Horizons - Special WA Travel Edition

Special WA Travel Edition

Plan epic trips on roads less travelled

Make 2021 the year you go north

Connect with country on Aboriginal cultural tours

See our state from a new perspective

Exclusive

travel offers for RAC members

A partnership with Tourism Western Australia and Tourism Australia

We’re still free to wander out yonder.

Somewhere far away but not so far from home.

So satisfy your itch for adventure and take the time to travel further, or visit places you’ve been before and see them in a new light.

Stay longer and explore the wonders only WA can offer.

From swimming in hidden waterfalls and forgotten gorges, to biking and hiking rustic trails amongst ancient forests, or uncovering artworks in the outback and roads skirted by wildflowers.

S O G O F O R T H WA , WA N D E R O U T Y O N D E R .

W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A . C O M

WAT E R FA L L R E E F, C YG N E T B AY

D I S COV E R E X PA N S I V E O U T B AC K A R T WO R K S

F L I P A R O U N D W I T H M A R I N E A C R O B AT S

LAKE BALLARD, NEAR MENZIES

C O R A L B AY, E X M O U T H

TIPTOE ACROSS THE FORES T TRE E TOPS

KICK BACK ALONG OUR E NDLESS COAS TLINE

VA L L E Y O F T H E G I A N T S , D E N M A R K

ROTTNEST ISLAND, PERTH

C A M P O U T U N D E R T H E B I G WA S K Y KARIJINI, THE PILBARA

W O O L E E N S TAT I O N , M U R C H I S O N

Contents

NORTH WEST

CORAL COAST

6 Aboriginal experiences

GOLDEN OUTBACK

22 36 20

Nature’s calendar

48

SOUTH WEST

PERTH REGION

52 66 Visitor centres

80

Road touring in WA

82

Special WA Travel Edition Published by RAC WA ®

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic

Design Mark Coppini

Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285

Contributors Fleur Bainger, Max Brearley, Wendy Caccetta and Julie Hosking OUR PLASTIC WRAPPER IS BIODEGRADABLE

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 or the Western Australian Tourism Commission, trading as Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA). The information contained in this publication has been provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, RAC and Tourism WA do not take responsibility if any information is incorrect or has changed since publication. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry some attractions and tours may have reduced operations. Visitors should check direct with the business or local visitor centre for the most up to date details prior to planning their trip. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC and Tourism WA accept 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 and or Tourism WA.

Cover photography: Twilight Beach, Esperance (Salty Wings). All photography courtesy Tourism Western Australia and the five Regional Tourism Organisations except where credit is given.

ospreycreative.com

Foreword

It’s time to holiday in WA Hellfire Bay, Esperance

There has never been a better time to embrace the wonders of Western Australia.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first-ever Horizons Special WA Travel Edition.

By exploring and enjoying what’s in our own backyard we are supporting our regional areas and small businesses which rely on local tourism.

A partnership between the State Government, Tourism WA, Tourism Australia and RAC WA, this edition provides the ultimate guide to uncovering some of our State’s hidden holiday gems.

RAC has a long history in road travel. As early as 1911, our founding members helped install some of the State’s first signposts and created our first roadmaps.

In here you’ll also find a range of RAC exclusive travel deals and offers. As locals you may think you know your State inside out, but I hope this encourages you to go somewhere you’ve never been.

Over recent years we have invested significantly in tourism. Members can now access discounted rates on caravan and holiday sites at nine RAC Parks and Resorts in the South West, Coral Coast and North West of WA. We are proud to play a part in helping more people discover what makes Western Australia so unforgettable.

There’s never been a better time to try a new travel experience, discover more about your backyard and create some new memories holidaying in WA. Whether it’s booking accommodation, going on a tour or dining out, your holiday will help support our State’s tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19.

The impacts of COVID-19 have hit our local tourism operators hard. If you’re able, now is the time to consider where you might wander out yonder. A WA getaway is a chance to not only traverse our incredible State, but an opportunity to support your fellow West Australians.

Whether you want to indulge in fresh local produce in the South West, discover our Golden Outback, follow the sun to the Kimberley or explore our vibrant capital city, there’s something here for all budgets and tastes to inspire you.

Once your plans are in place, make sure you also prepare for the road ahead. Your journey may include unfamiliar roads and long distances. Enjoy the ride and arrive safely.

Go forth WA, wander out yonder.

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC President

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA Minister for Tourism

5

chrisontour84/Shutterstock.com

NORTH WEST

Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park

In 1983, a film crew producing a documentary about Western Australia captured aerial footage of a strange natural phenomenon hidden in the State’s far north.

What they saw was the now World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range.

Although known to local Aboriginal people in the area for thousands of years, the massive banded domes had somehow been missed by the rest of the world. Such is the scale of Australia’s vast North West.

The region’s ancient landscapes are breathtaking, captivating and definitely mysterious. There are inland gorges up to two and a half billion years old, rock art that dates back to the Pleistocene Era, massive waterfalls cascading into rock 6

pools surrounded by lush vegetation, and rugged desert tracks that challenge even the most intrepid adventurer. It is a place of incredible contrasts that is quite unlike anywhere else on Earth.

In 2019, more than 350,000 international and interstate visitors travelled great distances to experience our far north. If you’ve been flying over the North West for years on your way to somewhere else, you have no idea what you’ve been missing.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Seasonal highlights Summer

See Montgomery Reef appear to rise from the ocean under the force of massive tides.

Experience the Kimberley’s powerful waterfalls on a cruise or scenic flight after heavy rain.

Winter

Enjoy dinner under the stars on Thevenard Island in the Mackerel Islands.

Watch Broome’s Staircase to the Moon over the tidal flats at Roebuck Bay.

Almost year-round

Take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.

Visit spectacular gorges and rock pools in Karijini National Park.

Kununurra

Dampier Peninsula

KIMBERLEY Broome

Karratha

PILBARA Karijini

ASK A LOCAL

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

WHEN TO VISIT

For more information about North West touring and the location of regional visitor centres, visit

By road from Perth, access is via North West Coastal Highway and the inland Great Northern Highway.

Virgin, Qantas and Air North airlines fly from Perth to Broome and Kununurra. Qantas flies to Karijini (Paraburdoo or Tom Price), Karratha and Port Hedland. Integrity Coach Lines has coach services to a number of North West destinations.

Although you can reach many attractions in a two-wheel drive vehicle, a four-wheel drive will give you more options. Consider hiring one when you get there.

Winter, from May to October, is the ideal touring season with warm days and cool evenings.

Summer extends from November to April (including cyclone season to March), with hot, humid conditions. Roads may be flooded or closed after heavy rain so check ahead and travel with care.

australiasnorthwest.com

GET SOCIAL  @northwestaustralia  @australiasnorthwest

#HolidayHereThisYear #WanderOutYonder

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

7 Lake Ballard

Sean Scott

Elephant Rock, Kununurra

The Kimberley WA’s Kimberley is a rite of passage for West Aussies.

Its boab-dotted expanse is vast, raw, untamed and unlike anywhere else in the country.

Kununurra Kununurra is on the doorstep of World Heritage-listed geological wonders, secluded swimming holes and gorges, and a lake so large it’s turned mountains into islands. It is home to Aboriginal art galleries such as Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, pink diamond boutiques, outback cafes, the Hoochery Distillery and Mirima National Park – a little-known mini version of the Bungle Bungle Range.

It’s also the access point for the Argyle Diamond Mine, the source of 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds, until production ceases late 2020.

8

Fascinating air and land tours with Aviair and HeliSpirit continue this year.

The two companies fly throughout the East Kimberley’s wet season, a time of waterfalls, tropical storms and tranquility. You can be whisked to Cathedral Gorge in Purnululu National Park as a waterfall pours into the natural cavern. Check also with Kimberley Air Tours and Kingfisher Tours for year-round air tours.

Accommodation in and around Kununurra includes camping, glamping, apartments, resorts and beyond. In 2021, El Questro, Home Valley Station and Diggers Rest will reopen, increasing the lure of that iconic four-wheel drive journey, the Gibb River Road. Don’t miss the sunset from Kelly’s Knob lookout and the barramundi at Lake Kununurra’s PumpHouse restaurant.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

dennywaves/Shutterstock.com

...now is the time to get up close with this extraordinary World Heritage-listed site.

Bungle Bungle Range Nestled within Purnululu National Park is the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle Range. Rising up to 300m, visitors are dwarfed by the colourbanded domes that lead to chasms, clefts, gorges and well-hidden Aboriginal rock art. Best explored between May and September, the Domes Walk, Cathedral and Piccaninny gorges and Echidna Chasm are must-dos at this extraordinary World Heritage-listed site.

Lake Argyle, Kununurra

Lake Argyle The biggest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere is found right here in WA. It can fit all the water in Sydney Harbour, 18 times over.

The waterway near Kununurra was dammed in the 1970s to irrigate crops.

Mountains were inundated, their peaks transforming into 70 islands.

The outback paradise also contains 30,000 freshwater crocodiles; don’t worry, they’re shy and not dangerous.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

From Kununurra, Triple J Tours trace the Ord River to reach Lake Argyle, with Lake Argyle Cruises offering lake tours and also renting out kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, boats and barbeque pontoons, as well as running fishing charters. Kimberley Air Tours’ floatplane splash-lands on the lake and flies over the Bungle Bungle Range and Argyle Diamond Mine.

Alternatively, stay at Lake Argyle Resort and Caravan Park, which also offers cabins and self-contained villas, and runs its own lake tours. The resort’s infinity pool, which has epic views, is the most photographed in the Kimberley.

A Lake Argyle sunset cruise, including a dip, is also extra memorable.

9

Within the Park, there are two basic camp sites (book online). Or opt for creature comforts at APT Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, which also has a pool, bush bar and restaurant.

Cabins, safari tents and camp sites at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park are 52km from the Park; tours also depart from here, including HeliSpirit chopper flights. If staying overnight, try and do the Domes Walk by moonlight.

For an aerial perspective, take a scenic flight from Kununurra with Aviair, which also covers Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine, Ord River and more. Both Aviair and HeliSpirit can add land tours and a stay at Savannah Lodge. Kingfisher Tours offer a similar experience (from Kununurra or Broome), and you can opt for a night at APT’s Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge.

...enormous tidal movements surge through tight gaps in parallel ranges...

Dampier Peninsula and Buccaneer Archipelago Where Broome spells relaxation, the Dampier Peninsula and Buccaneer Archipelago equal adventure. Here, the Horizontal Falls are created as enormous tidal movements surge through tight gaps in parallel ranges.

While remote, they’re a short scenic flight from Broome; Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures and Go Horizontal Falls Tours each run exhilarating boat rides through the falls.

Meanwhile, at the tip of Cape Leveque, Aboriginal-run wilderness camp, Kooljaman provides a retreat from the rest of the world. Its tours range from whale watching to Bardi Jawi ranger talks and four-wheel drive tagalong bush tucker explorations. Nearby, see working pearl farm Cygnet Bay through the eyes of fourth generation pearler and Bardi man Terry Hunter, and stay in a secluded safari tent. Closer to Broome is Willie Creek Pearls where a tour will guide you through the challenges of growing pearls. All operators are open for the 2020 season. A new tour operating from Cape Leveque in 2021, Jilinya Adventures, will grant access to rarely seen rock art sites with an Aboriginal guide, combined with a scenic flight and jet boat through the Horizontal Falls.

Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay

Mimbi Caves Found 90km east of Fitzroy Crossing, this fossilised reef system is one to put on the wish list. To visit, you must self-drive and book a cultural cave discovery with the Gooniyandi people.

You’ll see age-old Aboriginal rock art and marine fossils before sharing damper and billy tea. Or, join a tour with Kimberley Wild Expeditions; the caves are included on the five and nine-day itineraries. The Mimbi Caves camp site has 15 sites, hot showers and barbeque facilities and is a great spot to watch the sunset over the nearby ranges. Book online.

10

Broome Broome brings to mind familiar images of iridescent pearls, camel trains and dreamy resorts edged with banana lounges. But there’s much more beyond that, including dinosaur footprints that can be seen with Broome Dinosaur Adventures (running 2020) and Broome Hovercraft (resuming 2021).

You can see the cute-as-a-button snubfin dolphins that captivated Sir David Attenborough, on a Broome Whale Watching cruise. Broome is also where most Kimberley coastal cruises depart allowing you to have two holidays in one. Book a tour with the entertaining Bart Pigram from Narlijia Experiences who has a passion for telling the complete story of life in Broome.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock.com

Hancock Gorge, Karijini National Park

The Pilbara Cast your mind back beyond the last ice age. You can do that if you’ve been to the Pilbara. Rusty ranges sneak across this ancient landscape like giant caterpillars, tumbling boulders harbour the world’s most prolific rock art, the ocean bears remote islands and gorges hide peaceful rock pools.

Karijini National Park The rock formations in Karijini are stacked like French crepes. Smooth and curved, the stones were formed before the Earth had oxygen, more than two billion years ago. Karijini bears an affecting energy. It’s a place of deep connection for Aboriginal communities, best experienced with safety-conscious local guides.

West Oz Active Adventure Tours (reopening in 2021) scramble, abseil, kayak and tube to Hancock, Weano and Hammersley gorges and beyond.

Lestok Tours caters to older visitors, while The Flying Sandgroper offers more active itineraries (open for 2021).

You can also immerse yourself in the region’s Aboriginal culture on country at the Karijini Experience event in early April 2021.

At Karijini, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended (BYO or hire at Paraburdoo Airport), but you can manage with a two-wheel drive weather depending – always check ahead.

There’s a phone box at the entry of Karijini Eco Retreat for non-Optus users; the nearest petrol station is at Tom Price, 80km away.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

11

Hearson's Cove, Burrup Peninsula

Onslow Perched on the often-forgotten coastline of blonde beaches and calm ocean some 300km south-west of Karratha, Onslow gets busy from June to August as southerners chase balmy air and sunshine (the airport has Perth-direct flights). Cool down at the town’s Water Spray Park and new municipal pool, or drive on the beach at Four Mile Creek and lunch in the picnic area.

Clink glasses in the Onslow Beach Resort’s Beach Club, before exploring Aboriginal artefacts, vintage spoon collections and medical oddities at the Goods Shed Museum. Ask about town tours at the visitor centre – run on demand, they’re fantastic.

Onslow has free camp sites with basic facilities, or the Ocean View Caravan Park edges the water and charges from $40/night (two adults). Everything in Onslow is open as normal for 2020.

Check the full moon calendar and time your visit for the Staircase to the Moon (May-September).

Mackerel Islands Thevenard Island is like a Rottnest of old, bearing only 13 villas that overlook 26 boat moorings, while Direction Island (currently closed for refurbishments) offers an even more secluded and private stay. Check with mackerelislands.com.au for its reopening date. To reach Thevenard Island, take the ferry from Onslow or light aircraft departing Exmouth, from late April to October (threenight minimum stay). It attracts keen fisherfolk and back-to-basics-loving holidaymakers. Activities are simple: game fishing, snorkelling over coral and tropical fish (best May-July), whale watching (July-September), beach combing and barbeques at night. The island is self-catering and there’s a mini mart onsite, or pre-order groceries to fill your fridge before you arrive. There’s a fresh fish welcome dinner under the stars each Tuesday and Friday night, connecting with the ferry arrival.

Burrup Peninsula Why is the Burrup Peninsula so special?

It’s home to one million ancient rock engravings, also known as the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the world. To the untrained eye, they may seem like faded images on rock faces, but with the gentle guidance of Clinton Walker, a Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi man who runs Ngurrangga Tours, 50,000 years of recorded evolution unfolds before you. Ask Clinton about songlines marking thousands of years of Indigenous storytelling and wayfinding.

At a site that’s open to the public, 35km out of Karratha, there’s evidence of pre-historic animals such as the 3m-tall spotted kangaroo. There are also sea creatures, recorded after the end of the last ice age. New operator, Pilbara 4WD Charters offers a chauffeured option.

Sandy Howarth/EyeEm via Getty Images

12

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

bmphotographer/Shutterstock.com

Road trip Best time 

Cape Leveque /Dampier Peninsula

May to Oct. Duration 

4 days

Vehicle 

Cape Leveque to Broome (loop)

By the end of this year, the 220km Cape Leveque Road between Broome and the Dampier Peninsula (also known as Bardi Jawi Country) will be fully sealed, making access to the Kimberley’s northern reaches a breeze. So set your compass for this ocean-lapped slice of WA outback for 2021 and beyond.

Tip

Djarindjin Roadhouse, near Lombadina is open for 2020. It offers 24hr self-service for pay-at-the-pump diesel and ULP.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Four-wheel drive

Cape Leveque, Dampier Peninsula

Day 1 Broome to Cygnet Bay 250km  2.5hr The dramatic, deep-red cliffs at James Price Point are a 55min drive from Broome. Admire the headland then double back to Cape Leveque Road. Continue for 1hr 45min to Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community (reopening 2021), where the little church reveals an astonishing interior: the altar is inset with a mosaic of pearl shell.

