Summer Events in WA’s South West and Rottnest Island

It’s Parties Galore Around Margaret River and Rotto

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to say good-bye to Winter. May he rest in peace for the next 9 months. Now, it’s time to par-tay so get your summer event party clothes on.

I don’t think anyone will mourn winter’s passing. That’s sad but true. Sure, we skydive all year round but let’s face it, summer is AWESOME in Western Australia and we like to party just as much as the next guy (okay, maybe even more).

And the good new is, when you come skydiving with us in the South West or Rottnest Island, there are tonnes of festivals and cool summer happenings to go to before or after your jump.

So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at this summer event guide (which we’ve started in October because hey, summer can’t come soon enough) and get planning.

October 2017

Rottnest Island Carnival, Oct 28

Unleash your inner pirate and get ready to spend the day hunting for treasure, building sand castles and dancing to live music. At night, the activities continue with trick or treating, face painting, ghost tours and a scary movie marathon. There are lots of price reductions on ferry services, bike hire and more. Part proceeds go to Telethon charity.

Nightmare Maze, Yallingup, Oct 27-28

Disclaimer: This event is not for the timid.

Put your best fancy dress costumes on and prepare yourself to be scared to death. Okay, maybe not to death (hopefully not) but this is a terrifying LIVE event held in the Yallingup Maze. In the dark. At night. Buy tickets in advance.

November 2017

Sou’West Vintage Festival, Yallingup, Nov 11

Celebrate the classics with a day immersed in vintage clothing, cars and collectables at the annual Sou’West Vintage Festival. It’s a day of fun, live music, beauty pageants, eating and drinking.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Nov 16-19

The biggest and most celebrated food and wine festival in the South West happens every November at Leeuwin Estate winery and around the Margaret River area. Book tickets and transport – with this much wine flowing, you can’t even think about driving.

Rottofest, Rottnest Island, Nov 17-19

It’s a weekend of laughs and dances all over the island. Get ready to laugh your hole off with Arj Barker, Rhys Nicholson and even witness some comedy boxing. Boogie the night away at Tomas Ford’s Crap Music Rave or get wet at the pool party. It be a banging time.

December 2017

Summer Salt Concert, Rottnest Island, Dec 3

The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd. Nuff said?

Ironman Western Australia, Busselton, Dec 3

If triathlons are your thing, then get ready to compete against the world’s top athletes at this annual, global event. If you don’t want to race, being a spectator and soaking up the vibe is pretty cool too.

New Year’s Eve, Rottnest Island, Dec 31

Head to Thomson Bay on Rotto for a free evening of outdoor entertainment and fireworks. Action starts at 4pm.

January 2018

Leeuwin Estate Concert Series, Margaret River, TBA

So, at the time of writing, dates and an artist have not been secured but this is a top-shelf concert event that must be included. For 33 years, the musical talents of James Taylor, Ray Charles, kd Lang, Chris Issak, Sting and so many more have graced the outdoor stage at the magnificent Leeuwin Estate for a concert under the stars. With lots of wine. Sign up to their newsletter for a chance at first dibs on tickets. This always sells out.

The Red Hot Summer Tour, Rottnest Island, Jan 14

Rock out with your…sunblock out at this roving concert on the banks on Thomson Bay at Hotel Rottnest. It’s a kick-ass line-up with Suzi Quatro, The Screaming Jets, Baby Animals, Chocolate Starfish and more. Another sell-out event so buy tickets early.

February 2018

Busselton Jetty Swim, Busselton, Feb 10-11

A much-loved annual event that dates back to 1996, this is the event for water babies from age 8 to infinity who can swim long distance. The kids (8-12) swim 222 metres around the square swimming jetty and the adults swim around the entire 1.8 kilometre-long main jetty. Okay, it’s time for a nap just thinking about this.

Busselton Fringe Festival, Busselton, Feb 17-24

Everyone loves a fringe festival, there’s always so much going on. The Busso (local slang for Busselton) Fringe Festival is a week of workshops, films, plays, musicals, comedies, puppet shows and just a whole lot of fun. Events are held in Busselton and Yallingup.

March 2018

Nannup Music Festival, Nannup, Mar 2-5

Is it a concert, a giant market or an art gallery? Hey, it’s all of those cool things rolled into one event held over the March long weekend. The line-up for 2018 is still being sorted so stay in touch with the website for more information.

Sculptures by The Bay, Dunsborough, Mar 3-5

This annual exhibition along the Dunsborough foreshore is a cruisy day at the beach with creative art scattered about. Bring blankets, picnics and laze on the beach or grass and breath in the amazing sculptures and serenity. Live entertainment is scheduled throughout the weekend.

SwimRun Rottnest, Rottnest Island, March 24

Another event for the super fit, athletic types and people watchers alike. This one is for teams of two who travel 32.7 kilometres around the island by, you guessed it: swimming and running. There’s still time to train up for this so grab a buddy and go for it. And if not, go to watch. March is at the end of the warmest months on the island so don’t miss your chance to take it in.

Well, that should keep you busy for the next six months. Remember to book your skydive in advance, with so many cool summer events on the go, it’s a busy time. There’s nothing like a summer skydive with a beautiful beach landing and we have dibs on some of WA’s best beaches. Happy summer 2017/2018!