Horizons 2015 December/January

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

Your RAC magazine December / January 2016

Safety first The safe and affordable used cars that could save your life

Win a rail, coach and cruise trip to New Zealand see page 40

Authentic outback Tackling the Great Central Road

Inside fuel pricing

Behind the highs and lows at the pump

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Horizons

Inside

Your RAC magazine December / January 2016

Editor-in-Chief Will Golsby Editor Lucy Siebert Deputy Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Publisher Christine Dixon Design Dallas Budde Advertising Ben Treasure (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 ben@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com.au

The outback way

Win a dream trip to magical New Zealand see page 40

Taking the road less travelled.

27

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 2015 is 518,527

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.

4 Horizons December / January 2016

14

Snapshot Keyless vehicle remotes: know your car to avoid getting trapped.

32

59

Summer road rules

Hot weather break-ins

Avoid making these warm weather no-nos.

Caution urged during the high theft summer months.

Inside

Next issue’s feature Coming up in the February/March issue of Horizons, the family-friendly Coral Coast, and its many natural attractions.

35

48

The Rocky Mountaineer.

Car reviews.

your Horizons 56 Member Lounge Our summer car care tips, why car parks are top spots for collisions, securing your home against burglaries this summer, RAC Roadside Assistance patrol Luke Brown on life on the road, plus win tickets to see The Revenant.

61 21 45

WA’s fuel pricing.

Used-car safety.

Member Benefits

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message

19 What’s on

45 Safety first

Preserving the beachside holiday for future generations.

Events around the state.

How to buy an affordable used car that is also safe.

8 Mailbox Members’ letters.

9 Exchange Sharing your views.

14 Snapshot News from the RAC.

27 The Great Central Road Tackling Australia’s longest shortcut.

35 Rolling through the Rockies Exploring Canada on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.

82 The 10 best

43 Travel brief

Wildlife volunteering options.

News from RAC Travel.

48 Test drive New cars on the market.

53 Car news The latest news in motoring.

55 Car doctor Your questions answered by our experts.

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

December / January 2016 Horizons 5

Explore Shark Bay

Swim with ocean giants

Interact with wild dolphins and view picturesque landscapes and seascapes at Monkey Mia.

Encounter the magical marine life in the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.

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Say hello to the locals

Walk through the Pinnacles

Discover Australia’s largest fringing reef and come face to face with some fascinating sea creatures.

Explore the ancient rock formations and stunning turquoise waters off Cervantes.

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Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

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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 www.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 112, Centro Mandurah Shopping Centre, Pinjarra Rd. 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 Mandurah: Shop 112, Centro Shopping Centre, 330 Pinjarra Rd. tel: 9512 8200 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Hearing-impaired members Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number only 0434 182 877 Roadside Assistance 24 hours, 7 days TTY: 9303 8470

Preserving the beachside family break for future generations After another year of challenges, triumphs, chores and all the activities that make up the fabric of our daily lives, the approach of the summer holiday season inevitably draws our focus back to all that we value most: our family, friends and loved ones, and the quality of life we share with them.

For RAC, a busy 2015 has been filled with great achievements in member advocacy and member services, including our acquisition of tourism accommodation properties along WA’s stunning Coral Coast.

RAC Parks and Resorts is an exciting new way we are providing our members with great, affordable accommodation across WA. The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in Shark Bay, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and the Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay will provide members with reliable and affordable quality accommodation and help preserve the great West Australian tradition of beachside family holidays.

The acquisition of these three Coral Coast properties follows the purchase in 2014 of the Pinnacles Holiday Park in Cervantes.

The summer holiday season is a time to slow down and reconnect with our families and friends. By investing in affordable holiday accommodation in iconic locations we hope to encourage current and future

generations to stay in WA, to holiday together and to discover just how many unique holiday experiences are on offer right here.

RAC has been promoting WA touring for 110 years. Since the club’s inception, we have been producing touring maps and providing services to members holidaying in WA. Acquiring these holiday parks is part of RAC’s ongoing and unwavering commitment to giving back to our members and encouraging all Western Australians to see more of our incredible state.

If you are planning a self-drive holiday anywhere in the state this summer, RAC reminds you to be well prepared before you leave home, to take regular rest stops when travelling long distances and to ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt at all times.

For those of us travelling locally over the Christmas period, please drive carefully on busy roads and avoid drinking and driving during Christmas celebrations.

And, importantly, plan to take some well-earned time-out to relax and reconnect with all those around you.

As the year draws to a close, we wish all our members a happy and safe holiday season and look forward to continuing our important work for you in 2016.

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

Esme Bowen RAC President Pres

Your RAC Council Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia President Esme Bowen Senior Vice President Tony Evans As the results of RAC’s Council election will not be known until the Annual General meeting on 24 November, the names of the Vice President and Council will be published in the February/March issue of Horizons.

December / January 2016 Horizons 7

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 Risky use of indicators

Working in WA’s nature

Daytime dazzling lights

Regular checks a must

Your article on WA’s parks and reserves (Horizons October/November) brought back pleasant memories of the wonderful nature of our state. I was privileged to have a job as a hydrographer (measuring rivers) with the WA government and as a consequence spent many years exploring remote areas of the state, which are national parks and reserves: the rugged gorges of the Pilbara, walking in the footsteps of the ancestors of this land, cliffs towering above our heads as we searched the rivers for a place to measure the waters.

There was no one else around, just the birds flying above and the sound of the river as it tumbled over the red rocks to the plains below.

What spectacular sights I saw and I was being paid to be there! The Pilbara wasn’t the only place I was sent to work; the coastal parks of the south coast, the remote Kimberley region and the Esperance area all remain exciting visions in my mind.

I agree with the writer of the “Daytime running lights” letter in Horizons (October/ November). Dark coloured cars are not easy to see during the day when trees cast shadows across the road. I regularly drive from Esperance to Perth for medical reasons and there are lots of drivers who do use headlights. The only problem I have with the use of headlights is the number of drivers who turn on their headlights but don’t seem to realise that their lights are on high beam. Surely it takes just a few seconds to check the dashboard, so oncoming drivers don’t have to put up with the high beams, which are as dazzling during the daytime as they are at night.

On a recent trip my wife and I noticed a number of cars coming towards us with just one headlight working. This made me wonder how many drivers check to see if all their lights are in good working order. I know that I never have. When I returned home I decided to check my car’s lights and was astounded that not only was one of the headlights not working but one of the reversing lights was also out. Maybe if you own a car it might be a good idea to check your lights every now and again as you may be one of many motorists driving with the car’s lights not working properly. Leaving it for your serviceman to check is not the answer, as a globe could fuse soon after the service is carried out.

Phil Pascoe

Des Moore

Peter Helsby 8 Horizons December / January 2016

Our winning letter

Brian Bell

RAC response: While it can be seen as a courtesy, this is an incorrect use of a right turning signal. It may also be misinterpreted by a following vehicle as an invitation to overtake when in fact the front vehicle is turning right. If you as the driver cannot determine that it is safe to pass, then it is not safe to pass.

You can be a winner Each issue, the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance, which 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 80.

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

Image iStockphoto

The stunning Fortescue River in the Pilbara region.

For some years I have been a regular caravanner and have been horrified by the practice of trucks and other vehicles flicking the right indicator to signal it is safe to pass. Those in command of the vehicle to be passed have no idea as to the capabilities of the following vehicle and, dare I say, the driver’s driving ability. They are tempting the passing driver to flirt with their ability to judge if he or she is capable of passing their vehicle in a safe manner.

How about a campaign to stop this practice? It may seem to be courteous but flashing the right indicator is totally illogical. Yes, perhaps a quick flash of the left indicator to indicate a slowing or movement to the left, but not something that indicates movement into the path of the overtaking vehicle. That is simply a recipe for disaster.

Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts PEDAL POWER

PARK THE CAR

591,000 Western Australians cycle each week.

2015 Austroads National Cycling Survey

RAC ONLINE POLL RESULT

Should improving public transport in Perth be a key transport infrastructure priority of the federal government?

Yes

90% facebook.com/racwa

twitter.com/racwa

96%

The average car is parked for around 96 per cent of the time.

RAC Foundation (UK), 2012 Keeping the Nation Moving, Facts on Parking.

RAC ONLINE POLL

Tell us ...

Would you consider using an electric bicycle to replace some journeys made in your car?

or Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange

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

ULTRA

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110 years of RAC Part six – 2006 to 2015 After celebrating a century of serving Western Australia, RAC continued to extend the scope of its advocacy work and member services, and its commitment to giving back to the WA community.

2006

2006

RAC launches free2go, a three-year youth membership program. free2go provides motoring and road safety information for drivers aged 17 to 19, free RAC Roadside Assistance for 17 year-olds and discounted roadside assistance membership during the second and third year of the program.

RAC’s first Risky Roads survey asks members to nominate the roads and intersections they believe are unsafe or substandard.

2009

2010 RAC takes part in WA’s first electric vehicle trial and installs its first electric vehicle charging station.

RAC Insurance launches online claims lodgement, allowing members to lodge their insurance claim through an online form.

2008

2011

2012

After lobbying by RAC, the state government commits to tougher penalties for drink driving offences, bringing WA in line with other states for first offence suspensions.

Following more than 10 years of lobbying

by RAC, the state government directs 100 per cent of fines from speed and red light cameras into the Road Trauma Trust Account, to be spent on road safety.

The RAC Rescue helicopter, sponsored

by RAC since 2003, completes its 1000th mission.

2012

2012 RAC embarks on its Less Emissions Mission, rewarding motorists who choose a lower emissions vehicle with discounts across car insurance, auto services, roadside assistance and finance.

RAC stages the first of its annual bstreetsmart student road safety events.

Students in years 10, 11 and 12 from schools around Perth see the re-enactment of a crash scene and hear stories from emergency service workers and those directly impacted by road trauma.

2013 To raise awareness of the dangers of inattention on our roads, RAC launches the world’s first Attention Powered Car.

2014 RAC becomes a Presenting Partner for the Anzac Albany commemorations – part of the national Anzac Centenary commemorations.

2015 To start a discussion about the unacceptably high road fatality rate in WA’s Wheatbelt region, RAC launches the Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign. It features a giant metal elephant made from crashed cars’ bodies.

2015 RAC builds Australia’s first electric highway®. The RAC Electric Highway® runs from Perth to Augusta and features a series of electric vehicle charging stations along the route.

December / January 2016 Horizons 11

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Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond Congestion still affecting work-life balance

Don’t get trapped this summer RAC is reminding motorists with keyless vehicle remotes or car deadlocks to understand exactly how they operate to prevent accidental lock-ins this summer, even where there is an adult left in the car.

Cars with a deadlock system prevent the doors being opened from inside the vehicle without the remote. An RAC member recently reported an incident where his wife decided to remain in their car at a shopping centre while he went inside. As the member walked away he accidentally deadlocked the car leaving his wife trapped inside, unable to open either the doors or windows.

The deadlock function in many vehicles is activated by pressing the lock button twice on the remote.

Deadlocks are intended as a theft deterrent, to prevent a car being entered even if the windows are smashed. RAC’s Manager Vehicles and Fuels, Alex Forrest, said it was important that motorists familiarised themselves with their car’s locking system.

“Auto-locks and deadlocks are features intended to offer extra protection for you and your car, 14 Horizons December / January 2016

but it’s important to understand how they function and whether there’s a manual override.

“On a 32°C day, the temperature inside a parked car with the windows and doors shut can reach more than 70°C, so you need to act quickly in the event anyone is trapped inside due to confusion with the locking system.”

In 2014

RAC Roadside

Assistance patrols

attended more than

21,000

vehicle lockouts

In 2014, RAC Roadside Assistance patrols attended more than 21,000 vehicle lock-outs, where the key or remote was locked inside the vehicle, or children or pets were locked inside, with the key or remote.

“More information about locking features is available from the vehicle’s owner’s manual or from the dealer,” Mr Forrest said.

A survey of more than 250 smallto-medium size Perth businesses has found a massive 87 per cent said traffic congestion had directly contributed to lost productivity, up from 78 per cent in 2013.

The third RAC BusinessWiseChamber of Commerce and Industry Congestion Survey also found traffic congestion was continuing to have a negative impact on the personal lives of workers.

RAC’s Senior Manager Media and Government Relations, Liz Carey said traffic congestion impacted staff punctuality and employers reported an increase in stress and difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance.

“Perth is well on its way to becoming the country’s most congested capital city. Infrastructure Australia predicts that seven of the 10 most congested roads in the country will be in Perth and congestion will cost more than $16 billion a year by 2031,” Ms Carey said.

“Better transport solutions like public transport and cycling can only help WA business run more efficiently.”

“We know WA businesses are doing their bit, with one-third encouraging their workers to carpool, take public transport and cycle.”

For more information visit rac.com.au/reports.

