Horizons 2016 August/September

a

What’s on in WA + Member Benefits + 10 of the best

Your RAC magazine /

August / September 2016

WIN!

A river cruise in Vietnam & Cambodia see page 36

White wilderness Join an authentic Antarctic adventure What’s the cheapest car to own and run in WA? Caversham Racetrack WA’s first motoring mecca

Generation Ford

Celebrating a grand era and a great rivalry

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August / September 2016 Horizons 3 Offer available until apply.

See in store or ask our pharmacist. ‡ December 2016 and subjected to stock availability. Terms and conditions Vitamins may only be of assistance if dietary‡intake is inadequate. Points cannot be earned on PBS prescription purchases. Offer valid from 1st June to 31st July or while stock last.

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Horizons

Inside

Your RAC magazine August / September 2016

Editor-in-Chief Will Golsby

38 Wild Antarctica

Editor Lucy Siebert Deputy Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Publisher Christine Dixon Design Glenn Moffatt Advertising Ben Treasure (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 ben@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com.au

WIN!

A river cruise in Vietnam & Cambodia see page 36

The West Australian’s Stephen Scourfield accompanies an RAC Travel group on a photography adventure to breathtaking Antarctica.

Horizons is published for The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc)

by Hardie Grant Media Ground Level, Building 1 658 Church Street, Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia hardiegrant.com.au Managing Director Jeff Trounce jefftrounce@hardiegrant.com.au

CAB audited as at March 2016 is 526,564

Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285.

The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.

Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

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Tackling busy intersections

Electric car winner

Generation Ford

Dos and don’ts to keep traffic moving safely.

One lucky member is enjoying his new BMW vehicle.

A look at the company’s manufacturing heritage in Western Australia.

4 Horizons August / September 2016

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Inside

In the next issue How easy is it to access public transport in Perth? See RAC’s special report.

10

your Horizons

47

The latest news from the RAC

The east side of WA’s Great Western Woodlands

58 Member Lounge

50

63

Wintertime animal collision warning; car maintenance workshops for women; planning your wildflower trip; celebrating 50 years of RAC membership; Australia’s best accommodation providers; mobile tyre services.

We test drive the newest cars on the road

31

The true cost of running your car

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message Road safety education for children and young people.

8 Mailbox

15 What’s on

19 Caversham Racetrack

Events around the state.

A 70-year anniversary.

36 Win an Asian river cruise

31 Car running costs survey

Uncovering the Mekong River.

WA’s cheapest vehicles.

Members’ letters.

38 Wild Antarctica

50 Test drive

Revealing a remote continent.

New cars on the market.

45 Travel brief

55 What’s new

News from RAC Travel.

The latest news in motoring.

47 Great Western Woodlands

57 Car doctor

Top 10 things to see and do.

Your questions answered.

9 Exchange Sharing your views.

10 Snapshot News from the RAC.

82 The 10 best Agricultural shows.

Member Benefits Show your card and save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.

Download our free Member Benefits app to discover where you can save with exclusive member offers.

Log on today and make the most of your RAC membership rac.com.au/memberbenefits

August / September 2016 Horizons 5

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President’s message

The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth.

GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839. tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au RAC Member Service Centres Metropolitan Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. West Perth (Head Office): 832 Wellington St. Regional Albany: 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury: Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton: Shop 29, Centro Northgate Shopping Centre, Chapman Rd. Kalgoorlie: 51-53 Hannan St. Mandurah: Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. RAC Travel Centres Applecross: Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St, tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland: Shop 100, Midland Gate Shopping Centre, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah: Shop SP037 Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. tel: 6150 6456 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au RAC contact numbers Roadside Assistance 13 11 11 Battery Services 13 11 11 Membership 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 13 17 03 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 797 078 Insurance 13 17 03 Finance 13 17 03 Travel 13 17 03 Touring 13 17 03 Security Services 13 17 03 RAC Auto Services 1300 135 667 RAC DTEC 6189 4646 Corporate Enquiries 9436 4111

Laying the foundations for a new generation of safer drivers For those of us involved in the field of road safety, the highly responsive minds of children present an important opportunity to start the road safety conversation. Early childhood teachings and experiences shape beliefs and lay important foundations for the future, so it follows that providing age-appropriate road safety education to children and young people is essential to building confidence and an early focus on road safety.

Once a child begins attending school, they have become daily ‘commuters’ and it is during these early years that we have a precious window of opportunity to begin working with parents, teachers and children.

To commence this journey, RAC launched the Little Legends Club – a free road-safety membership for primary school children, assisting them to learn about bicycle, pedestrian and passenger safety. The program provides online games and other resources for students and teachers.

In 2015, RAC’s Community Education team delivered more than 600 road safety presentations to schools around the state, including the Around the Roads program for children in pre-primary to Year 6.

To build on this foundation RAC will introduce its Road Ready program, targeting high school students across Years 7–12. The program will feature Australian Curriculum-aligned road safety games and resources and will focus on safe behaviour and learning to drive.

The mid- to late-teenage years present a greater challenge in terms of engaging young people effectively with road safety education. RAC’s road safety initiatives developed specifically for Year 10–12 students cover in-school visits and events

that include presentations designed to have a high and lasting impact.

RAC’s Community Education team will continue to deliver the Resilient Drivers program for students in Years 10–12 focusing on risk reduction and encouraging responsible driving behaviour using interactive workshops. RAC also stages two key road safety events for the same age group: RAC bstreetsmart, which began in 2012 and has been attended by more than 20,000 high school students, and a similar event staged for the past two years for regional schools during WA’s annual Country Week event.

As part of RAC bstreetsmart, students watch a live re-enactment of a traumatic crash scene. It is an emotionally charged simulation designed to leave students with no doubts about their vulnerability as future drivers or passengers.

We know that most fatal crashes are the result of deliberate driver choices, such as speeding, drink and drug driving and driver inattention. With the care and attention of parents and teachers, we can begin to positively influence the young minds of our future road users. RAC’s focus through these youth road-safety initiatives is to work with our members and the community to save lives and stop serious injuries on our roads. ●

Esme Bowen RAC President

Your RAC Council Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia President Esme Bowen Senior Vice President Tony Evans Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Members of Council Dennis Banks, Allan Blagaich, Freda Crucitti, Jill Darby, Ross Dowling, Dalton Gooding, Alden Halse, Stephanie Proud, Elizabeth Re, Emmerson Richardson, Tim Shanahan, Julie Wadley.

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Contact the editor Email editor@rac.com.au or write to The Editor, RAC Horizons Magazine, GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839.

Mailbox

Join the discussion about the RAC and the magazine reflections in the water from building and street lights neutralised the effects of headlights. My solution to accidentally driving without any lights was to connect a wire from the distributor to the parking lights so they came on with the ignition. It meant I never drove without some lights showing. I think the early Volvos had it.

This meant those vehicles had lights in all conditions and times of the day when some car colours all but vanish into the shadows. An inexpensive solution to a common problem.

Improved bike parking facilities are needed, if more WA residents are to make cycling part of their lifestyles.

Our winning letter Bike parking boost It was great to read about the positive experiences had by those in the RAC e-bike trial (Horizons June/July).

I think e-bikes are a great way to get people cycling, particularly for short trips around their community, such as to shops and local cafés.

My main concern is the lack of bike parking infrastructure at these local shops and cafés. I live in Scarborough and can think of at least eight shopping and café precincts within 5km of my house that do not have any bike parking infrastructure or at best have one pole that a bike could be parked against. This doesn’t encourage me to cycle to these locations and, as such, I often take my car instead.

When you have spent a lot of money on a bike (e-bike or non e-bike) it is a concern if you cannot park it at your destination and cannot be in close proximity to it while you are at a local café. If we are going to continue to encourage people to cycle in their local community, at

a minimum, bike parking facilities are required at local shopping and café (mixed use) precincts to provide extra incentive for people to choose the bike over the car.

Name and address provided

Public transport challenges I am a strong supporter of public transport and cycle-ways, but for them to work, other changes are required. Rail, light or heavy, and frequent bus services require sufficient passengers to make them economically viable. It is also highly preferable that patrons can walk to a station or bus stop.

This requires high-density living. A look at any European city where public transport is well used is consistent with high-density living. Urban sprawl and public transport are not compatible.

Graeme King

Daytime running lights In my early driving days (1950s) it was easy to find oneself driving without lights on a wet night as the

Stuart Oliver

RAC response: Daytime running lights increase the visibility of vehicles on the road during daylight hours. They are lights fitted to the front of a vehicle in addition to the headlights.

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly adding this safety feature to their vehicles, with many popular car models now equipped with daytime running lights.

this is where Barry and Brian made the famous King Cole surfboards. Thanks for a great article.

Adrian Lyons

Headlight checks a must I agree with the comments of Jan Buck (Horizons June/ July) concerning the use of headlights when travelling on country roads. I travel between Albany and Perth on a regular basis and see it all the time. Apart from those drivers not using their headlights, there are the ones using them but with defective lights. You may get away with it during the day – at least one light is better than none, but my greatest concern is night driving and not only on the open highway. Take responsibility and check your lights. It takes only seconds and possibly prevents getting a ‘yellow canary’ from the police.

G Fletcher

WIN free roadside assistance for one year

Surfing down memory lane Further to the article ‘Surfing Nomads’ (Horizons June/ July) I was pleased to see your cover photo of the West Coast Board Club members driving up Yallingup Hill. The second vehicle, a Morris Minor ute belonged to my brother-in-law Barry (Joe) King, who, as mentioned, with Brian Cole were the first foam-board shapers in WA. Barry’s father, Doug, was a builder and had a joinery shed in Salvado Road and

Each issue, the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance that gives motorists additional peace of mind by offering a range of extended benefits.

For assistance or more information

call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au.

Terms and conditions on page 81.

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

8 Horizons August / September 2016

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Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts RAC BICYCLE HELMET POLL

2015 ROAD FATALITY RATE

Main Barriers to cycling

WA 6.3

(or cycling more often)

31% 54% 15%

having to wear a helmet

other barriers

per 100,000 persons

no barriers

Fatal and serious injuries on WA roads, 2015 summary.

CAR RUNNING COSTS

RAC ONLINE POLL

Tell us …

$208.27 The average weekly cost of running a car in WA in 2016 To find out more see page 31 RAC Vehicle Operating Costs survey 2016

facebook.com/racwa

VIC 4.3

Are you aware of the new merge lines on Perth freeways?

Do you believe they are working?

Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange Poll closes 19 August 2016

twitter.com/racwa

Exchange your views by email: editor@rac.com.au August / September 2016 Horizons 9

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

Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond

Musicians drive change in the Wheatbelt

RAC is proud to partner with the West Australian Music Industry (WAM) to deliver the third Wheatbelt Touring Circuit, a series of 10 weekend performances at multiple venues throughout the Wheatbelt.

The circuit was a hit last year with 30 shows in 13 Wheatbelt towns and record audience numbers.

The program provides WA artists with new audiences and gives greater exposure to regional artists.

Through the touring circuit, WAM actively supports and promotes RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign, a road safety initiative that aims to address the region’s unacceptably high road fatality rate.

This year saw the introduction of WAMbassadors, a selection of local Wheatbelt musicians who help manage the tours and work towards changing local driving behaviour and attitudes.

Wheatbelt musician, Erin Pope, one of the tour’s WAMbassadors, said fatal car crashes are something her community are all too familiar with and she hopes her involvement with the program will help encourage change.

“I can expect to lose a handful of my good mates on the road by the time I leave my 20s, which is something that just shouldn’t be acceptable,” she says.

10 Horizons August / September 2016

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Snapshot

Perth’s freeway merge lines In April, new merge lines were added to all on-ramps on the Kwinana and Mitchell freeways. Here’s a reminder of what all motorists need to do to ensure traffic can merge safely and easily on our freeways.

While travelling on the freeway on-ramp, get up to speed with freeway traffic, then indicate to change lanes. Make sure you merge as soon as you are at speed and it’s safe to move into the freeway traffic.

Drivers already on the freeway and travelling close to the merging vehicle should leave a gap for it, or, if possible, move to the righthand lane to make room.

RAC Council election alert The next issue of Horizons will contain an election supplement (including a ballot paper) that will allow eligible voting members of The Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) to cast their vote in the 2016 RAC Council election.

Please note: only those persons who are Honorary Life Members, Gold Life Members or Personal Members (who have paid their subscriptions in full for the applicable period of membership) as at the date 28 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting, are eligible to vote. Other

members, including Red Card, Rewards (previously known as Affiliate), free2go, child and youth, fleet and national assistance program members are not eligible to vote.



If you are an eligible voting member and if you have not received a copy of the election supplement by 14 October 2016, you can request one by emailing councilelections@rac.com.au, visiting an RAC Member Service Centre, calling us on 9436 4389 or by visiting rac.com.au and using the ‘Contact Us’ link.

Electric car winner!

Congratulations to Alex Lindsay, the winner of a BMW i3 electric vehicle. Mr Lindsay, pictured with his wife Joy, will be able to travel to the South West, charging his vehicle along the RAC Electric Highway®.

August / September 2016 Horizons 11

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Snapshot

Keeping Auto-braking busy decreases rear-end intersections crash rates unblocked Research in the US has found that You may have noticed some unusually large yellow boxes painted on the road surface at a few busy Perth intersections.

These are part of a Main Roads WA trial to help ease congestion, with four intersections part of the initial trial.

Canning Highway and Kintail Road, Applecross, and Jon Sanders Drive and Herdsman Parade, Glendalough have been painted with a UK-style marking featuring a crosshatched box.

Intersections at Queen Victoria Street and Tydeman Road, North Fremantle, and Mitchell Freeway and Vincent Street Leederville have been painted with an alternative Singaporestyle marking featuring a box containing a single large yellow cross.

The road markings are designed to discourage drivers from attempting to drive through an intersection before the way ahead is clear in order to prevent blocking vehicles trying to cross from other directions. The boxes reinforce the existing Road Traffic Code provisions that penalise drivers for entering blocked intersections.

Main Roads is encouraging drivers to only enter the yellow box junction when the driver’s exit is clear and there is enough space on the other side of the junction for the driver’s vehicle to clear the box completely without stopping.

For more information about correctly and safely entering and exiting busy and congested intersections see page 17.

automatic braking systems on cars reduced crashes by 39 per cent.

Consistent with the crash findings, the injury rate declined by 42 per cent for vehicles equipped with forward collision warning systems with autobraking.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US used police-reported data on rear-end crashes and compared sets of vehicles. It studied the same model vehicle, one with automated braking and one without automated braking systems.

The study found that even in vehicles with only the forward collision warning system and not the autonomousbraking functionality, rear-end crashes had reduced by 23 per cent.

This would indicate that the technologies are preventing crashes, and in instances where they are unable to prevent a crash, they are reducing vehicle speed and therefore lowering injury risk.

