So Perth

Buying a new home in Western Australia just got a tiny little more affordable. The Cook Government has announced changes to its stamp duty concession scheme for off-the-plan and under-construction dwellings, backed by a $70.6 million investment as part of the 2026-2027 State Budget.

The changes took effect on Thursday, March 12th, and bring a wider range of properties into the fold. For the first time, survey-strata dwellings — including duplexes and triplexes — are eligible for concessions, meaning buyers aren’t limited to large apartment complexes when looking to take advantage of the scheme.

What the new thresholds mean for buyers

The concession thresholds have been lifted by $50,000 across the board. The lower threshold now sits at $800,000 (up from $750,000) and the upper threshold at $900,000 (up from $850,000).

For buyers purchasing off-the-plan, no stamp duty is payable on dwellings up to $800,000, with a 50% concession available above that mark. Those buying a property that’s already under construction can access a 75% concession up to $800,000, tapering to 37.5% above $900,000. On an $800,000 property, that translates to a saving of more than $32,300 for off-the-plan purchases, or more than $24,200 for under-construction buys — a meaningful dent in the cost of getting into a new home.

Who stands to benefit

The expanded scheme is particularly relevant for downsizers — older Western Australians looking to trade a family home for something more manageable. Apartments, townhouses, villas, units, duplexes, and triplexes in eligible strata schemes are now all covered, giving buyers considerably more choice in deciding what the next chapter looks like.

Treasurer Rita Saffioti described the announcement as the first in a series of housing measures coming via the 2026-27 State Budget. “By expanding stamp duty concessions to more homes, we’re providing greater choice to buyers and making home ownership more affordable,” she said. “This means older Western Australians looking to downsize can save thousands when buying a new apartment, townhouse, villa, or unit off-the-plan or under construction.”

Extended deadline gives buyers more time

The concession scheme, which had been set to conclude on June 30th, 2026, has now been extended until June 30th, 2028. That two-year extension gives buyers more time to plan, and provides greater certainty for developers working on multi-residential projects.

The announcement builds on what the government describes as a record $6.3 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021, with housing flagged as a central focus of the upcoming State Budget.

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Sculpture by the Sea has returned to Cottesloe Beach for its 21st edition, bringing with it a sweeping collection of works stretching along one of Perth’s most iconic stretches of coastline. After a hiatus in 2025, the exhibition’s return has been warmly received — with Artistic Director and Founding CEO David Handley noting that locals were out in force during the install week, “letting us know how happy they are the exhibition has returned.”

Mela Cooke’s MyLittleSister & Vaughn Bisschops’ Heaven is a Place Where Nothing Ever Happens | Credit: Sculpture by the Sea

This year’s event features more than 70 sculptures from local, national, and international artists spanning eight countries, including five artists from India as part of a dedicated India Showcase. It’s one of Western Australia’s largest free public events, and based on 2024 figures — which drew more than 200,000 attendees and generated more than $4.5 million in local economic activity — the 2026 edition is set to deliver a significant boost to the Cottesloe area and its surrounding hospitality businesses.

Andrew Farmer’s Homage to the Cube | Credit: Sculpture by the Sea

New to the 2026 program is a separate public indoor exhibition at the Sea View Golf Club, featuring more than 120 small contemporary sculptural works by Australian and international artists. It’s a worthwhile complement to the main beachside experience, particularly if you’re planning a full day in the area.

Award winners and invited artists

Fremantle-based sculptor Stephen Tepper took home the $10,000 Alcoa Aluminium Sculpture Award for his work Suddenly Everything’s Changed, with the prize announced at the opening ceremony. He was joined by two special invited artists: Dr Subodh Kerkar, the Tourism WA Invited International Artist for 2026, whose performance installation Oceans and Civilizations is now on display; and Karla Hart, the Tourism WA Invited Aboriginal Artist, who is participating in Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe for the first time with her performance artwork Wardarn Dreaming.

