Horizons February/March 2022

February/March 2022

Your RAC member magazine

Member benefits + Your feedback + Ten of the best

Making a connection HOW WE’RE WORKING TOWARDS A VIBRANT NEW WA

RAC’s best drives

The cars we liked best in 2021

15 safer used cars under $15,000

Making the right choice on a budget

Broome and the Dampier Peninsula with kids Beach cook-ups, balmy nights and endless unspoilt coastline

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HORIZONS® Published by RAC WA MANAGING EDITOR Vanessa Pogorelic DEPUTY EDITOR Tatum Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renee Smith ADVERTISING Gail Raj (WA only) T: 08 9388 7844 E: gail@mediatonic.com.au Lauren Casalini T: 03 8520 6444 E: laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com CONTACT US facebook.com/RACWA twitter.com/RACWA instagram.com/RACWA editor@rac.com.au rac.com.au 13 11 11 Roadside Assistance, Battery Services 13 17 03 Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services 1300 797 078 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 135 667 RAC Auto Services 1300 651 042 RAC Tyres 9436 4111 Corporate Enquiries For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au See page 81 for more contact details

ON THE COVER Inglenooks on Beaufort Street, Inglewood PHOTOGRAPH BY Gilberto De Carvalho, RAC Creative Services

CAB AUDITED AS AT SEPTEMBER 2021 IS 671,635 HOUSEHOLDS OUR PLASTIC WRAPPER IS BIODEGRADABLE 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.

Membership +Benefits 61 Member benefits

81 Contact us

Inside this issue FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

Our State, People+Future

Home +Life

Travel +Touring

Car +Motoring

07

09

36

16

President's message

What's on

WA travel brief

Best Drives The 12 cars we liked best in 2021

08

58

38

Your feedback

Member lounge

12

82

Broome with kids Plus family-friendly adventures on the Dampier Peninsula

Snapshot

Ten best

51 Future moves

15 Seatbelt safety 50 year anniversary

44 Astrotourism Best spots to experience the sparkling Milky Way in WA

25 Getting bogged Tips to help you get out of a sticky situation

30 Safer used cars 15 cars with a 5-star rating priced under $15,000

52

20

Test drive

A better WA Putting our members and community interests first

Car doctor

57

Invested in a more sustainable WA At RAC, we’re committed to finding cleaner, healthier transport solutions for a more sustainable future. If you’ve got an electric car, we’ve made it easier for you to go further – by building Australia’s first RAC Electric Highway®.

Plus, members are rewarded for driving cars with lower emissions.

With the power of your membership, we’re all in for a more sustainable WA. Join us.

Find out more at rac.com.au/betterWA

Our State, People+Future

President's message WE NEED TO RAISE THE STANDARD ON AIR QUALITY Vehicle emissions are a leading cause of air pollution that is directly impacting our health and wellbeing.

Around the world, governments are urgently looking to reduce vehicle emissions by introducing tougher standards. This includes limits on the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) and noxious gases (NOx) vehicles can emit. While these are positive steps internationally, in Australia we have yet to see similar limits introduced.

We need to raise the standard on air quality because currently we are one of the only developed nations without a CO2 emissions standard for new cars, and per person Australia’s CO2 emissions are nearly four times the global average.

We’re also falling behind on noxious emissions standards. Since 2016, all vehicles manufactured for Australia must comply with a set of standards known as Euro 5.

Meanwhile many nations have already adopted the more stringent Euro 6 standards and are now looking toward Euro 7.

The quality of our fuel is also a contributing factor. Australian unleaded fuel can have up to 150 parts per million of sulfur. This is up to 15 times higher than some countries across the world.

Before we can progress to the stricter Euro 6 emissions standards, our fuel quality must be improved. This move had been flagged for 2027, but recent commentary by the Australian Government suggests the transition to better quality fuel may be brought forward to 2024.

Improving our fuel quality and strengthening our vehicle emissions standards for both NOx and CO2 will have a flow on effect for the uptake of low emission transport options, including electric vehicles. This is why car makers are calling for clearer policies in Australia which will allow them to bring more EV models, at more appealing price points, to our shores.

The federal election provides a great opportunity for a roadmap to be established by those seeking to represent our community, lead our country, and bring us up to global standards. It will be interesting to see where this debate will take us.

RAC will continue to engage with government, industry, and key stakeholders to reduce vehicle emissions, improve our air quality, and create a healthier WA for current and future generations. We feel this is something we can all support.

For more information, visit rac.com.au/about-rac/advocating-change/sustainability/ vehicle-emissions

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC President

7

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 Donna Cross Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Stephen Fox Dalton Gooding Brian Hanson Jody Nunn Emmerson Richardson Jim Walker

Our State, People+Future

Your feedback

Petrol prices During October, Perth’s petrol price cycle changed from a weekly to a fortnightly cycle, while petrol prices also jumped.

Animal crossing We shared a video of the Fauna Bridge animal crossing over Tonkin Highway on Facebook. Our followers thought this was a great way to keep animals and motorists safe.

People are already struggling financially as it is, now we have to add high fuel prices into the equation. Time to invest in a few jerry cans. Mel

I’ve seen this many times and always wondered why only that crossing had plants on it.

Fabulous. Nicole I never knew this existed.

What a fantastic idea. Janet

Pity fuel prices don’t decrease as quick as they increase. Paul

We saw this for the first time this week. It’s amazing. Barbara

Just bought my Tesla last month.

Think I bought it just in time.

Connor

Well now we know what it is, great idea! Alan We need more of these bridges to help save the wildlife. Ben

HYDROGEN V ELECTRIC CARS The article “Charging up electric car ownership” (Horizons, December/ January) made some references to forecasts for EV uptake. Personally, I believe hydrogen is a better fit for Western Australia. Hydrogen can be produced in a very environmentally-friendly way, either electrolysis or pyrolysis and hydrogen vehicles can be refuelled in minutes. I want my next car to be hydrogen rather than an EV but I fear I will be waiting a long time unless decision makers get with the program. Gary

DANGEROUS DISTRACTIONS I have been a motorbike rider and a car driver for over 40 years. I have never been in an accident and have never received a fine in those 40 years, not even for parking or speeding. I have driven and ridden in over nine different countries. Drivers fail to indicate, merge correctly, eat meals with knives and forks on their laps while driving, use mobile phones, apply makeup and speed on roads around the globe, but here it is as bad as the worst places I’ve been. The biggest worry for me as a bike rider is the way drivers tailgate motorbike riders even at high speed on the freeways. I have just witnessed all of the above during an hour’s drive in Perth. Jim 8

It’s amazing how all the petrol stations in the same area seem to have the same price or very close to it. Tim

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN Send us your opinions and feedback and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance. @RACWA @RACWA @RACWA editor@rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 81.

Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Home+Life

Events around the State

Jessica Josie Photographer

What's on FEBRUARY/MARCH Perth Festival

Jessica Wyld

11 February – 6 March Various venues Each year, the Perth Festival brings an eclectic roster of incredible artists to Perth audiences – and this year, Bunbury, Albany and Karratha will also enjoy some festival events. This year’s festival theme is Wardan, a celebration of our ocean, the journeys we make on water and the joy we have beside it. perthfestival.com.au

SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim 12 – 13 February Busselton Jetty This iconic 3.6km ocean swim attracts thousands of participants and spectators every year. The swim takes place on the Sunday morning, and on Saturday there’s plenty of live entertainment along the Busselton foreshore to enjoy. busseltonjettyswim.org.au

Amy Shark 26 February RAC Arena Multiple ARIA award-winning singersongwriter Amy Shark is heading to Perth for her highly anticipated Cry Forever Tour. Armed with a setlist of new songs and some of her biggest hits, the Gold Coast local is guaranteed to put on an impressive show. racarena.com.au

Nannup Music Festival 4 – 7 March Nannup Now in its 33rd year, the Nannup Music Festival has become a much-anticipated event on the WA music calendar. Head to Nannup to celebrate all things music, art, nature and community, with a wide range of free and ticketed events over the weekend. nannupmusicfestival.org

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Busselton Jetty Swim; Nannup Music Festival; Perth Festival.

Sculpture by the Sea 4 – 21 March Cottesloe Set on Perth’s iconic Cottesloe Beach, this popular seaside exhibition transforms the beachfront with stunning sculptures from local artists. This year, you can also visit the Sculpture Inside exhibition at Sea View Golf Club, which will feature a display of smaller sculptures available for purchase. sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe

Channel Seven Mandurah Crab Fest 18 – 20 March Mandurah Head to Mandurah for a taste of the coastal lifestyle and to celebrate the native blue manna crab. As the largest free regional community event in WA, there’s plenty of fresh local produce, live music, family-friendly entertainment and cooking demonstrations on offer. crabfest.com.au

RAC Karri Valley Triathlon 19 – 20 March Pemberton Along with a challenging course for athletes, this triathlon also showcases 9

the natural beauty of the South West.

Participants will swim in the fresh waters of Lake Beedelup before cycling through the karri forest, then soaking up the picturesque resort and surrounds on the final leg. stadiumtriclub.com/karri-valley-tri

The Perth Caravan & Camping Show 23 – 27 March Claremont Showground This annual showcase of all things caravanning and camping features hundreds of caravans and camper trailers, plus plenty of gadgets and accessories for your next road trip. There’s also plenty of entertainment to keep kids busy, and seminars on caravan towing and reversing, four-wheel drive basics and camp oven cooking demonstrations. caravanandcampingshow.com.au 

NOTE All events confirmed at time of publication. In the event of COVID-19 disruptions, please refer to health advice and check for restrictions/cancellations.

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News in brief from RAC and beyond

Snapshot WHY DO SPEED LIMITS VARY IN METRO AREAS? Main Roads WA (MRWA) is responsible for approving speed limits in WA. There are many factors that determine the limits set on our roads, including urban densities, the type and volumes of vehicles, the physical road environment, the design of the road, how the surrounding area is used and how other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, move along and interact with the road.

Dune rescue It was a perfect blue-sky day and Cody Burr was looking forward to hitting the dunes near Lancelin on his dirt bike.

“I went up to Ledge Point and got a coffee on the way, it was a pretty normal day.”

But his day ended up being anything but ordinary. When Cody’s bike flipped, he ended up pinned underneath it.

“When it happened, I knew I’d snapped my leg. I was holding it, and the bike was on top of me.”

Stuck in the dunes with a broken femur, Cody’s friends were unable to get him to the car. They called for emergency assistance and an RAC Rescue helicopter was dispatched to transport him to hospital.

When the helicopter arrived, Critical Care Paramedic Chris Gleisinger said Cody was in a considerable amount of pain.

“He’d fractured his femur quite high up where it joins the hip. You could feel the

bone under his skin was in a number of pieces.”

Recently, Cody was reunited with the RAC Rescue crew who attended the scene and flew him to Royal Perth Hospital. Chris said it was immensely satisfying to see Cody up and about.

“I was quite concerned that his injury might force him to have a hip replacement at 21, his leg was that badly damaged. But to see him up and moving around is just great.”

“I’m on the mend now,” says Cody.

“Hopefully in six months I’ll be back to work. If it wasn’t for the crew things could have been a lot worse.”

The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

12

According to MRWA’s Speed Zoning Policy and Application Guidelines, the key objective when zoning roads is to apply “credible speed limits which meet driver expectations while achieving a balance between road safety, land use, amenity and transport efficiency”.

In built-up areas, speed limit signs may not be displayed on all roads. In these instances, the default speed limit of 50km/h applies. This means drivers are required to travel at no more than 50km/h in built-up areas unless there are signs that permit a different speed.

RAC advocates that speed limits should reflect the road environment and consider the tolerance of the human body in a crash. They should also be clearly signed and understandable, and frequent changes in speed zones, where there is no obvious change to the road environment or design, or to adjacent land uses, should be avoided.

Our State, People+Future

TOUGHER QUAD BIKE RULES WILL HELP SAVE LIVES Quad bikes, also known as all-terrain vehicles, were involved in more than 150 fatalities between 2011 and 2020, according the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Around 15 per cent of those deaths involved children.

Hundreds of people are also estimated to have presented to hospital emergency departments each year with quad bike-related injuries.