The researchers also did a separate analysis of Volvo’s City Safety system.

The City Safety system is a low-speed auto-braking system, low speed being approximately 30km/h. The City Safety vehicles were compared with similar size and type vehicles that did not have front-crash prevention systems.

The rate of injuries from rear-end crashes was reduced by 47 per cent for City Safety vehicles.

12 Horizons August / September 2016

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Snapshot

Giving crash victims a lifeline Allan Newbold has been a critical care paramedic with the RAC Rescue helicopter for more than nine years.

Three rules for safe driving around trucks Motorists should remember three simple rules to ensure a safer journey when sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

1. Blind spots Truck drivers rely on their mirrors to see what’s behind and around them. Many heavy vehicles have a number of blind spots, making following vehicles difficult to see. Follow the rule that if you can’t see the mirrors on a heavy vehicle then the driver can’t see you.

2. Don’t cut in Due to their size and weight, heavy vehicles have a much longer stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. To account for this, heavy vehicle drivers maintain a suitable distance between them and any vehicles in front. Avoid cutting in too close to the front of a heavy vehicle.

3. Don’t overtake a turning vehicle

During his time with WA’s only combined helicopter emergency medical, search and rescue service, Mr Newbold has been involved in a wide range of difficult and traumatic responses.

As a paramedic, he says motor vehicle crashes remain among the most difficult response operations.

“Multi-trauma motor vehicle crashes of any sort are probably the most challenging.

“When someone’s got head injuries, chest injuries, internal bleeding, external bleeding – that’s pretty much as bad as it gets.”

Managing a patient with multiple traumas can require a number of different treatments, often in difficult surroundings.

“Any one thing in isolation has its own treatment approach but when you combine them, things that work well when you’ve got, say, a head injury, don’t work as well when you’ve got a chest injury too.”

Receiving good patient information before arriving on the scene can make a big difference, but in certain circumstances this may not be possible.

“We always have information, but the amount of detail can vary.

“The first thing we do when we arrive is look at airways, breathing and circulation. We also have to ensure our own safety at the scene.

“In terms of the patient, we’re there to stabilise and prepare them for transport. We stabilise them so they have a better chance of surviving the journey to hospital and get to theatre if that’s where they need to go.”

Sponsored by the RAC and funded by the State Government, the two RAC Emergency Rescue helicopters based in Perth and Bunbury are managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

As some trucks and heavy vehicles need to move into the lane adjacent to them in order to turn a corner, drivers following should not try to overtake while the vehicle is turning.

MOBILE EDUCATION CENTRE To help educate motorists about safe driving around heavy vehicles, the Australian Trucking Association has developed a mobile education centre. The Safety Truck will be in WA during August and September at various venues and events and is supported by RAC’s Community Sponsorships program and hosted by Transafe WA. For more information, visit truck.net.au and search for ‘Safety Truck’.

August / September 2016 Horizons 13

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“…FISCH AND HIS FORCES COULD NOT BE FAULTED.” THE WEST AUSTRALIAN APRIL 2O16

FAMILY SERIES

ASHER FISCH & WASO AT PERTH CONCERT HALL

THE GRUFFALO & THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD Sun 30 Oct 1pm & 3pm Perth Concert Hall

Children and parents alike will be captivated as their favourite story books come to life with the Orchestra! Both movies will be projected onto a big screen above the stage. Suitable for 5 – 10 year olds. Tickets $27* MACA LIMITED CLASSICS SERIES

ASHER FISCH CONDUCTS SCHUBERT & BARTOK Fri 19 & Sat 20 Aug 7.30pm Opening with Schubert’s Tragic Symphony, this concert features Bartók’s towering classic Concerto for Orchestra.

ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES

ASHER FISCH & WASO: BAIBA SKRIDE PLAYS MOZART Fri 26 & Sat 27 Aug 7.30pm Latvian violinist Baiba Skride brings her brilliant sound to Mozart’s elegant and tender Fourth Violin Concerto.

MACA LIMITED CLASSICS SERIES

ASHER FISCH CONDUCTS MOZART’S REQUIEM Fri 2 & Sat 3 Sept 7.30pm Mozart gives voice to both grief and hope in his final, transcendent work - music for beyond this world.

ASHER FISCH & WASO: TOUR DE FORCE MORNING SYMPHONY SERIES

ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES

Thurs 29 Sept 11am

Fri 30 Sept & Sat 1 Oct 7.30pm

Asher Fisch and WASO present a selection of the works they will perform in Beijing and Shanghai.

Tickets from $30*^

DAVID BOWIE A TRIBUTE WITH WASO

DAVID BOWIE: A TRIBUTE WITH WASO

Thurs 10 & Fri 11 Nov 8pm Perth Concert Hall

To celebrate the legacy of David Bowie, Australian music industry greats along with WASO will perform your favourite Bowie hits. Join iOTA, Tim Rogers, Steve Kilbey, Deborah Conway and Adalita as they perform Changes, China Girl, Life on Mars, Rebel Rebel, Let’s Dance, Starman and many more.

Tickets through Ticketek WASO038

Pictured: Baiba Skride, violin

BOOK NOW

Call 9326 0000 quoting 1500

Visit waso.com.au

Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. Baiba Skride appears courtesy of Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd. *A one-off handling fee of $5.50 per transaction applies to all purchases.

An additional fee of $4.40 per transaction applies for delivery via Registered Post. ^Excluding Asher Fisch Conducts Mozart’s Requiem (tickets from $55*).

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What’s on

 Events around the state in August and September

Perth Science Festival 13–14 August Perth Cultural Centre

Celebrate the launch of National Science Week in WA at the Perth Science Festival.

This free event has something for everyone, with explosive stage shows, roaming performers, cuddly animals, mining tours, engaging stalls and science celebrities.

The fun continues at night with Gastronomical, an over-18s event that explores the science of food and drink.

There’ll also be live music, a licensed bar plus free food and drink tastings. The RAC E-Zone is proudly sponsored by RAC. For more information, visit scienceweek.net.au.

Romeo and Juliet 9–24 September His Majesty’s Theatre with WASO

The most romantic love story in the world is back.

Plus, the classic version is being presented alongside Radio & Juliet by Hungarian choreographer Youri Vámos, which is set in the 1930s and to the music of Radiohead.

For more information, visit waballet.com.au.

August

September

RAC Pedal Prix

Shinju Matsuri – “Festival of the Pearl”

21 August Busselton The RAC Pedal Prix will feature more than 40 human-powered vehicles racing around a 900m enclosed track for six hours.

Participating teams include school and community groups who have designed and built a three-wheeled recumbent trike, exploring innovative design techniques to develop the most efficient vehicle. The event takes place from 10am to 4pm on the Busselton foreshore.

For more information, visit pedalprix.com.au.

Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 18–21 August The festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a “Love from Nanna’s Garden” theme. The festival will showcase beautiful open garden displays and exhibitions, garden talks, tours and workshops.

For more information, visit nannupgardens.org.au.

CinefestOZ 24–28 August South West Australia’s premier destination film festival will once again attract filmmakers, stars and visitors to the South West with the program covering Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough and the Margaret River wine region.

For more information, visit cinefestoz.com.

City to Surf 28 August Perth WA’s largest community sporting event and the southern hemisphere’s second largest officially timed running race celebrates 42 years in 2016. The carnival includes a marathon, half marathon, 12km run/walk and the 4km run/walk/wheelchair.

For more information, visit perthcitytosurf.com.

10–18 September Broome One of Australia’s most famous cultural festivals is back this year.

The event is a showcase for Broome’s natural beauty, unique history, tranquil lifestyle and multicultural society.

For more information, visit shinjumatsuri.com.au.

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show and Spring Festival 13–24 September The Fitzgerald Coast will come alive for wildflower season, with more than 600 labelled specimens on display and a series of special events.

Highlights include a daily Devonshire tea and soup lunches in the historic Commercial Hotel, known as the Community Centre, in the Red Room, as well as three guided 4WD Wildflower Tag Along tours and a gala dinner.

For more information, visit wildflowersravensthorpe.org.au.

2016 Pipeline Challenge Bike Ride 25–29 September Kalgoorlie-Boulder This relay-style mountain-biking event traces the iconic Golden Pipeline, with overnight camping at Coolgardie, Southern Cross, Merredin and Northam. It’s all in aid of Youth Futures WA, which works with young people experiencing issues such as mental health and homelessness.

For more information, visit pipelinechallenge.com.au.

VINO Art Exhibition 24–26 September Coorinja Winery, near Toodyay View works from local Avon Valley artists within the pretty winery surroundings.

For more information, visit toodyay.com/events.asp.

August / September 2016 Horizons 15

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We’ll

Leave The Light On for you

OVER 50‘s

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8/07/2016 2:30 PM

Road rules

Intersection etiquette Turning across traffic at intersections can be tricky and some drivers’ actions can inadvertently cause congestion or be dangerous. Here are some dos and don’ts.

1

Right at the lights Drivers waiting to turn right at an intersection should not drift past the white line and into the intersection while waiting for a break in oncoming traffic, even while waiting on a green light.

It’s also recommended that drivers do not commence turning their front wheels towards the turn until they are actually moving forward making the turn. This is a risk reduction strategy, as a bump from behind could push a car with its wheels turned in front of oncoming traffic. See Figure 2.

Waiting your turn Drivers who attempt to push through to the other side of a slow-moving intersection run the risk of being caught in the middle of the junction, if the carriageway they are trying to enter remains blocked and the traffic signals turn against them as they’re waiting.

Being caught in this situation isn’t only dangerous it also increases congestion at the intersection as vehicles attempting to cross from another direction find their path is blocked. According to the Road Traffic Code, drivers should not enter or attempt to cross an intersection if the intersection or carriageway beyond is blocked. This applies even while the traffic signals are green.

So if there is no room for your car on the other side of the intersection, you should stay where you are until the way is clear. This is the law so don’t feel intimidated by drivers behind you who may be ‘urging’ you to go through.

If you’re waiting to cross and have not yet entered the intersection when the signals change to yellow or red, you should not attempt to enter the intersection even if the way ahead is now clear.

If you have started to cross when the signals turn yellow or red, you should proceed through the intersection as soon as it’s safe to do so. See Figure 1.

2

August / September 2016 Horizons 17

17_RoadRules_Intersections.indd 17

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18 Horizons August / September 2016

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5/07/2016 5:21 PM

History

The long Caversham straight during its heyday.

Words by Alex Forrest

Caversham FIRST PLACE FOR HISTORY

It’s been 70 years since the Victory Grand Prix at Caversham marked the beginning of an unforgettable era of motorsport in WA. Alex Forrest looks back at the event that started it all.

August / September 2016 Horizons 19

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History Victory Grand Prix winner Clem Dwyer (below); and (bottom) on his way to winning in his Plymouth Special.

Doug Green competing at Caversham in 1960 in his Ferrari 625 (below); and (bottom) Allan MacIntosh in his Bartlett Special.

N

o one would have known that shortly after the guns of World War II were silenced in 1945, a small aerodrome north-east of Perth would host one of the biggest events Western Australia had ever seen.

It was called the Victory Grand Prix and it took place on 7 April 1946.

According to news reports of the day, more than 60,000 people attended, a number that represented more than 10 per cent of the Western Australian population.

During the war, the venue was called the RAAF Fleet Air Arm Aerodrome Middle Swan. Later, it would become a motor racing circuit simply known as Caversham. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that first-ever motor race held at Caversham.

The Victory Grand Prix Considerable effort was taken by the organisers to promote the Victory Grand Prix, and to get people there.

According to an article published in The Swan Express on 11 April 1946, those arrangements paid off: “Cars, buses, and trucks made an uninterrupted ribbon of traffic from Guildford to the airstrip from about 9.30am onwards. At the airstrip, strings of eight to 10 buses at a time could be seen hastily disgorging their contents and then rushing off to refill.”

The day’s program consisted of five events – two races for cars and three for motorcycles.

Clem Dwyer, who would go on to become an icon of WA motorsport, won the main event – the Victory Grand Prix.

As was typical of early post-war competition cars, Mr Dwyer’s car was

20 Horizons August / September 2016

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History

Images Ken Devine

Late 1960s: Don Hall in his Lotus Elan lines up alongside Don O’Sullivan’s Cooper Ford with John Glasson in his Rambler V8-powered Atlantis Special, behind.

According to news reports of the day, more than 60,000 people attended, a number that represented more than 10 per cent of the Western Australian population.

a special he built himself. It was called the Plymouth Special and amazingly, the vehicle still exists. However, it now resides in South Australia.

In second place was Allan MacIntosh in his Salmson-based Bartlett Special.

This vehicle has been restored and remains in WA. Third was Ron Blowes in an MG TA. Cars and motorcycles weren’t the only attractions at the event. According to a report in The West Australian newspaper: “One of the early thrills after lunch was the appearance of a Gypsy Moth [aeroplane] coming in low over the south end of the strip while the third race was in progress. It appeared to be about to land, but after flying very low over the finishing line, gained altitude and veered away.”

The huge success of the Victory Grand Prix at Caversham paved the way for the August / September 2016 Horizons 21

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5/07/2016 5:21 PM

History (below left): The crowd at the Victory Grand Prix. (below right): Ferrari 250LM in the pits during the 1965 Caversham Six-Hour race.

event’s organiser, the WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC), to eventually sign a lease with the Commonwealth Government in 1953.

WA motoring historian Graeme Cocks said this allowed for the official use of the airstrip and its grounds for motorsport.

During the 22 years after that first race in 1946, Caversham became established as one of Australia’s key motorsport venues.

Central to motorsport history Today, the Victory Grand Prix is still recognised by enthusiasts as one of WA’s most successful early motoring events.

Caversham’s status was at its peak when the venue hosted two Australian Grand Prix events in 1957 and 1962. Don Hall competed at Caversham from the early 1950s.

“The older members of the WASCC put so much time into changing it from an air force location to a race circuit. It was out of town a bit, but I have some very good memories of Caversham.”

“My best memory is driving with Ron Thorpe in the AC Cobra. That was a genuine factory AC Cobra, not a copy. It was quite a handful to drive – reasonable handling but they weren’t the best in the world,” Mr Hall said.

The WASCC lease at Caversham finished in 1968. Now, 48 years after the WASCC moved its headquarters to Wanneroo Raceway, only the remnants of the Caversham track remain. ●

Ron Blowes and Jack Nelson at Caversham.

Sir Jack Brabham competed at Caversham in 1957 and 1962.

My best memory is driving with Ron Thorpe in the AC Cobra. That was a genuine factory AC Cobra, not a copy.

The timing tower at Caversham.

22 Horizons August / September 2016

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24 Horizons August / September 2016

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7/07/2016 10:20 AM

History

Images courtesy of the A. John Parker Collection

Words by Samantha Stevens

Generation Ford As Ford prepares to close its doors on local manufacturing in Australia, Samantha Stevens looks at the company’s long history in WA and the influence it has had on our motoring landscape.

