Horizons December/January 2020 by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020

» What’s on in WA » Member benefits » 10 of the best

Hidden Rotto 5 things you may not know about our favourite island

Cults, culture and karri trees The unknown history of Karri Valley Resort

Holidays on wheels

First steps to choosing and owning a caravan

10 safer used cars for under $10,000 WIN one of 125 double movie passes

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Terms & Conditions: ^Buy One Get One Free promotion applies to selected cruises and cabin categories booked through RAC (subject to availability). *Supplements apply for specialty dining. #Captain’s Cocktail Parties available on cruise 6 nights or longer. Fares shown are per person, twin-share in AUD, and include port taxes, government charges (including GST when applicable) and promotional discounts. Prices differ for triple or quad-share. Prices and cabin availability correct as at 16/10/19 and may be withdrawn or changed at any time. Offers valid for new bookings only and are not combinable any other or promotions. Prices are governed by the CMV terms Amendment/cancellation and CODE booking conditions *TERMS & CONDITIONS: PRICE BASEDwith ON PER PERSON, TWINoffers SHARE TRAVEL IN OCTOBER 2020. ADVANCE PURCHASE OFFER VALID FOR BOOKINGS 01 DECand 2019 - conditions. 31 JAN 2020, FORGratuities TRAVEL 01 JUNEnot - 31 included. OCT 2020. DISCOUNT APPLIES TO RAC MEMBERS ONLY.fees USE PROMO ‘RACADVANCE’ WHEN BOOKING. BLACKOUT DATES, FURTHER BOOKING AND CANCELLATION CONDITIONS APPLY. ^WHALE SHARK AND HUMPBACK WHALE SWIM ARE AN ADDITIONAL COST. apply. E&OE. For full terms and conditions that apply, visit CMVAustralia.com. CO191113_RAC_Horizons_FP

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Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith Head of Design Mark Coppini

Your RAC magazine Dec/Jan 2020

Advertising Gail Raj (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 gail@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane Tel. 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com Horizons® Published by RAC WA Cover photo Quokka, Rottnest Island, Western Australia Photography by Allan Dixon

Cults and culture

The history behind Karri Valley CAB audited as at March 2019 is 607,643 households

Our plastic wrapper is biodegradable

Member lounge People, places and offers

Member benefits RAC members save every day

Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285. The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

Contact

 facebook.com/RACWA  @racwa rac.com.au  editor@rac.com.au For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au For more contact details, see page 81.

Roadside Assistance, Battery Services

Vehicle Condition Appraisals

13 11 11

1300 797 078

Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services

13 17 03

RAC Auto Services

1300 135 667 RAC Tyres

1300 651 042 Corporate Enquiries

9436 4111

December-January 2020 / Horizons

Incoming President’s message Reducing road fatalities

Member feedback Your views and opinions

What’s on Great events around WA

Snapshot News from RAC

Home burglary Understanding the risk factors

Used cars safety ratings Helping you make a safer choice

Preparing our young drivers WA’s driver licensing system

Caravan choices Selecting your best option

Travel brief News from RAC Travel

Rotto uncovered Five facts you may not know

Introducing India A guide for first-timers

Motor news Everything on wheels

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

Car doctor Your questions answered

The 10 best Marine wildlife encounters

Horizons / December-January 2020

Together we can save more than 2,000 people from being killed or seriously injured Government investment is urgently needed for a Regional Road Safety Package, to deliver 17,000kms of life-saving road upgrades.

Help reduce regional road trauma by 60 percent by contacting your local Member of Parliament. Learn more at rac.com.au/regionalroads

YO U R R A C

Incoming

President’s message 17,000 kilometres of life saving opportunity If a picture is worth a thousand words, then tragically this picture tells us that Western Australia, when compared nationally, is being devastated by road fatalities. But WA’s story cannot simply be captured in one image. Road Safety Commission figures tell us that 25,340 people were killed or seriously injured in WA between 2008 and 2017.

Incoming RAC President

Road deaths per 100,000 people

Jacqueline Ronchi

(2018)

RAC Council

Nowhere has this been felt more than across our regional communities.

Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia

Crashes in our regional communities could be reduced through allocating funding towards low-cost safety treatments such as sealing road shoulders and installing audible edge lines. That is why RAC is calling for the WA Government’s Regional Road Safety Package to be fully funded in the 2020/21 State and Federal Budgets. This $900 million road improvement package — $100 million annually for the next nine years — would accelerate crucial safety upgrades across 17,000 kilometres of WA’s regional road network. Over the same period, the WA Government has also outlined that more than 2100 serious crashes could be avoided, reducing deaths and serious injuries in regional WA by more than 60 per cent.

Horizons / December-January 2020

Incoming President Jacqueline Ronchi

One year of funding for the road safety package represents just 3.4 per cent of the $2.9 billion currently allocated towards transport projects in the 2019/20 State Budget. To put it another way, in 2019/20 the State and Federal Governments are expected to collect around $4.6 billion in taxes from WA motorists. It would take just two per cent of this revenue each year to fully fund this critical road safety package. A road network with zero deaths and serious injuries should be a shared goal for us all. While it will demand

long-term, bipartisan and multi-sector collaboration, the shared voice of more than one million RAC members is a powerful vehicle for change. There is hope, and there is opportunity, right now we need action. Because by working together, we can change the picture. As I begin my term as RAC President, I would like to thank Tony Evans for his leadership and contribution as President over the past three years. I am grateful for the honour of representing you, our RAC members and acknowledge the trust and responsibility of this position.

Incoming Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling RAC’s Vice President and Council details will be published in the February/March 2020 edition of Horizons.

On behalf of the RAC Council and all RAC staff, I wish you, your families and friends a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and please take extra care on the roads during the holiday season.

Jacqueline Ronchi Incoming RAC President

YO U R R A C @racwa editor@rac.com.au

Member feedback Outback stays I read with interest your article on WA’s outback stations (Horizons October/November). We have just returned from showing relatives our wildflowers and what the Murchison has to offer. We stayed at Melangata and Kirkalocka Stations in the Murchison Shire and Lindum Farm, between Perenjori and Carnamah. At each stay we were treated to outstandingly generous and friendly hospitality and were the recipients of invaluable local and regional information. We would highly recommend this type of experience to anyone. Kaye Murray

Rider rescue We were at the Brookton Pony Express motorbike race just outside of Pingelly and the (RAC Rescue) helicopter came in for an injured rider. @justbeingreese

Winning Exchange

Catch of the day When John McCall lured his partner Laura onto the jetty at RAC Karri Valley Resort during their stay to enjoy the view, there was a catch. The two shared a special moment as John dropped to one knee and popped the question. And yes, Laura accepted.

Driving on sunshine We shared a story on Facebook about Australia’s World Solar Challenge car race. Yes, I’ve done it! 18 years ago, with the first WA entrant, Sungroper! Fe Waters

Get social with @RACWA. Tag your snaps with #RACWA for Facebook and Twitter and with #greatdrivesWA for Instagram, and you could feature in the next Horizons.

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email or post and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance. For assistance or more information call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 81. Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

EVENTS

What’s on Until 17 February Art Gallery of WA

As part of the 40th anniversary of the Art Galley of WA’s 1979 Brutaliststyle building, this free exhibition will celebrate the gallery building itself and the period of Brutalist architecture in Perth during the 1970s.

Stewart Scott Clip Media Motion

Perth Brutal: Dreaming in Concrete

Events around the State in December and January

artgallery.wa.gov.au

Lotterywest Films Until 5 April UWA Somerville

Bill Murray taking on a zombie plague in Jim Jarmusch’s horror-comedy The Dead Don’t Die and the sumptuous French period drama Portrait of a Lady on Fire are early highlights of the Lotterywest Film season - world-class cinema beneath the beautiful pines at UWA Somerville. perthfestival.com.au

Mandurah Canals Christmas Lights

1 December – 5 January Take a cruise along the canals of Mandurah to see the spectacular Christmas lights shimmering on the water. Each year more than 200 houses along the canals turn on a stunning light show with cruises taking spectators to view the festive lights. mandurahcruises.com.au

Christmas Pageant 7 December Perth CBD

ABOVE: Mandurah Canals Christmas Lights.

Bunbury Christmas in the City

Fringe World Festival

It begins with a festival, followed by the RAC Street Parade and ends with a carols concert. Bunbury Christmas in the City has something for the whole family.

WA’s biggest annual event returns for 2020 with another bumper season of performances. Choose from hundreds of shows offering everything from comedy to cabaret and circus, at venues across Perth and in regional centres.

8 December

rac.com.au/bunburychristmas

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival 14 December

It’s a celebration of the cherry in the heart of cherry growing country in WA’s South West. The Festival will feature a long table lunch, cooking demonstrations, a fashion parade and lots of chances to taste the region’s sweetest cherries. cherryfestival.com.au

RAC has been a proud sponsor of the Christmas Pageant since 1998 and once again this year the Christmas floats and performers will light up St Georges Terrace from 7.30pm to ring in the festive season. A great night out for the whole family, the 2019 Christmas Pageant will not disappoint.

Perth Wildcats

rac.com.au/pageant

racarena.com.au

Horizons / December-January 2020

2019/2020 season RAC Arena Get behind the Wildcats this season as they look to take out a tenth championship. It’s set to be the biggest season in recent memory, with the South East Melbourne Phoenix joining the competition.

17 January – 16 February Various venues

fringeworld.com.au

Mandurah Australia Day Swim 26 January

Held at Doddi’s Beach Mandurah each Australia Day, swimmers can take part in one of four events of up to 4km, including a short 250m swim for children aged eight years and over. Register for the event before 1 December. mandurahmannas.org.au

Australia Day Triathlon, Duathlon and AquaBike

26 January Point Walter Reserve, Bicton Held on and around the Bicton foreshore, you can choose from a number of distances and events, including bike and run, bike and swim, and triathlons over four distances, including a junior event. allbarnone.com

The Kimberley

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Canning Stock Route 16 DAYS | BROOME - NEWMAN (& V.V.) | From $11,995 pp* Deluxe Camping | Departs May – Sep 2020 Journey down the longest historic stock route in the world. Travel in a convoy of specialised vehicles and camp in comfort with delicious cuisine, hot showers and ﬂushing toilets. SAVE

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Call 1800 688 222 for a brochure or visit outbackspirittours.com.au

YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

After a crash

ensure any claims resulting from the crash can be dealt with quickly:

Following a road crash, it can be difficult to think clearly about what actions you need to take.

 Record the date, time and exact

Safety is always the first consideration. Stop your car, apply the handbrake and switch on the hazard lights. Check that no one else involved is injured and if needed call for an ambulance or ask someone else to call for help.

 Swap names, addresses, contact

Where there are injuries or extensive damage to vehicles, the police should also be called. Once the scene is safe, here are some of the details you’ll need to collect to

location of the crash.

 Note the make, model, colour and number plates of other vehicles involved. numbers and insurance company details with other drivers.

 Collect contact details of any witnesses to the crash.

 Take photos of the damage to other vehicles if it’s safe to do so. A crash must be reported to police where someone is injured or where it looks likely that the combined damage will be more than $3000.

Even if you think the crash is your fault, you should not engage in any conversations regarding responsibility for the crash. RAC Insurance will liaise with you on these details. If a tow truck is needed, RAC Insurance members should call 13 17 03 for assistance in the Perth metropolitan area. Remember, only you or the police can authorise for your vehicle to be towed. Check that any tow truck operator arriving at the scene has the same business name provided to you by RAC when you requested the service. For more details about what to do after a crash, and to download our fact sheet, visit rac.com.au/crash

December-January 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Choose your mechanic wisely Taking your car to an unlicensed vehicle repairer for maintenance or repairs may leave you exposed to financial risk and could compromise the safety of your car.