Snapshot

Winning road safety message

There’s an elephant in the Wheatbelt and it doesn’t belong. How did it get here? Where did it come from?

The road toll is rising as the elephant hits maturity. It’s hurting our families and destroying our community.

There are a few simple rules we all must obey to make the elephant go away.

Stick to the speed limit and drivers take care. Don’t drink and drive, stay alert and aware.

Put on your seatbelts, it’s easy to do. It may save your life and others too.

If you’re feeling tired it’s time to pull over. When driving on gravel you must go slower.

If you help spread the message of road safety around, the elephant in the Wheatbelt will no longer be found.

Eleven-year-old Tully Charlton from Tammin has won $1000 for the Kellerberrin Junior Netball Club in the RAC Elephant in the Wheatbelt road safety competition.

Miss Charlton created her poster and poem to raise awareness of the Wheatbelt’s unacceptable road-fatality rate, as part of an RAC sponsorship with Netball WA. The message had to feature the RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt – a life-size elephant made from the bodies of crashed cars.

The Wheatbelt’s road-fatality rate is 11 times the Perth metropolitan rate, six times the state rate and twice that of nearby regions.

1

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2

6

3

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Do you know the warning signs?

Three decades ago, drivers only had two or three dashboard warning lights to keep an eye on. Today, there can be a bewildering array of icons whose meanings aren’t always obvious.

Electronic control units in modern cars can cleverly pre-warn the driver about a range of problems, if, of course, you know what that funny little flashing symbol means.

In a recent survey, RAC Roadside Assistance patrols reported that 69 per

cent of motorists were misinterpreting or misunderstanding their dashboard warning lights.

It’s certainly in the driver’s interest to become familiar with some of the more important warning lights, so if you are unsure, check your vehicle’s manual.

To test your knowledge of vehicle warning lights, take our quiz above.

To find out how you faired, turn to the next page for the answers.

Taking e-Bikes for a spin During August, we launched the RAC e-Bike Trial, which saw 40 participants from four workplaces trialling an electric bike to see if it was an alternative travel option for them. One of the first places Clare from UWA (pictured) took her bike was to enjoy the sun at Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Thanks to the City of Perth, City of Wanneroo and Your Move, NMHS through QEIIMC Trust and the University of WA for supporting the trial.

December / January 2016 Horizons 15

Snapshot left and below: Rescue helicopter cockpit; Wayne Houden, RAC Manager Community Education

RAC youth road safety event lands award

Flying into a new decade After more than 11 years of service and more than 4300 missions, the RAC Rescue helicopter recently underwent a number of engineering and technology upgrades. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has invested in several improvements to enhance operational efficiency and safety levels.

DFES Assistant Commissioner Gary Gifford said in an emergency, every second counts. Any improvements to response times and the quality of information provided to the crew are very important.

“The upgrades enhance crew and helicopter safety and increase its operational capabilities, not only on retrieval missions but also time-critical hospital transfers and search and rescue missions.

“The cockpit has been upgraded and crew helmets fitted with night vision imaging systems to enable the crew to operate in low light levels, in close proximity to the ground and obstacles, with greater safety margins.”

The helicopter has been fitted with a state-of-the-art forward looking infrared or ‘FLIR’ camera that can locate people in distress at sea or in remote

areas and can also be used prior to landing to detect hazards.

The FLIR camera integrates with DFES’ mapping system to give the crew greater accuracy in pinpointing the exact location of those on the ground or in the water.

New on-board communication systems are fully integrated with other emergency services, including the ambulance computer-aided dispatch network.

“The aircraft we have at the moment has proven itself as a rugged and reliable helicopter and it’s served us well for the first decade of the RAC Rescue helicopter operations,” said Mr Gifford.

“There is no doubt that this new stateof-the-art technology delivered by DFES will enhance the service that touches a life, or a couple of lives, every day and the families of those that have been transported by us. It will continue to keep Western Australian families safe.”

The RAC Rescue helicopter is funded by the WA State Government with the assistance of RAC Sponsorship and is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Answers for the dashboard lights quiz 1. Diesel particulate filter warning 2. Check engine 3. Engine coolant temperature warning 4. Airbag system warning 5. Tyre pressure warning 6. Driver fatigue warning 7. Battery/charge warning 8. ESC switched off.

16 Horizons December / January 2016

RAC has been awarded the WA Child Safety Corporate Partnership Award for its bstreetsmart youth road-safety event, at the annual Constable Care Awards.

RAC bstreetsmart presents students in years 10 to 12 with a simulated crash scene played out live, enabling them to witness first-hand the enormous number of people and services involved when a serious crash occurs.

Students also hear from those who have been personally affected by road trauma, while frontline emergency services personnel describe their experiences in the line of duty.

Post-event feedback has revealed the event encourages young people to consider making smarter choices when they become drivers or as passengers.

Since its inception in 2012, more than 20,000 WA students have attended the event. bstreetsmart is presented by RAC, WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, Royal Perth Hospital and the Theatrical Response Group.

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What’s on

D Events around the state in December and January

Lancelin Ocean Classic (WA) 14–17 January

This four-day windsurfing extravaganza attracts the world’s top windsurfers and kitesurfers. Competitors will fight to win the 25km marathon from Ledge Point to Lancelin, while paddle boarding and jet- ski events will also take place.

For more information go to lancelinoceanclassic.com.au.

Christmas Choral Concert featuring Voyces 16 December 2015 His Majesty’s Theatre Australian vocal ensemble Voyces are sure to get you in the festive mood when they perform a line-up of Christmas choral works. The audience will be encouraged to sing along to a mix of traditional and modern carols.

Lancelin Ocean Classic

For more information search for Christmas Choral Concert under All Events at ptt.wa.gov.au.

Christmas pageant 5 December The 44th annual RAC Christmas Pageant will light up the streets of Perth with a colourful array of floats. RAC has sponsored the pageant since 1998, which is a fantastic family event to ring in the festive season.

Images: (above) John Carter; (right) Hopman Cup

For more information go to rac.com.au/pageant.

Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut 5 December Australia’s top stand-up surf competitors, including high-profile professionals, will compete in Mandurah, paddling 24 kilometres from the Dawesville Cut at Port Bouvard to Secret Harbour.

For more information go to supwa.com.au.

Light Up Leederville Carnival

Christmas Carols at Howling Wolves Wines

maps, prints and textiles from collections across the world.

For more information go to artgallery.wa.gov.au.

West Australian Marathon Club New Year’s Eve Run, Burswood 31 December Start your New Year resolutions early with a 4km or 8km evening run. The event is open to club members and non-members and includes a barbecue after the run.

For more information go to wamc.org.au.

Hopman Cup

20 December The St George Choir will be performing at this free, annual family event in Yallingup, where everyone is invited to join in and sing along. Refreshments will be on sale and Father Christmas may even make an appearance.

3–9 January Perth Arena Some of the world’s top tennis players will be in town, fighting it out in the annual international mixed-team tennis event. Last year, big names in attendance included world number one Serena Williams and world number three Andy Murray.

For more information go to leedervillecarnival.com.au.

For more information go to rivendellwineryrestaurant.com.au.

For more information go to hopmancup.com.

Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival

Treasure Ships: Art in the Age of Spices

12 December The best of the region’s horticultural industry will be on display, including fantastic local produce for sale, a kids’ masterclass with pizza whiz Theo Kalogeracos and a line-up of music, comedy and street theatre.

Until 31 January The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) The annual summer exhibition looks at art produced during the era of the great spice voyages of exploration. It includes more than 250 examples of ceramics, decorative arts, furniture,

6 December The annual festival will this year focus on art, health and sustainability and local Leederville traders. The main entertainment hub will be at the corner of Oxford and Newcastle streets, with the lighting up ceremony taking place as night falls and the street party running until 9pm.

For more information go to cherryfestival.com.au.

Andy Murray

December / January 2016 Horizons 19

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Motoring

Fuel for thought If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever suspected the price of petrol tends to rise faster than it falls, it looks like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right. But why does it happen and what can we do about it? Dennis Glover reports on one of the issues consuming WA motorists.

December December 2015 // January January 2016 2016 Horizons 21

Motoring

22 Horizons December / January 2016

Gasoline Retail Prices VS TGP Regional town, WA (Sept 2014 – Jan 2015)

Australian cents per litre (Acpl)

H

ere’s a feeling every motorist is likely to have experienced at some point. For weeks, the news has been telling you that the global price of a barrel of oil has been dropping dramatically – and yet whenever you drive past a petrol station, the pump price seems to stay the same for week after week, or it falls very, very slowly, especially if you live in regional Western Australia.

RAC is committed to getting the best deal for its 820,000 members and so we decided to see whether there is any substance to these suspicions. It seems there is.

This issue is a particularly urgent one at present. RAC’s latest Vehicle Operating Costs annual survey, which provides independent analysis of all the costs of running a car, including servicing, spare parts, insurance, registration, depreciation and more, has found that fuel continues to be a major cost factor.

RAC commissioned independent expert advice to explore a range of fuel market issues that might be affecting the pump price of fuel, and to report on what might be done to ensure consumers get a better deal on fuel.

In broad terms, while the research confirms that the global market will always be the biggest long-term influence on fuel prices, making the market more transparent and rational in a number of crucial ways may help to keep prices as low as possible.

Let’s look at the data. There is a well-known oil industry adage that says, “up like a rocket, down like a feather”.

Research into the late 2014 oil price collapse reveals that the price of petrol actually does follow the “down like a feather” part of the adage, particularly in regional areas. Further research into rapid oil price rises will be needed to see if the “up like a rocket” part of the adage also applies.

The research, which compares retail price changes over a five-month period

180

10-week duration

98

160 U

Ut

140

Indicative price margin

95 R+

120

100

80 4th Sept

FUEL PRICE LEGEND

2nd Oct

U

ULP Retail

30th Oct

98 98 RON Retail

27th Nov

Ut ULP TGP at terminal

18th Dec

8th Jan

95 R+ Platts 95R C+F plus taxes

Indicative price margin

What is the Terminal Gate Price (TGP)?

The Terminal Gate Price (TGP) is a notional maximum wholesale price at which a controlled petroleum product may be sold by a supplier from a ‘declared terminal’. The actual wholesale price at a terminal may be higher

29th Jan

than the TGP due to postterminal charges, or may be lower depending on contractual arrangements and discounts between fuel companies, wholesalers, re-sellers and retail partner arrangements.

Motoring

… at these regional locations it took between six and 10 weeks for the fall in the price at which retailers could buy petrol and diesel to be reflected in the price motorists had to pay.

against movements in the Terminal Gate Price (TGP), which is benchmarked against the price of refined fuel in Singapore as measured by the benchmarking agency Platts, confirms long-held suspicions about prices at the bowser.

For example, at one regional fuel retailer, it took six weeks for a reduction in retail gasoline prices to occur following the marked decline in the Platts benchmark. At another regional retailer, it took about seven weeks for a reduction in retail gasoline prices to occur. At another two regional sites, the reduction took approximately 10 weeks. Similar responses were observed for diesel.

At these regional locations it took between six and 10 weeks for the fall in the price at which retailers could buy petrol and diesel to be reflected in the price motorists had to pay.

Data from FuelWatch confirms that

fuel price movements in regional WA lag behind fuel price movements in Perth.

So how can we account for these differences?

One reason could be the slow turnover of fuel stocks in country areas. Put simply, the petrol in the tanks at regional petrol stations, purchased when the price was still high, takes far longer to sell out than in metropolitan areas, and therefore it takes longer for it to be replaced by the next tanker load that the proprietor has purchased at a lower price. This lag reflects the need for retailers, who are typically small business people, to maintain their margins.

However, even after the price of fuel had fallen at these petrol stations the gross retail margin (the difference between the notional wholesale price and the actual retail price paid by consumers) remained higher than before the fall in the benchmark price. So it’s as

Halved cost per barrel since June 2014

7

D A Y S

Source: ACCC

if the price is going five steps forward, but only four steps back.

The graph (opposite) demonstrates the effects of this. It plots the Australian cents per litre (Acpl) for two different grades of gasoline over just under five months. As you can see, it takes 10 weeks for retail prices to start to fall after the Terminal Gate Price starts to fall, and at the end, the margin between the retail and Terminal Gate Price is higher.

There are other possible reasons, such as lower levels of competition in regional WA, as well as higher costs and periodic contractual changes for regional retailers that aren’t immediately visible.

The fact that it is impossible to say with complete certainty why prices and retail margins are not falling in line with reductions in the international benchmark price highlights the lack of transparency in the fuel market.

Petrol price cycle duration in Perth

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

Weekly price cycle in Perth sees the lowest price on Monday and the highest on Tuesday.

December / January 2016 Horizons 23

Motoring below: The long wait: motorists in regional areas often wait weeks before fuel price declines trickle through to their local service stations.