The four-wheeled bikes, commonly used on farming properties and for recreational purposes, are prone to flipping or rolling on inclines and are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on farms, according to the ACCC. To reduce the risk of rollovers, all general use quad bikes are now required to have warning labels and a roll bar, or an Operator Protection Device, fitted or integrated into its design, to hold the bike off the ground if it rolls, and to meet minimum stability requirements.

The new safety standard applies to new bikes and imported used bikes and is in addition to a number of other safety requirements which came into effect in 2019.

Quad bike suppliers are required to meet all current quad bike safety standards under Australian Consumer Law.

New petrol price cycle reduces savings for Perth motorists In October 2021, Perth’s petrol price cycle changed from a one week cycle to fortnightly, which has seen motorists having to re-evaluate where and when they buy petrol.

Previously, prices would fall to their lowest on a Tuesday, then rise sharply on the Wednesday, before tapering down and rising again the following Wednesday. That rise and gradual fall now occurs fortnightly.

As RAC Vehicles and Fuels manager, Alex Forrest says, the change has reduced the opportunities to fill up with cheaper fuel.

“This makes it more difficult for motorists to align their fuel purchasing with the cheapest days in the cycle, because after filling up on the cheapest day, there’s a good chance many will need to buy fuel again before pricing reaches the lowest point in the cycle.

“Motorists have already been grappling with high petrol prices, and this extended fuel cycle will only make it more difficult to fill up on the cheapest day.”

The price cycle applies only to petrol and primarily only in the Perth metropolitan area.

“Our advice to motorists is to use the FuelWatch website to find the cheapest station near you.”

Visit fuelwatch.wa.gov.au or subscribe to FuelWatch alerts.

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OPEN

EARING H R U O LY FOR AL E NEEDS CAR

I received a phonecall in my ears

I am happily wearing new hearing aids that have changed my life.

They are the best I’ve ever worn, reintroducing me to easy communication with others so that I no longer have to feel excluded. It was something of a shock the first time my phone rang and I received the call in my ears, and I could hear clearly all that was being said. There was no trepidation at having to try to decipher what the speaker was saying, or guess the message, or formulate appropriate responses.

I felt comfortable that what I responded was decisive and intelligent, and I was able to relax 100%. That experience, when I think back on it, brings tears of joy to my eyes.

For so long I’d felt somewhat disconnected from the world because of my hearing loss. It’s difficult for

others to comprehend how unnerving hearing loss can be, trying to engage in many aspects of life yet feeling left out through loss of a faculty that was not my fault.

I can understand that it is challenging for others to have to repeat themselves frequently for my benefit but I find it troublesome for them and also for myself. However, my hearing aids have given me such clarity that this situation has improved beyond words.

It’s wonderful that I found a hearing provider I have known for some time who genuinely cares about solving my complex hearing loss. It means so much that I am now able to reconnect with what’s going on in mine and the broader world. Actually, it’s brilliant. And I most sincerely thank Brad for this.

Josephine Foster

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Our State, People+Future

WA’s worldleading move towards driver safety WITH SO MANY ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES IN MODERN CARS, IT’S EASY TO TAKE ONE OF THE OLDEST AND SIMPLEST FOR GRANTED. 2021 marked 50 years since the wearing of seatbelts was made compulsory in Western Australia. Over those five decades since 1971, countless lives have been saved.

Seatbelts first came to the attention of WA motorists as early as 1956, when RAC reported on a debate in the United States on the merits of various seatbelt systems.

Although the vast majority of motorists are now compliant, the Road Safety Commission’s 50th Anniversary of Seatbelts campaign is highlighting that, for some, the message is still not getting through.

According to the Commission, in 2020, there was a 24 per cent increase in people killed or seriously injured in WA while not wearing a seatbelt. The numbers are

worse in regional areas. Of all those killed or seriously injured while not wearing a seatbelt between 2016 and 2020, 74 per cent were in regional crashes.

Today, you’re still around eight times more likely to be killed in a serious crash if you’re not wearing a seatbelt.

The message is clear – in 2022 we still can’t afford to take this 50-year-old road safety technology for granted. 

By the early 1960s, to encourage the adoption of seatbelts, the club published lists of those approved by the Standards Association of Australia. We also advised members intending to buy seatbelts to check with RAC’s Technical Department for the most up-to-date list.

By 1972, all states in Australia had made the wearing of seatbelts mandatory – a world-leading effort, with only Japan (1971) and New Zealand (1972) in the same pioneering era.

In 1973, RAC also successfully advocated for the banning of unapproved seatbelts and child restraints from 1974, as well as the resale of seatbelts removed from cars.

LEFT: Prior to seatbelts and child seats, there was no way to safely restrain an infant in a car; RIGHT: An RAC member fastens the straps on a child car restraint.

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Car+Motoring

RAC’s Best Drives of 2021 WE ROAD TESTED MORE THAN 60 NEW CARS IN 2021.

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS.

By Alex Forrest

We road tested a range of electrified vehicles in 2021, including the Volvo XC40 Recharge plug-in hybrid, Kia Niro, Toyota Kluger and Camry Hybrids, Nissan Leaf, MG ZS EV, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Outlander PHEV, and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

The tidal wave of change that washed across the car industry in 2021 forced many players to swim like they never have before.

Those manufacturers suffering supply constraints were forced to take orders and give car-hungry customers an approximate and often distant delivery date. Some dealers were instructed not to take orders until production timeframes became clearer.

Twin-cab utes also had a big year, with 2021 being the first full year of sales of the new Isuzu D-Max, plus a new flagship Mazda BT-50, a heavily revised Nissan Navara and some important upgrades to the Toyota Hilux.

The small and medium-sized SUV segments also saw plenty of new arrivals, including the Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Citroen C5 Aircross, Kia Sportage, Genesis GV70 and GV80, Subaru Forester and the Land Rover Defender 90.

Due to the semiconductor shortage, the new Kia Carnival, launched in January 2021, initially missed out on auto wipers and a full LCD screen in front of the driver. Kia says these will be added later as a running change.

Minor electronic features or not, the new Carnival brought more space and versatility, plus much improved exterior design, and it remains the best people mover on the market.

As an industry with arguably the world’s most complex set of supply chains and myriad regulatory, economic and political inter-dependencies, car makers faced countless challenges in the last two years.

Soon after, at the other end of the size spectrum, the Toyota GR Yaris hit our roads.

If 2020 was the year of COVID-driven upheaval and uncertainty, then 2021 was the year of change and adaptation, with the one certainty being that more change – and opportunities – lie ahead.

This 98 octane petrol-sipping, three-cylinder turbocharged all-wheel drive grocery getter was arguably the most hysterical, irrational and disproportionately expensive ($49,500 drive away) car ever to wear a Toyota badge. Yet, Toyota could not build enough of them to satisfy demand.

For now, these are the stand-out cars we drove in 2021.

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

Car+Motoring

Small car

Medium car

HYUNDAI i30

under $50,000 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

PRICE (drive away from) $27,490 (auto) ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.4L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L petrol; 6-speed auto

PRICE (drive away from) $37,670 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Sedan FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 4.5L/100km; premium 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5L petrol/electric hybrid; CVT

We drove the current Hyundai i30 early in 2021 following its launch in late 2020, with the standouts being the inclusion of most of Hyundai’s suite of electronic safety gear (“SmartSense” is the marketing term) across the range. This includes autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist and driver attention warning. A major styling upgrade for 2021 also modernised the range, especially the i30 sedan. Rides and handles well, too.

Medium passenger sedans may not be favoured by consumers right now, with SUVs having usurped their job years ago. However, the Camry Hybrid remains, and may just be enough to stop you boarding the SUV bandwagon.

The Camry Hybrid’s electrified drivetrain makes it punchy to drive in traffic but also refined and very fuel efficient. It’s as roomy for occupants as a mid-sized SUV and arguably better value. It’s also quite cheap to service.

Medium car

People mover

over $50,000 AUDI A4 AVANT

KIA CARNIVAL

PRICE (drive away from) $84,300 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Wagon FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.3L/100km; premium 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0L turbo petrol; 7-speed dual clutch

PRICE (drive away from) $50,890 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Van FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 9.6L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 3.5L V6; 8-speed auto

While SUVs grab the attention (and wallets) of most consumers, there remains a small but devoted group of drivers who love a low-slung, good-handling, efficient, practical and premium car-based wagon. The Audi A4 Avant is one of those wagons, and with this one you get all-wheel drive, which you don’t get in some of its pricier competitors. With a finely finished interior, the A4 Avant is the reason many are wooed by a wagon.

We were able to road test the new Carnival in March 2021 and along with the newly added niceties like a rotary transmission dial, mood lighting on the Platinum model and SUV-like external styling, the new Carnival has retained all those features that make it so versatile. These include those two big sliding side doors, moveable and removable seats, and huge spaces for luggage, which help make the Carnival better suited to the needs of big families than most SUVs.

17

Car+Motoring

Sports car

Small SUV

PRICE (drive away from) $49,500 ANCAP SAFETY RATING Not rated BODY TYPE Hatch FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.6L/100km; premium 98 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 1.6L turbo three cyl; 6-speed manual

PRICE (drive away from) $38,160 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.4L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.0-litre four cyl; 6-speed auto

Consider that the standard Yaris makes 88kW from its 1.5-litre engine, and suddenly the GR Yaris’s 200kW from its slightly bigger (1.6-litre) engine begins to hint at the sort of driving experience this car provides. With all-wheel drive, a widened body and a taste for 98 RON petrol, the GR Yaris has little more in common with the regular Yaris than its name. The Rallye Edition, with lightweight wheels and limited-slip differentials, sharpens up the sportiness even more.

Mazda remains a keen innovator and this continued to be showcased in 2021 with the release of the MX-30 mild hybrid. ‘Mild’ is the key word because there’s no direct electric assistance when driving, however it does help the engine stop/start system keep the engine stopped for longer. Even calling this a hybrid is a stretch to some extent, but it also has a well-designed and ergonomic interior and those funky rear-hinged doors. Plus, it runs on 91 RON fuel, which can’t be said of all small SUVs.

Medium SUV

Large SUV

PRICE (drive away from) $40,680 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.4L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5L four cyl; CVT

PRICE (drive away from) $61,085 ANCAP SAFETY RATING Not rated BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 10.7L/100km; unleaded 91 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 3.8L V6; 8-speed auto

Given the Forester is Subaru’s best-selling model and the sixth-best selling medium SUV in WA overall, the brand is well motivated to ensure it stays competitive.

So, added for 2021 was autonomous emergency steering, lane centring and lane departure prevention. With all-wheel drive all the time and good ground clearance, the Forester remains highly capable both on and off road. The ability to detect driver drowsiness and reversing AEB are standard in all variants except for the base model.

One of the biggest advantages of the Hyundai Palisade, compared to the Santa Fe, is the room in the third row of seats, which is almost useable for the average-sized adult. It can be had as an eight-seater too, meaning the Palisade is the SUV you get when you really want to avoid getting a people mover. It has plenty of space and luxury for the money, and the full-sized spare tyre is also a plus.

under $65,000 TOYOTA GR YARIS

under $40,000 MAZDA MX-30

over $55,000 SUBARU FORESTER

$55,000 - $70,000 HYUNDAI PALISADE

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Car+Motoring

AWD SUV

All-Terrain SUV

$70,000 - $150,000 GENESIS GV70

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 300 SERIES

PRICE (drive away from) $74,920 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 9.8L/100km; unleaded 95 ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5L turbo 4 cyl; 8-speed auto

PRICE (drive away from) $99,470 ANCAP SAFETY RATING Not rated BODY TYPE SUV FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 8.7L/100km; diesel ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 3.3L V6 twin turbo; 10-speed auto

The GV70 has the potential to be a threat to the main players in the mediumsized premium SUV segment, which include the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. As Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis is less well-known than its established competition, but comparably well-appointed with clean-slate styling and good driving dynamics. Servicing is being promoted as free for five years, but of course that’s rolled into the purchase price.

Much of the public focus on the 300 Series has been on its new V6 twin-turbo engine and its limited availability. However, one of the 300’s most impressive party tricks is its electronically controlled kinetic suspension system. A development of the non-electronically controlled system on the previous 200 model, the new system makes for an incredibly smooth ride over some of the roughest terrain, which we discovered on the Mundaring powerlines track. It’s more powerful yet more fuel efficient and refined, but also a lot more expensive.