What to do about windscreen washers at traffic lights If you’ve ever been startled by a squeegee-wielding window washer at traffic lights, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that what they’re doing is not only unsafe but also unlawful. What may surprise you is the fact that it can be unlawful for both parties involved. If you pay someone on the road to wash your windscreen, you are breaking the law and could be up for a fine if caught, as would the windscreen washer. The Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA) states that a driver or passenger in a vehicle is not permitted to buy ‘an article or any service from a person who is on a carriageway’. Window washers, who put themselves in danger and create a hazard on our roads, should be discouraged and the best way to do this is to refuse the service and not pay for it - even if someone goes ahead and washes your vehicle’s windscreen without your consent. While it is important to keep your windscreen clean to maintain a clear view of the road, having it done while you’re on the road is not the right time or place.

Horizons / December-January 2020

Licensed repairers in Western Australia must meet certain obligations, including only carrying out a class of work they’re certified for. They must also disclose if they’ve been convicted of a relevant offence. If you choose an unlicensed repairer, you won’t have the same protections as you would by engaging a licenced operator, according to Consumer Protection.

Unlicensed ‘backyard’ mechanics do operate in WA and should always be avoided. WA has more than 4400 licensed repairer businesses, all of which are vetted and declared fit and proper. Licensed repairers offer a higher standard of workmanship, with warranties available. If a licensed repairer becomes insolvent or closes suddenly you may also have access to compensation. Licensed repairers display a yellow tick logo at their premises. To check if a motor repair business is licensed, visit myautorepairer.com.au. To report unlicensed motor vehicle repairers you believe are operating in WA, call 1300 304 054 or email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Safely transport fuel containers in your car Transporting fuel containers in or on your car should always be done with caution, even when carrying small quantities for use in lawnmowers and other garden and hardware equipment. Only use an approved fuel container and while filling it, ensure it is in contact with the ground. Place the container on the floor of your car in a secured position with the lid on tight. Open a window for ventilation and never smoke a cigarette while transporting fuel. If you have an SUV or station wagon, place the container in a secured position in the cargo area. For utes or other vehicles with external cargo areas, if you’re only travelling a short distance, fuel containers can be placed on the tray - just make sure they can’t tip over. If you need to carry fuel over long distances, specialised brackets that hold fuel containers can be fitted to the rear of some four-wheel drive vehicles and on roof racks. Just make sure the brackets comply with Australian Design Rules and are securely attached. Try to place large fuel containers low in the vehicle to minimise the effect of the load on the vehicle’s centre of gravity. You should also avoid transporting fertilisers and oxidising agents with containers of fuel.

RAC members whenthey theyshop shopin-store in-storeoror online. RAC membersget getan anadditional additional 5%*discount 5%*discount when online. RAC members get an additional 5%*discount when they shop in-store or online.

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RISK FACTORS

YO U R R A C

Five things about your home that could make it more vulnerable to burglary

Forgetting to properly secure a window or leaving a door unlocked from time to time will certainly make your home more vulnerable to a break-in, but only if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chosen. The risk of becoming a home burglary victim will depend on the opportunities your home presents at the time. Signs of a home being temporarily unoccupied could increase your burglary risk, but there are other physical features of a property

Horizons / December-January 2020

and its surrounds that may make it more attractive to burglars. That initial decision an offender makes to choose your home over others can be based on a number of factors, including how accessible it is from the street, along with its exposure to the street.

Some homes, due to their configuration and location, may be more vulnerable than others, according to an Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) report. Being aware of all the ways in which your home may become a burglary target and why, will help you make better choices when considering how to increase your household security. Here are five key ways a home can appear more burglary-prone from the outside.

YO U R R A C

Corner blocks

Open access backyard

Hidden house front

Burglars love to be hidden from view when breaking into a home and although homes on corner blocks and at intersections are well exposed to the street and to passing traffic, they don’t have the added protection of being butted up against the fence lines of two other properties where people might be home. Increased street access also makes homes on corner blocks and intersections easier to get away from, putting them at greater risk of burglary, according to the AIC. If you have an alarm, make sure it is always armed when you leave the home, even if you’ll only be gone for a short period. Burglars don’t need long to break in and the 2018 RAC Home Security Survey found that one in every two people don’t always activate their security alarm when leaving home.

Being able to easily get into your backyard from the street means a burglar can too, and that means they can also be hidden from the street and neighbours while breaking into your home. They could also use tools or garden equipment to break in. Having a visibly open backyard with no gate or barrier will increase this risk. Backyard theft was the most common security incident reported in the 2018 RAC Home Security Survey, with one in four people having had items stolen from their yard. If you do have a backyard gate, always keep it locked. If your gate is accessed regularly making access via a key impractical, consider a keypad lock. And if your backyard is an open invitation with no barrier at all, a fence or lockable gate is highly recommended.

Burglars like houses where they can be hidden from the street by shrubs, foliage and other barriers while breaking in. Try to avoid landscaping features that obstruct a clear view of your home from the street. If your front windows are screened by shrubs, consider cutting the foliage back to reduce the spaces where burglars can hide while breaking in.

29%

of home burglaries involved forced entry through a window. 2018 RAC Home Security Survey

December-January 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Multiple access points

No enclosed garage

Houses with laneway access give a burglar a second way to get into your backyard without being exposed to the street. Similarly, for houses on cul-de-sacs, pedestrian access in and out of the cul-de-sac can also impact on crime risk, according to the WA Planning Commission’s Designing Out Crime planning guidelines. Ensure any laneway or pedestrian access areas are well lit with a sensor light. If you have a rear carport accessed via a laneway and an existing home alarm, consider a sensor light and CCTV camera to cover the carport structure.

Homes without an enclosed garage or carport could provide burglars with a big clue as to whether there is someone at home. An open carport with valuable cars parked in it could be another incentive. If you have an open carport which could be enclosed, consider this as a way of adding some extra security to your home. If you already have an enclosed carport or garage, check how easy it may be to open it without a remote. If it’s not hard to get in and you have a door in the carport that provides access directly into your home, get into the habit of keeping that access door locked at all times.

Sources: Designing out crime planning guidelines, WA Planning Commission; Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, Australian Institute of Criminology.

Horizons / December-January 2020

Security incentive scheme A number of local councils now provide security rebate schemes to help ratepayers and seniors improve the level of security in their home. The Town of Victoria Park offers ratepayer rebates on approved security devices through their Security Incentive Scheme and RAC Security is a recommended provider in the Town’s CCTV partnership program. RAC members can also save 10% on a range of home security products. To find out more, visit rac.com.au/security

MOTORING

FINDING FATAL FLAWS Even cars with a reputation for reliability may not hold together when it matters most If you’re in the market for a used car, it goes without saying that choosing a car that’s mechanically sound is essential.

find, even though it could appear to be a good buy for other reasons.

If you’re buying from a private seller it’s also important to find out if there is any finance owing on the car.

To help you make a safer choice, RAC has released the 2019 Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) – a guide that lists the star ratings of 300 used vehicle models.

But the most important question you need to ask before you buy a used car is how safe is it? In a crash, how much protection would it offer you and what are the chances of walking away?

These are not to be confused with ANCAP car safety ratings, which focus on new car models and derive results from laboratory crash testing and safety technology.

A poor safety rating on a used car is one of the worst ‘hidden defects’ you can

Instead, the UCSR use data from more than eight million real-life road crashes in Australia and

New Zealand, from 1998 to 2017, with calculations made about how well each vehicle protects its driver from death or serious injury in a crash. Alex Forrest, RAC manager vehicles and fuels, said the ratings provide valuable advice on how purchasing the right used car can significantly reduce your chances of being hurt or killed in a crash. “Choosing the right used car to buy could literally save your life or someone else’s,” Forrest says. “The driver of a 1-star rated car is twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than the driver of a 5-star rated car.”

Cars named “Safer picks” in the guide were better at protecting not just their occupants, but other road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and drivers in other vehicles. Of all the vehicle models assessed, just 23 per cent scored the top 5-star safety rating, underlining how important it is to check the rating of any used car before you buy. Forrest said this year’s guide also proves you don’t have to pay more for safety, with many top-rated used vehicles available for under $10,000. “The results show us how easy it is to mistakenly purchase an unsafe used car, when a 5-star rated vehicle could have cost you the same.”

How does your car rate for safety? For the full list of vehicles in the 2019 Used Car Safety Ratings Guide, visit rac.com.au/ usedcars

December-January 2020 / Horizons

MOTORING

10 SAFER USED CARS UNDER $10K Using the annual Used Car Safety Ratings Guide, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found 10 cars with a 5-star rating that are priced under $10,000*.

Ford Mondeo 2007-2015 From $4500

Kia Carnival 2006-2011 From $6400

PROS Handling, lots of space, good equipment levels. CONS Limited market for it when you come to sell.

PROS Hugely spacious, flexible interior, affordable. CONS Fuel consumption on petrol models, interior can wear.

Volvo V70/XC70 2000-2007 From $7300

BMW 5 Series E60/61 2003-2010 From $8000

PROS Excellent safety credentials and interior quality. CONS Maintenance costs including power steering and parking brake.

PROS Good refinement, and handling, lots of bang for your buck. CONS Maintenance costs, high fuel consumption of V8s.

Honda City 2009-2013 From $7000

VW Passat 2006-2015 From $5000

PROS Light on fuel, good cargo space for its size. CONS Engine can be noisy, unrefined interior.

PROS Premium interior, good levels of refinement. CONS Potential maintenance costs of older models.

Subaru Liberty/ Legacy/Outback/ Exiga 2009-2014 From $8000

Holden Commodore VF 2013-2017 From $9900

PROS All-wheel drive, good safety credentials, practical. CONS Check service costs and frequency. Check for offroad damage.

PROS Plenty of room inside, excellent handling. CONS V6 engine can be coarse, technology beginning to age.

Nissan X-Trail 2007-2014 From $8000

Mitsubishi Outlander 2006-2012 From $8000

PROS Big choice of vehicles, roomy, parts availability. CONS CVT transmission in automatics can make engine seem noisy.

PROS Affordable, hard-wearing interior, reliable, practical. CONS Issues with CVT transmission in some models, hard interior plastics.

*Prices sourced from publicly available used car listings in Western Australia, August 2019

Horizons / December-January 2020

MOTORING

Why newer doesn’t always mean safer Vehicles manufactured today are developed with the assistance of advanced computer modelling which has resulted in many great leaps forward in car design, including safety features. Modern vehicles also need to comply with tougher design standards. Generally, that means the newer the car the better the safety features, but there are some exceptions, which is why it pays to check the

75% of car sales in Australia are used cars, on average

safety ratings even when you’re buying a relatively new car. For example, the 2017 Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Jimny both scored just 1-star in the 2019 Used Car Safety Ratings. Safety standards for light commercial vehicles have also lagged behind those of regular passenger cars. For example, Electronic Stability Control, a safety feature that helps drivers avoid crashing when they lose steering

23%

of used cars scored a 5-star safety rating*

control, had been mandated on passenger cars for around four years before it became mandated for light commercial vehicles. This means that this proven safety feature is not available in some light commercial vehicles in the used car market. Light and small cars had the highest proportion of poor and very poor performing vehicles in the Used Car Safety Ratings, as did small

22% of used cars scored a 1-star safety rating*

SUVs. This reflects the role a vehicle’s size and weight play in determining the used car safety rating. On average, used light cars, such as the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, may also have poorer safety specifications due to this being a very price-sensitive area of the market. Overall 56 models were rated as having 2-stars and 66 scored the lowest 1-star rating.

