Horizons February/March 2021

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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TROPICAL TREAT Escape to Christmas and Cocos Keeling islands

Seven road rules you may not know Could your car one day power your home?

Cars we loved the most in 2020

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Your RAC magazine Feb/Mar 2021

Advertising Gail Raj (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 gail@mediatonic.com.au Lauren Casalini Tel. 03 8520 6444 laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com Horizons® Published by RAC WA Cover photo Cocos Keeling Islands

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All aboard Houseboat holidays in WA

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Member lounge People, places and offers

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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.

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Contact

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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President’s message RAC’s eyes and ears on WA roads

Member feedback Your views and opinions

Snapshot News from RAC

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Road trip survival Dealing with emergency conditions

RAC’s best drives Our top picks for 2020

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Power shift Changing how we power our homes

Know the code Road rules you may not know

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Motor news Everything on wheels

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

Discover paradise Christmas & Cocos Keeling islands

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Car doctor Your questions answered

RAC Little Legends Club® Road safety puzzles for kids

The 10 best Mountain bike trails in WA

Horizons / February-March 2021

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Doing more for WA and for you That’s the power of membership Your membership is helping to create a better WA – 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.

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YO U R R A C

President’s message RAC’s eyes and ears on WA roads Given the vast amount of time they spend driving along roads, freeways and highways, attending to vehicles and assisting members, RAC’s fantastic team of Roadside Patrols play an important role in keeping RAC members moving.

They are also uniquely placed to offer insights into the issues facing WA drivers, and the opportunities to support and improve how we travel.

RAC’s 2020 Patrol Survey questions covered a range of topics such as common causes of breakdowns, WA’s road conditions and driver safety. The survey results highlighted that congestion, breaking road rules and driver frustration are areas of increasing concern.

It will come as little surprise that the growing problem of distraction is also a common theme.

Over the past two years, almost 90 per cent of Patrols have seen an increase in distracted driving. Combining this with 85 per cent of Patrols reporting an

increase in drivers becoming frustrated and breaking road rules is a timely reminder for the need to focus, and to be courteous on our roads.

The survey also reveals increasing issues around congestion and road quality, with 87 per cent of Patrols noting an increase in congestion during peak times and 42 per cent seeing a decline in the quality of WA roads.

For our Patrols servicing regional communities, the decline in road quality was higher, at 59 per cent.

When it comes to the safety of the Patrols themselves, almost 85 per cent say they have experienced a near miss while attending jobs.

This is a significant issue for RAC and the broader WA community.

We strongly welcomed the start of the Slow Down Move Over (SLOMO) law in 2018. This law requires motorists to reduce their speed to 40km/h and, if possible, move to another lane when passing stationary emergencyresponse vehicles, including RAC Patrols.

The introduction of SLOMO in WA was an important development, however the findings of this survey demonstrate the need for increased education, enforcement and care.

These survey results show there are improvements we can all make individually to ensure our roads are safer and our travel more efficient.

As you move around WA, please always remember to be patient, pay attention and drive to the road conditions.

RAC President

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC Council Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM Vice President John Driscoll Members of Council Leanne Bishop Allan Blagaich Freda Crucitti

As part of RAC’s vision for a safer, sustainable and connected WA, we will continue to highlight road safety and draw attention to the issues which contribute to the devastating number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Jill Darby

Jacqueline Ronchi

Jim Walker

Tony Evans Stephen Fox Dalton Gooding Alden Halse Brian Hanson Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley

RAC President

Horizons / February-March 2021

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YO U R R A C

Member feedback

@racwa editor@rac.com.au

Getting arty on the beach The McNaughton family decided to get a bit creative with a bucket and spade during their holiday at RAC Esperance Holiday Park.

Ultimate WA giveaway Congratulations to Rebecca Towns - the winner of our Ultimate WA Giveaway, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.

Rebecca’s photo of her family at the Bungle Bungle Range was judged our winning WA holiday shot. To keep the holiday adventures rolling, Rebecca has won a $1000 voucher for Experience Oz travel packages, a $500 RAC Parks & Resorts voucher, a $200 Puma fuel voucher and a WA national parks pass. “ I’ve always seen these competitions around and am very jealous of the winners. Thanks to RAC we’re winners too! Super stoked to win this wicked prize and feeling very grateful to be in such a beautiful state.” Rebecca

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Winning feedback

Extra servicing for cars towing a load One lesson I learned while travelling around Australia a few years ago pulling a caravan, was that some (maybe all) manufacturers advise more regular car servicing when pulling a caravan or loaded camper trailer. In my case it was with a diesel motor in a Nissan Pathfinder. The manufacturer advised servicing every 5000km while pulling a caravan or heavy load, compared to the regular 10,000km service interval. My engine had a heart attack while climbing around the Great Dividing Range in central NSW. The only solution was to get NRMA/RACWA roadside assistance to get us into Tamworth, and then buy another vehicle at significant expense thousands of kilometres from home.

Having more regular servicing while travelling with a caravan in tow would have been a lot less cost. In hindsight, I should have been more responsive to the warning in the car manual, which I had read but not put into action.

David Williamson

A member has asked us if pedestrians have any right of way when crossing a roundabout.

There is no general requirement for drivers to give way to pedestrians at roundabouts. There is also nothing in our legislation that specifically says pedestrians must give way to vehicles at roundabouts. However, drivers should pay attention to road markings and traffic signals which may impose requirements for them to give way, for example, roundabouts that have a pedestrian crossing. Also, if the roundabout is in a shared zone, then drivers must give way to pedestrians.

Pedestrians are generally advised to avoid crossing at roundabouts as a matter of safety and even when using pedestrian crossings, should only cross where it’s safe to do so.

The sailor with no trailer My son and I had launched my boat at Nairns Bertram Street boat ramp, leaving our car and trailer in the carpark. After an enjoyable three hours out on the water we returned and as we pulled into the ramp, we were shocked to see our boat trailer missing - not a good feeling. Here we were sitting in the boat on the water wondering what to do. I rang the police and reported the theft and then remembered the trailer was insured with the boat. On ringing the RAC to see if they could help, they organised a truck with a crane on the back to come and retrieve the boat and take it to my home. It was quite a sight to see the boat lifted from the water and onto old tyres on the back of the truck. The service from the RAC was great. Thanks to all the staff. Frank Tomlinson

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email 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 73. Published letters may be edited for style and length.

While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Horizons / February-March 2021

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YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

What you need to know to safely pass a road train Large road trains on regional WA roads can be up to 53m in length the equivalent of around 12 cars placed bumperto-bumper.

They are some of the longest road trains in the world and can take more than 1.5km of road to safely overtake.

If you need to overtake without an overtaking lane, only do so when you’re legally permitted to, and are travelling on a long stretch of straight road where

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you have a clear view of oncoming traffic. You should not overtake when approaching a crest or curved section of road where you can’t see a vehicle approaching from the other side.

As with overtaking any vehicle, it’s safest to overtake only where the road is sealed, in good condition and where on-road visibility is good.

Just like cars, road trains have blind spots. To ensure the driver can see you, make sure you can always see both of the road train’s side-view mirrors when following behind.

This is especially important before you overtake, as road trains can sway from side-to-side, particularly the last trailer.

When it’s safe to pass, indicate, move right and carefully overtake.

Remember, you’re not permitted to

accelerate past the posted speed limit when overtaking.

Due to their weight, road trains need a much longer stopping distance than a light vehicle, so cutting back in front without leaving a safe gap won’t allow enough space for the road train to slow down if you need to brake suddenly.

A general rule of thumb is to only move back into the left-hand lane once you can see both of the road train’s headlights in your rear-view mirror, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to overtake safely.

If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, waiting for an overtaking lane is always the safer option as you’ll need extra time to overtake. The wind turbulence from the truck or road train can also cause your caravan or trailer to sway when passing.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Can you park on part of a footpath?

No excuse for illegally using ACROD parking bays Shopping centres are one of the primary places where those with permits to use ACROD parking bays say the bays are often occupied by vehicles without permits.

Interviews conducted by the National Disability Service (NDS) of those who had used the bays illegally, found the number one justification for parking without a permit was being in a hurry and only expecting to be there for a short period.

Some also reported that they felt waiting in an ACROD bay to pick someone up was an acceptable reason to park without a permit.

With 90 per cent of permit holders having witnessed vehicles parked without legitimate permits, a car parked illegally even for a short period can result in a permit holder missing out, reducing their ability to access facilities at the site.

Those without permits should be aware that they are not permitted

to park in an ACROD bay for any period of time, and on-the-spot fines for illegally parking in an ACROD bay have increased from $300 to $500.

To increase public awareness of the proper use of these parking bays, RAC is supporting the NDS campaign ‘This Bay is Someone’s Day’.

Whether it’s a shared path, bicycle path, a separated footpath or just a footpath, the Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA) says that drivers may not stop on a path, unless stopping is permitted at that location under local law or there’s parking signage to indicate that it’s allowed.

Drivers also aren’t allowed to obstruct access to or from a path, or someone’s driveway. The exceptions are when dropping off or picking up passengers, or when the driver stops in a parking bay where permitted.

Otherwise no portion of a vehicle should be on a path or positioned in a way that obstructs access for others to the path, or across a driveway or other access way.

For more road rules (including some you may not know), turn to page 32.

A number of WA artists, many of whom have a disability, have collaborated with permit holders to create temporary artworks in ACROD bays, including at RAC. The artworks will be a colourful reminder of the need to keep the bays for permit holders only.

During the campaign, rangers and parking inspectors will also distribute warning cards to drivers parked illegally in ACROD bays.

Speed cheats finally stopped Last year, WA became the last jurisdiction in Australia to ban radar detectors, with the penalties coming into effect on 12 October 2020.

Devices capable of detecting the presence of speed measuring instruments used by WA Police are now banned, whether they’re operational or not.

Drivers caught with a radar detector fitted to or within their motor vehicle will be issued a $1200 on-the-spot infringement and seven demerit points, which, on a double demerits weekend would result in a loss of licence.

Horizons / February-March 2021

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O U R S TAT E

We’ve come a long way but not far enough

By Ruth Callaghan

Two years ago in Northam, a 20-year-old woman lost control of her car on loose gravel while passing a truck in an overtaking lane and crashed into an oncoming caravan.

Senior Constable Kristi McEvoy from Northam Police Station remembers performing CPR in tears, only to learn one of the local volunteer firefighters who had arrived at the scene was actually the victim’s father. When the young woman was taken by ambulance, it was to the hospital where the victim’s mother also worked.

She didn’t survive.

“It was one of the worst crashes I’ve experienced. It was just so horrendous,” Constable McEvoy says.

With 16 years in the force, nearly all spent in country areas, she’s seen countless lives lost from a second’s miscalculation, a lack of experience, or the insidious impact of drinking, inattention, fatigue or speed.

“When there’s a regional area and there’s a crash, it is very personal,” she says.

“People involved in the crash or attending may know each other.

They may have gone to school together. It is a very different dynamic.”

“I came home that night and I just put my kids into bed and lay there with them.”

Tackling WA’s poor road safety record

Senior Constable McEvoy knows the devastation regional road trauma has on families, communities and her colleagues.

This year marks 101 years since the first road traffic act was introduced in WA and 50 years since seatbelts became compulsory.

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Over that time, measures to improve roads, reduce speeds and protect drivers and passengers have helped to improve WA road safety.