Drive another hour to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, book a giant tides or pearl farm tour and stay in safari tents near mangroves. Time your visit for the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon (April-October), and enjoy bubbles and canapes from the purpose-built Luna Bar (book ahead).

Day 2 Cygnet Bay to Cape Leveque 16km  15min Join Cygnet’s Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour with the characterful Terry Hunter, a local Bardi man who also runs farm visits. Prise oysters from rocks while hearing about his childhood on the pearl farm, among crocodiles and some of the world’s biggest tropical tides. After lunch in Cygnet Bay’s cafe (facing a free-to-use pool) head to Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, only 17min away. The off-grid wilderness camp is edged with blonde beaches and bookended with red cliffs. Stay in a basic cabin or camp for the next two nights and dine at the camp restaurant.

13

Day 3 Cape Leveque A stack of excellent Aboriginal cultural tours depart from Kooljaman. Bolo's Coastal Walk, combines bush survival skills and interaction with locals. You can also fly over the Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago from here.

In 2021, add a side-trip to Lombadina Aboriginal Community; it’s only 17min away and more fishing, crabbing and bushwalking awaits.

Also consider a night at Pender Bay’s new clifftop accommodation and camp site, Goombaragin Eco Retreat.

Day 4 Cape Leveque to Broome 220km  2.5hr Return to Broome on the smooth, newly laid bitumen.

Jandamarra Rock, Windjana Gorge

Road trip Best time 

May to Sept.

5 days

Vehicle 

Broome to Kununurra

The 660km Gibb River Road was originally cut through the heart of the Kimberley to drove cattle from Wyndham to Derby. Soak up the freedom found in cloudless blue skies, plunging gorges and rugged rocky escarpments.

If you’re planning on tackling the Gibb yourself in the 2021 season, a four-wheel drive and camping equipment are essential (hire camping gear from Broome Hire Centre).

Alternatively, consider a private four-wheel drive tour with InStyle Adventures, Kimberley Spirit or Outback Horizons.

Four-wheel drive

Day 1

Day 2

Broome to Windjana Gorge National Park 358km  3.5hr or 6hr option Set off from Broome to Derby, where the Gibb River Road officially begins and pick up a Gibb River Road guide from Derby Visitor Centre. It’s a 2hr journey. Drive 12min out of town to Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, where you’ll meet Aboriginal artists and watch bark painting. Next, head for Windjana Gorge National Park. It’s 135km away and should take 1.5hr on the corrugated road, depending on conditions. Follow the Gorge Walk trail and see how many (harmless) freshwater crocodiles and native birds you can spot.

Windjana Gorge National Park to Bell Gorge 184km  2hr (includes 60km return trip to Tunnel Creek)

Rise early to see the gorge glow in the dawn light, then travel about 30km south-east to Tunnel Creek National Park. Bring a torch to illuminate the limestone caves that were once part of an ancient Devonian reef system.

Walk into the 750m tunnel, edged with a small creek.

Next, journey to Bell Gorge, regarded as the jewel in the Gibb River Road’s crown, to gaze at tiered waterfalls and towering red rock walls. Bring a towel to relax on the rocks and swim in the fresh water. The hike takes 2-3hr and you’ll need grippy shoes for the creek crossing.

Stay in the Park’s unpowered campground (it has toilets, drinking water and showers), or continue 115km or 2.5hr further, from Windjana to Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge. It’s a former cattle station with good bushwalking, a campground, safari tents, rooms, a bar and restaurant, as well as available fuel and water.

Rest overnight at Silent Grove, about 10km from the Gorge. It has access to showers, toilets and fresh water. Imintji Campground and fuel stop are back open and a 'barefoot luxury' option is APT’s Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

14

Join a tour There are many ways to experience the Gibb River Road. For group tour options, see Kimberley Wild Expeditions, Kimberley Outback Tours, Adventure Wild Kimberley Expeditions, APT, Venture North Safaris and Sacred Earth Safaris.

Day 3 Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge 116km  1hr 30min First stop is Galvans Gorge, an easy 1km off the Gibb River Road and a lovely spot for a dip.

Only 14km onwards is Mt Barnett Roadhouse; stock up on supplies and fuel and pay Manning Gorge entrance and camping fees.

Continue a few minutes up the road to Manning campground.

From here, it’s a 3km, unshaded hike to Manning Gorge, another waterfall swimming spot.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Philip Schubert/Shutterstock.com

Gibb River Road

Duration 

Day 4 Manning Gorge to Mt Elizabeth Station 66km  1hr You’re now in the heart of the Kimberley. Drive to Mt Elizabeth Station, a working cattle station that also has accommodation and camping, a restaurant and fuel.

Explore waterfalls and gorges and ask about the Aboriginal rock art on the property.

Day 5 Mt Elizabeth Station to Kununurra 365km  4-6hr Take some extra time on this last leg to experience at least a couple of nights at one of WA’s iconic pastoral stations, including El Questro, where you’ll find gorges, waterfalls and thermal springs all within the 300,000-hectare property, or stay ‘next door’ at Home Valley Station. Both have a range of accommodation from camping and eco-tents to resort-style luxury.

On the way to Kununurra, you’ll pass vast, open plains, exciting river crossings and the still very visible Pentecost and Cockburn Ranges.

Around 90km from Kununurra, Parry Creek Farm Tourist Resort and Caravan Park has cabins, motel rooms and a licenced restaurant. Within town, go for the self-contained Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments, Kununurra Country Club Resort, the Kimberley Grande Resort, or camper-friendly Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park.

Tip Fuel is available at Mt Hart, Imintji Store, Mt Barnett Roadhouse and Mt Elizabeth Station (opening hours may be limited). Mobile phone service along the Gibb is patchy.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

cjmaddock

Cockburn Range, East Kimberley Boab tree, Gibb River Road Macmicking Pool, El Questro Gorge

15

Return to Adventure!

The TRUE NORTH is one of Australia’s most revered holidays and, there has never been a better time for West Aussies to experience this home-grown legend! We have released an amended sailing schedule featuring small group and nature-based adventure on the stunning Kimberley coast and, we have also launched True North Fresh, a new program featuring enhanced onboard hygiene and a special booking condition that provides guests with greater flexibility. And here’s the best news – in many instances, our amended 2020 schedule includes pricing that is up to 25% less than our normal pricing!

RAC MEMBERS: Book a 2020 Kimberley adventure and receive a $100 credit on your ship’s account!

The Art of Adventure

True North | Tel: (+61 8) 9192 1829 | Email: experiences@truenorth.com.au | Website: www.truenorth.com.au

THE KIMBERLEY AND MARGARET RIVER REGIONS - MAGIC FROM ABOVE!

1 OF 5% F!

1 OF 5% F!

1 OF 5% F!

EXPERIENCE BREATHTAKING SCENERY AND VISIT SPECTACULAR ISOLATED LOCATIONS FROM BROOME & MARGARET RIVER WITH SCENIC HELICOPTERS.

BROOME AND BUBBLES WITH BEACH LANDING!

MINTOX PERTH TO BROOME TOUR!

MARGARET RIVER FROM ABOVE!

Take a gorgeous 1hr scenic flight around the Broome peninsula and follow the coastline to your secluded beach champers location!

Fly the entire coastline from Perth to Broome (or vice versa) - an unforgettable 7-10 day all-inclusive private & tailorable heli-tour!

Take a gander at our range of speccy coastal scenic flights over the Margaret River Region!

$545 PER PERSON, 15% OFF FOR RAC MEMBERS!

$12,990 PER PERSON, 15% OFF FOR RAC MEMBERS!

PRICES FROM $215 PER PERSON, 15% DISCOUNT FOR RAC MEMBERS!

Subject to availability - book now at www.scenichelicopters.com.au or call Jackson to discuss - 0428 058 157 MARGARET RIVER FLIGHTS & TOURS BROOME FLIGHTS & TOURS COMMERCIAL

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Special offers for RAC members

T s!

OU O ber em ISS CE T m M N AC N’T HA 20! oR DO HE C IN 20 it t T ISE red c N d O U oar CR onb 500 $ sive clu *ex

Explore the Magnificent Kimberley Coastline .

4 Day Taste of the Kimberley cruise from $3,900 per person 10 Day Adventure Quest from $9,990 per person

2019 Gold

L OF FAM AL

E

2019 Gold

L OF FAM AL

E

H

2019

H

For Bookings & Enquiries contact 1300 156 035 or kimberleyquest.com.au

2019 Silver

RAC MEMBERS

SAVE 10%

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

R17572

Go away longer, stay out later, sleep easier Worry-free home security, plus members save 10%.* That’s the power of membership

rac.com.au/secure *T&Cs apply. RAC Security Services (WA) Pty Ltd (ABN 044 096 235 200) operates in Perth Metro and Mandurah only. Police License No. SA 45421.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Brought to you by

Camping picks & tips

FOR YOUR WA ROAD TRIP

It’s time to discover some of the truly unique and unforgettable camping experiences available in our own backyard. At Anaconda you’ll find everything you need for camping, hiking, fishing, biking or hitting the water! We’ve got an incredible range of products from some of the best brands.

WINDJANA GORGE NP, THE KIMBERLEY The Kimberley region is known for stunning natural wilderness and camping at Windjana Gorge National Park in the state’s northwest is an excellent base for exploring the centuries-old limestone mountain walls and fossils found throughout the park.

The park accommodates tents, campervans, caravans and large camper trailers, and also provides hot water showers and flushing toilets. However, it’s important to remember that mains power isn’t available, so pack the portable energy equipment.

Shared BBQs are available for cooking, and gas and liquid fuel camp stoves are permitted. Although firewood is prohibited from being brought into the park, campers will find a limited supply available. You will also need to bring enough drinking water to last the duration of your stay.

Our product pick

Dometic PLB40 L-Ion battery pack

SANDY CAPE, JURIEN BAY Located on Western Australia’s central coast and celebrated for its pristine white sand and crystal blue waters, Sandy Cape is close enough to Perth to be an ideal spot for long weekends or a quick midweek escape. Boasting 50 unpowered caravan sites and a ‘Tent City’, when camping at Sandy Cape, you will need bring your own power supply, camp cooking facilities and drinkable water. Synthetic sleeping bags will keep

CAMPING

HIKING

you warm enough overnight, and a hiking mat or airbed will come in handy if you’re not a fan of the hard ground.

Speaking of hard ground, polypropylene or iron pegs are recommended at Sandy Cape, as the hard rock surface can make a mess of low-quality tent pegs.

Toilets are long-drop or composting and bringing your portable showering equipment is also advised.

Our product pick Dune 4WD mat

CONTO CAMPGROUND, MARGARET RIVER Positioned at the heart of the Cape-to-Cape walking trail in Margaret River, Conto Campground features 116 non-powered sites, accommodating everything from small tents to large caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes.

Your own energy supply is the way to go, while the BBQ shelters means your camp cooking gear can also take a holiday. Campfires in designated areas are permitted between mid-April and the end of November but, at all other times, solid-fuel fires are a no-no. Liquid or gas fuel fires are permitted all-year round, except on total fire ban days.

Conto Campground provides campers with eco-toilet facilities but make sure you pack your camp showering equipment. The newly-sealed roads also make Conto equally accessible for either 2 or 4WD vehicles.

Our product pick

Companion rechargeable camp shower

BIKE

FISHING

WAYCHINICUP NP, NEAR ALBANY Approximately 400 kilometres southeast of Perth (near Albany), Waychinicup Camp at Waychinicup National Park is the ideal location for swimming, bushwalking or just taking it easy and escaping city life.

Family-friendly Waychinicup can be accessed by both 2 and 4WDs but the camping area isn’t well suited to caravans. The camping grounds are subject to flooding and, when the rains hit, entry is restricted to 4WDs only. We recommend contacting the Department of Parks and Wildlife in advance for updates on the conditions.

Campers will need to bring their own fresh water and, with campfires and solid fuel banned in the park, liquid or gas fuel camping stoves (not with standing total fire ban conditions) and durable camp cookware and utensils will need to be packed before leaving home.

A generator or solar energy power source for running fridges, freezers and other necessities – such as mobile phone rechargers and water heaters for showering in the cooler months – is essential.

The park offers long-drop, sealed vault toilets so not having to pack the camp toilet should give you some extra space in the car.

Our product pick

Dune 4WD butane grill stove

HEAD INTO ANACONDA BEFORE YOU HEAD OFF ON YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! Visit any of our 8 stores across this beautiful state and gear up on all the essentials.

KAYAK

4WD

Imintji Camp Ground, the Kimberley

Journey through Aboriginal Western Australia 60,000 years of dreamtime stories and culture

The most authentic way to discover the history, natural beauty, Dreamtime legends and sacred sites of Perth and Western Australia is on an Aboriginal tour. Join a guide, gather around campfires or explore the interactive displays of WA’s Aboriginal cultural centres and cultural events for stories, music, dance, and even lessons in self-sufficiency.

Staying on country Camping with Custodians offers travellers the opportunity to truly experience Western Australia’s country and culture by connecting with traditional owners. The highquality campgrounds on Aboriginal lands are open to the public and operated by the local community who showcase their lifestyle and culture.

You’ll get unique insights into the local area such as the best swimming holes and where the fish are biting. A stay can include a cultural interpretation of the night sky or an ancient Dreamtime story told around the campfire.

Pitch a tent or park the caravan on these Camping with Custodians campgrounds and settle in to discover more about the world’s oldest living culture.

Imintji Campground, the Kimberley

At the time of printing restrictions are still in place on visiting Aboriginal communities.

Check before you travel at your nearest visitor centre or wa.gov.au

Imintji means ‘a place to sit down’ in the Ngarinyin language, and this remote Kimberley community really lives up to its name. Until the 1950s, this was where stockmen taking cattle along the Gibb River Road would take a break. In 2016, the opening of a new campground ensured that Imintji would continue to be a refuge for travellers.

20

Jarlarloo Riwi Mimbi Campground, the Kimberley The Mimbi Caves have many stories to tell, with their limestone formations, pools and fossilised reefs dating back 350 million years, and the local Gooniyandi culture going back about 40,000 years. Visitors can experience both the caves and the culture with a stay at the Jarlarloo Riwi Mimbi campground nestled at the foot of the Emmanuel Ranges.

Peedamulla Campground, the Pilbara You’re a long way from a lot of places at Peedamulla Campground, off the North West Coastal Highway, but in the heart of a vast wilderness. Travellers get a warm welcome from the Aboriginal owners of the 226,000-hectare cattle station on which this campground sits. The location between Carnarvon and Karratha offers travellers a good reason to get off the highway for an overnight stay with a difference.

Violet Valley and Doon Doon Campgrounds make up the remaining options.

Find out about these locations and many more at camping with custodians. com or pick up the Aboriginal Campgrounds and Retreats Brochure from your local visitor centre.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Spearfishing at Lombadina, Dampier Peninsula Girloorloo Tours Kimberley, Mimbi Caves

Girloorloo Tours Kimberley, Mimbi Caves

Fish and forage for dinner

Bindjareb Park, an hour south of Perth, is a nature sanctuary offering cultural and bush tucker tours. They also do incredible things with native food. On tour you can try specialities such as spicy nut kangaroo. And while you’re there, stock up on their packaged herbs and spices, such as pepper berry and anise myrtle leaf.

Meelup, ‘place of looking at the moon rising’, is one of the stunning destinations you’ll visit on a Djiljit Coastal Fishing Experience with Koomal Dreaming in the Margaret River region. Wadandi cultural custodian Josh Whiteland will help you catch herring, salmon or bream from the beach, and smoke it using jarrah shavings.

To accompany your catch, you’ll have greens and fruit that you collect yourself. “We forage for saltbush, dune spinach and coastal figs,” says Josh. “It makes a nice colourful salad.”

Dinner and a Broome show

Shop for bush flavours

Broome born-and-bred Yawuru man, Bart Pigram, belongs to a long tradition of pearling workers and musicians and operates Narlijia Experiences Broome.

A natural entertainer, Bart offers unique tours of Broome and Roebuck Bay that reveal the country and lifestyle from his unique perspective. You’ll search for oysters and other tasty morsels in Broome’s mangroves, while learning about the saltwater people, the seasons, land and food that has sustained this ancient coastal culture for thousands of years.

The Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery, in the Swan Valley, added bushfoods to its art and artefacts repertoire about 20 years ago. Today, it sells its own range of herbs and spices, from pepper berry to native basil, as well as everything from bush tucker sauces to oils infused with Australian flavours. “People seek us out for our range and tips,” co-owner Dale Tilbrook says. “For example, we advise people to pour boiling water over roasted wattleseed before using it. It starts to release the flavours and softens it.”

Go gourmet at Bindjareb Park

Experience bush tucker From fish cooked over mangrove wood to native superfoods, here are some fascinating Aboriginal bush tucker experiences.

Wattle it be for lunch?

Wattle flowers are more than just a pretty sight on the Dampier Peninsula - they tell the land’s custodians what’s for lunch. “When the wattle tree’s in flower it means the mullet are spawning,” says Bundy, an elder from the local Bardi nation. “And it means the golden trevally, mangrove jack, sweetlips and salmon are rich in oil.

