The annual WA Day Festival launched in spectacular fashion yesterday, drawing hundreds of families to Burswood Park for the first day of a two-day extravaganza celebrating Western Australia.
A Day Packed with Thrills and Entertainment
The action-packed agenda offered something for everyone. Crowds were treated to three spectacular shows from Hardwired BMX, with the team's youngest member, six-year-old Ziggy, emerging as a crowd favourite as he wowed spectators with a gutsy array of tricks.
Over at the Spudshed Stage, a culinary experiment was underway as Channel 7’s Rick Ardon put a controversial twist on the humble spring roll by filling them with haggis. Classic festival attractions like the bumper cars proved immensely popular, with a steady queue forming early and lasting most of the day.
One of the standout interactive exhibits was one of WA’s RAC rescue helicopters, parked and open for exploration. Punters had the chance to climb into the cockpit and, for the truly brave, don a pair of virtual reality goggles to experience a simulated emergency flight.
Family Fun and Future Inspiration
The Greaves family was among the many making a day of it. While mum Rachel watched the kids, their dad was nearby at Optus Stadium for day two of the Ashes. For those wanting to check the cricket score or escape the sun, the Seven West Media summer lounge offered deck chairs, a big screen, and appearances by Channel 7 favourites like the beloved Telethon mascot, Fat Cat.
Young Mackenzie, 4, enjoyed an ice cream while her sister Maddison, 8, showed off glittery dolphin face paint. Their brother Nathaniel, 11, raved about the 'spinny swings' ride. Meanwhile, in the Hancock Iron Ore Innovation and Education Alley, interactive stalls aimed to spark future careers. Five-year-old Esther Prentice was spotted trying to teach new tricks to a robot dog at the Alcoa tent.
Her father, Cain, visiting from Melbourne, said, "We heard this was on, so we came to check it out. It’s been a day of family fun." For Esther, the teacup rides were the clear winner.
Panning for Gold and Evening Spectacles
Ten-year-old Sophia Brazier was one of dozens of children trying their luck panning for gold at the Perth Mint stall, an activity her mother Jessica noted was a fan favourite, alongside the Hancock Iron Ore digger. "We’re getting out of the house today, exploring with the kids and seeing the local stuff," Jessica said. "It’s been great."
As the sun went down, the festival energy shifted. The crowd was fired up by live music, a dazzling drone show, and fireworks. Homegrown artist Drapht brought the first day to a memorable close, setting the stage for another day of celebrations.
Attendee Clare Shaw summed up the sentiment of the day: "It’s been a big family fun day. It’s been done really well, in a really great location, heaps of room and good food options. An awesome day — and any excuse to celebrate is good!"