4x4 twin cab ute

Electric car

TOYOTA HILUX

TESLA MODEL 3

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

PRICE (drive away from) $66,403 ANCAP SAFETY RATING  BODY TYPE Sedan FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 14.9kWh/100km; electricity ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

$67,600 (SR5 4x4) 

Twin-cab ute 7.9L/100km; diesel 2.8L diesel 4 cyl; 6-speed auto

Another off-road Toyota takes the cake here, and in the face of newly introduced competition in 2021 that included the Isuzu D-Max and Nissan Pro-4X, the current model Hilux stood out as having improved interior functionality and refinement while still being able to do ute things well. Additions to the Rogue variant, like the motorised tray blind and chunky sports bar, do reduce its practicality, so a cheaper variant might be a better bet for those looking to fully utilise their utility.

In 2021, the Tesla Model 3 faced more new competition in Australia than it ever has, with more to come. However, being inherently designed to be an electriconly car from the ground up (unlike many other electric cars), the Model 3 was the standout electric car we drove in 2021. We drove the Long Range variant, and by that Tesla means 614km. Playful hidden features in the infotainment system, including Monty Python references, sweeten the experience.

19

Our State, People+Future

Working towards a better WA RAC HAS BEEN PUTTING OUR MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY INTERESTS FIRST, INFLUENCING AND MAKING POSITIVE CHANGE FOR MORE THAN 115 YEARS.

20

Our State, People+Future We’re inspired about the future of Western Australia. It is an inspiration that has been at the heart of our organisation and is what drove a small group of motoring enthusiasts to come together more than 115 years ago to form our club.

In late 2020, we launched our new Purpose to be the driving force for a better WA and our Vision, for a safer more sustainable and better-connected future for Western Australians.

In 2022, we’re still the voice and agents of change for our members, all 1.2 million of them, and we’re also moving towards an exciting new future.

That means well-planned communities, and transport that better connects people and places, less people killed and seriously injured on our roads and reducing harmful vehicle emissions for cleaner, healthier air.

New ways of moving around are bringing people together, making us happier and healthier.

Places made for cars, have turned into places for people.

Our streets are safer, and we spend less time commuting.

Our world-class public transport system is affordable and connected.

An extensive network of cycling and walking paths bring people together more often, meaning more social neighbourhoods.

With improved roads, and safer vehicles and road users, we’ve dramatically reduced the number of Western Australians killed or injured on our roads.

A higher percentage of low and zero emissions vehicles, means cleaner air, greener towns and cities, and a healthier WA.

As RAC Group Executive Social and Community Impact, Pat Walker explains, championing positive community change is part of who we are and what we do.

And our environment is being preserved for future generations.

“From our early days, we advocated for positive change for WA, like campaigning in 1920 for the South West’s giant karri trees to be declared a national park.

Preventable road trauma is currently the most common reason for injury-related hospital admissions in WA, according to the Department of Health. Main Roads WA data shows that over the five years to the end of 2020, tragically, 834 people were killed on our roads and another 8256 were seriously injured. In 2020 alone, 156 people from our communities lost their lives and almost 65 per cent of these (101 deaths) occurred on regional roads, despite only 21 per cent of the population living in our regions.

“Reflecting on even just the last 50 years, some of the things we’re proud to have called for are the introduction of seatbelts, emissions standards, better fuel quality and pricing, random breath testing, Slow Down Move Over laws, public transport improvements and a life-saving regional road safety program.

We have also initiated our own projects to demonstrate what the future could look like, with initiatives like Australia’s first Electric Highway®, connecting electric vehicle drivers to the South West, and the RAC Intellibus®, Australia’s first driverless vehicle trial on public roads, with the community able to take part.

“With valued input and support from our members, we’ve sought meaningful change and acted to deliver many innovative initiatives to drive benefits for our members and the WA community.”

Our vision for 2030

Our vision is a future where all communities are thriving, vibrant and connected, where WA’s towns and cities are flourishing because their design puts humans first.

The challenges

We need real change now so we don’t look back in five or ten-years’ time and think about all the lives that could have been saved if only more had been done.

We also need to do more to tackle vehicle emissions, which are damaging to health and the environment. Australia’s CO2 emissions are nearly four times the global average and are the eighth highest in the world per person for road transport, according to the International Energy Agency. In WA, 17 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions are from transport sources – this increased more than 50 per cent between 2005 and 2017, according to the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Australia is ranked 85th in the world for the allowable sulfur content 21

in our fuel – which is 15 times higher than international standards. According to OECD data, we also have the worst record in the OECD for total oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions – the Australian Government estimates that 60 to 70 per cent of this is emitted from motor vehicles. We need action on fuel quality and to introduce a CO2 emission standard for new vehicles sold in Australia, as well as lower and zero emissions vehicles.

Good planning is also needed to support vibrant and liveable communities, where people feel socially connected, and for transport to be affordable and accessible for all. By 2050, State Government forecasts show 3.5 million people will live in the Perth and Peel region– that’s an extra 1.5 million people with around 800,000 new homes needed. With more than six in ten new homes currently being built in and beyond the outer suburbs, without effective planning and more public transport, a bigger city means more traffic and longer commuting times.

Between 2002 and 2017, the average commute to work in Perth increased from 49.9 minutes to 59.3 minutes. What’s more, over the last decade motoring fees and public transport fares have increased well beyond the rate of inflation.

How we’ll track our journey to our 2030 Vision To guide our journey to Vision 2030 and to understand and measure our progress and impact over time, we’ve taken the important step of adopting a Social Impact Metric to measure outcomes. We’ve done this to stay focused on the problems that will shift the dial most.

We’ve also released our inaugural Social and Community Impact Report (rac.com. au/SCIreport). It shares how, by working with our members, local communities, governments and like-minded groups, we’re striving to make life better in WA. We’ll be tracking and reporting our progress towards these goals so you can stay connected to all the ways we’re working to create a safer, sustainable and connected future for Western Australians.

Here are some of the ways we’ve helped shaped a better WA since 1905, along with a snapshot of some of our achievements. 

Our State, People+Future

2008

1911 1905

Club formation

developed the first road map of WA’s South West

1909

erected directional signs across WA

Safer RAC’s Rescue helicopters provide search and rescue and critical care medical services to the community. The helicopters have now flown more than 145,000km and attended over 300 incidents relating to road crashes.

1920

campaigned to preserve the giant karri tress of southern WA

1940

pushed to ensure highway lines were mandatory and that it was illegal to not stop at a stop sign

1993

1946

initiated the National Safety Council of WA to promote road safety

1965 to 1973 campaigned for seatbelts and child restraints to be mandated

More than 61,000 WA young people have attended RAC’s free road safety programs and events including RAC bstreetsmart, a free event for year 10 to 12 students featuring a crash scene re-enactment attended by emergency services.

Australian automobile clubs created ANCAP to test and rate vehicle safety

1988

lobbied for roadside Random Breath Testing in line with other states

Sustainable The RAC Electric Highway® is Australia’s first and opened the road between Perth and WA’s South West to EV drivers. It now includes Ultra-rapid chargers and has been a catalyst for further investment in EV infrastructure for WA.

The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

22

created the Risky Roads survey to give the community a voice

2003

began sponsoring the Perth-based RAC Rescue helicopter

Our Less Emissions Mission rewards members who choose lower emissions vehicles.

We offer discounts on RAC products and services with more than 50,000 members benefiting from discounts on their comprehensive motor vehicle insurance.

2012

Our State, People+Future

started bstreetsmart, a crash scene re-enactment attended by emergency services and students

chose not to insure or finance vehicles built in 2012 or beyond with an ANCAP rating of less than 4 stars

2012

introduced discounts and incentives for members who drive a low emissions vehicle

2016

2015

2012

2013

focused on inattention with world-first Attention Powered Car and rated the safety of 4671km of WA’s National Highway Network

2013

built Australia’s first Electric Highway®

started Australia’s first and longestrunning automated vehicle trial with the RAC Intellibus®

2015

2016

took electric bikes for a spin with the RAC eBike trials

commenced annual reviews of motorist taxation to get a fairer share for WA

2014

undertook a landmark trial to help make our traffic signals ‘smarter’

2015

launched our Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign, Little Legends Club and Road Ready program to educate on road safety issues

2020

2018

launched the Impact Protection Vehicles to protect our people and members at breakdowns

launched Reconnect WA to revitalise our streets and public spaces.

2019

called for CO2 emissions standards for new light vehicles

called for the Regional Road Safety Program

Safe Sustainable Connected For more information about these and other milestone moments, visit: rac.com.au/about-rac/our-history

Interested in sharing your opinion?

Our members are at the heart of our social and community impact work. You are the reason we do what we do.

Getting involved to help deliver our 2030 vision is easy.

Connected RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative is breathing new life into cities, towns and neighbourhoods by partnering with local government to reimagine streets and public places.

This includes projects like the Subiaco Pop-up Square and Merredin’s Pop-up Plaza which saw

Joining RAC Opinion is just one way to take part in activities such as surveys and group meetings.

It’s an opportunity to see the latest RAC initiatives (often before they’re launched) and help design new community projects and member products and services.

space reallocated to light shows, live music, gardening tutorials, street art and a nature playground.

Around 90,000 of our members have already signed up and are sharing their views on topics like transport, road safety and local community issues. It’s a great way to have your say and provide invaluable insights to guide what we do.

RAC supports WA’s Town Teams with funding. There are more than 70 Town Teams made up of local people and business owners who work together to enhance the places they live.

For more information about RAC Opinion or to join, visit rac.com.au/MemberPanel

We’d love to hear your views.

23



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Show Your RAC Card & Save in-store or shop online @repco.com.au

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Car+Motoring

What to do when you get bogged GETTING BOGGED IS A FACT OF LIFE WHEN YOU’RE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVING OFF ROAD, AND A MISJUDGED ROAD SURFACE CAN GET ANYONE IN TROUBLE.

Christine Arnasiewicz

By Chris Morton

ABOVE: A shovel is an important part of your recovery kit.

25

Chris Morton

Car+Motoring

Getting off road in your four-wheel drive can be a great adventure, building lasting memories for you and your friends and family. But when it comes to getting bogged, for off-roaders, it’s not so much a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. It’s highly likely that during one of your adventures, your vehicle will become bogged. It can also be an issue for non-four-wheel drivers who simply misjudge a loose surface.

It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle, how big the engine is, what accessories you have or the skill of the driver, you’ll probably get stuck at some point. There are many reasons why your vehicle gets bogged, but the one thing every bogging has in common is that the ground on which you are driving cannot sustain the forces being exerted by your vehicle. This can be for many reasons, such as loose sand, wet and slippery mud, gravel roads and excessive water.

Contrary to popular belief, four-wheel drives are not always go-anywhere machines. They only need to lose traction on one front wheel and one rear wheel at the same time to stop in either high or low range. When the wheels start to spin then you need to come off the accelerator and assess.

What to do when it happens Don’t panic. Everyone gets bogged at some point. Take some deep breaths and assess your situation.

Put a plan together

Is there any current or future risk to the people involved? Is the vehicle currently at risk of damage? What tools and resources do you have available?

Implement your plan

There are plenty of methods to get your vehicle unstuck, ranging from easy to extremely complex with greater risk involved. Don’t go straight for the snatch strap or winch unless there is no other obvious choice - these methods should be learnt from a professional with only the correct equipment used. The risk of serious injury or even death is extremely

26

high if vehicle recoveries are not done correctly. If you’re bogged in sand and the weight of your vehicle is still on the tyres (you’re not sitting on the chassis), reduce the tyre pressure further. This lengthens the tyre’s footprint, spreading the force being exerted by the vehicle across a greater area.

Clear sand away from the vehicle

If the chassis is sitting in the sand, you’ll have to dig it out first. Clear the underside as much as you can.

Put the car into low range

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Rock the car in forward and reverse gear a few times. This can help compress the sand enough to provide a solid base to drive out on.

Provide additional traction

Recovery boards are worth it. Stay away from the cheaper brands if you can as they tend to fall apart after little use.

Giving your tyres something solid to grip can quite often do the trick.

Using a snatch strap

This requires a second vehicle and for both cars to have rated recovery points.

Christine Arnasiewicz

Car+Motoring

Do not under any circumstances use the factory tie down points or the tow-ball.

