Journeys Autumn 2023 - 100 Year Special

1955 We are renamed the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania

1961 We begin offering driver training in Hobart

1946 We campaign for road safety to be taught in schools

1932 Regular roadside service patrols begin

1937 We begin major advocacy for road safety regulations

1924 Approval of the prefix ‘Royal’ is granted by His Majesty King George

1992 Membership cards are introduced, leading to savings for members

1985 RACT Insurance commences its partnership with NRMA

2020

2021

We reach 200,000 members

We reinvest in RACT Insurance

2004 1923 Articles of association for the Autocar Club of Tasmania are formally signed and lodged

RACT Travelworld, Tasmania’s largest locally owned travel agency, is launched

1996 24hr phone service is launched with roadside dispatch and service rates

1997 Our first female president is elected

2010 RACT House on Murray Street, Hobart is opened

A lot can change in 100 years.

In 1923, the automobile was still a fairly uncommon sight in Tasmania. But that was about to change, and someone needed to make sure our home was ready for it. At a time when the roads were still built for horses, a few Tasmanians got to work.

Like most clubs, ours started out small. It was a way for people to get together and share their love for motoring. Soon, it became something bigger.

It was about making sure that all of us could stay moving and thriving. Because it’s never enough to keep up with the times. You need to stay ahead of them.

And that’s what we’ll always do for Tasmania.

2002 Roadside Ultimate and Advantage are launched

contents.

07 Welcome note

A word from our GCEO

08 Inbox

100-year special To celebrate a century of RACT, we have created this special collectors’ edition of Journeys

Our members share what’s on their minds

100 year special

11 25 moments 16 Stories from the road

RACT patrol agent Kerry Hamer

Lifestyle

21 What’s on

Your new to-do list

24 Foodie Finds

Eco-friendly dining

26 A Tassie

partnership for change

Hunnington Distillery

28 Top 5

Positive impact tours

30 The stillness

and the wild

Wellness retreats

32 Tasmania lights the way

Renewable energy

Drive

Photos: RACT Archives

Our branches are open Mon–Fri 9am to 5pm For customer service, call 13 27 22 For roadside assistance, call 13 11 11 anytime Visit ract.com.au Email journeys@ract.com.au

We take the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport to Mount Field National Park

47 In reverse

48 Change maker

Tony Fairweather of SEA Electric

Travel

53 Travel news

Inspiration for exploring

56 The pit stop Coles Bay

58 The wild, wild west

Corinna Wilderness Village

62 Harnessing the waves

King Island is a leader in green energy

68 Tasmania’s

tourism secrets

The evolution of our state’s tourism industry

Community

71 The latest RACT news

75 Changing gears

Reviewing speed limits

77 State growth

Improving road safety

78 Member rewards Savings available now

35 Auto news

80 Puzzles

39 0–100 review

82 Rear view

Developments in the car world

13

40 Road test

Tesla Roadster

Looking back at a century of RACT

17

AUTUMN 2023

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Take on the crossword and our road safety quiz Snapshots of Tasmania

Have your say on Member Hub and social media

To unsubscribe from Journeys, visit ract.com.au/update

5

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welcome.

ABOUT YOUR RACT PRESIDENT Alison Flakemore VICE PRESIDENT Pieter Kolkert BOARD Tony Coleman, Ralph Doedens, Mark Grey, Alex McKenzie, Keryn Nylander, Jenny Richardson, Sue Smith RACT GROUP CEO Mark Mugnaioni JOURNEYS MANAGING EDITOR Sam James

A word from our Group CEO

Journeys is published for The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania

by Hardie Grant Media, Building 1, 658 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121 hardiegrant.com Managing Director Clare Brundle

In 1923, we made a promise: that we would be there for the people of Tasmania. Not only have we kept that promise, but we have grown to become one of our island’s most iconic and trusted institutions.

This special edition of Journeys marks the 100th year the RACT has played a role in shaping our island for the better. From countless roadside rescues to lifesaving advocacy, we’ve been firmly in Tasmania’s corner. We’ve been a beacon through the dark hours. We’ve helped bring more value to our members’ lives. And we’ve spoken up where it matters most.

As we look ahead to the next 100 years, our focus will remain on agitating for action for safer roads and improving the lives of Tasmanians. We believe that by working together, we can make our roads safer for everyone, and we will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that will help us achieve this goal.

Pushing for action to create safer roads has never been more important, with a terrible year on Tasmania’s roads in 2022 – 51 families now must deal with the tragedy of an untimely death. In our eyes one death is one too many.

This year we will continue to push for change that delivers safer roads for Tasmanians, including calling on the government to double the number of speed cameras to 32; expand the Derwent Ferry service; and take a consistent approach to setting speed limits across state and local roads, and we will continue to hold our parliamentarians to account to ensure they deliver for you.

This year will also see a shift in when we publish Journeys. With a move to align the publication to the seasons, we can ensure content is relevant to our readers and the many activities you choose to do throughout the year. This is our “Autumn” issue and — in addition to celebrating our 100th birthday ­— has an eco theme to many of the stories.

Mark Mugnaioni // RACT Group CEO

Editor Mary Weaver Art Director Dallas Budde Senior Designers Sue Morony, Katrina Mastrofilippo Senior Account Manager Kellie Hammond Advertising Senior Account Manager Colin Ritchie colinritchie@hardiegrant.com Production Coordinator Shahirah Hambali Printer IVE Group Mailhouse D&D Mailing Services Distribution Australia Post Australia Post No. 100003899

Competition terms and conditions can be found at ract.com.au/competitions. No part of Journeys may be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2023 RACT. The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited or its related bodies corporate (together “RACT”) or any of its directors or employees. Advertisements in Journeys are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RACT accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RACT.

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

7

inbox.

LETTERS

Right of way frustrations I am very frustrated driving down King St in Sandy Bay turning left into Sandy Bay Road and oncoming traffic driving up King St believing they have right of way. They are turning in front of oncoming traffic.

Paul

Colourful concern

Thanks so much for featuring an alarming driving problem outside the city at night: high intensity LED car headlights. It’s not only questionable ‘aftermarket’ LED strip lights. The majority of standard car and ute headlights even on low beam are dazzling. LED lights work together with soft suspensions and obvious illumination colour shifts to annoy and confuse.

I have noticed that drab colours are now the popular for modern cars, which seems contrary to all the safety advice. A lot of modern cars are now coming out in matte grey, beige and other drab earthy colours, the result being that these cars tend to blend into the road surface, camouflaged from drivers, matching the road and the vegetation on the verge.

Even Porsche is making drab matte beige for its sports cars, whereas previously they were bright red or yellow or some other funky stand-out colour.

John

Craig

Blinded by the lights

8

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

Roundabout we go

The case for e-scooters

I’m amazed at how many motorists in Tasmania don’t use indicators, especially in roundabouts to show their intended path; for example, turning left/right or going straight ahead then leaving the roundabout.

In response to Neil Cranston (OctNovember issue of Journeys), yes, e-scooters are rapidly becoming ubiquitous in the main cities of the world. They are not unique to Tasmania, you are correct. However, as all technologies advance, you can either embrace them or remain stuck in the past. You could say much the same about smartphones; folks stare at them instead of taking in the scenery. Should we ban all smartphones in Tasmania?

Whilst many tourists would love to have the leisure to stroll at a leisurely walk, not all of us have that option: many visit Hobart for a weekend or a few days at best, and for a small city, the e-scooter is a perfect mode of transport. It would be a backward step to remove them for use by tourists: many of us come to now expect to be able to commute by e-scooter.

If policing bad behaviour (by a few!) is an issue, then make reporting more available. Perhaps a “snap

Len

Photos: iStock

Dangerous turns Please explain why drivers do not indicate until they are actually turning a corner. I thought the idea was to indicate your intention to move into a certain lane or to turn.

It’s becoming dangerous.

Ian

WRITE TO US

We’re keen to hear your thoughts on any motoring or travel-related topics and auto questions. Please keep them brief – we reserve the right to edit.

and send” system? The route taken by an individual rider is monitored and stored by the companies, so a time-stamped image should be able to identify a user infringing the rules, with the user fined or banned for repeated infringements.