In 1970, the very worst year for road deaths across Australia, the risk per capita of dying on the road was roughly six times that today — testament to the success of safety initiatives we often now take for granted.

And yet, it’s not enough.

The devastating impact on Western Australian families from road crashes remains unacceptably high.

Main Roads figures show that in the past five years, more than 79,000 serious crashes have occurred in the state. More than 19,000 of those have ended in injury, with over 6200 seeing someone sent to hospital.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

And, tragically, 767 have ended with at least one person dead.

“When we look at road trauma in our state, WA is continually one of the worst performers in Australia,” says Will Golsby, RAC general manager Corporate Affairs.

“If you look back at 1990, WA led the country but since around 2006 we have consistently been among the worst. We have gone from being the best in class to one of the worst.

“Now 60 per cent of road fatalities consistently occur in regional WA, despite just 20 per cent of the population living in regional areas.

“RAC has continued to raise awareness on this front with campaigns such as our Elephant in the Wheatbelt, highlighting deaths and serious injuries in Wheatbelt communities. But road trauma now remains a major concern across all regional areas.

“The plan we’re putting forward this year is our organisation’s highest community priority.”

Two life-saving initiatives As WA nears the State Election, RAC is calling for two key road safety initiatives which would not only save thousands of lives and serious injuries on our roads but also support the State Government’s focus on job-creating stimulus measures.

RAC strongly welcomes the funding already committed and is continuing to urge the Australian and WA Governments to bring forward the delivery of the entire program, making it a key investment priority for our state.

The prize in doing so is immense.

Not only would it save lives and prevent serious injuries, it would also reduce the economic impact of road trauma, which is approximately $2.4 billion a year, while creating more than 500 direct and indirect jobs annually.

The plan we’re putting forward this year is our organisation’s highest community priority “It’s a life-saving, job-creating stimulus package,” Golsby says.

“Over the life of a fully funded program, more than 2000 people will be saved from being killed or seriously injured.

It will reduce road trauma by around 60 per cent.”

The second key infrastructure initiative sought by RAC is a low-cost metropolitan intersection program to help tackle safety issues across Perth’s network of more than 50,000 intersections.

Main Roads WA spent nearly $32 million on 10 projects tackling high-risk intersections between 2012-13 and 2018-19 through the current Metropolitan Intersection Crash Program. This program remains crucial to address safety issues at major intersections requiring significant investment.

However, to help reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes across the network, RAC is calling for smarter, low-cost changes, of between $20,000 and $50,000, which can be rolled out more quickly to address common crash risks.

“This can be painting mini-roundabouts, installing raised safety platforms, or making minor geometric improvements such as tightening turning angles to slow down vehicles,” Golsby says.

“Across the board these two priority initiatives absolutely make sense.

They will save lives, create jobs, and ensure thousands of Western Australian communities do not experience the personal and economic loss of road trauma.

“We need a long-term targeted approach to road trauma in WA, these priorities need to be fully funded and it needs to happen now.”

The first is an acceleration of the State Government’s Regional Road Safety Program, announced by the State Government in February 2020.

The full $900 million program involves upgrading 17,400 kilometres of country roads with low-cost treatments such as sealed shoulders, audible edge lines and wide centre lines.

The program of works has attracted the support of Infrastructure Australia, and the Australian and WA Government have announced funding to commence delivery of the first part of the Program.

Horizons / February-March 2021

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O U R S TAT E

Life-saving priorities for the next State Government As the WA State Election looms, road trauma remains a major issue in Western Australia. RAC is calling on the next State Government to commit to three life-saving, job-creating priorities.

Regional Road Safety Program

Metropolitan intersection program

Active transport infrastructure

The challenge

The challenge

The challenge

» In just five years, more than 3200 people have been killed or seriously injured on WA’s regional roads.

» Nearly one in two crashes in Perth occur at intersections.

» Car is by far the dominant method of travel to work in WA.

» In the five years to 2019, 85 people were killed at metropolitan intersections and 2448 people were seriously injured – at an estimated economic cost of $1.42 billion.

» Many of Perth’s major centres have poor access to public transport, increasing the importance of active transport connections.

» Nearly 70 per cent of all major crashes in our regions were the result of run-off-road or head-on crashes – deaths and serious injuries that could be avoided through low-cost safety treatments.

The opportunity A Regional Road Safety Program to deliver low-cost treatments (such as sealed shoulders and audible edgelines) across 17,000km of WA’s regional road network.

According to State Government modelling this initiative would: » Save more than 2100 people from being killed or seriously injured. » Reduce regional road trauma by 60 per cent. » Create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs annually.

While the State and Australian Governments have announced funding to commence delivery of the first part of a Regional Road Safety Program, a commitment to fully fund and deliver the entire program ($900 million) over four years is urgently needed.

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» Major grade-separations and other significant infrastructure works (such as traffic signals and roundabouts) can greatly enhance safety but can be costly and have long lead times.

The opportunity A program to deliver low-cost intersection treatments across Perth to maximise the safety of all road users (total initial cost of $50 million over five years).

Such a program would allow more intersections to be remedied, more quickly, with treatments such as: » Painted mini roundabouts.

» Fear of sharing the roads with motorists is a barrier to cycling.

The opportunity A program of targeted projects to increase cycling and walking in WA (total initial cost of $80 million over two years). Such a package could include funding to: » Close gaps in the Principal Shared Path network and support the Safe Active Streets program. » Maintain and upgrade existing shared paths, particularly within 15km of the Perth CBD. » Enable local governments to deliver active transport infrastructure already in the pipeline but currently unfunded.

» Minor geometry improvements to slow speeds and reduce crossing distances. » Speed cushions and raised platforms. » Modified signal timings.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

DRIVING OUT OF DANGER Dealing with emergency conditions on a road trip

By Aleisha Orr

Our home state is a place of stunning contrasts with adventures for every type of traveller, but it is also a place of incredible extremes where destructive cyclones, floods and catastrophic bushfires can challenge even the well prepared.

For anyone travelling by road in regional and remote areas of WA, understanding the risks and being well prepared for unforeseen events is essential.

Here are six emergency scenarios that could be encountered on a road trip, how to reduce your risk, and the actions you should take if you are faced with one of them.

Bushfires With 90 per cent of WA bushfire prone, all road travellers should consider the possibility of encountering a bushfire,

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especially when travelling through a region in bushfire season.

Check fire danger ratings and be aware of any total fire bans. During a total fire ban it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire, including using tools that could cause fire.

If you’re staying in accommodation, ask your accommodation provider for their bushfire plan so you know where to go should you need to urgently leave an area.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Superintendent Country North, Paul Carr, says those in camping areas can’t afford to be complacent when they smell or see smoke nearby.

“If you’re camping and smell smoke, don’t just assume someone has a campfire going,” he says.

“Look at the direction the wind is blowing and the direction any smoke is coming from and get ready to pack up and go.

“Take only what you need and leave the area immediately. Visit emergency.wa.gov.au or tune in to local radio to check if there are road closures, or for information about the safest evacuation route if you are near a bushfire.”

February-March 2021 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

Cyclones

Floods

Becoming lost on foot

Cyclones form over the ocean, so even before a cyclone alert is put in place, a ‘cyclone watch’ will be declared.

Flooding associated with cyclones or severe storm systems can be just as dangerous as the cyclone itself. Flood waters as shallow as 30cm can sweep a four-wheel drive away.

Walking or hiking can be a great way to explore the area you’re visiting but you should be well prepared before heading off on foot.

“These are issued when a cyclone looks like it’s going to form and that can be 48 hours before the system is expected to come close to the coast,” Chief Supt Carr says “Our advice to all travellers is to leave the region immediately and travel south when the cyclone watch is put out.”

Responding at this stage will give road travellers enough time to pack up and leave the region.

Not leaving when a cyclone watch is issued puts pressure on a community’s resources, including emergency services personnel helping those who live and have properties in the community.

Evacuation centres are for the local community and there is no guarantee travellers will have a place to go when a cyclone arrives.

Once a cyclone comes closer to land, there are three levels of cyclone alerts (blue, yellow and red) that indicate how those in the affected area should respond.

If authorities have deemed a flooded area safe to cross you should look for Main Roads contractors or emergency services personnel onsite.

Never risk driving through floodwater in any other situation.

“You just don’t know what lies underneath the water,” Chief Supt Carr says.

“There could be large sections of road that are washed away or hazards such as potholes.”

Motorists should either park on higher ground and contact local authorities or head back to the closest roadhouse or town to seek assistance.

You’ll need to wait for authorities to assess the area and potentially take a detour. While this may interrupt your travels, a delay is a better outcome than the risks of entering a potentially dangerous environment.

Check at the local visitor centre for maps and get more details about the terrain, the distance and the degree of difficulty of any specific walking trails – and always remain on the track or trail.

“ If you’re walking in a hot environment, go out early in the morning and return before the heat of the day kicks in. Avoid hiking in temperatures above 30°C.” Take sufficient water when hiking and ideally take a little more than you think you’ll need in case conditions are more challenging than expected or in the event that you do lose your way.

In more remote areas where mobile phone coverage is patchy or nonexistent, a personal EPIRB is also well worth considering.

Anyone heading out for a hike should ideally go with others and check in with at least one other person before leaving and then again when they return.

Lewis Van Bommel

“Many campgrounds and caravan parks offer a service where you can let them know you’re heading off somewhere. You can check in before you leave and again when you get back.

Horizons / February-March 2021

“If you’re walking in a hot environment, go out early in the morning and return before the heat of the day kicks in.

Avoid hiking in temperatures above 30°C. If you’re out in the sun or walking in humidity, you’ll need more water and more periods of rest.”

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O U R S TAT E

James Taylor

Remote vehicle breakdowns Road trippers should also tell others where they’re travelling. “Check-in and check-out with family or friends,” Chief Supt Carr says.

“Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it could be days before someone calls authorities. If no one knows where you’re going, it can be difficult to pinpoint an area to start a search.”

The best chance of survival in the case of a remote area vehicle breakdown is to stay with your vehicle. A car is easier to spot from the air than a person walking on foot.

Although it can be difficult, it’s important not to panic in these situations.

“At some point someone will work out that you’ve not reported in.”

Having an EPIRB in a remote breakdown can greatly assist emergency services, as it provides exact GPS coordinates from the location. It sends

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a signal to a satellite which is relayed back to authorities, who contact local police to investigate.

Travellers should also keep an emergency kit in the car, including water, non-perishable food, a portable radio with batteries, prescription medications, a torch and batteries and first aid kit.

Local knowledge goes a long way Once you’ve arrived at your destination, seeking local knowledge can help you better plan your activities.

Head to the local visitor centre for maps and advice from local experts.

In bushfire season, remember to check the fire danger rating which indicates how dangerous a fire would be if one was to start given the conditions on the day.

Also tune in to local ABC radio for news bulletins and to keep up to date with weather and road conditions.

In emergency situations such as bushfires and cyclones, some community radio stations and all ABC local radio stations broadcast information about alerts.

In some regional parts of WA there is little or no mobile or internet reception, so radio can provide a lifeline in emergencies.

Stay informed emergency.wa.gov.au Emergency alerts, total fire bans and fire danger ratings. travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au Road conditions. alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au Conditions in WA parks. trailswa.com.au Details about walks/hikes.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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My life changed when I was fitted with hearing aids

I love my hearing aids and know very well that without them, my life would lack the quality I now really enjoy. For a few years I had only one aid, and I managed, but catching what was said when people weren’t directly facing me was problematic. And when they turned their back and walked out the door still talking to me, I needed to ask them to repeat what they’d said. That might mean them having to stop, either turn and face me to speak, or even to yell at me. This can be very irritating for those without hearing loss who don’t understand what it’s like. It was pretty demoralising for me too, as it’s really stressful when you want to hear but just can’t.