August / September 2016 Horizons 25

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History Ford Motor Company of Australia was officially established in 1925.

O

ne of the greatest Australian rivalries will come to a head this year at Bathurst. When Ford lines up with Holden, it will be heading for a very different finish line. On 7 October Ford manufacturing in Australia will come to an end and with the Bathurst 1000 having contributed so much to the iconic Ford image, shutting down the line on the eve of the Big Race will be a fitting finale.

While many think of Victoria’s Geelong and Broadmeadows as the hub of local Ford manufacturing, the company also had a vital arm based in Western Australia from the early 1900s that saw an estimated 18,000 Model T cars, some of them with bespoke Australian design features, take over the roads.

To understand just how unique these imported, then Australianised cars were, one must delve into the very early history of the Model T Ford in Australia, and how cars were built before the Ford Motor Company ‘arrived’ in 1925 to standardise production.

The early days in WA The first Fords appeared in Australia around 1904, with the Model T arriving about two years after its inception in the USA in 1907. The Model T has been credited with starting the assembly line era; Henry Ford’s affordable vehicle solution was not just in the concept of the Model T but also in its creation at the plant. He instigated a moving line of cars with people responsible for a particular part or fitout, rather than people assigned per vehicle for the entire process. In doing so, he revolutionised the way cars are made.

Ford timeline:

The assembly line concept in Australia was different again. The early Model Ts were originally brought in as left-handdrive and this didn’t sit well with Aussies and other right-hand-drive nations. As the Model T was intentioned as a global car, right-hand drive (RHD) assembly plants were established in Canda, which was in close proximity to Ford’s home in Detroit. And with Canada part of the British Empire, Australia avoided the import taxes that non-Commonwealth countries attracted. This made Australia a lucrative market for Ford; despite our comparatively smaller population, Australia boasted the third highest percapita Ford ownership behind the USA and Canada. When Ford Australia was established in 1925, it was part of Ford Canada, not Ford America.

Local motor body builders Those years of imported Fords between 1909 and 1925, while not well

documented, are arguably some of the most fascinating in the car company’s local history, as the cars arrived disassembled and relied on local builders to put the pieces together.

A. John Parker, who has been researching the history of motor vehicles and in particular early Fords in WA and Australia since 1971, estimates there were about 150 motor body builders in Perth alone before Ford Australia was established in 1925, birthing a booming local market with a uniquely Australian influence.

“We had all of these bodiless chassis coming in from Canada, which had to be assembled here by somebody,” he explains. “It wasn’t viable to import assembled vehicles in any numbers.

A shortage of shipping space meant the Australian Government would not allow people to bring in complete cars, so the chassis and parts would arrive to be assembled here. The population

1904

1907

1909–1925

1925

First Fords appear in Australia

First Model Ts arrive in Australia

WA motor body builders and dealerships pop up

Ford Motor Company of Australia is established in Victoria

26 Horizons August / September 2016

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7/07/2016 10:20 AM

History

The population couldn’t justify a plant or an assembly line, so motor body builders sprung up everywhere to assemble the imports.

This probably sold more Fords at his dealership than the records and wins combined.

Setting up shop in WA

couldn’t justify a plant or an assembly line, so motor body builders sprung up everywhere to assemble the imports.”

continues to be referenced in the name of the Ford dealership in Osborne Park, Lynford Motors.”

WA dealerships

Motorsport’s Ossie Cranston

This also saw the birth of major dealerships in WA, where the Model T and other unassembled imports could be built more efficiently. Perth Motor House, Winterbottom Motor Company, Mortlock Bros, West Australian Motors; they all branched into car import builds, and some went on to create the first dealership franchises and networks in WA. “One of the early Ford distributors in WA, Grave & Dwyer, had strong connections to the Ford assembly plant and even the Ford dealership in Osborne Park, Lynford Motors,” explains the RAC’s Alex Forrest. “As noted by Mr Parker, Grave & Dwyer would later go on to become Lynas Motors, which was named after one of the salesmen at Grave & Dwyer, Vern Lynas. Mr Lynas’s name

The most famed name associated with Grave & Dwyer and Lynas Motors was Ossie Cranston, who made a name for himself and his Fords through motorsport. From 1914 through to the early ’40s, the 3.2km Lake Perkolilli clay speedway 35km north-east of Kalgoorlie was the platform for Mr Cranston to show off his Fords; his Ford V8 set a state speed record in 1935 and the next year his V8 Special won the big speed weekend race with an average speed of nearly 100mph.

Mr Cranston also performed a ‘stability demonstration’ in his V8 coupe at this event by blowing out a tyre at 65mph without swerving off course; the blowout was caused by a shot from a gun attached beneath the running board.

But while the Cranstons of the world were bringing Ford to the fore, other Australian builders and dealers were not meeting Ford’s quality standards.

Hubert French, an American working in sales for Ford Canada, was sent to Australia in the early 1920s to investigate the dealership and distribution network here. Finding the dealership situation was not up to scratch, and spurred on by increasing competition from General Motors, he pushed for a manufacturer presence in every state. The Ford Motor Company of Australia was established in Victoria on 31 March 1925, and before long, every state (except Tasmania) had a manufacturing presence.

Ford had a cutting-edge factory built in North Fremantle in 1929, and Perth’s own assembly line was born. The first car off the block was a Model A, the T’s successor.

The plant built cars and tractors in the ’30s and then turned out landing craft and Bren Gun carriers during WWII. It went on to manufacture Mercury and Ford cars, tractors, utes and even heavy Canadian

1929

1960s

mid-60s

1988

7 Oct 2016

Ford factory built in North Fremantle

Falcon production begins

North Fremantle factory is decommissioned

North Fremantle factory becomes Matilda Bay Brewing HQ

Ford ceases manufacturing in Australia

August / September 2016 Horizons 27

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7/07/2016 10:20 AM

I M S

History

TOP 5 LEMONS

For many consumers, particularly in the 1950s and ’60s, there was a huge sense of pride derived from driving Australian cars.

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EA Falcon

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Capri Roadstar

AU Falcon

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trucks, before being decommissioned as a car assembly line in the mid ’60s after which it was used essentially as a warehouse.

The plant remained in Ford’s hands until 1987 and a year later was transformed into the Matilda Bay Brewing Company headquarters.

Flying high with the Falcon Falcon production began in 1960, with the Australian designed and built car being manufactured at Ford’s two sites in Victoria. It was a halcyon time for Ford throughout Australia. During this period, the Falcon boomed, Ford fought Holden for sedan supremacy and the company evolved through muscle-car models and motorsport into a maker of pin-up poster cars for the garage wall.

“For many consumers, particularly in the 1950s and ’60s, there was a huge

sense of pride derived from driving Australian cars,” says Mr Forrest. “Having an aspirational family car, which was not only Australian, but also assembled in your home state, was a sign of economic confidence and an indication that even then, Perth was beginning to shed its small town label.”

Going the distance By then, Fords had a long history of showing their hardiness in the harshest of climes, such as the 15,000km Redex Round Australia Reliability Trials that circled through the outback of WA. Most famed of these drivers was John ‘Gelignite Jack’ Murray, who paired with 1947 Australian Grand Prix winner (and no relation) Bill Murray to take out the 1954 event without losing a single penalty point. The unmodified 1948 Canadianimported Ford V8, an ex-taxi painted in grey primer and nicknamed the ‘Grey Ghost’, made a clear statement on Ford’s reliability and hardiness. Though its driver’s use of explosives to clear paths through the desert – and sometimes in the vicinity of fellow competitors – may have made the route somewhat easier for the big old car.

In 1967, what was then the Gallaher 500 brought the V8 Falcon GT into the spotlight at Mt Panorama, and the rivalries between manufacturers in motorsport began in earnest. The expression ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ evolved from success in the 500, later to become the Bathurst 1000, as the manufacturers and in particular Ford and Holden vied for sales through racing success.

And soon, the Blue Oval will come full circle. Every state has seen the birth, success and eventual fading out of the Aussie Ford, and while Ford will continue as an importer – back to its roots, per se – the history books will look back on this

unique story and eight generations of the Falcon with reverence.

“There’s no denying the low viability of manufacturing large vehicles in Australia,” admits Mr Forrest, “but you also can’t deny this will be the end of a car-making legacy stretching back 90 years, during which there were numerous high points of which we should be extremely proud.” ●

TOP 5 LEGENDS

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Mad Max Falcon Coupe

Falcon Sprint XR8

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28 Horizons August / September 2016

24-29_Ford.indd 28

kn Id

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Horizons AUG2016

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Motoring

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August / September 2016 Horizons 31

30-35_CarRunningCost2.indd 31

6/07/2016 9:20 AM

Motoring

RAC Special Report

T

he daily costs of running a car can quickly add up and there are big differences between how different models affect your back pocket. So it’s worth carefully considering what it really costs to run a particular car, before you make a new purchase.

RAC’s annual Vehicle Operating Costs survey offers a clear view of the cost of running a selection of popular vehicles.

Overall, this year continued the trend of the cost of running a car declining.

On average, the surveyed vehicles are cheaper to run in 2016, down about $7.00 to $208.27 in average weekly running costs.

This year, the survey also threw up a host of other fascinating insights – not least of all the fact that one popular Japanese manufacturer outperformed

all the others in no less than three categories.

Madza took out three wins with the Mazda2, CX-3 and CX-5 in the Light, Small SUV and Medium SUV categories. The CX-5, one of the most popular SUVs among WA drivers, edged ahead thanks, in part, to its ability to hold its value better than its competitors.

Other manufacturers with multiple wins in different categories included Holden and Mitsubishi. The Holden Ute VF II took honours in the Two-Wheel Drive Utes, while the Commodore was the cheapest large car to own and run.

The Mitsubishi Pajero and Triton won their respective categories.

The Suzuki Celerio again emerged as the cheapest car to run, down $4 from last year.

“The Celerio’s low drive-away

pricing again contributed its other low expenses, such as depreciation, interest on finance and insurance costs,” RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels, Alex Forrest said.

“Lower average petrol prices also contributed to the overall decrease in operating costs this year compared to 2015,” Mr Forrest said.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Toyota Landcruiser V8 diesel, which is the most expensive car to run at $364.27 per week. This model was still cheaper than last year, down $15.

Other interesting results are that Skoda Octavia took out the cheapest medium car crown, while the electric vehicle with the lowest running costs is the Nissan Leaf at $252.05 per week. The Toyota Prius C, however, was found to be the second-most expensive Light car to own and run. l

Cheapest Micro Car

Cheapest Light Car

Cheapest Small Car

SUZUKI CELERIO 5 SP MANUAL

MAZDA 2 NEO 6 SP AUTOMATIC

KIA CERATO S AUTO 6 SP SEQUENTIAL

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $12,990 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $19,636 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $22,290 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $30.98 $13.63 $20.94

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $36.59 $16.02 $31.94

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $51.44 $18.16 $28.06

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $13.58 $1.97 $14.91

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $15.89 $2.13 $16.25

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $20.51 $2.32 $17.43

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$96.00 $4992.07

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$118.83 $6179.40

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$137.92 $7171.81

32 Horizons August / September 2016

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Motoring

For a full list of vehicles including specific models tested visit rac.com.au/runningcosts

Cheapest Medium Car SKODA OCTAVIA 7 SP AUTO DIRECT SHIFT ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $27,704 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $66.74 $21.60 $35.27

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $16.66 $2.32 $20.37

TOTAL COST per week

$162.96

ANNUAL COST

$8474.05

Cheapest Large Car HOLDEN COMMODORE EVOKE VF 6 SP AUTO ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $39,318 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $92.82 $30.57 $43.96

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $23.98 $2.50 $17.50

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$211.35 $10,990.09

Cheapest People Mover

Cheapest Small SUV

HONDA ODYSSEY VTi MPFI CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

MAZDA CX-3 NEO 6 SP AUTO

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $41,680 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $24,809 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $81.01 $32.40 $45.95

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $51.59 $20.19 $34.60

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $21.96 $3.15 $24.44

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $17.62 $2.18 $23.56

TOTAL COST per week

$208.90

TOTAL COST per week

ANNUAL COST

$10,862.91

ANNUAL COST

$149.74 $7786.61

August / September 2016 Horizons 33

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86

Motoring

Cheapest Medium SUV

Cheapest Large SUV

Cheapest All Terrain SUV

MAZDA CX-5 6 SP AUTO

SUBARU OUTBACK TCDI CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT GLX 8 SP AUTO

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $35,699 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $42,615 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $49,966 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $69.33 $27.78 $43.81

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $85.86 $33.12 $41.05

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $105.58 $36.06 $50.50

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $21.38 $3.67 $17.89

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $18.61 $3.64 $32.53

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $23.63 $5.62 $21.66

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$183.86 $9560.97

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$214.81 $11,170.09

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

Cheapest 2WD UTE

Cheapest 4WD UTE

Cheapest Electric

HOLDEN UTE VF II UTILITY V6 6 SP AUTO

MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX (4x4) 5 SP AUTO

NISSAN LEAF 1 SP AUTO

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $37,113 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $43,768 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

ON-ROAD PRICE (EST) $57,124 ANCAP SAFETY RATING ★★★★★

$243.05 $12,638.47

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $81.15 $28.87 $42.93

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $94.17 $34.01 $47.93

STANDING COSTS Depreciation Interest On roads, Rego, Ins, RAC m/ship

per week $130.73 $41.20 $47.98

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $26.00 $2.50 $16.92

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $22.45 $4.02 $22.05

RUNNING COSTS Fuel Tyres Servicing

per week $10.26 $2.32 $19.56

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$198.37 $10,315.45

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$224.63 $11,680.91

TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

$252.05 $13,106.79

34 Horizons August / September 2016

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6/07/2016 9:20 AM

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36 Horizons August / September 2016

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6/07/2016 9:22 AM

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August / September 2016 Horizons 37

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Travel

Words Stephen Scourfield

WILD ANTARCTICA

From its icy peaks to its extraordinary wildlife, Antarctica is an adventure that remains with you for a lifetime.

The West Australian’s Stephen Scourfield accompanied an RAC Travel group to this breathtaking wilderness.

38 Horizons August / September 2016

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Travel

I

t is late in the Antarctic season, and for us that is good. We are here not only to touch the seventh continent, and briefly experience the great white land, but particularly to see marine mammals.

Expedition cruising from Ushuaia, on the island of Tierra del Fuego, at the southern tip of Argentina in South America, begins in November and runs through to March, when penguin chicks have fledged, seals are feeding themselves full to fatten up for the coming winter, and whales are feeding on a big krill feast, ready to migrate north and breed.

While there is pretty much constant light in the middle of the summer, by the time our RAC Travel group boards Akademik Sergey Vavilov in March, for One Ocean Expedition’s last Antarctic voyage of the season, there is a changing palette of light as the day progresses from dawn to dusk and dark night.