It’s the best time to catch and cook them.” While staying at Kooljaman Wilderness Camp in the Kimberley, jump on one of Bundy’s Cultural Tours to learn how to make a spear from a wattle branch, catch lunch and cook it over a mangrove and driftwood fire.

For more authentic experiences, visit waitoc.com

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

21

Jess Hadden

CORAL COAST

Whale Shark, Ningaloo Reef

Spotting a whale shark gliding through the waters off Ningaloo or watching a humpback as it breaches off the coast is always a buzz.

But getting into the water to actually swim alongside these ocean giants is nothing short of exhilarating.

The Coral Coast is the only place in Australia where you can experience both humpback and whale shark swims, and they're just two of the many incredible marine attractions in the region, including the World Heritagelisted Ningaloo Reef – one of the only reef systems of its kind that you can access with just a quick swim from the shore.

22

Starting in Cervantes and stretching all the way to Exmouth, the Coral Coast is an aquatic wonderland, well known for its close encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, sea lions and of course our famous dolphins at Monkey Mia. On dry land, there are magnificent gorges, coastal cliffs and carpets of wildflowers from July each year. It’s also a hotspot for seafood and other fresh produce.

The best thing is, you don’t have to wait because it’s always holiday weather somewhere on the Coral Coast.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Seasonal highlights Summer

Snorkel in the turquoise waters of Hangover Bay near Cervantes or swim with Jurien Bay’s sea lions.

Explore some of the 122 islands in the Abrolhos Islands group on a day-cruise.

Autumn

Spend a couple of nights on Dirk Hartog Island in the Shark Bay World Heritage area.

Drive along the Fruit Loop foodie trail in Carnarvon for seasonal fresh produce.

Winter

Swim alongside the gentle whale sharks and humpback whales of Coral Bay and Exmouth.

Wander through carpets of colourful wildflowers as they spread along the coast from July.

Year-round

Catch the spectacular view 100m above the Murchison River Gorge from the Kalbarri Skywalk.

Meet our world-famous dolphins at Monkey Mia during a beach feeding session.

Spring

Stay on a working pastoral station for an authentic outback experience on the coast.

Learn more about Shark Bay’s local Malgana people on a cultural tour with Wula Gura Nyinda.

Exmouth

Coral Bay

Carnarvon Monkey Mia

Kalbarri Hutt Lagoon Abrolhos Islands

Geraldton Mingenew

Jurien Bay

Mullewa Coalseam Conservation Park

Lesueur National Park

Cervantes The Pinnacles

ASK A LOCAL

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

WHEN TO VISIT

For more information about touring the Coral Coast and the location of regional visitor centres, visit

By road from Perth, the Indian Ocean Drive takes you to just south of Dongara where it joins the Brand Highway. From Geraldton take the North West Coastal Highway.

Integrity Coach Lines and TransWA have coach services into the region. Or fly with Qantas (Perth to Geraldton and Learmonth) and Regional Express Airlines (Perth to Carnarvon and Monkey Mia).

Much of the Coral Coast is warm year-round, with sub-tropical temperatures to the north of the region. From December to February, maximums average around 37°C in Coral Bay and Exmouth, and 25°C in the cooler months from June to August.

Marine life experiences are best from March to October.

australiascoralcoast.com

GET SOCIAL   @australiascoralcoast

#HolidayHereThisYear #WanderOutYonder

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

23

simonbradfield/E+ via Getty Images

This 1250km stretch of coast from Perth leads to some of Australia’s most loved attractions, with many other hidden gems lying in between. If you’re finally ready to tick off some true West Aussie bucket-list experiences, the Coral Coast will keep you very busy.

Cervantes The small fishing town of Cervantes, just over a two-hour drive from Perth, marks the start of the magical Coral Coast and is the town closest to the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert, one of Australia’s most unique landscapes. The eerie limestone spires rise from the earth a 20-minute drive from town in Nambung National Park. The site is easily accessible by car.

If you love fresh seafood, don’t miss the Lobster Shack. This local seafood institution also runs fishing charters, lobster catching and sea lion tours, but book in advance. Tours of the working rock lobster factory are also available. Check the website for opening days and times.

24

As you continue north along the Indian Ocean Drive, make the most of the scenic coastal views as you approach the picturesque towns of Jurien Bay and Green Head. In Jurien Bay, Turquoise Safaris can take you swimming with Australian sea lions.

Between both towns, make a stop at Lesueur National Park – especially if it’s wildflower season. It’s hard not to be impressed by the spectacular show of colour that spreads through the Park from around July each year.

A hidden gem in this area are the Stockyard Gully Caves (four-wheel drive access only), home to a fascinating group of limestone caves that lead to an underwater river system.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Matt Deakin/Shutterstock.com

There’s beautiful coral, quite a lot of marine life, and history with the shipwrecks...

Wendy Mann, Geraldton Air Charter

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Geraldton North of Leeman, past the twin seaside towns of Dongara and Port Denison, you’ll arrive at Geraldton and your gateway to the Abrolhos Islands archipelago.

The Abrolhos Islands have been touted as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. The 122-island chain, 60km west of Geraldton, is a haven for tropical and temperate sea life and a graveyard for shipwrecks, including the infamous Batavia.

Enjoy snorkelling, swimming, fishing and scuba diving. There’s no accommodation on the islands but Eco Abrolhos run five-day tours, with cabins aboard its boat. Specialised fishing and dive operators also run extended trips to the islands.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Geraldton is a base for air and boat tours out to the Abrolhos. Tour operators offering air and ocean experiences include Abrolhos Adventures, Geraldton Air Charter and Shine Aviation. Abrolhos Adventures is due to introduce a fast ferry this year. “It used to take about three hours to get over there,” says manager Ashley Mitchell.

“This will take about an hour and a half.”

Geraldton Air Charter founder and chief pilot Wendy Mann says the islands are spectacular from above.

Her planes land on East Wallabi Island for morning tea in Turtle Bay or snorkelling and a guided nature walk.

“There’s beautiful coral, quite a lot of marine life, and history with the shipwrecks,” she says.

Back on the mainland, Geraldton is a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing and has some of the world’s best spots for both, including Coronation Beach, where you can take kitesurfing lessons with Ben Tomasino’s Kite West.

25

The HMAS Sydney II Memorial commemorating Australia’s greatest naval tragedy is well worth a visit, while at the Museum of Geraldton’s shipwreck gallery you can learn more about the fascinating history of the many centuries-old shipwrecks off the coast.

For something quirky, Geraldton’s annual Flotsam and Jetsam exhibition sees locals turn rubbish washed up on the Abrolhos into art. It goes on show around the April school holidays at Latitude Gallery Jewellers.

Approximately 100km north of Geraldton is the Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake at Port Gregory which makes an interesting stop. The colourful lake once featured in a campaign for luxury French cosmetic firm Lancome. Air tours with Kalbarri Scenic Flights, Geraldton Air Charter or Shine Aviation are a scenic way to cover the 100km there or do a side trip on your way to Kalbarri.

eirikskeidephotography/Shutterstock.com

Kalbarri With dramatic coastal cliffs and inland gorges, Kalbarri is where the landscape of WA’s coastal north begins to change.

For a dramatic way to experience it, head to the new skywalk in Kalbarri National Park.

Jutting out from the Murchison River Gorge, the $24 million twin skywalk platforms hover 100m above the river below. An eco-friendly kiosk has opened and access from the carpark has been improved so that everyone can enjoy the facility.

Afterwards, you can walk down into the gorge itself, go to Nature’s Window or go hiking, canoeing and abseiling. Other adventures on offer include quad bike safaris and wilderness cruises.

Kalbarri is a popular spot for camping but there are options for every kind of escape, including resort-style accommodation.

Monkey Mia and Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Wildlife tours take the guesswork out of nature spotting and run out of both Denham and Monkey Mia, which are about a 20-minute drive apart.

From Kalbarri, your Coral Coast adventure heads towards the many treasures of the world-renowned Shark Bay Marine Park.

Around 45km south-east of Denham in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, take a walk on Shell Beach where billions of tiny white shells make up the beach itself.

Its waters are teeming with manta rays, turtles, dugongs and colourful fish, and migrating humpback whales put on a spectacular show around August to October.

The famous Monkey Mia dolphins have been visiting the beach since the 1960s. Get to know them at a morning beach feeding session.

Rangers manage the feeds, which provide only a small amount of the dolphins’ daily food intake, ensuring they continue to hunt and remain wild. The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort will give you a front row seat of life in the bay.

26

You can also visit Hamelin Pool Stromatolites nearby. Stromatolites are the world’s oldest and largest living fossils, dating back 3.5 billion years, and Hamelin Pool is one of only two places on earth where living marine stromatolites exist In Francois Peron National Park the desert meets the sea, with rust red cliffs contrasted against white sand beaches and clear blue waters.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

To get out there you need to be careful, well equipped and experienced with more difficult country...

Kevin Smith, Parks and Wildlife

For those with a four-wheel drive, there are off-road tracks through the Park or join a guided four-wheel drive tour. Access to the old homestead in the Peron Heritage Precinct is possible in a two-wheel drive.

Across the water, Dirk Hartog Island is home to loggerhead turtles and is the first recorded landing site of Europeans.

Experienced four-wheel drivers can get there by vehicle barge from Steep Point.

“To get out there you need to be careful, well equipped and experienced with more difficult country,” says Kevin Smith, education officer for Tourism and Recreation with the Parks and Wildlife Service.

Charter boat and air tours also run to Dirk Hartog from Denham.

The island has camping, lodge and cabin accommodation.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock.com

Nature's Window, Kalbarri National Park Francois Peron, Shark Bay

Carnarvon, Red Bluff Carnarvon is a foodie’s paradise, boasting a delicious range of fresh produce, showcased at the Gascoyne Food Festival. There’s seafood from the pristine waters, fruit and vegetables grown in soil rich from the Gascoyne River and beef, lamb and goat from the rangelands.

Held around spring, festival events range from long table lunches with top chefs in Carnarvon to dinners on Dirk Hartog Island, 120km away.

Bookings for the August 2021 festival will open around May. Can’t make it? You can still experience Carnarvon produce on the Fruit Loop, a drive around the plantations and roadside stalls. Grab a chocolate-dipped frozen banana at Morel’s Orchard or pick from the goodies at Bumbaks Preserves & Ice-creams.

27

Gascoyne Growers Market operates outside the visitor centre every Saturday from mid-May to October, with exotic offerings such as Moroccan Goat Pie and passionfruit pancakes.

At the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum you can get the lowdown on the town’s role in the early space industry.

To Carnarvon’s north, is Red Bluff, the remote surf spot that got the world’s attention when Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth holidayed there.

Accommodation ranges from hard-deck safari tents, humpies and unpowered caravan and camping sites.

An hour away by car, Quobba Station homestead is a popular base for experienced fishers attracted by one of Australia’s longest stretches of coastline for land-based game fishing. It’s also a great camping spot.

Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef

Exmouth, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Bullara Station At the far northern end of the Coral Coast region, Exmouth has the best of both land and sea with the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park and Cape Range National Park.

Ningaloo Reef is renowned as one of the best places to swim with some of the ‘stars of the sea’, including gentle whale sharks, manta rays and humpbacks, while Cape Range has majestic canyons.

The waters near Exmouth, too, are fantastic for snorkelling and water sports. The Exmouth Navy Pier has been voted one of the world’s top 10 shore dives. Dive Ningaloo has the licence for scuba dives there.

In cooler months from April to September, hiking in Cape Range is more comfortable. Trails include a 3km walk through Mandu Mandu Gorge and the gentler 1.2km Yardie Nature Walk.

Turquoise Bay, a 50-minute drive from Exmouth, is known as one of WA’s best beaches and offers a snorkel drift along the reef following the strong current from the south end of the beach, though inexperienced swimmers should take care.

In Exmouth, tours to swim with whale sharks operate from March to August, and from idyllic Coral Bay, about a 90-minute drive away, from March to late June. There are also tours to swim with humpback whales from July to October from Coral Bay, and August to October from Exmouth. Manta ray swims run from Coral Bay all year round.

28

Local Mark Ferguson who operates Exmouth Dive and Whale Sharks Ningaloo recommends booking early for the 2021 season opening. “Now’s the chance to experience things you’ve always put on the back burner,” he says.

For a very different Coral Coast experience, Bullara Station, between Coral Bay and Exmouth is a working cattle station welcoming guests for an authentic homestead stay, or just morning tea. It’s roughly an hour from both Exmouth and Coral Bay and will add an interesting dimension to your coastal adventure.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

We’re here so you can get there With more people exploring WA by road, RAC is here to help you get to your destination safely.

We're offering: Free car checks to make sure your vehicle’s as ready to travel as you are.

Our Roadside Assistance Patrols and Auto Services staff are offering safety checks in local areas in the coming months.

Free hands-on caravan training sessions which focus on towing and reversing safely and confidently. Perfect for the beginner or experienced caravan traveller, these sessions will be available in Perth and regional areas in the coming months.

Places are limited, bookings essential.

100 stays giveaway at RAC Parks and Resorts, giving RAC members the chance to test their road safety knowledge and go in the running to WIN* a WA getaway.

So before you explore, get more with RAC. Safe travels, WA.

rac.com.au/safetravels *Terms and conditions apply.

Matt Deakin/Shutterstock.com

Road trip Best time 

Year-round

Coral Coast Highway

Duration 

12 days

Vehicle 

Perth to Exmouth (loop)

Pack your towel and sunnies for an unforgettable adventure on the Coral Coast Highway.

You can fly one way and hire a car for the other, choose just one area to explore, or take your time and do the whole round trip.

Two-wheel drive

Day 1

Day 3

Perth to Geraldton 415km  4.5hrs Make a morning start and head north along the coast, watching the scenery transition from urban to rural and bush. Arrive in Geraldton around midday. For lunch, try the Sail Inn or Barnacles on the Wharf.

Stretch your legs with a walk along the foreshore and admire the view at sunset from the HMAS Sydney II Memorial. Stay overnight in Geraldton, dining at one of the city’s quality restaurants.

Carnarvon to Exmouth 366km  4hr Arriving in Exmouth in the late afternoon, head to the one of the town’s microbreweries to enjoy a delicious meal. The next day, if you’re not getting on or under the water at Ningaloo Reef, book a Yardie Creek Gorge cruise or take a walk trail in the Cape Range National Park. Charles Knife Canyon and Shothole Canyon, on the eastern side of Cape Range National Park, offer sweeping views across the Park’s canyons, gorges, Exmouth Gulf and out to Ningaloo Reef.

Day 2 Geraldton to Carnarvon 476km  5hr Take an early morning dip at Geraldton’s Town Beach and soak up the cafe culture before hitting the road for Carnarvon where fresh food doesn’t get any better. Take a stroll on one of Carnarvon’s walk trails such as the Mangrove Board Walk or the Old Tramway Walk Trail.

Be sure to visit Carnarvon’s Space & Technology Museum to discover the town’s role in the human spaceflight program. The next morning drive the Fruit Loop for fresh produce before making the next leg of your journey.

Day 5 Exmouth to Coral Bay via Bullara Station 160km  2hr Make sure you reach Bullara Station before the cafe closes at noon so you can sample one of its famous scones. Buy organic, grass-fed beef from the door. Continue on to Coral Bay for a two-night stay at the Ningaloo Reef Resort. The first thing you’ll want to do is take a dip in the pristine waters. Next day, swim with the whale sharks if you’re there between March and June.

30

Cape Range National Park

Day 7 Coral Bay to Monkey Mia 581km  6hr Share the driving and make sure you take breaks for this leg. Stay two nights at the beachfront RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. Check out the Boughshed Restaurant for dinner. Don’t sleep late the next morning – the dolphin feedings are an unmissable highlight here. They run from 7.45am to noon. Picnic in Francois Peron National Park. The Peron Heritage Precinct, accessible by two-wheel drive, has barbecue facilities and tables. Join an Aboriginal tour to discover the area through the eyes of the region’s first people.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Monkey Mia to Kalbarri 399km  4hr Stop at Shell Beach and the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites as you drive out of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and keep an eye out for wildflowers as you head south if travelling from July to October.

Lunch in Kalbarri at Finlay’s Microbrewery, then fill your afternoon with a with a quad bike, canoe or fishing tour. In the morning, watch the pelican feeding on the Kalbarri foreshore at 8.45am then head to Kalbarri National Park for the day. Check out the new skywalk and iconic natural attraction Nature’s Window, then see the sunset from the dramatic coastal cliffs.

Adwo/Shutterstock.com

Day 9

Day 11 Kalbarri to Cervantes 378km  4hr As you drive south from Kalbarri, make a stop at the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) at Port Gregory.

The colour is usually most vivid on sunny days between 10am and 2pm. Then hit Cervantes about lunchtime and head to the Lobster Shack. Although it specialises in lobster dishes, its fish and chips are also a favourite. Walk lunch off on the trail at Lake Thetis then sit back and watch the sunset give way to the glittering night sky. It’s amazing how many stars you can see away from the big city. Overnight at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.

Head to the Pinnacles the next morning, your last adventure before heading for Perth.