Like many people at that time, in my early career I was exposed to excessive noise while working in a factory with machinery banging away all day. In those days, nothing was on offer to prevent damage to hearing and that experience wouldn’t have benefitted my hearing. Sometime later I worked in a pharmacy where people would talk to me over the counter and I’d have to ask them to repeat what they’d said. Eventually I had to leave that job because it was really difficult and embarrassing to have to ask

for repeats of everything that was said.

But my hearing loss wasn’t diagnosed until following the birth of my daughter. At home, the television would be turned up beyond what my husband Blaike and daughter Kelly found comfortable, yet they were good sports and didn’t complain. I remained blissfully ignorant of this though, until I was fitted with hearing aids, and then it was I who asked for the volume to be lowered.

My life changed when I was fitted with hearing aids, and it is very difficult for me to understand why others refuse to try, in spite of really needing them. Everyone around people with hearing loss knows about it, but they seem to think they can hide it. I’d like to recommend that anyone who does have problems hearing checks it out, and does a trial of hearing aids. It can change your world. At the same time, I want to mention the fantastic kind and understanding audiologists at Brad Hutchinson Hearing who take such trouble in their approach to my hearing loss. They really are good at what they do, and the aftercare is wonderful. Annette Taylor

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Conditions apply to clients under the HSP. To find out if you’re eligible, visit hearingservices.gov.au.

MOTORING

RAC’s best drives of 2020 We road tested 65 new cars in 2020. Here are our top picks.

By Alex Forrest

Like everything else in 2020, cars had a year like no other.

Car manufacturing plants across the world slowed down or shut down completely, new car sales continued their slow down from 2019 and fuel prices hit record lows.

With fewer new cars available for purchase, fewer used cars were getting traded in, which led to reduced availability of used cars and hence an increase in their price.

For some, cancelled overseas holidays meant vehicle purchases were made instead, and some areas of the vehicle industry received a boost.

These included car makers which were able to meet demand, and the parts and servicing industry which benefitted from more Western Australians wanting to prepare their vehicles ahead of wandering out yonder.

Not all the upheaval in 2020 was a result of COVID-19 though.

Holden, for example, announced in February that the whole vehicle brand would be closed down by the end of 2020, after 72 years. Closing after a much shorter stint in Australia was Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, which also stopped selling cars here at the end of 2020.

Other manufacturers continued to launch new or heavily revised vehicles, such as Toyota’s Hilux, Fortuner and Prado. Toyota also gave us the new Yaris, which now comes as a hybrid, a hot mini-hatch called the GR Yaris and a baby SUV named the Yaris Cross.

Numerous other new hybrid vehicles entered the market, including Subaru’s Forester and XV hybrid models, and premium plug-in hybrid models including the Mercedes-Benz A250e, the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Also in 2020, Land Rover launched its keenly anticipated new Defender, Audi launched their e-tron electric SUV, and Isuzu gave us their all-new D-Max ute range. Mitsubishi fielded its updated Pajero Sport, while Mazda launched its innovative and economical new Skyactiv-X engine, which runs on petrol but burns fuel using compressionignition – a little like a diesel.

The excellent new Kia Sorento also landed late last year, and Nissan revealed the prototype for their long yearned-for 400Z sports car.

We also saw a huge improvement in the availability of the life-saving technology, autonomous emergency braking (AEB). This went from being standard equipment in 54 per cent of new cars in 2019, to being standard in 71 per cent of new cars in 2020.

So after a year like no other on our roads, here’s a selection of the best cars we tested in 2020.

Light Car TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID PRICE (drive away from) $32,650 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.2L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 1.5L petrol/electric hybrid; CVT The new Yaris brought with it a hike of almost $7000 where old and new entry level Yaris models are compared, but it did get a bevy of safety and convenience features. The new hybrid version of the Yaris is as wellsuited to city commuting as a duck is to water. It’s extremely economical (3.3L/100km in the lab-tested consumption) and runs on ULP 91. It’s quite fun to drive, has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and is also cheap to service.

Horizons / February-March 2021

23

MOTORING

Small Car

Small Car

PRICE (drive away from) $34,950 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.2L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L; six-speed auto

PRICE (drive away from) $58,430 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.5L/100km; premium unleaded 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0T; seven-speed dual clutch auto

The current Mazda3 was a tremendous improvement over its predecessor when launched in April 2019. It has one of the least intrusive engine stop-start systems in a non-hybrid, and the interior is designed to minimise driver distraction and fatigue. If you can afford the extra spend to just over $35,000 drive away for the G25 Evolve auto, go for it – it’s a better drive than the smaller engined G20.

We drove iterations of the A-Class in both 2019 and 2020, and the baby Merc continues to stand out among premium small cars. Premium fit and finish in the interior continue to stand out in the A-Class, as does the MBUX infotainment system with its crisp and clear displays and intuitive interface. The 165kW and 350Nm from the 2.0-litre turbo produces plenty of sporting flavour without shouting about it.

Large Car

Sports Car

PRICE (drive away from) $97,200 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Sedan FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.3L/100km; premium unleaded 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0T; seven-speed dual clutch auto

PRICE (drive away from) $45,900 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 8.0L/100km; premium unleaded 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0T; six-speed manual

Large cars may be a fading segment, but survivors remain in our midst, like the A6 sedan. Gone are the days when a large sedan needed a big engine – our test car had a 2.0-litre petrol. Plenty of room and safety technology in an attractive, agile and economical premium alternative to an SUV. Just be aware of the lengthy options list.

In an age when automatic transmissions rule, the appeal of the sensational but manual-only i30 N was limited to manual-friendly enthusiasts. Now though, an i30 N with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto is set to arrive in the first half of 2021. We drove the manual late in 2020 to check out some of the other recent updates, like some slight engine output increases, new seats and lights. When the DCT auto appears later this year, it’ll swell the i30 N’s fanbase, who nowadays are known as ‘N-thusiasts’.

under $35,000 MAZDA3 G20 TOURING

over $65,000 AUDI A6 40 TFSI

24

over $35,000 MERCEDES-BENZ A 250

under $60,000 HYUNDAI I30 N PERFORMANCE

February-March 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

Small SUV

AWD SUV

PRICE (drive away from) $32,680 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.5L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L; six-speed auto

PRICE (drive away from) $41,540 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 8.6L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5L petrol/electric hybrid; CVT

The CX-30 filled an important gap in the Mazda SUV range when it arrived in February 2020, sitting between the tiny CX-3 and the larger CX-5 mid-sized SUV. Essentially a higher-riding Mazda3, the CX-30’s interior exudes the same high-quality fit and finish seen in other Mazdas, along with great ergonomics, sharp handling and seamlessly functioning infotainment technologies.

Hybrid versions of the RAV4 were in high demand and low supply in 2020. Supply of battery components for the hybrid RAV4 was part of the reason, but being a neat-driving, fuel-efficient and affordable mid-sized SUV were all major factors in creating strong demand. The AWD Hybrid Cruiser is the best of the bunch, but the GXL at nearly $4000 less is also great buying.

Large SUV

AWD SUV

PRICE (drive away from) $48,369 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 5.7L/100km; diesel ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.2T; six-speed automatic

PRICE (drive away from) $145,000 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.9L/100km (diesel); diesel and petrol ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0T, six-speed manual We road tested the Q8 in early 2020, and what stood out was just how well Audi has catered for the seemingly incompatible consumer demands for tall-ish SUVs that go, stop and handle like sports cars. Beneath the surface of its raked, muscular haunches is a range of advanced safety gear and a choice of a petrol or diesel 3.0-litre V6.

under $40,000 MAZDA CX-30

$55,000 - $70,000 KIA SORENTO

Kia kicked a game-winning goal with the new Sorento when it hit the market in September 2020. The last one was already one of the best SUVs in the segment. This one gets a new eight-speed dual clutch transmission for (claimed) improved fuel economy. Ride quality is excellent, and inside, brushed aluminium finishes and USB ports abound. If the bustling world outside is too much, on the GT-Line variant there’s also a choice of calming ambient sounds including ‘Lively forest’, ‘Warm fireplace’ and Calm ocean waves’.

Horizons / February-March 2021

under $55,000 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID

$70,000-$150,000 AUDI Q8

25

MOTORING

Small Premium SUV

All-Terrain SUV

BMW X1

from $70,000–$125,000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER

PRICE (drive away from) $72,480 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.1L/100km; petrol ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L petrol; eight-speed auto

PRICE (drive away from) $80,000 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.6L/100km; diesel ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L diesel/eight speed auto

The X1 is one of the top four most popular small premium SUVs, up there with the Mercedes GLA-Class, Audi A3 and Volvo XC40. We tested the XDrive25i, meaning it was an all-wheel drive petrol. It’s roomy inside for a small SUV (for both cargo and people) and with 170kW and 350Nm, that turbo petrol is gutsy. Choose the three-cylinder diesel and you’ll save $13,850 and 1.8 litres of fuel per 100km.

At 68 years, it’s fair to say Land Rover got a good run out of the last Defender model, which ran in various guises but without a major redesign from 1948-2016. This completely new Defender is tremendously capable off road, with the major upgrades being refinement, safety and comfort levels that are now fit for the 2020s, not the 1950s. It’s also cheaper than you might expect.

4x4 Dual Cab Ute

Electric Car

MITSUBISHI TRITON

JAGUAR I-PACE

PRICE (drive away from) ANCAP SAFETY RATING BODY TYPE FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

$46,740 (GLS auto) 

Dual cab ute 8.6L/100km; diesel 2.4L diesel/six speed auto

Updates to the Triton for 2020 included a range of notable extra equipment being added to more models, including a rear differential lock on GLS and GLX+ models, Mitsubishi’s clever overhead air circulator for rear passengers in the double cab GLX+ models and keyless ignition on all GLS models. It also gets a seven-year warranty. Stretch to the GLS to also get the Super Select transmission.

26

PRICE (drive away from) $142,930 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 22 – 25.2kWh/100km ENGINE/TRANSMISSION Single-speed automatic Jaguar’s all-electric SUV received some welcome and important updates in 2020, including a new infotainment system. The old system, unlike the car itself, was notoriously slow to respond to inputs.

The upgraded I-Pace can also now charge more quickly from a home wallbox. Fully charged, the 90kWh lithium-ion battery will take you – according to Jaguar – up to 470km.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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O U R S TAT E

Plugging in Could a community battery or even your car one day be powering your home?

By Ruth Callaghan

In the path of typhoons and tsunamis, Japan is used to natural disasters playing havoc with ageing power infrastructure.

Every year, extreme storms leave hundreds of thousands of homes without power for days.

And as unlikely as it seems, one of the solutions to Japan’s devastating blackouts can now be found on WA roads — it’s the Nissan Leaf electric car, which is not only free of tailpipe

28

emissions, but can act as a mobile battery that can plug in and power buildings when the energy grid fails.

Now, when the electricity goes out, Nissan has agreements with dozens of local governments and companies in Japan to make its electric vehicles (EV) available to keep the lights and other vital services on.

The Leaf is just one example of how battery and renewable technologies are changing the way we power our lives.