A photographic journey It suits us well, as many of the 21 travellers accompanied by tour leader, Karen Plummer, and I, are keen photographers.

And we had begun our photographic journey together some weeks before departing, at a gettogether in the RAC offices in West Perth, to run through photographic basics and to talk about gear.

In Buenos Aires, as we prepared to leave for Ushuaia, we ran through the photographic basics

again, ready for all those penguins and whales, and the complicated exposures that come with “one hundred shades of white”.

Heading south, the 1000km of the Drake Passage is kind to us, with a low following swell, and low following wandering albatrosses.

The onboard experience The Vavilov is a Russian polar exploration ship built in Iceland — a serious ice-strengthened ship ideal for such expeditions. With an advanced stabilisation system and thrusters that help it in fine manouevres, it is run by an experienced Russian maritime crew under Captain Valeriy Beluga, and the One Ocean expedition team led by Boris Wise, who equally has a wealth of extreme travel experience, particularly in Alaska.

Among the expedition crew are specialist naturalists like the ever-enthusiastic Brian Keating, and nature photographer David Jenkins, a whale specialist.

And just as the ship is strong, it is comfortable. Deck seven is a bit of a treat, for, on one hand, there is a bar and lounge with big windows and a high view over the passing ocean and scenery, and, on the other, the bridge, which is mostly open for guests to visit and spend time.

Cabins are comfortable and of varied configurations, from triple-share cabins with shared bathrooms to doubles with their own facilities. But everyone settles

August / September 2016 Horizons 39

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Travel

...for One Ocean Expedition’s last Antarctic voyage of the season, there is a changing palette of light as the day progresses from dawn to dusk and dark night.

40 Horizons August / September 2016

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Travel

Book your place RAC Travel and Cruise is offering the discerning adventurer or photographer the opportunity to discover this fabled continent on a 10-night Antarctica Peninsular cruise as part of a 19-day Antarctica Peninsula and Best of Buenos Aires guided holiday departing 10 February 2017.

Call our Antarctica experts today on 1300 655 898.

into their own space, and are well looked after by the English speaking crew, who are mostly from Russia and former Soviet countries.

Meals choices are from a menu, and the fare is fresh and varied. The enormous lettuce bowl becomes quite a talking point. There is always fresh salad available alongside the main courses, and this bowl is always full of fresh green leaves, right up to the end of the 11-day voyage.

All of this, of course, is what One Ocean Expeditions does for everyone, and they do it well — from the quality sailing suit and boots we are all lent, to the helpful briefings to the lectures in the presentation room on everything from the importance of krill to early expeditions for which Antarctica is famous.

And the RAC Travel group is also invited to private sessions, in which we work specifically on photography and talk about writing travel stories. We set times when we will meet for discussions (much to the intrigue of some other guests on board).

These discussions add other aspects to the RAC Travel trip that other guests don’t get.

What’s more, during our few days in Buenos

The 11-day trip reveals a constantly changing landscape, which is ideal for keen photographers, and is a chance to truly experience this unique continent and its natural wonders up close and personal.

Aires before flying south to Ushuaia, we had quickly become friends and an extended family of sorts, and these sessions give us moments to come together as a group, while at other times we might enjoy the wider community of the ship.

Intimate animal encounters Photographer David Jenkins also organises for the keenest of our photographers to be on a separate Zodiac inflatable dinghy with him and I, for more photographically focused sessions.

Of course, for all the lectures and meals and comforts of the ship, that’s what we are here for — to pull on layer upon layer of clothing, and get off the Vavilov, and experience Antarctica.

And it is these expeditions that are most precious.

In Mikkelsen Harbour, we land to spend time at a Gentoo penguin colony. In Wilhelmina Bay, we cruise in the Zodiacs through the floating ice (like driving through a big, swelly cocktail) and have an extraordinary hour with five whales, which keep circling to come back and see us — them coming to us, in an extraordinary moment. In Paradise Bay, August / September 2016 Horizons 41

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Travel

Fast facts Where is it?

Antarctica separated from Australia 30 million years ago and is located over the South Geographic Pole. While Antarctica is a continent surrounded by ocean, the Arctic is frozen ocean surrounded by continents.

Best time to go

The Antarctic season runs from late October until March. While it’s hard to generalise, early season is pristine, mid-season has penguin chicks and late season is best for whale-watching.

One Ocean Expeditions offers ‘Camping on the Ice’ during prime summer months for thrill seekers. It also has specialist programs including sea kayaking, ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking and photography.

Antarctic essentials

we land at Argentina’s Almirante Brown Antarctic Base, and climb the snowy hill behind to overlook a landscape white with snow and grey with ocean.

And then we cruise in the Zodiacs through brash ice and watch a leopard seal swim like a torpedo, and crabeater seals lying around on small icebergs. At Hannah Point, we walk carefully through a penguin colony to watch elephant seals lying in a big wallow.

Hannah Point is on Livingstone Island, in the South Shetland Islands, scattered north-west of the Antarctic Peninsula. We are on our way home. There is big weather out in the Drake Passage, and Captain Beluga skilfully spends the night in the lee of the islands, working his way north, before ducking out and charging back across the Drake.

And on the last night on board the Vavilov, the RAC Travel group meets for our last farewell to the great white land.

It’s over but, well, it’s not quite over. For soon after we are back in WA, emails start to pass between the “Vavilovians”, keen to keep these new friendships alive.

And within us all, there are the vivid memories of the trip of a lifetime. And in that way, it will never be over. l

We cruise in the Zodiacs through the floating ice (like driving through a big, swelly cocktail) and have an extraordinary hour with five whales.

You need to be mobile enough to get in and out of Zodiacs for shore landings.

Once ashore you can be as active or sedentary as you wish. Buy evacuation insurance – a part of most travel insurance policies. Always take your own supply of essential medications.

Getting to Antarctica means crossing the famous Drake Passage. If you’re prone to sea-sickness discuss with your GP before departing. One Ocean crew will assist on board as well. We also recommend brushing up on some polar explorer history from Ernest Shackelton to Douglas Mawson and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

What to take

Waterproof clothing – jacket, pants and boots – is provided on many ships so you may only need to bring good, warm waterproof gloves. Take two types of gloves: a skintight pair and thicker gloves you can pull on and off while taking photos so your hands don’t freeze. The temperature is about the same as an Australian ski resort, so make sure you have an insulating top layer of fleece or wool, thermal underwear and a warm hat and sunglasses for the many hours of daylight. A watertight bag or backpack will keep cameras dry. Take extra memory cards or a back-up drive for photographs.

A back-up camera can be reassuring in the harsh Antarctic conditions. A keen sense of adventure is a must!

42 Horizons August / September 2016

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Visit rac.com.au/mobiletyres to book or call us 24/7 on 1300 651 042 *Weekdays and Saturday mornings. Fitment locations must be suitable for practical and safety reasons. MRB723

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6/07/2016 9:40 AM

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Terms and conditions: *Save up to $1420 per couple based on the High Season Advance Purchase Adult Fare on The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. Fares based on Gold Service, High Season Advance Purchase per person twin share, with single pricing available on request. For new bookings from 04 July 2016 for travel from 01 April 2017-31 March 2018. Advance Purchase fares are available in Gold Service and are subject to availability at time of booking and may not be available on the date first requested. In order to receive the Advance Purchase fare, bookings must be made a minimum of 6 months prior to departure. Full payment required within 14 days of booking. Amendment to travel dates allowed greater than 45 days prior to departure to another Advance Purchase fare more than 6 months before departure and subject to yield availability. If no yield availability or the amendment is less than 45 days prior to departure then guests to pay the difference between Advance Purchase and applicable fare. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date and the fare is non-transferable. Credit card fees may apply. Not available with any other offer. Timetables and Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice. For general terms and conditions of carriage please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. ATAS No. A10679.

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AUTHENTIC ASIA

: VIETNAM & CAMBODIA LAOS

Wondrous waterways, iconic temples, bustling cities… you’ll be treated to a kaleidoscope of these two great and ancient nations.

11 night luxury river cruise holiday includes: • Return international flights from Perth • Deluxe hotel stays: 2 nights at the Caravelle Hotel in Saigon and 2 nights at the Raffles Hotel D’Angkor in Siem Reap • 7 night cruise aboard Cruiseco Adventurer between Saigon and Siem Reap • All meals on board incl. local beers, soft drinks and wine served with lunch and dinner • Extensive sightseeing and all transfers

SIEM REAP KAMPONG CHHNANG KAMPONG TRALACH PHNOM PENH SADEC

TAN CHAU SAIGON MY THO

Year-round departures available

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Main-Deck, Twin Share from $3,599pp*

First hand and unforgettable encounters Luxurious accommodation 100% local crew & purpose built vessels *Prices are per person twin share in AUD, based on lowest available twin share accommodation (Main Deck) across different departures, as specified, inclusive of port charges and on-board gratuities, correct as at 29 June 2016. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability/change and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Holiday includes return Economy class international airfare from Perth (including air taxes), pre and post hotel stays, cruise and transfers as stated in the itinerary. Does not include additional accommodation or transfers arrangements made necessary due to flight schedules, however this is available at additional cost. Visa required for Vietnam and Cambodia and visa charges are not included. The correct documentation for travel is the sole responsibility of the passenger. Single passenger must pay a single supplement. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions please refer to the Authentic Asia Vietnam and Cambodia 2015/2017 brochure available online at www.cruising.com.au or at your local Cruiseco Travel Agent. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary.

44 Horizons June / July 2016

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Travel brief

News and information for travellers

Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions When planning a trip overseas it’s important to think about your health and travel insurance requirements. Being over 60 years of age and having a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t mean you won’t be covered by travel insurance, or that it has to be expensive. But it does mean you may need to do some extra research to find the policy that’s right for you.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

It is any physical condition, defect, illness or disease for which treatment, medication, surgery or advice (including investigation) has been received or prescribed by a medical practitioner, dental or health professional in the 12 months prior to your purchase of a policy.

If you’ve already bought a policy and you are diagnosed with a new medical condition that you weren’t fully aware of, this may be covered but discuss with your travel consultant.

How does it differ from travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies, particularly comprehensive cover, have a list of automatically accepted

conditions, as long as you haven’t been hospitalised for the condition in the past 12 months. Check your Product Disclosure Statement to see what you’re fully covered for. If you have a condition that is not automatically covered by your insurer, you may be able to get additional medical condition cover that is applied separately. The cover may be subject to special conditions, limitations, excess and amounts payable depending on your age. Your travel consultant will go through a medical questionnaire to find out whether you can be covered and what the additional cost may be.

What if you don’t choose to take out additional cover?

Your travel insurance provider won’t pay any costs arising from health problems related to or associated with that condition. If you are given medical treatment overseas, all costs including repatriation back to Australia will be at your own expense.

For more information about pre-existing medical conditions with RAC Travel Insurance call 1300 655 179 or email travelinsurance.perth@rac.com.au

More than 2000 ways to travel and save RAC members can save on more than 2000 travel experiences across Australia and New Zealand, including more than 150 WA-based travel experiences.

You can save 10 per cent on hot air ballooning, jet boating, theme parks, sailing, wine tours and much more. Gift vouchers are also available on a huge range of unique travel experiences, with a Gift It Now service available to

personalise the experience you want to give someone.

To browse the discounts on offer in WA visit rac.com.au/tmb and to see the range of discounted travel experiences across Australia and New Zealand visit rac.com.au/experienceoz.

Download RAC’s Member Benefits app from rac.com.au/app and browse the Travel section.

 RAC purchases iconic Busselton holiday park RAC’s recent purchase of Busselton’s award-winning BIG4 Peppermint Park will provide members with discounted accommodation at a prime South West location.

RAC Executive General Manager Brand and Tourism Tony Pickworth said the acquisition builds on RAC’s goal to provide its members with good quality holiday accommodation in key WA tourism destinations.

“The plan is to provide a range of consistent, reliable quality accommodation options for our members.

“RAC is excited to invest in such an iconic location with the aim of boosting local tourism and encouraging more Western Australians to holiday at home.”

BIG4 Peppermint Park has won the Tourism Council WA Gold Award three years running, putting it in the Tourism Council WA Hall of Fame.

The holiday park joins other iconic WA locations in the RAC Parks and Resorts family, including the Ningaloo Reef Resort, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and Pinnacles Holiday Park.

“As part of the new ownership, the name of the park will change from BIG4 Peppermint Park to RAC Busselton Holiday Park, and RAC members will receive up to 20 per cent discount on cabins and sites,” Mr Pickworth said.

The eco-friendly park is on Caves Road just 10 minutes from Busselton.

For more information about the park’s facilities, visit racbusseltonholidaypark.com.au.

August / September 2016 Horizons 45

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DRIVE THROUGH THE GREAT WESTERN WOODLANDS SEEING EXTRAORDINARY SIGHTS.

Destination

KALGOORLIE & THE GOLDFIELDS The Great Western Woodlands covers 16 million hectares, one of the last Mediterranean woodlands on earth. Travel through this extraordinary part of Western Australia on one of these fabulous self drive trails.

3 Day Self Drive Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail

3 Day Self Drive Golden Quest & Leonora Loop

2 Day Self Drive Granite Woodlands & Discovery Trail

Journey along the historic Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail from Perth to Kalgoorlie.

See the Gormley’s, visit outback pubs, museums & explore historic ghost towns.

Linking Hyden to Norseman and Kalgoorlie, explore one of the world’s greatest untouched temperate woodlands, with 16 designated stopping locations.

AGNEW

LEINSTER KALGOORLIE COOLGARDIE

CUNDERDIN

MERREDIN

PERTH

(Mundaring Weir)

Gormley

MENZIES Sculptures

KELLERBERRIN

KALGOORLIE

LAVERTON LAVERTON LEONORA LEONORA GWALIA KOOKYNIE KOOKYNIE

GWALIA

SOUTHERN CROSS

Gormley Sculptures

AGNEW LEINSTER

COOLGARDIE

Day 1: Perth - Merredin 260km, 3.5 hours From Mundaring follow the route of the historic water pipeline, built more than a 100 years ago - and still the longest fresh water pipeline on earth.

Enjoy scenic farm scapes, nature walks and explore historic water pump stations and lookouts. Cross the Meckering Earthquake faultline on the journey to Merredin.

Accom options: Motels, B&B, caravan park, camping, backpackers Day 2: Merredin - Kalgoorlie 340km, 3.5 hours Head east to the Goldfields, stopping at Southern Cross where gold was discovered in the late 1800s.

On the way see gold rush ruins, interpretive displays and stunning spring-time wildflowers. Kalgoorlie is ideal to spend a few days viewing its history, magnificent architecture, local attractions and museums.