Don’t lose what is valuable tourism infrastructure, and something tourists now expect and depend upon.

Jen

journeys@ract.com.au @ractofficial

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ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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25

moments that defined RACT

A lot can change over a century. Cars certainly have. Road rules, too. Even our name has changed twice. Like many Tasmanian roads, our story has a few twists and turns, and detours into important parts of the social, political, and cultural history of Tasmania. It’s a story of a community of people, a ‘Club’, who share a common interest in a common place. Our home.

1. Starting up

Photos: Tasmanian Archives: Mercury Historical Collection NS4023-1-73, NS4663-1-11

It was Wednesday 21 March 1923, to be exact, when we first legally came into existence. It all started when two Tasmanians wanted to elevate the voice of motorists.

The pair responsible for our inception was Raymond John Shield, a well-connected local accountant, and Allen Crisp, a lawyer who had served as a military officer in Gallipoli and on the Western Front with distinction.

1920s 2. Safety first Born of the last few decades of motoring experience, we became a leading advocate for driver safety matters across all of Tasmania.

We saw the introduction of road signs that alerted drivers of upcoming turns, intersections and approaching schools. Meanwhile, we wrote to local councils across Tasmania to erect town signage at their boundaries to inform motorists of where they were.

4.

RUBBING SHOULDERS

Tasmania’s Governor, James O’Grady, became our first patron in 1925.

3. Our scout mechanics The ‘20s saw our next revolution, with Australia’s first ‘scout mechanics’ hitting the road in Tasmania. In late 1923, John C. Oldham and John Murray Philp became our first on-road mechanics. They carried tools, a little petrol and a supply of club application forms for any drivers nursing a broken-down vehicle who weren’t yet members.

5. A place to call home With a rapidly growing membership, it was time for us to find our first home. In June 1925, we acquired space on the first floor of a centrally located building at 130 Collins Street, Hobart. ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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1930s

In early 1931, following the success of a members’ picnic in southern Tasmania, we lobbied for more respite spots across the state. The push to improve touring facilities was matched by our continuing interest in helping facilitate air travel. We played an integral role in growing public interest and subsequent government action to build an airport outside of Hobart.

6. Connecting Tasmania Early in 1931, we received a letter from a Mr G. Hayton requesting a branch of the club at Queenstown.

At the time, there were about 50 car owners in the area. Thinking the suggestion an excellent one, the idea was approved immediately. Not only did we advocate and help build the West Coast Road, but we actively raised funds.

8.

C O M M E M O R AT I N G A K I N G

On Saturday 15 May 1937, our patron, Sir Ernest Clarke, in his capacity as Governor of Tasmania, planted an acorn sourced by the Club in the grounds of Fitzroy Gardens in Hobart.

1940s 9. Wartime activities

After a large fundraising effort, in 1941 we donated an ambulance to the war effort. We also introduced the ‘R.A.C.T Emergency Transport Corp’ in 1940. It was a register of members willing to help transport military personnel in the event of a local emergency.

Fortunately, it was never activated.

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JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

7. Becoming a touring destination

Photos: Tasmanian Archives: PH30/1/8714, Mercury Historical Collection NS4325/1/679, Mercury Historical Collection NS4023/1/238, PH30/1/7074, AB713-1-1198 State Library of Victoria, H96.150/291 National Archive of Australia, 11425036

1950s 10. Driving membership

Despite petrol shortages and city congestion, Tasmanians were driving more than ever. With busier roads and a higher demand on roadside patrols than ever before, we established a new ‘Service Membership’, a less expensive tier than previously offered.

1960s 12. New to the road

11. Advocating for the ferry We had been pushing for a modern Bass Strait ferry service and by the end of the decade this dream was becoming a reality. With the introduction of the Princess of Tasmania, the days when cars had to be drained of their fluids, have their batteries disconnected, and be lifted aboard the ships were over.

1970s 14. Environmental movement

The issue of beautification cut across to the ‘70s with the swelling popular environmental movement.

The Club drew attention to the importance for those who travel by car to co-operate more fully in protecting the numerous lakes, rivers and streams from pollution.

In the early 1960s, the Tasmanian Government’s education department authorised driver training for schoolchildren, sponsored by various motor industry companies.

We helped provide the driving instructors, before developing our own driver training in 1961.

1 3.

JOURNEYS AS WE KNOW IT

In July 1965, we acquired full ownership of Tasmanian Motor News, allowing even greater control over messaging. This would later go on to become Journeys in 2011.

15. Rebuilding a bridge When the Tasman Bridge was struck in January 1975, we were there to assist in reducing the impact on motorists and were among the leading advocates for repairing the bridge as quickly as possible.

We also helped communicate and assist with the implementation of alternative transportation.

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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1980s 16. The insurance gambit

Moving into the insurance industry was arguably one of the most important single developments in our history since the roadside emergency service was introduced. It had been observed that insurance services were the key factor ensuring the financial vitality of mainland clubs. So, a decision was taken to shift from acting as an insurance agent to being wholly into the insurance industry; this came into effect in 1985.

1990s

18.

S H O W YO U R C A R D A N D S AV E

To make it easier to prove membership and introduce new ways to reward members, we rolled out member cards. A scheme called ‘Show Your Card and Save’ was introduced in mid-1994, which gave members the opportunity to earn discounted consumer services and shopping opportunities around Tasmania. At its launch, the program had almost 30 different services and benefits.

By 1996, there were over 220 businesses taking part in the program statewide.

17. Product growth We continued adapting to suburban demand during the early ‘90s with more moves and products.

A premium roadside service, RACT Plus, was introduced, as well as our own battery replacement service.

14

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

19. Things to celebrate Jean Trethewey was elected our first female president in October 1997. In addition to being our first female president, Jean was “the first woman in Australia to head a state automobile association”.

2000s 20. Help when you need it most In line with the new millennium, we updated our wider branding look, most notably our logo. This was the most public sign of a two-year process of review into operations, community perception and strategic rethinking.

22. Here to help One of the first things we did after bushfires ravaged the state in 2012-13 was to provide support for victims. Many of our members were, of course, among those who suffered loss through this disaster, so we immediately swung into action.

2010s

23. The place to be

We ventured into the tourism market with the purchase of Freycinet Lodge, Cradle Mountain Hotel, Strahan Village, Gordon River Cruises and the RACV/RACT Hobart Hotel.

25. Driving into the future With more than an echo of our founding days, we are firmly focused on progress in Tasmania.

It is local issues that most concern us, because it is local issues that most affect you, our members.

21. Wanderlust In February 2004, we began a series of acquisitions and partnerships that saw us become one of Tasmania’s major travel businesses, forming RACT Travelworld. With nine retail branches located around the state, we were Tasmania’s largest locally-owned travel agency.

2020s

24. Investing in insurance We moved out of the tourism industry and provided further investment into insurance through the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent share of RACT Insurance from Suncorp.

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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Stories road from the

Kerry Hamer has been rescuing folk up and down the west coast for nearly 50 years as an RACT patrol agent and a volunteer fireman. At the age of 79, he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

Growing up in Strahan, Kerry was always a car lover. At 14, he left school to pursue a mechanic apprenticeship in Mount Lyell – unfortunately, to get a spot, it was a matter of knowing the right people, and at the time, he didn’t.

Instead, Kerry moved to Hobart to complete a panel-beating apprenticeship. He then returned to Strahan where all his dreams came true.

Kerry married his childhood sweetheart, and finally became a mechanic when he built the Strahan service station.

“I don’t think we even had a roof yet yet when a bloke drove up and said ‘Fill ’er up!’,” Kerry tells Journeys.

In the early ‘70s, shortly after opening the station, Kerry got involved with the RACT. A patrol manager was visiting regional workshops showing mechanics how to – as Kerry put it – “break into cars” and taught him everything he needed to know.

One of Kerry’s more memorable 16

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

moments as a patrol involved a plane.