A fall of just 1.5 cents per litre would result in a saving to WA motorists of $22 million per year, or $110 million by 2020.

We simply don’t know enough about what happens to the price of a litre of fuel as it journeys from the bulk terminals through to depots and retail outlets. This means motorists remain in the dark about the commercial reasons behind the rises and falls in the prices they pay for fuel.

The RAC doesn’t think this is good enough.

Alex Forrest, RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels says, “this lack of fuel price transparency in the WA market is concerning and costs WA motorists each time they fill up at the bowser.

“Ultimately, improved price transparency is needed to ascertain whether consumers are paying a fair price for fuel, and at RAC we will continue to push state and federal governments to make the operation of the market more transparent.”

There is another area where greater transparency could also help, and that’s ensuring that the fuels sold in WA are benchmarked in a like-for-like manner with fuels in international markets.

Take the fuel that most WA drivers pump into their vehicles: regular unleaded, technically known as 91 Research Octane Number Unleaded Petrol, or 91 RON ULP for short.

At present its price is benchmarked against Singapore 95 RON gasoline.

The closest actual octane equivalent, however, is Singapore 92 RON gasoline, 24 Horizons December / January 2016

and if this were used instead, without increasing other elements of the Import Parity Pricing formula, the Terminal Gate Price, or the WA wholesale price, would fall significantly. A fall of just 1.5 cents per litre would result in a saving to WA motorists of $22 million per year, or $110 million by 2020.

In fact, RAC’s report forecasts the difference could grow to 2.5 cents per litre in the future, resulting in even more substantial savings. Clearly, this represents an unnecessary price distortion and RAC believes it should be resolved.

And for the increasing number of WA drivers choosing to use premium-grade unleaded fuels (95 RON ULP and 98 RON ULP), other changes could also potentially bring additional savings.

The RAC’s understanding is that both 95 RON ULP and 98 RON ULP fuel are currently included as ‘controlled’ products under WA petroleum pricing legislation and regulations. However, only 95 RON ULP is required to have its notional maximum wholesale price (or Terminal Gate Price) submitted by oil companies to the WA Prices Commissioner for listing daily on the FuelWatch website.

The RAC believes it is time that this anomaly was removed and that 98 RON ULP fuel should also have a Terminal Gate Price reported as a ‘controlled’ product.

This will give consumers more information, especially when growing numbers of motorists are purchasing vehicles with high-compression engines that typically recommend the use of premium fuels.

The issue of fuel pricing is becoming more important for motorists every day.

With the closure of some oil refineries and their conversion into import terminals here in Australia, more of our fuels are being refined overseas, increasing the risk that notional wholesale fuel prices will be more difficult to monitor.

Early in 2015, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it had ramped up the level of investigation into fuel pricing across the country, with a plan to focus its investigations on certain specific regional areas. The RAC has publicly stated that it supports fuel prices in WA being looked at by the ACCC. However, at the time of writing, RAC had not had any indication the ACCC planned to investigate WA fuel pricing.

As Mr Forrest says: “Western Australians are fortunate to have FuelWatch so we can keep track of daily pricing at the pumps. But for full transparency and to ensure fuel companies and retail outlets are maintaining fair retail margins, we need to know what is happening at the wholesale level for all types of fuels.” O

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Travel below Great Central Road, Petermann Ranges Image: Lee Atkinson

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest shortcut The Great Central Road is the adventurous way to get from the Goldfields to the Red Centre, writes Lee Atkinson, who buckles up for a classic outback drive from Laverton to Alice Springs.

December / January 2016 Horizons 27

Travel

Story Lee Atkinson

TO PERTH

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28 Horizons December / January 2016

northeast; it’s also a truly amazing Australian adventure.

The trouble with the best shortcuts, however, is that they often end up taking a lot longer than you think. The Great Central Road may be a journey through some of the most sparsely populated land in the country, but there is actually a lot to see and do along the way.

Taking Laverton as your starting point, the visitors’ centre here is an invaluable source of local information. It also houses the Great Beyond Hall of Fame, which displays a great collection of pioneer and indigenous artefacts.

Other highlights along the way include the stunning rocky ramparts of the weathered Petermann and Rawlinson ranges and the Schwerin Mural Crescent (another rocky range)

above Rainbow Valley, Northern Territory.

opposite Camels in the outback; Sturt’s desert pea swainsona formosa; Tjulyuru Gallery Warburton; Glen Gumming Gorge in the Northern Territory, along the Outback Way.

ON

bright and bold it’s hard to believe they are real. At night a blanket of dense stars cloaks the sky.

It might traverse one of the oldest landscapes on the planet, but as far as roads go, the Great Central Road is relatively new.

Built in 1978 as an alternative to the deeply rutted and bonecrushingly corrugated Gunbarrel Highway between Warburton and Docker River, it’s one of seven interconnecting roads that make up the Outback Way, a 2720km-long red dirt highway that stretches from Laverton in the WA goldfields, through the western desert country and red centre to Uluru and Alice Springs, and east through Queensland to Winton.

For those heading from Perth to Cairns (or vice versa), it’s not just the quickest and most direct route from the far southwest to the far

RT

Visitors Centre, Great Beyond Hall of Fame

TO

i

… it’s not just the quickest and most direct route … it’s also a truly amazing Australian adventure

WA R B U

W

e’re in the middle of nowhere, not another car in sight, but the road ahead is well and truly blocked – by half a dozen defiant camels full of ‘we-own-the-roadand-we’re-not-moving-unlesswe-want-to’ attitude. Forget road hogs, out here, on the Great Central Road between Laverton and Alice Springs, it’s the camels that cause traffic chaos.

You can always expect the unexpected on Australia’s greatest shortcut, the Outback Way. It cuts more than 1100km off a typical Perth-to-the-RedCentre-on-Highway-1 road trip and travels through some of the most stark and isolated landscapes in the outback, the great western deserts.

Many people mistakenly think that deserts are harsh, inhospitable places, dry and devoid of life.

While it is undoubtedly a harsh landscape, it has a delicate ethereal beauty where waterholes teem with birdlife and rocky mountain ranges provide spectacular scenery, wildflowers bloom where you least expect to find them, desert oaks sigh in evening breezes, sunsets and sunrises paint the sky in colours so

Tjulyuru Gallery

Travel

The western deserts are also one of WA’s wildflower hot spots, with dunes covered in yellow billy button daisies, vast patches of crimson sturt desert pea and swathes of pink parakeelya.

PR

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One of many geocache sites along the the way

ERLD

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AR

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Petermann Ranges

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Schwerin Mural Crescent

NN

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Rawlinson Ranges

UL

Giles Weather Station; murals

by Len Beadell

a talented cartoonist, on the walls.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to sink your teeth into a renowned ‘Chooky Burger’ from the Tjukayirla Roadhouse (pronounced Chook-a-yer-la) between Laverton and Warburton. It is, according to Laverton local Laurinda Hill, one of the highlights of travelling the Great Central Road.

The western deserts are also one of WA’s wildflower hot spots, with dunes covered in yellow billy button daisies, vast patches of crimson Sturt desert pea and swathes of pink parakeelya. When the seasons are right, there is an abundance of flowering shrubs, such as the snow-like desert baeckea, pink desert rose, the delicate star-shaped mauve blooms of the desert fringe myrtle and showy fire-engine red flowers of the holly-leaf grevillea.

K A LT U K AT JA

WA R A K R OA D H U R N OU A SE

Images Lee Atkinson and Tourism Australia

and indigenous art centres, such as the Tjulyuru Gallery in Warburton (reputedly one of the world’s largest collections of community-controlled Aboriginal art) and Warakurna. Warakurna is also home to the Giles Weather Station, which was set up in 1956 to forecast weather conditions suitable for nuclear weapons testing and rocket-testing programs at Woomera. Legendary surveyor and road builder Len Beadell, who forged roads through much of the western desert country in the 1950s and ‘60s, including the now-notorious Gunbarrel Highway, selected the site. His grader, which trundled across more than 30,000km making these roads, is on display beside the weather station, which is open for tours and features original murals painted by Beadell,

December / January 2016 Horizons 29

Travel

More information To help plan your trip, visit the Outback Way website outbackway.org.au. For maps and guides that cover this region, including the Great Desert Tracks Atlas and the Great Desert Tracks Maps, see your RAC Travel Centre or visit our online shop rac.com.au/shop.

One thing that surprises many people is that the drive is easier than they thought.

The wildflowers aren’t the only treasure you’ll find on this trip. As well as being Australia’s longest shortcut, the Outback Way also claims to be the world’s longest treasure hunt.

“The Outback Way is a geocache trail, where small items are hidden along the route and you have to find them using the longitude and latitude co-ordinates from your GPS,” explains Gabby Simoni from Australia’s Golden Outback, the government body responsible for marketing more than half of inland WA. “There are 36 cache locations,” says Ms Simoni. “Hunting for caches not only provides extra interest along the route, but

below Laverton is the start of the journey; Laverton Outback Gallery; pioneering road builder Len Beadell’s plaque.

each cache is located in a site of special natural, cultural, historic, or scientific interest. The cache locations can be downloaded from outbackway.org.au.”

A trip along the Great Central Road is also proof that you don’t always need a four-wheel drive to get off the beaten track.

While it’s definitely the road less travelled, and it does have a few corrugations here and there (it’s an Outback truism that the bumpiest roads lead to the best places), unless it’s been raining the road is generally fine for two-wheel drives and caravans (although a highclearance four or all-wheel drive will give you a more comfortable ride). And while you need to exercise care, it’s not a difficult drive. The road is generally well maintained on the WA side.

“One thing that surprises many people is that the drive is easier than they thought,” says Ms Simoni.

“Most people believe this route is nothing more than a track, but for a large portion, particularly the WA section, the

road is a fully-formed gravel road, graded regularly and in excellent condition.

“But you need to slow down for bends, occasional rough patches and be on the lookout for wildlife such as kangaroos and camels.”

It’s also wise to check ahead on the condition of the road on the Northern Territory side. The Laverton Visitors’ Centre is a good place to check on road conditions in the region before you continue your drive.

This is probably not a trip to do in summer, when temperatures in the desert can soar above 40C (and the flies are at their friendliest). The best time to travel is during the cooler months between May and September, particularly in spring when the wildflowers are at their best.

The Great Central Road is so much more than just Australia’s greatest shortcut; it’s also one of the country’s best Outback adventure drives. Given the choice I’ll take a red dirt highway over boring blacktop bitumen any day. O

Fast facts Pre-trip preparation The Great Central Road is a remote road through a harsh landscape, so make sure your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition before you travel.

What to take

Carry basic spare parts, including a second spare Where to stay tyre, a satellite phone, and camp plenty of water (2–3 litres per person per day), a Simple motel-style good first aid kit and accommodation and accurate maps: a GPS is caravan-friendly campgrounds with toilets a very good idea. Basic and showers are available food supplies are available at roadhouses on route, in Laverton, Tjukayirla, Warburton and Warakurna but stock up on essentials and there are five styles of before you go. The desert can get very cold at night, accommodation on offer so pack warm clothes. at Yulara (Uluru).

30 Horizons December / January 2016

Planning for fuel stops Diesel and opal fuel is available during daylight hours at Tjukayirla, Warburton and Warakurna, approximately 250–300km apart, well within the range of a normal 80-litre fuel tank.

However, roadhouses can sometimes be closed due to cultural reasons and are often shut on weekends, so always carry spare fuel for emergencies.

Aboriginal community permits You will need two permits – one to travel between Laverton to the WA/NT border from the Department of Indigenous Affairs (08 6551 8024) and another from the Central Land Council to travel the NT section of the road from the border to Yulara (08 8951 6320) or clc.org.au.

Safety tips Driving on unsealed roads is tiring – don’t overestimate how far you can travel in a day (six hours per day is ideal). Avoid travelling at night as your chances of colliding with a kangaroo or wandering stock is high. Watch out for dust, and give trucks and road trains plenty of space.

Be prepared to wait for slow-moving camels!

Road safety

Don’t break the rules this summer Summer weather brings us all outdoors to enjoy the endless blue-sky days and balmy nights. But we should be careful of becoming too relaxed about how we behave on or around our roads at this time.

W

hile the weather is warm and the mood is festive, there are some rules you may be more likely to break.

Here are a few road rules you should keep in mind when outdoors or out on the road this summer.

32 Horizons December //January January2016 2016

Keep your arms, legs and other body parts inside the car If you feel like turning the car’s air conditioner off and getting some fresh air, don’t be tempted to let any part of your body feel the breeze outside the window as you drive. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, no part of your body should protrude from the vehicle while it’s in motion.

Road Traffic Code, Regulation 242 makes it an offence for drivers and passengers to allow their limbs to protrude beyond the vehicle, unless giving a prescribed signal.

Remember, it’s also illegal to ride in the back of a ute or any other flatbed vehicle. Passengers must occupy a seating position that is fitted with a seatbelt.