Doing so will more than likely result, at best, in damage to either or both vehicles, or at worst, someone not coming home.

Ensure all equipment is in good order and serviceable before attempting this. Better yet, get some training from a reputable four-wheel drive trainer beforehand and learn how to do this type of recovery from an expert.

Using a winch

Again, take your time and think about every step. Move everyone out of the way and only use rated recovery points.

This type of recovery should only be attempted by those who know what they’re doing.

Call for help

If you don’t have the skills, experience or equipment to safely extract yourself then it may make more sense to call a professional service to recover your vehicle. It may cost you some money, but the alternative is that you seriously damage your vehicle, or someone gets seriously injured.

How to avoid getting bogged Ideally try to avoid situations that are going to get you bogged in the first place and ensure that your vehicle is equipped for off-road driving.

If driving on the beach, drop tyre pressures to suit the vehicle and load being carried. A common misconception is that you need to drop your tyre pressure to 18psi for sand driving. This is not correct. The weight and type of vehicle, cargo and conditions all need to be considered. If it’s a cool or wet day then the sand will have more moisture in it, allowing it to pack down and better support the wheels. Hot, sunny days reduce the sand’s moisture content significantly, requiring much lower pressures to allow you to drive over it.

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, FOUR-WHEEL DRIVES ARE NOT ALWAYS GO-ANYWHERE MACHINES.

Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and sharp turns, and assess locations that may prove tricky before driving them.

Many modern four-wheel drive utes spend most of their life in two-wheel drive. You need to engage four-wheel drive when off the bitumen. Most modern 

27

TOP LEFT: Rated recovery points are essential when needing to use another vehicle to pull you out of a bog; ABOVE: Get good quality recovery boards - they’re worth every cent.

Car+Motoring

Chris Morton

THERE ARE PLENTY OF METHODS TO GET YOUR VEHICLE UNSTUCK, RANGING FROM EASY TO EXTREMELY COMPLEX WITH GREATER RISK INVOLVED.

SUV four-wheel drive models are allwheel drive (also known as constant fourwheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive) by default. Lock the centre diff.

Carrying a tyre deflator, air compressor, shovel, recovery boards and other appropriate recovery equipment ensures you have the resources to handle most situations if you do become bogged.

Undergo four-wheel driver training with a reputable trainer to learn and re-learn skills needed when driving off road. This also provides you with a greater understanding of your vehicle and the systems it is equipped with. A good trainer will be able to teach even the most experienced fourwheel drivers new skills.

Equip your vehicle with good quality all-terrain tyres. Deep and wide grooves in the rubber allow for water and mud to be expelled from the tyre far more efficiently than using a highway tyre.

This allows the tyres to retain their direct contact with the driving surface. More aggressive mud terrain tyres are great in really muddy conditions but won’t last very long with lots of bitumen driving.

LEFT: Having a reliable method of deflating your tyres is critical when travelling off road.

Ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance. If you’re planning regular adventures off road, consider a suspension upgrade. A good quality suspension kit will make your four-wheel drive more robust and better equipped for off-road use. But only make the changes that you need to. If you’re crawling over rocks, a lift kit could be a good idea, but if you’re staying on sealed roads, it’ll make the handling worse.

Ensure you have rated recovery points in the event that you need to either use a snatch strap or winch to recover your vehicle.

Two-wheel drives If you’re driving a two-wheel drive vehicle then there are some simple things you can do to ensure that you don’t get bogged.

For a start, don’t drive your vehicle onto the beach (there are some beaches that are extremely hard, and you will get away with it however the general rule is don’t beach drive).

If you must drive on gravel, then drive slower. This will allow you to

28

maintain better control of the vehicle and possibly prevent you from running off the road where the ground can quite often be softer.

If you do become bogged, then the principles are generally the same with regards to tyre pressure and traction.

You will most likely not have rated recovery points nor do many two-wheel drives have any sort of high clearance.

If you do become stuck and are not equipped to self-recover, then you are much better off calling for help.

Remember, you only need to lose traction on one of the two drive wheels, and you’re stuck.

Having the confidence and knowledge as well as a suitably equipped vehicle will make for a far better experience when you head out on your next offroad adventure. 

WORLD WAR I HEROES HONOURED

Endorsed by the Defence Force Welfare Association of Australia

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E nd of W W I C entenar y C ommemor at ion

2018 marked the centenary of the conclusion of the First World War, the “war to end all wars.” There are generations alive who have no direct knowledge of this conflict or of the sacrifice made by all who fought for their country. Our debt to them is immeasurable making it more important than ever that we remember their courage with a lasting commemoration. To ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten, a very special crown coin has been released: The “Centenary of the End of World War Golden Crown.”

Fully layered with pure 24-carat gold, this collector’s edition coin will shine as an enduring symbol of the immense pride we feel for those who served our country and endured great hardship. The design honours the fallen with a moving, raised-

relief portrait of a digger remembering his mate, set against a backdrop of the rising sun. In the foreground, a field of poppies, the symbol of remembrance, are created in hand-applied red enamel, providing a vibrant contrast to the pure, 24-carat gold.

It creates a touching counterpoint to the hallowed words “Lest We Forget” from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen which forms the Ode of Remembrance.

Poppies, crafted in vibrant enamel, have been inspired by John McCrae’s moving poem In Flanders Fields, symbolising our eternal respect and remembrance of our fallen heroes.

Struck to a high specification and layered in pure 24-carat gold, only 19,999

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Due to the extreme limitation, only the earliest responders will successfully secure this proof coin honouring our World War I heroes. A Certificate of Authenticity detailing important provenant information pertaining to the coin will be issued with the coin. Peak collector interest is all but assured for this commemoration to those who served and with it the potential of a swift, early sell out of the “Centenary of the End of World War Golden Crown.”

The earliest applications will receive the lowest edition numbers. For this reason

applications will be processed on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per Australian household.

Applicant will be notified within 14 days if their application is successful. Successful applicants also qualify to view the next coin in The First World War Centenary Crown Collection for only $79.99 (plus $9.99 postage and handling) sent entirely without obligation on our 14-day home approval service. All the coins are minted to Proof quality, the highest possible collector quality. Applicants may cancel at any time and all purchases are covered

by The Bradford Exchange 14-Day MoneyBack Guarantee.

DELUXE PRESENTATION CASE Each commemorative is individually numbered, meaning no two are alike. Yours in the one and only issue of its kind – the ultimate collector’s item Shown larger than actual size of 38.6mm

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122868

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An elegant, high gloss case to display the coin will also accompany a future delivery and is your FREE as part of your collection.

Shown with a Certificate of Authenticity. ©2022 The Bradford Exchange Ltd.

www.bradford.com.au/lwf

403-COM04.19

YES, I wish to apply for the “End of World War I Centenary Gold Crown Coin” for just $29.99 (plus $9.99 P&H). I do not need to send any money now.

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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

Car+Motoring

15 safer used cars under $15,000

When the time comes to update a vehicle, most car buyers opt to buy from the used car market. In fact, approximately 75 per cent of Australian car buyers purchase used rather than new vehicles.

But as the latest Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) show, it’s all too easy to mistakenly choose an unsafe used car.

Of the 378 used vehicle models rated for safety in Australia in 2021, 60 per cent had a rating of only 3-stars or less.

Newer vehicles are generally safer than older ones, offering safety features and technologies that will reduce your chance of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.

To put this in context, if you were in a crash in a 1990 model vehicle, your chance of being killed or seriously injured is 60 per cent higher than if you were in a 2019 vehicle.

But age isn’t the only consideration, as some newer cars are far less safe than others. That’s why knowing the safety rating of the vehicle you’re thinking of buying is essential.

Light and small car classes had by far the highest proportion of poor and very poor performing vehicles. This reflects the role vehicle mass plays in determining the UCSR (with lighter vehicles performing worse on average), as well as the safety specification of these vehicles, which is often poorer, with features such as airbags more likely to be optional on older models.

YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY A LUXURY CAR TO GET IMPRESSIVE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES, YOU JUST NEED TO CHOOSE WISELY. 30

Car+Motoring

Subaru Impreza / XV 2012 - 2016 From $13,000 PROS All-wheel drive standard on all models. Reliability, good handling.

CONS Servicing requirements often more frequent (every six months).

Adwo / Shutterstock.com

Audi A3 2004 - 2013 From $10,000 PROS Well-featured and refined interior, now fully depreciated.

Great to drive, especially sports models.

On average, the driver of a 1-star rated vehicle is around 2.5 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than the same driver in the same crash driving a 5-star rated vehicle.

Fortunately, this year’s ratings show the number of highly rated used vehicles is growing, with 52 cars scoring the highest 5-star rating and a further 54 scoring 4-stars.

Among the 5-star cars, 29 also received a Safer Pick rating, for providing better protection to pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of other vehicles.

CONS Maintenance can be expensive and may have been skimped on by previous owners.

To determine the safety scores, the 2021 Used Car Safety Ratings analysis looked at almost nine million vehicles involved in real-world crashes. The star ratings of 1 to 5 stars give you an indication of how well each vehicle would protect its driver in a crash.

To search for a vehicle’s rating, visit rac.com.au/usedcars

Toyota Prius 3 2009 - 2016 From $12,500 PROS Still quite fuel-efficient at this age, and an affordable way to get into an electrified vehicle.

15 SAFER USED CARS UNDER $15K Using the annual Used Car Safety Ratings Guide, we’ve found 15 cars with a 5-star rating that are priced under $15,000*.  *Prices sourced from publicly available used car listings, September 2021

31

CONS Hybrid battery in older models will have suffered some depletion, meaning more frequent petrol engine running.

Car+Motoring

BMW 1 Series 2011 - 2019 From $15,000

Subaru Forester 2012 - 2018 From $10,000

PROS Economical, sporty rear-drive handling characteristics. Wellequipped and refined.

PROS Excellent off-road ability for a mid-sized SUV. All-wheel drive all the time. Good resale.

CONS Cost of parts and maintenance.

Tyres may be more expensive than in mainstream cars.

Nissan Pathfinder 2005 - 2019 From $12,000

Ford Kuga 2013 – 2016 From $10,000

PROS Proven, albeit aging mechanicals in pre-2013 models. Car-like refinement in post-2013 models.

PROS Advanced features for its age such as park assist and motion-sensing boot opening.

Perky performance.

CONS CVT reliability and thirsty V6 petrol engine in post 2013 models. Watch out for four-wheel driving damage.

CONS Six-monthly servicing for some models. Possibility of damage from off-roading.

CONS Earlier 2013 models with 2.5-litre turbo petrol are thirsty.

Petrol versions need premium.

Volvo XC90 2003 - 2015 From $6000

Hyundai Santa Fe 2012 - 2018 From $11,500

PROS Well-appointed interior which is also roomy and well-suited to families. Built-in rear booster seats.

PROS Seven-seat interior flexibility.

Reliable, affordable to own.

Loud diesel in earlier models.

CONS Maintenance can be expensive.

Handling not up to its Euro counterparts like BMW X5, Audi Q7.

32

CONS High rate of front tyre wear in petrol front-wheel drive models. Hard interior plastics on some variants.

Car+Motoring

Nissan Murano 2009 - 2015 From $8500

Holden Commodore VF 2013 - 2017 From $14,000

PROS Smooth, quiet V6 petrol engine. All-wheel drive.

Well featured interior.

PROS Roomy inside, proven mechanicals, excellent handling and performance.

CONS Needs premium petrol.

Check condition of CVT transmission.

CONS V6 engine sounds harsh.

Infotainment technology beginning to look old.

Kia Carnival 2014 - 2019 From $10,000

Holden Colorado 2012 - 2019 From $14,000

PROS Spacious, flexible interior.

Side sliding doors.

Good visibility for driver.

Easy to handle, reliable.

PROS Many variants to choose from, most rated to tow up to 3500kg.

Big safety improvement from pre-2012 models.

CONS Fuel consumption and front tyre wear rate on petrol models.

Interior can wear quickly.

CONS Noisy diesel engine.

Average interior build, infotainment system will seem dated.

Toyota Camry 2011 - 2017 From $8000

Subaru Liberty/Outback 2009 – 2014 From $12,000

PROS Good resale, reliable. Roomy interior. Hybrid models have good driving dynamics and fuel economy.

PROS Full-time all-wheel drive, good handling. Outback does SUV job without looking like one.