Day 12 Cervantes to Perth 197km  2.5hr You did it. Welcome to the Coral Coast club!

HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Geraldton Stockyard Gully Cave, Leeman Red Bluff, Kalbarri National Park Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

31

Kalbarri Edge Resort Positioned on the Murchison River where it meets the Indian Ocean, Kalbarri Edge Resort & Restaurant offers well-appointed rooms, a restaurant experience and outdoor activities.

Experience rugged cliffs, gorges, sensational beaches, the world-famous Pink Lake as well as the stunning spectacle that is Nature’s Window as well as the new Skywalk.

t 08 9937 0000 w kalbarriedge.com.au e reservations@kalbarriedge.com.au 22 Porter Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 10% off dining when staying 2 or more nights

Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel RAC Members enjoy a further 10% off our rates all year round.

We provide guests with the freedom and space of apartment living in a secure complex, just 100m from the beach. Choose from studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and take advantage of our resort facilities, including swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ and free undercover parking. t 1800 834 314 e geraldton@nesuto.com w nesuto.com/geraldton 298 Chapman Road, Geraldton WA 6530 Please enter discount code RAC10 to redeem your member discount. Excludes some promotional rates, subject to hotel availability.

10% off for RAC Members

Illegal Tender Rum Co is a boutique distillery located in Dongara, 3.5hrs north of Perth along Australia's Coral Coast With 17 world spirit awards, including world best rum in the under 5 year old column still category, this distillery is sure to make an impression

Open from Thursday to Sunday 11am till 5pm for tastings, bottle sales and tours — bookings essential through our website

illegaltenderrumco.com

Phone: 08 9927 2555 Address: 35 Illyarrie Road Dongara WA 6525 Pay one tour, receive the second half price with the code: horizons All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Special offers for RAC members

WA Tours Receive a 20% discount on all tours and services listed on the WA Tours website or get the lowest possible price for the bespoke tours.

Discover some of the best destinations within the Coral Coast including the Kalbarri Skywalk, the Pink Lake, the Pinnacles Desert and more, or wherever you want to visit within Western Australia. t 046 888 0446 w watours.com.au e contact@watours.com.au 112/9 Central Terrace, Beckenham, WA 6107 20% discount on all tours and services

Abrolhos Adventures Experience life on a Wheatbelt farm and see firsthand how our food goes from paddock to plate. During wildflower season enjoy bushwalking on our private property, sit by the campfire under the amazing stars, visit local attractions or simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Our comfortable self-contained cottage sleeps 6 people.

Always wanted to go to the Abrolhos Islands but could never get there?

Now you can! We offer day sightseeing tours and experience tours that include snorkelling, swimming etc. We also offer whale watching during their migrating season. Watch them entertain you from the comfort of our luxury catamaran. Your own floating bar, day trips to the Abrolhos Islands, whale watching and so much more.

Join Abrolhos Adventures in Geraldton for the experience of a lifetime.

Angela and Roger Dring t 0400 927 800 e lindum@antmail.com.au Carnamah WA 6517

t 0448 089 707 w abrolhosadventures.com.au e bookings@abrolhosadventures.com.au

Lindum Farm Stay

Stay 3 nights pay for 2. From $120 per night

10% off all tours All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Your backyard is bigger than you thought Planning on seeing more of WA with your caravan?

Make sure you’re ready for the road. Everyone’s towing set up is a little different, but the following should be included on your pre-trip checklist.

Caravanner’s checklist Suspension

Do a visual check of your caravan’s suspension system. Look for loose or corroded shackle bushes and bolts (these support the ends of the leaf springs, which are the long, stacked strips of metal under the van on most non-off-road caravans), and broken springs. If your van has shock absorbers, check for leaked fluid on the outside, and where coil springs are used, check these have no cracks. Make sure the suspension on your tow vehicle is in good nick and up to the task.

Wheel nuts and bearings

Caravans need their wheel bearings checked every twelve months. Make sure they’re correctly adjusted, in good condition and well-greased.

Check wheel nuts on the caravan and tow vehicle with a torque wrench and ensure they’re tightened to manufacturer specifications.

Tow loads

Make sure the loaded mass doesn’t exceed the rated capacity of the tow coupling, and the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle. Also make sure the maximum recommended total fully loaded weight of the vehicle and caravan combined (GCM) is not exceeded. You should also adhere to the maximum fully loaded carrying capacity of the caravan (ATM) and the maximum load rating of the tyres.

Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Check the PDS to see if the policy is right for you. Discount subject to minimum premium.

Member benefit terms and conditions apply. RAC Batteries are provided by RAC Motoring Pty Ltd MRB 723.

Tourism Western Australia

That’s the power of membership

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Speed limits Lights

Tyres

Make sure the tread depth on both the tow vehicle and caravan tyres is at least 3mm. The legal minimum is 1.5mm but for the safety of everyone on board don’t ever let it get that low. Even tyres with enough tread should be replaced every five to seven years. The rubber on old tyres is susceptible to damage such as dry rot and cracking. It also hardens which reduces grip. Make sure your tyres are at the recommended pressures - including the spare. Low pressures can cause premature wear, generate excessive heat when under load on long trips and can under-perform in an emergency. Higher pressures than recommended can reduce grip and increase wear. You’ll find correct pressures in your owner’s manual.

Check indicators, stop lights, taillights, parking lights and other lights. It’s best to do this while you’re in motion so do a test drive with someone behind you. Carry spare globes and the tools to change them.

Servicing

Make sure the servicing on your tow vehicle is up to date and always keep up with scheduled servicing so it stays fit for the task of towing.

On the road Keep these road rules in mind once you’re on the way:

Combined length

If the total combined length of your vehicle and caravan or trailer is 7.5m long or more, you must keep at least 60m behind any similar or long vehicle on all roads outside built-up areas that don’t have more than one lane in the direction you’re driving, or unless you’re overtaking.

When towing a trailer or caravan, the maximum speed at which you may travel is 100km/h, where posted speed limits allow. However, even in areas where the limit is 100km/h or above, a safer towing speed is between 80-90km/h. Different manufacturers provide maximum towing speed recommendations for their vehicles – 90km/h may still be too high for some models so check your owner's manual or with the manufacturer.

Wide turns

If the combination of your car and caravan is more than 7.5m long, you may use part or all of an adjacent second lane for turning left or right if any part of your vehicle is within 50m of the nearest point of the intersection and if it’s not practicable to turn left or right from the lane you’re travelling in.

You’ll have right of way to complete such turns, but you must be able to safely occupy, and turn from, the adjacent lane, and display the sign "Do not overtake turning vehicle" at the rear of your caravan or trailer.

Explore WA with local RAC Caravan Insurance. Plus members save 10% off RAC Caravan Batteries.

Switch online and save $50 for the first year. Get a quote today at rac.com.au/caravan

Rob Mulally/Georgia Rickard

Wooleen Station

If beautiful beaches, art installations and wineries weren’t what you were expecting from an outback road trip, maybe you need to give the Golden Outback another look.

Western Australia’s Golden Outback region covers just over half of the State and includes renowned attractions such as Wave Rock, the Kalgoorlie SuperPit, the Antony Gormley sculptures at Lake Ballard and one of Australia’s most photographed beaches at Lucky Bay in Esperance. And yes, there are also a surprising number of wineries.

Landscapes in this region stretch from rolling farmland through to rugged outback terrain and stunning coastal

36

cliffs. There are road trip options for every kind of holidaymaker, including iconic four-wheel drive adventures on the Canning Stock Route and Gunbarrel Highway and leisurely coastal drives in the far south.

If you’re ready to go a bit further and stay a bit longer, this region will reward you with many unique experiences and draw you back again and again.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Seasonal highlights Summer

Swim in the turquoise waters of Twilight Beach – one of Esperance’s most loved local beaches.

Take an island cruise around the Recherche Archipelago off the Esperance coast.

Autumn

See ancient Aboriginal hand stencils in Mulka’s Cave, near Hyden.

Get under the skin of the region with a farm or station stay.

Winter

Tour the living ghost town of Gwalia and the early home of a US President.

Find out more about the Goldfields’ fascinating gold rush history on a guided tour.

Spring

Drive the Wave Rock wild-flower trail to see carpets of everlastings and other wildflowers.

Take an epic road trip to Mount Augustus (Burringurrah) to see the world’s largest ‘rock’.

Year-round

Climb East Mount Barren in Fitzgerald River National Park for 360-degree panoramic views.

Fly over local oddity Lake Hillier, with its bright pink waters, on Middle Island near Esperance.

Mount Augustus

GASCOYNE-MURCHISON

GOLDFIELDS

WHEATBELT Lake Ballard Kalgoorlie Wave Rock

Fitzgerald Coast Esperance

ASK A LOCAL

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

WHEN TO VISIT

For more information about touring in the Golden Outback, and the location of regional visitor centres, visit

The range of self-drive experiences on offer in the Golden Outback is as vast as the region itself.

Though most popular road trip itineraries can be completed with a two-wheel drive vehicle, some routes in this region may require a four-wheel drive. Check the itineraries on the Golden Outback website for more details.

Seasonal temperature variations can be considerable in the Golden Outback. In Kalgoorlie, average maximums are around 17°C in winter and 32°C in summer. Around Esperance and other coastal areas, summer maximums average around 25°C.

australiasgoldenoutback.com

GET SOCIAL   @australiasgoldenoutback

#HolidayHereThisYear #WanderOutYonder

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

37

Wave Rock, Hyden

Made up of four extraordinarily diverse regions, a trip through the Golden Outback can take you from rolling farmland to rugged outback and leave you on some of the whitest beaches in the world. Time to head east and take a good look at Road Trip Country.

Wheatbelt Just a short distance from Perth, the Wheatbelt has a network of scenic driving trails that take in starkly contrasting but beautiful landscapes.

It may be well known for its endless paddocks but the Wheatbelt is also hiding some unexpected surprises.

One of them is a large-scale open-air art gallery. The PUBLIC Silo Trail features giant murals by local and international artists painted onto the Wheatbelt’s massive grain silos, with some works as high as 36m. The art trail stretches from Northam to Albany. In the Wheatbelt you can follow it through Northam, Merredin, Newdegate and Pingrup.

Another surprising find is in the southern Wheatbelt, where a wine producing region has been quietly unfolding. There are a large number of producers concentrated around Narrogin and Wandering, including Tanglefoot and Downderry Wines. From Perth take the Wheatbelt Winery and Woodlands trail, a three-day road trip, to uncover more.

38

Outside of its farmlands, the Wheatbelt has some interesting natural landscapes, including a number of large granite rock formations. One of the Wheatbelt’s most popular natural attractions is Wave Rock near Hyden. This unusual rock in the shape of a breaking wave is 15m high and more than 100m long.

Nearby you’ll find other large granite outcrops and rocks, including Elachbutting Rock and Beringbooding Rock near Mukinbudin, and Kokerbin Rock near the town of Bruce Rock.

If there’s been good winter rain, the wildflowers are spectacular in this region from July to early November.

From Perth take one of the many short wildflower trails, including Northern Wheatbelt Wonders or the Wildflower Way which also takes in Elachbutting and Beringbooding Rock. Check at the local visitor centre to find out what’s in bloom and where.

Or you can leave the driving to someone else and give all your attention to the wildflowers by hopping on a guided wildflower tour. Luxury Outback Tours offer small group tours in well-equipped and comfortable four-wheel drive vehicles that will take you to some of best spots in the region.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

The ancient Aboriginal history here, it’s much older than KalgoorlieBoulder’s recent history.

Linden Brownley, Bush Ghoodu Wongutha Tours

Lake Ballard, Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Goldfields To connect with the history of the goldrush era, a visit to the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie is a must.

Check out the underground Gold Vault with its collection of gold and ornate jewellery from the era. And if you have connections to the Goldfields, research your history with the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society.

After absorbing some gold rush history, book a visit to the Super Pit – Australia’s largest open pit gold mine. Standing on the viewing platform, the sheer magnitude of the endeavour to find gold will be brought home. The pit is 3.5km long and 1.5km wide.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Back in Kalgoorlie, Linden Brownley of Bush Ghoodu Wongutha Tours takes 90-minute walks up Hannan Street explaining the area’s much deeper history. As Brownley says, it is a history that is “hidden” in the landscape. “The ancient Aboriginal history here, it’s much older than Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s recent history.” Brownley also offers a full-day experience for guests to go “out bush, up to the north country,” sharing the history of the Wongutha people and telling ancient stories along the way.

Out of Kalgoorlie, you can get a handson experience of gold prospecting with Gold Nugget Tours. Marty Pereira operates a prospecting camp with modern comforts. By day you’ll learn the finer points of using a detector. At night, fireside meals are sociable, with talk of the day's finds with your fellow prospectors.

39

On the road to Menzies, the Broad Arrow Tavern has been a part of the fabric of outback life since 1893. From floor to ceiling the walls are covered with years of encouraged graffiti.

From Menzies take a 51km detour on mostly unsealed roads to Lake Ballard.

Here you’ll find the world-renowned installation by British sculptor Sir Antony Gormley. The cast iron sculptures standing out on the salt lake make up Australia’s largest outdoor gallery and are the life-sized replicas of the 51 locals who worked with him on the project. The figures are spread out in a deliberate pattern across the stark white salt lake and cast shadows which move throughout the day.

North of Menzies near Leonora, explore the ghost town of Gwalia. Referred to as a ‘living ghost town’, you can walk through history here and appreciate what life must have been like for the mainly migrant families seeking a living from this harsh country.

The Gascoyne and Murchison

Rob Mulally/Georgia Rickard

The Gascoyne and Murchison are two neighbouring regions that transition from outback terrain, sparsely populated with pastoral stations, to the Indian Ocean coast.

The Murchison region, as with the Golden Outback generally, is a place to ensure you have the right transport. Providers like Red Sands Campers offer custombuilt four-wheel drive campers equipped for rugged terrain and nights off the grid. While a fourwheel drive isn’t necessary for all roads, it can add an extra dimension and options to your travel.

Station stays at pastoral stations like Wooleen Station, just over three hours south-east of Geraldton, give a glimpse into life on the land. Wooleen Station’s David and Frances Pollock are well known for pioneering a better standard of land care. They’ve almost become regulars of ABC’s Australian Story, with David’s recent book, The Wooleen Way, drawing praise. Once there, you can decide on whether to take self-drive tours around the station, one of David’s own sunset tours, or simply relax into the rhythms of outback life.

To the far north of the Gascoyne region, Mount Augustus, Burringurrah to the Wadjari people, has been likened to Uluru.

It is sometimes referred to as the ‘world’s biggest rock’ which isn’t technically correct because of the composition of the landform, but at 715m high it is still an imposing feature in this landscape.

View petroglyphs up close on walking routes around its base.

Mt Augustus, Upper Gascoyne The Granites, Mount Magnet

40

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Twilight Beach, Esperance Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand

Esperance and the Fitzgerald Coast The raw, untouched beauty of WA’s wild southern coastline in the far corner of our State has always been one of the great attractions to this region.

Edwin Johannes Spruijt/Shutterstock.com

Once there, you have access to many natural wonders, including Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks, and the famed white sands of Lucky Bay where kangaroos drink from freshwater streams running onto the beach.

When you first arrive, to get a good look at coastal Esperance, take the Great Ocean Drive, a scenic 40km circular loop. You can also walk and cycle along a path from the Esplanade to Twilight Cove.

Jarrad Seng

You’ll be spoiled for choice here when it comes to deciding which beach to visit. Be sure to check out those with natural ocean pools – these fill with water when the tide comes in and provide a safe, shallow place for kids to take a dip. Try Nine Mile Beach and Ten Mile Lagoon for ocean pools.

When you’re ready for some coastal grandeur, make your way to Cape Le Grand National Park for rugged headlands with sheltered bays hidden in between. If you’re up for a hike, you’ll be well rewarded after a climb to the summit of Frenchman Peak, which has sweeping views over the southern coastline all the way to the islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

41

If you have a four-wheel drive don’t miss Cape Arid National Park east of Esperance for stunning coastal scenery, snow-white sand dunes and idyllic secluded bays. Another must-see national park to the west of Esperance is the Fitzgerald River National Park.

With its rugged headlands and high peaks this is also one of Australia’s most diverse botanical parks. Although some roads through the Park are unsealed, they are suitable for twowheel drive vehicles. Take extra care driving on unsealed roads.

There’s a rising tide of good eating and drinking in the town, from Lucky Bay Brewing Co, the only brewery in WA to source raw barley direct from local farmers, to artisanal bakers Bread Local, and award-winning olive oil at Yirri Grove. Taylor St Quarters, an all day and night local favourite on the dockside, has a growing reputation for its food and laid-back Sunday sessions. Craig Adams, chef-owner of Fish Face on James Street is known for sourcing his fish from local fishermen. A true taste of Esperance.

In the Recherche Archipelago, Middle Island is home to one of WA’s famous pink lakes – one of the pinkest of them all – Lake Hillier. A bubble gum pink splodge amidst the Southern Ocean, it is quite a surreal spectacle viewed from the air. Woody Island has long been a retreat for locals on daytrips. Woody Island Eco Tours operate a boat tour out to the island as well as eco tents with ocean views for overnight visitors.