Don’t buy services from windscreen washers at traffic lights Those guys with squeegees waiting to wash your dusty windscreen at the traffic lights aren’t providing a community service – they are breaking the law, creating a hazard for drivers and putting themselves in danger.

A person is not allowed to solicit contributions (including asking for money to clean your windscreen), ask for a ride from drivers, solicit employment, or offer a newspaper, periodical or magazine for sale to vehicle occupants.

Those guys waiting to wash your windscreen ... aren’t providing a community service.

Road safety

Unless it’s clearly a bicycle fit for two, there should only be one person riding at any time.

Safe celebrations It is, of course, one of the most important rules for any driver to observe at any time of year, but during the summer break and festive season, there can be many more temptations that may lead to drink driving. RAC reminds all motorists that

alcohol is a major contributor to road crashes. In 2013, 22 per cent of fatal crashes attended by police involved a driver or rider with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or greater than 0.05.

Stick to the back yard for cricket You may live on a quiet street, but that doesn’t mean the road in front of your house can become an extension of your front yard.

Playing a game of cricket, or any game, on the road or any part of it puts you and your children in danger and is illegal. Anyone playing games on roads is liable for a $50 fine.

Anyone playing games on roads is liable for a $50 fine.

Assessing your risk and trying to estimate what your blood alcohol concentration might be is simply not worth the gamble.

If you’re planning to drink, plan not to drive.

If you are driving, ensure you and your passengers have buckled up, with seatbelts correctly fitted and clipped into place before you turn your attention to the task of driving.

Avoid the ‘dink’ As a kid you may have enjoyed showing off your bicycle-handling skills by performing a ‘dink’, that is, carrying a second person on your bike, but don’t pass this trick on to your children. It’s not safe and it’s not legal. Unless it’s clearly a bicycle fit for two, there should only be one person riding at any time.

According to the Road Traffic Code, “a person shall not use a bicycle to carry, at any one time, more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped”.

Park your bicycle after a few drinks Tempted to jump on your bicycle to avoid driving after some festive drinking? Drink-driving penalties apply if you choose to cycle rather than drive, even if you stick to cycle paths away from the road. It is an offence to ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both to an extent where the rider is incapable of proper control.

The same applies if you’re riding a horse or any animal; so don’t get in the saddle after a few at the local saloon. O

Drink-driving penalties apply if you choose to cycle rather than drive, even if you stick to cycle paths away from the road.

December / January 2016 Horizons 33

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Travel below The ‘Journey Through the Clouds’ trip from Vancouver to Jasper takes in Fraser Canyon, home to Canada’s largest salmon run.

Rolling through the Rockies

Images: Rocky Mountaineer

Hear about western Canada’s rich history and experience its jaw-dropping landscapes and rare wildlife from the comfort of the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. Susan Gough Henly hops aboard for the journey of a lifetime.

December / January 2016 Horizons 35

Travel

Welcome aboard the most spectacular train trip in the world

Images: Susan Gough Henly and courtesy Rocky Mountaineer

Story Susan Gough Henly

I

look up from my lunch of wild British Columbia salmon and Okanagan Merlot. Just outside the train window is an elegantly engineered beaver pond reflecting sheer snowcovered mountains. This is way better than David Attenborough on the wide screen.

Our Rocky Mountaineer host Bernardo tells us that the humble beaver lured fur trappers to the wilds of Canada more than 300 years ago. They sought its pelt to satisfy the insatiable demand in Europe for top hats. He explains the phrase ‘mad as a hatter’ came about because hat makers were poisoned by the mercury they used to treat the animal’s fur.

I am on the inaugural 25th anniversary journey of the multiaward-winning Rocky Mountaineer train, a daylight-only train adventure that offers sensational itineraries through the Canadian Rockies.

It comes from a proud pedigree of two great railways, the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Rail, which played key roles in the settlement of Canada.

36 Horizons December / January 2016

clockwise from left: Chateau Lake Louise; the train’s famous glass roof for viewing the spectacular mountains; Mount Robson.

The president of Canadian Pacific Rail believed tourism was vital to the railway’s success and he famously said back in the 1880s, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists”.

Import them they did, with both companies developing grand hotels to entice travellers along their routes. More than 130 years later Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf guests still stay in spiffed-up, Victorian-era edifices like the Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge, all run by the Canadian hotelier Fairmont.

“Most spectacular train trip in the world” We might be in Vancouver, but a bagpiper plays “Scotland the Brave” as we board the sleek navy and

gold train at Rocky Mountaineer’s station. Turns out both of the founders of Canadian Pacific Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer had Scottish blood running in their veins.

“Welcome aboard the most spectacular train trip in the world,” booms Tyler, the guest services manager, as we settle into a luxury two-storey GoldLeaf carriage for the two-day Journey Through the Clouds route to Jasper.

As the train pulls out of the station, I peruse my surroundings.

I’m seated upstairs in a customheated, reclining, leather seat under a glass dome, designed to allow guests to better enjoy the mind-blowing views. An elegant, white-tablecloth dining room is downstairs, along with a covered outdoor viewing deck.

Soon we are marvelling at clouds reflected in the mirror-like Kamloops Lake before the train eases into Kamloops station, where red-shirted cowboys on horseback welcome us. Our apartment hotel is near the train tracks and, after freshening up, we enjoy exploring this gateway to the ski slopes and the Okanagan wine region, by stopping for microbrews at the Noble Pig Brewhouse and a terrific upmarket meal at Terra Restaurant.

“Cloudy with a chance of bears”

Each carriage in GoldLeaf has two meal services for breakfast and lunch. Those on second service feast on fresh scones and coffee as they wait for breakfast, and wine and cheese before lunch. The order is reversed on the second day so everyone can enjoy being second!

By the time I’m tucking into fluffy pancakes with Canadian maple syrup (when in Rome, after all) Bernardo is giving the lowdown about the Fraser River, home to Canada’s largest salmon run. He regales us with the fantastical feats of spawning salmon as they return to their birthplace to start the cycle of life again.

As Bernardo continues by telling us about adventurer Simon Fraser – an agent for the Northwest Company seeking beaver pelt in the West – I note that the river is now a churning chasm of glacial melt beside the train tracks.

At Hell’s Gate, we learn that two hundred million gallons of water surge every minute through the narrowest point of the river. No surprise that Fraser carried his canoes along the canyon walls

saying: “This was a place no human being should venture, for surely we have encountered the gates of hell”.

Bernardo is sure to tell us the story before the photo opportunity, when the conductor slows the train so we have plenty of time to grab our cameras and head to the outdoor viewing area for the perfect shot. The rush of cold mountain air soon forces us back inside for another hot cuppa.

As we cross to the other side of Jackass Mountain, the landscape changes into a semi-arid desert.

I had no idea that British Columbia could be so dry. Outside our window is the Jaws of Death Gorge, a popular rafting spot.

Bernardo, only half-jokingly, describes these rapids as being 64 on “the washing-machine scale” of rafting difficulty, when normal rafting protocols state level six is the most dangerous.

He points out the Cheese Grater and Witch’s Cauldron, which are surpassed in fear factor only by the aptly-named Mother-in-Law rapids.

clockwise from top: Kamloops Lake; black bears can be spotted from the train; Pyramid Falls plunges 100m to the Thompson River below.

On board for our second day, Bernardo welcomes us with the weather report: “Cloudy with a chance of bears”. Sadly, it rains most of the day, but this has little impact on our wildlife spotting.

First we see big horn sheep beside a lake, then a young black bear frolicking in the woods.

I take the opportunity to walk around the spacious cabin to chat with neighbours, many of whom hail from Australia and New Zealand. One couple had even been on the first Rocky Mountaineer trip 25 years ago.

Bernardo gives us plenty of notice to get ready to photograph the spectacular Pyramid Falls, which plunges 100m beside the train to the Thompson River below. He tells us about the river’s namesake, David Thompson, one of the greatest land geographers of all time, who mapped almost four million square kilometres of Canada, much of it in the Rockies, with little more than a sextant and a telescope.

Straight ahead is the imposing striated profile of 3954-metre Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

It’s easy to see why mountain climbers nickname her the Great White Fright.

December / January 2016 Horizons 37

Travel

Fast facts Where is it

Getting there

What to pack

The Rocky Mountaineer has five different train routes in western Canada, including one that starts in the US in Seattle. All take in part of the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Qantas flies from Perth, via Sydney (and sometimes Los Angeles) to Vancouver.

Air Canada has direct daily services from Sydney to Vancouver and soon Brisbane to Vancouver on the Dreamliner B787.

Warm clothes since it can be chilly in the mountains, especially in the evenings. Camera gear to capture all the spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

When to go

How to book Contact your nearest RAC Travel Centre or visit rac.com.au/rail.

Don’t miss highlight The Icefields Parkway (below) for the most spectacular mountain scenery and a glacier walk.

Images: Susan Gough Henly and Alamy

The season runs from April through October. Travelling at this time of the year ensures you can take full advantage of the daylight hours and the spectacular scenery at a time when the region shows its full colours.

“Moose at 9 o’clock,” says Bernardo excitedly, not far from the aptly named Moose Lake and I almost fall over my Made-fora-Mountie Burger in the rush to photograph not one but two moose – one of the rarest of animals to spot in the Canadian wild.

If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.

Jasper and the Icefields Parkway Our train journey draws to a close at the historic station in Jasper, but there is still that destination and its grand hotels to enjoy.

Jasper Park Lodge, on the shores of turquoise Lac Beauvert, exudes everything you’d imagine a classic Canadian Rockies lodge to be: moose antlers atop soaring stone 38 Horizons December / January 2016

above (from left): Peace and quiet at Jasper Park Lodge; a bus trip to the Icefields Parkway is an optional extra.

fireplaces, log cabins adorned with fly-fishing rods, canoes at the ready, and colourful lawn chairs perfectly placed for mountain gazing.

I’ve opted to add on a goosebump-inducing bus trip along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most spectacular drives, all the way to Banff. I press my face to the window for the entire journey to soak up mile upon mile of mountain scenery. There’s

even time to explore the powerful Athabasca Falls and take a giant Ice Explorer bus up to the edge of the enormous Columbia Icefield to walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

We stop at Chateau Lake Louise, resplendent in picture-postcard glory on its emerald lake. But for me, the grand Scottish baronial Banff Springs Hotel is the perfect Rocky Mountaineer finale. I imagine kilt-wearing railway entrepreneurs deciding that a Scottish castle with stone turrets would be the perfect vantage point to admire those aweinspiring peaks. And if I squint I might just see another beaver dam since, thankfully, however, top hats are no longer in fashion.

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40 Horizons December / January 2016

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New Zealand is a scenic wonderland offering some of the most varied and spectacular landscapes in the world.

The culture is rich, dynamic and is not simply locked away in museums – it’s everywhere you look.

One lucky RAC member will win a holiday for two on Grand Pacific Tours’ fully escorted 19- day New Zealand rail, cruise and coach holiday. Experience the romance of rail travel, the majesty of cruising and the luxury of coach travel on this enthralling holiday. Visit all the ‘best of’ attractions of the North and South Islands, while escorted by a professional tour guide.

Highlights include four spectacular rail journeys, featuring the Coastal Pacific and the world-renowned TranzAlpine. Relax on five scenic cruises, with an overnight cruise on beautiful Milford Sound.

This fully escorted tour includes airfares, 17-nights’ superior hotel accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions.

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To enter: visit rac.com.au/nzholiday and complete the online entry form, or send your name, phone number and membership number to Horizons/nzholiday GPO Box 2944 Perth WA 6800

Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand coach holiday specialist, provides a range of all-inclusive, valuefor-money holidays. Offering five styles of touring, they have something for all budgets and interests.

Whether you are marvelling at the spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords or simply relaxing in a thermal pool, New Zealand is magical by coach.

Relax in armchair comfort, feeling secure in the hands of the professional crew and know that you are avoiding the hassle of overlooking hidden locations or taking a wrong turn.

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Travel brief

News and information for travellers

2016 Caravan and Camping Show Caravanning and camping are ideal ways to escape the stresses of life and to enjoy Western Australia’s world-class beaches and reefs, unique landscapes and fine weather.

People wanting to reconnect with the outdoors and learn more about the latest in camping and caravanning shouldn’t miss the RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show from 16–20 March 2016 at Claremont Showground.

RAC members receive a 10 per cent discount on admission and, if you purchase your ticket online, public transport is included.

Tickets are on sale from 1 December.

For more information visit rac.com.au/sponsorship.

More car rental savings for members If you’re planning a family road-trip this summer, RAC is offering members an extra saving on car rental from Thrifty.

As an RAC member, simply rent with Thrifty in Australia or New Zealand and enjoy an increased discount of 15 per cent off the best rate of the day.