While completing a scenic flight over Frenchmans Cap, the pilot experienced engine problems, prompting him to land on Lake Burbury. Luckily, this was a seaplane, and no-one was harmed – the pilot had Kerry’s number and asked if he could help get the plane back on the lake once the engine was fixed.

As it turned out, unbogging the RACT service vehicle was considerably harder than the plane rescue.

Over the decades, Kerry has served those in need; rain, hail or shine, flames, lakes and roads, in the middle of nowhere or close to home. He and

his late wife often offered hospitality to those rescued and even made some friendships along the way – many who still write to him.

Kerry extends a thank you to all those at RACT over the decades who have been determined to help members and non-members in need of rescuing, even if it has meant sending him out multiple days in a row to find stranded motorists.

But it’s us who should thank Kerry, a local legend, for always living our values, being a shoulder to lean on and helping when it matters most.

Photos: George Underwood, OI Studios

Kerry Hamer, one of our longest-serving patrols, makes you smile just by speaking to him. His caring nature and can-do attitude assure you he’d never turn down a rescue.

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Spirit of Tasmania’s

BEST ROAD TRIPS FOR THE

SPIRITED TRAVELLER From open sea to open road, Spirit of Tasmania opens up a world of road trip possibilities from its new Victorian home in Geelong.

1. Taste the Bellarine The Bellarine Peninsula is rich in nature’s bounty.

Pick your own blueberries and strawberries at Tuckerberry Hill Farm in Drysdale, or for seafood, dive into the Little Mussel Café in Portarlington and enjoy the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. For lunch, families will love Basil’s Farm in Queenscliff and for an extra cost, the kids can even feed resident llamas. While in Queenscliff,

it’s all aboard for a steam train ride on the Bellarine Railway or you can book for the special ‘Day Out with Thomas [The Tank Engine] and Friends’ rides. We recommend booking early to secure your spot. Wine buffs, settle in at Jack Rabbit for a tasty vino and cheeseboard in a magnificent setting. Plan ahead and you may even spot Spirit of Tasmania sail by.

2. A weekend on the Surf Coast One day on the Surf Coast is not enough, so stay for two. On day one, hit the sweet spot at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery near Torquay, go for a beach stroll then enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at Ipsos in Lorne. Enjoy a super-charged experience in the treetops at Live Wire Park in the Otways and then recharge with a spa treatment at Lorne’s Mantra Hotel – an excellent place to base yourself. On day two, venture along the Great Ocean Road before an early lunch at Apollo Bay Distillery, then buckle up for an afternoon of jaw dropping

Photos: Tourism Geelong, Visit Victoria

S

ailing from Devonport to Geelong with Spirit of Tasmania, means you can load your car with everything from bikes to boogie boards. After taking in the beautiful views and fresh sea air, why not settle in with a vino and grab a bite to eat before enjoying a latest release movie. After disembarking in Geelong, enjoy the endless destinations on offer in Victoria. Here are some suggestions as to where to go, and what to do for the curious adventurer.

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vistas at places like The Grotto, the Gibson Steps, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and the legendary Twelve Apostles. This is sure to be a road trip to remember.

3. Dip your toes into Daylesford Choosing sea over sky, and bringing your car on Spirit of Tasmania means it’s easy to travel to tranquil Daylesford with its picturesque countryside and boutique wineries. Start the day hiking the granite ridges of the You Yangs or tackle Hanging Rock Trail in Macedon Regional Park.

Enjoy the scenic spoils of Lake Daylesford Gardens with a gentle stroll or a paddleboat ride. Families might prefer the rolling countryside of Anakie, home to the enchanted inhabitants of Fairy Park.

Further enchantment awaits at the end of the day with inspired seasonal food and an internationally acclaimed wine list at the Lake House Restaurant.

Check in for the night at nearby Hepburn Springs and awake to dip your toes into Australia’s largest concentration of health-giving mineral springs.

4. All round fun in Geelong This exciting city is going places with something for everyone from nature lovers to those with curious minds. Take the kids to MoPA – the Museum of Play and Art where kids can create, explore, learn, and play. Visit Mount Duneed Estate for a lovely shared lunch and exceptional wine among the vines.

Then head to the Geelong Waterfront to ride the Giant Sky Wheel, the largest travelling ferris wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, for incredible panoramas over the bay. You’ll find an abundance of accommodation options but Novotel Geelong – located on the waterfront, and R Hotel, provide not only a spot to rest weary heads but easy access to a vibrant enclave of restaurants and cafes, gardens and attractions.

Spirited travellers, if you’ve heard the call for adventure, drive aboard Spirit of Tasmania. Book now at spiritoftasmania.com.au

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Geelong Waterfront; mussels on the menu; Spirit of Tasmania sails from Devonport to Geelong; street art and friendly wildlife; visit Bellarine wineries

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Be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment! wcwr.com.au | (03) 6471 0100 | enquiries@wcwr.com.au

lifestyle

Photo: Puddlehub

22/ WHAT’S ON 24/ FOODIE FINDS 25/ A TASSIE PARTNERSHIP

Festival of the senses

28/ POSITIVE IMPACT TOURS 30/ WELLNESS RETREATS 32/ RENEWABLE ENERGY

Set in wine country on the outskirts of Swansea, the East Coast Harvest Odyssey – aka ECHO Festival – offers a diverse program of interactive experiences involving food, science, nature and art. Stand-out activities this year include The Great Eastern Ferment (grape stomping) and Kelp Forest activations at the Beaker St Science Bar.

For more, visit echofestival.com.au

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

21

what’s on.

YOUR NEW TO-DO LIST 24–26 March

RUN WITH kunanyi Searching for your next running adventure? Look no further than the three-day festival at kunanyi: a sacred mountain right on Hobart’s doorstep. There’s something for runners and non-runners alike, from trail runs to activities at the runHub. kunanyimountain.run

All event details are up to date at the time of print, but can change.

For updates, consult organisers directly.

17 MARCH–1 APRIL

QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Shake your groove thing at Priscilla Queen of The Desert, The Musical! Presented by Encore Theatre Company at Launceston’s Princess Theatre, this much-loved show is sure to have you singing (and dancing) along. theatrenorth.com.au/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert 25–26 March

LOCAL FLAVOURS

East Devonport’s Jewellery, Gem and Mineral Fair is a twoday extravaganza of all things sparkly. You’ll find plenty to see and do here, from faceting and cabochon demonstrations to children’s activities like gem sieving and gem/gold panning. devonportlapidary.com

Celebrate local produce from Meander Valley at the Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival. It’s an action-packed day of competitions, demonstrations and live music, with stalls featuring food, drinks and produce – including garlic and tomatoes, of course. tgtf.org.au

15–29 April

ART IN THE HUON VALLEY Since 2015, the Geeveston Art Show has celebrated the work of local creative talent. Held in Geeveston Town Hall, the show exhibits a range of art forms, including works done on paper and canvas, plus textiles and ceramics – with awards up for grabs in each category. geevestonartshow.com.au 22

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

Photos: kunani Mountain Run; Credit Courtesy of CLOC Musical Theatre, Photographer Ben Fon; Bush Tucker by Jilliam O’Brien, Alexander Davies; tgtf.org.au

ALL THAT GLITTERS

19 March

lifestyle Want to tell us about your event or product?

Reach us at journeys@ ract.com.au

WHAT’S BLOOMING?

with SADIE CHRESTMAN from Fat Pig Farm Autumn is tomato season: every lunch includes thick slices of juicy beefsteaks and oxhearts, a sprinkle of salt ten minutes before you eat them (to draw out just the right amount of juice), then pepper and a slosh of your favourite olive oil. We eat flavour-packed cherry tomatoes straight from the vine as a gardener’s reward or a post-school snack. However, we have found it best to ripen large tomatoes indoors before they succumb to pests.

Pick them as they develop some colour and lay them out on a tea towel or cardboard tray out of direct sunlight and try not to let

Make a note

them touch each other. Each day pick the ripest for lunch. As the heat dissipates it’s time once again to sow coriander and dill.

Plant heaps and let them flower and seed around the brassicas.