Travelling in off-peak months is worth considering, both for the accommodation discounts and because there are simply fewer travellers to share the place with, although this is a region which rarely feels crowded. For those looking for ocean views you can’t go past the Lucky Bay camp site (but book early for peak season), otherwise Esperance Chalet Villages offer unique and stylish accommodation in a pretty bushland setting.

Lake Hillier, Middle Island,near Esperance Quoin Head, Fitzgerald River National Park

Nathan Dobbie/Shutterstock.com

42

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Lake Ballard, near Menzies

Road trip Best time 

Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Autumn to Spring Duration 

5 days

Road trips through the Goldfields inevitably tell the story of the region’s gold rush and the engineering feat that transported water to this arid landscape. But this outback drive will also take you past some impressive large-scale artistic works. It’s just part of the many contrasts along this fascinating trail.

Two-wheel drive

At Merredin you can see more of the PUBLIC Silo Trail. WA visual artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers has painted murals all over the world, including beer labels and children’s books.

This four-silo work, at 35m high, is surely his biggest commission.

Day 1 Perth to Merredin 260km  3hr Mundaring Weir offers a good start for a Goldfields road trip. At No1 Pump Station, operated by the National Trust of WA, you’ll find an interactive exhibit that celebrates CY O’Connor’s initially mocked Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.

The scheme made the gold rush and farming along the pipeline possible.

It’s also the first stop on the National Trust’s Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail.

Day 2 Merredin to Kalgoorlie 334km  3.5hr Yilgarn History Museum at Southern Cross is the quintessential country town museum. Run by volunteers of the local historical society, it tells the stories of the town through collected and donated artefacts.

At Northam you can view eight 36m tall paintings on the side of massive grain silos, by London-based artist Phlegm, and artist HENSE who hails from Atlanta. The giant artworks have transformed these iconic Wheatbelt structures in seven locations across the region and are part of the PUBLIC Silo Trail.

Walk on Karalee Rocks, where the granite surface was used to funnel rainwater into channels to be collected for the steam trains serving Kalgoorlie.

Day 3 Kalgoorlie In addition to the Super Pit and Museum of the Goldfields, the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society, based at the Old Boulder Municipal Power Station Building, is well worth a visit to look at their historical collections. With a growing interest in ancestry tourism, the Society offers research assistance at just $20 an hour for those looking into their own history.

Heartwalk is made up of more than 60 murals across the Kalgoorlie CBD. Maps are available from businesses and the visitor centre. Local artists as well as national and international names like Stormie Mills, Amok Island, Askew One and Brenton See make up the talent on show.

Boorabbin National Park is home to part of the largest area of intact Mediterranean climate woodland anywhere on Earth, known as the Great Western Woodlands.

In Cunderdin, experience a true-blue counter meal in what must be one of WA’s strangest pubs, The Ettamogah. The structure is based on the cartoon pub featured in Ken Maynard’s Australasian Post cartoons and even leans to one side.

For even more Golden Outback driving adventures, download the 21 Epic Road Trips booklet at roadtripcountry.com.au

44

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Darkydoors/Shutterstock.com

Vehicle 

Perth to Laverton

Day 4 Kalgoorlie to Gold Nugget Tours Prospecting Camp, near Broad Arrow 43km  33min Go prospecting on leases up to 485 acres and experience part of the thrill of (possibly) striking a bit of gold.

Day 5

Gwalia, now a ghost town, looks like it could have been unpopulated for a century or more but was in fact decimated overnight by the closure of the Sons of Gwalia gold mine in 1963.

Melissa Findley

Broad Arrow to Laverton 311km  3hr 15min Lake Ballard is home to British artist Sir Antony Gormley’s 51 sculptures which stretch out over the salt lake. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to view. Consider camping here overnight. Waking up to that magic morning light and the sight of the red island mounds marooned in the dry lake is an outback spectacle to remember.

At Gwalia, visit and even stay at Herbert Hoover House, named after the 31st President of the United States. Prior to his political career Hoover, an engineer, was appointed the General Manager of Sons of Gwalia mine in 1898. The house was built for him, but he never actually resided there.

At Laverton, explore the fascinating Great Beyond Visitor Centre, home of the Explorers Hall of Fame.

Julie Fletcher/Moment via Getty Images

Super Pit, Goldfields PUBLIC Silo Trail, Merredin Ghost town, Gwalia Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

45

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Special offers for RAC members

Wave Rock Country Cottage Wave Rock Country Cottage has three accommodation options to suit all travellers. The Cottage, in Hyden, 4km from Wave Rock, is a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom self-contained cottage. The Silos, 2km from Wave Rock, offers 12 budget-friendly en-suite rooms with communal cooking and dining, overlooking farmland and the CBH Silos. The Camp, on 16ha of bushland has 10 large nature-based camp sites with basic facilities. t 0400 488 821 PO Box 152 Hyden WA 6359 e admin@waverockaccommodation.com.au w waverockaccommodation.com.au 10% off when you mention this ad

Esperance Stonehenge Cindy Poole Glass Gallery Discover just how Australian studio glass artist, Cindy Poole, captures the essence of WA’s raw beauty and natural landscapes in glass. Creativity, artistic sustainability and authentic craftsmanship combine in a diverse body of work.

Relax with coffee and cake and enjoy a behind the scenes insight into the world of glass, including the iconic ‘Whale Tail’ and the backstory of this unique gallery space. t 0497 714 059 w cindypoole.com.au e sales@cindypoole.com.au Lot 5, Longbottom Lane Esperance WA Complimentary cake with individual product purchases over $30

Esperance Stonehenge is a full-size granite replica of Stonehenge in the UK as it would have been in 1950BC. It was built to align with the summer and winter solstice as with the UK’s original Stonehenge.

Entry discounts will apply on presentation of this advertisement.

t 9075 9003 w esperancestonehenge.com.au e info@esperancestonehenge.com.au Lot 42 Merivale Road, Esperance WA 6450 20% off all weekday bookings All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Discover WA’s unique natural events

Monkey Mia

Western Australia boasts an amazing line up of spectacular natural events and attractions, many of which are only found in a handful of locations on Earth. At particular times of the year you can visit any number of locations across the State to experience our natural wonders at their very best.

Wildlife highlights calendar Whale sharks Orcas (killer whales) Humpback, southern right and blue whales

SOUTH WEST

JAN

FEB

CORAL COAST

MAR

APR

MAR

APR

MAR

APR

NORTH WEST

Dugongs Dolphins Seals and sea lions

Sea turtle nesting/hatchlings Emus Little Penguins

Quokkas

GOLDEN OUTBACK

JUN

JUL

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

JUN

JUL

AUG

MAY JUN

Manta rays

PERTH

MAY

JUL

SEP

OCT

NOV

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

DEC

AUG

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

JAN

FEB

MAR

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

OCT

NOV

DEC

DEC APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

SEP

OCT

NOV NOV

Natural phenomena calendar Wildflowers

Horizontal Falls (boat trip) Staircase to the Moon Coral spawning

STATEWIDE

OCT

SEP

OCT

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

MAR

APR

48

NOV

Dolphins WA has an abundance of dolphin watching and swimming experiences and regardless of the season there’s always some part of the State that offers an opportunity for a memorable close encounter. There are five main destinations where you’re most likely to have a dolphin interaction: the protected bays of Rockingham and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park; the spectacular waterways of Mandurah; Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury’s Koombana Bay; the turquoise shallows of Monkey Mia Beach; and Roebuck Bay in Broome. Find out more at westernaustralia.com Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Discover WA’s unique natural events

Remember  Take nothing but photos – picking wildflowers is illegal and can attract a $2000 fine.  Respect private property and don't trespass.  Protect canola crops and prevent the spread of disease by staying out of canola fields.

Truffle season Nestled between the mighty jarrah and karri forests east of Margaret River, Manjimup is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest producer of the sought-after superior Périgord truffle. Truffles grow among the roots of oak and hazelnut trees so get your hands dirty and join a truffle hunt as the trained sniffer dogs unearth them. A road trip here takes in the quaint towns of Bridgetown, Nannup and Pemberton. Find out more at australiassouthwest.com

Turtle nesting The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is home to several species of turtle which you can see yearround, but between December and April, the green, loggerhead, hawksbill and flatback turtles drag themselves ashore to lay eggs.

Jurabi Turtle Centre in Exmouth offers guided turtle viewing experiences so visitors can view the egg-laying and hatching. Find out more at westernaustralia.com

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Wildflowers WA’s wildflower collection is one of the largest on Earth. There are more than 12,000 species, of which more than 60 per cent are not found anywhere else. They colour the landscapes from coast to forest and city to outback. The six-month flowering season begins in the north in June and July across the Pilbara, Goldfields and Coral Coast where vibrant blooms contrast with pindan earth, rugged canyons and turquoise sea. In September, the wildflowers appear in Perth’s botanical gardens, nature reserves and national parks, with the season ending in the forests and coastal heaths of the South West in October and November. See them on one of many scenic wildflower drives and walking trails. Find out more at westernaustralia.com

Manta rays Swim with manta rays year-round at Coral Bay and from June to November at Exmouth. Like whale sharks, manta rays are filter feeders and have a large toothless mouth which they use to scoop up plankton and krill. Their wingspans measure several metres, enabling them to swim at rapid speeds, occasionally leaping from the water and landing with a slap. Unlike stingrays, manta rays don’t have a sharp barb, making them very safe to swim, snorkel or dive with. Watch them glide through the water by joining a tour to swim with them. Find out more at australiascoralcoast.com

Whale sharks Once a year, on a full moon in March, the waters of Ningaloo Reef become a veritable feast for sea life, as more than 200 species of corals spawn their brightly coloured polyps. Masses of krill and other tiny marine creatures swarm the reef to feed on the spawn, attracting whale sharks to the area over the following months. Between March and July (sometimes longer), these gentle giants spend their days along the reef feeding on fattened krill, giving divers and snorkelers the thrill of swimming alongside. Find out more at australiascoralcoast.com

Staircase to the Moon For nine months of the year, when conditions are just right, visitors to the North West are treated to the natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon. It’s best seen from Roebuck Bay in Broome, when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide and creates a beautiful optical illusion of stairs reaching to the moon. It also occurs along the coastline at Onslow, Dampier, Cossack, Point Samson, Hearson's Cove and Port Hedland. Find out more at australiasnorthwest.com

49

Seals and sea lions New Zealand fur seals and the more commonly seen Australian sea lions are habitants all along the southern coast, but they are most prevalent in Perth, Jurien Bay, Albany and Esperance. The Australian sea lion is the world's rarest but can be found in the protected waters of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, just outside Perth. While they can be seen year-round, most tours operate from mid-September to late June, when they have the least impact on the breeding colonies. Find out more at westernaustralia.com

Whale watching Between May and December, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along WA’s coast, often coming so close to shore with their calves you can see them with binoculars or the naked eye from coastal vantage points. Whale watching tours and swims with humpbacks operate out of Exmouth and Coral Bay for those keen to get even closer.

From January to April, travellers to Albany can have a magical encounter with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pod of orcas (killer whales) in a marine life hotspot off Bremer Bay. Find out more at westernaustralia.com

across WA Everyone’s idea of relaxing is a little different Whether you’re chasing adventure, a fix of nature or looking for a place to unwind with or without the kids. RAC Parks & Resorts has a range of quality, budget-friendly accommodation options across nine iconic holiday locations.

From sunny Broome all the way to the pristine coastline of Esperance.

No matter how you choose to relax, trust us to help you have a more relaxing holiday.

* The power of membership

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details.

R17560

*

Ningaloo Reef 1

RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

Swim with the largest living fish in the ocean, the whale shark

Ningaloo Reef Resort

1

Francois Peron National Park

2 2

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park Stroll along a deserted beach & witness the ocean touching the desert

RAC Busselton Holiday Park

Beedelup Forest

3

Get up close and personal with WA’s tallest karri trees

Perth

RAC Margaret River Nature Park

RAC Karri Valley Resort 3

RAC Esperance Holiday Park

Dylan Alcock/Shutterstock.com

SOUTH WEST

Shelley Beach, West Cape Howe National Park, Albany

With its spectacular coastline, towering forests and a feast of gourmet experiences, our South West region has long been a magnet for WA holiday makers.

The list of reasons to head south continues to grow as new attractions and experiences emerge throughout this stunning region.

In 2021, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel will open its doors in Albany, while visitors to the Margaret River region can enjoy some added luxury at the recently refurbished Smiths Beach Resort.

Extending the range of affordable stays in the region, caravan and camping facilities will soon open at RAC Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton, luxury accommodation is now on offer in the heart of Pemberton town at the new Jaspers Cabin, and nearby in Manjimup, the town centre is undergoing a major revitalisation.

52

If you’re after adventure, there are many options for actively exploring WA’s south, including the Bibbulmun and Cape to Cape walk tracks. There are world-class mountain bike trails and beautiful lakes and rivers for kayaking.

At Dunsborough, Busselton, Augusta and Albany you can go whale watching, or get up close to orcas on a cruise around the Bremer Bay Canyon.

There’s more than you ever imagined waiting to be experienced and explored, and there’s never been a better time to take a new look at your South West.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Seasonal highlights Summer

Snorkel in the crystalclear water of Greens Pool in Denmark.

Enjoy a plate of succulent marron fresh from the Warren River.

Autumn

Walk through the striking autumn colours of the Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup.

Cast a line out to hook an Australian salmon at Shelley Beach near Albany.

Winter

Go on the hunt for the rare winter black truffle in Manjimup.

Catch Beedelup Falls in full flow near Pemberton.

Spring

See wildflowers in bloom through the karri forest in Boranup Forest south of Margaret River.

Walk part of the Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.

Year-round

Book a guided tour of a foodie trail for some delicious local insights.

Go underground to explore the Margaret River region’s ancient caves.

Bunbury Busselton Margaret River Augusta

Bridgetown Pemberton Walpole Albany

ASK A LOCAL

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

WHEN TO VISIT

For more information about South West touring and the location of regional visitor centres, visit

Most popular road trip itineraries in the South West can be tackled in a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Four-wheel driving enthusiasts also have many options for going off road, from sand dunes and beaches, to inland forest tracks.

The South West is a year-round destination with plenty to do in every season. Summer offers perfect beach weather, with an average maximum temperature of around 32°C. In winter, daytime temperatures average between 10 and 22°C.

australiassouthwest.com

GET SOCIAL  @AustraliasSouthWest  @australias_southwest

#HolidayHereThisYear #WanderOutYonder

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

53

Wellington Dam, Collie

There’s so much more to see in the places you already know and love in the South West, and many destinations and attractions you may simply have bypassed before. Now’s the time to slow down and take a fresh path on the road south.

Bunbury – Geographe It may not bask in the same glow of publicity as internationally known neighbour Margaret River, but you’ll find a burgeoning food and wine scene, outdoor and ocean adventures, and art attractions in the gateway to the South West.

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery is home to The Hotchin Bequest, a collection of works donated between the 1940s and 1960s by Western Australian Philanthropist, Sir Claude Hotchin.

Prominent Australian artists such as Albert Namatjira, Ernest Philpot and Elizabeth Durack feature. The Gallery also houses works from Noongar artists such as Bunbury local Troy Bennell. An accomplished artist, curator and cultural performer, Bennell conducts the Ngalang Wongi Dreaming Town Tour.

54

At Koombana Bay, you can meet and swim alongside Bunbury’s local dolphins and learn more about them in the interpretative centre. Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre monitors the dolphins and operates swim tours with them in the Bay. For those not wanting to pull on a wetsuit, a yearround eco cruise is just as informative.

At Wellington National Park near Collie, the area is now a mecca for mountain bikers. If you’re an occasional rider or just don’t want to carry a bike while road tripping, the Kiosk at Wellington Dam hires bikes, as does Crank ‘n Cycles in Collie.

Further south, Balingup has cultivated a reputation for quirkiness over the years with their annual Medieval Festival and ghost walks. The latter is more a telling of pioneer stories than tales of ghouls. Balingup is home to the Golden Valley Tree Park, a sixty-hectare arboretum and WA’s largest. The town is also a treasure trove for op shoppers.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Arklow Trail Network, near Collie

Ferguson Valley Just a 15-minute drive from Bunbury in the Ferguson Valley, there are more than 20 vineyards, among them celebrated wineries like Green Door Wines, Talisman and Willow Bridge Estate. The options for foodies in the Valley range from degustation menus to hearty fare at quaint local cafes. Visit galleries to buy original works from local artists, including jewellery, ceramics and glassware.

The area is a popular spot for cycling, with scenic trails that wind through the hilly countryside.

To the east, in Wellington National Park, you’ll see one of the tallest trees in the region – the King Jarrah.

Standing at approximately 36m high, it's thought to be between 300 and 500 years old. Find it south of Wellington Dam on King Tree Road.

One renowned local attraction not to miss is the quirky Gnomesville. There are estimated to be more than 5000 garden gnomes spread throughout this colourful gnome kingdom from all over the world. It’s just off the roundabout linking Wellington Mill Road and Ferguson Road.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

55

Margaret River region The Margaret River region’s wine and food story is now world renowned.