Accom options: Hotels, motels, outback pubs, apartments, caravan parks, camping, backpackers Day 3: Kalgoorlie - Perth 600km, 6 hours Return to Perth along the Great Eastern Hwy or perhaps travel down to Norseman and take the Granite and Woodlands Trail self drive route back to Perth, via Wave Rock.

MENZIES

PERTH

HYDEN THE BREAKAWAYS

NORSEMAN

KALGOORLIE KALGOORLIE

COOLGARDIE

Day 1: Kalgoorlie - Coolgardie - Leonora 474km, 6 hours Head to Coolgardie. Visit gold rush museums and explorer Ernest Giles grave. Head north on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, experience the Ora Banda pub, wander Lake Ballard with its 51 Gormley sculptures. Head to Leonora via, Niagara Dam and Kookynie’s historic Grand Hotel.

Leonora accom. options: Hoover House B&B, pubs, motels, units, caravan park Day 2: Leonora - Agnew Loop - Leonora 298km, 4 hours See the ghost town of Gwalia, visit the Museum and Hoover House, former home of President Herbert Hoover. Drive “back in time” on the new 298km Agnew Loop Trail, seeing pastoral history, Lawlers Townsite and the modern mining town of Leinster. Return to Leonora or stay an extra day and drive the 345km Darlot Loop Trail.

Leonora accom. options: Hoover House B&B, pubs, motels, units, caravan park Day 3: Leonora - Laverton - Kalgoorlie 484km, 6 hours Visit the Windarra Mine lookout (of Poseidon fame) before arriving in Laverton, start of The Outback Way “Australia’s Longest Shortcut”. Visit the $1.2 million Great Beyond exhibit before returning to Kalgoorlie.

Day 1: Hyden - the Breakaways 137km, 2-3 hours Spend time at Wave Rock – this amazing feat of nature was billions of years in the making. Leave Hyden and head east towards Norseman with the road changing to a good gravel surface suitable for experienced drivers in two-wheel drives and campervans. Take in broad vistas and springtime wildflowers. Sandy heathland gives way to nickel and gold mining land around Forrestania Plots. Chance to see a bush turkey, or other more elusive native animals sometimes seen around Grevillea Hill. From here the landscape changes to mallee woodland and eucalypts. Explore rocky outcrops and cliffs of The Breakaways.

Accom options: Campervan or camp at Breakaways campsite Day 2: The Breakaways - Norseman 165km, 2-3 hours You’ll see eucalypts, sandy heathlands, hakea and flame grevillea as you set off east towards Mermaid Rock. Take in the vista at Lake Johnson and Lake viewpoint. Continue to Disappointment Rock and walk the 2km trail around the outcrop.

The next 40km stretch passes through an ever-changing landscape – from mallee woodland to mallee scrub, sandy shrub and stands of eucalypts. Rolling rocky hills and abandoned mine shafts dot the landscape to Lake Cowan.

The Woodlands walk in Norseman completes the trail.

Call Kalgoorlie Boulder Pure Gold Visitor Centre 1800 004 653 for information on these self drives, or for a copy of Australia’s Golden Outback Holiday Planner or visit www.australiasgoldenoutback.com

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Travel

Words Mark Irving

TOP

10

Wayne O’Sullivan

attractions

The Great Western Woodlands Here’s our top picks for exploring the eastern swathe of the region’s untamed landscapes, unique flora and fauna and historical attractions.

I

n the previous edition of Horizons (June/July) we explored the western stretch of the Great Western Woodlands, which is known for its huge biodiversity and being home to the largest temperate woodland on earth, by campervan. But the eastern section is also home to many surprises. There’s a great diversity of habitats – mallee and shrubland, grassland, rocky outcrops and salt lakes, as well as the predominant woodland.

Travelling through this region offers numerous delights, but any travel in remote areas requires careful planning.

These 10 stops should be on everyone’s road trip itinerary in and around the Great Western Woodlands:

1 Kalgoorlie-Boulder There’s no better place to start than in Kalgoorlie – now, officially, KalgoorlieBoulder. The city’s origins date back to the 1890s gold rush sparked by three Irish miners, the most famous being Patrick “Paddy” Hannan.

Hannan lent his name to many landmarks and places in the township, which grew quickly into a city of 30,000 residents. Hannan Street is the main thoroughfare, at the top of which you’ll find The Western Australian Museum– Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The museum is a must-visit for insights into WA’s pioneering and prospecting history and its huge mine headframe dominates the skyline and provides a bird’s eye view of the area.

Close by is Mt Charlotte and its

reservoir, which still supplies the Goldfields with much-needed water more than a century after it was commissioned.

And of course Australia’s biggest open cut gold mine, the Super Pit, is also well worth a visit – it’s little more than fiveminutes drive from the museum.

2 Queen Victoria Spring Nature Reserve This remote reserve, situated about 300km north east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, is accessed either from the north, off Nippon Highway, or from the south through the abandoned Cundeelee Aboriginal Mission, and is only suitable for experienced four-wheel drivers.

The spring after which the reserve is named is actually a claypan amidst August / September 2016 Horizons 47

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Travel

2

Kalgoorlie-Boulder COOLGARDIE ●

Queen Victoria Spring Nature Reserve

●1

MERREDIN ●

Fraser Station 3

PERTH

4 Dundas Nature Reserve

Salmon Gums 10 ● BUNBURY

9 ●

PEMBERTON ●

●

ESPERANCE

5 Cocklebiddy

Cocklebiddy

NORSEMAN ●

HOPETOUN

Norseman, while five kilometres east of Norseman you will find Trigg Hill (Mt Jimbalana), which is popular as a lookout point and for finding bush foods.

6

5

8

Eyre Bird 7 Baxter Observatory Cliff s Great Australian Bight

Cape Arid National Park

● ALBANY

7

4

Just before reaching Norseman, travellers can turn east on to Eyre Highway and head for another significant slice of West Australian history – Fraser Range Station, the first station settled on the Nullarbor in 1872. It is about threehours’ drive from Kalgoorlie.

One fascinating feature here is the hardwood forest that surrounds Fraser Range – the largest in the world. Morning and sunset vehicle tours with a guide are popular for exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Visitors are accommodated in a 100-year-old stone-built former shearers’ quarters, a self-contained cottage or caravan sites. For trips between April and November, booking in advance is highly recommended.

4 Dundas Nature Reserve sand, which traps occasional rainfall.

Fortunately, it was full when explorer Ernest Giles arrived here in 1875 after surviving 16 days without water.

This is where the woodlands, with some spectacular grass trees and marble gums, meet the spinifex sandplains and dunes of Australia’s largest desert, the Great Victoria Desert.

Visitors should come prepared with plenty of water and supplies.

3 Fraser Range Station Drive south from Kalgoorlie on the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway and Norseman, once the second-richest goldfield in WA, is only two hours’ drive away.

Dundas Nature Reserve lies within the Shire of Dundas, which encompasses Norseman; areas surrounding Norseman; and as far east as the South Australian border. The reserve’s countryside is attractive woodland with more than 40 species of eucalypts and more than 70 types of acacias, all of which flower.

At certain times of the year, wildflowers bloom, and season to season there can be native shrubs constantly flowering.

There are a number of attractions within the shire, including Bardie Patch, Beacon Hill Lookout, Bromus Dam, Cave Hill and Cherry Island, which are all popular camping, picnicking or lookout sites.

Dundas Rocks, a two million yearold rock formation is 22km south of

Cocklebiddy, some 435km east of Norseman on the Eyre Highway is well-known among the caving community because it’s home to one of the world’s largest networks of caves and underground lakes.

Cocklebiddy Cave, which is about 12km west of the roadhouse, is very popular with cavers, and draws visitors from all over the world. It was explored to a distance of more than 6km by a French caving expedition in the 1980s.

Visitors should be aware that the caves are dangerous and access is controlled by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

6 Baxter Cliffs One of the great features on the Australian coastline, these limestone cliffs are located in the Nuytsland Nature Reserve on the south coast, some 20km south of Caiguna on the Eyre Highway.

The 190km-long and 80m-high cliffs are named after John Baxter who was murdered during Edward Eyre’s crossing of the Nullarbor in 1841 and are thought to be the longest unbroken range of cliffs in the world.

However, the rugged terrain means getting to the cliffs from the highway is possible for experienced four-wheel drivers only.

The reserve is remote and visitors should be well prepared and fully self sufficient.

7 Great Australian Bight The Baxter Cliffs are sometimes regarded as the start of the Great Australian Bight in WA, although that honour is occassionally given to WA’s West Cape Howe.

The massive open bay off the Nullarbor Plain is characterised by towering cliffs and a sea teeming with whales and marine life.

Indeed, watching whales in the Bight in late winter and spring is a popular pastime.

While it is a stunning remote area, visitors need to be aware of the weather and conditions as the Bight has a welldeserved reputation for storms.

48 Horizons August / September 2016

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Travel

Fast facts Be prepared

6

This is a remote area – visitors need to be appropriately prepared. Some areas are only accessible via four-wheel drive so check local information with the Department of Parks and Wildlife – dpaw.wa.gov.au.

For driving itineraries within the Goldfields-Esperance region visit rac.com.au/greatdrives.

Members save 15 per cent year round on maps and guides at RAC Travel. Drop into an RAC Travel branch or visit rac.com.au/holidayguides.

For ways to save when travelling in WA visit rac.com.au/ travelmemberbenefits.

When to go Spring for wildflowers; June–October for whale spotting.

8 The Eyre Bird Observatory The observatory is about 40km southeast of Cocklebiddy and is housed in a late 19th century former telegraph station that is leased to Birds Australia.

It is reputedly one of the most isolated research facilities in Australia.

The observatory is staffed and managed by volunteers and offers birders a great chance to spot many birds – some 80 bird species have been spotted here in just one month.

The station is reached via a turn off from Eyre Highway 17km east of Cocklebiddy and the last 12km of the track is for four-wheel drives only. For people travelling in two-wheel drives, free pickups are available – phone 9039 3450 in advance.

Day visitors are welcome for an entry

8

fee and accommodation and meals are also available for $95 per person per day (a minimum stay of two nights applies).

9 Cape Arid National Park Cape Arid National Park is famous for its white sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the blue waters of the Southern Ocean. It’s only an hour’s drive east of Esperance on the southern coast and there’s a myriad attractions, including swimming, windsurfing, and beach fishing.

There’s only one (gravel) track into the park suitable for two-wheel drives and it leads to Dolphin Cove – one of the best spots for watching migrating southern right and humpback whales in late winter and spring.

Some sections of the park require a

Where to stay Campervan, caravan or camping means you can be self-sufficient.

four-wheel drive and though it is possible to drive through the park and connect with the Eyre Highway, driving can be difficult and tracks are often closed due to poor conditions. Check conditions before setting out.

10 Salmon Gums About 285km south of Kalgoorlie and about 106km north of Esperance is Salmon Gums. The town is named because when the town was founded in the early 20th century it boasted a prominent stretch of salmon gums (Eucalyptus salmonophloia).

It was settled as a watering stop for the Esperance to Norseman railway. Today Salmon Gums is at the centre of an important wheat and cereal-growing district. ● August / September 2016 Horizons 49

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Images courtesy Perth Electric Bike Centre

1

Test drive Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars on our roads.

Toyota RAV4

W

ith 2094 sales in Western Australia during 2015, Toyota’s RAV4 just nosed ahead of the Mazda CX-5, which sold 2091 units.

Nationally, the CX-5 is well ahead, indicating that Western Australians have a particular affection for the RAV4.

In reality, there is a higher proportion of hire car sales in WA, but regardless of who’s buying, it’s still a narrow win for the RAV4.

No matter where it’s being sold, the RAV4 is among the market leaders.

It’s one of the longest-running badges in the segment and for good reasons.

However, recently the RAV4

has met with worthy competition from all sides, which is great for consumers.

The RAV4’s latest change was a mid-life facelift in December 2015, which helps keep its appearance from slipping too far behind the still snappier-looking Hyundai Tucson and CX-5.

Among the equipment upgrades, instead of 17-inch wheels, Toyota has given the mid-spec GXL variant the same 18-inch wheels as the rangetopping Cruiser. The suspension has also been revised for an improved ride.

The finish of the interior is good, with tight, precise switchgear and good visibility of the critical gauges, though its manual handbrake, single

Toyota RAV4 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

USB output up front and lower key finishing materials keep it a notch behind the front-runners in this area.

We tested the GXL variant, which had the 2.5-litre petrol engine and all-wheel drive.

It was surprisingly quiet and efficient – we recorded 9.4 litres per 100km around town. Performance is on par with its petrol competitors.

This alone makes the petrol RAV4 worthy of serious

$41,800 drive away 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol 132kW @ 6000rpm 233Nm @ 4100rpm 8.5L/100km 198g/km (AWD auto petrol) ★★★★★

consideration over the diesel, which, although slightly more efficient, is also about $5000 more expensive.

With that in mind, the new RAV4 GXL petrol will still cost $41,800 drive away, which is about $2000 more than the Mazda and Hyundai equivalents.

Although, what that gets you is, among other things, cheap capped price servicing ($180 per year), excellent off-road ability and strong resale value. l

50 Horizons August / September 2016

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Test drive There is even more legroom in the back seat, so you can have very tall people in both the front and back and keep everyone comfortable.

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Kia Optima GT

T

he Kia Optima was the car that, when it launched in 2011, began to turn people’s perceptions of South Korean cars upside down.

Here was an attractively styled, medium-sized sedan that was chock-full of features, well made and priced about the same as a well-optioned small car, but boasting a sevenyear warranty.

For many potential buyers the only problem was that it had Kia badges, because in most other areas, the Optima was as good as its mid-sized competitors. And in one area it bettered most of them – its body styling.

After an almost five-year run, that model has been replaced

with a fourth-generation Optima, and there’s one big change that addresses one of the few downsides of the previous Optima.

When asked to work, the 2.4-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine became noisy and didn’t give much extra performance in return. However, you can now get an Optima with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine – and that makes all the difference.

The turbo’s key distinction is it makes 350Nm from just 1400rpm, whereas the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine in the Optima Si has to rev to 4000rpm to get only 241Nm. The 2.0 litre turbo has 180kW compared with the 2.4’s 138kW.

Kia Optima GT specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

Sure, the turbocharged four is more fun to drive spiritedly but the more noticeable difference is that in regular driving it just doesn’t need to work as hard.

There’s plenty of other changes with the new Optima.

There is even more legroom in the back seat, so you can have very tall people in both the front and back and keep everyone comfortable.

Kia also says the body shell is 50 per cent stronger than

$49,000 drive away 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol 180kW @ 6000rpm 350Nm @ 1400–4000rpm 8.5L/100km 199g/km not rated

that of the previous model, meaning critical areas of the structure are more resistant to the forces of a crash. Plus, the body is 8.6kg lighter.