CONS As per the Prius, hybrid battery can wear causing petrol engine to run more often.

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CONS Lighter towing capacity than some competing SUVs. Six-monthly service intervals for some models.

DRIP COFFEE BAGS

DISCOVER SPECIALTY GRADE DRIP COFFEE BAGS

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distinctively Western Australian 19 February - 7 March 2022. Bathers Beach, Fremantle free outdoor exhibition featuring 74 artists Kirsten Makinson and Heloise Roberts Tideline 2019 treated pine posts, plywood, glazed clay tiles. Photo: Tegan Court

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Download the new Stirling Range Trails APP for maps, photos & guides on the mountain walks, drives & wild�owers.

Download via stirlingrangetrails.com.au

W E ’ R E N OT BLUFFING these walks are stunning Choose from seven walking trails & three drives in the new Stirling Range Trails APP. Great family walks through to advanced hikes, perfect foranyone that appreciates fresh air and stunning mountain views.

WA L K S

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News and info for WA travellers

WA travel brief Immerse yourself in magical Karijini Held on the traditional lands of the Banjima people, the Karijini Experience is a five-day festival of culture, food, music and art that has been specially curated to enable visitors to strengthen their connection with Karijini National Park’s spectacular landscapes. The program features renowned artists, emerging performers and a range of Indigenous experiences with local Traditional Owners.

The Scene Team

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT WA HOLIDAY If you’re heading to the Perth Caravan & Camping Show, from 23-27 March at Claremont Showground, pay a visit to our RAC Parks & Resorts team at site 261 in the Jim Webster Pavilion.

During the show, you’ll have access to exclusive RAC member giveaways plus the chance to win an ultimate road trip package. You can find out more about the recently redeveloped RAC Esperance Holiday Park, and get information about all nine of our RAC Parks & Resorts across WA. There will also be representatives onsite from RAC Roadside Assistance, Insurance and Finance to answer any other questions you may have.

The Scene Team

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Travel+Touring

NEW COLLIE BIKE TRAILS OPENED In November 2021, 16km of new mountain bike trails were officially unveiled in Wellington National Park near Collie.

Starting from the Wellington Dam area, the trails wind their way through the Collie River Valley, linking to the popular Potters Gorge Campground and providing incredible views of the mega-mural painted on the wall of the Wellington Dam. This is the first of three stages of trail development that will see around 65km of mountain bike trails developed in the park. Once complete, the trails will become part of the Wambenger Trails network, which is named after a littleknown carnivorous marsupial found in the Collie River Valley.

ALBANY’S NEW HILTON GARDEN INN Perched on the waterfront next to the Albany Entertainment Centre, the new Hilton Garden Inn Albany officially opened in November 2021.

It has 108 rooms, and includes a restaurant and bar, fitness centre, and meeting rooms to accommodate business travellers.

The hotel joins several other projects that are part of the Albany foreshore development plan, including a new pedestrian bridge, increased facilities for boats in the marina, and a series of new shops and markets near the waterfront.  37

Travel+Touring

Broome and the Dampier Peninsula with kids

By Fleur Bainger

Flying into Broome for a family holiday?

Hire a four-wheel drive, make tracks for the Dampier Peninsula and give your kids a culture hit with these family-friendly adventures.

The Kimberley is as much a nature playground for families as it is a glittering escape for jet-setters swooping in on its bucket list sites.

It’s not exactly cheap to visit wonders like the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and King George Falls – particularly if you’re travelling as a family – but there are loads of things to do in Broome and on the Dampier Peninsula that fit the family brief of being accessible and enriching.

Hands-on adventures

We’ll dive into Broome activities in a moment, but first, let’s look at the advantages of the now paved road between Broome and the tip of the peninsula, Cape Leveque.

He’s hosted kids of all ages, from babies in backpacks up to teens.

“Kids really love collecting their own food, getting into the mud, swinging on the mangrove roots, drinking from a natural water source and checking out native bees that don’t sting,” he says.

The once jarringly corrugated, dusty red-dirt track was a work-inprogress for two years. It opened to travellers after $65M worth of bitumen finished being laid in November 2020 – a time when few of us could travel far. With the nearing of the new dry season this May, the smooth outback route is looking particularly appealing, even if a four-wheel drive is still required to reach attractions down sandy side routes.

The road’s easier access opens up Aboriginal tourism experiences like never before. Traditional custodian, Bolo Angus, runs a family-friendly drive-and-walk experience with Lullumb Tours.

He weaves through marsh flats, tropical bush and mangroves, exploring a creek and finishing with a beach cook-up overlooking the tidal zone of King Sound.

“If they’re really hands-on, I’ll get them to spear a crab. Also, an eagle often hangs around, so we’ll get a couple of fish in the mangroves, chuck them out and the eagle swoops down for them.” The four-hour Southern Cross Cultural Walk tour costs $160 per adult and $80 per child, with discounts available to families of five or more (lullumbtours.com.au).

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Nearby, Terry Hunter leads the two-hour, Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, on Bardi Jawi country. He is the fourth generation of his family to work and live on the Kimberley property, and his love for it is obvious in the stories he tells of a barefoot, free-range childhood. Kids are particularly wowed by the secrets he shares.

Kneeling at beach rockpools, he scoops up water and drinks, to their giggling surprise. He knows something they don’t: at low tide, fresh spring water seeps in and Terry invites them to taste the bush magic. He also cooks oysters prised straight off the rocks, using spinifex fire to pop them open.

The kids may not want to eat them, but they’ll be captivated by the handmade bush barbeque.

Walking through mangroves and scrub, Terry plucks leaves used for bush medicine while talking about the tin shed schooling he did with his best mate James, who’s now at the helm of Australia’s oldest continuously operating pearl farm, Pearls of Australia.

Terry’s tour costs $85 per adult and $35 per child (cygnetbaypearlfarm.com.au).

Beyond the property’s wide, flat beaches are raging tidal movements that form the basis for Rosanna 

Travel+Touring

The mix of authentic culture and outback adventure makes the Dampier Peninsula hard to leave. But Broome beckons, with its many family-friendly activities a seductive lure.

ABOVE: Gantheaume Point Road, Broome.

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Travel+Touring

3

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Dan Avila

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Angus’ new dinghy expeditions, which launched in 2021. The Bardi Jawi woman follows the journeys of her ancestors, the tide drifters, on her Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tour.

Way back when, her people would build mangrove wood rafts to navigate the world’s biggest tropical tides, using the fast-flowing water to travel and trade between the mainland and King Sound’s craggy, red rock islands. Their ability to handle the sieve-like waterscape of reefs, islets and hidden rocks becomes more astounding when you’re in a boat winding through the same passage – it’s a thrilling insight into ancient culture and geology.

While Rosanna’s half day tour costs a little more, it’s still a fraction of the price of visiting the nearby Horizontal Falls.

Expect to pay $350 per adult and $250 per child, with family discounts available (sundayislandtours.com.au).

Where to stay

Never before have there been so many options for staying on the Dampier Peninsula. In 2022, the region’s first Camping with Custodians campsite will open with 37 powered and 10 unpowered campsites. The two-wheel-drive-access campsite is owned and run by the Djarindjin community, allowing for spontaneous cultural interactions as well as bookable Aboriginal tours (djarindjin.com.au).

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Tourism Western Australia

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RM Photography

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It comes as the popular Kooljaman campground closes indefinitely for major upgrades. Kooljaman tours, such as the all-day four-wheel drive and bush tucker tagalong tour run by Brian Lee ($150/ adult, $75/child; djarindjin.com.au), will now come out of Djarindjin Roadhouse.

Families who have joined him describe his ability with children as “magical”.

For all-inclusive accommodation, look to Mercedes Cove, where 50 per cent of the visitors are families and only 18 people can stay at any one time. Dave Channing and his Bardi wife, Pat live on site, surrounded by four beaches that can be accessed on foot.

Travel+Touring

Children thrive there, quickly forgetting their electronic devices.

SIX FUN THINGS TO DO WITH THE KIDS 1. L earn how to spear crabs with Bolo Angus of Lullumb Tours.

2. K ids will be thrilled by surprises revealed at Cygnet Bay Pearls.

3. B ook a family-friendly ride on the famous Broome camels.

4. J oin a dinghy expedition on the Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tour.

5. H unt for dinosaur prints or join a tour to see some of the most impressive prints.

6. S tay in an eco tent surrounded by endless beaches at family-friendly Mercedes Cove.

Dave says children thrive there, quickly forgetting their electronic devices.

“The kids are out playing on the blowup water slide, the trampoline, the cubby house. They’re swimming, hiking, fishing and climbing trees.”

There’s also snorkelling and free kayaks to explore the ocean with. “They run around at night with torches collecting hermit crabs. Everyone becomes friends by the time they leave,” says Dave. There are no set tours, but Pat talks about her culture with those who show interest, and Dave has gleaned a fair bit during the four decades they’ve been married.

The most affordable option is a selfcontained eco tent sleeping two adults and two kids under 11, which contains everything you’ll need, including a mini fridge ($180/night).

campground $18 per person over 13yrs, $9 per child and free for kids under 6yrs.

With no play equipment and no set tours, the focus is on the surrounding nature, and the sharing of Kathleen’s everyday life.

Nearby, Goombaragin is a private property containing unpowered campsites, an unpowered bush tent on raised decking, an eco tent and an eco chalet. “They’re at the edge of the clifftop, 38m above sea level so we get panoramic views of Pender Bay,” says Kathleen Cox, who runs the place. “I live on country, Goombaragin is my home, and I show people around the property.”

“When families stay for four nights or more, we often go for a walk on the reef together and talk about different marine life. We might collect oysters or go fishing and cook them on the communal fire so everyone can have a taste,” she says.

“Sometimes we take the wheelbarrow to collect wood and talk about the trees.

I might show them the bush fruits, and how to eat the nuts inside.” 

All accommodation is self-contained and ranges from $80 to $250, with the

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Timothy Campbell

Mystic Stock Photography / Shutterstock.com

Travel+Touring

ABOVE: Kids can enjoy activities such as minigolf and swimming in a saltwater pool at RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park; TOP RIGHT: Take in a movie at Sun Pictures in Broome, the world’s oldest operating garden cinema; BOTTOM RIGHT: The Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon, where the moon rises above the ocean and reflects in the tidal flats, creating the illusion of a staircase.

Back in Broome

The mix of authentic culture and outback adventure makes the Dampier Peninsula hard to leave. But Broome beckons, with its many family-friendly activities a seductive lure. Dinosaurfans will be captivated by the fossilised footprints left in Broome’s rockscapes some 120 million years ago.

You can search for the free-to-view, three-pronged prints on Gantheaume Point’s rock platform at low tide, but kids will likely be more excited by a boat ride across Roebuck Bay to a lone beach. There, you’ll find yourself standing in the 1.7m-wide circular prints of a sauropod, dotted across rocks. There’s even a print that shows the impact of such weight in the rock layers beneath.

While the dinosaur prints are all around, they’re hard to see without having them pointed out, and guide Myles Penegar couldn’t be more enthusiastic - or knowledgeable - about the paleontological treasures underfoot.

His three-hour Dinosaur Adventure Tour includes a barbeque, cocktails, bird watching and the trip to see the 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints fossilised in rock on a secluded beach. (broomehovercraft.com.au).

By night, head to Town Beach to watch the monthly phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon over the Roebuck Bay tidal flats (Mar-Oct), or buy tickets to the world’s oldest operating garden cinema, Sun Pictures ($55/family of four; broomemovies.com.au).

For your family stay in Broome, RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park has minigolf, a saltwater pool, barbeques, camp kitchen and even a general store, all within walking distance of the famous 22km-long sandy stretch (sites from $43/ night to cabins from $212/night; parksandresorts.rac.com.au). 

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Vehicle hire RedSands Campers, Broome & Beyond Camper Hire, Red Dirt Rentals; major car rental brands are also represented in Broome.

Flight details Qantas and Virgin fly to Broome from Perth.

Best time to go May to October marks the Kimberley dry season, with peak period during winter.

Esperance

RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park

Park now open after redevelopment

You can now enjoy brand new facilities and a wide range of accommodation options, from self contained villas to ensuite sites at the brand new RAC Esperance Holiday Park.

Pets are also welcome in designated cabins and sites. In a first for RAC Parks & Resorts, the park also features a new pet washing station.