22 March

Harvest now Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant Plant now Last chance to transplant healthy brassica seedlings, spring onions, English spinach

Read For those interested in travelling Tasmania by road, you can’t go past Catherine Best’s new guide Ultimate Caravan Trips: Australia, which contains Tassie highlights.

Listen For an uptempo mix of reggae, funk and dance, check out the new release from Tassie band The Embers.

Catch the festival favourites live at the Altar in Hobart on 25 March.

See Devonport’s Bass Strait Maritime Centre is celebrating 50 years in 2023.

See the captivating exhibition Ice in the Rigging: Voyage to the Antarctic until 16 April.

RACT 100 Years of Service book launch Join us from 5.30pm in our Hobart branch for the official launch of our 100-year commemorative coffee table book.

Buy your copy at the event and have it signed by author Nick Brodie. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to events@ract.com.au

lifestyle

Keeping it clean FOODIE finds

Ultra-ethical seafood

lutruwita/Tasmania is well ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability, but that doesn’t mean our chefs and restaurateurs don’t strive for improvement. Nola James looks at the top eco-friendly dining trends around the state and the venues that are leading the charge.

Kobi Ruzicka, owner of Hobart degustation restaurant Dier Makr is part of a growing cohort of restaurateurs who are serving sustainable seafood on their menu. It’s a sentiment shared

by Whitney Ball, who co-owns Tom McHugo’s with partner Tom Westcott. “We see seafood as a specialty item,” Whitney says. That means forging close relationships with local fishers and limiting oyster service to the winter months, when the native angasi is in season.

No-waste markets

Single use plastics have been off the menu in Hobart since 2021, and Launceston has banned 24

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

lifestyle

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

Photos: Chris Crerar; www.launnie.com.au; Dearna Bond, @timbrekitchen

Timbre Kitchen sources produce from neighbours; Harvest Market is cutting its carbon footprint; milk on tap at Pigeon Hole cafe; plastic-free Farm Gate Market; sustainable seafood at Dier Makr; find seasonal, local produce at Farm Gate Market.

their use at council-sponsored events, but two local farmers’ markets have gone one better by making sure every fork, produce bag and coffee cup is 100 percent compostable. Hobart’s zero-plastic Farm Gate Market, which recently celebrated its 13th anniversary, has a rotating roster of more than 200 producers who are audited to make sure their sustainability ethos extends beyond market day. And in Launceston, the Harvest Market team is undertaking research into the market’s carbon footprint, with plans to become fully carbon neutral (and zero-waste) by 2025.

Trade arrangement

When Matt Adams opened Timbre Kitchen, about 10 minutes’ drive north of Launceston, in 2016, his top priority was finding a more sustainable way to write the menu. “I put out a call on Facebook and Insta for backyard veg, saying ‘if you have any excess produce bring it in’.” These days, almost all his produce is

neighbour-sourced (Matt trades it for restaurant vouchers). “We never say no to any of the veg.

We look at the product and write the menu from that,” he says. “A lot of the stuff is preserved in peak season, so we can eat and serve it through the year, too.”

Coffee culture

The waste generated from our daily coffee extends beyond cups, with plastic milk cartons filling up recycling bins all over the shop. Expect to see more cafes transitioning to milk in kegs, a system which operates a bit like a beer tap, but for dairy. Mona is an early adopter of the technology, with plastic milk bottles banned throughout the museum’s eateries since 2021, but it’s not just for the big players. West Hobart cafe Pigeon Hole now has Ashgrove Milk on tap, in line with owners Richard and Belinda Weston’s (of Weston Farm) commitment to paddock-to-plate consumption.

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A Tassie

partnership

change

for

David and Liz Hunn of Hunnington Distillery and Deadman’s Point Spirits talk to Journeys about their exponential rise in the distilling world, and the strong ‘don’t drink and drive’ message behind our partnership.

T

hey only started distilling in 2017, yet the quality of their whisky, gins and vodkas is far beyond their years.

Just past Kettering Yacht Club, overlooking Trial Bay and beyond, stands the quiet, self-built home of David and Liz Hunn.

The property is surrounded by a large, well-kept garden, featuring many of the types of trees and plants that can produce ingredients for distilling – which they put to good use.

An open cellar door experience means, on arrival, Scip (dog and Head of Security) welcomes you and announces your arrival. From there, David and Liz take you to their tasting table, set amongst sandstone walls, an inbuilt fireplace and hanging vines, which provide welcome shade on a sunny day.

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JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

Photos: Sam Shelley

Despite only just meeting the couple, their friendly nature combined with graceful hosting instantly make you feel as comfortable as if you were visiting a neighbour or old friend.

Their motivation to enter the world of distilling formed as any new business should – with a passion for the product and a yearning to try something new. And as needed in any relationship, this start-up also required compromise. Their dual-use shed, perfect for a distilling start-up, meant Liz giving up her half of the space; in return, she asked for a better gin than she could find anywhere else, and so it began.

When revealing to their kids they were embarking on this new journey, they were met with excitement, followed by questions like: “What are you going to name it?” Full of confidence they would approve of the name Hunnington, after which their kids had originally named their house, they were met with “that’s the most boring name I’ve ever heard”. Stunned, David replied: “What would you name it then?”

Their son pointed out, “You’ve got Kettering Bay, Trial Bay, and Deadman’s Point, I’d name it Deadman’s Point”.

Accepting defeat, they compromised, naming their white spirits after the nearby location.

It was David’s nervous first barrel that put them on the map. Liz, who had recently rediscovered her talent and love for art, had painted Bill Lark – founder of Lark Distillery – as her entry for the Archibald Prize, and now Bill had also agreed to tasting David’s first whisky.

David sat nervously as Bill sniffed, sipped and took notes. Bill eventually revealed just how good this batch was, his tasting notes ending with, “it makes you want to lick your own tongue”.

LEFT TO RIGHT David and Liz make their products by hand with the best ingredients they can grow (and find); their award-winning range includes varieties of gin, vodka and whisky; the distillery is located in Kettering, a 30-minute drive from Hobar’s city centre

On Bill’s advice, they submitted their brew to the World Whisky Bible, where they scored a 91 out of 100. David revealed a few of their secrets: their clean, crisp water, the southerly salty air blown in, and the extreme variations in temperature the barrel experiences.

Whilst the whisky is currently sold out, soon it will be available again as a limited edition, featuring RACT 100-year branding and strong messaging on being responsible while drinking.

David and Liz say it was important that they were partnering with a Tasmanian brand, and it was RACT’s standing as an organisation that convinced them to go ahead with the partnership.

Because of the known correlation between alcohol and dangerous driving, the partnership between Hunnington and RACT has led to what is believed to be the first drink driving warning on a bottle of spirits.

“We know alcohol is a part of our culture, but through the inclusion of a warning label on these bottles, we’re ensuring people are educated on the dangers at the point of consumption, and really putting the warning in front of people,” RACT’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Garry Bailey, said.

“It’s our hope that this new warning will become an industry standard, and as commonplace on alcohol products as the labels on the dangers of alcohol and pregnancy.”

Members will receive a discount on the 100-year bottle and it will be available for purchase through hunningtondistillery.com.au

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lifestyle TOP five

Positive impact tours Tours that give back through conservation and wildlife education provide a richer experience. Helen Hayes finds five tours making a difference.