Across the world, the push to decarbonise economies, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and drive the uptake of renewables is leading to governments reimagining the traditional generation, transmission and distribution of power.

And WA, with abundant wind and sun, as well as vast distances between towns, is a perfect location to test new ideas.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

Western Power

O U R S TAT E

How WA’s power grid is different Kate Ryan is executive director with Energy Policy WA, a government agency charged with planning the State’s future energy mix and network.

“Western Australian power systems are unique,” she says.

“With one large, isolated electricity grid servicing most people in the state, and many smaller grids in our regions, we can’t rely on power from other states to balance our grid.

“Matching supply to meet demand is an everyday challenge, one which has become more dynamic as solar and wind power have provided a greater share of our electricity supply.”

To understand the scale of potential change, it helps to think about the way our current networks operate.

The southern part of WA between Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie and Albany is covered by Western Power’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS) representing about 1.1 million homes and businesses.

Beyond the SWIS, Horizon Power supplies electricity to 100,000 homes and 10,000 businesses over a massive 2.3 million square kilometre area.

Horizons / February-March 2021

The SWIS has traditionally relied on fossil fuels as the main source of energy, but in recent years, wind, solar and other renewable energy sources have begun to challenge the dominance of coal and gas.

In October 2020, the combination of wind and solar for the first time generated more power in WA than coal. If renewable biomass is also counted, renewable sources beat gas generation for the first time as well.

And while some of that renewable energy is generated by large-scale wind or solar panel farms, one of the fastest growing contributions is made by small-scale distributed energy resources (DER) that are exporting power to the grid. DERs include home energy storage batteries, community batteries and of course the 2000 rooftop solar PV systems installed each month in WA.

Bringing power generation to household level Solar PV now generates as much as three Collie power stations, the largest single dispatchable generator in the network.

“So many Western Australian households have already installed solar panels to provide cleaner and cheaper

power, and we’re building the power system around them,” Kate Ryan says.

“Frameworks are being created that will allow renewables and batteries to provide the energy and services needed to keep the lights on.”

In October 2020, the combination of wind and solar for the first time generated more power in WA than coal.

But while the widespread uptake of solar is great news for carbon emissions, the electricity network wasn’t originally designed with renewables in mind.

In the middle of the day, when more than a quarter of homes are generating power, there is excess power output and limited demand. But when householders arrive home and the sun sets, demand rises just as solar power generation falls away.

The existing network was also not set up to receive as much energy back in the other direction, as is now being generated by rooftop solar.

A further issue lies in the way we charge for electricity.

29

O U R S TAT E

Changing when and now we use energy Customers who sharply reduce their network demand through rooftop solar save money, but also contribute less to the fixed costs of maintaining and upgrading the network serving their homes, leaving those without solar PV panels to shoulder a greater burden.

One initiative to address these challenges has already been implemented, with a change in the way people are rewarded for installing solar energy.

For new solar customers and those upgrading their systems, instead of a flat rate for every unit they contribute to the grid, the day rate is lower while the evening rate, when demand is greater, is higher. Running powerheavy appliances during the day is still a cheaper option than paying 28.8c/ kWh for Synergy power.

“Using power when the sun is shining makes the most of the renewable energy being produced and helps to balance supply and demand,” Ryan says.

But there’s another benefit of the new scheme – it now becomes more lucrative to collect and store unused solar power during the day, and sell it back to the network once the sun has gone down.

To do this requires batteries.

A household battery, which can cost between $7000 and $13,000, according to Western Power, can store excess solar power not used by the home.

Electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar can be stored in the Nissan LEAF.

30

Western Power is now trialling both community batteries, which save up solar power from a group of homes to smooth the export of energy to the grid, and PowerBanks, which are similar but work in both directions, allowing homes to withdraw power from the community battery when the sun goes down.

Bigger batteries are also being added to improve the stability of the system.

For households, though, the big battery development is likely to drive in on four wheels.

Using your car to power your home With the advent of cars like the Nissan Leaf, and the release of bidirectional charging systems in Australia, we are on the cusp of vehicle-to-grid charging, which will be a game changer for powering both your car and home.

Already being trialled in the ACT, customers with solar panels charge the Leaf’s 40kWh battery with solar energy during the day and then use energy to supply a home’s power needs at night.

With a car battery about four times the size of many current home batteries, it brings the future of zeroemissions living much closer.

Alex Forrest, RAC manager vehicles and fuels, believes the introduction of vehicle-to-grid charging could spur more people to invest in an electric vehicle.

Reduce electricity consumption during peak period of energy demand.

Save money on peak charges.

“The cost of batteries has continued to keep prices of EVs high, which is the hurdle many consumers continue to struggle to leap over,” Forrest says.

“If EV owners are able to utilise extra features in their vehicles such as bidirectional charging, then that would be another reason to make the move into an EV.” A parked car would have new value, as it could sell back unused solar power at peak times of the day, and just as in Japan, having a vehicle that could power a home in a natural disaster or during widespread outages could also be an incentive for WA residents, particularly in areas prone to energy interruptions.

“It would be possible to use the electricity stored in an electric vehicle’s battery for about three days in the event a household’s regular power source is cut, making it a potentially viable source of back-up energy,” Forrest says.

While the car battery would eventually need to be topped up, it could offer an option for people in areas prone to blackouts, or those with solar panels wanting to use their own solargenerated power when the sun is down.

With most household vehicles sitting used for around 95 per cent of the time, the idea of a car doing double duty as a generator is an exciting prospect.

Power your home using Nissan LEAF and still have enough energy to drive.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

L Pu ayer re ed Go in ld

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O U R S TAT E

SEVEN ROAD RULES YOU MAY NOT KNOW Most rules of the road are abundantly clear, others can generate great debates, while some are a bit of a mystery. Here are seven road rules you may be familiar with and some which may surprise you.

32

1. No cycling under the influence

2. Lock up your car or else

Tempted to jump on your bicycle to avoid driving after a few drinks? It may feel like you’re doing the right thing but cycling under the influence still puts you at risk as well as others on our roads and paths. Penalties also apply, even if you stick to cycle paths away from the road. A regulation in the Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA) which covers proper control of bicycles, states that it’s an offence to ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both to an extent where the rider is incapable of proper control. The same applies if you’re riding or even ‘driving’ a horse or any animal. And in case you’re wondering, you would be ‘driving’ a horse if you had a horse and cart.

Even if you’re feeling extra confident about walking away and leaving your parked car unlocked, the law says you must lock it up. Unless you’re getting out to pay for parking or have a person 16 years or older remain in or with your car, if you’re leaving it, you must turn off the ignition, remove the key, lock the doors and secure the windows. Legally you’re considered to be ‘leaving’ your car if you’re more than 3m away from it. And your windows are still deemed secure even if they’re open by up to 2cm. It’s also illegal for any driver to stop and leave their car without stopping the engine, applying the brake, and if the brake won’t be effective, restraining the vehicle in some other way.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

3. ‘ Tooting’ is out unless it’s a legitimate warning Using your car’s horn to say goodbye to friends or express your anger at another driver’s actions can distract other road users and may attract a fine.

According to the Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA), a vehicle’s horn or other warning device must only be used to alert other road users or animals of your approach or the position of your car. Horns and warning devices can also be used as part of an antitheft device or an alcohol interlock device (electronic breath testing unit connected to the ignition). The penalty for incorrect use of a car horn is a $50 fine.

4. Don’t get territorial when drivers overtake Some drivers just don’t react well to other vehicles overtaking and getting ahead of them, even when the overtaking driver does it safely and legally, but a little courtesy can go a long way. While it’s certainly impolite to drive in a way that prevents another vehicle from overtaking you, it’s also illegal. Except for where overtaking on the left is permitted, you must move to the left (e.g. of the lane you’re in) to give way to a vehicle trying to overtake, and you can’t increase your speed until it has completely passed.

5. Those other traffic signals you need to obey The regular traffic control signals that tell you when you must ‘stop’ and ‘go’ aren’t the only ones you need to comply with. When you’re driving on any road where there are overhead signals for each lane, such as on the new smart freeway and the Northbridge Tunnel, make sure you adhere to the speeds or other signals indicated on the signs.

Horizons / February-March 2021

If you don’t, you could be up for demerit points and cop a fine. If you see a lane with a red cross above it, do not enter the lane. If you’re already in a lane with a red cross above it, you should indicate and move out of the lane as soon as it’s safe to do so.

A white arrow will point to the lane (or lanes) that you need to move into – these give you advanced warning to help you merge or change lanes before the lane is closed or if there’s an incident ahead.

6. When public letter boxes are a no-go zone If that parking spot near the big, red Australia Post letterbox looks tempting, you better have some mail. Vehicles must not stop within 3m of a public letterbox. The exceptions are if you do have mail to post (or pick up if at a post office), if you’re dropping off or picking up passengers, or you’re stopping on a length of carriageway or in an area where you’re permitted to do so, which is indicated by a parking sign.

7. No skateboarding after dark Under regulation 206 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA) ‘A person shall not travel in or on a wheeled recreational device, motorised scooter or a wheeled toy, on a carriageway during the hours of darkness’.

Wheeled recreational devices include, but are not limited to, skateboards, unicycles and roller blades.

However, you are permitted to cross a road if you’re using the shortest, safest route and are not staying on it for longer than necessary. At any time of the day or night, you’re also not permitted to use these devices on a road with a dividing line or median strip, a one-way road with more than one marked lane, or a road with a speed limit exceeding 50km/h.

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r e v o c s i D

Cocos Keeling Islands and Christmas Island

by Fleur Bainger

Exotic islands near WA have been getting a whole lot of attention.

Here’s why the Cocos Keeling Islands and Christmas Island should be on your getaway list.

Look at any image of the Cocos Keeling Islands and your gaze will be met by blindingly white, gloriously empty beaches and crystalline water, edged by lush tropical palms. Nearby Christmas Island may be marred by its detention centre association, but it too bears beauty aplenty, be it masses of migrating red crabs, whale sharks coasting through the glass-clear ocean or coral reefs swarming with colourful fish.

For West Aussies hankering after an exotic tropical island fix, both islands really are like “going overseas without going overseas,” says Christmas Island marketing manager, Jahna Luke, who points out the region’s rich cultural mix.

ABOVE: Cocos Keeling Islands have a warm, tropical climate year-round.

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“Christmas Island’s community is predominantly of Chinese and Malay decent, whilst Cocos is home

to a Cocos Malay community, the descendants of the original copra (coconut) plantation workers. Our foods, celebrations and festivals are bright and colourful and a fabulous experience for visitors.”

Happily, both duty-free destinations are external Australian territories.

Normally the stuff of someday dreams, in 2020 demand had been so high that at the time of writing, accommodation on the Cocos was booked out until April 2021, while on Christmas Island, hire cars are as rare as hens’ teeth until the same time.

Closer to Indonesia than Australia, the Cocos Keeling Islands lie 2750km northwest of Perth (a 4.5hr flight), while Christmas Island is 2600km away (almost a 4hr flight). The two are about 900km, or a 1.5hr flight apart.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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The Cocos Keeling Islands History and culture This archipelago of 27 uninhabited islands was discovered by an East India sea merchant in 1609, but it wasn’t until 1825 that Scottish seaman, Captain John Clunies-Ross fell in love with the sandy cays on a stopover.

He returned a couple of years later with his family to rule the islands as a private fiefdom. In 1955, the islands were transferred to the Commonwealth of Australia and in 1984 were fully integrated into Australia.