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Ningaloo Reef Resort

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Book and relax with us.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

The power of membership

RAC Busselton Holiday Park

RAC Margaret River Nature Park RAC Karri Valley Resort

RAC Esperance Holiday Park

The new and improved RAC Esperance Holiday Park

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au R18330

Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season.

Travel+Touring

ight pollution has L increased by at least 46 per cent over the past 25 years and today around two billion people can’t even see the Milky Way.

ABOVE: Carnamah’s Macpherson Homestead provides a striking backdrop for astrophotography.

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Travel+Touring

Under the milky way

By Norman Burns

We already know Western Australia has an incredible array of destinations and experiences. But there’s one sparkling attraction that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves and it’s right above our heads.

Stargazing as a form of tourism is on the rise, and as fate would have it, West Aussies have front-row seats for some of the best stargazing locations on the planet.

With 80 per cent of WA’s population centred in Perth, the rest of the state offers vast, open skies with little light pollution – perfect conditions for Dark Sky Tourism.

Just gazing, awestruck, at the heavens without much clue of what you might be seeing is one thing but having an enriched experience that has flow-on effects for entire communities and regions is another.

Michael Goh

That’s where Astrotourism WA founder Carol Redford comes in; she’s on a mission to help protect the state’s ‘dark sky asset’, which in turn will boost local and international tourism and generate potentially billions of dollars for our economy.

Thanks to the Astrotourism Towns Project, started in 2018, there is now a stargazing ‘trail’ through WA’s regional communities and Redford has been working with 15 local governments across the Mid West and Wheatbelt to help them grow Dark Sky Tourism.

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“Globally, we’re losing the dark night sky – light pollution has increased by at least 46 per cent over the past 25 years and today around two billion people can’t even see the Milky Way,” Redford says.

“We’re very lucky that light and atmospheric pollution levels are low here in WA but it’s still vital to get councils and businesses thinking about the effects of lighting on the night sky or other potential light pollution.”

Putting WA on the stargazing map The State Government, too, is right on the Dark Sky Tourism case – and not the least because it has enormous economic potential.

Redford says that, in terms of Dark Sky Tourism, WA is where the Colorado Plateau (Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico) was 20 years ago.

“They’ve made big investments in that area and research estimates that over the next 10 years, Dark Sky tourists will spend $US5.8 billion in the region and more than 10,000 jobs will be created annually. 

Travel+Touring

Michael Goh

TOP: Astrotourism WA founder, Carol Redford; BOTTOM: Perth astrophotographer, Michael Goh; RIGHT: Vlamingh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth will be ground zero for a total solar eclipse in 2023.

ver the next 20 years, O 14 total solar eclipses will take place and WA will witness four of these - the most of anywhere in the world.

“Before COVID hit, I was probably getting 20 calls a week from tour operators throughout Australia about Dark Sky attractions in WA, asking where people could go, and what they could see. But there’s also growing interest from people within WA; luckily, we already have some great attractions right throughout the state.’’

Western Australia is going to be well placed for quite a number of significant astronomical events in coming years.

“Over the next 20 years, 14 total solar eclipses will take place and WA will witness four of these - the most of anywhere in the world.

“Exmouth will be ground zero for the total solar eclipse in 2023. Accommodation in the town is already booked out and we could get 50,000 visitors to the Ningaloo coastline,” Redford says.

As Exmouth will be the best place on the planet to see the 2023 eclipse, Redford says it will also provide a perfect opportunity to show off our unspoilt dark sky to the world.

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WA’s best stargazing spots Western Australia’s 2.5 million square kilometres offer almost unlimited vantage points to soak in the universe. Even on Perth’s outskirts, the Hills area, Avon Valley and Chittering Valley are relatively light-pollution free. But venture further away from the big smoke and that night sky really hums. Here are some destinations to check out.

Mandurah

Nature lovers Seb and Jamie Van Jones’ Salt and Bush Eco Tours are based just 1.5 hours from the Perth CBD and showcase the beauty of the Peel/Mandurah region – including the Lake Clifton thrombolites, bizarre micro-organisms that hark back to the dawn of life on the planet. The stargazing tour (with a clear sky policy –

@cjmaddock / Tourism Western Australia

Michael Goh

Travel+Touring

TOP: Stargazing at the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park; BOTTOM: The Salt and Bush Eco Tours stargazing tour offers amazing viewing from the pitch-black Lake Clifton shoreline; RIGHT: Night skies above the London Bridge, Sandstone.

they’ll rebook a suitable date if the clouds roll in) offers amazing viewing from the pitch-black Lake Clifton shoreline.

who want to try some astrophotography.

Hillman Siding and Six Mile Cottage are also popular stargazing spots.

Coral Coast, Wildflower Country, Mid West

There’s plenty of accommodation in or near town, including the Darkan Hotel, a caravan park, backpacker’s cottage, lakeside camping and farm stay options.

There are plenty of options to take in a road trip relatively close to Perth and soak up some stupendous night skies. See our five-day self-drive itinerary on page 48 for an ideal introduction to Dark Sky travelling.

Southern Wheatbelt

The Shire of West Arthur is another WA region that has enthusiastically embraced Dark Sky Tourism and Darkan, 2.5 hours from Perth, is the place to base yourself.

Apart from spectacularly dark night skies, the beautifully maintained historic buildings add that extra touch for those

For more, visit westarthur.wa.gov.au Broome and the Kimberley

Greg Quicke got hooked on astronomy after being gob-smacked by the view while camping under dazzling Kimberley skies.

Turning his passion into a profession, Greg’s Broome-based Astro Tours aim to introduce others to the magnificence of WA’s night sky. From Broome’s famous Stairway to the Moon events to galaxy

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gazing just 20 minutes out of town, Greg’s insightful and entertaining tours bring the wonders of the universe to life.

For more, visit astrotours.net Pilbara

You’ll run out of superlatives after viewing the heavens from pretty much anywhere in the Pilbara. Tom Price, Paraburdoo and the Onslow region make an ideal travel base, but one great option is to stay at Cheela Plains Station, 170km from Tom Price. The station has camping or lodge options and sitting around a fire with that canopy of stars above you will knock your socks off. Remtrek Astronomy and Guided Adventure Hikes also has some great stargazing tours to Dales Campground within Karijini National Park. 

Travel+Touring

For 60,000 years, Australia’s First Nations and Indigenous people have ‘read’ the night skies, incorporating their observations into songlines, calendars, ceremony, navigation, art and food gathering, so a night viewing the stars with an Indigenous perspective is a truly rewarding experience.

Ngurrangga Tours in Roebourne offer a two-day overnight camping experience in the MillstreamChichester National Park where you can learn how the Yindjibarndi people interpreted the night sky.

A good primer for any Dark Sky trip would be to take in the Aboriginal Astronomy Night at the Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory in Gingin.

Getting the perfect shot Perth astrophotographer Michael Goh has some sage advice for anyone wanting to photograph the heavens – do your homework first and don’t be afraid to push the limits of your camera.

Michael’s early interest in science fiction took his gaze skywards and photographing the stars was a natural progression. With the right gear, preparation, and attitude he says anyone can get great night sky images.

“A basic kit would be a DSLR or mirrorless camera that has manual

exposure settings and manual focus.

There are some phones that can do it now as well. A tripod helps, but I’ve leant against rocks before,” he says.

FIVE-DAY ASTROTOUR FROM PERTH (SELF-DRIVE)

Scoping out in daylight where you intend to take photos at night is also recommended.

“It’s good to have a little wander around before it’s dark so you can see what the area looks like. You might get a much better image only a few metres away than if you just started photographing as soon as you get to a site.”

Picking a favourite WA spot for his astrophotography passion is difficult but Michael says the myriad salt lakes make great locations.

“With a small layer of water, they reflect the stars like a mirror and in some hot, dry conditions can have interesting textures.” 

BOOK FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE Accommodation bookings at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park for the solar eclipse will be released in line with the April 2022 school holiday program.

For more information visit racparksandresorts.com.au Please note: This will be a very busy time for Exmouth and availability will be limited.

Australia’s Coral Coast

Indigenous experiences

Day 1 Perth to Carnamah/Three Springs (285km, three hours) Carnamah’s Macpherson Homestead, just 2km from town, provides a striking backdrop for astrophotography, as do the Yarra Yarra Lakes to the town’s west. But remember the lake shoreline is only suitable for four-wheel drives and definitely not suitable for caravans.

Carnamah, named an official astrotourism town in 2018, has plenty of accommodation options too. Visit carnamah.wa.gov.au Day 2 Carnamah/Three Springs to Mingenew (75km, 50 minutes) Mingenew’s hockey oval, golf course, Yandanooka Hall (21km south of the town) and Coalseam Conservation Park are the best local stargazing spots. For more, see mingenew.wa.gov.au Day 3 Mingenew to Eneabba (100km, 1.25 hours) Carpets of wildflowers (when in season) during the day and carpets of stars overhead at night make for a truly unforgettable sightseeing experience. If you’re not camping, head to Jurien Bay (70km away) for other overnight options.

Day 4 Eneabba to Cervantes via Jurien Bay (110km, 1.25 hours) Seaside Cervantes is a great spot to recharge before heading out to either Lake Thetis (2km from Cervantes) or the Pinnacles – both of which have front-row seats for viewing our own Milky Way. Day 5 Return to Perth

LEFT: Take in the carpets of wildflowers, as well as stars, while on your self-drive astro-tour.

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TASMANIAN TAILORED TOURING HOLIDAYS

Photo: kunanyi / Mt Wellington - Luke Tscharke

TASMANIAN ADVENTURER

PREMIUM TASMANIA

7 Night Self-Drive Holiday

12 Night Self-Drive Holiday

 7 nights with TasVillas motels and apartments all around Tasmania

 12 nights premium accommodation

 7 days all inclusive economy automatic car hire#

 Josef Chromy Wines - Let’s Do Lunch Experience

 National Parks Pass - unlimited access into parks

RAC MEMBER BONUS

 12 days all-inclusive medium SUV auto car hire#  Gordon River Cruises - Premier Upper Deck seating including lunch and drinks

 $100 tour and attractions credit^

 National Parks Pass - unlimited access into parks

 Free TasVillas Group carry-on suitcase

RAC MEMBER BONUS

 Free car rental upgrade from economy to compact automatic

 $100 tour and attractions credit^

FROM

$765*

Per person, twin share Valid for travel 01.05.22 – 31.08.22

Prices for travel outside advertised dates available on application

FROM

$2,846*

Per person, twin share Valid for travel 01.05.22 – 31.08.22

Prices for travel outside advertised dates available on application

CONTACT YOUR RAC TRAVEL SPECIALIST TO TAILOR A TASMANIAN HOLIDAY TO SUIT YOU

Terms and conditions apply. Prices are correct as at 9 December 2021 and are subject to availability. Prices are per person, twin share. Prices include GST. Prices are subject to fluctuation due to changes in surcharges, fees and taxes. Surcharges may apply to selected dates within the advertised travel period; Blackout dates may also apply. Offers apply to new bookings only and are valid during the advertised travel dates, unless sold out prior and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Itineraries are subject to alteration and cancellation without notice. Accommodation is based on lead-in room types unless otherwise specified. #Car hire with Budget Rent a Car is fully inclusive of excess reduction coverage and all fees and charges excluding fuel and any additional counter products or fees. ^Bonus credit is limited to one per package and can only be used for additional tours and attractions in the TasVacations program, cannot be exchanged for cash, credit or to discount the package price and is valid for new bookings only. For further information and terms and conditions, please contact RAC Travel.