Increased accessibility

This year’s event is the most accessible edition to date. A Lotterywest grant of $336,079 is supporting nine days of beach wheelchair matting between the Indiana Teahouse and the groyne, running from Wednesday, March 11th, through to Thursday, March 19th. The matting allows visitors with reduced mobility or who use wheelchairs to get onto the sand and experience the sculptures up close.

When and where Tim Haynes’ The Ghost Of Van Eileen | Credit: Sculpture by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe runs until Monday, March 23rd. Entry to the beachside exhibition is free.

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The WACA Ground has always been more than a venue; it’s been an institution. A place where legends were made, moments became memories, and Western Australians came together around a shared love of cricket. From epic international clashes to local fixtures, it has long been the beating heart of one of WA’s favourite sports.

Now, the WACA Ground is stepping into its next chapter. While it will always be the home of cricket, it’s relaunching in a way that reimagines the precinct for the next generation, offering far more than its iconic match-day atmosphere. It’s about to become a place where sporting heritage meets contemporary culture, premium live experiences, and genuine social connection. There’s a new wave of energy waiting to be experienced. 

Cricket at its core Credit: WACA Ground. Adam Kenna, courtesy WA Cricket

The WACA Ground remains the heart of cricket in Western Australia. It’s where legendary moments are made, memorable matches are played, and history is part of the everyday experience.

The reimagined WACA Ground will allow you to experience the game (and other events year-round) like never before with premium seating that brings you closer to the action. Enjoy food and beverages celebrating Western Australian flavours, local producers, and hospitality icons, while family-friendly zones ensure everyone can join in the fun. Take in unique skyline views showcasing Perth’s urban and natural beauty, all within thoughtfully designed spaces that perfectly balance comfort, atmosphere, and connection. 

Upcoming events, including the Women’s International Test from March 6th to 9th, are a great chance to experience the excitement of live cricket. Whether you’re revisiting classic moments or watching new ones unfold, the WACA Ground is the place to celebrate sport, community, and the unmistakable energy that makes every visit unforgettable.

A pitch-perfect lifestyle  Credit: WACA Ground. Adam Kenna, courtesy WA Cricket

Beyond cricket, the WACA Ground has evolved into a vibrant, year-round destination. A highlight of the relaunch is the new premium health, fitness, and wellbeing centre. Overlooking the grounds, it features a six-lane 50-meter pool, an indoor learn-to-swim pool, and a splash park with waterslides. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a state-of-the-art gym, group classes, and reformer Pilates, all within a space designed for wellbeing and connection.

Credit: WACA Ground. Adam Kenna, courtesy WA Cricket

The precinct’s open, shared spaces will be just as inviting. Wirin, a public café, has been designed for locals and visitors alike to linger, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. Landscaped green areas and a family-friendly playground mean the WACA Ground is always available for casual, everyday use, while we can expect community-led activations to pop up, including markets and live performances, showcasing Western Australian culture all year round. Indoor cricket and multi-sport facilities, versatile function spaces, a state-of-the-art museum, elite player amenities, and the integration of Aboriginal culture make the WACA Ground a hub for sport, wellness, heritage, and community.

A Place for Everyone

The WACA Ground belongs to Western Australia, and it’s about to become a shared space that welcomes everyone from families to fans, corporate visitors, and local communities alike. From celebrating sporting legends to creating everyday experiences, it’s a lifestyle venue alive with possibility, energy, and connection.

More than cricket, more than a stadium — the WACA Ground is a destination, it’s a shared place that belongs to Western Australia and welcomes locals every day.

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One team is in a premiership window carrying the weight of those expectations. The other is two or three years away from being competitive — hopefully.

The Fremantle Dockers arrive at Round One carrying genuine finals expectations after their best season in a decade, while the West Coast Eagles begin what may be the most important development year of their rebuild under Andrew McQualter.

Different timelines, different goals, but there are reasons for both sides to be excited ahead of 2026.

Fremantle Dockers 2025 Recap

Again, the hype for FLAGmantle was real, and again, another season of missed opportunity.

Sixteen home-and-away wins. A return to September. And a one-point elimination final loss to Gold Coast. By most measures, 2025 was Fremantle’s best season in a decade, matching their equal second-highest win tally in club history and ending a three-year finals drought.