Honda City – the only ‘light’ car with a 5-star safety rating*

*Used Car Safety Ratings, 2019

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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YO U R R A C

Why are

young drivers failing the test? By Ruth Callaghan

With pass rates on driver licence tests continuing to slide in WA, a new survey by RAC looks at what more can be done to improve the safety and readiness of new drivers for the roads.

Horizons / December-January 2020

The number of people killed and injured on WA roads in the 1990s could only be described as horrific. Every few days brought news of families and lives shattered. It was a decade in which young Western Australians were being killed on the roads in enormous numbers. In the worst years, 17 to 25-year-old drivers and passengers were representing 40 per cent of all road deaths. Data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development shows that in the 1990s, an average of 60 Western Australians aged 17 to 25 died each year as drivers, motorcycle riders or vehicle passengers. Something had to change — and it did. In 2002, WA introduced a graduated driver licensing system, imposing strict new rules on learners, from raising the age at which drivers could take their practical driving assessment to 17, to introducing a minimum number of supervised driving hours (currently 50) before they could sit the test.

It was a controversial move at first, but the impact on road fatalities seems clear. Since 2010, there has been a reduction. Sadly though, young people remain over-represented in the road fatality rate, representing about one in five deaths since 2017 but only one in eight of the general population. “Over the past ten years, road trauma among those aged 17 to 19 has declined. But it’s alarming that young people are still disproportionately represented in terms of deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” says Anne Still, RAC general manager public policy and mobility. “The main thing is to ensure that the licensing system is generating the safest drivers possible and we want to see this reflected in a reduction in road trauma.” So, does the licensing system need to be stricter still — or does the learning process need additional attention?

YO U R R A C

To get a better understanding of the experiences of learner drivers, their supervisors and instructors in preparing for and passing the Practical Driving Assessment, RAC conducted a survey of 373 new drivers, including current learners and those who gained their licence in the past five years, as well as 444 non-professional supervisors and driving instructors. It found even with the requirement that learners drive a minimum of 50 supervised hours, 57 per cent of new drivers said it took two or more attempts to pass their driving test, with 83 per cent of those who failed blaming nervousness. Some 42 per cent of new drivers said they thought the test was harder than they would have anticipated, while 61 per cent of professional driving instructors thought their students were taking the test before they were really ready. ABOVE: Murdoch University law student, Megan Ogle with her P-plates.

Fast facts

The RAC survey found that the more supervised hours a learner had before taking the test, the better their chances were of passing on their first attempt. Non-professional supervisors, often including the parents or guardians of the young driver, on average, felt that 74 hours should be mandatory before the learner could sit their practical test â&#x20AC;&#x201D; about 10 hours more than new drivers said. Professional instructors thought even more supervision was needed, however, nominating an average of 86 hours. And while country driving remains a significant factor in road deaths among all ages, on average, new drivers only spent 10 per cent of their supervised driving hours on rural roads

Average number of supervised practice hours

50%

hours during the day

15%

hours during peak times

of current learners said it was difficult to find opportunities to practice

of new drivers said they had falsified their log book

According to State Government data, only 43 per cent

of drivers who sat the test in 2019 passed, down from a high of 56 per cent in 2010, and at some locations, the pass rate is barely more than a third.

hours at night

hours on wet roads

December-January 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

“Learners shouldn’t be in too much of a rush to get their licence,” Still says. “The key thing is to ensure that they’re ready. This means having exposure to different driving situations, including regional and urban roads, busy and quiet streets, driving at night as well as during the day and in different weather conditions. “Do as many hours as you can, even more than is required. It’s not always easy but it is important for your own and others’ safety on the road.” Murdoch University law student, Megan Ogle, says it took her about 13 months practising as a learner before she passed her driving test on her second attempt. She believes a lack of confidence was the reason she failed the first time around. “When you’re learning, you get used to depending on having a second set of eyes in the car,” she says.

“If you’re looking for a gap in traffic, you’re unconsciously looking for a secondary approval for your decision. “I found that once I had an actual assessor in the car, I needed to be more confident in my own skills.” Ogle took most of her driving supervision from her father but — as with 89 per cent of survey respondents who received theirs from a parent or guardian — she also added some professional lessons. She believes this made a difference when it came to passing her practical driving test and being ready for the responsibility of being a driver.

Helping learner drivers and their supervisors RAC offers a number of free youth road safety and young driver initiatives.

“Once I had a professional instructor these things became much easier to grasp.”

An award-winning pre-driver program administered by the Department of Education that assists parents, schools and agencies in educating young people about safer road use, with RAC delivering parent information sessions in the metropolitan area.

Keys4Life

Each session gives learner drivers and parents an opportunity to learn more about the licensing system and how to make lessons more effective.

Keys2Drive RAC and other auto clubs around Australia help fund this Australian Government-sponsored program, which provides one free driving lesson for learner drivers and supervisors.

Parallel parking

RAC bstreetsmart

Driving near pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists

3 Horizons / December-January 2020

ABOVE: A scene from the RAC bstreetsmart event.

“You need to know a lot of little things like head turning, constantly looking in your mirrors, the actual position of your hands on the steering wheel,” she says.

Top 3 most difficult tasks for learner drivers

Duncan Barnes

and just 4 per cent on unsealed or gravel roads.

Reverse parking

A road safety event for Year 10-12 students, staged each year at RAC Arena, supported by WA Police, St John Ambulance and Royal Perth Hospital. The event re-enacts a crash scene, before students hear from people who have been personally impacted by road trauma.

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T R AV E L

STARTING YOUR

caravanning ADVENTURE Western Australia offers endless possibilities for caravanning holidays. If you’re keen to get yours underway, here are some things you’ll need to consider.

And it’s no longer the domain of retirees. These days families make up more than 50 per cent of all caravan and camping travellers, as parents look to show their kids the experiences they had growing up.

By Brendan Batty

If you’ve decided that towing your holiday house around is the perfect option for you, here’s the low down on the ins and outs of caravans and camper trailers and what you’ll need to know to tow one.

Australians have been hitting the open road with their caravans since the 1890s. Today it’s grown to become one of our most popular forms of travel,

Horizons / December-January 2020

providing freedom and the chance to disconnect and escape from suburbia. It’s also an incredibly inexpensive way to travel once you're set up.

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Choosing a camper trailer Camper trailers come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of off-road ability, sleeping arrangements and setup procedures, but they can be roughly sorted into three categories – soft floor, hard floor and wind-up. Although not the cheapest of the options, the wind-up campers are the most popular, largely thanks to their caravan-like comforts and the sheer volume of them sold by Jayco. This design was popularised in the 1970s when fuel was expensive, and they have been a mainstay of campgrounds

and caravan parks ever since. They generally have a lifting roof, canvas walls and slide-out beds. Some can comfortably sleep six people, so they’re a great option for families who want maximum comfort but aren’t keen on the hassles of towing a large caravan. Often the cheapest and simplest option is a soft-floor camper trailer. First invented by Cub Campers back in the 1970s, they get their name because the tent’s floor is PVC, like the floor of a standard tent. In their most basic form, they are a box trailer with a canvas tent that folds off the side and has a mattress over the load area. They, too,

TOP: Soft floor camper trailer; BOTTOM: Hard floor camper trailer.

are well suited to families stepping up from traditional tents. Rear-, forward- and double-fold campers are often all lumped under the ‘hard-floor’ category because when set up, the living area has a hard floor. All of them have a hinging lid which folds in the direction stated, revealing the tent, bed and, in many cases, a lounge area. Rear and forward fold campers are best suited to solo or couple travellers, while double-fold campers – which have a bed each end – are best for families.

Choosing a caravan In contrast to camper trailers, caravans are far more simply classified. There are really only two types – the pop-top or the full caravan. Full, solid-walled caravans have been a mainstay of caravanning since the 1920s but in WA pop-tops were popularised by Coromal’s Aussie Low Line. Pop-top caravans have a roof that lifts up when parked and a canvas or vinyl sleeve to keep the weather out. They were developed in response to the smaller capacity vehicles and fuel shortages of the 1970s as their lower towing profile improves fuel economy. Full-walled caravans, on the other hand, require almost no setup apart from unhitching and winding down stabiliser legs. With higher walls they often have more storage and can be better in extreme climates as they’re usually better insulated. The big choice to make in caravans isn’t whether it’s pop-top or full-walled, though – it’s mostly about length and off-road ability. These two factors will make more of a difference to your caravanning experience than any other. In smaller caravans (less than 20-feet), it’s often in the kitchen and dinette area that you’ll lose out most. Tall fridges are great because you can fit more in them, but they usually impinge on bench space. So, if you like plenty of cooking space, a longer caravan might be for you.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

T R AV E L

TOP: Full-walled caravan; LEFT: The modern interior of a full-walled caravan; ABOVE: Pop-top caravan.

But longer caravans are heavier and are often less able to travel down rough roads, need more powerful cars to tow them and are more expensive to buy. Shorter caravans are often more nimble, able to be towed to more places off the beaten path and can be more economical.

On or off-road? Caravans also have various levels of off-road ability. On-road caravans (and camper trailers) are designed for leisurely jaunts down south. They are often lighter, have smaller wheels and low-ground clearance, but should be

Horizons / December-January 2020

fine to tow down a well-maintained dirt road into a national park. Semi off-road caravans will be a little higher off the ground and have a stronger chassis and some protection from stones that could be flicked up at them. They might have heavy-duty leaf springs or a coil-spring, independent trailing arm suspension system underneath. They are designed for occasional driving on remote dirt roads, but something like the Gibb River Road might be a bit more than theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to. Full off-road caravans are specifically designed to travel to the most remote

areas of Australia and, from the ground up, should be made to cope with corrugations, dust, water and selfsufficient living. Expect them to have high clearance, coil spring or air spring, independent suspension and cabinetry that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shake itself apart.

Buying right Although caravanning and camping is an incredibly affordable way to travel, the initial outlay can be quite considerable, so it pays to do your research. Dedicated caravan magazines are still a great way to get information on the latest trends and

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that lifts weight off the front wheels and shifts it to the back. It’s wise to use a weight distribution hitch to help even that out - it makes a big difference to handling and braking. For example, an Isuzu D-Max can come to a complete stop from 60km/h in less than 15 meters. With a 2500kg caravan on the back, and using a WDH, that will increase to 25 meters. Without a WDH, it increases to 28 metres.

ABOVE: Weight distribution hitch.

read expert reviews. That information can be supplemented with insight from owners on Facebook groups or within owners’ clubs. You can also try before you buy with a peer-to-peer rental website like Camplify (camplify.com.au) who have a huge arsenal of caravans and campers available for hire. Remember, a long warranty is a good sign the company backs its product. Caravanning and camping is in boom, and many companies have sprung up to take advantage of demand. Some are genuinely good, but make sure you do your homework. Finally, look to the manufacturers using the most modern construction techniques. Timber is on its way out as a construction material.