Events like the annual WA Gourmet Escape have brought much attention, but there are experiences between the twin capes that are lesser known and best accessed with an expert guide.

Matt Deakin/Shutterstock.com

For a very different kind of wine tour, try one that includes other outdoor adventures as well. Sean Blocksidge of Margaret River Discovery Co. offers small group tours that reveal just what makes this region ideal for the awardwinning wines it produces. Tours can include canoeing, catching marron, a chat about the local environment and a private winery lunch, ending with a trip to the Wilyabrup Cliffs.

“We sit on the rocks and talk about the geology, the climate and the Leeuwin current, and why it all produces the most consistent wine region in Australia,” says Blocksidge.

PomInPerth – stock.adobe.com

Dr Cam O’Beirne, on the other hand, doesn’t just sit on rocks, he also enjoys jumping (safely) from them.

O’Beirne is the owner of Margaret River Adventure Co. which offers coasteering experiences, described by O’Beirne as “a blend of rock-hopping, shore-scrambling, swell-riding, and rock jumping for the ultimate aquatic adventure.” It’s an opportunity to see parts of the coast close-up that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Back on dry land, Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming introduces visitors to the six Noongar seasons and an insight into the culture of the Wardandi people’s 40,000 years of history.

Whiteland has many experiences to share, from snagging a bucket of herring, to campfire cook-ups at his meeting place near Cape Naturaliste.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Margaret River Sugarloaf Rock, Wilyabrup

56

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Yeagarup dunes, Pemberton

Southern Forests and Valleys Directly east of Margaret River town and around one hour on the Mowen Road, you’ll come to Nannup and the Blackwood River Valley.

The historic towns of Nannup and Bridgetown along with Balingup in the southern half of the BunburyGeographe region, are together known as the Villages in the Valley, and are linked by scenic drives that will take you past rolling hills and farmlands which are a vibrant green in the cooler months.

Follow the area’s food trails to taste chestnuts, local honey and sheep’s cheese. In Nannup, you can enjoy one of the many farm gate experiences, picking your own fruit fresh from the orchards.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

In Bridgetown, Adam Roebuck and Antonio Sita’s Little Hill Farm has four studios overlooking the hills. “We saw the potential of the town,” says Roebuck.

“We think the region is entering its heyday and we’re glad to be a part of that. We serve farm to plate meals, growing much of our own produce.”

Saturday farm tours are popular and include a demonstration of an essential country skill: scone making. “Sharing the secret to the perfect scone can be quite contentious,” says Roebuck.

For a true nature experience, keep heading further south to Manjimup, Pemberton and Northcliffe, and then on to the coastal towns of Windy Harbour and Walpole. Here the forest and ocean meet in a diverse landscape where you can explore towering old growth forest, find waterfalls, paddle on tranquil lakes and even drive over massive inland sand dunes.

57

About 30 minutes south of Pemberton, the Yeagarup Dunes are the largest land-locked mobile dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Mobile means they’re moving – and at quite a pace.

Stretching out across 10km, the sands are heading towards the forest at a rate of four metres per year. It’s a spectacular sight to see vast dunes meet lush forest.

Toni and Graeme Dearle of Pemberton Discovery Tours can take you over the dunes on a four-wheel drive tour.

The Dearles also recommend a visit to the magnificent limestone and basalt cliffs that hug the coast at Windy Harbour. “If you have time, get to Windy Harbour. The limestone cliffs at Tookulup are very similar to the Great Australian Bight, the way the cliffs drop off into the ocean,” says Dearle. “It’s pretty special.”

anastas_styles/Shutterstock.com

Southern Forests There’s a wealth of national parks in the Southern Forests, including Gloucester, Greater Beedelup, Shannon, Warren and D’Entrecasteaux, and so many ways to experience them. The brave will climb the Gloucester Tree, or there’s the more sedate route via The Great Forest Trees Drive in the Shannon National Park, a 48km drive trail against a backdrop of karri forest.

Stop at one of the many picnic and information spots. Close to the RAC Karri Valley Resort, the Beedelup Loop Walk is a fantastic forest walk with the pay-off of seeing Beedelup Falls.

Rated as moderate to hard (and with a disability access viewing platform), it’s just 4.5km. For the keen angler there are freshwater fishing opportunities for prized trout. Check the Pemberton Visitor Centre for a local guide.

In addition to fresh seafood such as the local marron, you can also indulge in some of the region’s famous land-based fresh produce.

In season, truffle hunting has become a must-do. Manjimup is world-renowned as a producer of winter black truffle, much of it exported overseas to be used by chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants. Gavin and Mel Booth of Australian Truffle Traders lead tours on their family farm. You’ll be introduced to the complexities of truffle growing as you walk along rows of oak and hazel trees. You’ll also get to meet the real stars of the industry: the highly trained dogs that sniff out the truffles growing underground.

Beyond the region’s many cellar doors, farm tours run by the Southern Forests Food Council allow visitors to experience life on the farms and orchards of this WA food bowl. Get a first-hand look at famed local orchards like Newton Orchards of Manjimup.

Warren National Park, near Pemberton

58

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

MattyDubbs/Shutterstock.com

The Great Southern As you travel on towards Nornalup and Denmark, into the Great Southern region, you’ll pass Walpole where you’ll head into old growth forests. Don’t miss the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.

The 600m walkway suspended 40m up in the canopy of tingle trees, some dated at more than 400 years old, is a wholly different way to commune with nature.

Before reaching Denmark with its concentration of cellar doors, cafes and wide-open beaches, be sure to stop at Peaceful Bay Fish and Chips - a contender for WA’s best, and the sheltered waters of Greens Pool, a favourite swimming spot for Denmark locals.

In Albany, you can enjoy the additional options and atmosphere of a bigger city while still being surrounded by stunning natural wonders.

Don’t miss the award-winning National Anzac Centre, pop into the Albany Farmers Market, and enjoy a fabulous range of strong dining options, from the harbourside pub Due South, to nationally acclaimed bar-restaurant Liberté.

Although it’s a well-trodden path, no trip to Albany is complete without a visit to Torndirrup National Park to feel the power of the Southern Ocean as it smashes into the rocks and cliffs at The Gap and Natural Bridge.

A new addition to Albany town in 2021 will be the Hilton Garden Inn offering affordable waterfront accommodation with ocean and harbour views.

Rebekah Hamilton/Shutterstock.com

Off-peak periods are always a joy in the South West. If you’re on a budget, accommodation rates can be lower, but the real drawcard is that attractions and towns are quieter.

Many locals will tell you it’s the best time to travel, because you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Elephant Rocks, Denmark The Gap, Albany

59

Injidup Natural Spa, Yallingup

Road trip Best time 

Year-round

South West Edge

Duration 

6 days

Vehicle 

Snaking through the South West from Bunbury to Denmark, you can either keep up the momentum and hit the road each day, or stay longer, slow down, and explore locally. On the way enjoy coastal and forest walks, deserted beaches, farm tours and world-class dining.

Two-wheel drive

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Bunbury to Margaret River via Dunsborough, Wilyabrup 129km  1hr 45min Stop at Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup and take a one-hour semi-guided tour of what is dubbed as Western Australia’s first tourist attraction. If you have time, Koomal Dreaming tours offers a more extensive cave tour with cultural custodian Josh Whiteland, a highlight being a live didgeridoo performance.

Margaret River to Augusta via Caves Road 53km  45min Explore the southern end of the Margaret River region along Caves Road with a Boranup Forest walk and beach time at Hamelin Bay, famed for its wild but friendly stingrays.

Augusta to Bridgetown via Nannup 135km  1h 45min Stop at Nannup’s Tiny Tea Shop to taste and choose from more than 60 specialist teas.

At Australia’s most southwesterly point, climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest in mainland Australia. Visit the recently opened Interpretative Centre, housed in a refurbished lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Taking Caves Road to Margaret River township, discover founding wineries like Vasse Felix and Cullen Wines, while also giving some time to other family wineries, including Windows Estate, Howard Park and Pierro.

Lunch at Glenarty Road isn’t the only way to experience this vineyard and farm-to-table restaurant. Check the availability of progressive wine tastings where you’ll wind your way through the vineyard and farm, with tastings at different vantage points over the vines. Remember, always appoint a ‘skipper’ for the day when wine tasting, or book a tour.

Join chief walker and talker Kellie Tannock of Walk Talk Taste for a local’s guide to Margaret River township’s food and drink scene. These four-hour brunch or evening walking tours are all about delicious discovery.

60

Take a short detour to Cambray Cheese, one of WA’s most awarded artisan cheesemakers. Milking their sheep twice a day, you’ll see the milking stalls from where the cheesemakers practice their craft.

At Bridgetown, The Cidery is known for their special Blackwood Truffle Ale brewed using winter black truffle from Manjimup’s The Truffle & Wine Co.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Jarred Seng

Bunbury to Denmark

Day 4

Mino Surkala/Shutterstock.com

Bridgetown to Pemberton 68km  50min Discover Manjimup’s revitalised town centre with the likes of Tall Timbers, Southern Roasting Co, and the Manjimup Heritage Park featuring the new Power Up Museum. Soon to open, the Tall Timbers Brewing Co. is set to breathe new life into the Manjimup Hotel.

At historic Fonty’s Pool, one of the region’s most popular caravan and chalet parks, you can also visit with a day pass and have access to the naturally fed pool.

Interpretative boards tell how the pool has been at the centre of Manjimup life for nearly 100 years.

Those with a head for heights can climb the Gloucester Tree near Pemberton town or the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree about 20 minutes away. At more than 50m tall, these lookout karri trees offer a different perspective.

Day 5 Pemberton to Walpole 128km  1h 45m Cruise the Nornalup Inlet on a WOW Wilderness EcoCruise. Skipper and guide Gary Muir is a spirited expert on all things Walpole, delving into its colourful and surprising history.

Stopping at Northcliffe, walk the Understory art and nature trail.

From there it’s a 30-minute round trip detour to shack settlement Windy Harbour, exploring nearby walking tracks and lookouts.

Day 6 Walpole to Denmark 65km  50min Breathe in the fresh forest air under the canopy of tingle trees in the Valley of the Giants, then get a bird’s eye view from the 600m Tree Top Walk. Back on the ground, follow a walk trail through centuries-old trees.

If it’s a warm day, don’t miss the chance to take a dip at beautiful Greens Pool, sheltered and enclosed by large granite boulders, or take the short walk to Elephant Rocks.

Explore the Denmark wine region of the Great Southern, Australia’s largest wine region by geographic area, and visit its cellar doors such as Rockcliffe and Singlefile Wines.

Alternatively drop into Boston Brewery or Bartholomews Meadery.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Timcampbellphoto.com

Ngilgi Cave, Margaret River The National Anzac Centre, Albany RAC Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton

61

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Special offers for RAC members

Clairault Streicker Wines

Down Under Discoveries

Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines, luscious lawn and native bushland. Our food is seasonal and modern, served in a casual style and made with ingredients sourced from producers local to the venue. Long, lazy lunches with family or friends any time of year are what we do best.

Present your RAC card to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with any meal over the value of $25 until June 2021.

Bookings are recommended.

Experience Extraordinary in The Amazing South Coast with the passionate team from Down Under Discoveries. Our certified Eco Guides are committed to showing you just how special the South Coast really is through a variety of unique nature based eco-tours, paddles, hikes and adventures, all created to immerse yourself completely in the wonders of the outdoors. Adventure Awaits Down Under. When booking, please use the promo code HORIZON15.

t 9755 6225 e wine@clairaultstreicker.com.au w clairaultstreickerwines.com.au 3277 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6282

t 0439 463 285 e chelle@downunderdiscoveries.com w downunderdiscoveries.com 217 York Street, Albany

Complimentary glass of wine with a meal

15% off all Experiences Down Under

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching Join Naturaliste Charters, the Pioneers of Whale Watching in the South West, on an adventure like no other. Enjoy a 10% discount when booking direct on tours departing from Busselton, Dunsborough, as well as the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition departing from Bremer Bay. t 08 9750 5500 w whales-australia.com.au e info@whales-australia.com.au Departing from Dunsborough, Busselton and Bremer Bay Go to whales-australia.com.au and enter RAC member number where required and promo code WHALES10 at checkout.

10% off Whale Watching Tours

Busselton Jetty Ride in a private electric buggy over the 1.841km Heritage-listed 155-year-old longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Jetty’s Tour Guides share stories about the Jetty and unique marine life under Geographe Bay. You’ll also venture 8m under the ocean to visit 1 of only 6 natural aquariums in the world. This small group private experience is limited to 7 people per booking.

RRP $45 now $36 with RAC discount. Check availability at operations@busseltonjetty.com.au t 9754 0900 w busseltonjetty.com.au e operations@busseltonjetty.com.au This offer is valid until 30/06/2021.

20% off Private Deluxe Jetty Tour

The Cidery Bridgetown The Cidery, nestled in picturesque Bridgetown, specialises in producing premium natural ciders, multi-award-winning beers and hearty lunches.

The Cidery is in an ideal location for relaxing with family and friends, under the shady river gums in summer, or in front of the roaring fire in winter. Open 7 days 11am to 4pm, and 11am to 8pm on Friday with live music. Lunch bookings recommended. t 9761 2204 w thecidery.com.au e sales@thecidery.com.au 43 Gifford Road, Bridgetown Complimentary middy with lunch

Time Travel Tours Discover the beautiful landscape of the Blackwood River Valley and Southern Forests. This tour includes the towns of Balingup, Bridgetown and Nannup. Visit 3 wineries and a cidery and go beyond the tasting counter as each owner shares their journey from paddock to bottle.

Included is a scenic tour and special spots only we know about.

We do the driving so you can relax and enjoy a drink.

t 0417 099 268 10% off the Golden Triangle Winery tour All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

4 Day/3 Night Margaret River Adventure A small group tour delving deep into the beauty and true essence of the Margaret River region. Partnering with passionate local winemakers and artisans, our carefully-crafted itinerary combines the region’s beautiful coastal and inland scenery with amazing, exclusive experiences plus free time and options to add your own personal touch.

You can completely unwind, relax and enjoy the adventure. Departures commence October 2020. Email for more information /prices. t 9490 2455 w aboutperthtours.com.au e gwct-reservations@iinet.net.au $75.00 off retail tour price

Special offers for RAC members

Northcliffe Visitor Centre Visit Northcliffe, the gateway to D’Entrecasteaux National Park and Windy Harbour. Wander through the Painted Tree Gallery exhibitions and discover the Understory Art in Nature Sculpture Trail (entry fee applies). Don’t miss peak wildflower season from mid-September to November. Enjoy 10% discount off all souvenirs, reference and children’s books. t 9776 7203 e ncfvisitorcentre@westnet.com.au Muirillup Road, Northcliffe PO Box 403, WA, 6262 10% of books and souvenirs

Miami Bakehouse Gravity Etc Stretch your legs and have some fun in our award-winning, purpose-built trampoline centre, 5 minutes past Bunbury.

Present this ad and get your 2nd hour for free. The free 2nd hour is subject to availability at the end of your first jump hour. The centre has a cafe, free wi-fi and is air conditioned, with parking on site.

We are special needs-friendly.

Travelling around WA? Why not visit WA’s most awarded-bakery for exclusive RAC member offers, legendary pies and cakes on your travels.

Six convenient road-trip locations, open 7 days a week.

FALCON | MANDURAH | MELVILLE | MYALUP | FORREST HIGHWAY, WEST PINJARRA (NORTH & SOUTHBOUND) Enjoy a barista-made coffee and a Classic Steak Pie handmade in WA using local Stirling Ranges Angus Beef for $10.90.

Please see in store for RAC member offers.

t 08 9707 3813 w gravityetc.com.au 43 Norton Prom. Dalyellup WA 6230

w miamibakehouse.com.au @miamibakehouse @miamibakehouse

2nd hour for free

Classic Steak Pie and barista coffee for $10.90 All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Michael Evans – stock.adobe.com

PERTH REGION

Perth city skyline and Elizabeth Quay

There are some good reasons why The New York Times declared Perth a ‘hipster haven’ and CNN labelled it Australia’s ‘capital of cool’.

As the saying goes, sometimes it’s easy to miss what’s right in front of you.

When you take a good look at the bustling heart of our capital city and the pristine regions surrounding it, many holiday experiences you might leave home for are right here.

Within about an hour of the city, you could be swimming with wild dolphins, exploring a food and wine trail, standing in front of a towering waterfall or drifting over a peaceful valley in a hot air balloon.

66

To the west, we have a stunning stretch of beaches that are the envy of many who visit, including the renowned Sunset Coast from Scarborough to Two Rocks. To the east is our beautiful hills district with national parks, restaurants, wineries and orchards.

There are quaint heritage towns in the Avon Valley region and a significant marine park on our southern coast.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Seasonal highlights Summer

Hire a kayak and explore the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, off the coast of Rockingham.

Go on a ‘catch and eat’ seafood tour in the waters off Mandurah or hit up the Sunset Markets at Scarborough.