Pricing starts at $38,500 for the entry level, naturally aspirated Optima Si. The top-spec GT gets extras such as a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloys, leather seats, Bi-xenon headlights. Auto braking is standard across both models. l August / September 2016 Horizons 51

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Test drive

Mazda MX-5 2.0

W

ith the launch of its new MX-5 in August last year, Mazda reminded the world of its extraordinary capacity to make sports cars that make you grin like you’ve eaten a banana sideways.

However, when the car was being developed, Mazda did appreciate that some customers would want a little more performance than the 96kW offered by the 1.5-litre engine.

So it now also has a 2.0-litre-engined MX-5, which was launched in Australia in November 2015.

It has 118kW and 200Nm, which means a little extra torque and the ability to spread out those gear changes.

Exiting a corner, the 2.0-litre’s extra torque is particularly noticeable after driving the 1.5. The option of leaving it in third gear while still having enough squirt to get around the bend cleanly will be welcome if for some reason you want a rest from its beautifully weighted clutch and gear shift.

Mid-corner, the 2.0-litre’s extra twist makes the rear-end squat down closer to the road, tucking the nose into the bend and highlighting how hysterical small sports cars can be.

Apart from the engine, other factors differentiating the 2.0 from the 1.5 include the 2.0’s suspension, which is stiffer in the front and rear by 19 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

Mazda MX-5 2.0-litre specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

Like the 1.5, the 2.0 comes in two model grades, being the Roadster at $38,370 drive away, and the Roadster GT at $43,940. Both model grades get 17-inch wheels, as opposed to the 16-inch ones which are standard in the 1.5.

Like the 1.5, the 2.0 is available with a six-speed auto, which costs an extra $2000, and also doesn’t get a limited slip differential as standard.

Brake rotors are slightly

$38,370 drive away 2.0-litre petrol 118kW @ 6000rpm 200Nm @ 4600rpm 6.9 litres/100km (diesel) 162g/km ★★★★★

bigger in the 2.0-litre. Side airbags were a new addition with the introduction of the new ND MX-5 in August 2015.

Everything else we’ve previously said about the new MX-5 stands. It’ll still make your senses tingle and fizz – only a little earlier than the 1.5 does it.

The MX-5’s true talent is still about savouring the journey, and for designed-in delight at an affordable price, it’s the pinnacle. l

52 Horizons August / September 2016

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Test drive Where the 308 GTi really impresses though is on a smooth, winding road.

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Peugeot 308 GTi 250

Y

ou may be surprised to discover the Peugeot 308 GTi is in fact very much like the movie star Tom Cruise.

From a distance, it seems normal. Its looks are smooth and even though it’s small, its proportions are well suited to the roles it plays. But then when you learn more about it, things get a little weird.

Firstly, as we’ve seen in Peugeots of recent years, the 308 GTi’s steering wheel sits below the gauges and the driver peers over the wheel to see them.

Once you drive it, you realise the tachometer is backwards, meaning the needle moves anticlockwise as revs climb.

However, like many of those

who’ve met Cruise, when you spend some time with the 308 GTi, you find it’s actually quite likeable.

Launched in Australia in February, this new 308 GTi marks the end of a 15-year absence for the GTi-badged 300 series Peugeot here.

There are two versions, both with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines. The entry-level variant is the GTi 250 at $50,300 drive away, while the more powerful GTi 270 is $55,991.

The key difference between these two is in the engine outputs, with the model names referring to metric horsepower.

These translate to 184kW for the GTi 250 and 200kW for the GTi 270.

There are other differences,

Peugeot 308 GTi 250 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

with the GTi 270 getting larger front disc brakes and a limited slip differential.

Both 308 GTis are front-wheel drive, so they compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance, the Renault Megane RS265 Cup and the Ford Focus ST2.

We were surprised that the 308 GTi’s interior fit and finish quality is on par with the Golf GTI’s, with high-quality materials and an overall premium feel.

from $50,300 drive away 1.6-litre turbo petrol 184kW @ 6000rpm 6.0 litres/100km (diesel) 8.7L/100km 139g/km not rated

Where the 308 GTi really impresses is on a smooth, winding road. The steering rack is super-quick and the slick-shifting, six-speed manual gearbox allows for brisk shifts.

At the time we drove it, Peugeot wasn’t selling an automatic version here, which will deter two-pedal pundits.

A rear camera and six airbags are standard, and the two outer rear seats have ISOFIX anchorages. l

August / September 2016 Horizons 53

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TEMPTING TASSIE WITH RAC MEMBER SAVINGS THIS SPRING!

8 Day Premium Tassie Adventurer

from $909*

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7 nights staying with Innkeepers Hotels around Tasmania 7 days all inclusive economy automatic car hire with no hidden extras National Parks Pass - unlimited access into parks Valid for travel between 01/09/16 - 21/12/16 - ask for a quote outside these dates

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Members save up to $154 per couple!

Members save up to $164 per couple!

*Terms and conditions apply. Please contact RAC Travel for a quote if traveling outside the promoted period. Rates are based on per person, twin share. Prices quoted are for land content only, quoted in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST. Specific accommodation properties and room types may apply to qualify for these rates. Car hire rates include airport surcharges, daily reservation recovery fees and administrative fees, excess reduction and unlimited km’s. Free fuel vouchers only apply to Innkeepers Hotels and Apartments during qualifying period. Credit towards tours and attractions must be booked by RAC in conjunction with TasVacations as part of these specific packages and travel period, limited to one offer per booking, and may be withdrawn at any time TasVacations ABN 23079978199. Lic. No. TAS029.

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Visit your local RAC Travel & Cruise centre

Store locations » Applecross 6150 6459 » Carousel 9365 4700 » Joondalup 9308 1600

» Mandurah 9512 8200 » Midland 6150 6468 » Morley 6466 2300 » West Perth 9436 4830

54 Horizons December / January 2016

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6/07/2016 10:53 AM

What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

Exploded views BMW turns 100

T

hose of a certain age may remember intricate models and machines being represented in an “exploded view” to illustrate their many separate parts. Swiss artist Fabian Oefner has taken that idea a step further by using detailed models, a good camera and clever photographic software. Each photograph, such as the 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 image shown here, takes almost two months to make and requires meticulously positioning and photographing each part separately, then pasting it into the master image. The result is a photo that looks like a single moment in time, but which, in fact, took many hours to create.

BMW celebrated its centenary this year, and as well as taking time to look back, the manufacturer gazed into its crystal ball. Among BMW’s most legendary vehicles over the last century are the 328 sports car of 1936–40 and the stunning 507 from 1956–59. The 1500 arrived in the early 1960s and was developed into the renowned 2002. Looking to the future, BMW says personal mobility is, and will remain, a fundamental human need. The company said it is on the verge of realising automated driving, and that the long-held BMW motto of “sheer driving pleasure” will also be defined as “liberating drivers through automation”.

Hyundai noses ahead For the first time, Hyundai has sold more passenger cars in a month than any other vehicle manufacturer in Australia. In April 2016, Hyundai sold 6324 passenger cars, with Toyota closely behind on 6035. However, in overall sales including SUVs, light commercials and passenger cars, Toyota was way ahead of the pack with 16,567 sales in April.

Second-placed Hyundai sold 8643 vehicles, with Mazda a close third in overall sales with 8461.

ANCAP future funding The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has secured future funding following a commitment in May by the Commonwealth of $2.2 million over the following two years. ANCAP Chair Wendy Machin said consumers would have greater information and choice. which will encourage vehicle importers to ensure we have world best-practice safety in our cars. Apart from the Commonwealth, ANCAP is supported by 22 other organisations including RAC. August / September 2016 Horizons 55

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6/07/2016 10:53 AM

El Caballo Resort presents:

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SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST 2016 - 7PM START SUPPORTING RIDING FOR THE DISABLED CHILDREN A black tie event in which guests will enjoy a themed evening including a sumptuous 3 course meal, 4 hour drinks package, live music by a sensational 18 piece Metro Big Band, a silent auction, a Las Vegas Style Casino room with gaming tables and croupiers.

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A VERY ‘BRITISH’ WEEKEND! Over 400 classic cars on display SUNDAY ONLY from various British car clubs • Outdoor Concerts – Tom Jones, The Beatles and Shirley Bassey tribute shows • Family friendly entertainment with Kid’s Corner - including FREE Pony Rides • Gourmet Food and Wine and over 100 Arts and Crafts Market Stalls • Andalusian Dancing Horse Display • Dancing Dogs • Cruft’s dog Agility championship • Morris Dancers • Scottish Pipe Bands • Highland dancers • Australian Army Swing Band • Royal Aero Club Air Show • Helicopter rides available

Bookings and full details: 9573 3777 www.britishautoclassicextravaganza.com.au

6/07/2016 11:50 AM

Ask the car doctor Always use fresh fluids that have been stored in a cool, dry place.

Our experts answer your questions

A: If the power steering

was the problem, it’s likely the shuddering would occur in both drive and reverse. As you have indicated the problem occurs only when reverse is engaged, this is where we would suggest looking first. We would suggest seeking advice from a transmission specialist prior to looking into replacing the parts. RAC has an approved repairer network including approved transmission specialists. If you would like any further information regarding this, please contact Motoring Advice on 13 17 03.

Q

Q

I do my own oil and filter changes and I buy a few containers of oil when it is on special and store it until it is needed. Will the oil quality and its performance deteriorate if it is stored in its sealed container in my garage for 12–18 months?

Karl Havlik, Martin

A: It is best practice to use

vehicle fluids that are as fresh as possible. There is an expiry date on the containers and it is best to adhere to this. Keep the bottle(s) in an area that is as cool as possible and not exposed to any elements.

Q

We have a 1996 Toyota Landcruiser 80 series that shudders and whines when reversing. Our mechanic suggests it’s to do with the power steering or the gearbox. Which one would be contributing more to the issues when reversing? And should we look at replacing with second-hand parts, refurbishing, or trying to get completely new parts (if available)? Which is the best option, as we love our 80 series.

The Collis Family

I have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 and my front interior driver’s sidelight works intermittently. I initially thought that I had a blown light globe but on occasions it would work again. I have looked at the surrounding light console only to find that there is no way to get into the light fixture to replace globes or fix anything. Now both front passenger and driver sidelights are not working.

How do I get into the roof that surrounds the console to replace the globes?

Robb Venville, Edgewater

A: A damaged globe or

other electrical issue, including a loose connection, may be causing this fault. To replace the globe, you would have to remove the globe’s plastic cover. This may be difficult and you should be careful to not break the cover. Your vehicle’s handbook may provide specific information for this task, but either way, if you require further assistance your mechanic or RAC Auto Services will be able to help.

You can be a winner If your question is published you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2017 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor RAC Horizons GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839 or email: editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and day-time telephone number with your query. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery.

Contact

US If you have a motoring question, don’t forget that RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line.

Call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

August / September 2016 Horizons 57

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6/07/2016 11:50 AM

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Animal collision warning for cooler months Motorists colliding with animals caused more than $8.8 million worth of damage to vehicles in 2015, according to RAC Insurance claims data.

In that period there were 2238 animal collision claims – an average of six every day – and of these, 73 per cent involved collisions with kangaroos. Other animals commonly involved in collisions included cows, horses, dogs, cats, wombats and even possums.

With fewer daylight hours, there is often a spike in animal collisions during winter due to more motorists being out on the road in darker conditions, particularly going to and from work.

Motorists driving on regional roads should be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk when

animals such as kangaroos are most active.

If you spot an animal near the road, slow down but don’t swerve to avoid it as this can endanger you and your passengers.

If possible, avoid driving at night in regional areas and if you do need to drive after dark, be extra cautious and slow down if you notice any road kill, as this can be a sign of other wildlife in the area.

In the event that you are involved in a collision and are concerned about injuries to the animal, call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

Plan your wildflower adventure with us Wildflowers are currently blooming throughout our state and RAC can help you plan your wildflower explorations with self-drive itineraries, escorted wildflower tours and a range of other resources.

RAC’s blog, at blog.rac.com.au, will keep you up to date with wildflower reports and our travel branches carry a range of Department of Parks and Wildlife

wildflower information booklets. You can also pick up a free copy of the 2016 Wildflower Guide from any of our RAC Travel or Member Service Centres.

For further assistance with your wildflower travel plans, visit RAC Travel in West Perth or call 9436 4840.

Keep an eye out for our #bloomalerts on Facebook to see where wildflowers are currently blooming in each region.

Karen Retler

r

Member Lounge

58 Horizons August / September 2016

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7/07/2016 10:22 AM

Member Lounge

Holiday makers’ home security top five

Car maintenance workshops for women Understanding basic vehicle maintenance and safe driving techniques can ensure drivers are able to take better care of their cars and have a greater understanding of what’s required when a repair is needed.

To foster a greater understanding of vehicle maintenance among female drivers who want to learn more about what’s going on under the bonnet, RAC Roadside Assistance has created a workshop especially for women.

The SHEcanics workshops are open to all female RAC Roadside Assistance members who want to learn more about basic car maintenance and

care. Participants are also taught how to handle their cars more safely in challenging driving conditions, including wet weather and situations that require emergency braking.

The workshops are conducted bimonthly on a Saturday by our Roadside Assistance Patrols and professional driver trainers at RAC’s DTEC training centre near Perth Airport.

The cost of the three-hour workshop is just $20 and participants are encouraged to bring and use their own car.

The workshops are popular among women of all ages and book out quickly, so early bookings are recommended.

To find out more, email rac.roadsideassistance@rac.com.au.

Save on the 2017 UBD Street Directory

Karen Retler

From August 2016, the 2017 Perth UBD Street Directory will be available at RAC branches and via the online shop. The new edition offers up-todate mapping with a focus on new developments, plus easy-to-read street, facility and suburb indexes. It also includes main road maps, CBD maps and a state map with an index of towns. Until 12 September 2016, members will save $15 off the recommended retail price, with the member price just $29.95* (normally $44.95).

We asked RAC Insurance members about the kind of precautions they took to secure their home and valuables while on holiday.

Here are the top 5: 1

23%

Enlisting family and friends to look after the home

2

23%

Making the home appear occupied

3

14%

Using alarms and other home security devices

4

5

10%

Enlisting neighbours to help look after the home

9%

Ensuring all doors, windows and entry points were locked

For a free in-home security consultation, contact RAC Security. Visit rac.com.au/security or call 1300 132 735.

August / September 2016 Horizons 59

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7/07/2016 10:22 AM

Member Lounge

2016 Gold List

of Australian Accommodation

✯✯✯✯✯ Star Ratings Australia is the leading independent accommodation accreditation scheme in Australia. The scheme uses ‘star’ symbols that are a licensed trademark and are an internationally recognised symbol for quality accommodation standards used in more than 70 countries.

Members’ 50-year milestone celebrated Each year, RAC recognises loyal members who have reached 50 years of continuous membership with a special morning tea.