These days, two of the Cocos’ islands are inhabited, West Island, a settlement of 150 mainly Australian

Horizons / February-March 2021

expats, and Home Island with around 450 Cocos Malay residents, where both Cocos Malay – an old trading language of the East Indies – and English are spoken. A short ferry ride across a lagoon links the two.

The Home Island community has evolved in geographical isolation for more than 150 years, resulting in strong family bonds and a defined culture. Traditions are on show at the Home Island Museum, along with the story of the Clunies-Ross family.

Natural wonders The Cocos, and Christmas Island are on top of an undersea range of volcanic mountains so the terrain – above and below the water – is incredible.

Deception Island is described as being like the Maldives before tourism and one of its sandy stretches, Cossies Beach, was voted Australia’s best beach by Tourism Australia in 2016.

Another island, North (Pulu) Keeling, is home to one of Australia’s most remote national parks. Keep an eye out for the quizzical red-footed boobies – fearless birds that do a comical mating dance.

There are more than 1500 species of sea creatures, including sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles.

With water temperatures ranging from 26 to 29°C, you’ll be in the water as much as out of it.

TOP: May to October is good for kitesurfing when the trade winds blow; BOTTOM: Visibility is up to 25m below the water on the Cocos and not bad above it either.

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ABOVE: Explore coral reefs, shipwrecks and abundant marine life in the crystal clear water; RIGHT: Some of the best surf breaks are on the ocean-side of West Island.

Activities

Dining

Seasons and best time to visit

The warm, waist-deep waters of Cocos Lagoon see it regarded as one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are lessons and tours available.

Choose between Western fare or Malay cuisine at the restaurants and cafes on West and Home islands.

The community pub, the Cocos Club, doubles as West Island’s cyclone shelter and is popular with the locals for its parmis and cheap beers.

From around November to April, the winds drop, making for excellent diving and beach combing. From May to October, trade winds blow, turning the Cocos into a mecca for kitesurfers, surfers and windsurfers. Given the climate is warm and tropical yearround, with 25-30°C the norm, pretty much anytime is a good time.

Divers and snorkellers are similarly spoiled: endless coral reefs, shipwreck dive sites and masses of marine life mean the view through your mask utterly pops (and not least because average visibility is 25m). BYO snorkel gear or hire it from the visitor centre.

Away from the lagoon, surfers will find the best breaks on the ocean-side of West Island. The Shack pumps hard while The Spot is best for learners and kids. You can also join a motorised canoe safari trip or hire a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.

Fishing is out of this world – think wahoo, mahi-mahi and tuna in the outer reaches, or sweetlip, cod and mullet closer in. You can throw in a line off the jetty (the visitor centre sells fishing tackle) or on an instructed tour.

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Accommodation options Almost all accommodation is on West Island, although you can stay at the original Clunies-Ross residence on Home Island, Oceania House.

Air conditioning, self-contained facilities and water views are widespread, whether you go for a fancy holiday house, a comfy cottage or a budget motel. There are also lush campgrounds; you need a permit to camp for more than seven days. Ask if your accommodation offers airport pickup, hire cars or bicycles – some do.

Getting around You can hire a car, four-wheel drive or scooter. Island hop via the local ferry, join a tour or even walk across the reef to some tiny islands at low tide.

Things to be aware of Internet speed is slower than on the Australian mainland. Sim cards can be hired from the Community and Resource Centre, otherwise there are public phones on West and Home islands.

The islands use Australian dollars and are duty free. Credit cards are widely accepted. Medical clinics provide basic health services only.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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Christmas Island History and culture On December 25, 1643, Captain William Mynors of the East Indian Company spotted and named Christmas Island. More than two centuries later, phosphate was discovered, leading to mining and exporting of the resource. Over the years, a workforce of Malay, Chinese, Cocos and Sikh people came to the island, creating a multicultural mix.

In 1958, sovereignty was transferred from the UK to Australia.

Discover the island’s history at Tai Jin House, the former District Officer’s Residence and the Chinese Museum, while keeping an eye out for temples; Buddhist, Christian, Taoist and Muslim cultures continue to exist today.

Natural wonders The annual crab migration is like nowhere else in the world. Usually each October, about 60 million red crabs scuttle from the tropical forests to the rocky coast to spawn. The event marks the beginning of the wet season, and while the swarms often dissipate by December, crabs can be seen year-

round – including enormous robber crabs, the world’s largest kleptomaniac land crab, which can span 1m wide and live for a century.

Almost two-thirds of Christmas Island is national park. See incredible birdlife including the fearless boobies – there’s the red-footed, brown and extremely rare Abbott’s booby – as well as frigatebirds and golden bosuns.

Below the waterline, there are more than 575 species of tropical fish, and whale sharks visit regularly between November and May.

BELOW: Eco-chalets overlook the beach from a cliff top on Christmas Island.

Horizons / February-March 2021

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Kirsty Faulkner

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LEFT: Millions of red crabs head from the forest to the coast to spawn during the annual crab migration; ABOVE: Swimming with whale sharks is one of the island’s many water-based activities.

Activities

Dining

Things to be aware of

At least 60 dive sites pepper the transparent waters, with some of the longest drop-offs in the world among them. Head only 20m offshore over coral then watch the underwater world fall away, with walls that descend up to 5000m deep. There are tours for diving, snorkelling, and swimming with whale sharks.

Dining options range from casual pubs to grill houses, cafes and restaurants, doing spicy Asian and western menus.

Expect meal prices to reflect the cost of importation.

Drive slowly - there are fines for running over crabs. Medical facilities are basic so take out good travel insurance.

If visiting the Kampong area, dress respectfully. Shoes should be removed before entering any house, temple or mosque on Christmas Island. The Australian dollar is the local currency.

In the rainforest, find four-wheel drive tracks and walking trails to remote beaches and clifftops. Dolly Beach is a favourite, loved for its natural spa fed by rolling surf. It’s reached via a boardwalk through palm trees and pandanus. The Grotto sea cave also captivates with its ceiling of stalactites and swimmable, turquoise pool.

The Blowholes spurt through hundreds of holes eroded through black volcanic rock pinnacles. Follow the 1km-long Territory Day Park nature trail and reach the stunning lookout over Flying Fish Cove.

By night, the local outdoor cinema screens movies every Saturday and every second Wednesday, tickets are just $5. And for golf fans there’s an 18-hole fairway.

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Accommodation options Swell Lodge is one of those lustedafter accommodations that front magazine covers. Remote, exclusive and intimate, it’s made up of only two glass-fronted eco-chalets that are shrouded in rainforest and overlook the ocean from a cliff perch. Staying here is all-inclusive of chef-prepared meals, guided tours and activities.

There’s a variety of other options, from self-contained apartments to lodges, bungalows and villas.

Seasons and best time to visit

COVID-19 travel rules At the time of writing all travellers to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOTs) of Christmas Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands are required to submit an IOT Traveller Request Form. An application to reinter WA must also be made with a Good to Go pass.

The mercury hovers at 27°C year-round.

December to April is wet season.

Getting around Hire a vehicle – a four-wheel drive is recommended – or join a tour.

To find out more about travelling to the Cocos Keeling Islands or Christmas Island, contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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Sarah Duguid

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STILL WATERS

Get on board a houseboat holiday in WA

By Julie Hosking

Alan Hill loves his work. Just as well, because when he gave retirement the flick almost seven years ago, he chose a business that runs 365 days a year.

Come rain or shine. Or stormy weather.

Wind is, in fact, the only thing likely to ‘rock the boat’ on an otherwise peaceful journey with Mandurah Houseboats. But even then, with the wonders of GPS tracking and Google Maps, Alan can guide guests into a nice, sheltered spot to moor the boat until Mother Nature resumes a gentle breeze.

“Everybody who comes here is happy, and when they come back, they’re happier.”

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Mandurah Houseboats manages a range of boats for private owners, from simple but comfortable water homes for a family of four — think two bedrooms, separate bathroom, fullyequipped kitchen, lounge and deck — to a more luxurious fitout for those seeking extras such as an outdoor spa and coffee machine.

Guests can potter around the Harvey Estuary, Peel Inlet and up the Murray River, where dolphins and waterbirds are abundant and there’s no shortage of spots to drop a line or go crabbing.

Amble 8km up the river to Ravenswood and pop in for lunch at the pub and explore the island. Or meander another 16km — you’re only travelling at about 8 knots — through farmland to Peel Zoo where you can get up close and personal with native fauna.

“You go up there and there’s nobody there at all,” Alan says. And you can do as little or as much as you like; the pace may be leisurely, but you’ll never be bored. “People love it, you can look at the water all day.”

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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Slowing down the pace Getting away from it all is one of the big attractions of a houseboat holiday.

It’s a home away from home that meanders the waterways of some of the State’s most picturesque and secluded corners, places you simply can’t reach by road.

Louise Pickett, of Houseboat Holidays in Walpole, says one of the most common refrains from returning guests is that it was the most relaxing holiday they’ve ever had.

“And it really is. When you immerse yourself in nature and you have the ability to just slow down and sit there — you just feel the tension leave you.”

Houseboat Holidays operates four boats around the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets, fed by three rivers, one of which can be partly navigated on a houseboat. The rest can be explored on the dinghy that comes with the boat.

It may only be an hour and a half’s drive from base to the furthest point in the inlet system but exploring this glorious wilderness will take days. There are 20 mooring points along the way, many of which lead to another adventure,

Horizons / February-March 2021

such as down a lush walking trail to a private beach. Or you can simply sit on the deck and watch the wildlife.

Houseboats are growing in popularity in Western Australia, from our tropical north to the magnificent South West.

Each season brings its own joy. “It’s one of those holidays where every day is different, so every day is a bit of an adventure,” Louise says. “Even in the stormiest weather, we can find you a nice sheltered spot and you can sit there with a glass of wine and a good book in a nice, warm, safe environment and just watch the world go by. And watching a storm come through the inlets is quite spectacular.”

Houseboats are growing in popularity in Western Australia, from our tropical north to the magnificent South West (make sure to book very early during school holiday periods) and draw all kinds of travellers.

“We have lots of family groups that come down, lots of extended families,” Louise says. “We have lots of couples and party groups as well. It’s the kind of holiday that anyone can do.”

Almost anyone can be a ‘skipper’ The houseboats are simple to operate and navigate around the waterways and you don’t need a special licence.

The nominated skipper just has to be over 18 — though some operators specify 21 — and have a driver’s licence. Mandatory tuition is given before you depart that covers how the boat works, where to go and what to do, as well as rules and regulations, such as ensuring the boat is moored by sunset.

Even those in possession of a skipper’s ticket must do the tuition. “They do some driving while we’re with them, but even people who haven’t been on a boat before don’t have a problem,” Alan says. “The boats are very controllable.”

Louise says they have kept the design simple to make it as easy as possible to navigate. “With the boat, you’ve basically got forward, reverse and

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your steering. You’re using reverse as your brakes,” she says. “We’ve got a mooring system set out among the inlets which are all in nice sheltered spots so people just have to go up to the mooring, pick up a loop rope out of the water with a boat hook and pop it on a bollard on the boat and they’re anchored up as safe as houses.”

Hosted houseboat adventures Adam “Maka” Mackay isn’t ready to let anyone else behind the wheel of Kimberley Dreaming, the houseboat he and his Freo-based partners took over — and gave a complete makeover — not long before COVID-19 put the brakes on the business.