Autumn

Explore historic buildings, museums and galleries in York – WA’s first inland town.

Take a bush tucker tour in the Swan Valley and learn how to cook with the foods you forage.

Winter

Have a cosy lunch in the Perth Hills then pick up some orchard-fresh fruit.

Ride in a hot air balloon over the rolling green hills of the Avon Valley.

Spring

Visit a national park to see wildflowers and waterfalls after the winter rains.

Follow a migrating humpback whale off the Perth coast on a whale watching tour.

Avon Valley Swan Valley Rottnest Island Perth Fremantle Rockingham Mandurah

Within an hour you could feel like you’re a million miles away. And there are plenty of options for easy overnight escapes, from camp sites to spa retreats.

So, when you don’t have time to get away, remember there are lots of reasons to just stay. And if you’re travelling from the regions, there’s more than enough around this town to keep you busy.

ASK A LOCAL

GETTING AROUND

For more information about attractions in the Perth region and the location of local visitor centres, visit

Although highways, freeways and major roads out of the Perth metropolitan area are well signposted for local destinations and attractions, make sure you’ve planned your route before you leave. If visiting wine regions, have a designated driver or consider booking a tour. There are also free bus and CAT services in both Perth and Fremantle.

experienceperth.com

GET SOCIAL  @DestinationPerth  @destinationperth

#HolidayHereThisYear #WanderOutYonder

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

67

Michael Willis /Alamy.com

Dolphin Quay Ocean Marina, Mandurah Penguin Island, Rockingham Michael Willis /Alamy.com

Mandurah and Peel

Rockingham

The sheltered waterways of Mandurah have made it a favourite family holiday spot for many decades. The vast Peel-Harvey Estuary (twice the size of Sydney Harbour) draws a diverse array of wildlife including more than 130 different species of native and migratory birds. The waters here are also home to about 120 bottlenose dolphins. Mandurah Cruises runs a dolphin spotting tour that takes visitors through the wetlands and out to the man-made Dawesville Cut. Director Myrianthe Riddy says tours are also tailored to make the most of the region’s importance as a fishing hub.

You’ll learn how to pull up a lobster or crab pot before sampling some of the freshest seafood you’re ever likely to eat.

Mandurah has plenty for landlubbers, too, with a great dining scene, safe swimming beaches, and lovely walks.

Enjoy fish and chips at Dolphin Quay as you watch the boats come and go.

More than 200 bottlenose dolphins call Rockingham home and they welcome visitors. Perth Wildlife Encounters carry everything you need for an extraordinary aquatic adventure. Simply suit (and snorkel) up and get in the water with these beautiful creatures as they go about their business — you may even catch them napping. Just a little further south lies Penguin Island, home to the world’s smallest (and cutest) penguins. Part of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, it’s a short ferry ride from the mainland.

Bring a picnic, wander the nature trails, or just laze on the beach. More active explorers can paddle a kayak around Penguin and Seal Islands. Penguin Island is open from September through to June but closes in bad weather.

Dwellingup Surrounded by towering jarrah and marri forests, Dwellingup is one of five townsites along the Bibbulmun Track, WA’s world-renowned 1000kmlong walking trail. Its bush surrounds are also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts, while kayakers and fishers head to the Murray River and Lane Poole Reserve, and thrill-seekers soar across the forest on a zipline. For a trip back in time, get on board the vintage steam train at Hotham Valley Railway.

68

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Nathan Dobbie / Shutterstock.com

Lesmurdie Falls, Lesmurdie Falls National Park

Perth Hills A sanctuary where you can trek for hours through national forest or cosy up with a picnic, the Perth Hills are also alive with the sounds of happy foodies tucking into fruit plucked fresh from the trees and enjoying award-winning wines. Book a guided trip with Hidden deTours along the Bickley Valley and Carmel wine route, visit boutique wineries and cideries and linger over lunch. Set on 59ha of Australian bush in Roleystone, Araluen Botanic Park is home to a jaw-dropping array of camellias and vintage roses, and an annual festival showcasing more than 100,000 tulips.

At Perth Observatory, in Bickley, take a guided tour of Worl Wangkiny Aboriginal Astronomy Centre, which celebrates 60,000 years of Noongar astronomy, then peer through WA’s largest public viewing telescope. And for spectacular views during the day, catch Lesmurdie Falls in full flow within Lesmurdie Falls National Park.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Mundaring

Avon Valley

A hub for artistic types, with art studios and galleries galore, Mundaring is also a nature lover’s paradise. It’s an easy 2km return walk for a picnic by National Park Falls or Hovea Falls in John Forrest National Park. WA’s first national park also offers more challenging trails for serious bushwalkers. Keep an eye out for flora and fauna; western grey kangaroos are common visitors. For a slice of local history, step into No 1 Pump Station Museum at the foot of Mundaring Weir to learn the story behind this engineering marvel.

A potpourri of historic country towns, farming communities and natural wonders, the Avon Valley also offers plenty of adventure – and not just in the annual white-water rush, the Avon Descent that runs from Northam to Perth. Take in the rural landscape from a hot air balloon or go hang gliding. An easy day trip from Perth, it’s also worth setting up camp in one of the charming Avon Valley towns and exploring at a more leisurely pace. In spring the countryside is carpeted in wildflowers and canola turns fields into a sea of yellow. There's a public canola field viewing platform in York (otherwise all canola fields are on private property).

Kalamunda With its village feel and bush setting, Kalamunda (meaning ‘a home in the forest’ in Noongar) really lives up to its name. Start your visit at the ZigZag Cultural Centre, where local knowledge and artisans go hand in hand. It’s also a short stroll from Kalamunda History Village, the State’s largest folk museum. Active visitors will be drawn to the myriad walking and mountain bike trails, and the Zig Zag trail (which reopens later in 2020) offers great views over Perth for scenic drives or walks. Don’t miss the ‘parmi’ at the Kalamunda Hotel, where a friendly ghost is rumoured to reside.

69

York Soak up the glory of yesteryear at York Town Hall, built in 1911 and also home to York’s Visitor Centre, or kick off the cobwebs with a 1.5km walk across York’s swinging bridge and along the Avon River. Find out more about the region’s history at the Residency Museum, the only remnant of the former convict depot. Motor enthusiasts will head straight for York Motor Museum, while foodies can learn the finer points of olive pressing at York Olive Oil Company.

Look out for the giant Australian fauna sculptures woven from local wheat straw – a highlight of the York Festival.

Neal Pritchard Photography/Moment via Getty Images

Swan Valley

Northam, Avon Valley

Northam The State’s largest inland town boasts more than 185 heritage-listed buildings, including a pub that dates back to 1859 and a guest house used as a makeshift hospital during the influenza epidemic in 1919. Also centre stage is a culture with far deeper ties to the land. The state-ofthe-art Bilya Koort Boodja Centre shares rich Noongar history and knowledge through a series of interactive exhibitions. Northam is also a stop on the PUBLIC Silo Trail, a 1000km journey through Australia’s largest art gallery, where grain silos are transformed into stunning artworks. Stay overnight at the historic Farmers' Home Hotel and soak up the serenity with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the valley between April and November.

Toodyay Pack a picnic, pull on good walking shoes and hit the Bilya Walk Track.

This 5.6km trail along the Avon to the Nardie pioneer cemetery is clearly signposted but takes at least two hours one way, so allow plenty of time (and energy). For a less strenuous expedition, drive up to Pelham Reserve for lovely views over the town and beyond.

History buffs should head straight for the Newcastle Gaol Museum Precinct and Connor’s Mill Museum, which turned 150 this year. After hiking, head to WA’s largest festive shop, Christmas 360, where you can cover your Christmas needs year-round. In May, the Moondyne Festival transforms Toodyay into a colonial village.

70

Boasting vineyards dating back to 1829, the Swan Valley is Australia’s secondoldest wine region. With its colonial buildings and convict past, Guildford is a charming place to revisit history, meet local artisans and fossick for antiques. At Caversham Wildlife Park, animal lovers can get up close with wombats, quolls and pythons, to name a few, while farm hands demonstrate whip cracking and swinging billy tea. The Park is on the Kids in the Valley Trail, one of seven trails to award-winning attractions, including providores, galleries, wineries and micro-breweries. If you fancy a few drinks, pick a skipper, or leave the driving to someone else and savour a Taste of the Valley with Captain Cook Cruises, which includes a river cruise and coach tour of wineries and other providores. Head a bit further afield on a fruit picking tour to Golden Grove Orchard in Chittering and enjoy superfresh produce straight from the tree.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

larkshots/Shutterstock.com

Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island

The Sunset Coast Fall back in love with Perth’s glorious coastline with more than 50km of pristine beaches buzzing with marinas, beachfront esplanades, alfresco cafes, restaurants and shops, walking and cycling trails. You can see WA’s unique marine life at AQWA, then don a snorkel at Mettams Pool to see it in the wild. Head further north to discover Yanchep National Park’s extensive caves and local Aboriginal culture.

Fremantle Take a different path to our port city with a cruise down the Swan River. You’ll have ample time to explore the historic streets on an eye-opening walking tour, stop for coffee on the Cappuccino Strip, explore Fremantle Markets, marvel at the WA Maritime Museum, or hook some seafood at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Make a night of it with a torchlight tour at Fremantle Prison and hear ghostly tales, then stay at the recently refurbished National Hotel.

Built in 1868, the grand old dame now boasts a rooftop bar with the best view to watch the sun set over the harbour.

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Rottnest Island Those who’ve played in Thomson Bay since they were nippers need no convincing to go, but Rotto has upped the luxe factor with Discovery Rottnest Island, an eco-resort for glampers, and the luxury Samphire Resort, opening in October 2020. No matter where you stay, it’s impossible not to relax into the Rotto rhythm. Did you know it was once part of the Fremantle Fortress that helped protect the port during World War II? It’s just one of the stories you’ll hear as you zip around on a Segway. Segway Tours owner Owen Williams says the guides tell a good yarn, so the tour is as enjoyable as it is informative. To hear Noongar stories of Wadjemup (Rottnest), join Go Cultural Tours on a guided walk, starting with a traditional sand ceremony.

Rotto may be a summer playground but remember the off-season has its rewards, including great deals.

71

Perth city Perth has been home to the Noongar people since the Dreamtime, and sacred sites still exist amid the glistening city skyscrapers. Join Noongar elder Walter McGuire on a Go Cultural Aboriginal tour of Elizabeth Quay and beyond, to hear Noongar hunting and celebratory songs, learn about the six Noongar seasons and try out ochre paints and traditional tools. Or listen to cultural stories of Kings Park and South Perth from Kerry-Ann Winmar of Nyungar Tours. Consider a staycation at a new city hotel and explore at leisure. For a new view of the city try a walking tour with Oh Hey WA, Eat the Street or Two Feet and a Heartbeat, or take a water bike out on the river.

Hot air balloning, Northam

Road trip Best time 

Year-round

Avon Valley 500 Loop

Duration 

4 days

Vehicle 

Perth to Toodyay

The Avon Valley is a relaxing day trip for those short on time, but Western Australia’s first inland settlement has so much to offer it’s worth planning a longer getaway.

With most major attractions within half an hour of one another, the choices are endless.

Two-wheel drive

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Perth to York 96km  1hr 30min About an hour and a half from the city but a whole world away, historic York takes you back to the early days of European settlement with its bevvy of Victorian (and Federation) beauties. York Town Hall, built in 1911, is also home to the visitor centre and all the local knowledge needed to explore further. Stretch those car legs on the Avon River Walk, a 1.5km wander that starts at the Avon Valley swinging bridge, hugs the Avon River and offers prime views of Mount Bakewell.

Pop into the The Flourmill Cafe, in the old York Mill, for a bite to eat before hitting one of the York Trails, including Convicts and Crossings, or spend the afternoon at the Residency Museum, where a range of exhibitions bring the past to life. Motor enthusiasts will lose all sense of time at the communityrun York Motor Museum, where vintage bikes rub tyres with retro racing cars. Treat yourself to a night at heritage-listed Faversham House, overlooking Mount Brown.

York to Northam 35km  30 min Visit local producers and take home some memories, such as bottles of freshly pressed olive oil from York Olive Oil Company (open weekends or by appointment) and woollen warmers from WA’s only sock manufacturer, The Sock Factory. In Penny Farthing Sweets, the range of old-fashioned treats in this lovely lolly shop is a real trip down memory lane. Buzzing on sugar?

You’re ready for the next leg of the Avon adventure, an easy half hour’s drive to Northam. WA’s largest inland town is second only to Fremantle in terms of historically significant buildings (almost 200) and the best way to learn all about them is with a local guide. Drop by the visitor centre for directions to the nearest photo opportunity (Australia’s longest suspension bridge and giant grain silos adorned with artwork, for starters), or book a tour. At day’s end, check into one of the historic pubs and have a drink with the locals.

Northam to Toodyay 31km  25 min From April to November rise early for a hot air balloon ride, the still morning air providing perfect conditions for a gentle flight over the Avon Valley. The views are their own reward, but there’s also a champagne breakfast to share on landing. Be sure to spend a few hours at Bilya Koort Boodja Centre, on the banks of the Avon River, exploring Noongar culture and the rich knowledge of the local environment. Fuel up at one of Northam’s many eateries before heading for the rural delights of Toodyay. It’s only half an hour away but nature lovers should take their time getting there, especially during wildflower season when pink everlastings and local orchids are blooming. Toodyay Visitor Centre can provide bushwalkers with a range of trails to explore, including in and around Pelham Reserve overlooking town. History buffs will also find plenty of gold in local museums, including lessons in flour making at the 150-year-old Connor’s Mill Museum. There are several welcoming guesthouses to pull up sticks for the night.

72

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

Day 4 Toodyay to Perth 82km  1hr 10min (174km  2hr 10min via New Norcia)

ClaraNila – stock.adobe.com

One of the region’s most recent additions, Toodyay Fairytale Farm has recreated a little magic in the bush, with popular fairytale and nursery rhyme characters dotted around enchanted gardens and friendly farm animals to feed. Call ahead to see if you can catch some chicks nesting at Free Range Emu Farm, Australia’s oldest emu farm, or watch joeys jumping at Roos at Sue’s. Browse in Uniquely Toodyay, a collection of local artisan food and crafts, or pick up a souvenir from Earth Sculptures Pottery. For those who prefer more history than shopping, head home via New Norcia. It will add just over an hour to the journey but Australia’s only monastic town, founded in 1847 by Spanish monks, is worth the detour.

Suspension bridge, Avon River, Northam Canola fields, Toodyay Town Hall, York Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

73

Four Points by Sheraton Perth

Swan Valley Visitor Centre

Stay longer and save more. Conveniently located opposite RAC Arena, a short stroll away from the entertainment, shopping and nightlife of Perth city. Spacious, modern guestrooms include free WiFi, comfortable signature beds, large bathrooms and essential amenities for uncomplicated comfort. Enjoy a wide range of house-made meals and local craft beers at The Best Brew Bar & Kitchen.

Treat yourself to a Swan Valley #daycation or #staycation.

Visit swanvalley.com.au/rachorizons to enjoy 10-15% off select tours and stays.

t 9207 8899 w swanvalley.com.au/rachorizons e visitorcentre@swan.wa.gov.au Cnr Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford

t 9327 7000 w fourpointsperth.com e reservations.perth@fourpoints.com 707 Wellington Street Perth Visit fourpointsperth.com to select your dates.

Under Special Rates enter promo code ‘S6154’ to see offers.

Or call and quote ‘S6154’ to make a booking.

Book with code word HORIZONS.

Save up to 15% off accommodation

10-15% off on select tours and stays

Rottnest Island

ROTTNEST ISLAND SEALINK SAVER!

$45 same day return ferry + kids travel FREE* with SeaLink Rottnest Island

USE CODE: SEALINK45 BOOK NOW | SEALINKROTTNEST.COM.AU | (08) 9325 9352 T & Cs: $45 ferry fare valid on same day return travel departing from Fremantle only.

Not valid for use during WA school holidays and/or WA public holidays.

For every 1 paying adult 1 child travels for free, standard child Government Admissions Fees apply.

Promotion code: SEALINK45 must be used at time of booking. Travel/booking validity: 1/09/20 - 31/03/21.

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Special offers for RAC members

RedSands Campers Western Australians love to explore the great outdoors but not everyone has all the ‘gear’. RedSands Campers hire premium 4WD campers and Land Cruiser Prados with everything you need for a hassle free, comfortable adventure. Western Australian owned and operated, we offer 24-hour roadside support, no one way fees, unlimited drivers, unlimited kilometres and free itinerary advice. Get out there and experience the real WA! t 1300 589 011 w redsandscampers.com e res@redsandscampers.com.au Perth | Broome | Kununurra | Darwin * Bookings must be greater than 7 days to claim offer.

One day free hire

Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach Stay 3 nights and save 20% off our daily rate or 5 nights save 35% by booking direct using the code “HorizonsWA”. Includes a bottle of wine on arrival, free parking, Wifi and calls, plus late check out! So why not stay longer? Say hello to effortless comfort and make your own indulgent discovery with our Sunset Coast backdrop. t 6248 7000 w ramadavetrobluscarboroughbeach.com e guestservice@ramadavetroblu.com 48A Filburn St, Scarborough WA 6019 Terms and conditions apply, non-cancellable but is moveable within 48hrs of first day booked.