Choosing the tow vehicle The caravan or camper is only half of the equation when you’re in the market. An equally important consideration is what’s going to tow it. Any load added to the tow bar of a vehicle will change how it handles, rides, steers and stops. All cars have towing limits, which are set by the manufacturer and exceeding them is illegal. These put a cap on how much weight you can tow

(maximum braked towing limit), how much downward weight the trailer can apply to your tow ball (tow ball weight), how much your tow vehicle can weigh (Gross Vehicle Mass), how much your loaded caravan can weigh (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and how much the combination of your car and trailer can weigh (Gross Combination Mass). What complicates matters is that the Gross Combination Mass is often the most limiting factor. Let’s say you’ve got a Toyota Fortuner which has a GCM of 5450kg and a 2750kg GVM. If you’ve filled your car to the limit for a trip and have the heaviest caravan allowed (2800kg), 2750kg plus 2800kg equals 5500kg, which is 5kg overweight. That’s not even accounting for tow ball download, which doesn’t affect GCM, but will affect GVM. Many people have bought caravans only to discover their current car can’t tow it. An expensive mistake. If you are unsure, head to timetoroam.com.au/caravancalculator and check the weights yourself.

Weight distribution All that bulk messes with a car’s weight distribution over the four wheels, too. Adding a trailer’s tow ball weight to the back of a car creates a see-saw effect

Similarly, how weight is distributed in a caravan affects how it tows. Too much weight at the back will cause sway, while too much on the front could put the car over its limit, so load heavy items in the middle, over the axles and down low in the caravan. Caravans shouldn’t sway, so if yours is, something’s wrong. If it does sway while you’re driving, don’t accelerate. Instead, apply the caravan’s brakes using the override function on your brake controller to slow the caravan down. The good news is, caravanning and camping isn’t hard. To tow a trailer, you just need to understand that you’ll need more time to stop, more space to turn and to keep your speed down. Caravanning and camping is an exceptionally rewarding way to travel that will take you to places and introduce you to experiences you never imagined.

Fast fact The first Australian-made caravan was built in Tasmania in 1896.

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T R AV E L

CULTS & CULTURE AMONG THE KARRIS By Fleur Bainger

From a hops farm in the ’50s to a base for the Orange People cult in the ’80s, this is the little-known history of Pemberton’s Karri Valley. Deep in the forest, surrounded by towering pale-barked karri trees that stretch ramrod straight more than 90 metres in the air, is a place with a past.

Tim Campbell

It’s hidden so well from Vasse Highway, passers-by would never know it’s there. Yet it’s been luring West Australians for nearly 40 years, first as a humble fishing retreat, then infamously as a hub for the Rajneesh cult’s Orange People and then a 1980s party spot and holiday village.

Horizons / December-January 2020

Today, Karri Valley Resort blends gently and elegantly into the bush, its log-clad chalets peeking between tree trunks, giving little outward signs of its very colourful past.

Hoppy life Back in the 1950s, farmer Arthur Bunn decided to try his hand at growing hops in the natural valley where Karri Valley Resort is now located. The main buyer for the hops was WA’s own Swan Brewery.

The quantity Swan Brewery needed was more than Bunn could grow, with limited irrigation available from nearby Beedelup Brook. So, Bunn built a onebillion-litre dam - now Lake Beedelup - to feed his hops crops, making the farm a big part of the local industry. Local Kevin Dunnet, whose family originally owned the land, worked there, carting hops into town for the Perth-bound train. “The farm employed 200 to 300 townsfolk. Lots of women were also employed as seasonal workers, while men worked out at the timber mill,” Dunnet says.

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worked at the car-free, kangaroo and quokka-dotted Park as “a jack of all trades” in the early days. “Everybody my age worked there,” she says. “I’d say 90 per cent of the locals in town had worked there at one time or another.”

An orange tangent

Westpix

Then, another twist. A park manager was appointed who was also a member of the Orange People cult, which had become active in Fremantle in the early to mid-1980s, however the Karri Valley syndicate was unaware of his connection to the group. In 1985, he allowed a small group of cult members to sub-lease Karri Valley Park. Local, Peter Cabassi was working as the Park’s maintenance manager at the time. “There was just a handful of people there at the start, maybe eight or 12,” he says.

Westpix

“They were like you and me; normal people that used to dress in orange clothing.”

TOP: A one billion-litre dam, now Lake Beedelup, was built at the site; ABOVE: Renovations were carried out at Karri Valley during the early and mid '80s.

Catching the big one But the hops market changed when the Swan Brewery stopped buying. Bunn’s farm was carved up and sold, the lion’s share bought by a Perth-based syndicate with big dreams of creating a trout fishing retreat at the Lake. The old hops drying shed became the getaway’s reception area and a shared accommodation lodge, where guests’ board included all meals, starting at $25 a night. Neighbouring property owners Bev

and Ken Lawrence remember what it was like in the beginning. “There was the lodge and trout farm, three big chalets, basic ‘swagman’ huts, and a caravan park,” Bev says. The new retreat was such a big deal that the then-WA premier Brian Burke even did the honours of officially cutting the ribbon in 1983 on the new Karri Valley Park. Once again, the Park became an important part of the local community. Bev Lawrence was one of many who

The Rajneesh movement was started by an Indian self-help guru, known as the Bhagwan, who eschewed materialism and championed achieving super-consciousness through sexual expression. Its members became known as Orange People due to the orange robes they wore. Cabassi says the Pemberton branch was low-key, in the beginning. “I worked out there all day and I never saw people running around naked,” he says. “There were lots of stories, but they weren’t true. Not once did anyone ask me to join. They paid their bills and paid on time.” But after a holiday break, he returned to a different workplace. New members had arrived, increasing numbers to about 40. There were attempts to build a school for children who would be sent to the property on their own by their cult-member parents. Pemberton residents were alarmed at the moves to create a commune in

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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Resort and built 34 new chalets in the forest, 32 balconied motel rooms and a restaurant overlooking the tranquil lake. It became the place to go and be seen. Given this was the 1980s, everything about Karri Valley became big – from the number of visitors to the size of the parties. Manny Schult moved to the area in 1987, building a house on a block near the resort. He remembers the late ’80s as the resort’s heyday. “People would fly in with a chopper; the rich and famous used to come down,” he says. “It was humming.” Karri Valley and the situation worsened when the Bhagwan's chief assistant, Ma Anand Sheela, visited. She famously did a television interview with 60 Minutes, declaring it was "tough titties" if the 1000 or so townsfolk didn’t want the sect there.

Trouting around By the close of 1986, good times had returned. WA’s Government Employees Superannuation Board took over the property, renaming it Karri Valley

Tim Campbell

The story fuelled fears Pemberton was being considered as the cult’s new global base, and Cabassi says patience quickly ran out with the Orange People. “Things blew up and there was evidence of tax evasion and worse. That’s when moves were made to shut them down,” he says.

Emotional town meetings were held, and the Shire denied the cult their development application to create a school on the property. A local MP also threatened to get the Federal Government to introduce anti-cult legislation. To get the group off the property, the syndicate made the decision to sell the resort and the Orange People moved on.

For one New Year’s Eve, Kevin Dunnet carted in enough sand to cover the tennis courts, so a beach party could be staged. Live bands were brought in from Perth, wine festivals were held there, then, just like the high flying ’80s, it was all over. WA’s much-loved gem fell on quieter times for nearly two decades, with a succession of new managers, owners and big plans that never quite materialised. Until now. Schult, who is currently Karri Valley’s maintenance manager, says since RAC took over the Park in 2017, the changes made have returned the property to its former glory. “It had fallen into disrepair over the years and I’m glad to see it come back to being the icon that it should be,” he says. "I don’t think you’d find this anywhere else, with the trees and the location.” Schult is excited about the next chapter for Karri Valley and is confident the revitalised Resort is set to win over a new generation of holidaymakers.

RAC members save Members save up to 20% on accommodation at RAC Karri Valley Resort.

TOP: Articles published about the Orange People cult at Karri Valley in the early to the mid-1980s; ABOVE: The recent renovations at RAC Karri Valley Resort have returned the property to its former glory.

Horizons / December-January 2020

To find out more and to book visit racparksandresorts.com.au

R17015

RAC Travel

Winner of the 2019 Canstar Travel Insurance Most Satisfied Customers Award Planning for unfortunate circumstances can save you thousands and not to mention, a lot of stress. Our range of travel insurance plans are flexible to suit your needs and budget. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your possessions with RAC Travel Insurance.

Why RAC Travel Insurance? » RAC members save 15% off all policies » Unlimited medical cover, emergency expenses & more » 24/7 emergency assistance » Compensation for luggage and travel delay » Cover for your family: Your kids and grandkids are covered for free (up to 25 years old and not working full time). And we’ll get your dependants home safely if you can’t. And so much more.

Call 1300 655 179 or go to rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement available from RAC before making a decision about this insurance. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. R.A.C. Travel Services Pty. Limited (ABN 17 009 164 176, AR NO. 228577) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine & Nichido. Its managing agent, Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 69 004 488 455 (TMMA) is authorised to act on behalf of Tokio Marine & Nichido to issue its policies and handle and settle claims in relation to those policies, subject to the terms of the authority. #Medical cover will not exceed a maximum of 12 months from the time you first received treatment for the injury or illness. ^Conditions are covered providing certain criteria is met and is subject to approval. Members save 15% off the standard rate.

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T R AV E L

Travel brief

News and info for travellers

RAC Travel Insurance scoops national award After surveying travel insurance policy holders across Australia, Canstar has awarded RAC Travel with the Most Satisfied Customers - Travel Insurer Award for 2019. Canstar’s ratings manager Joshua Sale said customers rated RAC Travel Insurance highly in all areas considered by the Award: communication, customer service, value for money, cost and comprehensiveness of cover. “Compared to the average of all the other brands, RAC performed significantly better in communication and customer service,” Sale said. “RAC also performed better than the rest on overall trust, and trust around paying claims.

Dealing with lost luggage

“This shows that it’s important that consumers believe their travel insurer has their back.”

In 2018, travellers around the world had more than 24 million pieces of their luggage delayed, damaged or lost, according to international air transport communications specialist SITA. Luggage tracking technology has come a long way and generally lost luggage is reunited with its owner in less than two days and often in just a few hours, but even a few hours can be inconvenient.

Cruise bonus for members

Book a cruise with us and, as an RAC member, you’ll receive bonus on-board credits of up to $100 from selected cruise lines, including close to home cruises from Cruise and Maritime Voyages. Terms and conditions apply. To find out more, call the RAC Cruise Club on 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/cruise

Horizons / December-January 2020

To minimise the risk of lost luggage, make sure all of yours is clearly and securely tagged with your contact details. You should also check-in for your flight with enough time to spare. Being late increases the risk of things going astray. If a piece of your luggage ever does fail to make it through, visit the relevant airline desk in the airport’s baggage reclaim

area and fill out a Property Irregularity Report. You should do this immediately. In the meantime, the airline will either give you money to buy essential items to tide you over or reimburse you for anything you buy, so keep all receipts. Amounts reimbursed will vary between airlines. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take some essential items in your hand luggage, just in case. If after 21 days your luggage is not found, the airline will declare it lost at which point you can make a claim, either dealing with the airline direct or ideally through your travel insurance provider.

Members save Rediscover

Members save * up to

20%

The power of membership

on accommodation in Broome

one of WA’s most loved holiday locations Positioned on Lake Beedelup near Pemberton, surrounded by majestic towering Karri Forest, RAC Karri Valley Resort has undergone significant upgrades. We invite you to rediscover the beauty of Karri Valley for yourself.

RAC member save up to 20%* on accommodation at the revamped RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park. Stay in family cabins, studio rooms or shady powered caravan and camping sites. Lounge by the pool, play a game of mini golf and explore Broome.

