Red Bull Air Rally Off To A Flying Start!

Brazilian Adilson Kindlemann just moments before his plane crashed into the Swan River. Photo: Getty Images

A Red Bull Air Race plane has crashed into the Swan River during a training session, believed to be Brazilian Adilson Kindlemann of Kindlemann Air Racing team.

He was attempting a turn low over the river when his engine stalled, according to reports.

Amazingly he was rescued and on his way to hospital within minutes, such was the impressive speed of response from rescue workers.

Incredibly, there has never been an accident before at each of the previous 45 events and pilots were full of praise for the emergency response teams.

The event is hosted each year in WA now and has attracted a huge following owing to the exciting stunts and manoeuvres with the beautiful Perth City as the backdrop.

You’ve probably noticed very attractive promotional girls at motor racing events around the world. The Red Bull Air Race in Perth is no exception!

If you are looking for a fun place to stay at an affordable budget, while the event is on in Perth, why not try Planet Inn Backpackers.

The Red Bull Air Race is on over the weekend of April 17th and 18th.

A Star is Born…

This last week at Planet Inn Backpackers, we organised a Quiz Night in our bar lounge for current and former guests and friends.

Although we had a slightly delayed start to the quiz, the multi-cultural teams got into the spirit of things and it was very keenly contested!

Well that is, until Maddy came home from work…

After a spell of intense brain straining, the teams dispersed for a ‘half-time’ break, while Tony set up the guitar and PA system ready for a post quiz music session.

That was all it took…

The Generation Y (short concentration span) people quickly lost interest in the quiz and wanted to grab the microphone.

Before we knew it, the Kiwi boys started doing the ‘Haka’, which is a dance routine performed by New Zealanders prior to rugby matches (Ok, before they hunt me down – it’s actually a Maori War Dance designed to intimidate opposing warriors, but it’s obviously nowhere near as stirring as ‘Waltzing Matilda’).

Tony played a few songs on the guitar, then welcomed Maddy Ralls onto the stage.

What followed could be described as a defining moment in Planet Inn’s history – a star was born!

Maddy delighted the crowd with renditions of songs by artists such as Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette, along with some amazing originals with captivating lyrics.

A few other guitarists made very enjoyable contributions, such as Tony, Jamie and Martin, but Maddy enthralled the audience with a blues voice that gave you goosebumps.

The quiz was quickly forgotten (postponed), the drinking began in earnest and the singing continued through the night.

We are confident that we will be hearing some more about this young star from Bristol!

Check out the full photo gallery on the Planet Inn Photos 2009 gallery on this website.

The Avon Descent – White Water Rafting

Saturday, 1 August 2009 to Sunday, 2 August 2009 Confirmed Event

The Avon Descent presents a serious challenge and is a prized trophy to those who have been victorious.

Participants challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft in an exciting two-day time trial over 133 gruelling kilometres.

The Avon Descent offers competitors conditions ranging from long stretches of flat water that can test the endurance of the fittest athlete through to rapids, sure to test the skills of all who attempt to navigate their unknown contours.

The Avon Descent passes through some of Western Australia’s most picturesque country, including the farming regions of historic Northam and Toodyay, forested national parks, steep gorges, the Swan Valley vineyard region and eventually the tidal waters of the upper Swan River.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay and want to follow this event, then why not visit us at Planet Inn Backpackers?

If you want to try your hand at this exciting sport, we can arrange it for you with our friends at River Gods, who teach people how to do it safely.

Contact us now via the enquiry form on this website.

Information and picture courtesy of www.westernaustralia.com

Details from : http://www.avondescent.com.au

Good Food and Wine Show

Demonstrating live at the Good Food and Wine Show in Perth are some of Australia’s best chefs including Matt Moran, Tobie Puttock, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, and Alastair McLeod & Anna Gare.

It’s a unique celebration of good food, good wine & great times!

This event is on in Perth 31st July to 2nd August, 2009 at Perth Convention Centre.

Tickets are available from Ticketek.

City of Perth Winter Arts Season

This June the City of Perth Winter Arts Season will return to the city, offering a rich tapestry of arts events that will keep Western Australians warm through the cooler months.

This year’s season will see a greater variety of participating arts organisations stage performances and exhibitions than ever before.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says that this year’s program is exceptional and a true reflection of WA’s growing arts scene. “We are seeing a renaissance of art and culture in the city. Over the last couple of years WA has continued to produce world class superstars in the arts field and programs such as this are where many of them begin to tread the boards,” Ms Scaffidi said. “Whether it is dance, drama or digital art this year’s program has something for all ages and tastes,” she said.

The City of Perth Winter Arts Season runs from 1 June to 31 August and includes stage productions, art exhibitions and musical entertainment.

Further details from http://www.perthwinterartsfestival.com.au

Information courtesy of www.westernaustralia.com

The 12th Revelation Perth International Film Festival

Thursday, 2 July 2009 to Sunday, 12 July 2009 Confirmed Event

After a record breaking year in 2008, Revelation continues to develop its reputation as Australia’s premier showcase of individual and passionate film and screen culture practice. Taking place over 10 days, the event features over 100 individual works, a Super 8 film competition (Revel-8), an international animation showcase, live music, special events and associated moving image related visual arts exhibitions.

It also features local, national and international guests, industry panels, seminars and master classes that include representatives from the funding agencies, distributors, exhibitors, writers, broadcasters, directors, producers, international sales agents, composers and all manner of industry participants. The 12th Revelation is set to excite and attract one and all.

Further details from : http://www.revelationfilmfest.org

Information courtesy of www.westernaustralia.com