unique exhibitions and dedication to both local and international artists. FORM Gallery Claremont Set in a ch...

Perth’s leading wine & food festival is on this weekend in Subiaco – tickets selling fast!

Perth’s leading Wine & Food festival UnWined Subiaco is happening again this weekend at Market Square Park (just five minutes from the Subiaco train station). It’s a chance to taste 300 WA wines, meet wine makers from 50+ wineries, local breweries and distilleries and enjoy gourmet food trucks and live music. Tickets are available at the g...

The Apprentice review – a timely cautionary tale

With the 2024 U.S. election just around the corner, The Apprentice couldn’t have arrived at a more pivotal moment. For many of us, Donald Trump first entered our lives through reality TV or his presidency, but this film delves into the gritty world of 1970s and 80s New York real estate to explore how Trump became the force we know today. A...

20 Perth Concert Hall events to see before redevelopment

Experience the legendary acoustics of Perth Concert Hall before it closes in December for a two-year $150 million redevelopment. After 50 years of continuous operation, the redevelopment of Perth’s leading music venue includes updated seating, new rehearsal spaces, transformed foyers and new spaces for small events. Upcoming events include...

Perth Glory 2024/25 squad guide

As the 2024/25 season approaches, there is a real sense of anticipation surrounding Perth Glory. This season is more than just another campaign—it is the start of Perth Glory’s resurgence. The team is focused on reclaiming its place as a competitive force in the A-League. The investment in fresh players and the appointment of coach David Zdri...

Best Cruises from Sydney

Sydney, a bustling hub in the Pacific, is the perfect starting point for unforgettable cruises in 2025, with over 150 itineraries each year. Whether you are after a brief getaway or an extended international adventure, cruises from Sydney cater to diverse travel styles and preferences. From all-inclusive packages that promise relaxation to ex...

Explore the best art galleries in Fremantle: A guide to contemporary and local art

Fremantle is a vibrant port city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving art scene. Home to a variety of galleries that span everything from contemporary pieces to traditional artworks, it’s a must-visit destination for art lovers. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge installations, local artist exhibitions, or photography and sculptur...

Joker: Folie à Deux review - A brash misstep

Joker: Folie à Deux comes with high expectations, especially following the gritty, tension-filled success of Joker (2019). This time, director Todd Phillips takes a significant risk by adding a musical element, pairing Joaquin Phoenix’s return as Arthur Fleck with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. But while there are moments that shine, the film ...

Perth restaurant wins ‘Australia’s best new restaurant wine list’ award

There is plenty of good news for the wine industry in Western Australia following the release of the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, with some major accolades going towards local venues. While Melbourne’s Gimlet at Cavendish House took out the number one spot, Perth beachside bistro Gibney made national waves by coming in third – ...