Our recent Gold Life morning tea was attended by more than 800 Gold Life members and their guests.

The event was held in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth and was hosted

by RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Member Benefits, Pat Walker, with a presentation from RAC President Esme Bowen.

Members were taken back through the club’s history and given an insight into RAC’s current work as an advocate for safer, easier and more sustainable transport and mobility options in our community.

Members also had the opportunity to view one of the original RAC patrol vehicles – a 1939 BSA ex-RAC patrol bike.

Regional members received a commemorative 50-year RAC notebook and pin in recognition of their ongoing membership.

The Star Ratings scheme enjoys a long and distinguished heritage with Australian auto clubs, dating back to the 1950s when the clubs first started assessing accommodation on behalf of their members.

Australia’s favourite independently rated accommodation, chosen by Australian travellers, was revealed by Star Ratings Australia in the April 2016 Gold List of Australian Accommodation, with operators from Broome, Pemberton and Busselton receiving top rankings in the National Gold List.

For a full list of national, state and regional winners, head to starratings.com.au.

To find out more about the top 18 Gold List winners, visit star-tripping.com.au.

60 Horizons August / September 2016

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7/07/2016 10:22 AM

Member Lounge

New tyres when and wherever you need them In March this year RAC launched one of Western Australia’s first mobile tyre services. The service is a convenient option for busy vehicle owners who need to change tyres due to wear and tear or to replace a damaged tyre after a flat, with bookings available at the home or workplace within the Perth metropolitan area.

Now vehicle owners can upgrade tyres as needed rather than putting off their replacement, allowing them to become dangerously worn, by which time the tyre tread could be below the legal depth.

It’s not only worn tyres that pose a risk – many drivers choose cheaper low-quality tyres to save money and don’t believe there is any risk in doing that.

However, the Australian Consumer Association, which conducts regular tyre reviews (published on choice.com.au), has included a warning that some tyres are potentially dangerous if drivers need to brake quickly on a wet road.

Mobile Tyre Technician Gary Baker said winter weather posed a real risk to motorists with sub-standard tyres.

“The lack of traction on a poor-quality

tyre paired with the slipperiness of a wet road means the driver may not be able to avoid an accident.

“It’s really not worth the risk, particularly for motorists who have their children and families in the car with them.”

All RAC tyres exceed Australian safety standards, providing longerlasting better-performing tyres. If you’re not sure which tyres to choose, RAC can help.

To view the extensive range of branded tyres available and to book, visit rac.com.au/tyres.

August / September 2016 Horizons 61

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7/07/2016 10:22 AM

RAC Travel Insurance, now even better We are excited to announce that our travel insurance offering is now better than ever. The enhanced product now covers more pre-existing medical conditions^, has competitive pricing and new policies types to choose from. > International Comprehensive: Relax and enjoy your holiday with RAC’s premium travel insurance.

Provides a wide range of benefits and the highest level of cover. > International Essentials: Low cost with great coverage. Be protected against unexpected medical costs, cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, and personal liability from the minute you step out your door until you return home. > Domestic Travel: Cover your luggage, rental car excess and the risk of cancellation or disruption when travelling within Australia. > Medical Only: There’s nothing more important than your health. Enjoy unlimited medical protection# travelling overseas.

cover also assists you to find treatment and if necessary, medical evacuation. > Cover for your family: Your kids and grandkids are covered for free up to 25 years and not working fulltime*. And we’ll get your dependants home safely if you can’t. > Cancellation & lost deposits cover: If you have to cancel or rearrange your travel as a result of an unforseen event, your policy provides cover for either cancellation or amendment fees, whichever is the lesser. > Emergency expenses: Cover for emergency additional accommodation and transport expenses if your journey is disrupted due to a natural disaster or serious weather event.

M

F

save

15

> Rental Car insurance excess: If your hire a car and happen to have an accident, cover is included for the excess on your Rental Car insurance policy. > Cover for pre-existing medical conditions: We automatically cover 38 pre-existing medical conditions^ and will quote for all other conditions. > Simple and easy claims: Simple and hassle-free claims process with no complicated forms with our Australian based team. > New for old luggage replacement > Optional add-on winter sport and ski cover > 21 day cooling off period: You can cancel your policy if you have a change of heart and are yet to leave or make a claim.

> Annual Multi-trip: Best value policy for those travelling more than once a year. It will save you time and money. > Car Rental Excess: If you’re renting a car or campervan, get cover for your rental excess and don’t risk unexpected costs if your vehicle is stolen or damaged.

Enjoy great benefits > Members save 15%: We’ve increased our member saving from 10% to 15% so you save even more. > 24/7 overseas emergency assistance: Our Australian team of emergency assistance experts with a global network of doctors, nurses and logistical staff is available 24 hours per day. > $unlimited medical cover#: Unlimited medical cover for overseas hospital, medical, surgical, nursing, dental and ambulance expenses. Our medical

Find out more rac.com.au/travelinsurance or call 1300 655 179

R15118

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

60-61_MemberBenefits_cover.indd 15118 - Travel_Insurance Horizons FPFC60 Advertiorial.indd 1

7/07/2016 10:16 5/07/2016 12:08:52 PMAM

MemberBenefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits SAVE

$15

on your next SHOFER ride see page 64

WIN

tickets at Perth Arena

R15118

see page 65

8:52 PM

60-61_MemberBenefits_cover.indd 61

7/07/2016 10:16 AM

Member benefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Show your RAC membership card and start saving now As an RAC member you get access to discounts at over a 100 retail and travel partners.

Check out these latest offers.

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Make the most of your membership by following these simple steps: 1. Check out the latest offers in this issue 2. Get the most from your membership everyday with the Membership Calendar, visit rac.com.au/calendar 3. Download our free app and find the latest offers near you 4. Visit rac.com.au/mb to stay up to date with all the latest news, offers and benefits

RAC members save 10% off all SHOFER rides Another way we’re giving back to our members Save $15 on your next SHOFER ride.

Simply enter the promocode RAC0816.

R15111

Download the app today at rac.com.au/shofer * Terms and conditions apply. RAC members will be able to claim their 10% discount and include the promo code RAC0816.

Code must be entered by customer. $15 ride will apply once per customer. Code valid from 1 August 2016 to 30 September 2016.

64 Horizons August / September 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

Win tickets to an event at Perth Arena RAC Member Benefits are giving you the chance to win tickets to an event at Perth Arena!

Throughout the year, members who use their Member Benefits will automatically go into the draw to win tickets to a selected event at Perth Arena!

R15130

Find out where you can save rac.com.au/mb * Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 31 December 2016. Members that use selected Member Benefit Partners will automatically go into the draw. These include Member Benefit Products from Member Service Centres and RAC Online Shop products (cinema tickets, attractions, experiences, gift cards, maps and guides, vehicle accessories), Shell Coles Express, Repco, Tint a Car‌Home and Office, Thrifty, Specsavers, Woolworths WISH Gift Cards, St John Ambulance, onsport.com.au, Petals, Mobistorage, Shofer, Paraplegic Benefit Fund, AMF Bowling, Snooze, Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund, Termico and Nu-Style Shutters.

August / September 2016 Horizons 65

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

WIN ONE OF FIVE FAMILY PASSES TO THE OPENING HOME GAME OF THE 2016/17 NBL SEASON

To go into the draw, email membership@wildcats.com.au and tell us how many championships the Perth Wildcats have won.

off

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Quote ‘RAC’ to access your exclusive discount!

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Bronze Child

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Bronze Adult

$349.00

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*20% discount is applicable to Bronze Perth Wildcats new membership prices only. Membership discount available until 31 October 2016. Competition closes 5pm Friday 30 September 2016. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted by the Perth Lynx and Perth Wildcats on special offers, products and services or upcoming events. You can opt out of communication at any time by contacting the sender. The Perth Lynx and Perth Wildcats will never sell your information to another entity.

Call the membership team on (08) 6272 0777 to become a member today 66 Horizons August / September 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Do you hear but not understand?

Now start at only

1,495ea

$

after discount

Free

Hearing test & otoscopic examination

Why miss words if you don’t have to?

This hearing aid works for your ears how a contact lens works for your eyes: improves your hearing without anyone knowing it’s there.

Introducing a hearing aid that was designed in the USA and is custom made in Australia. It’s so small it fits right inside your ear canal, and that makes it virtually invisible for anyone else to see.

those sounds while amplifying the speech directly around you, making conversations much clearer.

Packs a Punch Despite its miniature size, the processor inside the “InvisibleIn-Canal” hearing aid is so powerful it supports the most sophisticated advances in digital hearing technology to date. The microprocessor is so fast, that it samples the listening environment 20,000 times per second and makes automatic adjustments to the sound it delivers to your ear.

Some models are designed to identify non-speech noise and the steady hum of background conversations then reduces

Hearing Loss Specialists Hearing Clinics Are offering complimentary hearing consultations to RAC members to determine whether you are a candidate to wear the Invisible-In-Canal hearing aids. We invite you to call today for an appointment. Your visit will include a hearing test (with otoscopic examination), a personalised consultation to determine the correct level of technology that is required for your individual hearing loss.

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SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS & PENSIONERS & FREE HEARING TESTS

PAYMENT PLANS NOW AVAILABLE*

Exclusive Offer for RAC Members: You will be eligible for $500* off the regular price on each hearing aid. $1,000 discount for both ears.

Trust the Hearing Aid Specialists with 30+ years experience in Perth.

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*Not valid with any other promotion **Conditions apply

August / September 2016 Horizons 67

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

COME AND ENJOY OFF * at Save 10% MiSS 10% Maud OUR IRRESISTIBLE SMÖRGÅSBORD SwediSh ReStauRant Breakfast or lunch – Monday to Saturday December: Breakfast & dinner festive smörgåsbord Mon – thur only Smörgåsbord Dinner – Sunday to Thursday January: Breakfast, Lunch or dinner smörgåsbord Mon – Fri. Your Please present your valid RAC Card on arrival to receive the entire group receives 10% discount on presentation of your valid RaC discount for your entire group. Only one payment per table. card. Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential.

Reservations are essential.

10% off

97 MuRRaY StReet PeRth 97 MURRAY STREET PERTH

Call 9325 9325 3900 3900 Call or email restaurant@missmaud.com.au

on selected bikes for RAC members

or email restaurant@missmaud.com.au *excluding 24, 25 & 31 december not valid with any other offer Not valid for2013 special events or with valid 1 dec – 24 January 2014any other offer. discount on smörgåsbord only2016, excluding Valid 1 August to 30 September Sunday, 4 September. Discount on Smörgåsbord only.

E-BIKES R US

THE ELECTRIC BIKE SPECIALISTS

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL PRODUCTS TO RAC MEMBERS G&P Medical provide a range of quality products aimed at assisting clients to safely mobilise and maintain their independence.

These are available for either sale or hire. Please call to discuss your individual needs.

Call 08 9249 9333 G&P Medical Enterprises 2/2 Enterprise Crescent Malaga, WA 6090

Why should you go electric?

$

Get the best of both worlds with pedal power for fitness and electric power for those exhaustive hills.

Go clean and green with eco-friendly, rechargeable batteries that have no nasty emissions

Say goodbye to fuel, parking and public transport expenses

There is no need for a license or registration.

At e-bikes r us, we tailor each premium electric bike to your exact requirements, so come in for a test ride and experience the difference today!

Call: 9430 5500 or 0448 406 407 Visit: www.e-bikesrus.com.au E Shed Markets, Victoria Quay, Fremantle

Show Your RAC Membership Card & Save At Specsavers, RAC Members can now choose from a range of great offers, including 25% off one pair of glasses complete with standard single vision lenses from the $149 range or above*. Simply head in to your nearest Specsavers store and show your Membership Card.

*Price complete with standard single vision lenses with scratch resistant coating. Multifocals and bifocals also available at an extra cost. Extra options not included. Price for other lens types may differ. Price correct at time of print. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including 2 pairs for 1 low price. Valid auto club card must be presented at time of purchase.

68 Horizons August / September 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

AS SEEN ON CHANNEL 10.

Young drivers pay more attention to incoming texts than oncoming traffic.

RAC member price

$199 RRP $249

Textstopper™ prevents young drivers from using their smartphone from behind the wheel. Installing one is quick, easy and as an RAC member, very affordable. It will help them drive safer and save money on fines; and it will save you from worrying every second they are on the road.

For more info and to purchase visit:

www.textstopper.com.au/RAC Offer strictly limited. See website for T&C’s.

August / September 2016 Horizons 69

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Garage Door Needing Attention?

NEW NEW DOORS DOORS REPLACEMENTS REPLACEMENTS SERVICES SERVICES SPARE SPARE PARTS PARTS

RAC Members receive

Free

10% O parts*

installation for RAC members

We install, repair and service all makes and models of doors & motors

9303 9334 Unit1/5 Quantum link Wangara WA 6065

www.edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *Must show or quote your member number atDiscount time of booking.

Discount applies to door garageparts door parts *Show RAC card atRAC time of booking. applies to garage onlyonly.

First aid by Perth driver.

In late 2015, only a week after completing a St John first aid course, Tom witnessed and stopped to help two people involved in a confronting motorcycle accident on a busy Perth road.

treated her for shock and continued talking to her to help keep her calm and conscious until paramedics arrived.

“First aid training made the difference as to how quickly and calmly I could assess and manage the incident. It helped me to He reacted quickly and he and two other identify what I needed to do as a first motorists helped direct traffic away from the accident. Tom then turned his attention responder until the paramedics arrived. I to the two passengers who had come off the was able to assess and treat the patient’s bike. Once both passengers were moved to injury and communicate the information to the 000 call centre. I don’t think I would safety, Tom called for an ambulance and have been as mentally prepared if I hadn’t assessed their injuries. He successfully controlled the injured passenger’s bleeding, had first aid training” Tom recalls.

Call 1300 STJOHN or visit stjohnambulance.com.au 70 Horizons August / September 2016

Accidents can happen anywhere at any time.

Make sure you’re prepared and know how to help. Book a St John first aid course today.

Discount is off all first aid courses and kits when you quote your RAC member number.

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Start cutting your energy bill TODAY! INSTALL A SOLAR GENERATION PV SYSTEM TODAY AND RECEIVE UP TO

26

% RETURN ON YOUR* PA INVESTMENT

*

That’s a better return on your money than bank interest!

*26% PA return on your investment is calculated on the following: i). Energy values from the Clean Energy Council for a 1.6 kW system installed on a northerly facing roof. ii). The Synergy A1 Tariff kWh rate as at February 2013. iii). All kWh generated by the system utilized within the household with no excess energy generated being fed back into the grid.

PV Solar Systems

RAC Members special

Reduce your energy bills significantly ONE CALL TO US AND

5KW system only

$3999 *Conditions apply

Quality service guaranteed Systems installed by fully qualified installers Experienced and friendly consultants - no high pressure tactics **To approved customers only.