“The bottom part of the Ord River, the Lake Kununurra part, is wide and really easy, but what everybody wants to do is get up the top into the gorges and then it becomes tricky, with heaps of big sticks just under the waterline.”

While Maka says they might consider allowing people to drive it on the Lake Kununurra side down the track, for now guests book a stay on Kimberley

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Dreaming in one of three locations — Lily Creek Lagoon, where Kununurra’s restaurants and bars are just a short tender or kayak ride away; Wallaby Cliffs, 20km up the Ord River on the edges of the Carr-Boyd Ranges, where wallabies keep a close watch from above; or Sandy Creek, in the upper reaches of the river, where guests are likely to spend their evenings stargazing on the deck.

Guests can also hire a tinny to explore the river from Kimberley Dreaming, bring their own boat — as many locals do — or Maka does transfers in his 7m tour boat.

Houseboat holidays are more affordable than you might think (see page 43), with longer stays more economical, especially if they’re split between friends or family.

However, there is one deluxe 24-hour houseboat adventure in the Kimberley that, if you have the cash to splash, is a truly unforgettable experience. On an overnight trip to the world-renowned Horizontal Falls you’ll have not so much a houseboat holiday as a holiday with a houseboat. Horizontal Falls Seaplane

Adventures who run the tour say this is the only way to experience the incoming and outgoing tides.

The trip from Derby includes a seaplane flight over tidal plains, rugged ranges and the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, thrill-seeking rides through the falls, a fishing charter, and an overnight stay in an air-conditioned ensuite cabin on the rather schmick houseboat nestled on beautiful Talbot Bay (it’s won several awards for unique accommodation).

Sip a wine as the resident chef whips up a meal from fresh local produce and count your lucky stars — there’s an entire galaxy to be seen from the deck.

If this all sounds rather magical, it seems houseboats do cast a spell.

“It’s an unforgettable experience,” Alan says. “For a lot of people, it’s on their bucket list. They say, ‘We’ve got to do it before we get too old’. Then they do it and say, ‘We should have done this sooner’.”

February-March 2021 / Horizons

Sarah Duguid

Base Imagery

Tourism Western Australia

T R AV E L

Houseboat operators Mandurah Houseboats

Houseboat Holidays

Where: Mandurah, Peel Inlet, Murray River.

Where: Walpole.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

When: Year-round.

When: September through July.

Where: Derby - Horizontal Falls (return).

Boats: A range of boats from 4 to 10 berth, minimum three-day hire, BYO food, drink and linen (can be hired on request).

Boats: Four berth, six berth and 10 berth boats; minimum three-night hire; 24hr support; no pets; fuel extra (about $150 for three days).

When: May to November.

Highlights: With a playground double the size of Sydney Harbour, there’s no shortage of spots to fish, crab, swim or watch wildlife.

And you can nip into town for a bite to eat on the days you don’t feel like cooking.

Book: From about $1200 for three days; houseboatsmandurah.com.au, 9535 9898.

Kimberley Houseboats

Highlights: Just a short distance out of Walpole but a million miles from the stresses of everyday life. Oh, and did we mention dolphins?

Book: From $1080 for three nights in low season, houseboatholiday.com.au, 9840 1310.

Where: Kununurra, Ord River.

Blackwood River Houseboats

When: May to October (dry season) is best, though the locals have been booking up weekends in the off season.

When: Year-round.

Boat: Kimberley Dreaming, ideal for two couples but licenced to sleep six.

Everything but food and drink is provided, including two double-size kayaks.

Highlights: Overnight on a luxury houseboat after a day of adventure in one of the most spectacular corners of the world? Need we say more.

Book: From $1590 per adult (double), horizontalfallsadventures.com.au, 9192 1172.

Where: Augusta, Blackwood River.

Boats: Two berth to six-berth boats; include dinghy and extras such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; linen provided; no pets.

Highlights: The wide-open spaces, the startling night sky, the seclusion, the undeniable magic of the Kimberley.

Highlights: The perfect place to unwind and watch the wildlife, the Blackwood River also offers plenty for the more adventurous, including fishing and kayaking.

Book: From $1200 per night or $2500 per week, kimberleyhouseboats.com, 0409 456 643.

Book: From $1129 for three nights, blackwoodriverhouseboats.com.au, 0439 959 638.

Horizons / February-March 2021

Boat: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures houseboat on Talbot Bay.

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MOTORING

Motor news

By Alex Forrest

The latest news from the motoring world

Busy Nissan Nissan had a rather busy 2020, and it seems to be gearing up for a flurry of new models in the coming years. In fact, Nissan plans to have 12 new models rolled out in a year from now. In 2020, there was the Australian launch of the new Juke small SUV and the release of several revised versions of their Qashqai, Pathfinder and Navara models. Nissan also made its 500,000th Leaf electric vehicle in 2020. On the world stage last year, Nissan unveiled the Ariya, which is the company’s first fully electric SUV. Also in 2020, Nissan showed a prototype of the new 400Z, indicating how the production car will look. That wasn’t before time – the existing Z car, the 370Z, is a 12-year-old design. However, it could be quite some time before the production 400Z arrives.

Terry McGrath Collection

E-Type at 60 This year marks the 60th anniversary of the launch of that automotive performance and design icon, the Jaguar E-Type.

Originally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the E-Type was an instant sensation thanks to its glamorous styling, strong performance and relatively low price. The first E-Type to arrive in WA was in Perth by early January 1962 and shortly after was displayed at the Perth Motor Show, held at the Perth Zoo. Soon after, that car went to its first owner in Adelaide. Another E-Type to make an early entrance to WA was bought new by Wagin enthusiast Harley Pederick. He drove that car to win the 1964 Caversham Six Hour race. This E-Type contested many races and remains in Perth today. The green car pictured is one of the two E-Types revealed at Geneva in 1961, while the other is the Pederick E-Type at Caversham in 1964.

BMW 2 Gran Coupe 3-star Gladiator The Jeep Gladiator has received a poor 3-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Among the safety problems reported by ANCAP was that in crash testing, the Gladiator offered weak protection for the driver’s chest, and structures in the dashboard were a potential source of injury for both the driver and passenger. Protection of the upper legs was rated as marginal. These results were based on the crash test of the Jeep Wrangler, on which the Gladiator is based. More than 90 per cent of all new cars sold in Australia are 5- or 4-star rated. RAC is urging consumers to ensure they prioritise vehicle safety when buying a new car.

Horizons / February-March 2021

There’s been a wide variety of BMW models that can be called 2 Series. This is the most recent, and it continues the tradition of being very different from the one before it.

In recent years, we’ve had the 2 Series small people mover, and the 2 Series rear drive coupe. Now, there’s the 2 Gran Coupe range, which consists of the 218i, the 220i and the M235i XDrive. In size, it slots in between the 1 Series and the 3 Series, and uses the same front-wheel drive platform as the current Mini models. Think of it as a 1 Series sedan.

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MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol turbo; 13.5kWh battery and electric motor Power: 245kW @ 5500rpm (petrol/electric combined) Torque: 700Nm (petrol/electric combined) Claimed fuel economy 2.1L/100km (battery charged) Price: fr $94,000 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Mercedes C 300 e

powering an electric motor, together with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Rarely does one see an economical sedan with the ability to produce the same engine outputs as some of the most highperformance vehicles available in the market.

Combined, the two power sources in the C 300 e produce up to 700Nm of torque, which is the same amount you get in the $182,000 AMG C 63 S.

But the Mercedes-Benz C 300 e plug-in hybrid is one of those cars.

It uses very little petrol but can also push you back in your seat with the same gusto as some of the MercedesBenz sports models.

It does this by using a 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery

46

That said, the C 300 e isn’t cheap either, at $94,000 drive away.

Without a doubt, the C 63 S is a very different vehicle with a far sharper focus on performance and handling, but it’s also highly unusual that a seemingly restrained sedan can match the output of one of the brand’s ‘hero’

cars, and do it using much less fuel.

It’s precisely these aspects of the C 300 e’s abilities that many potential owners will find attractive.

Fully charged, the C 300 e’s battery allows it to be driven about 50km on electricity alone. So, depending on how far you drive, it’ll need to be charged every one or two days in order to fully access the fuel economy advantages of its plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

We used a regular 10-amp power point to charge the battery from flat to full overnight.

If the battery becomes depleted below 14 per cent, the petrol engine will take over more of the propulsion duties, while also putting charge into the battery so it can provide some assistance. But you’ll use a fair amount more fuel.

The battery does intrude on boot space – the C 300 e’s boot is 300 litres, but the non-hybrid C 300’s boot is 455 litres.

The C 300 e is a vivid demonstration of how astounding performance, refinement and excellent fuel economy could be achieved across a far wider range of new cars soon – not just in luxury models like this.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel (tested) Power: 136kW @ 4000rpm Torque: 400Nm @ 17502750rpm Claimed fuel economy 6.4L/100km (diesel auto) Price: $50,290 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Kia Sportage As a top ten seller in one of the top five most popular new car categories, the Kia Sportage is already on a lot of shopping lists.

Its last major update was two years ago, but it still offers good value on numerous fronts including the level of safety equipment offered.

Not only that, the Sportage comes with a seven-year warranty, which is the best standard warranty in the industry. There are no obligations associated with this, such as needing to have the car serviced at the dealer,

Horizons / February-March 2021

as is a requirement with Mitsubishi to access their extended 10-year warranty.

Even on the entry level Sportage S models, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with forward collision warning and lane keeping assist are standard equipment. Driver attention alert and even an autodimming interior mirror are also standard.

All this in a mid-sized SUV which has the enticing price of $30,790 drive away, combined with cheap annual servicing, makes the ownership proposition compelling.

Spending this amount will get you in at the first level, but we’d recommend considering the benefits of spending a little more to get a diesel Sportage, given it’s generally a more economical and sprightlier drive than the petrol.

Entry level variants of the Sportage get a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, while the range-topping GTLine petrol is a 2.4-litre unit.

The diesel is a turbocharged 2.0-litre.

The big advantage of the diesel is that it can produce its maximum torque from low in the rev range (1750rpm in the Sportage’s case), unlike the 2.0-litre petrol, which must rev

all the way up to 4000rpm or more to reach its peak torque.

On the road, it means the diesel Sportage can get up and bust a move a lot more readily and efficiently – especially with the new eight-speed auto.

The Sportage’s interior is wellfinished and refined given the price range, with a low level of engine noise intrusion into the cabin and even in the solid way the doors close.

Though the current Sportage has been around longer than many other mid-sized SUVs, it remains a competitive option and one definitely worth keeping on the radar.

47

Specifications Engine: 1.0-litre petrol turbo Power: 84kW @ 5250rpm Torque: 180Nm @ 2400rpm Claimed fuel economy 5.8L/100km Price: fr $30,490 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Nissan Juke Nissan is hoping the styling changes to the new Juke small SUV will make it appeal to more people, but will it also lose appeal to those who loved the old one?

Only time will tell.

Under the skin, the Juke now has a new 1.0-litre, threecylinder turbocharged petrol engine that’s connected to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

It’s a more economical and very different engine compared to the fourcylinder turbocharged unit in the previous Juke, with

48

the latter more focused on performance than economy.

However, potential buyers of the new Juke should consider that while economical, this three-cylinder engine does require premium 95 RON unleaded petrol, which costs around 15 cents per litre more than 91 RON petrol.

The dual clutch gearbox does contribute to the improved fuel economy of the new Juke, however drivers will need to adjust their driving style to get the most out of it.