WWII Anti-aircraft Searchlight Party

NUNGARIN

Vintage Rally Come for the day... Stay for the weekend.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Self Drive

wheatbeltway.com.au

When

Saturday 5 March 2022

Where

| pioneerspathway.com.au

Event Coordinators

nungarinheritage@bigpond.com

nungarinmuseum.com.au

Everything’s Vintage Where to Stay

cars; trucks; tractors; McCorry’s Old Hotel army tanks; vehicles and The Woolshed Hotel activities for all ages

Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum After Dark 26 Second Avenue Nungarin see what 800,000 Time candela looks like when 14:00 to 22:00 we rev up the WWII Anti-aircraft Searchlight Entry $10 + Free – kids under 16 Other Events Sunday 6 March 2022 (08) 9046 5040 Nungarin Markets

SHOP 24/7 IN STORE ONLINE

Where to Eat

Nungarin Museum The Woolshed Hotel McCorry’s Old Hotel Wegners Rural

Caravan Parks

Nungarin Caravan Park Mangowine Homestead McCorry’s Old Hotel

www.strideshoes.com.au 08 9364 4598 applecross@strideshoes.com.au

Colour Your World with Cabello Comfor t

Limited Offer a $30 bonus credit for your next purchase if you buy Cabello in March or April 2022

See instore, conditions apply

Our State, People+Future

Future moves IONIQ 5 TAKES CHARGING LEAD Hyundai has released what could be one of the most innovative and influential electric cars – provided the Korean manufacturer can get enough of them to sell in Australia. The Ioniq 5, which is a sub-brand of Hyundai and bears Ioniq badging only, is equipped with vehicleto-load (V2L) capability, meaning its powerful battery can be used to charge e-bikes, e-scooters or even other electric vehicles. The interior has even been designed as a workspace, with a large centre console that can slide forward and back so users can work while the Ioniq 5 recharges. Pricing for the Ioniq 5 starts at $78,980 drive away, which makes it a close competitor to the Tesla Model 3.

MUST-HAVE AEB If you drive a late model car, you might have experienced its autonomous emergency braking (AEB), the car safety system that can automatically apply the brakes in an emergency. The technology can save lives, and the Australian Government has now given a time frame for when AEB will be mandatory on new cars. The requirements will start from 1 March 2023 for all newly introduced vehicle models, and from 1 March 2025 for all new vehicles. AEB with the ability to also detect pedestrians will be required from 1 August 2024 on new models, and on all new cars from 1 August 2026.

TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE LIVES Queensland has successfully trialled a new vehicle detection system at urban intersections that can help save lives by preventing high speed, side-impact crashes. The technology called ‘Hold the Red’ has been trialled at four intersections across Brisbane and the Gold Coast since 2018. Radar technology installed at traffic lights can predict when an approaching vehicle will go through a red light and responds by extending the red light at side roads until the vehicle has cleared the intersection. To deter the running of red lights, red light cameras were also installed at intersections with the Hold the Red technology. RAC is working with the University of Western Australia and iMOVE Australia to develop a Smart Transport Technology Roadmap for Perth, which will identify technologies that can help improve safety, efficiency and reliability for all road users. 

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Car+Motoring

Test drive

BACK-TO-BACK Toyota Camry Hybrid v Hyundai Sonata N-Line

By Alex Forrest

Among the biggest shifts in the new car market over the past decade or more has been the change in buyer preferences towards SUVs and away from regular passenger cars.

TOP: The Camry has a beautifully supple ride, performs well and is very light on fuel; LEFT: The Sonata’s performance is significantly sharper, but it uses almost twice as much fuel; ABOVE: Both the Camry (pictured) and Sonata have good safety credentials, are packed with infotainment and convenience features, and they’re roomy inside.

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Car+Motoring In 2008, medium sized cars made up 7.8 per cent of all cars sold in WA. Fast forward to 2020, and medium sized cars made up only 2.8 per cent of our new car market. In 2022, there is less than half the number of different medium sized cars to choose from compared to 14 years ago. However, the remaining medium sized cars are, generally, excellent examples of the breed.

These include the Hyundai Sonata N-Line and Toyota Camry Hybrid SL. Both have good safety credentials, are packed with infotainment and convenience features, and they’re roomy inside.

Here are two medium sized cars that, for some people, just might fit the bill better than an SUV. Value for money

You’ll be looking at price tags of $52,660 for the Camry SL and $56,715 for the Sonata N-Line. That pricing sounds like a lot for a couple of sensible, non-premium name plates. However, both cars are highly specified.

The Camry SL and the Sonata N Line are both the range-topping specifications in their model ranges. Though the Sonata N Line is also the only Sonata variant available.

The Camry Hybrid SL comes with a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker JBL sound system and even powered steering wheel adjustment.

ABOVE: The Sonata N-Line’s interior fit and finish is right up there with a European car costing $20,000 more.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Sonata N-Line’s interior fit and finish is right up there with a European car costing $20,000 more. You get luxuries like nappa leather and suede seats, but the Sonata will also cost more to service and fuel than the Camry.

On the road

Both cars are far more responsive to drive than most people would expect – especially the Sonata. The Camry’s proven hybrid drivetrain uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor to drive the front wheels.

The seamless merging of these power sources is impressive, both for its refinement and the fuel economy you get.

The Sonata N-Line, which uses a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, has a very different set of priorities.

Sporty driving characteristics are the Sonata N- Line’s forte – its engine’s output of 213kW is about the most you’d want in a front-wheel drive car. The Sonata’s performance is significantly sharper than the Camry’s, but at 8.1L/100km, it uses almost twice as much fuel as the Camry (4.5L/100km), according the ADR test. Offsetting the cost of that difference will be the Camry’s requirement for 95 RON fuel, compared to the Sonata’s ability to handle cheaper 91 RON.

ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid POWER 160kW (combined) TORQUE 202Nm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 4.7L/100km PRICE $52,660 ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

Hyundai Sonata N-Line

Safety and practicality

The Sonata N Line hadn’t been rated by ANCAP at the time of writing, however it does have an impressive suite of safety equipment. This comprehensive tech includes autonomous emergency braking that includes being able to avoid crashes when turning across oncoming traffic, and rear cross traffic alert and braking, which will automatically apply the brakes when reversing to avoid a crash.

The Camry SL is well-stacked with safety gear too, and it does carry a 5-star ANCAP rating. It also has a slightly bigger boot than the Sonata (524 litres versus 510 litres), though tall drivers would appreciate it if the seat went lower. Room for the rear seat occupants is good in the Camry, and slightly tighter in the Sonata.

Verdict

While these two are classed as medium sized cars, they have very different approaches to getting you down the road. The Camry has a beautifully supple ride, performs well and is very light on fuel. The Sonata is a far sportier proposition that’ll deliver much more driving excitement, but you’ll pay more to buy it and more to maintain it. For everyday driving, the Camry’s cheaper servicing and fewer required visits to the petrol station get it over the line first.

53



ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol turbo POWER 213kW @ 5800rpm TORQUE 422Nm @1650-4000rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.1L/100km PRICE $56,715 ANCAP SAFETY RATING not rated

Car+Motoring

GENESIS GV70 For some buyers of premium SUVs, only a German or British badge will do.

But for others, the very fact that the Genesis GV70 is not from one of those better-known luxury brands will be its key attraction.

Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury division, and has existed as a separate brand since 2015. The GV70 was launched in Australia in August 2021, but they’re still a rare sight on WA roads.

The GV70’s rivals include other premium mid-sized SUVs like the MercedesBenz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5, but you might say the Genesis plays a slightly different game.

While Genesis doesn’t yet carry the same badge cache as other premium brands, the GV70 is a very high quality, good performing and fully-featured premium SUV. All of that makes it just the ticket for those looking to avoid the perceived ostentation of other premium brands without giving up the premium part.

Pricing for the GV70 is up there with its main rivals. The all-wheel drive turbo diesel example with the optional Luxury and Sport packs that we road tested would cost $97,390 drive away, but they start at $74,900 for the rear-drive, 2.5 litre turbo petrol.

The interior of the GV70 is an extremely pleasant place to spend time and has the effect of encouraging you to find reasons to stay there.

ENGINE 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel POWER 154kW @ 3800rpm TORQUE 440Nm @ 1750 – 2750rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 7.8L/100km PRICE from $81,415 drive away (diesel) ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

The interior’s finishing elements are outstanding, such as the stainless steel speaker grilles and polished aluminium switchgear. Suede is used on the headlining and interior side pillars, and the door trim coverings are even backlit with a choice of 11 different backlighting colours.

However, there are two large rotary controls on the centre console – one each for the infotainment and the gear selector. We found it a little too easy to find the infotainment control when we really wanted to select reverse.

54

Car+Motoring

ISUZU MU-X It’s been almost a decade since the Isuzu MU-X first arrived in Australia, and until mid-2021, this ute-based off-roading wagon was a rudimentary but nonetheless reliable, highly capable and affordable option in this segment.

It was extremely popular here – in 2020, the MU-X was the third biggest-selling large SUV after the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Now, Isuzu is hoping this new, heavily revised and updated MU-X will continue that trend.

However, along with being much more modern and slightly more refined than its predecessor, the new MU-X is also more expensive.

Standard pricing for the range-topping MU-X variant, the LS-T 4x4, is $65,900 before on-roads, an $8500 increase over the equivalent previous model.

Add on-road costs, and the drive away price for the MU-X LS-T goes up to $73,100, however, at the time of writing there was a special offer which priced this top-of-the-range LS-T at $63,990 drive away. The discount was so big, it made the LS-T $2688 cheaper than the mid-spec LS-U. The MU-X is a big improvement over its predecessor, especially with the interior coverings, switches and more sophisticated dashboard which all make it more like a car than a workhorse you hose out at the end of the day.

The infotainment system gets a 9.0-inch touchscreen – a big improvement – though a volume knob instead of buttons would help keep drivers’ eyes on the road longer.

The heavily revised 3.0-litre turbo diesel in the MU-X isn’t as quiet or powerful as some competitors’ powerplants, however it’s still well suited to the vehicle and its purpose, which includes being rated to tow up to 3.5 tonnes.

The MU-X is no longer a cheap 4x4 wagon, but you do get more for the extra outlay and for the most part, that finally brings the MU-X shoulder to shoulder with its rivals. 

55

ENGINE 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel POWER 140kW @ 3600rpm TORQUE 450Nm @ 1600 – 2600rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.3L/100km PRICE from $63,990 drive away (LS-T) ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

MEM RAC BERS GET

15 % CA R H

IR E W

OFF*

ITH S

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Car+Motoring

Car doctor 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.

Q When a new car is

purchased, dealers offer three to five years free service. During this period can you take your new vehicle to another reputed car service centre?

Celia, Applecross

negotiating a lower price based on servicing not being included. Having your vehicle serviced by a workshop other than the dealer will not void the vehicle warranty providing it is serviced to the manufacturer’s specifications by a qualified technician.

A While you could take

Q I’ve had a spare tyre for

your vehicle elsewhere for servicing during the dealersupplied service period, if you have already paid for this servicing as part of the vehicle purchase, then it would be most cost-effective to utilise this rather than effectively paying for a service twice. If, at the time of purchase, you intend to use a workshop other than the dealer, we would suggest

now that it’s 10 years old, the rubber will have hardened and cracked with age to the point where it no longer provides a safe level of grip on the road.

Q Does bird poo damage

the paint on my car, and can I use a Karcher to clean this off?

Peter, Hillarys

A Yes, bird droppings can

over 10 years unused. Is it still safe to be used in the event of a flat tyre or do I need to replace it on a regular basis?

Lee, Victoria Park

damage vehicle paintwork and you could use a pressure washer on the car wash setting to clean the bulk of the droppings off the car.

However, if they have been left on the paint for several days or even weeks, they may have damaged the surface of the paint and this will require more specialised cleaning and polishing treatment. 

A If your spare tyre is

more than 10 years old, for optimum safety in the event you need to use it, we would suggest replacing your spare.

Even though your spare tyre may have good tread depth, 57

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 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Member lounge Smart tech keeping boats and boaters safe Western Australians love their boats. One in 10 of us have our Recreational Skippers Ticket*, which means there are lots of WA families enjoying time on the water.

Having peace of mind that your boat is safe and secure – both on and off the water – is incredibly important. Using a GPS tracking device can help ensure that if your boat is stolen, you have a good chance of finding it and alerting authorities and RAC Insurance.

Automatically logging your voyages on the water and sharing your location with family and friends means that someone will always know where you are, so if you get into trouble on the water, you can be easily located.

WA business Nebo Global have recently launched their nebolink device, a GPS solution specifically for boaters.

Once secured onto your vessel, you can easily track your boat’s whereabouts or connect with fellow boaters who also have the device. You can also keep your route private in stealth mode.