Thrifty services over 240 locations across Australia and New Zealand and has a large range of vehicles to suit

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Thrifty Car Rental is RAC’s sole car hire partner and offers exclusive savings to RAC members.

RAC member events wrap-up for 2015

Choose your travel providers carefully Today’s traveller is faced with an overwhelming number of ways to plan and book their holiday. For this reason, it’s more important than ever to be certain about the resources you use when you plan your travel.

To be confident about the agencies you’re dealing with, make sure your travel provider carries the Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) logo.

ATAS is a national scheme from the Australian Federation of Travel Agents that vets travel agents against strict criteria to ensure they meet high standards, have well-trained staff and are professional businesses.

ATAS accredited agents have access to information and technology that can make your journey seamless. If you do experience a problem while travelling, your ATAS agent can act on your behalf as a personal travel advocate.

As an ATAS accredited travel agency, RAC Travel consultants are experts in all aspects of travel and will ensure every detail is taken care of before you go, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your time away.

2015 proved to be yet another successful year for RAC’s member events program with more than 4300 members and their families attending 23 events.

Our member events program, now in its third consecutive year, aims at reconnecting locals with their state by showcasing some of the best and also lesser known regions of WA. Our events give members the chance to discover new local experiences at an affordable price.

2015 saw a great line up of wine tours, Wheatbelt discovery tours, black tie cave dinners, family fun days, four-wheel drive events and wildflower day tours to name just a few.

See our 2015 post-events wrap-up at blog.rac.com.au/2015eventswrap and email us at gottagowa@rac.com.au to be kept up to date about next year’s events.

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Motoring

Report Stephen Williams

Safety first In the used-car market, vehicle safety can vary greatly, and a higher price isn’t always indicative of a safer car. Stephen Williams takes a look at how picking a safer used car can make a huge difference in the event of a crash.

W

hen it comes to looking at used cars, a safe one can cost no more than a potential death trap.

That’s the vital message that is clear from RAC’s annual crash safety ratings of used cars.

For example, a first-car buyer with $10,000 to spend on a diminutive hatch could buy a 2009-13 Ford Fiesta, which gets the maximum five-star used car safety rating.

But, without such guidance, the buyer might opt instead for a similar-priced car

that had just one, two or three stars.

In a crash, the Fiesta’s superior features could be the difference between life and death, says the RAC’s Manager of Vehicles and Fuels, Alex Forrest.

“In the same crash, a driver of a one-star vehicle is more than six times as likely to be killed or seriously injured as the same driver in a five-star rated vehicle,” Mr Forrest says.

In the same crash, a driver of a one-star vehicle is more than six times as likely to be killed or seriously injured as the same driver in a five-star rated vehicle December / January 2016 Horizons 45

Motoring

The RAC’s annual Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) are derived from real-life crashes, and lots of them.

Monash University Accident Research Centre does the calculations by studying police reports of more than seven million Australian and New Zealand police-reported crashes between 1987 and 2013.

The list comprises popular vehicles including SUVs, small cars, people movers, utes and vans up to 20 years old, and the ratings range from a “very poor” one star to an “excellent” five stars.

Two stars equals “poor”, three stars “marginal” and four stars is “good”.

In addition, the RAC gives five-star cars a “Safe Pick” recommendation if they have sideways skid-averting electronic stability control (ESC) and minimise injury to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in a collision.

The UCSR are not to be confused with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which is also supported

by RAC. ANCAP uses a five-star system but focuses on new models and derives its results from laboratory crash testing and the car’s safety technology.

In the 2015-16 ratings for used cars there are 21 vehicles qualifying for a Safe Pick and another 31 five-star cars.

There are Safe Picks in most segments including small cars (6), medium cars (2), large cars (5), compact SUVs (1), medium SUVs (3), large SUVs (3) and people movers (1).

Mr Forrest says the Ford Fiesta’s rating, although not a Safe Pick, was important for the light-car segment.

46 Horizons December / January 2016

Safest used cars under $15,000

SMALL CARS

MEDIUM CARS

LARGE CARS

Volkswagen Golf 2003-09 (from $7500)

Audi A4 2001-08 (from $5500)

Toyota Aurion 2006-12 (from $8000)

Holden Cruze 2009-12 (from $8500)

Ford Falcon 2008-13 (from $9000)

Subaru Impreza 2007-11 (from $10,000)

“It’s unusual for a light car to get five stars in the Used Car Safety Ratings given they are often shown to come off second-best in collisions with bigger cars,” Mr Forrest says.

“That has been a particular worry because such cars are favoured by many first-car buyers due to their low purchase and running costs.

“The 2009-13 Fiesta has, nonetheless, been shown in real-world crashes to have good occupant protection characteristics, which is great news given it’s also cheap to run and fun to drive.”

Elsewhere among the littlies, though, it is grim pickings.

The next safest vehicles among the light cars have three stars: the 2001-12 Holden Barina, 2002-08 Honda Jazz, 2007-13 Mazda2 and 2005-11 Toyota Yaris.

Also give a wide berth to these one-star cars from the 1990s that were lemons when it came to safety: the Barina, Swift, Mazda 121, Ford Festiva, Daihatsu Charade, Toyota Starlet and Toyota Echo.

Such cars show how far we’ve come in a short time.

More bountiful in Safe Picks is the small-car sector, with the top gong going to the 2009-13 Holden

It’s unusual for a light car to get five stars in the Used Car Safety Ratings given they are often shown to come off second-best in collisions with bigger cars

above: The Ford Fiesta (2009-13) rated highly in this year’s Used Car Safety Ratings results.

Motoring Used Car Safety Ratings To find the safest car for your budget and needs, the full list of Used Car Safety Ratings can be found at rac.com.au/ucsr.

PEOPLE MOVERS

COMPACT SUVs

MEDIUM SUVs

LARGE SUVs

Honda Odyssey 2004-09 (from $10,500)

Mitsubishi Outlander 2006-12 (from $10,000)

Mazda CX-7 2006-12 (from $11,000)

Ford Territory SX/SY 2004-10 (from $8000)

All cars have a five-star Used Car Safety Rating and are also rated as an RAC Safe Pick due to the fitment of ESC and good pedestrian safety.

Cruze, 2006-11 Honda Civic, 2007-11 Subaru Impreza, 2004-09 Volkswagen Golf, 2003-09 Toyota Prius and 2001-09 Peugeot 307.

Among these are many $5000-$10,000 models, such as a 2001 Peugeot 307 for about $4000 and a 2009 Holden Cruze for $10,000.

The importance of choosing a used car wisely is illustrated by looking at the effect that safer vehicles have on road-trauma rates in Australia.

In 1970, annual road fatalities per 100,000 people were about 30.

Yet to be fitted in most cars were seatbelts, anti-lock brakes (ABS), ESC, airbags, high-tech tyres and anti-whiplash head restraints.

Crumple zones, collapsible steering columns and cabin structures that acted as a safety cell were in their infancy.

The fatality rate has since plunged, driven by the introduction of seat belts, random breath testing and speed cameras, and aided by better roads and intersections.

By 2000, it had fallen to nine fatalities in 100,000 and is now five in 100,000, though WA lags with seven in 100,000.

This is set to continue, partly due to advances in vehicle safety.

For example, new cars typically have six airbags, ABS, ESC and, increasingly, electronic aids such as autonomous emergency braking.

When looking for a used car, buyers should seek out such technologies.

They should, however, note that safety specifications could vary within a model range.

For example, some past Ford Fiestas have two airbags but those with a safety-pack option have seven.

With new cars starting around $13,000 drive-away, some young buyers could find them affordable, particularly as they are likely to have more airbags, ESC and a longer warranty.

Also, very few budget cars in the micro segment have five-star ANCAP ratings – the same issue that makes some Chinese-built cars better left in the showroom.

It could be that the $13,000 would be better spent on a two-year-old Ford Fiesta or a four-year-old Holden Cruze or Honda Civic.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to remind ourselves that safety features can only do so much.

Of course, a car’s chief safety asset is the highly attentive person behind the wheel. O

SAFETY CHECK STEPS Before signing up for that dream car, there are some head versus heart checks that need to be done.

Unless you’re a car guru, a trusted mechanic should examine the vehicle’s condition.

Serious faults or safety concerns, such as dodgy brakes or steering, could be easily hidden from the average car buyer.

If it’s a private sale, it is vital to guard against repossession due to a previous owner owing money on the car to a financier.

Doing a private-seller check is quick and cheap.

Go to the Personal Property Security Register and enter the Vehicle Identification Number, Chassis Number or Manufacturer’s Number ppsr.gov.au.

Registered dealers perform the PPSR check but buyers should still ask if it has been done.

December / January 2016 Horizons 47

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

Land Rover Discovery Sport

T

he Land Rover Discovery Sport is the mid-sized SUV the brand has needed for years.

It replaces the aging Freelander, offers more space than the style-focused Evoque and it means those who want a seven-seat Land Rover don’t have to shell out for a full-sized Discovery 4.

The Disco Sport starts at $63,150 drive away, which gets you the TD4 SE. It’ll come with the lower output version of Land Rover’s 2.2-litre four cylinder turbo diesel, which means 110kW and 400Nm. Stretch to $66,560 and the 140kW/420Nm diesel avails itself. Or, for the same money there’s the 2.0-litre petrol with 177kW and 340Nm.

Top of the range is the SD4 HSE Luxury, which starts at $77,200 before you add options and on-roads.

Its interior fit and finish is stunning, at least the equal of the Audi Q5 and better than the BMW X3 or Lexus NX. Polished metal abounds on the interior door handles, steering wheel and centre console surrounds, however the pedal pads are businesslike rubber.

Although important items like a rear camera and auto braking are standard across the range, there is a long options list.

Even in the top of the range SD4 HSE Luxury, you have to pay extra ($1,990) to get seven seats, privacy glass ($600) and USB sockets in the second and third rows ($160).

48 Horizons December / January 2016

Land Rover Discovery Sport specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

The standard safety features list is comprehensive and the Discovery Sport carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

It’s responsive and pointy enough on the road, but off road is really where it shows up its luxury SUV competition.

It comes with Land Rover’s now-renowned Terrain Response system, which has received numerous accolades following its debut on the

From $63,150 drive away 2.2-litre four cylinder turbo diesel From 110kW @ 4,000rpm 400Nm @ 1,750rpm from 6.0 litres/100km from 154g/km +++++

Discovery 3 in 2004.

Torque from the diesel is ample, and in the light off-roading we did with the Discovery Sport, the engine and four-wheel drive system were far from challenged.

Really, it highlighted how much more the Discovery Sport had to give in situations where the beaten track begins to disappear.

Land Rover won’t have any trouble moving these from showroom floors. O

Test drive The Volvo S60 Polestar is a captivating mix of cutting-edge safety technology in a highly engaging luxury driver’s car.

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

Volvo S60 Polestar

V

ehicle safety is undoubtedly Volvo’s calling card but it does have another side.

Like its now-defunct fellow Swedish manufacturer Saab, Volvo’s interest in sports and competitive driving goes back decades.

Today, Volvo’s performance arm is Polestar, a Swedish vehicle tuning company Volvo has been working with since 1996. In July this year, Volvo bought 100 per cent of the Polestar business.

For now, we have the V40 Polestar and this, the S60 Polestar.

Of all markets outside Sweden, Australia has the longest history with Polestar Volvos. Australia took the first 50 of the limited-

edition production S60 Polestar cars in 2013 as a test, ahead of the model being introduced to other markets worldwide.

What we have here is the third generation of those cars, the 2015 S60, which is also available in wagon form as the V60 Polestar.

For the 2015 model, the brakes have undergone significant upgrades. Upfront there are now six-piston Brembo callipers and 371mm front ventilated discs.

This increased braking capacity is exerted on larger 20-inch wheels (19-inches previously) wrapped with wider 245mm tyres (235mm previously).

The stainless steel active exhaust system has also been thoroughly revised.

When sports mode is selected, the already free-flowing system

Volvo S60 Polestar specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

From $110,200 drive away 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo petrol 257kW @ 5,250rpm 500Nm @ 3,000rpm 9.9 litres/100km 243g/km +++++

opens up even further, increasing the growl of the transverselymounted, 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine.

That power plant is capable of making 257kW and a 500Nm when asked to.

The interior appointments are at the level you’d expect in a car threatening to damage your bank account by just over $100,000.

Think of it as a competitor to the Audi S4 or BMW 435i.

Volvo’s huge suite of vehicle safety technology is, of course, also available in the S60 Polestar.

The perforated leather seats are comfortable but still hold you in place when needed.

The Volvo S60 Polestar is a captivating mix of cutting edge safety technology in a highly engaging luxury driver’s car which refreshingly, is also not the stereotypical choice in this part of the market. O

December / January 2016 Horizons 49

Test drive

Subaru Forester diesel auto

I

n the still-bustling small SUV market, there is no shortage of people wanting a diesel engine option.