1 MARIA ISLAND WALK, MARIA ISLAND A four-day guided walk is the best way to explore Maria Island: a national park with myriad wildlife including wombats, Tasmanian devils and 125 bird species. The walk combines wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, a World Heritage-listed convict settlement, eco-friendly accommodation and fine Tasmanian fare. mariaislandwalk.com

2 WILD PLATYPUS, BURNIE

3 wukalina WALK, BAY OF FIRES During the four-day wukalina Walk, proud palawa guides share their perspective, stories and connection to Country. The small group experience offers a journey across traditional homelands, immersive cultural activities and accommodation in an architecturally designed camp within wukalina (Mt William National Park) and a lightkeeper’s cottage at larapuna (Bay of Fires). wukalinawalk.com.au

3

4 WILD OCEAN TASMANIA, TASMAN PENINSULA This two-hour small group tour affords breathtaking views of the coastline between Eaglehawk Neck and Cape Hauy and possible wildlife sightings of seals, dolphins, rare sea birds and albatross. Wild Ocean raises awareness about the importance of protecting coastal zones, and part of its profits are used for conservation work. wildoceantasmania.com.au 5 WOMEN’S ADVENTURE WALK, FLINDERS ISLAND Explore the peaks of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki and be rewarded with superb coastal vistas on World Expeditions’ women-only Flinders Island adventure. The six-day itinerary includes private safari-style eco-comfort camp accommodation and pre-trek training, while directly supporting positive impact projects. worldexpeditions.com

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5

1 4

Photos: Tourism Australia; Tash Thomson Photography; Tayla Gentle; @wildoceantasmania; Wild Women on Top

2

Burnie is the gateway to wilderness, beaches and … platypuses. Wild Platypus provides ethical, low-impact wildlife ecotours in Fern Glade Reserve, a haven for these quirky monotremes and other threatened species including the Tasmanian giant freshwater lobster, quolls and bandicoots. wild-platypus.weeblysite.com

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ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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STILLNESS AND THE

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Wild

lifestyle

“The more we know ourselves, the more we can cultivate those areas that create good spirit or attend to those areas that are constricting us.”

Connection to Country is an essential experience. “We all come from traditions that have earth-honouring ancestors and this is about reconnecting with those sources of inspiration,” Ruth says.

Bruny Island retreats

“Getting away from it all” is a popular wish for any wellness warrior. Tasmania offers a suite of transformative female-led nature retreats designed to catalyse change, writes Amanda Ducker.

Photos: Nerissa Stanley; Chris Crerar

O LEFT TO RIGHT

Celebrate sisterhood at Embodied Woman Retreat; connect to Country at Ancestral Repair Retreat.

n the east coast is the wellness retreat, the Ancestral Repair Retreat, at Spring Bay Mill, near Triabunna. The three-day retreat combines Indigenous medicines therapy with Tasmanian Aboriginal-owned social enterprise Nayri Niara, ancient Hawaiian traditions and protocols by Mana O Kahiko and Holotropic Breathwork by Melbourne Breathwork. Rich in ceremony and ritual, the retreat series will continue throughout the year on the site of what was once the world’s biggest woodchip mill and is now undergoing its own renewal as a multi-purpose event venue.

Ruth Langford of Nayri Niara is one of the retreat facilitators: “When we can enquire more deeply into our sense of our own patternings and the way we respond to the world, it empowers us to respond differently, make changes, and claim and enliven the gifts we have,” Ruth says.

Abby Aquila of ReWilding with Abby describes the Embodied Woman Retreats she runs with yoga teacher and massage therapist Ebony Prins as “very elemental”. Air, water, fire and earth are all honoured at the Bruny Island Lodge gatherings, embodied with activities including breathwork, dancing and yoga. “I always feel the dancing is about fire, because we are able to express our truth through movement,” Abby says.

Holding space for women – including through traditional women’s circles – is an integral aspect of the retreats.

“If you look at ancient cultures, the women and men didn’t tend to mix that much. Women really need the women to share with, and rather than sharing to get answers and solutions, it is to be witnessed.”

Having hosted retreats for several years, Abby and Ebony take particular care to earth participants before they return to everyday life. “When you step into a retreat space or any kind of facilitated experience you are choosing change. In any vision or wilderness quest… we need to navigate our return when we bring this newly birthed version of ourselves back to family, friends and work, who may want to hold us to what we were before,” Abby says.

Another Bruny Island retreat is run by Hobart vinyasa and yin yoga teachers Catherine Crane and Jac Keleher. Their Enso weekend yoga retreats are also held at Bruny Island Lodge, which is a rustic timber chalet on hundreds of acres of bushland. Drawing on elements of Zen Buddhism, the most recent retreat explored aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.

The two-night Enso retreats include accommodation, vegetarian meals cooked by an in-house chef, daily yoga sessions, morning meditations and breathwork, and more.

Visit nayriniaragoodspirit.com or abbygilbert.com.au or email jacandcatherine@gmail.com

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TASMANIA

In 1895, Launceston was the first Australian city to be lit by hydropower. Today, we’re the first Aussie state to be 100 percent self-sufficient in renewable energy. Here’s how we did it.

lights way

THE

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Turn the lights on

The first Australian city to be lit by hydropower was Launceston, with the Duck Reach Power Station opening on the South Esk River in 1895.

Now a museum, it was the first publicly owned hydro-electric power station in Australia and one of the earliest in the world, producing enough power to light around 1200 homes.

By 1914, it was hydro-elecricity’s turn to make a splash. A small electricity company, now known as the Hydro Electric Corporation (HEC), was purchased by the Tasmanian Government.

Just two years later, Waddamana, part of the Great Lake Power Scheme, was opened with great fanfare by Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson.

Photos: Adam Gibson (Penstock Lagoon), Tourism Tasmania

T

asmania’s natural beauty is astonishing, with pristine lakes, tangled forests that are home to myriad flora and fauna, rugged peaks, wild coastlines and glorious landscapes of fertile land growing an abundance of produce. Nature’s bounty also helps power our small state, with the hydro-electric power scheme harnessing the water through dams and power stations built in very difficult conditions.

That pioneering spirit and determination for innovation is just as evident today, with the move towards other methods of renewable energy. And Tasmania is front and centre in the renewables space, just as it has been for over a century.

But with change, comes challenge. In 1972, the flooding of Lake Pedder for dams on the Serpentine and Huon rivers, and the consequent flooding of its natural basin, caused massive environmental damage and loss of habitat.

However, it also led to an uprising of people who cared for the environment. By 1983, people power played a huge role in saving the Franklin River – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – from a similar fate, when the High Court ruled it must be protected.

Blowing in the wind

By the late ‘70s, the HEC had begun experimenting with wind power. In 1998, it commissioned its first wind farm at King Island’s Huxley Hill, installing three 250-watt generators. And in 2004, a 130-megawatt wind farm at Woolnorth was commissioned, with many more following. Granville Harbour is one of the newest locations and now has 31 wind turbines that can power 46,000 homes.

The last hydro-electric power station to be built in Tasmania was the Anthony Power Station on the west coast of Tasmania, commissioned in 1994. The name was later changed to Tribute Power Station to recognise the thousands of workers involved in building the hydro-electric power system that helped make Tasmania the 100 percent renewable energy state that it is today. In 2019–20, just under 90 percent of electricity generated in the state came from hydro-electric systems, and around 10 percent was accounted for by wind generation.

Tasmania is front and centre in the renewable space, just as it has been for over a century constrained energy shortages in Tasmania and protecting Victoria and southern states against the shortage of peak load power. A new sibling, the Marinus Link, will have three times the capacity of Basslink, delivering low-cost, reliable and clean energy for customers. Excess energy generated on the mainland will be able to be stored in Tasmania’s hydro storage and made available when demand outstrips supply.

Looking ahead, Tasmanian Minister for Energy, Guy Barnett, told Journeys that the Tasmanian Government would legislate the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target (TRET), which will double Tasmania’s renewable energy by 2040.

“The TRET goes far beyond other Australian states and is unmatched globally,” he says.

Just as Tasmania was a pioneer in the development and adoption of hydropower all those years ago, it continues to lead the nation in the race to become a renewable powerhouse.

What’s next?

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

Penstock Lagoon, constructed in 1916 for hydro water storage at Waddamana power station; Woolnorth, on the north-west coast, has the cleanest air in the world.

Not content to simply produce enough green energy to satisfy its own needs, Tasmania is ensuring its renewable energy supply helps to meet peak demand levels interstate.

The Basslink Interconnector, opened in 2006 between Tasmania and Victoria, was the longest High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable of its type in the world when it was constructed – and even today, its 290km submarine cable section remains the second longest globally.