Justin Longmuir turned a team that collapsed towards the end of 2024 into a genuine finals contender, but the loss to the Suns was a reminder that this group hasn’t yet finished the job.

It was a step forward. For many fans, it felt like only a half step.

2026 Expectations

Here we go again… is this the year Fremantle’s genuine premiership window opens?

The core of their list, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Jackson, Jordan Clark, Alex Pearce and Hayden Young, just to name a few, is settled, battle-tested and approaching peak AFL age. The defensive unit remains one of the best in the competition. And the emergence of Patrick Voss and Josh Treacy as genuine tall forward threats gives them a balanced attacking structure they’ve lacked for years.

The Dockers also came away from the trade period with useful additions. Mason Cox brings a marking target and forward presence that takes pressure off Treacy and Voss, while defender Judd McVee adds another composed ball-user to a backline that already concedes very little.

We’re predicting a top-four finish. The window is open. It’s time to run through it.

Predicted ladder position: 4th

Key Players to Watch — Fremantle

Caleb Serong, Midfielder

It’s fair to say the three-time Doig Medallist is the heartbeat of this team and one of the best midfielders in the competition. Serong’s ability to win contested ball, impact stoppages and carry the Dockers on his back in tight games is what separates Fremantle from the also-rans on their best days. His challenge in 2026 isn’t so much about improvement, but making sure he can again deliver an All-Australian worthy season to drive Fremantle into a deep finals campaign.

Luke Jackson, Ruck/Midfielder

The new ruck rules for 2026 favour the more athletic ruckmen over the bash-and-crash big men, and there is nobody in the league better placed to exploit them than Jackson. If the pre-season is anything to go by, it looks like he may have taken his already All-Australian 2025 season to new heights. Clubs around the competition might simply not be able to stop him — whether he’s delivering first use to the Fremantle midfielders at centre bounces, emerging from a stoppage with the ball and finding space, or pushing forward to take a hanging mark. He was already a problem. In 2026, he could be the problem.

Hayden Young, Midfielder

He’s back and reportedly moving well in pre-season. There is no player on Fremantle’s list whose fitness matters more. Young is the rare midfielder who combines genuine pace with a boot that can deliver the ball on a dime, and it’s hard to fathom that despite their successful 2025 campign Fremantle played without him for much of the season. A full year of Young running hard and breaking lines is something Brayshaw and Serong, for all their brilliance, can’t replicate. If Young stays on the park, Freo’s ceiling goes up considerably.

Breakout Player: Murphy Reid

This has to be the steal of the 2024 AFL draft. Picked up at 17, one selection after West Coast took Bo Allan at 16, which only makes it worse if you’re an Eagles fan.

Reid won the Rising Star in 2025 and some are already drawing comparisons to Nat Fyfe, which means the ‘breakout’ label might technically be a season late. What made him so exciting is that he only got better as the year progressed, and by all accounts, he’s barely scratched the surface of what he can do.

Now with a full pre-season under his belt and a coaching staff actively exploring how to get more of him into the game, including time through the midfield, Reid is the kind of player who can shift from impressive debutant to breaking out as a genuine superstar in a single year.

West Coast Eagles 2025 Recap

We could sum up the 2025 season quite simply: one win. Worst season in club history. Wooden spoon.

As the old saying goes, if you put makeup on a pig… It’s still a pig. There’s no way to dress up what happened at West Coast in 2025. Andrew McQualter’s first season in charge produced just a single victory, and the club finished last for the first time since their expansion years. The Eagles were outrun, outhustled, outscored — pretty much outfootballed every single week.

As for bright spots? Jobe Shanahan emerged as a potential key forward of the future. Reuben Ginbey looks right at home in the backline and will be better in 2026 for the run he got playing one key role all season. And then there was the mid-season pickup of Tom McCarthy, who already looks to be one of the top two or three players at the club — with only half a season of AFL experience to his name.

2026 Expectations

It can’t get any worse, can it? Have West Coast hit rock bottom?