RAC Boat Insurance members can purchase a nebolink for $49 (retail price $142). Head to nebo.global/rac to order. *Boating Industry of Australia 2020 Survey and Australian Bureau of Statistics

MEMBERS SAVE ON CAR HIRE WITH SIXT We’re excited to announce a new exclusive car and truck rental partnership with SIXT Australia. As RAC’s new car hire partner, SIXT will offer members 15% off^ daily rental rates, a free additional driver, plus other member benefits. SIXT has an extensive network, with more than 160 locations across Australia and more than 30 years’ experience in car rental. SIXT also leads in offering electric vehicles (EV) for hire, so you can experience an EV at a discounted hire rate.

58

For more details, bookings and terms and conditions, visit rac.com.au/carhire

^

Home+Life

Post-holiday home security Back to school time often means parents are also heading back to work.

With less activity around your home during the week, it’s essential to make sure everything is well secured before you leave each day to prevent opportunistic theft.

The 2020 RAC Home Security Survey revealed more than 40 per cent of people who had experienced a home burglary reported it took place in daylight hours (from 6am to 6pm), with 65 per cent not home due to work or other commitments.

Of those who experienced a break-in, 40 per cent reported that burglars gained entry by breaking or forcing windows and doors open.

If you have a security system which was used less while you had time off at home, get back into the habit of switching it on when you leave for the day.

And do a last-minute check to see if all doors and windows are locked – it’s something that’s easy to miss in the rush to get out of the door on a weekday.

For more information about how to protect your home from burglary, visit rac.com.au/security

TYRES YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE HOME FOR

We can fit in around you, at a time and place you choose, whether it’s at your home or workplace, on a weekday or a Saturday morning.

For breakdowns, you already know to call RAC Roadside Assistance, but for new tyres, don’t forget you can call RAC Tyres mobile service, make a booking and have the service come to you.

There’s no additional charge for using the mobile tyre service and all our tyre brands exceed Australian Standards, so you’ll be getting the best in terms of quality and safety.

Our mobile tyre vans are equipped to carry out the same services that are performed in the workshop, including the fitment of new tyres, wheel balancing and wheel alignment. Puncture repairs can also be carried out when two or more new tyres are fitted.

59

Wheel balancing is included for free, and when four new tyres are fitted, your wheel alignment, which is normally $79, is also free.

Plus, we’ll dispose of your old tyres and send them to be recycled.

To book our mobile tyre service, visit rac.com.au/MobileTyres

THE

IRONWOOD COOK WITH WOOD

AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON THE ORIGINAL WOOD PELLET GRILL

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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.

MEMBERS SAVE ON A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING OUTDOOR CINEMAS AND AQWA! Plus, save 10% on Apollo rentals.

Page 62 & 63

Show your RAC member card and start saving today

61

Partner offers

Save on outdoor cinema tickets That’s the power of membership RAC members get the cheapest adult and family tickets and gift vouchers at Telethon Community Cinemas. Enjoy blockbusters, family films, and classics this season under the stars at Burswood, Bassendean, Murdoch and Joondalup. 100% of profits go to WA children’s charities, every movie is life changing.

Visit rac.com.au/cinemas Visit rac.com.au/cinemas for full terms and conditions.

62

Membership+Benefits

Save at these partners everyday visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Members save 10% on Apollo rentals That’s the power of membership

rac.com.au/apollo Visit rac.com.au/apollo for full terms and conditions.

RAC members save 10% at AQWA That’s the power of membership Visit AQWA for an underwater journey to discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia.

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.

63

Partner offers

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Beat the Heat! Stay safe & secure by installing premium quality Nu-Style Roller Shutters You can reduce heat from entering your home by installing Nu-Style Roller Shutters. That way, you and your family can stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Plus you save on energy consumption which also helps the environment.

Custom made in WA and backed with a 10 year warranty.

• Increase security • Stay cool • Increase privacy

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Members save 10%. Plus claim the $400 Safety and Security State Government rebate^ FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

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Membership+Benefits

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Partner offers

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INCLUDES Termite & Borer Inspection 12 Month Service Warranty Free Spider Treatment Termite Management Plan

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Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspections. Discount does not apply to warranty renewal contracts, Termico special offers or to other products / services of the Termico Group. Available to all valid RAC Members when a valid RAC membership card is quoted over the phone or presented at time of purchase. Valid until 31/03/2022.

66

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Membership+Benefits

Save at these partners everyday visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Outdoor Blinds

SUMMER SALE NOW ON!

Members save

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Maximise your outdoor living this Summer by installing premium quality Nu-Style outdoor blinds They not only look stylish but will blockout the heat and strong winds. With our Summer Sale now on, there has never been a better time to save!

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

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67

Partner offers

Members save

5%

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You can’t discount the benefits of good health (BUT FOR YOU - WE CAN DISCOUNT THE PRICE) Pharmacy Services Wizard Pharmacy offers a range of health services providing expert advice and caring support, designed to assist you along your journey to better health.

Travel Health

Women’s Health

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Here’s just some of the health services available.

Medication Packing

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Vaccinations

View all our Pharmacy Services and more information at wizardpharmacy.com.au

or scan HERE

1300 929 929 | wizardpharmacy.com.au | shop online | click & collect | home delivery *Available to all current RAC members when a valid RAC membership card is presented in-store or online. RAC members don’t need to be a Wizard Rewards member to receive the 5% discount.

Discount not available on PBS prescriptions, clearance lines or postage. RAC membership can only be associated with one Wizard Rewards card. †See wizardpharmacy.com.au for full terms & conditions.

68

Membership+Benefits

Save at these partners everyday visit rac.com.au/mb for more

There has never been a better time to install Nu-Style Roller Shutters, Security Screens and Doors

Members save

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316

Feel safe, secure & comfortable in your home Increase your security & privacy by installing Nu-Style Roller Shutters, Security Screens & Doors

Nu-Style Shutters Summer Sale is now on, with prices reduced on Nu-Style electric roller shutters, security doors and grilles plus with the State Government Safety and Security Rebate^ for WA Seniors Card members, there has never been a better time to buy and save!

security for your home

Members save 10%. Plus claim the $400 Safety and Security State Government rebate^ FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

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69

Partner offers

Take the pain out of painting Members save

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* Exclusions apply – see in store for full details at all Wattyl Paint Centres. Online promo code: RACF22

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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70

Other offers

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Other offers

“This Hearing Aid Has Changed My Life” Testimonials

“Thank you to you Gerry and your wonderful staff.

My experience with your hearing loss practice has been excellent. The hearing aid you recommended are the best I have ever had. It’s a life-changing experience to be able to hear clearly and I so appreciate your patient and caring manner, Kind regards” M.Bowden, WA.

“Wish I had gone to Hearing Loss Specialists sooner, my hearing aids have changed my life. I now hear sounds I had not heard for many years and my family and friends no longer have to repeat themselves.

Thank you, Gerry and staff, for your honesty, integrity and support. You are amazing!”

T.Kirk, WA. “I would recommend Hearing Loss Specialists for their service and understanding. I have tried other types of hearing aids for a few years, which have not been very successful, the noise of shopping centres etc. was unbearable, I would not wear them half the time because of that. The new ones I have now are brilliant, noisy areas are not a problem. The staff at Hearing Loss were very helpful and understanding. Five out of Five stars!”

G.Finnie, WA.

“I simply cannot believe the difference it has made to my life! The ability to actively engage in conversation both one on one and in a myriad of social settings borders on disbelief. The sheer joy of being involved and indeed contributing to discussions is something I had long forgotten and drives home just how much I have missed Richard Bryndzej, WA. over the years.”

RAC MEMBERS

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RAC Members EXCLUSIVE Offer $660 Package for ONLY $499!

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Hidden

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Applies to package deals only. Valid until 31/03/22.

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EC14442

Members save $770 73

Other offers

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Members receive a picnic platter valued at $42.95 74

Other offers

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Everything here comes from here.

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Terms+conditions

Contact us

The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 T: 13 17 03 W: rac.com.au

CAR DOCTOR, PAGE 57 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use in one transaction at any Puma Energy location Australiawide. 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 2022 Horizons must claim their prize by 17 March 2022. 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 MEMBER COMMENT, PAGE 8 Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $186. 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 Horizons must claim their prize by 17 March 2022. 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.

Member Service Centres – Metropolitan CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street Member Service Centres – Regional ALBANY 110 Albany Highway BUNBURY Primewest Centrepoint SC, 60 Blair Street GERALDTON Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford Street KALGOORLIE 51-53 Hannan Street Travel Centres APPLECROSS Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley Street T: 6150 6459 CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway T: 6150 6454 DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade T: 6150 6455 JOONDALUP Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive T: 6150 6477 MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way T: 6150 6456 WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street T: 9436 4830

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

@RACWA

editor@rac.com.au

The power of membership

holiday fun in Busselton » Surrounded by 8ha of natural bushland » Only 300 metres from the beach » Large grassed caravan sites » Self contained cabins » Two swimming pools » Kids activities

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racbusseltonholidaypark.com.au R18273

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

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Home+Life

Ten best SUP SPOTS AROUND PERTH South Perth foreshore

domonabike / Alamy Stock Photo

Though the foreshore has long been known for its catamarans, it’s also a great place for a paddle. When the wind is light and the water is calm you can do a lap around Heirisson Island and back, or just cruise along the river around Sir James Mitchell Park for spectacular city views.

Bicton Baths Set out from the beach next to the jetty heading north-east towards the sandbar at Point Walter. You’ll pass the striking cliffs of Blackwall Reach along the way. The narrow channel here is often busy with boats, including Rottnest ferries, so take care. If you’re a little unsteady on your board, stay closer to the shore.

Lake Leschenaultia, Mundaring The calm waters here are ideal for a tranquil, flatwater paddle.

The lake has a white-sand beach you can launch from, and if you’re up for a challenging paddle, you can do a circuit of the lake. For something easier, cruise around the main beach area close to the café and picnic area.

Matilda Bay Reserve, Crawley This long, tree-lined bay is a great launch point for SUPing close to the city. You can paddle towards Mounts Bay Road or head in the other direction towards Pelican Point, passing the Royal

ABOVE: Stand up paddle boarding on the Swan River, Matilda Bay.

Perth Yacht Club along the way. Around the corner from Pelican Point you’ll be heading for the Nedlands foreshore.

Woodman Point Woodman Point is a great spot for ocean paddling without too much swell, provided the wind is light when you go out. The bay is quite shallow for some distance from shore, making it a great place to become more competent on your SUP without worrying about falling into deeper water. SUP hire and lessons are also available here.

Garvey Park, Ascot There’s a lot of paddling action here, as Garvey Park is home to the Ascot Kayak Club and SUP Tonic Australia who offer lessons and SUP hire. There’s plenty to explore, including Ron Courtney Island in the middle of the river bend. From the island you can head west towards Bayswater or paddle east towards Bassendean.

Murray River, Pinjarra region Set off from the Henry Street boat ramp in Pinjarra and head north-west, following the Murray River’s many twists and turns. This 17km-long flatwater paddle takes you past riverbanks lined with trees and through farmland heading towards Ravenswood.

Point Walter, Bicton On a calm day, this is a great spot to launch from for a long adventure on the water.

Explore the sandbar west of the jetty, then head around the corner towards the cliffs at Blackwall Reach. Or take a shortcut and walk across the sandbar with your board to get there a bit quicker.

East Perth This paddle trail is full of contrasts, giving you a slice of nature right next to the city.

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Set out from Banks Reserve in East Perth and head south to pass under Windan Bridge and reach Claisebrook Cove.

Do a short loop of the cove, then head back out under Matagarup Bridge to reach Heirisson Island.

Canning River Regional Park Launch your SUP from the Riverton Canoe Launch on the south side of the Riverton Bridge and paddle towards the river bend at Bicentennial Adenia Park. This section of the river is particularly interesting as it splits into narrow streams. Then, head north-east towards Kent Street Weir. 

DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR THE TEN BEST? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

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Find out more at rac.com.au/health ^$400 cash back for Family, Couples, or Single parent memberships and up to $200 cash back for Single memberships. Must stay with HCF for at least 3 months. *100% back from providers in HCF's No-Gap network is available on selected covers. Waiting periods and annual limits apply. See hcf.com.au/100back. Issued by the Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF). RAC Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 59 094 685 882) receives a commission for RAC members it introduces to HCF and who take out a HCF health insurance product. See full terms & conditions at rac.com.au/health

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Member benefit terms and conditions apply.