Stay 3 nights save 20%, with parking

All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Segway Tours WA

Duxton Hotel Perth

Segways are easy to ride and you will be trained by our tour guides.

We take you out to explore, hear about the “old times” and show you the exciting new developments around Perth, Kings Park and our new stadium. On Rotto there is always time to stop for that Quokka shot.

Glide effortlessly, enjoy the outdoors, relax and have fun on a Segway!

Suitable for all ages (children 12+).

Located in the heart of the Perth CBD, the 5-star Duxton Hotel offers guests superior accommodation rooms and an award-winning dining experience at the Firewater Grille restaurant. Stay on track with your fitness goals in the 24-hour fitness centre and sauna. The bar is the perfect place to unwind for drinks in the evening with friends.

Enjoy: • 15% off all rooms • Upgrade to the next room type* • Late 12pm check out • 10% off Food & Beverage*

t 1300 80 81 80 w segwaytourswa.com.au e info@segwaytourswa.com.au Perth: Shop 3, Barrack St Jetty, Perth Rottnest: Kingstown Barracks, Rottnest Island Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Offer extends to 31/3/2021 Promo code: RAC2020

20% off Perth & Rottnest tours

t 1800 681 118 w perth.duxton.com.au e reservations@perth.duxton.com.au 1 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000 *Terms and conditions apply.

15% off all rooms plus other benefits

COMO The Treasury

Perth Waterbike Adventures

Where there’s a will to explore, there’s a way.

Take this opportunity to travel close to home and Discover COMO The Treasury in Perth. Enjoy a luxury stay at exclusive rates from $495 per night which includes: • Overnight accommodation • Welcome drinks on arrival • Selection of in-room refreshments, movies and Wi-Fi • Breakfast at Post • Valet parking

Looking for something new to do in Perth that’s outdoors, interactive, memorable, and fun for all ages? New to Perth, water-biking is a water sport that everyone can enjoy – young and old alike. Glide on Matilda Bay’s sparkling waters and enjoy the freedom of your own adventure with epic views of Kings Park and Perth from a different perspective.

If lucky, you may also spot the resident dolphins that come into the Bay to feed! Casual hire: 30min or 1hr. Tours: Pelican Point Nature Escape or The Blue Boat House Tour.

t 6168 7899 w comohotels.com/thetreasury e res.thetreasury@comohotels.com 1 Cathedral Avenue Perth WA 6000

t 0416 241 967 w perthwaterbikeadventures.com e hello@perthwaterbikeadventures.com Cnr Hackett Drive & Australia II, Matilda Bay, Nedlands, Perth

For 20% off best available rates use the promo code: COMOPERTH

20% off our best available rates All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

10% discount off weekday bookings

Special offers for RAC members

Seafood Banquet Cruise Cruising in the world’s finest lobster fishery, you will can catch your own Western Rock Lobster (Crayfish), then watch our chef cook it for you at anchor – served with an elaborate 5-course seafood lunch banquet, with complimentary Howard Park wines, local beers and soft drinks.

t 9586 1136 w rottnestcruises.com e hello@rottnestcruises.com Operates from Fuel Jetty, Rottnest Island Direct bookings only, offer not combinable. Promo code RAC10

10% off all fares

Dolphin & Scenic Marine Cruise Join us on an interactive Dolphin and Scenic Marine Cruise where our local experts showcase Mandurah’s stunning waterways. Watch wild dolphins*, lobster and crab catching demonstrations, enjoy free unlimited tea and coffee as you cruise through the canals, spot diverse bird life and keep entertained with our Steering Station & Live Tanks. Or enjoy restaurant dining aboard our tranquil Morning Tea/ Lunch Cruises. t 9581 1242 w mandurahcruises.com.au e reservations@mandurahcruises.com.au 73 Mandurah Tce, Mandurah WA 6210 Direct bookings only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. *Dolphins likely, but not guaranteed.

Promo code RAC15

15% off all weekday Adult/Senior tickets

Pecan Hill Bed and Breakfast Mention this ad when booking and receive a complimentary wine and cheese sundowner on the verandah with the owners. Pecan Hill is just 4km from Toodyay townsite. Enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with ensuites, free Wifi and a swimming pool.

Plus a bottle of premium red or white wine with each booking. Town transfers available. t 0403 639 558 e info@pecanhill.com.au w pecanhill.com.au 99 Beaufort Street West Toodyay WA

Pecan Hill Bed & Breakfast

Complimentary wine and cheese

Ways To Nature Discover the Peel region’s extraordinary wetlands and wildlife with Ways To Nature. Operated by local zoologist Sarah Way, Ways To Nature leads guided nature walks around the internationally significant Peel-Yalgorup wetlands. A range of walking tours suiting all abilities are available, providing unique experiences with nature. t 0439 264 942 w waystonature.com.au e hello@waystonature.com.au Please enter the code ‘RAC’ when booking.

Free mini field guide of Australian shorebirds

Nesuto Mounts Bay Perth Apartment Hotel RAC Members enjoy a further 10% off rates all year round. We provide guests with the freedom and space of apartment living in a central Perth City location. Choose from 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and take advantage of our extensive facilities, including swimming pool, gym, tennis court and free secure car parking. t 1800 241 343 e mountsbay@nesuto.com w nesuto.com/mountsbay 112 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000 Please enter discount code RAC10 to redeem your member discount. Excludes some promotional rates, subject to hotel availability.

10% off for RAC Members

Paintball Skirmish Just $50 per person gets each player entry with up to 10 games, a protective head mask, camouflage coveralls, paintball marker, 300 paintballs and team photos. Plus enjoy a FREE* sausage sizzle. Open 7 days with morning and afternoon sessions. Non-contact. Outdoors.

Support a local business. t 9248 1693 w paintballskirmish.com.au e info@paintballskirmish.com.au 12191 West Swan Road, Henley Brook T&C’s apply. Bookings essential & subject to availability. *Free sausage sizzle weekends only.

Just $50 per person plus a free drink All offers end 30 June 2021 unless otherwise indicated

Members save

50%

*

The power of membership

We give you more of WA’s national parks for less RAC members save 50%* off selected park passes available from the RAC online shop.

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

Book your next road trip today and save!

Get on the road again and explore Australia with Apollo!

Save 10% off the daily rate, or on top of Apollo Specials Discount applies for current members, for Australia.

Book through rac.com.au or at any RAC branch.

Subject to availability and Apollo rental terms and conditions.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Visitor centres To get the most out of your holiday in WA, speak to the experts at a local Visitor Centre. Look for the blue and yellow 'i' sign.

A Albany Visitor Centre 221 York Street, Albany T 08 6820 3700 info@amazingalbany.com.au

B Bridgetown Greenbushes Visitor Centre 154 Hampton Street, Bridgetown T 08 9761 1740 visitors@bridgetown.wa.gov.au Broome Visitor Centre 1 Hamersley Street, Broome T 08 9195 2200 enquiries@visitbroome.com.au Bunbury Visitor Centre Haley Street, Bunbury T 08 9792 7205 welcome@bunbury.wa.gov.au Busselton Visitor Centre 17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton T 08 9780 5911 welcome@margaretriver.com

C Carnarvon Visitor Centre Civic Centre, 21 Robinson Street, Carnarvon T 08 9941 1146 info@carnarvon.org.au Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre 85 Barrack Street, Merredin T 08 9041 1666 visitor@merredin.wa.gov.au

Chittering Visitor Centre 6180 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon T 08 9576 1100 bindinfo@iinet.net.au Collie River Valley Visitor Centre 156 Throssell Street, Collie T 08 9734 2051 info@collierivervalley.com.au

E

K

Esperance Visitor Centre Museum Village, Dempster Street, Esperance T 08 9083 1555 info@visitesperance.com

Kalbarri Visitor Centre 70 Grey Street, Kalbarri T 08 9937 1104 bookings@kalbarri.org.au

F

Cue District Visitor Centre 72 Austin Street, Cue T 08 9963 1198 cue@crc.net.au

Fitzroy Crossing Visitor Centre Cornerof Forest Road and Flynn Drive , Fitzroy Crossing T 08 9191 5355 info@fitzroycrossingtourism.com.au

D

Fremantle Visitor Centre 8 William Street, Fremantle T 08 9431 7878 info@visitfremantle.com.au

Derby Visitor Centre 30 Loch Street, Derby T 08 9191 1426 info@derbytourism.com.au Dongara - Port Denison Visitor Centre 9 Waldeck Street, Dongara T 08 9927 1404 tourism@irwin.wa.gov.au

G Geraldton Visitor Centre 246 Marine Terrace, Geraldton T 08 9956 6670 info@visitgeraldton.com.au

Dryandra Country Visitor Centre Corner Park and Fairway Street, Narrogin T 08 9881 2064 dryandracountry1@westnet.com.au

H

Donnybrook Visitor Centre Old Railway Station, South West Highway, Donnybrook T 08 9731 1720 donnybrookwa@westnet.com.au

Halls Creek Visitor Centre 2 Hall Street, Halls Creek T 08 9168 6262 tourism@hcshire.wa.gov.au Harvey Visitor Centre Corner South Western Highway and James Stirling Place, Harvey T 08 9729 1122 info@harveyvisitorcentre.com.au

Dunsborough Visitor Centre Shop 1 Dunn Bay Centre, 31 Dunn Bay Road, Dunsborough T 08 9780 5911 welcome@margaretriver.com

Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre Kalgoorlie Town Hall, 316 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie T 08 9021 1966 visitors@kalgoorlie.com Karijini Visitor Centre Off Banjima Drive, Karijini National Park T 08 9189 8121 mel.berris@bbca.wa.gov.au Karratha Tourism & Visitor Centre Lot 4548 De Witt Road, Karratha T 08 9186 8055 visitkarratha@karratha.wa.gov.au Kojonup Visitor Centre 143 Albany Highway, Kojonup T 08 9831 0500 Kojonupvisitors@bigpond.com Kulin Visitor Centre 38 Johnston Street, Kulin T 08 9880 1021 crccounter@kulin.wa.gov.au Kununurra Visitor Centre 75 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra T 08 9168 1177 info@visitkununurra.com

Dwellingup History and Visitor Information Centre Marrinup Street, Dwellingup T 08 9538 1108 dhvic@murraytourism.com.au

80

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

L Lancelin Community Resource & Visitor Centre 117 Gingin Road, Lancelin T 08 9655 2033 crc@lancelin.net

M Mandurah Visitor Centre 75 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah T 08 9550 3999 visitor@mandurah.wa.gov.au Manjimup Visitor Centre 151 Giblett Street, Manjimup T 08 9771 1831 info@manjimupwa.com Margaret River Visitor Centre 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River T 08 9780 5911 welcome@margaretriver.com Meekatharra Visitor Centre 55 Main Street, Meekatharra T 08 9980 1811 welcome@meekatharracrc.com.au Mount Barker Visitor Centre 6/622 Albany Highway, Mount Barker T 08 9851 1163 mountbarkervcc@ theamazingsouthcoast.com.au Mullewa Visitor Centre 8 Jose Street, Mullewa T 08 9961 1500 admin@mullewacrc.net.au

Mundaring Visitor Centre The Old School, 7225 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring T 08 9295 0202 visitorcentre@mundaring.wa.gov.au

Perth Hills Visitor Centre 50 Railway Road, Kalamunda T 08 9257 9998 visitor.centre@kalamunda.wa.gov.au Port Hedland Visitor Centre 13 Wedge Street, Port Hedland T 08 9173 1711 info@visitporthedland.com.au

N Newman Visitor Centre Corner Fortescue Avenue and Newman Drive, Newman T 08 9175 2888 nvctech@bigpond.com

R Rockingham Visitor Centre 19 Kent Street, Rockingham T 08 9592 3464 enquiry.rtc@westnet.com.au

Ningaloo Visitor Centre 2 Truscott Crescent, Exmouth T 08 9949 3070 reservations@exmouthwa.com.au

Rottnest Island Visitor Centre Thomson Bay near main jetty, Rottnest Island T 08 9372 9730 visitor.centre@rottnestisland.com

Norseman Visitor Centre 68 Roberts Street, Norseman T 08 9039 1071 tourism@norseman.info

S

Northam Visitor Centre 2 Grey Street, Northam T 08 9622 2100 tourist@northam.wa.gov.au

Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre 53 Knight Terrace, Denham T 08 9948 1590 sbdc@sharkbay.wa.gov.au

Northcliffe Visitor Centre Muirillup Road, Northcliffe T 08 9776 7203 ncfvisitorcentre@westnet.com.au

Swan Valley Visitor Centre Guildford Courthouse, Corner Swan and Meadow Streets, Guildford T 08 9207 8899 visitorcentre@swan.wa.gov.au

P Pemberton Visitor Centre Brockman Road, Pemberton T 08 9776 1133 pemtour@karriweb.com.au

T

Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre 40 Jull Street, Armadale T 08 9394 5410 visitorcentre@armadale.wa.gov.au

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

The Great Beyond Visitor Centre 5 Augusta Street, Laverton T 08 9031 1361 greatbeyond@laverton.wa.gov.au

81

Tom Price Visitor Centre Central Road, Tom Price T 08 9188 5488 visitor.centre@ashburton.wa.gov.au Toodyay Visitor Centre 7 Piesse Street, Toodyay T 08 9574 9380 visitorscentre@toodyay.wa.gov.au Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre 67 Bashford Street, Jurien Bay T 08 9652 0870 visitor@dandaragan.wa.gov.au

W Walpole - Nornalup Visitor Centre Pioneer Park, South Coast Highway, Walpole T 08 9840 1111 info@walpole.com.au Western Australia Visitor Centre 55 William Street, Perth T 1 800 812 808 T 08 9483 1111 travel@westernaustralia.com

Y York Visitor Centre 81 Avon Terrace, York T 08 9641 1301 info@york.wa.gov.au

Road touring information National park fees

Off-road driving

Visitor fees apply to some national parks in Western Australia. If you intend to visit a number of parks, RAC members are entitled to a 50% discount on the cost of an Annual All Parks Pass (digital pass) which allows unlimited entry to any national parks for 12 months.

Western Australia has many off-road driving tracks, however off-road driving in some regional and remote areas is not permitted. For guides to permitted off-road driving routes, contact the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (dlgsc. wa.gov.au) or visit trailswa.com. au/trails and search by trail type.

rac.com.au/parkpasses

Safe driving

Travel to Aboriginal communities When visiting remote and regional areas, please be aware that you may need to apply for a permit to travel through Aboriginal reserves, and/or pay an entry fee for access to certain native title determination areas.

dplh.wa.gov.au/entrypermits While COVID-19 is active, travel to many Aboriginal communities in WA is restricted to protect the health and wellbeing of community members.

Visitors who ignore restrictions can face fines up to $50,000. Check the current advice before you travel at your nearest Visitor Centre or wa.gov.au

Fuel and food Some service stations have restricted opening hours and limited bank/credit facilities. LPG Autogas is not available in all regional areas. Contact visitor centres for fuel availability. In some remote locations the only available fuel is Opal Fuel, which can only be used in vehicles that run on 91RON petrol. Carry extra food, water, fuel and vehicle spares if travelling on remote tracks.

Fly one way, drive the other A long road trip will naturally result in extra wear and tear on a vehicle. If you’re concerned that your car isn’t suitable for a long-distance road trip, you may want to consider car or campervan rental.

Providers like Red Sands Campers offer custom-built four-wheel drive campers equipped for rugged terrain.

Also, car rental companies often have one-way drive offers where you can fly one way and drive the other. RAC members get a discount on car rental from Thrifty and campervan rental from Apollo, plus other rental benefits.

Designated driver When wine tasting or stopping anywhere to consume alcohol, always have a designated driver who isn't drinking to get you home safely or where possible use a taxi service.

Alternatively consider a tour.

Check road conditions before departure. Rain can make some tracks and roads impassable.

When travelling on unsealed roads, exercise extra caution and avoid braking suddenly.

In event of a breakdown in a remote location, remain with your vehicle.

Take care when approaching railway crossings as not all crossings have flashing lights.

Large slow-moving agricultural machinery may be encountered on highways and local roads, so take care when overtaking.

Beware of wandering livestock and wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn.

Road trains are common and can be up to 60m in length. Always leave approximately 200m between vehicles in a convoy. Only overtake if the road is clear and visible for a long distance ahead.

Plan to drive for no longer than eight hours a day and take a break every two hours.

Pack a first aid kit.

Always tell someone where you are going, your return dates and your itinerary.

Make sure your vehicle servicing is up to date before you leave.

Important contacts Emergency services Police, Ambulance, Fire: 000 Road conditions Main Roads 13 81 38 mainroads.wa.gov.au Breakdown assistance RAC 13 11 11 82

Horizons Special WA Travel Edition

G O F O R T H WA , WA N D E R O U T Y O N D E R .

W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A . C O M

HUTT LAGOON, PORT GREGORY