Safe to say nobody is tipping a finals appearance from the Eagles in 2026, and most experts have them locked in for the wooden spoon again. The realistic goal this season is meaningful improvement: implementing a game plan, winning more contested ball, kicking more goals, giving up fewer, and cutting the turnovers that have killed them week after week.

The headline signing of the off-season was two-time premiership defender Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane, a player who brings exactly the kind of defensive standards and winning experience this young group needs to absorb. Tylar Young arrived from Richmond to add some much-needed depth, and the club also bolstered its ranks through the SSP with ex-AFL trio Finlay Macrae, Deven Robertson and Harry Schoenberg.

All eyes won’t just be on Harley this season either. There’s a new number one pick in town with just as much hype and anticipation — Willem Duursma. Having Reid already established in the team should take some of the spotlight off Duursma and allow him to find his feet and play his natural game.

The pieces are arriving and the list is developing. 2026 is about playing them together and building a culture, which seems to have been lacking for quite some time.

Predicted ladder position: 16th

Key Players to Watch — West Coast Eagles

Harley Reid, Midfielder

No doubt you’ve seen the centrefold shots of Harley on the training track. Reid has returned for his third campaign leaner and primed for a big season, and those who have seen him in action believe this is the year he makes his move into the elite. He committed his future to the club until 2028, which matters culturally as much as contractually. If we see more of the Reid who changed games on his own boot, he could single-handedly move West Coast out from back-to-back wooden spoons.

Jake Waterman, Forward

Line him up at full forward in almost any other club in the competition, and we’re probably talking about his Coleman Medal odds. Waterman has been the lone offensive force in the Eagles’ forward line for too long, and for West Coast to have any chance of outscoring opponents in 2026, two things need to happen: he stays healthy, and the young midfielders finally start delivering the kind of supply that makes use of those hands.

When the ball gets there, he takes it, and he kicks it straight. The problem has never been Waterman.

Elliot Yeo, Midfielder

Not the player he was before injuries took years off his career. But a fit Yeo is still a seriously influential one, and that’s the point. His influence on Harley Reid during Reid’s debut season has perhaps gone underappreciated — the presence of an experienced, hard-nosed midfielder who leads by action rather than instruction is exactly the kind of thing that accelerates young players. A full season of Yeo healthy and setting the standard at the contested end could be the difference between one step forward in this rebuild and two.

Breakout Player: Tom McCarthy

Not a household name yet, but he should be before Round 10.

The mid-season draftee has been the consistent standout of West Coast’s summer, with reports describing Tom as one of only two players who genuinely catches the eye at training, alongside Harley Reid.

In his first season, it was easy to see McCarthy moved differently from most midfielders. He cuts through traffic, avoids tackles, and his running capacity in 2025 was already at AFL level without a full pre-season behind him.

Watch this space as McCarthy officially arrives on the AFL scene.

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The drive to Margaret River has always been worth it for a fresh Cheeky Monkey pint. From July, the South West comes to St Georges Terrace.

Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co, the award-winning brewery that’s been pulling crowds to Caves Road since 2012, has announced it will open a venue in Perth’s CBD at Brookfield Place. The new venue combines the spaces formerly occupied by Bar Lafayette and Grill’d into a single, larger footprint. It’s the brewery’s fourth location and its biggest bet yet.

From Caves Road to St Georges Terrace

Founded in 2012 as a brewpub in the Margaret River Region, Cheeky Monkey built its reputation the old-fashioned way through great beer and local WA pride. The brand has grown steadily since, with the Rockingham location acquired from Sound Brewing in late 2023, bringing the brewery closer to Perth’s southern suburbs.

The move to the CBD follows a broader pattern among some of WA’s best independent breweries, establishing their footprint in Perth metro locations. Rocky Ridge now operates venues in Duncraig and Burswood alongside their original South West brewery, while FOUND., Campus, Running With Thieves, and Froth are all taking a multi-venue approach across the metro area.

Two spaces, one big new venue and what to expect

The new Cheeky Monkey venue combines two sites that once housed Bar Lafayette and Grill’d. Bar Lafayette traded from 2012 through to late 2025, spending 13 years as one of Perth’s favourite cocktail bars, and when it closed, the CBD lost one of its genuine after-work institutions.