However, few want to drive one with a manual gearbox, and they’re becoming even fewer.

In fact, according to the vehicle sales monitoring service Vfacts, the proportion of manual SUVs sold annually has declined from 43 per cent in 2000, to just seven per cent in 2014.

So it makes sense for a manufacturer to ensure all its SUV models – petrol and diesel – can be had with an auto.

Until recently, if you wanted a diesel Subaru Forester, you’d also have to change the gears yourself because it only came with a manual. Not anymore.

We’ve said it before, and it’s still the case that Subaru’s current continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are the best in the business.

When the first of its new generation CVTs appeared in the Outback a couple of years ago, it was a revelation.

Finally, here was a CVT that changed seamlessly when under light loads, but did not flare the throttle when asked to work.

Similarly, in the new Forester diesel, when more than 65 per cent throttle is applied, a seven-speed step-shift pattern is activated to minimise that flare and it works well, providing the best of both worlds: seamless ratio changes at low throttle; no over-revving when under load.

50 Horizons December / January 2016

Subaru Forester diesel auto specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

Better insulation against engine noise and vibration has also been added, as have shims to the front brake discs to improve brake feel.

There’s also a new battery charging control system designed to further minimise fuel consumption.

However, missing from the Forester diesel is engine start-stop and the sportier SI Drive mode.

There are paddle shifters, though.

Off-road, the Forester is among

From $37,470 drive away 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo diesel 108kW @ 3,600rpm 350Nm @ 1,600–2,400rpm 6.3 litres/100km 156g/km +++++

the best in its class.

Wide approach and departure angles ensure minimal ground contact in most situations and Subaru’s all-wheel drive system is simply more confident than that of its competition.

On the forest tracks of Dwellingup south of Perth, the Forester was unfazed, even by low speed terrain that sometimes had it dangling a wheel in the air.

The Forester carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. O

Test drive To have a machine so willingly responsive to the driver’s whim is a rare pleasure in a modern, affordable car.

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

Mazda MX-5

W

hen Mazda first launched the MX-5 in 1989, it proved that tradition and technology could actually get along quite well.

In keeping with the affordable sports car tradition, it was inexpensive, had two seats only, a canvas roof and an engine in the front driving the wheels at the back.

However, modern manufacturing, design and materials also meant the roof didn’t leak, the electrics worked and the chassis didn’t feel like al dente spaghetti.

Its size and price went up over the years but now Mazda has gone and reinvented that blissful original NA model MX-5.

The new ND MX-5 is actually

90kg lighter than its immediate predecessor and even shorter than the original.

It’s also had a huge price cut, going from a retail price of $47,280 for the previous NC model, to $31,990 for this new ND MX-5.

In the new one, the driver and passenger sit lower and closer to the centre of the car, and importantly, there are also two side airbags in addition to the two front airbags.

It hadn’t been rated by ANCAP at the time of writing.

The new MX-5 was initially launched in August 2015 with a 96kW/150Nm 1.5-litre engine, with the 118kW/200Nm 2.0-litre arriving in November.

The manually operated roof can be opened by the driver

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

without having to leave their seat. It takes about three seconds to lower, using one arm and marginally more effort than that required to put on your sunglasses.

Immediately, there’s nothing between the top of your bonce and the universe and then when you drive it, the MX-5 feels like an extension of your own body.

Not a lifestyle extension, but rather a machine that blurs the

From $35,620 drive away 1.5-litre petrol 96kW @ 7,000rpm 150Nm @ 4,800rpm 6.1 litres/100km N/A Not rated

perceived line of where the driver’s body ends and the car begins.

Mazda uses the Japanese term “Jinba ittai”, but you may have heard it expressed as “the horse and rider are one”.

To have a machine so willingly responsive to the driver’s whim is a rare pleasure in a modern, affordable car but in the MX-5, Mazda have found a way to pipe dopamine directly to the brain. O December / January 2016 Horizons 51

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What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

Gemini’s 40

Volvo aces safety Volvo’s new XC90 SUV has topped the class in the vehicle safety stakes, becoming the first car ever to get a perfect score for its safety-assist technologies in testing by EuroNCAP. In particular, Volvo aced the autonomous emergency braking car-to-car rear-end tests. In addition to safety-assist technologies, EuroNCAP assesses three other areas of vehicle safety, including protection for adult occupants, child occupants and pedestrians.

At the time of writing, ANCAP had not released a local assessment of the XC90’s safety rating.

Bentley Bentayga Bentley has officially unveiled its oddly named but extremely luxurious SUV, the Bentayga. In keeping with Bentley tradition, the Bentayga will offer customers an extraordinary range of options, including an “exquisite integrated Mulliner Hamper Set, complete with refrigerator, bespoke fine Linley china cutlery, crockery and crystal glass.” You can also choose a clock machined from solid gold. With a 447kW V12, it’ll also be one of the

most powerful SUVs on the market.

Pricing hadn’t been released at the time of writing, but you can expect that will also be in keeping with the Bentley tradition.

It’s been 40 years since the Holden Gemini was launched, a car that would go on to become part of the Australian motoring landscape. Initially powered by a 56kW 1.6-litre engine, the Gemini was available as a coupe, four-door sedan, van or station wagon and was priced from $3,653. In 1977, the special “Sandpiper” edition was introduced, bringing such luxuries as a radio cassette player and gold pin stripes. Other factory options included an exterior mirror for the left side, front and rear mud flaps and radial tyres.

Utes bloom Almost every model line of twin cab utes has been replaced or updated in the past year. This is unusual, given utes’ model cycles are typically twice as long as those of a car and the updates rarely align. Among the new or updated utes were the Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger Mark II, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara NP300.

The new arrivals brought with them many important and longoverdue new safety technologies, plus more efficient and refined drivetrains. However, standard autonomous emergency braking is still rare in utes.

December / January 2016 Horizons 53

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Ask the car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

You can be a winner

Q

Modern cars’ engines have complex pressurised cooling systems involving many hoses, some of which are difficult to access. Hoses usually fail from the inside. To avoid failure, which could have expensive consequences, two major vehicle hose manufacturers recommend all coolant hoses should be replaced every four years.

What is the Car Doctor’s recommendation?

Clive Wallis, Ballajura

A: You are correct regarding the rubber hoses failing internally. They will degrade over time and harden. Modern quality coolants are designed to not affect rubber hoses; however old coolant will become caustic and degrade the internal rubber surface of the hose. If you maintain a regular service interval of your coolant including reverse flushing the system every 24 months you will lengthen the serviceable life of your hoses.

It would be fair to assume that a well cared for cooling system should be reliable for at least five to eight years.

Q

My car often starts shuddering for a little while when I first start it but then it seems to be fine.

What does this shuddering indicate?

Gemma Criddle, Innaloo

A:

The shuddering could have a number of causes, potentially being the result of a misfire that disappears as the engine warms up.

This misfire could be caused by faulty and/or dirty spark plugs, or faulty high-tension leads. There may also be problems with the fuel delivery system, such as with the fuel injectors or the automatic choke. To pinpoint the problem, this will need the attention of a trained mechanic so the issue can be isolated and fixed. In any case, fixing the misfire will make your car more efficient and much better to drive. As an RAC member, your vehicle can be booked for a 30-minute free fault diagnosis check.

To take advantage of this benefit, call 13 17 03 to make a booking.

Q

My VX Commodore recently had a dead battery and it was traced to a faulty alternator not charging it. I had the alternator replaced by RAC and all was good. The red battery warning light on the instrument panel works, as it comes on before starting each time, but it never illuminated with the old alternator not charging. Why is this? Is this not its function?

Gary George, Hilton

A: In some vehicles, if there is a problem with the regulator or voltage sensor, this may not register as a charging fault and, hence, may not cause the red battery warning light to come on.

Separately, there may also have been a problem with the warning light’s circuit, which was repaired with the installation of the new alternator. For added peace of mind, it is good practice to ensure battery and alternator checks are carried out at every annual service.

If your question is published you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2016 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

See page 80 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.

December / January 2016 Horizons 55

Member Lounge People, places, prizes and RAC news

With us for the ride: Midland Smash Repairs Over our 110 years, RAC has been associated with many local businesses, some of which have a long history of serving our members.

M

idland Smash Repairs is a family-run business that was established in 1965 and has been a valued repair partner of RAC Insurance for 50 years.

“For as long as I can remember, we have been in partnership with RAC Insurance,” owner of Midland Smash Repairs, Paul Smith, said.

“The business was originally set up next to the old Midland steam train railway station as a small panel beater shop.

“In 1965, my dad, Daniel Smith, bought the shop and named it Midland Smash Repairs.

“Since I can remember I’ve been in my dad’s workshop. I have fond memories of playing out the

56 Horizons December / January 2016

back of the shop with my sister in all the old car wrecks.

“I officially came to work as a panel beater with my dad when I was 21.

“The plan is to keep the business in the family.

I have a 25-year-old son, Lachlan, who basically runs the shop. He will be in charge one day.”

RAC Insurance General Manager of Claims Services, Andrew O’Hara, says RAC Insurance is proud to be working with successful family-run local businesses such as Midland Smash Repairs.

“RAC Insurance values its strong relationship with the various local repairers that help our members every day in their time of need,” Mr O’Hara said.

above (from left) Lachlan and Paul Smith.

The family’s Midland Smash Repairs has been servicing WA since 1965.

Member Lounge

Win tickets The Revenant

Life on the road We talk to RAC Patrol Luke Brown How long have you worked for RAC?

What’s your dream car?

Eight years in total. Five with RAC Auto Services as a mechanic and three as a Roadside Assistance Patrol.

A 1969 R/T Dodge Charger.

What’s the most common breakdown you attend?

Of course. It feels good knowing you’re the man to answer their vehicle problems.

The three most common are: flat batteries, flat tyres and keys locked in cars.

Any advice for a wannabe Patrol?

What’s the best part of your job?

Helping people and getting a “thank you so much’’ from our members. It’s nice to know you’ve got their day back on track.

What’s the least favourite part of your job?

Avoiding bees – the yellow vans attract them!

Do family and friends call you when they have car problems?

Work hard and be polite. Everyone makes mistakes so strive to always do better and good things will come from that.

What’s your advice for members going on a summer road trip?

Plan ahead – think about fuel stations, rest breaks and take water. Remember our patrols are with you, even beyond the metro area.

Pageant set to light up the city The 44th annual RAC Christmas Pageant will light up the streets of Perth with a colourful array of floats from 7.30pm on Saturday, 5 December, 2015.

RAC has been a proud sponsor of the annual Christmas Pageant since 1998 and we look forward to you and your families joining us to enjoy the magic of the night.

For more information, including the pageant route and road closures, visit rac.com.au/pageant.

In cinemas 7 January, 2016 We’re giving away 10 double passes to see The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.

From the Oscar-winning director of Birdman, The Revenant is a visually powerful cinematic experience inspired by true events, capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit.

In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass navigates a vicious winter and warring tribes in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption.

To enter Send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Revenant GPO Box 2949 Perth 6800 Competition closes on 17 December.

For terms and condition see page 80.

December / January 2016 Horizons 57

Member Lounge

Top four summer car care tips During summer, extreme heat can place extra stress on your car.

To prevent a summer breakdown consider the following tips: 1 Check coolant levels regularly and only use coolant recommended for your car (check your car’s owners’ manual).

Look at the hoses and drive-belts for cracks, wear and tear. Only inspect your cooling system and remove the radiator cap when the engine is cold.

2 Check all the fluid levels are topped up, including transmission and brake fluids.

3 Extreme heat may shorten the life expectancy of your battery.

Check the terminals regularly to ensure they are clean and secure. Make sure the battery is securely mounted. If your battery hasn’t been replaced in the past three or four years, consider a replacement. Call 13 11 11 for 24/7 battery replacement services.

4 Tyres should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear. You can lengthen the life of your tyres by always having them inflated to the recommended pressure levels. If you need new tyres you can get a quote and book online 24/7 at rac.com.au/ tyres.

To prevent being stranded this summer, ensure you have the correct level of RAC Roadside Assistance cover by calling 13 17 03, or login to our new member portal myrac.com.au and check your cover.

58 Horizons December / January 2016

Shopping centres: top spot for car collisions Shopping centres have been identified as the top place for car collisions in the Perth metropolitan area, according to RAC Insurance claims data.

Seven of the 10 most common locations for vehicle collisions were around shopping centres.

Galleria Shopping Centre in Morley was the shopping centre location with the highest number of claims, followed

by Westfield Carousel and Midland Gate Shopping Centre.

RAC Insurance General Manager of Claims Services, Andrew O’Hara, said the intersections at these shopping centres were the primary risk factor contributing to collisions.

“Shopping centres definitely appear to be a high-risk area, particularly during peak shopping times such as the

Christmas holidays,” Mr O’Hara said.