Offer applicable to metro and selected country areas.

WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING

SOLAR GENERATION WESTERN AUSTRALIA

member

MEMBER

NO DEPOSIT PAYMENT TERMS AVAILABLE**

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE

9443 9590 solargeneration.net.au

Part of the Termico Group | A trusted West Australian company since 1996 August / September 2016 Horizons 71

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

40

%

CALL NOW and take advantage of our end of season savings. We are offering a massive 40% off on every electric roller shutter purchased. Aluminium roller shutters are the perfect product for your home if you are looking to retain warmth, enhance security, save energy, block out light and minimise noise. Keep your family and home warm and cosy through this West Australian winter with Nu Style Shutters, backed up with a 10 year warranty and free installation. Now is the time to buy.

0ff

RAC Members receive

a further

10%

with every electric shutter purchase^

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE IN METRO AREAS 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga, 6090 *Offer ends 30th of September 2016. T&Cs apply. ^A further 10% off the already discounted price. Visit our webpage for more info.

72 Horizons August / September 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

The CSIRO recommends annual termite inspections

Save

$165

Plus, 15% off all other services*

RAC Members Exclusive Offer only $190* (Normally $355) Offer only available once per household

*RAC member discounts and offers are not applicable to warranty renewal contracts or other Termico offers. Offer only applicable in metro and selected country areas (Bunbury and Busselton).

Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspection. Offer available once per household.** To approved customers only.

August / September 2016 Horizons 73 For more member savings visit rac.com.au/memberbenefit s

70

08.13

www.rac.com.au

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

SAVE UP TO 45%* ON ALL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR BLINDS AND CURTAINS wITh VISION DECOR

RECEIVE A 10%* DISCOUNT ELITE POOL COVERS Visit our showroom

Elite... WA’s best-selling pool covers • Stops evaporation • Keeps your pool cleaner • Heats your pool by up to 10°C Call now and do your bit to help save our precious water.

Contact Elite with your pool size and take advantage of the 10% discount (phone/counter quotes only).

we specialise in all types of interior and exterior blinds & curtains all custom made to measure in our factory in malaga.

Contact our friendly staff for a quote today!

Call 9240 2262

FOR A FREE mEASURE AND qUOTE PLEASE

(Country call: 1300 136 696) or visit our factory showroom, at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta

Call 9248 6160

2/19 Exhibition Drive malaga wA 6090 www.visiondecor.com.au

*Offer available until 30 Sept 2016. Factory direct sales only. Not valid with any other offer or if Elite has to measure pool.

*Terms and conditions apply

Save 10%* on your Tax DepreciaTion ScheDule

Save on Settlement feeS with floreat SettlementS

if you don’t have a depreciation schedule on your investment property, then you could be missing out on thousands of dollars each year.

Opteon Property Group prepare depreciation schedules for all types of commercial and residential properties. The primary benefit is tax claim maximisation.

SELLING PROPERTY: $550* BUYING PROPERTY: $880* *including GSt for a standard settlement. additional government charges and disbursements apply.

limited time only. reGiSter now.

Call 9245 4822

Call 08 9488 4870

or email admin@floreatsettlements.com.au www.floreatsettlements.com.au

or email jeremy.mcgrade@opg.net *offer available to rac members only. not valid with any other offer.

You don’t have to live in the dark this winter

See your home in a new light

Natural Daylight & Roof Ventilation Solutions.

Showrooms at Balcatta, Bunbury & Albany PERTH DAYLIGHTING servicing all regions in WA (Conditions Apply) Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road (cnr Geddes Street), Balcatta 74 Horizons August / September 2016

RAC members receive a

8%

discount off selected products with

Perth Daylighting

Call 9240 4045 Bunbury ext 7013

www.perthdaylighting.com.au • www.skylightswa.com.au

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Enjoy your alfresco living in comfort all year round

40% OFF ELECTRIC ROLLER SCREENS*

RAC members receive a free remote control upgrade with every electric roller screen purchase External Roller Screens are an effective way to give your home the lifestyle and comfort you deserve.

Conveniently operated from anywhere in the home at the touch of a button, Nu Style Roller Screens allow you to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation with complete privacy without sacrificing your view.

Your NuStyle Roller Screens can be functional all year around. Keeping your alfresco warm in winter and even cooler in summer. By fully closing the screen you will benefit from up to 85% light control and shade cover, with an outstanding up to 95% heat control and UV block. It not only drastically reduces the harsh summer heat but also reduces your cooling and energy costs.

CALL 1300 798 776

or email info@nustyleshutters.com.au For a free measure and quote in metro areas 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga

www.nustyleshutters.com.au *Offer ends 30th of September 2016. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info.

August / September 2016 Horizons 75

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

BUILDING RENOVATING REPLACING

B

W

oom thr n a B che Kit ndr y Lau

EASY-TO-VIEW SHOWROOMS

BALDIVIS

Unit 2 54 Goulburn Rd Baldivis P: 9590 2520

BUNBURY

142 Blair St Bunbury

P: 9792 4224

/

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

CANNING VALE

Unit 1 110 Bannister Rd Canning Vale P: 9456 2299

OSBORNE PARK SUPER STORE

16 King Edward Rd Osborne Park P: 9244 4486

www.sinkwarehouse.com.au 76 Horizons August / September 2016

/

MA

MAND

Unit 1 13 Fitzg Greenfie

P: 9583

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

BATHROOM KITCHEN LAUNDRY

WE HAVE IT ALL MASSIVE RANGE

/

EXPERT ADVICE

*Excludes Some Products & Specials

15% off* RRP

Midvale

P: 9583 3900

P: 9274 8677

P: 9330 1500

11A Competition Way Wangara P: 9302 4533

GREE

NS RO AD

NDENO NG ROA D

(facing Gt Eastern Hwy)

Unit 2 9 Carr Place Myaree

IN

CE

S

HIGH

WAY

AY H'W

Unit 1 13 Fitzgerald Rd Greenfields

PR

WANGARA

ND PSL A H GIP SOUT

6 Elliott St

MYAREE

TON-DA

MIDVALE

FRANKS

MANDURAH

RAC Card must be produced to receive this discount

Roa d)

/

(Toll

E

EASTLINK

G

RAC Members receive

DANDENONG

Unit 5 58 Greens Rd Dandenong South P: 1300 30 1000

www.sinkwarehouse.com.au August / September 2016 Horizons 77

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Receive 10%* off full house gutteR Replacement • Gutters and Downpipes • Roof Restoration • Ridgecap Re-pointing • Skylights • All General Roof Repairs • All work guaranteed

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861

www.roofrenewals.com.au

10% OFF * AT REPCO

We willy beat an! quote 300mm

360mm

Fully installed

Fully installed *Conditions apply

$185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

$210 ZINC $220 COLORBOND

SAVE Save$390 $390with with Garden GardenWater WaterBores Bores

Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs

receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4˝ tap and receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4” tap and pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores. pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores.

www.repco.com.au

Call 734300 300oror 0411 Call 1300 1300 734 0411 511511 611611

also alsobore boreand andreticulation reticulationservice serviceand andmaintenance maintenance

Don’t forget to show your card & save.

SAVE 10% off CArAVAn ACCESSoriES Ken Peachey caravan rePairs

*10% off applies to full retail price and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount, including catalogue lines. Discount does not apply to purchases of transmissions, satellite navigation devices, automotive, marine & deep cycle batteries, engines & cylinder heads, equipment, gift cards, any trade purchases and Trade Workshop Equipment. Discount does not apply to purchases from the Repco Authorised Service network.

insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 campbell street Belmont Wa 6104

As an RAC member you’ll get 10% off* a wide range of parts, accessories and lubricants.

And if some Repco Know How is what you need, our friendly, expert staff are always ready to share their knowledge to help you get the job done. Repco has over 90 years of motoring Know How supplying parts, accessories and advice to millions of Australian drivers and motoring professionals. So if it’s time to change your oil or give your car a little extra care get into Repco.

Licensed repairer MRB1167

R537386

R15118

RAC members save 15% on travel insurance

New and improved cover

» 24/7 emergency assistance » $unlimited overseas medical & emergency expenses# » Cover for pre-existing medical conditions^

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

78 Horizons August / September 2016 15118 - Travel_Insurance Horizons HPFC MB Ad.indd 1

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

August / September 2016 Horizons 79

S E K I B C I R ELECT FOR FUN, FITNESS AND FREEDOM

PERTH’S LARGEST RANGE OF QUALITY E-BIKES IN STORE, GUARANTEED Discover your perfect e-bike and take any bike for a test ride. Brands include: Gazelle, Kalkhoff, Haibike, BH Emotion and SmartMotion plus many more.

W perthelectricbikecentre.com.au | T 08 6161 7131 | A 3A/4 King Edward Road, Osborne Park, WA, 6017 80 Horizons June / July 2016

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Terms & conditions For full terms and conditions, go to rac.com.au/t&c.

For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners.

Vietnam and Cambodia river-cruise holiday page 36 The competition begins on 20 July 2016 at 9am and ends on 30 September 2016 at 12pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to one entrant (winner) may be awarded only one prize as follows: Holiday for two people on a Travelmarvel 12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia (tour code VTMR12) including return economy flights with Singapore Airlines, two nights at Grand Hotel Saigon, Vietnam, sevennight Luxury Lower Mekong River Cruise (category C suite), two nights at Shinta Mani Resort at Siem Reap Cambodia, 27 meals in total and most drinks on board the cruise, services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director, airport transfers, port charges and tipping. Flights are subject to availability and schedules. River cruise departs 5 March 2017. Winners must travel between 1 March and 31 March 2017. Tickets must be issued prior to 31 January 2017 and passengers must travel together. Tickets are not eligible for frequent flyer points.

The winner must be over 18 years of age.

The following costs are to be borne by the passenger: travel costs to and from the points of departure, travel insurance, visas, additional accommodation and meals outside specified in prize inclusions, excess baggage and any other travel related expenses. A good level of health and fitness is required to participate on this holiday package and any medical

7

conditions need to be advised. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 6 October 2016 and notified by writing.

When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim their prize on or before 14 October 2016. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Car Doctor page 57 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2017 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $39.95. 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 August/September Horizons

must claim their prize by 14 September 2016. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Winning Letter page 8 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $164. 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 August/ September Horizons must claim their prize by 14 September 2016. 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 the Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

August / September 2016 Horizons 81

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Contact

US

The 1 best Springtime agricultural shows

24 September–1 October The first annual show then known as the Fair and Cattle Show was organised in 1834 by what would become WA’s Royal Agricultural Society.

In the early 1900s the State Government granted the society a 34-acre site in Claremont where the Perth Royal Show has been held since 1905. The Perth Royal Show is one of WA’s largest annual community events.

Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days 24–25 August The first Dowerin Machinery Field Day event was held in 1965 and has been attracting large visitor numbers ever since. Today crowds can exceed 20,000 visitors.

Farm equipment remains the drawcard, but there are also food and lifestyle exhibits and a diverse entertainment program.

cookery, fashion parades, photography, and enjoy rides and entertainment. This year only, the show will be held at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre and surrounds, returning to Centennial Oval in 2017.

Chapman Valley Agricultural Show 3 September Just 26km from Geraldton, the picturesque Chapman Valley is hosting its annual agricultural show at the Nanson Showgrounds. The 67th Chapman Valley Show will feature show jumping, shearing, log-chopping competitions and machinery displays. Play with baby farm animals and enjoy lunch made fresh by the local P&C and football clubs.

Waroona Agricultural Show

IGA Perth Royal Show

Do you have an idea for The 10 best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au.

Margaret River and Districts Agricultural Show Waroona Agricultural Show 8 October This show is the Peel region’s only agricultural show and has been held since 1925. It showcases the agriculture sector and includes livestock and machinery exhibits, local produce, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, a sideshow alley and fireworks display. This year will also provide locals with the chance to celebrate the community’s hard work following the devastating bushfires in January.

Albany Show 11–12 November The Albany Agricultural Society was established in 1889 and the society’s annual two-day show has been held at Albany’s Centennial Oval since 1930.

Visitors can see livestock, sheep dog trials, craft and

14–15 October This show began in 1929 in a paddock, at a time when sheep, cattle and timber drove the region’s economy.

It continues to celebrate and showcase the region’s agriculture with farming displays and livestock competitions and also includes local arts and crafts, local produce, equestrian events, entertainment, rides and fireworks.

Newdegate Machinery Field Days 7–8 September Each year, the Southern Wheatbelt town of Newdegate hosts a field day event that attracts around 10,000 visitors. The first field day event was held in 1973 and through its continued success the volunteer committee has been able to provide support to local community projects. On show alongside the latest in farm machinery, visitors

can see livestock, outdoor and camping exhibits, art and fashion and enjoy local wine, fresh produce and entertainment.

Bridgetown Show 26 November The annual Bridgetown Show has been held since 1885 with traditional show events including log chops, sheaf tossing, equestrian, livestock and wool competitions. You can see displays of arts, crafts, photography, cooking, farm and home produce plus vintage cars and machinery.

There are many stalls, a colourful sideshow alley and free entertainment.

The show wraps up with a fireworks display.

Esperance and Districts Agricultural Show 14–15 October The Esperance and Districts Agricultural Society was established in 1952 and the show is now the largest event in the Esperance shire.

With a focus on agriculture, it includes sheep, cattle and equestrian competitions along with trade exhibits showcasing everything from wineries to caravans and large machinery. Enjoy an extensive entertainment program, including an impressive fireworks display.

Beverley Agricultural Society Show 20 August 2016 One of the biggest shows in the Avon Valley, this event is a colourful celebration of the region. Hosted at the Beverley Agricultural Showground Oval, it features agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, local produce and great entertainment for the kids. The show culminates in one of the Wheatbelt’s biggest fireworks displays.

82 Horizons August / September 2016

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Cape Arid National Park Mt Ragged

Nambung National Park Pinnacles

Warren National Park Warren River Lookout

R15043

Purnululu National Park Bungle Bungle Range

We give you more of WA for less Save 50% off annual national park passes With national parks from Purnululu in the north, to Cape Arid in the south, WA is yours to explore.

And as an RAC member, you can save money on seeing everything our wonderful state has to offer.

To start exploring, go to rac.com.au/nationalparks.

Visit rac.com.au/nationalparks Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/nationalparks for details.

15043 - EnviroSustain_Horizons DPAW FPFC Ad.indd 1 82-84_TenBest.indd 83

3/05/2016 11:37:50 AMAM 7/07/2016 10:08

EH N EN RA SIV E CAR INSU

We’ll give you cover you can rely on

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And don’t just take our word for it – our comprehensive car insurance is CHOICE recommended in WA. That means we’re not only competitive, but we also offer extensive policy cover.

Call 1300 736 143 to get a quote Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Ltd. Check the Comprehensive Car PDS for details.

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CE

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