The venue will feature 24 taps pouring Cheeky Monkey beers alongside wines from the brewery’s neighbours in the Margaret River region. The kitchen will serve elevated pub food consistent with their other locations, perfect for a long Friday lunch, knock-off drinks, or a casual dinner.

For Perth drinkers who’ve been making the Margaret River pilgrimage to enjoy a pint of Cheeky Monkey’s Hazy IPA, July can’t come soon enough. Soon you’ll be able to pull up a seat on the terrace and pour one without leaving the city.

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A post shared by Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co (@cheekymonkeybeer)

Further details on the opening, keep an eye on cheekymonkey.com.au and @cheekymonkeyperthcbd for updates.

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Tonight, Perth gets a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular celestial shows — a total lunar eclipse, or often called a blood moon. It’s a fairly rare event that won’t repeat for nearly three years, and you don’t need any special equipment to watch it unfold.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting our planet’s shadow across the entire lunar surface. During this alignment, the moon doesn’t go dark as you might expect. Instead, sunlight bending around the edges of the Earth filters through our atmosphere and bathes the moon in a deep copper or crimson glow. Blue wavelengths of light scatter out during this process, while longer red wavelengths bend into the Earth’s shadow and reach the moon. The exact shade can vary from bright copper to deep blood red, depending on several factors. As Perth Observatory notes, no two total lunar eclipses ever look exactly the same.

When is the Total Lunar Eclipse?

Times you need to know:

• The moon begins its rise tonight at 6:43 pm
• The total eclipse begins at 7:04 pm and lasts for 58 minutes
• The peak of the eclipse will be at 7:33 pm
• The total eclipse ends at 8:02 pm, and the partial eclipse ends at 9:17 pm

Where to watch it

Unlike a solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye.

For the best experience, you want elevation, an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, and as little artificial light as possible around you. Within the Perth metro area, Kings Park is one of the best places. 

Some of the best places to see the moon are:

• Kings Park
• Matilda’s Bay
• Perth Hills
• Golden View Lookout
• Lake Leschenaultia

You can also get a great view of it simply from your backyard. 

Photography tips

This one is a fairly simple one to photograph. You can use your phone’s camera, or if you’re a camera enthusiast with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, set it to manual and mount it on a tripod. A telephoto lens will be beneficial for capturing more detail; however, go with what you have access to.

Start with a low ISO (100-400) and a shutter speed of around 1/250 for the early stages, where the sky is still bright. During the total eclipse, increase the ISO to the 800-1,600 range and slow the shutter speed to between one and two seconds. This will depend on your individual setup and location, so feel free to adjust as needed.

When is the next one?

After tonight, you’ll need to wait until New Year’s Eve 2028 for the next total lunar eclipse. That 2028 eclipse will be fully visible in Western Australia. 

The post How To See Tonight’s Total Lunar Eclipse & Blood Moon In Perth appeared first on So Perth

Cottesloe Beach is back hosting Sculptures by the Sea after a one-year hiatus, with more than 70 works from artists across eight countries scattered along the shore. Joondalup Festival is running across parks and public spaces until the 22nd, and if food is more your focus, Subi Spritz lands from the 26th and Bib & Tucker is doing whole WA lobster every Thursday evening with sunset views across Leighton Beach.

There’s a lot on. Here’s the full rundown.

Discover, learn, and celebrate at EnviroFEST 2026 Credit: Whiteman Park

Join the team at Whiteman Park for a fun-filled day exploring sustainability, wildlife conservation, and eco-conscious living at our annual EnviroFEST celebration. Connect with community groups, environmental experts, and sustainable producers as you browse market stalls, join hands-on workshops, and enjoy eco-focused activities suitable for all ages.

This year’s festival shines a spotlight on the vital role of trees in our environment. Discover practical ways to boost urban tree canopy, create wildlife-friendly backyard habitats, and live more sustainably through interactive demonstrations and eco-friendly products.