This would include the need to allow the transmission a little more time to shift between gears at parking

speeds, and to be aware of slight surging as power is engaged and disengaged.

This new Juke is also bigger overall than its predecessor, and it also gets extra gear such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phonemirroring capability.

Significantly, all model grades of the new Juke come with forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (AEB), as well as lane departure warning and lane keeping. The latter uses the brakes to gently steer the car back into its lane.

All of this has contributed to a 5-star ANCAP safety

rating for the Juke, which was an important achievement in 2020 given the strict testing protocols in place.

Like many other small SUVs today, the Juke is now only available in front-wheel drive, and only with the sevenspeed dual clutch auto. No manual option is available now. For most buyers, these changes won’t be a problem.

Sure, the new Nissan Juke has gone a little more mainstream, but it’s still by no means reserved and now comes with more safety equipment in a more usefulsized package, including a well thought-through interior.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.8-litre turbo diesel Power: 150kW @ 3400rpm Torque: 500Nm @ 16002800rpm Claimed fuel economy 8.1L/100km (SR5 auto) Price: fr $58,496 drive away (SR 4WD auto) ANCAP safety rating 

Toyota Hilux In 2020, the Toyota Hilux received its first major update since this current generation model was launched in 2015.

Most importantly for many customers, the Hilux received upgrades to its engine’s power and torque, as well as its suspension and steering systems.

Specifically, Toyota has taken the Hilux’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel power outputs from 130kW to 150kW, and torque has gone from 450Nm to 500Nm. Changes to the suspension tuning have been made with the aim of improving ride

Horizons / February-March 2021

quality, especially when there is no load in the back.

The Hilux’s braked towing capacity has also gone up from 3200kg to 3500kg for 4x4 models, which brings it into line with most other utes in the market.

Unlike the electric power steering systems in the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger, the Hilux uses a hydraulic system which is well-weighted and has good feel for a 4x4 ute.

On-road handling is good, and the Hilux is more nimble than several of its contemporaries, making it more attractive as a daily on-road driver in between weekend adventures.

The Hilux’s interior was already refined and well thought-out when this generation of Hilux was launched in 2015, but important improvements have been made.

These include a larger 8-inch display screen (it was a 6 or 7-inch screen before), and control knobs replacing the touch screen operation for audio functions like volume and tuning. The latter means drivers’ eyes are away from the road for much less time.

For a diesel ute, the interior is quiet enough at highway speeds, but we do wonder how much quieter it’d be if

engine revs could be lowered by a seven or eight-speed transmission instead of the six-speeder it currently has.

Hilux models built from early 2015 to mid-2018 have had problems with their diesel particulate filters (DPF), however Toyota has said these issues are now in the past.

On test, we noticed the Hilux did undergo a DPF regeneration cycle, which is where soot collected in the filter is burned off at high temperature, creating lower exhaust emissions than if the diesel exhaust had been released directly into the atmosphere.

49

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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 editor@rac.com.au or post to The Car Doctor, Horizons GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 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 73 for terms and conditions of entry.

It appears an increasing trend by vehicle manufacturers is to adopt the auto transmission CVT (continuously variable transmission) over the traditional automatic. Many reviews for CVT vehicles are available online, but confusion reigns with the differing opinions. Can you kindly enlighten and assist me to make an informed decision prior to purchasing a vehicle with CVT? Geoff, Hillarys Generally speaking, we’d recommend considering a late model CVT vehicle, but one whose CVT transmission has been in service for several years. This will help you establish an informed understanding of the reliability of the CVT in the vehicle you’re considering. Purchasing a brand-new model soon after it enters the market for the first time can sometimes bring issues for owners if the vehicle has any reliability problems

which have not been fully addressed, including transmissions. After you’ve eliminated any potentially unreliable vehicles, the other important aspect to making the best choice for your own preferences and expected usage is to try a number of different vehicles before you begin the price negotiations.

If you have had previous indications that your vehicle’s battery is low, there’s a chance it may need replacing, especially if you have not renewed the battery in more than three years. RAC Batteries will be able to check your Territory’s existing battery and replace it if required, in your driveway.

I have a 2009 TX Ford Territory which has a fault in that at times the P R N D flash (not all at once) when starting.

When this happens, the car can be driven but the speedo does not work (rev. counter does) and it has no power.

It is mainly, but not always, when the battery is low. To rectify this, I turn off the engine and restart and all is okay.

I took the car to the local Ford dealer and after their analysis, was told there was nothing wrong. Can you help?

Lloyd, Bateman

Why do my headlights become like a cloudy milky dim white? Even after washing them and trying to clean them, they won’t go back to clear white.

Gabriella, Bennett Springs

This sounds like your Territory is going into ‘limp mode’, which is a mode of operation where the vehicle automatically limits its operation and performance when there is a malfunction in order to limit damage.

Cloudy headlight lenses is a symptom of age, where the plastic becomes damaged by the sun, and possibly road grime, over the years. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be rectified simply by washing the headlights, and instead they will need more specialised attention. There are businesses in WA which specialise in this kind of work, while a more affordable alternative is to purchase a headlight restoration kit from an auto parts store and do the work yourself.

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 / February-March 2021

51

YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Put your pet in the spotlight RAC’s Pet Search is back for 2021 Last year, more than 4000 West Aussie dogs and cats posed, pouted and worked it for the camera for the chance to be crowned the winners of RAC’s 2020 Pet Search.

Pet Search is on from 1 February to 3 March, so get snapping.

Raffie the pup’s sunset beach shot and a pic of Simba the cat caught in the middle of a cute cat nap, won our judges over.

Each week we’ll be selecting the best pet photo and giving away a $500 Visa Gift Card. Then on 3 March we’ll announce our overall dog and cat winners for 2021, whose owners will receive $1500 cash and a $500 voucher to stay at any of the nine RAC Parks & Resorts across WA.

This year, it’s your turn to show off your pet’s pawsonality. RAC’s 2021

We’re looking for a shot that best captures your furry friend. Make

52

sure it’s well lit, preferably with natural lighting and that your pet’s adorable face is clear to see. And remember the best shots are captured when your pet is in their natural environment, doing something they love or just something that makes you smile.

How to enter Visit rac.com.au/petsearch2021 and upload your pet’s perfect pic.

If you need some inspiration, check out the #racwapets hashtag on Instagram or visit rac.com.au/petpics

February-March 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

The blockbusters continue at Telethon Community Cinemas Until April, RAC members can enjoy a special discount on the full film program at Telethon Community Cinemas.

Discounted tickets are available for all four outdoor cinema locations across the Perth metropolitan area, at Burswood, Bassendean, Murdoch University and ECU Joondalup Pines.

Members get discounts on adult tickets, family bundles, and food and beverage vouchers.

Along with enjoying a line-up of fabulous films under the stars, you’ll also be supporting WA kids experiencing a health or physical ability crisis, with 100 per cent of profits going to a number of children’s charities, including

Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, HorsePower and Telethon.

Entering their 20th season, the cinemas have raised more than $9.6 million for children’s charities in WA. To redeem your member discount, simply book your tickets online at communitycinemas.com.au and enter your RAC membership number at the point of purchase.

For more details about the member offer, visit rac.com.au/cinemas.

To ensure the health and safety of cinema patrons and staff, Telethon Community Cinemas have implemented a COVID-19 policy in line with current government health advice.

Working from home securely As working from home becomes the new norm, we’ve become more aware of cybersecurity risks and how to manage them, but have you considered how secure your physical environment is?

Many people feel that because they’re at home, they don’t need to be as vigilant with their home security. But a home security system isn’t just there to watch your things. Its most important role is to protect the people that live within your home.

We asked Nick Rossi, sales and service manager for RAC Security, what he’d recommend for those of us now spending more time at home.

“It’s important to maintain the same approach to security that you would take if you were heading out to the office. If you have a home office, you could lock the office door when you’ve finished for the day. Remember

Horizons / February-March 2021

that devices such as phones and laptops can be stolen from anywhere in the home, or even the backyard, so if you’re changing locations or going inside for lunch make sure your devices are still secure.

“I’d always encourage members to lock their doors and windows.

In summer, it’s tempting to leave them open but consider a lockable security screen to safely capture those breezes.

“And if you’re getting online shopping deliveries, make sure you don’t open the door until you’ve checked who’s there or ask them to leave it at the door. Security cameras can help here and can play a big role in giving you visibility of who’s around your home.”

If you’d like to review your home security, give RAC Security a call on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security

Common mistakes made when changing a tyre Changing a tyre has become a bit of a lost art. Having found themselves stranded with a flat, some drivers will roll up their sleeves and give it a go.

Many do a perfect job, but for others, things don’t exactly go to plan.

Here are some of the most common issues RAC patrols come across when members call for assistance while changing a tyre: sing incorrect jacking points.

U Being unable to locate the necessary tools - possibly because they were missing when the car was purchased. Most often the locking wheel nut key is missing.

Having an unsuitable spare tyre.

Often the tread is too worn or deteriorated due to age.

Wheel nuts and studs can’t be loosened due to overtightening at the last workshop visit. This can sometimes cause irreversible damage to the threads.

Alloy wheel rims that have not been removed for some time and have secured themselves to the hub firmly with corrosion.

Aftermarket alloy wheels fitted to the car requiring different wheel nuts that are not suited to the standard spare wheel so it can’t be used.

When buying a used car, make sure it has a suitable spare wheel in good condition with the correct air pressure. Also check that it has a suitable jack and tool kit.

It’s always inconvenient to change a tyre but it’s especially disappointing to ruin your holiday waiting for a tow truck because your spare can’t be used.

When you do need help, call Roadside Assistance on 13 11 11. And to have a damaged tyre replaced, contact RAC Tyres on 1300 651 042 or visit rac.com.au/tyres

53

YO U R R A C

Back to school road safety puzzles To help your kids learn more about road safety around school, put them to work on these puzzles.

RAC Little Legends Club® is a free and fun road safety program for kids. When they join the club, they get their own membership card with access to RAC’s great benefits and discounts.

For more fun activities and to join RAC Little Legends Club® for free, visit rac.com.au/puzzles

Zebra crossword 1.

2.

Flutter’s tip for pedestrian safety Always wait for the green figure to light up, don’t cross when the figure is red or flashing!

3.

4.

5.

Fill in the blanks to find the answers to the puzzle. Make sure you write the answers left to right across the zebra crossing.

1. T _ _ F F _ _ lights are signals to help direct cars and pedestrians.

2. I walk on the F _ O _ _ _ T _ .

3. I am L _ O _ _ N _ with my eyes at all times.

4. I need to pay A _ T _ _ _ I _ _ to cars when near roads.

5. I can cross the road at the zebra C _ _ S S _ _ _.

54

February-March 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Match the safety icons

Can you match the safety icons to their matching scene?

Safety icons

Scene

WIN a $5000 family holiday Take your little legends on a holiday adventure with a $5000 travel voucher, thanks to RAC Little Legends Club®.

For your chance to win, just sign up to our free kid’s road safety program RAC Little Legends Club® before 31 March 2021. Already a member?

That’s cool, you can sign up too.

Our winner will get a $5000 voucher from RAC Travel to design a holiday perfectly suited to their family.

To enter Complete the entry form at rac.com.au/familytrip See page 73 for terms and conditions.

I spy

Help Jack find the five safety-related icons below.

