Australian-based photographer, filmmaker and influencer, Jarrad Seng shares about his roots in Western Australia and how it shaped him as an artist.
You were born in Newman, grew up in Mandurah and now call a cosy loft in a converted Fremantle warehouse home. What keeps you anchored in WA?
As someone who’s travelled far and wide for my work, I often get asked about the allure of bigger cities around the world. But the truth is, there’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art. There are musos – John Butler, Tame Impala, San Cisco – and street artists such as Stormie Mills and Amok Island. There’s breathtaking nature in absolute abundance in every direction. There’s also the space and room to breathe.
“There’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art." (Image: Portraits Olivia)
When you’re not travelling the world with musicians such as Jimmy Barnes and Passenger, you are often out in the wilderness taking photographs. what’s the most epic part of your state to photograph?
You can’t go wrong by simply driving north (Lancelin, Kalbarri and Exmouth), south (Margaret River, Denmark and Albany) or down the west coast for a quick getaway. But for something a bit different, I’d recommend heading inland and taking in some wholesome outback experiences and station stays. One of my favourite WA roadies took us up north through the Gascoyne to the Kennedy Range and Mt Augustus, stopping in at farm stays like Nallan Station along the way. And let me tell you, the sunsets in the outback hit different!
“The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet." (Image: Jarrod Seng)
What do you most love about living in WA?
The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet. I’m talking Ningaloo Reef up north, Lake Ballard in the east, Lucky Bay down south and the Pinnacles located in the north. Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis. There are towering palm trees against rugged red-cliff walls. It’s a photographer’s dream.
“Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis." (Image: Jarrad Seng)
What are the top three things people should see and do?
Drive down and spend a lazy day at Elephant Rocks in Denmark, walk among the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley and take the ferry from Freo to Rottnest Island.
What does a day in the life of a local look like when you’re at home in Freo?
I’d start with coffee and crêpes from my new favourite, the Little French Nest. I might also take the laptop down to Earthed co-working space, which is a Zen place to fire off a few morning emails. I’d also grab a book from New Edition and then head to Tonic & Ginger for dinner. I’d finish up with an Old Fashioned from nautical speakeasy Darling Darling.
Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.
Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:
1. East Perth Power Station
See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)
Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.
A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .
2. St Mary’s Cathedral
Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)
Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.
The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.
3. Lotterywest Films
Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)
One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.
4. The Embassy
Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)
Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.
5. Unusual locations
Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)
We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.
Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.
6. A View From A Bridge
Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.
Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.
What else to do in Perth
Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.
Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.