Western Australia Top Food Trails Capture Foodies’ Hearts

Good food and wine experiences are ranked among the top three interests for Singaporeans travelling to Western Australia. The abundance of top-notch gourmet produce, fresh seafood and premium wines and beverages set against picturesque vistas seals Western Australia’s (WA) reputation as an international food and wine destination.

With nine wine regions, exceptional products and creative talents, there’s an abundance of stellar food trails in Western Australia created for various culinary interests. Spanning a wide gamut from rustic farmers’ markets, hip confectioneries and cheeseries to trendy distilleries and cideries, an overwhelming plethora of options await. Foodie adventurers would do well to jump on one of the many trails created for specific tastes and interests.

The oldest wine-producing region in Western Australia is just half an hour away from the capital of Perth. The Swan Valley is home to 10 fantastic breweries and cideries producing contemporary and creative beers and cider all handcrafted using traditional techniques, state-of-the-art equipment and only the best ingredients. The Swan Valley Cider and Ale Trail is a dedicated trail for lovers of beer and cider and pays homage to the Swan Valley’s talented brewers such as Funk Cider, Bailey Brewing, Ironbark Tavern and Cidery.

Regarded as  Australia’s premium wine region, the Margaret River is also gaining a reputation for its growing number of organic or biodynamic grape or wine producers. Visit the likes of Burnside Organic Farm, Cullen Wines, Stormflower Vineyard, Bind Corner and Settlers Ridge Organic Wines on the Margaret River Certified Organic & Biodynamic Wine Trail. Fully certified to guarantee the integrity of their wines, these producers have created a wide range of wines and cellar-door experiences for visitors.

With the approaching winter season from June to August, truffle lovers will cherish the opportunity to go on a Truffle Hunt. Ninety percent of the Australian truffle export comes from Western Australia’s Southern Forests around Manjimup and Pemberton – a 3.5-hour drive south of Perth.

Besides sampling, visitors can watch specially trained dogs in action sniffing out the  decadent ‘black diamonds’.  Better still, participate in the activities in the Truffle Kerfuffle –  a lively festival held on 23 – 25 June which celebrates one of the world’s most luxurious ingredients with the chance to meet famers and growers and enjoy exquisite dining by world-class chefs. For Singaporeans, it’s an opportunity to escape the heat of the little red dot and enjoy crisp air, wintry skies, and cosy log fires.

Seafood lovers can indulge in the freshly caught delights on various cruises and tours in Geraldton, Cervantes, Exmouth and Broome. Known for its freshly caught seafood and freshwater fish spanning Western rock lobster, prawns, scallops, barramundi and pearl meat, visitors can enjoy these delicacies in the many restaurants and cafes in these towns.

One of the most immersive and authentic ways to experience WA is through a bush tucker experience with an Aboriginal guide. As the oldest continuous living culture on earth, Australia’s first nations people have been using sustainable hunting and gathering methods for more than 65,000 years; using local foods for medical, nutritional and cultural purposes.  Delve into ‘nature’s supermarket’ in each region of Western Australia. Dig for honey ants, hunt for mud crabs,  go spearfishing  or listen to Aboriginal storytelling as you enjoy freshly foraged food by a campfire.

“Food experiences have always been among the top draws for Singapore residents to Western Australia,” said Tourism Western Australia’s Country Manager, Singapore & Malaysia, Ava Ang.

“With Australia ranked as one of the top food importers for Singapore, people are increasingly familiar with the type of culinary offerings found in the State and they can easily count on WA to deliver the best food and culinary experiences in Australia. With  the competitive exchange rates, it’s also great value.”

Approximately, a 4.5-hour flight away from Singapore, Perth is serviced regularly with flights by Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Qantas. To find out more about foodie trails and experiences, visit www.westernaustralia.com