Crossing Bass Strait to connect Victoria’s Loy Yang Power Station with the George Town substation in northern Tasmania, Basslink allows the trade of electricity between Tasmania and the National Electricity Market, to the benefit of both parties – mitigating the risk of droughtract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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The Solar Experts

The Tas Energy Saver Loan Scheme is HERE! The Tasmanian Government, in collaboration with Brighte Finance, are bringing you the Energy Saver Loan Scheme. A 0% interest free loan of up to $10,000 is available on a range of energy efficient products, including Solar, Battery Storage and Heat Pump Hot Water.

Call us at I Want Energy today to arrange a free consultation, and leave it to the experts.

The Solar Experts

iwantenergy.com.au

(03) 6234 7009

Find us on Facebook

drive

39 / 0–100 REVIEW: TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS 40 / ROAD TEST: BMW IX XDRIVE40 SPORT 47 / IN REVERSE: TESLA ROADSTER 48 / CHANGE MAKERS: SEA ELECTRIC

After an extended period of SUV mainstays running on tired legs, Nissan has re-emerged with three all-new models, ranging from the eight-seat Pathfinder to the urban-focused Qashqai. In between is the versatile X-Trail, built on the same platform as the Qashqai but boasting more rugged styling and the option of a compact third row of seats. The six-variant range includes two- and fourwheel drive versions, plus five- and seven-seat capacity, priced from $36,750 to $52,990 (MRLP). Power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine putting 135kW and 244Nm through a CVT transmission and sipping unleaded at 7.4 to 7.8L/100km, depending on the variant. Meanwhile, the e-POWER drivetrain offers a lower-emission hybrid alternative. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged threecylinder petrol engine charges the car’s lightweight, lithium-ion battery pack, which then provides power to an electric motor via an inverter – offering the same high-performance driving experience as an all-electric car, minus the range anxiety and with lower 6.1L/100km fuel consumption. The new Nissan X-Trail is on sale now, with e-POWER variants due this year.

Photos: Nissan

Nissan’s SUV Triple Treat

36 / AUTO NEWS

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auto news.

Developments in the car world

BY THE NUMBERS

A century of change: 1923 to 2023 With RACT celebrating its 100th birthday this year, we take a look back at some of the big automotive moments from 100 years ago.

33 cars ... ... took to a series of interconnected rural roads in the Sarthe region of France on Saturday 26 May 1923 for the first edition of the 24-hour Speed and Endurance Grand Prix/Rudge-Whitworth Cup. These days it’s more commonly known as the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Grand Prix d’Endurance de 24 Heures) and is regarded as the world’s greatest endurance racing event. With all but three of the original 33 starters being French, it’s perhaps not surprising that first race was won by Parisian automotive company Chenard-Walcker. The 2023 event will feature the return of French car maker Peugeot with its radical 9X8 hybrid-powered racer, looking to take the Hypercar class trophy from the Toyota GR010 Hybrids that have dominated the race in recent years.

Road Safety – Mobile Speed Camery Livery Kia Sorento Option 1

MORE CAMERAS.

MOBILE SP

PEED CAMERA

Photo: Powerhouse collection. Gift of ‘Modern Motor’ magazine, 1963. Photographer Laurie Adams.

6 models ... ... of two-seater sporting cars were approved

by William Morris of Morris Garages in Oxford UK; these became the first MG sports cars.

Developed from the original four-seater Morris Cowleys, the two seaters came about as a result of the efforts of Cecil Kimber, whose enthusiasm for motorsport saw him developing ‘souped up’ Morris cars, with which he won gold in the 1923 London to Land’s End Trial. Kimber’s success prompted Morris to approve the new sports cars, and thus a legend was born.

3 days ... ... is how long it took for the baked enamel paint to dry on Henry Ford’s Model T in 1923. That same year, chemists at the DuPont chemical group and technicians at General Motors invented Duco Paint, which dried faster, was just as affordable and came in every colour of the rainbow. The innovation allowed GM to offer its cars in a range of different hues, whereas the Model T came only in black. Coupled with GM president Alfred Sloan’s approach of arranging the various brands from entry-level Chevrolet to luxury Cadillac, Duco Paint played a key part in helping GM to US market leadership by 1927.

16 examples ... ... are estimated to be all that remain of the Australian Six automobile, a 1923 version of which is on display in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum Collection. In what is regarded as the first serious attempt to develop an Australian automotive industry, Australian Motors Ltd produced around 500 Australian Six automobiles in Sydney between 1918 and 1925.

The museum’s H23 Tourer features a factory-built, four-door seven-seat tourer body, with fold-down seats and tan paintwork and upholstery. The company’s motto was ‘Made in Australia, by Australians, for Australia’ but manufacturing issues and business problems meant the last Australian Six was built at Five Dock in 1925.

LESS TOLERANCE. With more resources, including new mobile speed cameras, if you’re driving even a few kilometres over the speed limit the time for excuses is over.

Helping Tasmanians is what we’ve always done

BC • 9007

And it’s what we’ll always do

drive

0 –100 review

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS HYBRID Toyota’s long-serving and well-regarded Corolla family has a new, higher-riding member with a more practical SUV body style and the fuel-sipping appeal of a hybrid drivetrain.

Story Harry Weller THE NEW COROLLA CROSS IS THE SORT OF practical, compact SUV package Aussies love. Based on the Japanese car maker’s Corolla hatch and sedan, the new model gets a boost in ride and roof height among a raft of changes that add to its versatility and appeal. Available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive, and petrol or petrol-hybrid powertrains, it’s priced from $33,000 (MRLP) for the entry level 2WD GX petrol, rising through eight variants to the Atmos Hybrid AWD, costing $49,050 (MRLP).

Choosing the fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain adds $2500 to the price of the GX, while the midrange GXL is priced from $36,750 for the petrol, $39,250 for the 2WD hybrid and $42,250 for the AWD hybrid. Stepping up to the flagship Atmos sees prices rise to $43,550 for the petrol, $46,050 for the 2WD hybrid and $49,050 for the AWD hybrid. Power for the petrol variants comes from a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine developing

126kW/202Nm and driving the front wheels via a sequential 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), to return combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km. Hybrid versions employ a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine teamed with an electric motor on the front axle for a maximum power output of 146kW and thrifty combined cycle consumption of 4.3L/100km. Hybrid AWD variants add a second electric drive motor on the rear axle, which improves traction but leads to slightly higher fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km. The entire Corolla Cross range gets an upgraded version of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes lane-change assist and safe-exit assist, along with other advanced driverassistance features. In fact, Toyota claims the Corolla Cross has the richest suite of active safety and Connected Services technologies of any Toyota model to date. Having sampled both the petrol and hybrid drivetrains, we’re committed fans of the latter, thanks to the extra oomph provided by the electric motor(s), plus we like the extra grip of AWD on Tassie’s often-slick roads. With the pulling power of the Corolla badge, plus the new model’s higher ride height, greater interior flexibility and the appeal of fuelefficient hybrid drivetrains, expect to see plenty of Corolla Cross on roads in 2023.

THE SPECS RETAIL PRICE: $49,050 (MRLP) BODY STYLE: Small SUV SEATING: 5 FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 4.4L/100km (101g/km CO2) ANCAP SAFETY RATING: 5 Star (2023) ENGINE: 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol (112kW/190Nm); front-axle mounted 83kW/206Nm electric motor; rear-mounted 30kW electric motor (combined outputs 146kW) TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable with 10-speed sequential manual mode DRIVE TYPE: E-Four AWD system 0-100KM/H: 7.6 seconds For more visit: toyota.com.au

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drive

ROAD

TEST

Putting this luxury electric vehicle, the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport, through its paces on a trip to Mount Field National Park via the Central Highlands is a thrilling experience.

Words Amanda Ducker Photos Stu Gibson

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While the xDrive40 is a tad more heavily haunched than I’d envisaged, it is a charismatic chariot to behold. The interior is next level, with gear shifter, iDrive controller and seatadjustment knobs all made from Swarovski crystal. Complementing the shameless bling is a ‘Shy Tech’ design that mostly hides an 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system from view. Messing around with Spotify, we fall into a swoon when we feel the bass notes of our Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey sad-girl songs vibrating through the seats.

The salesman snaps us back to reality.

