Western Australia Hosts the World's Top Surfers

(PERTH; WESTERN AUSTRALIA; February 2010)-Eight of the world’s top ten ranked surfers, including reigning world champion Mick Fanning and Western Australia native Taj Burrow, are scheduled to compete in the biggest surfing event ever hosted in Western Australia: the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River taking place March 16 – 21, 2010. Held at Surfers Point, it will be a six-star prime rated men’s and women’s event, one of the most prestigious World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfing events in the world.

In addition to the competition, surf fans are invited to the first-ever MASS Festival, bringing together music, arts, surfing, and style including concerts by Perth rock stalwarts Gyroscope, progressive rockers Cog, prominent Melbourne-based rock group Eddy Current Suppression Ring, psychedelic hypno-groovers Tame Impala, Sydney posse Philadelphia Grand Jury, hip hop MC Urthboy, and local indie band King George. The musical performances will kick off with the winner of a local band competition on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at The Settlers Tavern. Throughout the week, art in the theme of “Children of the R.evolution” will be displayed at various venues around town, and on Friday, March 19, 2010 “Fashion for Fascists” takes place with a style preview and “walk off” featuring outfits and themes from the Rusty 2010 Summer Collection and a live performance by the Sneaky Weasel Gang.

Western Australia’s Margaret River is sure to lure Drug Aware Pro and MASS Festival attendees to further explore the region. Originally a chilled-out surfing town, Margaret River has evolved into a must-visit destination boasting world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking the sweeping vineyards and surf breaks – just a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s capital city. With over 90 wineries, Western Australia’s Margaret River region produces over 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine. Visitors can also go diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, whale watching, caving, windsurfing, kite surfing, and more. Accommodation-wise, there’s something for every budget including luxury retreats, hip hotels, bed and breakfasts, caravan and camping grounds, and holiday houses.
About Western Australia

Western Australia, the largest state in Australia located in the western half of the country, is divided into five distinct regions: Australia’s North West, Australia’s Coral Coast, The Golden Outback, Experience Perth, and Australia’s South West. Travelers can truly “experience extraordinary” when exploring the region’s many natural wonders, which can only be found in Western Australia. The North West is home to spectacular natural attractions including the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, the world’s only Horizontal Waterfalls, the famed white sands and turquoise water at Broome’s Cable Beach, and the million acre El Questro Wilderness Park. Travelers to the Coral Coast can dive with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark, snorkel with manta rays, see wild dolphins at play, and explore Ningaloo Reef-the world’s largest fringing reef. Western Australia’s Golden Outback, the Gold Rush country of the 1890′s, offers the ideal blend of history and heritage. Travelers can explore mines and museums, pan for gold, or visit one of Kalgoorlie’s historic pubs. In spring, travelers to The Golden Outback can see the largest collection of wildflowers on earth in bloom. Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, and the surrounding region is a microcosm of the whole state boasting vineyards, fantastic restaurants, a lively and original music and arts scene, and stylish accommodation. Perth is also home to Kings Park, the world’s largest inner city park. Featuring beautiful beaches, tall tree forests, and award winning wineries, the South West is also home to the Margaret River region, which produces almost 20% of Australia’s premium wine. With over 220 wine producers in the region, travelers can explore more than 100 cellar doors which are open to the public. For more information on the extraordinary experiences in Western Australia, please visit: www.westernaustralia.com