“Collisions at intersections surrounding shopping centres are increasingly common, with people driving in and out.

“Visibility in shopping centre car parks can be quite poor. People can also be scanning the area looking for a parking spot whilst driving through busy areas.”

Mr O’Hara advised motorists to exercise patience, drive courteously and reduce speed in car parks.

“Christmas is a busy time for everyone, especially when it comes to shopping centres. So stay alert, be careful when reversing, and be aware that you may be hard to see.”

RAC Leavers’ Pit Stop 2015 For many teenagers, the road trip south for the Leavers’ break is the first big drive since getting their licence.

With the possibility of driver fatigue and backseat distractions on the way back home, we want to help ensure they arrive safe and sound.

Save the date

We’re inviting leavers driving back from the South West to take a break at the RAC Leavers’ Pit Stop.

There will be free snacks, soft drinks, mechanical checks, entertainment and more.

The RAC Leavers’ Pit Stop will be at the Dorsett Road rest stop on Forrest Highway, 36km south of Mandurah on Friday, 27 November from 10am to 4pm.

Member Lounge

Save

70%

Caution urged during high theft summer months

Supporting motorcycle safety In 2014, one in three fatalities on the roads in metropolitan Perth was a motorcyclist.

In August, WA police reported what was described as a significant rise in crime during July – a time when levels normally drop. This rise was also reflected in RAC Insurance theft claims, with June and July claims at levels nearing those of the summer months.

With the months of December and January generally having the highest levels of home burglary claims, householders should be extra vigilant following a winter of higher-than-normal home burglaries.

If you’re going away during the holiday period and can’t arrange for someone to

JUN 2015

MAY 2015

APR 2015

MAR 2015

FEB 2015

JAN 2015

DEC 2014

After a winter of higherthan-average home theft claims, RAC Security is warning householders to take extra steps to secure their homes during the summer months, when home burglaries generally peak.

JUL 2015

!

Thefts

stay in your home, make sure you give the appearance of the home being occupied by using timers on lamps and asking someone to collect your mail.

Lock up tools and ladders so they can’t be used to gain access to your home.

When spending time outdoors on your property, ensure doors and windows are locked.

Also, remember to add any big Christmas purchases to your contents insurance policy.

For more information about the range of security options available for your home, contact RAC Security on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security.

With thousands of RAC members riding motorcycles and having keen riders among our staff, RAC has given its support to the development and delivery of an enhanced rider safety program to be subsidised by RAC Advocacy and delivered by our training division, RAC DTEC. RAC DTEC is pleased to offer RAC motorcycle riding members the chance to enhance their safe rider behaviour and skills in a safe environment at our purpose-built facility.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, including emergency services personnel delivering the training, the course duration is four hours and covers a range of issues including hazard perception and reaction, braking and cornering and protective equipment.

The full cost of the course is $215, but through RAC funding, DTEC is pleased to be able to offer the heavily discounted price of $59.

To find out more and to book, call 1300 923 832 or visit dtec.rac.com.au.

December / January 2016 Horizons 59

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Check out these latest offers.

MS

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62 Shopping & Lifestyle

Make the most of your membership by following these simple steps:

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2. Get the most from your membership everyday with the Membership Calendar, visit rac.com.au/calendar

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76 Travel & Holidays

R

R14714

Warren National Park Warren River Lookout

Save

50%

Save 5% on your next adventure

We give you more of WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national parks for less

RAC members can now save 5% on pre-purchased eGift Cards to spend at Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoors and BCF. Make the outdoors yours today!

RAC members save 50% off selected park passes. rac.com.au/nationalparks

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

62 Horizons December / January 2016

*Terms and conditions apply. Cards will have minimum 6 months expiry. On completion of purchase, your eGift Card(s) will be sent via email to the nominated email address within 10-30 minutes. For full terms and conditions visit product page in RAC Online Shop.

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Shopping & Lifestyle

One card can make everyone happy this Christmas

RMEM0201

W RAC Member Benefits, we give you discounts on a huge range of gifts With to suit everyone on your list. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy because you saved money.

Your family will be happy because they received the perfect gifts.

Yo

Check out our great gift ideas and savings at rac.com.au/Christmas

December / January 2016 Horizons 63

Shopping & Lifestyle

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

15

% OFF

RAC RAC Members members Receive receive

$500 $500 OFF off

*

at %

RRP*

As a RAC member you’ll get 15 OFF on our huge range of audio products, from headphones right through to home theatre systems. Come in and let one of our friendly knowledgeable staff help find the right Bose® product for you today.

RRP RRP

RAC members receive

15% off RRP*

*Conditions apply

Subiaco

9388 0099

DISCOVER US ON INSTAGRAM

139 Hay St, Subiaco subiaco@thebosestore.com.au

RAC Members receive

15% Off

Premium Quality Electric Bikes Outsanding German Built Tricycles

regular prices

The secret’s out @ebikesrus

Or 5% Off discounted prices

Electric Bike Specialists s 4FSWJDJOH NBEF FBTZ s 'VMMZ JOUFHSBUFE 8JSJOH )BSOFTT Electric Bikes - 5 Models Electric Tricycles - 3 Models

It’s amazing what a little snooze can do. snooze.com.au

For more information visit rac.com.au/snooze *15% saving applicable to the regular retail prices of all products for RAC members and 5% discount may be applied to already discounted items when you show your current RAC member card at the point of purchase.

64 Horizons December / January 2016

Call: (08) 9430 5500 Or John 0448 406 407 www.e-bikesrus.com.au www.facebook.com/ ebikesrusfremantle

s &YDMVTJWF "VTUSBMJBO EJTUSJCVUPS s (VBSBOUFFE CBDLVQ s "HFOUT FORVJSJFT XFMDPNF s /P QFUSPM /P QPMMVUJPO s /P QBSLJOH /P QSPCMFNT s 1 8FBUIFSQSPPGJOH SBUJOH Operating for nine years at: Shop 76, E-Shed

EBIKESRUS Members of the Caravan and Camping Association

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Shopping & Lifestyle

New Invisible Hearing Aids Now start at only

1,495ea

$

after discount

30 Day

money back guarantee** if you’re not completely satisfied with your hearing aid

This new miniature hearing aid is not suitable for all types of hearing loss.

A hearing assesment is required.

A brand new breakthrough in hearing aid technology is now available in Australia from us at the Hearing Loss Specialists Clinics, and it’s virtually invisible.

These new hearing aids needs no physical adjustments – these automatically adjust to different sounds by using an advanced digital computer. It’s so easy to use because it’s fully automatic, so you can relax and enjoy the sounds you want to hear. Don’t settle for second best when you can now have the next generation of digital hearing aids without side effects such as overwhelming background noise and with superb clear hearing.

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.

30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH NATURAL SOUND

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS & PENSIONERS & FREE HEARING TESTS

SPECIAL MODELS FOR SEVERE HEARING LOSS

MODELS FOR BOTH MEN & WOMEN

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

All Clinics 9350 6311 Main Clinic: 12 Pattie Street, Cannington Balcatta Cannington Rockingham Wembly

www.hearingloss.net.au

*Not valid with any other promotion **Conditions apply

December / January 2016 Horizons 65

Shopping & Lifestyle

66 Horizons December / January 2016

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

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Home & Garden

Automotive

10%OFF

SAVE 10%* AT MISS MAUD SWEDISH RESTAURANT

*

AT REPCO

December: Breakfast & Dinner festive smörgåsbord Mon – Thur only January: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner smörgåsbord Mon – Fri. Please present your valid RAC Card on arrival to receive the discount for your entire group. Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential.

97 MURRAY STREET PERTH

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

REP422496

*Excluding 24, 25 & 31 December Not valid with any other offer Valid 1 Dec 2015 – 24 January 2016 Discount on smörgåsbord only

SAVE 10% OFF CARAVAN ACCESSORIES KEN PEACHEY CARAVAN REPAIRS 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

SAVE $390 WITH GARDEN WATER BORES

Licensed repairer MRB1167

Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs

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

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.

www.repco.com.au

R422496

Don’t forget to show your card & save.

Excludes discounted and catalogue lines, motor vehicle & marine batteries, transmissions, engines & cylinder heads, satellite navigation equipment, gift cards, combo deals and trade purchases. Store stock only.

Call 1300 734 300 or 0411 511 611 Also bore and reticulation service and maintenance

Save 25%* off the RRP of selected home tinting.

RAC members receive

25% Off RRP

Transform your house into a more comfortable home, all year round, with home tinting from Tint a Car. Reduce heat, cut glare, enjoy greater daytime privacy, and feel more safe and secure…plus so many more benefits!

Get a free, no obligation in-home measure and quote.

Plus, enjoy $150* off RRP of selected premium car window film.

Part of a national network, Tint a Car have been in business for 43 years and have 22 stores throughout WA.

To find a store close to you, call 13 TINT or visit www.tintacar.com.au *Offer terms and conditions apply. Ask in-store for more information.

December / January 2016 Horizons 67

Home & Garden

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... WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling pool covers

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!

s 4UPQT FWBQPSBUJPO s ,FFQT ZPVS QPPM DMFBOFS s )FBUT ZPVS QPPM CZ VQ UP Â&#x153;$ Call now and do your bit to help save our precious water. $POUBDU &MJUF XJUI ZPVS QPPM TJ[F BOE UBLF BEWBOUBHF PG UIF EJTDPVOU QIPOF DPVOUFS RVPUFT POMZ

Call 9240 2262

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE PLEASE

Call 9248 6160 *Terms and conditions apply

2/19 Exhibition Drive Malaga WA 6090 www.visiondecor.com.au

(Country call: 1300 136 696) PS WJTJU PVS GBDUPSZ TIPXSPPN BU $SFTTBMM 3PBE #BMDBUUB 0Å&#x2021;FS BWBJMBCMF VOUJM +BO 'BDUPSZ EJSFDU TBMFT POMZ /PU WBMJE XJUI BOZ PUIFS PÅ&#x2021;FS PS JG &MJUF IBT UP NFBTVSF QPPM

SAVE ON SETTLEMENT FEES WITH FLOREAT SETTLEMENTS

RECEIVE 10%* OFF FULL HOUSE OUSE GUTTER REPLACEMENT

SELLING PROPERTY: $550* BUYING PROPERTY: $880*

s (VUUFST BOE %PXOQJQFT s 3PPG 3FTUPSBUJPO s 3JEHFDBQ 3F QPJOUJOH s 4LZMJHIUT s "MM (FOFSBM 3PPG 3FQBJST "MM XPSL HVBSBOUFFE s "MM XPSL HVBSBOUFFE

*Including GST for a standard settlement.

Additional government charges and disbursements apply.

LIMITED TIME ONLY. REGISTER NOW.

We willy beat an! quote

Call 9245 4822 or email admin@floreatsettlements.com.au www.floreatsettlements.com.au

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861 XXX SPPGSFOFXBMT DPN BV

300mm

360mm

$185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

$210 ZINC $220 COLORBOND

Fully installed

Fully installed *Conditions apply

Garage Door Needing Attention?

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

RAC Members receive

10% O parts*

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.

68 Horizons December / January 2016

SAVE 10%* ON YOUR TAX DEPRECIATION SCHEDULE WITH OPTEON PROPERTY GROUP If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Call 08 9488 4870 or email jeremy.mcgrade@opg.net *Offer available to RAC members only.

Not valid with any other offer.

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Home & Garden

RAC members save

$

500 on RRP

December / January 2016 Horizons 69

Home & Garden

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

%

40

0ff

RAC Members go in the draw to

win 5 nights away!

CALL NOW and take advantage of our super summer 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 reduce heat, enhance security, save energy, block out light and minimise noise. Give yourself control over the harsh West Australian summer sun with Nu Style Shutters, backed up with a 10 year warrantee and free installation.

Now is the time to buy.

with every purchase^ RAC Members receive

FREE

remote control upgrade with every electric roller shutter purchased

*Offer ends 31st January 2016. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info. ^For full terms and conditions visit rac.com.au/nustyle

70 Horizons December / January 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Home & Garden

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.

December / January 2016 Horizons 71

Home & Garden

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

Enjoy your alfresco living in style this summer

RAC Members go in the draw to

win 5 nights away! with every purchase^

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 all areas Unit 1/39 Enterprise crescent, Malaga

www.nustyleshutters.com.au ^For full terms and conditions visit rac.com.au/nustyle *Offer ends 31st January 2016. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info.

72 Horizons December / January 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Home & Garden

RAC Members save

$500 on RRP

December / January 2016 Horizons 73

Home & Garden

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

R14715

Save on tickets to the cricket

Save up to

20%

» Victoria Bitter One Day International Series, WACA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Australia vs India, 12 January 2016 » Purchase a ticket for your chance to win a signed Australian team cricket bat

Buy now at rac.com.au/cricket *Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/cricket for details.