» Newly refurbished 2 and 3 bedroom family chalets with lake and forest views. » Revamped Lakeside Rooms with uninterrupted view of Lake Beedelup. » Dine in the newly renovated Lakeside Restaurant and Bar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Call 1800 871 570, or visit Call 1800 871 570, or visit racparksandresorts.com.au

racparksandresorts.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details.

Karri Valley Resort

*Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details.

RAC & Parks & Resorts » Busselton » Cable Beach » Cervantes» »Exmouth Exmouth »» Karri Karri Valley River » Monkey MiaMia » Ningaloo RAC Parks Resorts » Busselton » Cable Beach » Cervantes Valley»»Margaret Margaret River » Monkey » Ningaloo

T R AV E L

FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

o t t Ro

With many West Aussies frequent visitors to Rottnest, we know our favourite island like the back of our hands. But do we, really?

Osprey Creative

By Fleur Bainger

Horizons / December-January 2020

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Beyond the quokka selfie, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes on Perth’s favourite holiday island, with many things that are taken for granted on the mainland considered differently on Rottnest. We lift the lid on some little-known curiosities, with five facts about Rotto that may surprise you. The world’s happiest animal wasn’t always smiling

Rotto’s other cute furry locals

Just over a century ago, taking aim for a ‘quokka shot’ was something you did with a rifle not a mobile phone and it didn’t end well for the quokka. Yes, the world’s happiest animal was once a fugitive on its own island home, hunted for its meat. Fortunately, the practice of quokka hunting was outlawed in 1917 as Rottnest was given the protection of being declared an A-Class Reserve.

While they certainly get all the publicity, quokkas aren’t the only cute species that can be seen on the island. New Zealand fur seals cluster on rocks at Rotto’s far western end. The viewing platform over Cathedral Rocks grants a good outlook of the interlopers, who like to bask, roll and grunt in the sun, or simply bob in the water with a flipper sticking comically out.

And gunfire wasn’t the only threat quokkas once faced. This vulnerable species was long under pressure from predatory cats. In fact, moggies were only finally eradicated from the island in 2000. Since then, regular quokka counts have pegged the population at an estimated 8000 to 12,000 smiling marsupials.

From Cathedral Rocks, you can wander about 1km to the West End Boardwalk, to a 110m eco-structure made from recycled plastics. This is where wedge-tailed shearwaters, or mutton birds, colonize in ground nests and burrows. That’s not all: playful dolphins and migrating whales are often spotted from this isolated point. Desalination plant Little Armstrong Bay

Fays Bay

Parakeet Bay Geordie Bay

Thomson Bay NC

GEORDIE

Vlamingh Lookout DIGBY

Army Jetty

DRV

Kingstown Barracks

FE NC E RD

Oliver Hill Guns

Bickley Bay

Rocky Bay Narrow Neck

Marjorie Bay Mabel Cove

Cathedral Rocks

Eagle Bay

Linking Trail

Y IGB

DRV

V Y DR

Salmon Bay

Linking Trail

Strickland Bay

Cape Vlamingh WEST END BOARDWALK

POINT RD

DIGB

Roland Smith Memorial

SEAL VIEWING PLATFORM

Mary Cove

New Zealand fur seals Radar Reef

Bickley Point

Henrietta Rocks

Porpoise Bay

Green Island

Solar panels

Wilson Bay Fish Hook Bay

To Fremantle 19.7km

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Stark Bay

To Hillarys 22km

Bathurst Lighthouse

Catherine Bay

Ricey Beach

Pinky Beach

City of York Bay

Longreach Bay

The Basin

Although so many quokkas are seen hopping around highly populated areas of the island during the day, only a small percentage of quokkas are actually found posing in the main settlement. Being naturally nocturnal, most of them keep a lower profile in the island’s scrub zones and emerge at night.

Homestead and well

Little Salmon Bay

Parker Point

December-January 2020 / Horizons

Tourism Western Australia

Stewart Allen

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TOP LEFT: Quokkas are naturally nocturnal and most spend their days in the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scrub zones, emerging at night; TOP RIGHT: New Zealand fur seals can be seen clustering on rocks on the island's far western end; ABOVE: As visitor numbers continue to increase, protecting Rottnest's fragile environment is more important than ever.

Horizons / December-January 2020

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Hold the wedding bouquet and don’t throw it Ensuring Rottnest remains in pristine condition is an important focus and any threat of contamination from introduced plants brought onto the island is taken seriously – even when it comes to wedding flowers. All fresh flowers to be used at wedding ceremonies on the island need to be given the green light by authorities before they cross the 19km channel. So, before getting married on Rottnest, brides must get the contents of their bouquets officially approved. Throwing flower petals, confetti and rice or using balloons is also off-limits: foreign waste and food spell trouble for native wildlife and the protected marine environment.

Rotto’s first resident was the last landholder It is claimed that Robert Thomson was the first person to live on Rottnest Island more than 180 years ago. A homestead was built there for Thomson and his wife and children, and the island’s main bay was named after the family.

Thomson was also the last person to privately own land on Rottnest. In 1839, private ownership was prohibited, making way for the egalitarian paradise we love today. Take a walk along the trail from Vlamingh Lookout by the lighthouse and you’ll come across a water well and the remnants of the Thomson homestead, believed to be the oldest man-made structures on the island. The trail past the homestead and water well includes a raised boardwalk that weaves through pink hued salt lakes before curling around towards Little Parakeet Bay. Often, thousands of migratory birds can be spotted in the wetlands beside the trail, some that have flown from as far away as Siberia.

on the island produces about 150 million litres of clean water per year for drinking and other uses. It was only in the 1990s that saltwater showers in visitor accommodation were switched to freshwater. The desalination plant is run off energy produced by renewable energy sources. In fact, almost half of Rottnest’s energy needs now come from renewable energy, including the wind turbine at Longreach and a mass of newly installed solar panels. The remaining power needs are met by low-load diesel and standard diesel generators.

Lots of water for a dip but not a sip

To help with ongoing revegetation efforts, the island has a nursery which is run by the Rottnest Island Authority and managed by volunteers. It grows about 30,000 native plants each year, which are then planted around the island. The plantings are propagated from seeds collected from native flora on the island.

Although it’s surrounded by it, water has always been a scare resource on Rottnest. The island has no fresh water supplies which means it must create its own. A desalination plant

The nursery also has a vegetable garden, which is working towards being able to supply local cafes and restaurants with vegetables, herbs and possibly even native edible plants.

Tourism Western Australia

The Thomson’s took over 80.5 hectares of land on Rottnest. They lived and

farmed there for eight years, leaving when the island was transformed into an Aboriginal penal colony, where 3700 men and boys were imprisoned.

ABOVE: Thomson Bay was named after the first family to live on Rottnest; RIGHT: The volunteer-managed nursery, run by the Rottnest Island Authority.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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Looking after the isle we love

In August 2018, Rottnest Island created ecotourism history by becoming the first WA tourism destination to score a sustainability certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for the international tourism industry.

Tourism Western Australia

Protecting Rottnest’s fragile environment is more important than ever as visitor numbers continue to climb. In July 2019 alone, there was a 49 per cent increase in travellers to the island compared with the same period the previous year. More than 785,000 people visited in 2018-19, an all-time high.

Its stamp allows visitors to trust that Rottnest is a clean, safe and healthy destination to travel to, and recognises the efforts that have been made to care for the isle’s environment, culture and community. There’s no doubt we’re loving Rottnest like never before and our favourite island will continue to evolve, surprising us with every new summer.

RAC members save Members save on fares to Rottnest Island, with discounted tickets from three different services: Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries and SeaLink Rottnest Island. To find out more visit rac.com.au/rottnest

Horizons / December-January 2020

TOP: The wind turbine at Longreach Bay; ABOVE: The trail past Thomson's homestead and well passes pink hued salt lakes.

Waterways of the Tsars

Members save

150

The power of membership

Explore the real Russia on the award-winning Viking longships, allowing you to easily explore a variety of destinations, expanding your mind and delighting your senses. See the swirling onion domes and stout towers of Moscow’s Red Square. Share stories at the kitchen table of an Uglich family and savour Russian Caviar with your blini pancakes. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, this 13-day voyage reveals the real Russia as never before.

Excursion in every port Award winning service >> Premium beverages >> Free Wi-Fi >> Fly Free offer available >> >>

All onboard gratuities, port charges and government taxes >> RAC escort* >> Transfers included* >>

13 days » 24 August 2020 from

8,645

Per person twin share

RAC Exclusive group

Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/russia or pop into your local RAC Travel Centre

R17126

* RAC escort is subject to minimum numbers. Fly Free offer is on sale until 30 November 2019 unless sold out prior. Air tickets are booked with Viking’s choice of airlines and will book a suitable routing. Transfers are provided by Viking for guests arriving the same day as the embarkation and departing the same day as disembarkation. For further terms and conditions please speak with your RAC Travel Consultant The above itinerary is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Deposit required upon booking and confirmation. Strict payment deadlines apply. Group departure is subject to minimum numbers. Travel insurance is not included, however will be required – please ask your RAC travel consultant for a quote. Further Viking Cruises and RAC Travel terms and conditions apply. Credit card fees of up to 1.2% may apply.

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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO

India By Sharon Stephenson

It’s been called the Marmite of destinations: you either love it or you hate it. And it’s true – India can inspire, astonish and enlighten. But this incredibly complex nation of 2.1 billion can also overwhelm, annoy and exhaust, especially unprepared first-timers. Which is why group tours are often the best way to see India: not only will someone else take care of the logistics, you’ll also travel in relative comfort. Plus, with more than 19,500

Horizons / December-January 2020

languages spoken in the world’s second most populous nation, it helps to have a local guide. Another dilemma is where to go. India is an incredibly diverse country, with every state offering something different. Here’s a guide to a couple of regions that will provide a toe-dip into this fascinating nation.

ABOVE: Sunset at Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, in Old Delhi.

Subodh Agnihotri / Shutterstock.com

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Chaotic traffic in Old Delhi at Chandni Chowk market; Assorted dishes and appetisers of Indian cuisine; Tourists enjoy an elephant ride at Amer Fort Jaipur Rajasthan at sunset; Bengal tiger at Ranthambore National Park; Beautiful Goa province beach.

North India Chances are you’ll fly into New Delhi within the Delhi national capital territory which is home to 18 million people and almost as many things to do. Start with a visit to the towering Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques and a pocket of calm in the heart of Old Delhi’s mayhem. While you’re in the neighbourhood, jump in an auto-rickshaw for a tour of the narrow alleyways of the Chandni Chowk shopping area. You’ll stumble across everything from spice markets to shops selling so much gold jewellery they might well be visible from space. Be awestruck by the elaborate architecture at the Red Fort, where you’ll be whisked back to the last days of the Mughal empire, and take time out in the green oasis of the Lodi Gardens, before plunging back into the honking chaos for the journey to the UNESCO-protected Humayun’s Tomb, a mini version of the Taj Mahal that’s believed to be its predecessor.