“I nearly gave my mother whiplash on my first test-drive in this model,” he says. “It is blisteringly quick to accelerate.”

I nose through the city streets until we reach the Brooker Highway. When the speed limit lifts, I press pedal towards metal. The power surge is thrilling and so is the sound. BMW commissioned Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to come up with a suite of simple,

Photos: Stu Gibson

I

’m behind the wheel of an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time. My 17-year-old daughter and I exchange secret smiles every time the salesman unveils another futuristic feature of the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport.

We are starting at the top end in this metallic Sophisto Grey fully electric SUV. Barely believing it’s ours for the day, we excitedly set out on a loop drive from Hobart to the Central Highlands and over to Mount Field National Park.

We are test-driving not only the EV Bimmer but also my state of mind for any signs of range anxiety. That’s how EV drivers describe their reaction to the prospect of running out of battery power before they reach a recharging station, with even high-end EV batteries yet to match the range of equivalent petrol and dieselpowered vehicles. Our proposed route should keep us well inside the iX xDrive40 Sport’s advertised 426km range, but we shall see.

drive

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

Photos: Name Here

Lawrenny Estate; a petrol pump confined to history; strolling through Mount Field National Park; lambs add to Rathmore House’s charm; a smooth ride in the xDrive40.

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drive CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Morning tea at Rathmore House; lunch outside Lawrenny Estate’s distillery; the high-spec interiors of the EV; Lawrenny Estate boasts luscious gardens and a grand house.

futuristic sounds, dubbed IconicSounds Electric, to score the EV’s operations, including start, stop and accelerate. Zimmer’s aural cues are both mesmerising and reassuring in the absence of engine sounds, and within the cosseted – but potentially discombobulating – interior.

Crossing the River Derwent at Bridgewater, we head to the Central Highlands to visit one of my favourite B&Bs, Rathmore House.

I’ve been meaning to get back here for years, having brought my little Zara to stay eight years ago. That was soon after new owners Cally and Richard Lyons opened the historic sandstone home to paying guests.

Back in the car, we head to Lawrenny Estate, a whisky distillery about 15 minutes away, between Hamilton and Ouse. Head distiller Joe

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drive

Dinsmoor invites us to stay for a BYO picnic lunch in the leafy gardens. We then recross the river at nearby Meadowbank Lake en route to Mount Field National Park. On straight stretches, I test the iX xDrive 40 Sport’s smart system – driving sensors that correct my line whenever I run over white rumble strips marking road edges. The vehicle corners beautifully.

Outside the Mount Field National Park Visitors’ Centre, we spot the charging station we noted on the recharging app earlier and decide to top up. It’s in use, though, so we head on up to the Tall Trees walk, an easy 1km stroll known for its towering swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans).

When we return to the recharging station half an hour later, the same EV is still plugged in.

As it’s approaching day’s end, we give up and head back to Hobart. It’s a timely reminder that though charging stations are popping up in regional Tasmania, the process takes longer than refuelling, and much longer if you have to wait your turn.

Book a test drive of the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport at Hobart BMW, 23 Barrack Street, hobartbmw.com.au

THE SPECS PRICING • $184,888 driveaway in Tas (no stamp duty in Tasmania, saves around $7k on this particular car) BODY STYLE • SUV SEATING • 5 ENERGY CONSUMPTION • Electric consumption 24.5kWh/100km C02-emission (combined) 0g/km ELECTRIC RANGE • 426km CHARGING TIME AC • e.g., at BMW Wallbox, 0-100 percent state of charge (SOC): 7.5hr CHARGING TIME DC • e.g., at high power-charging station, 10-80 percent SOC: 31 min BATTERY SIZE • 76.6kWh/74.4kWh CHARGING/PLUG • Includes a five-year Chargefox subscription DRIVE TYPE • Four-wheel drive MAX POWER • 240kW MAX TORQUE • 630Nm 0-100KM/H IN SECONDS • 6.1 SAFETY RATING • 5 star

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Straight

Curved

in reverse

THE ROADSTER AND THE ROCKET MAN MODEL

ENGINE

CLAIM TO FAME

Tesla Roadster

3-phase, 4-pole, induction electric motor

The first all-electric vehicle

The Tesla Roadster introduced the world to a car manufacturer that is also a technology company.

It was also a vehicle with the core technologies of a battery, computer software and electric motor. Now discontinued, it holds an important place in the story of the modern electric vehicle.

Story Harry Weller

Photos: Alamy

W

hen the complete history of the world’s transition from combustion to electricpowered vehicles is finally written, one person will stand out as having had an impact arguably up there with the likes of Karl Benz, inventor of the first internal combustion powered automobile, and Henry Ford, who masterminded automotive mass production. That person is Elon Musk, the South Africanborn dot.com entrepreneur who introduced the world to the electronic

payment firm PayPal and the rocket manufacturing and space exploration company SpaceX, before investing in silicon-valley electric car start-up Tesla in 2004. Few could have imagined that Musk and his quartet of Tesla cofounders’ first production model, a quirky carbon-fibre bodied two-seater based on the Lotus Elise sports car, would lay the platform for the modern automotive colossus that is Tesla today.

The seminal Tesla sports car was produced from 2008 to 2012 and is notable for being the first road-legal car to use lithium-ion batteries to power its rear-mid-mounted electric motor, and

the first to have a range of more than 320km on a charge. Only around 2400 were built, with an estimated 30 making it to Australia, where its $240,000-plus price tag and compact two-seat body ensured it was never a volume player.

Instead, this remarkable little machine established the technical template for the Tesla Model S and subsequent models that followed, helping make Tesla not only the world’s best-selling EV brand until recently, but also the most valuable car brand by market capitalisation.

In 2018, Musk’s personal 2010 Tesla Roadster also became the first production car launched into space, in a publicity stunt for SpaceX. These days the Tesla Roadster is a rarely sighted but highly collectable car, sought after

by EV enthusiasts as much for its sharp handling and eager acceleration as for its historic role in the development of Tesla and EVs more broadly. In April 2022, a 2011 model year red and black roadster was advertised by a Perth seller on Carsales.com.au for $190,000, with the owner promoting its 394km battery range and 0-100km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds. ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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change makers

SEA

What inspired SEA Electric?

It came during a few trips to Europe 10 years ago where I saw electrification in the commercial vehicle industry starting to be discussed. I saw a couple of companies that were early in consideration for the ‘last mile’ urban delivery vehicle segment. That’s when I identified the pending opportunity.

Are electric vehicles (EVs) the future? Why?

The total cost of ownership of an electric commercial vehicle is approaching that 48

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Electric trucks produce no noise, no fumes, no heat – and it’s an Aussie company spearheading the revolution, writes Dylan Campbell.

of an internal combustion engine, and in the very near future will be a more cost-efficient solution. Then there’s the environmental benefit and the driver benefit. There’s also a health benefit; diesel vehicles are emitting known carcinogenic particulates. It’s kind of win-win-win on all fronts for electric commercial vehicles.

What’s it like to drive an EV? Paint us a picture.

Electric vehicles in general are fantastic.

The driveability when comparing an electric vehicle to an internal combustion engine is more prevalent in a truck because you’re eliminating the noise and emissions associated with big diesel engines. You haven’t got any transmission movement, there’s only linear acceleration and deceleration.

You invest heavily in manufacturing vehicles in Australia. Why? Isn’t overseas cheaper?

I’m a proud Australian and want to give something back and employ Australians, build a business and leave a legacy in this space in Australia. In this segment, quality is important and the need to simplify and optimise

while building quality product is there (in Australia). There’s a difference.

We need to think a bit outside the square.

What does a typical day look like?

There isn’t a typical day! Depending on our stage of capital raise, it might be lots of meetings with investors and shareholders around raising capital; or updating on business structure or strategy. Or it could be with our suppliers, negotiating deals with our purchasing team or with our customers, taking new orders and building business.

Also, lots of travel and focus on building the business and making it sustainable under its own steam. We think we’re about 12 to 18 months away from being EBITDA-positive and self-sustaining.

What do you drive?

I’ve got an electric Porsche Taycan.