Come along, get inspired, and be part of a greener future!

When: Saturday, March 21st
Where: Whiteman Park
Admission is free.

Help the Perth Wildcats towards their 11th title

With Finals action now officially locked in, all the focus is on beating the Sydney Kings in a best-of-three series. The first game is on Wednesday evening in Sydney, then it’s back home to Perth for game two at RAC Arena. This will be the toughest and best matchup of the Finals, with both teams in strong form. The decider for the home game will be the crowd getting behind the team and cheering them to victory. So head down, get loud, and help the Perth Wildcats get one step closer to their 11th NBL title.

When: Saturday, March 14th
Where: RAC Arena
Tickets are available here.

Sculptures by the Sea Credit: Sculptures by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea has returned to Cottesloe Beach for its 21st edition, bringing with it a sweeping collection of works stretching along one of Perth’s most iconic stretches of coastline. This year’s event features more than 70 sculptures from local, national, and international artists spanning eight countries. It’s one of Western Australia’s largest free public events, and the 2026 edition is set to deliver a significant boost to the Cottesloe area and its surrounding hospitality businesses.

When: March 6th to 23rd
Where: Cottesloe Beach

Sapore di Mare at Santini Bar & Grill Credit: Santini Bar & Grill

Santini Bar & Grill is pulling out all the stops with this one. Sapore di Mare is an exclusive seafood feast that puts WA’s finest catch front and centre. The evening kicks off at the bar, where oyster maestro Jerry Fraser does what he’s famous for, and Sunny di Ocampo slices up fresh fish crudo. From there, you’ll move into the dining room for a four-course menu from the Santini kitchen team, with paired wines throughout and a dolci finale to round out the evening.

When: Thursday, March 19th, from 6:00 pm
Where: Santini Bar & Grill
Tickets are available here.

Subi Spritz Credit: Subi Spritz

Subiaco’s beloved food festival, Subi Spritz, returns from March 26th to March 29th, bringing the flavours and flair of Southern Europe to the streets of Subi. Now an annual fixture on Perth’s foodie calendar, the four-day celebration spans venues and activations across the City of Subiaco — including the return of the crowd-favourite Conti Roll Contest and a special Subi Night Market x Subi Spritz collaboration that promises to be one of the tastiest nights of the month.

When: March 26th to March 29th
Where: Subiaco
Full list of events can be found here.

Joondalup Festival Credit: Joondalup Festival

Joondalup Festival is back, kicking off on Saturday, March 7th, with Kaya, a free outdoor spectacular at Neil Hawkins Park from acclaimed Noongar artist Phil Walleystack — a celebration of Noongar culture weaving together music, storytelling, dance, and striking visuals beneath the open sky. Also launching that Saturday is Crystal People, a large-scale free installation by French theatrical company Ilotopie, in which 52 crystalline human figures shimmer by day and glow after dark across the lakes at Sir James McCusker Park in Iluka. 

Joondalup Festival runs until Sunday, March 22nd, transforming parks, galleries, theatres, and public spaces across the City of Joondalup with world-class and accessible experiences for all ages. 

When: March 7th to 22nd
Where: Joondalup
Full program details can be found here.

Wine n Dine your way through Leederville

If picking just one Leederville spot feels like an impossible ask, Wine ‘N’ Dine has a very good solution. This self-guided progressive lunch visits four Leederville favourites, with a signature dish and a matched wine at each stop. You choose where to start, then wander from course to course at your own pace — finishing, naturally, on dessert and a final pour. It’s part food crawl, part wine tasting, and entirely the kind of thing best done with a small group who don’t mind stretching a long lunch into the afternoon. 

When: Saturday, March 21st
Where: Servo Leederville
Bookings can be made here.

Thursday night is Lobster Frites night Credit: Bib & Tucker

Bib & Tucker’s cult-favourite Lobster Frites are back, and every Thursday evening is now a very good reason to head to Freo. The Leighton Beach institution is serving whole WA lobster alongside golden fries with a coastal sunset backdrop. It’s a limited special, so bookings are essential.

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