Speaking of the Taj Mahal, it’s a three-hour drive from the Indian capital to Agra’s shrine to love, built by Shah Jahan for his wife. It’s one of the wonders of the world, so expect crowds but, if you can, time your visit for either sunrise or sunset when you’re guaranteed the best light for photos. Head west and you’ll hit Rajasthan, one of India’s most visited states. This is the India of your imagination - palaces, forts, desert, camels, elephants and majestic Bengal tigers. Detour to Ranthambore National Park, a former hunting ground for royalty where, thankfully, the only ‘shooting’ these days is from tourists’ cameras. All that sightseeing will have worked up an appetite so get stuck into a traditional North Indian curry, which comes with thick, moderately spicy and creamy gravies. The use of dried fruits and nuts is fairly common here, along with dairy products such as cottage cheese and ghee (clarified

butter) in both sweet and savoury dishes. If you’re vegetarian you’re in luck: the abundance of fruit and vegetables year round means a dizzying array of vegetarian dishes. You can’t visit North India and not shop. From government-sponsored tourist shops to small market stalls filled with textiles, jewellery and carpets, there’s a lot to fill your suitcase with. Pashminas, colourful handstitched quilts and silk garments are worth buying, but head to the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur if you’re in the market for precious and semi-precious stones (or Agra for marble-inlaid items).

South India Teetering on the edge of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is India’s largest city, a vibrant, confident, noisy metropolis. Marvel at the magnificent Gate of India, a stone arch built in 1911 to welcome British royalty, get lost in ancient temples and get your Bollywood on with a tour of one of the many film studios.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

T R AV E L

Fast facts Haggling is a religion in India

 and, aside from govern-

ment emporiums where the price is usually fixed, bartering is expected. Just bear in mind that one rupee equals around Australian 0.021 cents, so there’s no need to go over the top! Bring some rupees with

 you, although credit cards

are accepted at most large hotels and shops. The best time to visit is from

 September to March, when

Head south to Goa, a former Portuguese colony turned beachside party town. Today, Goa is still catnip for a cosmopolitan mix of visitors cruising from beach to beach. When you need a break from the beach scene, there are churches, museums, markets and any number of places to learn and practice yoga. Go even further south and you’ll come to Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’. Thanks to distinctive traditions and lush, unspoiled beauty, this coastal state is one of the most popular tourist spots in India, particularly with travellers looking for relaxation and pampering. So take off your watch and ease into Kerala’s slow pace of life, preferably from a houseboat as it slides along tranquil backwaters, past local villages and lush jungle, while you sip on something cold and your on-board chef cooks up a storm. Still in the south, but on the opposite

Horizons / December-January 2020

coast, is Pondicherry, or Puducherry, as it’s also called. Thanks to the French, who settled here until 1954, this city is almost like a slice of France broke off and got stuck on India’s eastern seaboard. There are tree-lined streets, pastel-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques, along with a seaside promenade that runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m-high Gandhi Memorial. You’ll eat well in the south, where the ‘thali’ is a local speciality. This all-youcan-eat meal is usually inexpensive, satisfying and incredibly tasty, featuring a mix of roti, dhal and pickles. This is Indian food at its simple best. Another South Indian favourite is the dosa, a crispy pancake served with vegetables and coconut chutney. And shopping in the South can often be cheaper than up north, but again centres around textiles and carpets as well as spices, aromatherapy oils and pearls.

the mercury reaches a comfortable 20-30 degrees Celsius and the monsoon rains are still months away. No matter when you arrive, though, bring lots of sunscreen, insect repellent and hand sanitiser.



‘Delhi Belly’ is a common health issue for tourists and food is often the cause. Only drink (and brush your teeth in) bottled water and make sure the seal is intact, be wary of salads that have been washed in tap water and fresh fruit juices and avoid street food. Tipping in restaurants and

 tipping guides/drivers after

tours is standard. Generally, leave a 5-10 per cent tip in restaurants and around 200-300 rupees a day for guides.

Explore India’s highlights on a group tour with RAC Travel. To find out more, call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/india

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*Prices are in AUD per person twin share, based on lead-in twin share accommodation in each of the specified categories and include all savings/discounts, port charges, government fees and are correct as at 24 September 2019. Holidays include Economy class airfare ex Perth, air taxes and hotel taxes. Offer is valid for a limited time only, unless sold out prior, is capacity controlled, subject to availability/change and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices shown reflect all savings/discounts. Offer can be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. °Onboard credit offer is valid for a limited time only, is in USD, is per stateroom, applies only to the first two guests sharing the same Stateroom, is non-transferrable, cannot be redeemed for cash or used at the medical centre or casino. Offer is valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offers. Offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. Some Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms may have obstructed views. Packages do not include additional accommodation made necessary by flight schedules. +Excludes specialty restaurants. A supplement deposit amount may be required to secure airfare component in the holiday packages. To be read in conjunction with the full terms and conditions contained in Cruisecos Epic Ocean Cruises Collections brochure, which passengers will be bound by. Agents may charge service fees/or fees for card payments which vary. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply.

MOTORING

Motor news

By Alex Forrest

The latest news from the motoring world

Revol-ute-ion Australia-wide, Western Australians are among the keenest buyers of SUVs and light commercials (most of which are 4x4 twin-cab utes) by percentage of total vehicle sales. The only other states/territories with a higher percentage of light commercial sales are Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Western Australians have also been slower than the rest of Australia to take up Chinese-built cars, which had a big surge in sales Australia-wide, jumping 83.8 per cent in the first half of 2019. In WA, Chinese car sales only went up 43.8 per cent.

Infiniti finito Nissan’s luxury sub-brand Infiniti has announced it will stop selling cars in Australia from the end of 2020. Sales of Infiniti cars have been falling since 2016, and in 2018 only 649 Infinitis were sold. Having first appeared briefly in the Australian market in the 1990s with the Q45, the brand re-entered Australia in 2012 but sales never really took off. Infiniti have claimed Australian sales were shut down as part of a plan to focus on “priorities leading up to the electrification of its portfolio over the next three years”.

Electrified tyres Go-go gadget Aston One of the three remaining James Bond Aston Martins associated with the original Goldfinger and Thunderball movies from the 1960s has been sold for $9.4 million at an auction in California. The car sold never appeared in any of the James Bond movies, but it was one of two Aston Martin DB5s bought by the Bond movie makers Eon Productions to promote the 1965 movie Thunderball. The car’s restoration, complete with functioning gadgets, was finished in 2012. The only remaining DB5 that starred in the early Bond movies last sold in 2010 for $4.75 million.

Horizons / December-January 2020

Japanese tyre manufacturer Sumitomo has devised a way to utilise the energy generated in a vehicle tyre each time a tyre deforms as it rotates along the road. Sumitomo says the energy generated from each of these tiny deformations is a type of electricity called frictional charging. By placing what it calls an “energy harvester” inside a tyre, this electricity can be converted to usable energy. Sumitomo reckons further research will lead to practical applications for this new technology as a power source for sensors used in tyre pressure monitoring systems and other automotive devices, removing the need for them to have external power sources. Who knows, this might also be an opportunity to bring back the idea of the illuminated tyre, which was introduced by Goodyear in 1961.

Get th

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DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM PERTH TO HOBART AVAILABLE | CONTACT YOUR RAC SPECIALIST TO TAILOR A TASMANIAN HOLIDAY TO SUIT YOU *Terms and conditions apply. Prices are correct as at 16 October 2019 and are subject to availability. Prices are per person, twin share and include GST. Prices are subject to fluctuation due to changes in surcharges, fees and taxes. Surcharges may apply to selected dates within the advertised travel period; Blackout dates may apply. Offers apply to new bookings only and are valid during the advertised travel dates, unless sold out prior and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Itineraries are subject to alteration and cancellation without notice. Accommodation is based on lead-in room types unless otherwise specified. Car hire rates include airport surcharges, daily registration recovery fees & administrative fees, excess reduction & unlimited km’s. +Bonuses limited to one per package; valid for new bookings only. #Bonus car upgrade is subject to availability at the time of booking and is from economy automatic to compact automatic with Budget Rent a Car. ^Bonus credit is limited to one per package and can only be used for additional tours and attractions in the TasVacations program, cannot be exchanged for cash, credit or to discount the package price. For further information and terms and conditions, please contact RAC Travel.

MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Electric motor: AC synchronous electric motor Power: 110kW Torque: 320Nm Claimed battery range: 270km Price: fr $54,490 drive away ANCAP safety rating: 

Nissan Leaf The new, all-electric Nissan Leaf has a battery range of 270km, which is about 100km more than the original Leaf. That’s a big improvement, but it had to be expectations of electric cars have moved. At $54,490 drive away, it’s about the same price as the original one when it first appeared in Australia, but you get much more in the new one. For example, this Leaf can do vehicle-to-home bi-directional charging,

Horizons / December-January 2020

meaning you could charge it at work using solar power during the day, and drive home and use it to power your house that night. It’s true that the Leaf’s price could also get you a highly satisfactory European performance hatchback, which is why the new Leaf’s interior has a very premium look and feel. At this price, an all-electric car is much more appealing when it also feels like a luxury one. Central to the Leaf’s infotainment system is an eight-inch touch screen with good resolution, which incorporates the ability to mirror your smart phone

via Apple Car Play or Android Auto, depending on your phone. The new Leaf also brings with it a range of next generation safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. The Leaf’s e-Pedal, when activated, allows the driver to control almost all the car’s acceleration and deceleration needs using one pedal. It does this by maximising the car’s regenerative braking capacity, so when you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car uses energy that would normally be lost in

conventional braking and puts it back into the battery, giving it a little charge every time the car slows down. The e-Pedal is a good idea, though it would be good to have the ability to vary the rate of the regenerative braking. While the new Nissan Leaf now has much more competition than its predecessor, it also has far more appeal, and not just with its improved range. That luxury interior, the up-todate safety gear and sharper appearance will all play a role in keeping one of the oldest EV names relevant.

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol turbo Power: 140kW @ 4700rpm Torque: 350Nm @ 1400-4000rpm Claimed fuel economy: 7.4L/100km Price: $59,257 drive away ANCAP safety rating: 

Volvo XC40 Anyone who’s been watching Volvo’s steady revival back to become a more viable contender in the premium European car market will know their SUVs are the main reason for that. The XC40, Volvo’s compact SUV which competes with the BMW X1, Audi Q2, Mercedes GLA and Jaguar E-Pace, is the latest of Volvo’s SUVs, having arrived in Australia in March 2018. Three months after its March 2018 launch, Volvo expanded the XC40 range to include a mid-spec model called the

Inscription. It fits between the base model T4 Momentum and the range-topping T5 R-Design. The most significant addition to the XC40 Inscription is allwheel drive, which isn’t available in the Momentum. The Inscription is still only available with the 2.0-litre turbo petrol, which is fine because it has 140kW and a gutsy 300Nm of torque starting from way down at 1400rpm. The XC40’s interior is elegant in both its design and the high-quality materials used, and touchpoints like the volume control and air vents have a firmness and precision that inherently

communicate high quality. Without a doubt, the large rectangular touchscreen in the centre console is the interior’s dominant feature. It looks great but scrolling through screens to adjust the ventilation or radio band, when a couple of dials or switches would suffice, can be frustrating. After our week with the XC40, this did become a faster operation, but it could be made better with physical switches which give you the feedback that they have been pressed, rather than waiting to check the changes have happened on a screen. As an owner, the screen could well

become even more seamless to operate. One other pitfall of the XC40 is its servicing costs, which are higher than many of its competitors. Buyers may want to negotiate a deal on a servicing package at the time of purchase. Accept these and the XC40 Inscription is a very convincing proposition. The Inscription brings extras such as leather seats, a beautiful crystal gear knob and bending LED headlights, all without having to stump up another $5000 for the R-Design. Plus, it’s still rare and is dripping in Scandinavian cool.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