Stop sign Look Listen Traffic light Seatbelt

Horizons / February-March 2021

55

On Wings of Beauty

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Finely hand-crafted, our exclusive design offers a classic drop oval style lavished with gleaming 18-carat gold for a look that is simply timeless.

Each oval is richly embellished with dozens of hand-set Swarovski crystals. Even the heart-shaped post which suspends each oval is Swarovski-accented for a touch of pure luxury. Carefully embraced in each oval, a pair of Superb Fairy Wrens brings joy to the design. Their unmistakable plumage is formed by 18-carat gold and lush tones of sapphire-blue enamel, along with selectively-placed Swarovski crystals that sends your style aloft on jewelled wings!

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1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/fairywren quoting promotion code: 116687 2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford Exchange, Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta NSW 2124 3. PHONE: (02) 9841 3311

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Please allow between 2-10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q

Make the most of the great everyday savings you get as an RAC member. Whether it’s discounts on travel, fuel, gas for your home, pharmacy, groceries, entertainment, dining or RAC products and services – RAC members save every day.

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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RAC members receive a 10% discount on all general admission prices, unlimited entry passes, café purchases, gift shops, Adventure programs and special events.

Find out more rac.com.au/aqwa Terms and conditions apply. Available to all RAC Members when a valid RAC membership card is displayed in-store or used online. No additional discount on external discount offers and discount not available for group bookings.

Explore more of WA for less That’s the power of membership RAC members save 50%* off selected park passes available from the RAC online shop.

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Bring your eScript into the friendly team at your local Wizard Pharmacy or order in the Wizard App, and we can deliver to your door.

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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Your fur baby needs to be protected too Keep your pet safe, with our Pet First Aid Kit. This compact kit is easily accessible and perfect for when you’re on the go.*

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Horizons

Do you hear conversations but can’t understand the words?

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Not sure if you require a hearing aid or which one is right for you? Want to know how they look and feel? Why not request an appointment for a FREE hearing test and hearing aid consultation with an in-clinic demonstration? You will instantly be able to hear clearly. If appropriate, our hearing aid specialist can offer you a home hearing aid trial.

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February-March 2021 / Horizons

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FREE fabric protection and FREE delivery on new chair purchases for RAC members Pop into one of our showrooms and test out the chairs for yourself valid until 31/03/21

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19 Pearson Way, Osborne Park (08) 9242 7333

2/17 Gordon Road, Mandurah (08) 9479 3232

» Members receive free fabric protection and free delivery on new chair purchases 68

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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CONVERSION FROM CEMENT TILES TO COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

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dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofing Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551. Valid until 31/03/21.

» Members receive $1000 off full roof replacements* FP_2021.indd 1

Horizons / February-March 2021

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Show your RAC member card

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Hidden Hidden Hidden

WATER BORES WATER BORES WATER BORES

Save Sa S S a a vvee00 $10 ’sve

$go’s $$10 10 10 on0 0on0 0 ’sing00’s on on onon ongoing wat on go go er in in bi gglls water bills w wat ater erbi bills lls

• Submersible bore drilled 18 METRE BORE to 18 metres (ideal mostdrilled • bore Submersible Submersible boredrilled drilledinbore 18 METRE BORE•• Submersible 18 18METRE METRE BORE BORE RAC members

Perth suburbs) 18 metres to to18 18lower-lying metres metresto (ideal (ideal in inmost most(ideal in most

RAC members RAC RAC members members pay $4,000 lower-lying Perth suburbs) lower-lying lower-lying Perth Perth suburbs) suburbs) • Tier one multi-stage stainless steel pay $4,000•• Tier pay pay$4,000 $4,000 22 • Tier onesubmersible multi-stage Tierone one multi-stage multi-stage

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pump with an industry stainless steel submersible stainless stainless steel steel submersible submersible beating P. M. Technology pump with an industry pump pump with withan an industry industry

plus get a free tap and beating Italian motor beating P. M. Technology beating P. P.M. M.1hp Technology Technology release plus get avalve free tap Italian and plus pluspressure get getaafree free tap tap and and Italian 1hp motor Italian 1hp 1hpmotor motor • Standard electrical (worth $240)* pressure release•valve pressure pressure release release valve valve connection to house power • Standard electrical single phase • Standard Standard electrical electrical (worth $240)* (worth (worth$240)* $240)* connection to house power connection connection to tohouse house power power • Plumbed to existing

More RAC bore reticulation • existing Plumbed •• Plumbed Plumbed to to existing to existing More More More RAC RAC bore bore packaged &RAC bore reticulation reticulation reticulation • Your stainless steel pump packaged & packaged packaged & & depths available be •invisible, deep steel pump Your stainless •• Your Yourwill stainless stainless steel steel pump pump depths available depths depths available available beneath the deep ground.

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*Subject to obligation-free site visit. Other depths & pump configurations recommended/available as required depending on your location & depth to water. electrical & reticulation connection nearby &as accessible, up to 10m cable and *Subject to obligation-free site visit.

Other Assumes depths & pump configurations recommended/available required depending run.

Cannot be claimed in conjunction withconnection any other configurations special Valid 31/03/20.. on your location &pipe depth to water.

Assumes electrical &configurations reticulation nearby offer. & accessible, up to 10m cable *Subject to obligation-free site visit.

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» Members receive 10% off 70

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Horizons

rreeree e o f e oo r for B BBeBfeef fo Be

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Better Spaces Better Spaces Better Spaces Better Spaces Better Spaces Better Lives Lives Better ore Lives e Better Better Lives

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ef Spring has efor BSpring B Enjoy daylight Springhas has Spring EnjoySpring Springdaylight daylight Enjoy sprung!Spring has Enjoy Spring daylight Spring has sprung! inside your home Better Spaces sprung! with a sprung!

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Discount applies to garage doors spare parts and servicing only. Offer expires 30/09/20.

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Having Difficulty on the Stairs?

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» Members save 10% on caravan parts* 72

February-March 2021 / Horizons

Terms & conditions RAC WA Little Legends Club Family Holiday Promotion, page 52 The competition begins on 4th January 2021 at 09.00 and ends on 31st March 2021 at 17:00 (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to 1 entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: $5000 RAC Travel voucher to be redeemed at any of the 6 RAC Travel & Cruise centres for new travel bookings worth $5000 or more. Voucher is subject to terms and conditions of use and is valid for redemption 24 months from date of issue. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 7th April 2021 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 14 April 2021. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised.

Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s Privacy and Security Statement and Group Privacy Policy.

Car Doctor, page 51 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 in one transaction 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 February/March 2021 Horizons must claim their prize by 17 March 2021.

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 and security statement and group privacy policy.

Winning Letter, page 9 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 February/March 2021 Horizons must claim their prize by 17 March 2021. 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 and security statement and group privacy policy.

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. 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 Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive. tel: 9308 1600 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

NUNGARIN

Come for the day...

Stay for the weekend.

Vintage Rally & WHEN

Saturday 27 February 2021

WHERE Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum 26 Second Avenue Nungarin

1

Vintage: Cars; trucks; tractors; army tanks; military vehicles, uniforms, photography and so much more After Dark: See what 800,000 candela looks like when we rev up the WWII Anti-aircraft Searchlight Eats: Nungarin Heritage Museum; Woolshed Hotel; McCorry’s Old Hotel; Wegner’s Rural

1000 to 2200

Stays: Woolshed Hotel; McCorry’s Old Hotel

ENTRY

$10 (children under 16 free) includes Searchlight Party

Caravans: Nungarin Caravan Park; McCorry’s Old Hotel; Mangowine Homestead

(08) 9046 5040

@nungarinmuseum

WWII Anti-aircraft Searchlight Party

FROM

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Horizons 2021 / February-March60x178TPV.indd 12226 NungarinVintageRally

nungarinmuseum.com.au

Other Events: Sunday 28 February 2021 Big Breakfast at Nungarin Museum Cafe 0800-1000

SELF DRIVES wheatbeltway.com.au and pioneerspathway.com.au 73

2/12/20 21:03

YO U R R A C

Ten best

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

Mountain bike trails in WA Located off Carters Road close to Margaret River township, The Pines is a network of exciting mountain bike trails through lush forest considered some of the best in WA. One of its more popular trails, Big Pine, is a fast and flowy short trail with jumps, that’s best suited to intermediate and advanced-level riders.

Grizzly Trail, Mt Lennard, Wellington National Park Part of approximately 40km of mountain bike trails in the Mount Lennard mountain bike area within Wellington National Park, Grizzly is a narrow trail that winds through mature jarrah forest and includes bermed turns and log rides. It’s suited to all experience levels from beginner to advanced riders.

Shakes and Ladders, Lake Leschenaultia, Mundaring As the name suggests, this trail has lots of bumps and obstacles to challenge riders. One of the most popular in the network of mountain bike trails at Lake Leschenaultia, Shakes and Ladders features a ladder bridge, ramps and some berms and is suited to intermediatelevel riders. The trails here ride a little better in winter but still make a great day out in warmer weather when you can include a swim in the lake.

Marrinup Trail, Dwellingup This trail starts at the site of the old town of Marrinup which was destroyed by fire in 1961. Marrinup Trail is an 8km loop trail with a mix of flat riding and hills and is suited to all skill levels.

Taking a shortcut through the trail shortens it to 4km making it a good option for a short family ride.

74

Frances Andrijich

Big Pine, Margaret River

ABOVE: Arklow Trail Network, near Collie.

Munda Biddi Trail, Mundaring to Albany

This ultra-long-distance cycle trail is WA’s premier off-road cycling adventure, stretching 1000km from Mundaring in the north to Albany in the south and winding through an incredible variety of terrain. Mountain bikers can tackle shorter sections of the track, but if planning a long-distance ride, check ahead with mundabiddi.org.au to make sure the areas you want to ride through are passable.

Old Timberline and Sidings Rail Trails, Nannup This trail is popular with bush walkers as well as mountain bikers, so riders should take care. The 22km route has some hilly sections and includes walk trails, old rail trails and follows St John Brook Creek on a route that includes very narrow, challenging sections through scenic countryside. The trail also includes an overnight hut.

Rays Trail, Arklow Trails, Collie

The Arklow Mountain Bike Network on the outskirts of Collie combines old forestry and railway trails and purposebuilt mountain bike trails. Rays Trail takes you through many twists and turns, log rides and bermed downhill runs. The trail is suited to beginner and intermediate riders and is 5km north of Collie on Harris River Road.

Relentless Blue, Pemberton Mountain Bike Park Weave through stunning forest trails surrounded by giant karri trees in the Pemberton Mountain Bike Park, on the north-west edge of Pemberton town.

Relentless Blue is a short trail which has some tough technical climbs, wall rides, log rollovers and a fast downhill. Relentless Blue is the Park’s signature trail.

Scorpion Trail, Kalamunda Mountain Bike Park

The popular Kalamunda Mountain Bike Park runs close to Mundaring Weir Road, halfway between Kalamunda and Mundaring. This area features more than 40km of signposted single tracks. The Scorpion Trail is classed a blue trail, so it’s recommended for intermediate to advanced riders and features some wood-lined berms.

Riding here in summer is tough due to the heat making the surface loose. The trails are best when there’s some moisture in the soil.

Turner Hill Mountain Bike Trail, Murray

The Turner Hill trail, located between Pinjarra and Dwellingup, is an 11km single track loop with plenty of challenging obstacles including log rides, along with berms and jumps and some downhill sections. There’s also a 5km shortcut and 1.1km loop that’s great for kids.

February-March 2021 / Horizons

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