Skylights without the heat

Improve your mood today

Bring instant clarity to any room with natural daylight.

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest quality TLZMJHIUT -VYVSJPVT TFMFDUJPO of styles to suit any room.

Showrooms at Balcatta, Bunbury & Albany PERTH DAYLIGHTING servicing all regions in WA

74 Horizons December / January 2016

8%

discount off selected products with

Perth Daylighting

Natural Daylight & Roof Ventilation Solutions.

Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road (cnr Geddes Road), Balcatta

RAC members receive a

Skylig with s hts tyle SOL ATUB E

Call 9240 4045 Bunbury ext 7013

XXX QFSUIEBZMJHIUJOH DPN BV s XXX TLZMJHIUTXB DPN BV

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

EL CABALLO RESORT

Entertainment

sat, december 12

XMAS CONCERT! sensational 2 BIG BANDS! outdoor

shows!

RAC Members receive

20%* off

ACCOMMODATION, CARAVAN PARKING AND CAMPING AVAILABLE FOR THESE EVENTS

www.elcaballo.com.au 3349 GREAT EASTERN HWY, WOOROLOO WA 6558

book now!

9573 3777

UNDER THE STARS

BOOK! NOW

n w o D e s u o H and Blow The 10 Piece B

PLAYING Sir Tom Jones s Tribute Tribu Show

PLUS ‘Metro Big Band’ – 18 piece band Enjoy this night of sensational sounds!

Great Bands, Great Music & Great Fun

*Offer available for Unreserved seating and VIP tickets only.

THURS, DECEMBER 31

sat, february 6, 2016

NEW YEAR’S EVE BJORN AGAIN

CONCERT der the S tar s

THE WORLD’S FAMOUS ABBA SHOW BANG A BOOMERANG TOUR

Un

Fleetwood Mac Tribute ute Eurythmics Trib

BOOK NOW! 9573 3777

BOOK NOW!

Resort Exclusive to El Caballo

102715-369

t T ibute Tr Australian Queen

December / January 2016 Horizons 75

Travel & Holidays

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

RESORT APARTMENTS South Perth, Western Australia

BEACH RESORT Busselton, Western Australia

GET YOUR FREE $50 VOUCHER* WITH ASHMORE PALMS HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Gold Coast Affordable Family

Cabin Accommodation

GOLD COAST

AUSTRALIA

M A R I N E R R E S O RT

Quiet location, Set on 15 acres

Geraldton, Western Australia

Check Prices & Availability Now at -

AshmorePalms.com.au/RAC-WAVoucher or

Call 1300 303 912

*Conditions Apply

R14152

Members save I0% on travel insurance Unlimited overseas medical cover Choose your own excess Money back guarantee Free Global SIM card^

Call 1300 655 179, or go to rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. RAC Travel Services Pty Ltd (ABN 17 009 164 176, ARN. 228577) is an authorised representative of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138) who issues insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC, trading as Great Lakes Australia (ARBN 127 740 532, ABN 18 964 580 576, AFSL 318603). This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please review your own needs and the combined Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide available from rac.com.au or by phoning 1300 655 179, before deciding to buy this insurance. ^Covermore Global SIM card is eligible when you purchase RAC Comprehensive travel insurance policy. Global SIM is a prepaid service. Network coverage is not available in all areas and rates may change at any time. Terms and conditions are available at covermore.com.au/sim. Services are provided by United Lifestyle Group Networks Pty Ltd (ABN 35 139 763 830).

Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited is not the provider of any Global SIM products or services.

Applecross » Albany » Bunbury » Carousel » Geraldton » Joondalup » Kalgoorlie » Mandurah » Morley » West Perth

76 Horizons December / January 2016

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Travel & Holidays

December / January 2016 Horizons 77

Giving back to WA for the better

RBRA0390

RAC has been proudly giving back to WA for 110 years. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have shareholders, which means we can give our profits back to WA. We give back discounts and rewards to our members. We give back time and money for road safety education and we give back by supporting the RAC Rescue helicopter. Because giving back makes WA a better place.

forthebetter.com.au RAC Rescue is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

REINVENTING DESTINATION CRUISING At Viking, we have always strived to connect our Guests to the most authentic, immersive experiences in each destination by providing the means to explore in comfort. We reinvented the entire river cruise experience, setting a new standard by which you could expect both exploration and enrichment. In May 2015, our vision was realised with the launch of Viking Star, representing a new era in ocean cruising.

G R AND EUROPE AN TOUR 15 day 2016 River Cruise Amsterdam to Budapest

FR O M

$5,795pp

WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS 13 day 2016 River Cruise St Petersburg to Moscow

I NTO TH E M I D N I G HT S U N 15 day 2017 Ocean Cruise Bergen to London

FR O M

$10,099pp

VIKING HOMEL ANDS FR O M

$7,395pp

15 day 2017 Ocean Cruise Bergen to Stockholm

FR O M

$8,699pp

*Conditions apply. Prices are in Australian dollars, per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Valid on 2016 river and 2017 ocean sailings only. Offer is strictly limited. Must book by 30 November 2015. For more information visit www.vikingcruises.com.au

A career in hospitality starts here

The hospitality industry is a great place to work. To take advantage of many full time, part time and casual employment opportunities you need the correct certificate/s.

We offer WA Government-accredited courses for RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), MLPLCA401A (Approved Managers Course), Basic Food Safety and Food Supervisor Certificates.

Summer Special Start training before 31/01/2016 and you can save $10 by entering the promo code AAAT10 at the checkout.

Visit www.aaatraining.com.au

Terms & conditions

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

RAC Travel New Zealand holiday page 40 The competition begins on 18 November, 2015 at 09:00 (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 31 January, 2016 at 12pm.

Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to one entrant (winner) may be awarded only one prize as follows: 19-day New Zealand Rail, Cruise and Coach tour for two from Grand Pacific Tours including return airfares from Perth on Air New Zealand direct services (not valid on VA operated services), meet-and-greet on arrival, with return airport transfers in New Zealand, luxury coach travel with professional coach captain and tour guide, 17 nights superior twin share accommodation, all sightseeing and attractions, including four rail journeys and five scenic cruises, 18 cooked breakfasts, 15 dinners, one lunch and two delicious morning teas. Flights are subject to availability and schedules. Prize is subject to availability. Blackout periods apply. 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 over and above the approved 23kg and any other travel-related expenses. Prize must be taken on the 19-Day NZ Rail, Cruise and Coach Holiday and travel by 31 May, 2016. Multiple departures are available. Prize is valued at $12,868 for two people. Should only one person redeem the prize, the value will be from $7,999 (based on a single room).

The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 5 February 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 its prize on or before 19 February, 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.

The Revenant movie page 57 The competition begins on 18 November, 2015 at 09:00 (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 17 December, 2015 at 12pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to 10 entrants (winners) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: a double in-season pass to The Revenant movie. The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winners will be drawn on 18 December, 2015 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be

80 Horizons December / January 2016

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

provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 7 January, 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 55 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2016 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 with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/ January Horizons must claim their prize by 18 January, 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 with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January Horizons must claim their prize by 18 January, 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.

R14658

Top End and The Ghan

Escorted from Perth

10 day guided holiday departing 22 June 2016

The Top End is a land of contrasting beauty and ruggedness playing host to spectacular wetlands, stunning national parks and vast dry plains. Journey beyond Darwin to uncover the Tiwi Islands, Litchfield, Kakadu and Mary River National Parks. Compliment your outback NT discovery with a voyage aboard The legendary Ghan to Adelaide.

Escorted from Perth, our comprehensive 10 day guided holiday lets you travel at a comfortable pace aboard a luxury coach and train, first class accommodation stays, authentic sightseeing opportunities and dining experiences, all included. Your expedition with RAC Travel will be an enticing one, leaving you with a desire to explore more of your homeland.

Inclusions » Economy airfares from Perth to Darwin, return from Adelaide with Qantas Airways » 5 nights superior accommodation in Darwin » 2 nights at Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Mary River » Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach » Sightseeing highlights with transfers throughout » 2 night journey aboard The Ghan in Gold Service from Darwin to Adelaide » Additional included highlights & airport transfers in Darwin and Adelaide » 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners » Services of RAC tour escort from Perth

Highlights » Welcome dinner cruise » Darwin city sights including World War II sites and history » Discover the history, culture and art of the Tiwi Islands with ferry transfers from Darwin » Explore Mary River and Kakadu National Park from Wildman Wilderness Lodge » Enjoy a guided tour of Litchfield National Park » Free time in Darwin to explore at your leisure » Travel from Darwin to Adelaide aboard The Ghan, an Australian icon » Lunch in Adelaide at the seaside location of Glenelg

10 Days » 22 June 2016 Members from

6,499

$

*

per person twin share

Non-members $6,799pp* Single supplement from $1,100pp*

Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/travel or visit your local RAC Travel Centre Price advertised is per person twin share and is inclusive of Qantas Airways airfares, from Perth to Darwin and Adelaide to Perth, and taxes calculated at 2 October 2015 and are subject to change. Group booking form must be completed and a deposit of $1,000 per person is due at time of booking. Advertised Member price is available for current RAC Members. Tour escort from Perth is subject to minimum numbers (15 passengers). Solo Travellers: For persons travelling alone but wishing to share, we will endeavour to match these passengers with other single passengers of the same gender. If we are unable to do so, a single supplement will be payable ($1,100) at time of final payment. Travel insurance is not included – please ask your travel consultant for a quote. Gratuities to tour director, coach driver and local guides are not included – for information on tipping procedures please speak to your consultant. AAT Kings and Great Southern Rail terms and conditions apply. Credit card fees of up to 2.5% may apply.

Applecross 1300 657 681 » Carousel 9365 4700 » Joondalup 9308 1600 » Mandurah 9512 8200 » Morley 6466 2300 » West Perth 9436 4830

Contact

US

The 1D best

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

A burrowing bettong

The Department of Parks and Wildlife offers volunteering opportunities.

To find out more visit dpaw.wa.gov.au/getinvolved/volunteeringopportunities.

winning park contains historic buildings, limestone caves, wetlands and Aboriginal cultural activities.

Friends of the western swamp tortoise

River Guardians The Swan and Canning Rivers are an important part of Perth’s sense of place.

River Guardians are volunteers who work to keep these rivers systems in good health by taking part in the Dolphin Watch, Prawn Watch and River Rangers programs and also assisting with surveys and riverside plantings.

Adopt an Orchid Project The Adopt an Orchid program involves volunteers ‘adopting’ a species of orchid and collecting valuable information about their orchid in its natural environment. Obtaining detailed information about threatened orchid species helps the Department of Parks and Wildlife better manage and protect them.

Nearer to Nature Nearer to Nature provides opportunities for families, schools, community groups and visitors to take part in 82 Horizons December / January 2016

fun hands-on activities in the natural environment.

Volunteers assist with excursions designed to get children and adults exploring nature in diverse locations across the metropolitan area and the south-west.

Campground hosting Campground hosts are volunteers based in the state’s campgrounds and national parks. Staying onsite for varying periods of time, hosts are involved with dayto-day operations. Duties include allocating camp sites to visitors, fee collection and providing information.

Hosts may also assist Parks and Wildlife staff with light maintenance duties.

WA Herbarium With some 13,000 species and sub-species of flowering plants in the state, the Herbarium’s work in documenting and describing these and many thousands of other botanical species

is essential. Its volunteer program includes activities such as plant identification and specimen processing.

Wildlife rehabilitation You can volunteer to help sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife at a number of established wildlife rehabilitation centres supported by Parks and Wildlife. Volunteers can learn how to care for wildlife by taking a rehabilitation course.

Volunteers are also needed for the Wildcare Helpline, a telephone service providing information for anyone who finds native wildlife in WA in need of care.

Yanchep National Park Volunteers at Yanchep National Park undertake a range of activities, including native seed collection, bush rehabilitation, upkeep of wildflower gardens and guided tours through the park. Just 45 minutes’ drive north of Perth, the award-

Penguin Island Spend time by the sea with Penguin Island’s playful birds.

Located in the Shoalwater Marine Park, the island is home to WA’s largest colony of little penguins. Volunteers assist staff by providing information to visitors and taking part in activities in the island’s Discovery Centre and around the island itself.

Monkey Mia This year-round program requires five volunteers every day. Volunteer work is generally hands-on, including assistance with dolphin feeds, data collection, and assisting with interpretive activities.

Member discount RAC members can receive a 50 per cent discount on a range of Parks and Wildlife park passes from the Department of Parks and Wildlife. For more details visit rac.com.au/parkpasses.

Photography Lochman Transparencies

Wildlife volunteering

The western swamp tortoise is one of the world’s most endangered tortoises and is listed as critically endangered. Two sites in the Swan Valley are the only places where a few remain in the wild. Volunteers assist with maintaining these sites, including the installation of tunnels and monitoring water levels.

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