Specifications Electric motors: Two permanent magnet electric motors Power: 297kW* Torque: 696Nm* Claimed battery range: 480km Price: fr $155,600 drive away ANCAP safety rating: 

*both motors combined

Jaguar I-Pace Let’s address the elephant in the room: the fully electric Jaguar I-Pace is expensive, striking to look at and likely to be driven by hardly any people in Western Australia at all. But here’s why it’s still relevant to you. You see, it’s cars like these that are the calling cards for the new technologies they carry. These cars need to be highly attractive, so early adopters buy them and drive them. They make important contributions to the research and development required

Horizons / December-January 2020

to make these technologies better, cheaper and more visible to the masses. They are the fashion models, parading their boundarypushing ideas and gathering support so the mainstream versions can be mass produced in a cheaper, more practical form. That boundary-pushing idea, of course, is electric cars and the notion that they can be easy to live with and don’t have to look like a science experiment. Which makes sense, because they’re now more of a social and economic experiment anyway. The I-Pace demonstrates

the appeal of electric cars in extremes. At $155,600, it’s not cheap. But neither are many other premium SUVs, such as the Porsche Macan, Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i. However, the I-Pace’s acceleration is such that the G-forces can give you a different hairdo. What makes that possible is its 90kWh battery, which powers two electric motors (one for the front wheels, one for the rears). By comparison, the battery in the Nissan Leaf is 40kWh and the one in the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq is 28kWh. The heavy battery is mounted under the floor of the I-Pace,

to keep the centre of mass down. It does a great job of that because the I-Pace feels far more planted on the road than most other SUVs. The I-Pace also carries several other non-EV features that are clever in their design and packaging. These include the climate control knob, which you lift and turn in either direction to control the fan speed or temperature. There’s also the way the I-Pace handles aerodynamics, such as the flush-fitting door handles and the hole in the bonnet that directs air up over the windscreen.

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol / electric hybrid Power: 297kW Torque: 640Nm Claimed fuel economy: 2.8L/100km Price: fr $161,200 drive away ANCAP safety rating: not rated

Range Rover Sport PHEV HSE Until recently, those who had fallen for the staggeringly handsome proportions of the Range Rover Sport and all the social connotations that it brings have had no electric-drive choices available to them within the model range. Now though, one can choose a rechargeable Range Rover Sport. This means it has a battery for forward propulsion plus a petrol engine that can kick in when the battery runs low.

On its own, the electric motor produces 105kW and 275Nm. Once the battery reserves get down to a given level, the battery and the petrol engine work together to power the vehicle and combined, they make 297kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

or dedicated electric vehicle charging station.

The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 13.1kWh, which can power you on electricity alone for about 50km. After that, the petrol engine will start to assist, and the vehicle will operate like a regular hybrid, with the petrol engine and electric motor working in concert.

The model we tested was the Range Rover Sport P400e HSE. After a full battery charge, the petrol engine would start up at around the 50km mark, which is a handy head start before the big Rangie starts drawing on its liquid fuel supply.

Recharging can be done using a common wall socket

So, if you were only travelling short distances and were charging it every night, you could be driving your Range Rover Sport hybrid with hardly any petrol consumption at all.

Sweetening the deal is that even after the battery is depleted to a state where it

canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t power the vehicle by itself, the electric motor still assists the petrol engine and together these provide perfectly adequate urge. The turbo petrol is also very quiet. In this mode, consumption went to around 10L/100km â&#x20AC;&#x201C; still good for a vehicle weighing 2.5 tonnes. There is a compromise on boot space, which has a higher floor to make room for the battery. The Range Rover Sport PHEV deserves to do well among those who want the refinement, reverence and ride quality of a Range Rover Sport but with option of almost fuel-free driving.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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MOTORING

Ask the

Car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

Win free fuel Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma location Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits. Send your questions to: The Car Doctor, Horizons GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 or email editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question. If your question is chosen for

publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

I would like to know why they are phasing out LPG in cars. Cars that run on gas don’t have to be serviced as often as petrol or diesel cars and produce less pollution, plus engines run cleaner and gas is overall cheaper even though you need more. Is gas cheaper and cleaner to produce than toxic batteries? Mr Meehan, Warnbro Among the reasons for the phasing out of LPG-powered vehicles has been the increase in the availability of affordable, highly fuel-efficient petrol and diesel vehicles. During the 1990s, LPG was growing in popularity as a vehicle fuel because large cars such the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon had large engines which were relatively thirsty. Significant savings could be had using LPG because it was roughly half the price of petrol yet, litre-for-litre, cars could be driven about 75 per cent of the distance. The withdrawal of the Federal

and State government rebates for LPG vehicles, and the addition of an excise on LPG added further costs for LPG owners. You raise an interesting point about LPG and batteries, however making a direct and credible comparison would be challenging. I recently purchased four new tyres for my Holden Captiva which are the same brand and type as originally fitted. They called it a “summer tyre”. I have not heard this term before when buying tyres. I’m assuming that there is a winter tyre or an allseason tyre. What’s the difference and which of these are most suitable for South West WA? Andrew, Bunbury The terms ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ tyres refer to the different conditions they’re designed for. Summer tyres perform better in conditions above 7 degrees Celsius, whereas winter tyres are better for conditions below this temperature. The main difference is in the types of rubber compounds used, and the tread pattern. Winter tyres are designed to remain relatively soft in cold temperatures, allowing them to better grip the road. The tread pattern of winter tyres is also designed to better handle

snowy road conditions. Even in the South West of WA, ‘summer tyres’ would usually be the recommended choice. I am old school and when I stop at a red light I put the car in neutral and apply the hand brake. I notice that almost everyone else pulls up and leaves the car in gear and puts their foot on the brake pedal as the brake lights come on. Does this eventually affect the transmission and or motor? I think that the car is under strain and uses more fuel. Bob, Beldon In a vehicle with automatic transmission, when stopping temporarily, such as while waiting at traffic lights, it is designed to be left in drive with the foot brake applied and the engine idling. In this situation, the engine and transmission are under minimal load. The transmission and engine will not be affected. In fact, it’s possible that increasing the number of times you shift between neutral and drive could increase the rate of wear on the transmission. While stationary, in drive and with the foot brake applied and your foot off the accelerator, your car uses very little fuel. In a manual car, put the car in neutral, lift your foot off the clutch and apply the footbrake.

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.

Horizons / December-January 2020

YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Don’t push the limits on country roads Reaching some of WA’s true bucket list destinations by car means tackling road conditions that can often be challenging. Here are five things to be mindful of for a safer country drive and how to handle each: n rural roads with O only one lane, you can overtake vehicles if the white line down the middle of the road is broken. Do not overtake when there is a single or double continuous white centre line.

n multi-lane roads if the O speed limit is 90km/h or more you must travel in the left lane unless overtaking. oad trains can be up to R 60m long, so you’ll need a good amount of time to overtake one. Make sure the road ahead is clear for quite a distance before attempting to overtake.

I f your vehicle begins to skid on a gravel road or loose surface, don’t hit the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and gently steer the vehicle without overcorrecting. emember, fatigue can R lower your reaction time even more, so never drive when you’re tired.

Before you go, make sure your car’s servicing is up to date and that vital safety systems have been checked. As part of any minor, major or logbook service at RAC Auto Services, we’ll perform a comprehensive safety check, plus members will save 10 per cent* off labour. To book, visit rac.com.au/ carservice For more tips on safer country driving, visit rac.com.au/ countrydriving *RAC 10 per cent member discount applies to all labour costs performed by RAC.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

WIN

a WA holiday thanks to Wizard Pharmacy and RAC Parks & Resorts For every $10 you spend in one transaction at Wizard Pharmacy until 22 December, as an RAC member you’ll get two entries in the draw to win a WA holiday escape.

1st prize Win a 10-day Coral Coast road trip for two adults, including eight nights’ accommodation at RAC Parks & Resorts, 10-day car hire, two one-way flights (Perth to Exmouth), plus a VISA gift card. Total prize valued at $7500.

2nd prize Win a three-night stay at the refurbished RAC Karri Valley Resort in a two-bedroom Forest View Chalet, one dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant, one breakfast buffet in the Lakeside Restaurant, daily activities pass valid for two adults and two children. Total prize valued at $1800.

New options at Karri Valley Caravanners and campers heading to the South West will soon have a stunning new destination to enjoy.

3rd prize Win a $500 RAC Parks & Resorts voucher plus a $200 VISA gift card. Total prize valued at $700.

Early in 2020, RAC Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton will open a new caravan and camping precinct, giving you even more choice when it comes to staying at this iconic WA destination.

Winners will be drawn on 3 January 2020.

To find out more visit rac.com.au/winwa

David Kirkland

Set among the towering karri trees of the Pemberton forest, the site will include a modern camp kitchen, a

RAC members save 5%* instore or online every day at your local Wizard Pharmacy

Horizons / December-January 2020

playground and barbeque, and accessible facilities, with Karri Valley’s revamped lodge used as the recreation room. Around 66 powered and 50 unpowered sites will be available, along with four ensuite sites. The official launch date and opening of bookings will be announced soon.

RAC members save Members save up to 20% on accommodation at RAC Karri Valley Resort. To find out more or to book visit racparksandresorts.com.au

YO U R R A C

Witnessing the full force of drug driving The impact of drivers affected by drugs was the focus of a road safety presentation for secondary students from the Eastern Goldfields College earlier this year. The SIMEX event, sponsored by RAC, featured a live simulation of a crash scene resulting from a driver under the influence of drugs. The re-enactment was attended by first responders from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, local paramedics and police along with students trained in First Aid. Students also assisted behind the scenes in staging the event. SIMEX gave students an insight into the consequences of road trauma, the enormous number of people and services involved in attending a crash and the impact on local communities.

Your holiday home on wheels If you’re keen to disconnect your kids from their devices and reconnect them to the great outdoors, caravanning is a great way to inspire a sense of adventure, while not denying them all the comforts of home. It may also inspire your kids to carry that connection with the outdoors into adulthood. A recent survey by Australia’s Caravan Industry Association found 67 per cent of caravan and other recreational vehicle owners went camping or caravanning with their parents as children. Although it’s an activity more often associated with retirees, caravanning is also popular with young families, with 45 per cent of current RV owners having children under 15 years of age, according the Caravan Industry survey. Buying a caravan or another type of RV can be a big outlay, that’s why many first-time owners choose a used vehicle, a less expensive camper trailer or may even hire a caravan or camper first to see if they’ll enjoy the experience.

The event was organised by St John Ambulance Kalgoorlie and staged at the Goldfields Art Centre. It was attended by more than 400 students in Years 10 and 11.

RAC members save Members can save 15% on all St John WA First Aid Training at participating metro and select regional locations and 15% off First Aid Kits. Conditions apply. For details, visit rac.com.au/ memberbenefits

To find out more about choosing your first caravan or camper trailer, see our introduction to caravanning on page 27.

RAC Insurance can cover your caravan or camper trailer for accidents, fire, theft and storm, and also gives you access to discounts on other travel and leisure activities. To find out more and to read the PDS, visit rac.com.au/caravan

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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December-January 2020 / Horizons

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Horizons / December-January 2020

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Install security doors & screens this Summer for peace of mind Members save

10%

• Premium Promesh stainless steel • Tough & affordable Gridlock Diamond grill • Australian standard triple locking system • Replace old flyscreens & doors

The power of membership

Call 1300 798 776 now for a professional to install your security doors/screens

Outdoor Blinds Summer Sale NOW ON !

Nu Style premium quality outdoor blinds will blockout the heat, sun & strong winds so you can enjoy your alfresco all summer. FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

1300 798 776 TODAY!

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

Stand #89, Homebase Subiaco

*T&Cs apply. Offer ends 31 January 2020. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

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R17077-R

Save 4 cents per litre at Better Choice Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership Show your RAC membership card to save.

Visit rac.com.au/betterchoice Terms and conditions apply. RAC members will receive 4 cents per litre off the pump price of fuel, diesel and LPG, maximum 120 litres per transaction. Only available for RAC WA members at participating Better Choice Fuel stations in Western Australia. To qualify, a valid RAC membership card or digital RAC membership card must be presented at time of purchase. Offer not valid in conjunction with a shopper docket or any other fuel discount unless specified including Pumacard, Motorpass, Motorcharge or any other fuel card (WEX, Country Age Pension Fuel Card). Offer valid until 4 December 2021. RAC reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this member benefit at any time.

Âť Members receive 5% off Solatube Brighten Up Skylights & Velux Roof Windows with SkylightsWA* Horizons / December-January 2020

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DBW BUILDERS PTY LTD. BUILDERS REGISTRATION NO: 101551

FULL BUILDING SERVICE OFFERED including: • • • • • •

RENOVATIONS. EXTENSIONS. SECOND STORY ADDITIONS. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FIT-OUTS. FULL ROOF REPLACEMENTS – Tiles to Tin. Commercial & Residential fit outs / refurbishments including Strata, aged care and retirement villages. DBW Builders co-ordinate all Shire and Engineer approvals including building permits. Builders home warranty insurance supplied. David 0408 814 917

dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofing Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551. Valid until 31/01/20.

» Members receive $500 off plan applications* DBW Builders_HP2019.indd 2

8/10/19 11:48 am

obility Sale - Huge savings across our range

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$600

$1,300

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up to

08 9242 7333 www.motobility.com.au 19 Pearson Way, Osborne Park » Members can save up to 20% on motorised equipment. Valid until 31/01/20.* 76

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DBW ROOFING SPECIALISTS Fully Registered Builder no: 101551

Full Colorbond Roof Replacements for Residential & Commercial properties. CONVERSION FROM CEMENT TILES TO COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

CONVERSION FROM OLD TO NEW COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

BEFORE

COMMERCIAL ROOF SHEETING REPLACEMENTS

AFTER

“Full building service offered including modifications and renovations” Roof replacements for strata & multi dwellings Builders insurance and building permits supplied Replacement of all roof sheets, fascias and vents Full roof replacements for commercial, industrial and residential No small repairs David 0408 814 917

dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofing Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551. Valid until 31/01/20.

» Members receive $1000 off full roof replacements* FP_V2.indd 1

Horizons / December-January 2020

8/10/19 11:47 am

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Ken Peachey Caravan Repairs

· Gutters and downpipes

Insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

· Roof restoration · Ridgecap re-pointing · Skylights · All general roof repairs

We will beat any quote!

· All work guaranteed · Free quotes

300mm $185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 Campbell Street Belmont WA 6104

Fully installed

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861 www.roofrenewals.com.au

360mm $210 $200 ZINC $220 $210 COLORBOND Fully installed (while stocks last) *Conditions apply valid until 31/01 /20

» Members get a free whirly bird on a full house gutter replacement*

GARAGE DOOR NEEDING ATTENTION?   New Doors   Replacements   Services   Spare Parts We install, repair, and service all makes and models of doors & motors

9303 9334 Unit 1, 5 Quantum link, Wangara WA 6065

» Members save 10% on caravan parts*

Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again. • For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment • Fast installation Valid until 31/01/20

*must show or quote your RAC member number at time of booking. Discount applies to garage doors spare parts and servicing only. Offer expires 31/01/20.

1800 239 169

» Members save 10% off door spare parts and servicing*

» Members receive $50 off any stairlift purchase*

edenrocgaragedoors.com.au

*Conditions apply valid until 31/01/20. Licensed repairer MRB1167

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION

December-January 2020 / Horizons

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Masport Classic Four RRP $699 RAC Price $620

Beefeater Signature 5 Burner Inbuilt RRP $1399 RAC Price $1199

The Masport Classic four is a Great looking compact 4 burner barbecue. It is Finished in a stylish gloss piano black with an attractive stainless steel trim.

The Beefeater Signature is the hottest barbecue on the market with each burner throwing out 19mj of heat output. Coated in vitreous enamel with a 10 year warranty makes this barbecue tough and good value for money.

The Prime 12V direct power design has it all. Better temp control, greater fuel economy and faster start-ups. Maintain more consistent grill temps and monitor multiple food temps.

Neo Kitchen RRP $6999 RAC Price $6229

Hark Texas Pro Pit RRP $1499 RAC Price $1349

The Big Green EGG Bundle Package RAC Price $100 Off of Retail Price

The Neo Kitchen is stylish in design and will compliment any backyard. Being 2.9m in length makes this Barbecue kitchen a perfect size that will fit into most alfresco areas. Fridge included but in a stainless steel finish only.

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GMG Daniel Boone Prime Smoker RRP $1699 RAC Price $1520 with 2 free bags of pellets valued at $80

The hark Texas Pro is the most popular smoker on the market. It has the same build quality of smokers twice the price which makes this smoker one of the best on the market for value for money.

Grill, Roast, Smoke. The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue and outdoor cooking product on the market, delivering better results and more flavour than all other conventional cookers combined.

CANNINGTON 1399 Albany Hwy Ph: 9458 5724 Valid until 31/01/20

WA OWNED OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-5PM SAT 9AM-4PM SUN 11AM-3PM

www.bbqbazaar.com.au

» Members receive 10% off selected items* RACJUNE18_BarbecueBazaar_HP_V3.indd 1

21/10/19 3:07 pm

Get a WATER BORE this summer! 18 METRE BORE

RAC members pay $4,000

$3,600

plus get a free tap and pressure release valve (worth $240)*

More RAC bore packaged & depths available – Ask us today!

Save

$1000’s on ongoing water bills

• Submersible bore drilled to 18 metres (ideal in most lower-lying Perth suburbs) • Tier one multi-stage stainless steel submersible pump with an industry beating P. M. Technology Italian 1hp motor • Standard electrical connection to house power • Plumbed to existing reticulation • Your stainless steel pump will be invisible, deep beneath the ground.

Call for a quote on 9246 0111

Troy 0408 454 130 David 0499 248 562 | PERTH METRO Check us out online virginbores.com.au *Subject to obligation-free site visit. Other depths & pump configurations recommended/available as required depending on your location & depth to water. Assumes electrical & reticulation connection nearby & accessible, up to 10m cable and pipe run. Cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other special offer. Valid until 31/01/20.. Must be claimed at time of quotation.

» Members save $640* Horizons / December-January 2020

R17157

Members save

10%

The power of membership

Need new tyres? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come to you

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll fit in with your plans and will come to your home or workplace within the Perth metro area. We offer a huge range of tyre brands at competitive prices.

Book online rac.com.au/tyres or call 24/7 on 1300 651 042 *10% member discount applies to tyre and fitting only. Fitment locations must be suitable for practical and safety reasons. Mobile service is available in the Perth metro area. MRB723.

Contact us The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au Member Service Centres – Metropolitan Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. West Perth (Head Office) 832 Wellington St.

Terms & conditions Car Doctor, page 57 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma Energy location Australia-wide. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January Horizons must claim their prize by 18 December 2019. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Winning Letter, page 8 Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $183. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/ January Horizons must claim their prize by 18 December 2019. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Member Service Centres – Regional Albany 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford St. Kalgoorlie 51-53 Hannan St. Travel Centres Applecross Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. tel: 6466 2300 Joondalup Lakeside Joondalup SC (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland Shop 100, Midland Gate SC, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. tel: 6150 6456 West Perth 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830

Full terms and conditions for competitions available at rac.com.au/competitions

obility Sale - Huge savings on Stairlifts Save

a minimum of

$1,500

08 9242 7333 www.motobility.com.au 19 Pearson Way, Osborne Park Horizons / December-January 2020

YO U R R A C

Ten best Tourism WA

Marine wildlife encounters

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

Sea lions Jurien Bay

The sea lions of Jurien Bay are playful, inquisitive and just love an audience. If you’d like to see them in action, tour boats can take you offshore to see and swim with them. The waters here are one of the main breeding grounds in WA for the Australian sea lion which is also one of the world’s rarest.

Dolphins

Rockingham For an underwater encounter with wild dolphins close to Perth, head to Rockingham for a guided dolphin swim. There are more than 200 bottlenose dolphins in the waters off Rockingham and its offshore islands, which you can observe while snorkelling.

Orcas

Bremer Bay Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually the world’s largest dolphin. This intelligent, social animal is also a highly efficient apex predator. You can take a tour to see the large congregations of orcas in the deep waters of the Bremer Canyon near Bremer Bay.

Whale sharks Ningaloo coast

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea and Ningaloo is the only place in Australia where you can swim with this gentle giant. Whale sharks can grow up to 18 metres long, dive to great depths and can stay in deep water for long periods of time.

Dolphins Bunbury

In Bunbury’s Koombana Bay, guided tours take you out to swim with the

ABOVE: Get up close to the penguins inside the Penguin Island Discovery Centre.

Bay’s resident dolphins. Or if you’d rather stay dry, jump on the dolphin eco-cruise where you can view them from the boat. Visitors can also get up close to the dolphins in the beachside interaction zone.

Manta rays Ningaloo coast With their wingspan measuring up to five metres, manta rays are one of the biggest creatures in the ocean. You can watch a manta ray glide gracefully through the water while snorkelling with them on a manta ray tour. The Ningaloo coast has a large population of these gentle and harmless rays.

Whale watching Augusta During the annual whale migration, Flinders Bay is one of the first stops for the whales on their way north and a great spot to see them rest and socialise. You can see playful humpbacks breaching and tail slapping, and for southern right whales the sheltered bay is a nursery while they are calving.

Penguins

Rockingham Penguin Island is home to the largest colony of little penguins on the WA coast. Inside the Penguin Island Discovery Centre, you can see them up close and learn more about them. There are also boardwalks and paths that visitors can take to explore the rest of the island.

Dolphins

Monkey Mia The dolphins of Monkey Mia have been coming into the beach to be fed for decades and have also been studied by a team of international researchers for more than 30 years. Regulated feeding sessions happen once each morning when visitors can feed the dolphins.

Humpback whale swim Ningaloo coast

On the Ningaloo coast you don’t just get to watch whales – you can swim with them as well. WA is one of only a few places in Australia and around the world where you can get into the water with these ocean giants. The tours are run out of Coral Bay and Exmouth.

December-January 2020 / Horizons

Doing more for WA and for you Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership Your membership is helping to create a better WA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from young driver education, to road safety and sustainability initiatives, and the sponsorship of the RAC Rescue helicopters. And we give back to you with discounts on RAC products and services, plus great everyday savings.

RABRJS0058

Everyday savings

Find out more at rac.com.au/power Member Benefit Terms and Conditions apply. The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Young driver education

Relax like a local with local RAC Caravan Insurance

RIANJS0097 ÂŠTourism Western Australia

Cover for your next adventure plus members save up to 20% at RAC Parks and Resorts*

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership Get a quote today at rac.com.au/caravan Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Check the PDS to see if the policy is right for you. *Member benefit terms and conditions apply. Discount various according to season. Please visit racparksandresorts.com.au for details.