It’s awesome. That being said, my wife’s got a Tesla Model 3 and I love driving that as well. I actually think the Tesla has better technology than the Porsche, but the Porsche is a much nicer driving experience.

Photos: Supplied by SEA Electric

T

ony Fairweather, 51, is the Melbourne-born founder and president of SEA Electric. Since 2012, it’s been converting small- and medium-sized trucks into allelectric vehicles using powerful electric motors and lithium-ion battery packs with up to 320km of range. More than 250 SEA Electric trucks are on the road in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand and the US. With nearly 2000 more on the order books, SEA Electric – a staunch believer of ‘made in Australia’ – recently doubled the capacity of its Melbourne factory.

CHANGE

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Breathe Easy. www.goodcar.co | info@goodcar.co ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

49

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Photos: Tourism Tasmania Emilie Ristevski

travel

Turning of the fagus

54/ 56/ 58/ 62/ 68/

TRAVEL NEWS PIT STOP: COLES BAY THE WILD, WILD WEST KING ISLAND TASSIE’S TOURISM SECRETS

From late April to May, Tasmania’s sole winter deciduous native tree, the fagus, transforms hillsides into shades of orange, red and gold.

Also known as Nothofagus gunnii, deciduous beech and tanglefoot, fagus thrives in wet, mountainous areas; Mount Field National Park and the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park are great places to catch this breathtaking display.

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travel news.

Inspiration for exploring our state

3 TO TRY

Independent book stores

DEVONPORT BOOKSHOP

PETRARCH’S BOOKSHOP Named after the Italian poet Petrarca, this family-owned-andoperated bookshop in Launceston stocks a wide range of book categories and regularly hosts author readings and reader events.

HOBART BOOKSHOP Swing by this vibrant store in Salamanca Square for a curated selection of previously loved books as well as an entire section that specialises in Tasmanian fiction and non-fiction.

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Luxury island escape

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Southern Ocean, King Island’s Shore House (formerly Porky Beach Retreat) is a stylish sanctuary, refreshed and refurbished in 2022. Available as an exclusive hire for up to eight people, it’s remote enough to provide a safe haven for guests, though still allow access to the island’s many offerings.

For more, visit shorehousekingisland.com.au

Photos: Marnie Hawson; Chris Crerar; Bronwyn Scanlon

Devonport locals Tim and Annie Gott have run this local bookstore since 1995. Located on the pedestrian-only Rooke Street Mall, its shelves are lined with the latest releases and classics.

travel

IN FULL FLIGHT On an 8ha property overlooking Kettering you’ll find Raptor Refuge: home to three of the largest raptor flight aviaries in the southern hemisphere, purposebuilt to flight-train birds recovering from injury.

Book a tour to get up close to the birds, or for something extra special, try a private picnic on the grounds.

TAKE THE PLUNGE Relax and unwind Scandinavian-style at the wood-fired Floating Sauna on Lake Derby. Just the thing for weary cyclists after a long day on the trails, indulge in the soothing heat of the sauna before diving into the lake’s icy water. Repeat as needed. For more, visit floatingsauna.com.au

For more, visit raptorrefuge.com.au

CHANGE GEAR, VOLUNTEER Love driving? Looking for a way to help others?

Become a CTST volunteer and give back to your community.

Sign up today www.ctst.org.au/volunteer

Community Transport Services Tasmania (CTST) is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers door-to-door transport to support people to live well, maintain their independence, and connect with their community.

As the gateway to Tasmania’s oldest national park – Freycinet National Park – Coles Bay is as much about nature as a night’s nurture, writes Andrew Bain. One of the state’s favourite holiday towns, it’s somehow retained a village-like atmosphere in sight of some of the east coast’s most spectacular coastal scenery.

TOP TO BOTTOM

Connect with nature at Freycinet Lodge; sea-to-plate fare at Freycinet Marine Farm; Freycinet Lodge’s Coastal Pavilion.

Coles Bay The PIT STOP

EAT Go straight to the seafood source at Freycinet Marine Farm, dining on oysters harvested direct from the racks, along with farm-produced mussels. Add scallops, prawns and crayfish to the menu and you have the makings of a farmgate feast.

DO The best view is often the water view, so set out across the bay on a three-hour paddle with Freycinet Adventures, kayaking along the coastline beneath the Hazards, nosing ashore on Honeymoon Bay, and discovering the granite quarry that helped build Parliament House 56

JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

in Canberra and (so rumour has it) New York’s Empire State Building.

DRINK Get cosy in the Hazards Bar and Lounge at Freycinet Lodge. Or add a view of the Hazards to the experience at the Devil’s Corner cellar door, with its timber lookout tower and tasting deck peering down onto Moulting Lagoon and Coles Bay’s signature mountains.

STAY Nowhere else in the state can match Coles Bay for breadth of sleeping options, be it a patch of earth in the simple walkers’ campsite at the southern end of Wineglass Bay, a Coastal Pavilion with an outdoor bathtub at Freycinet Lodge, or the sheer opulence of Saffire Freycinet.

Freycinet Marine Farm

Freycinet Adventures

ESSENTIAL STOPS

• • • • •

W ineglass Bay

Hazards Bar and Lounge Freycinet Lodge

Freycinet Marine Farm Freycinet Adventures

Wineglass Bay

Hazards Bar and Lounge Freycinet Lodge FREYCINET

Photos: Supplied Courtesy of RACT Destinations;Tourism Tasmania

SEE Coles Bay’s big-ticket feature is curvaceous Wineglass Bay, and there are several ways to witness it. Most popular is the short climb to the lookout set on the slopes of the Hazards, from where the trail continues down onto the bay’s white sands. There’s also the more challenging scramble to the summit of Mt Amos for a loftier view. Less energetically, you can sail into the bay aboard Wineglass Bay Cruises, or peer down from the sky on a scenic flight with Freycinet Air.

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The Wild,

Wild West A visit to the remote rainforest arcadia at the southern end of the Tarkine wilderness is like stepping into an ecological time machine, writes Chris Crerar.

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travel

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

A

Kayak up and down the magical Pieman River; miner-style cottages are available alongside campsites at Corinna Wilderness Village; without access to internet or mobile coverage, visitors are encouraged to reconnect with nature and unwind.

Photos:Chris Barnbougle/Jacob Sjoman Photos: Crerar

s our kayaks slice through the inky, tannin stained, waters of the mighty Pieman River, it feels like we’re paddling back in time.

Ancient Gondwanan rainforest covers the hills around us and evaporative clouds cling to treetops, completing a scene that would have looked much the same several hundred thousand years ago. The increasingly rare privilege of what I’m experiencing isn’t lost on me.

A visit to remote Corinna on Tasmania’s wild West Coast is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to visit takyana (The Tarkine), in the heart of the southern hemisphere’s largest temperate rainforest. With the brilliant Corinna Wilderness Village waiting at the end of an impossibly scenic drive, it’s the most accessible way to experience this remnant patch of Gondwanaland.

Having driven in from Burnie and settled into our ‘eco-retreat’ cottages, squeezed into a gap in the rainforest, my travel buddies, Tracy and Alice, stroll with me down to the adorable Tarkine Hotel to enjoy hospitality and mealsperfectly matched to the exquisite landscape of remote Tasmania.

Soaking up the last light from the pub’s veranda, we concoct a plan to burn off tonight’s dessert calories tomorrow by taking advantage of the Wilderness Village’s kayak-bushwalk service. We nominate a designated kayak drop-off point and a hiking trail back into Corinna, knowing that the staff will collect the kayaks later. We settle on a plan: we’ll paddle downstream to Lover’s Falls, then back to the mouth of the Savage River, where we’ll hike two to three hours back through the rainforest.

Arriving at what looks like a door into the rainforest, we secure the kayaks and enter another world. ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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travel

3 other must-do Tassie rainforests Corinna is a remarkably accessible way to visit takayna, but at 3.5 hours’ drive from Launceston and over five hours from Hobart, it may be a stretch for the average weekend getaway. Fear not, Tasmania has many options for enjoying some quality rainforest time.

1

Only an hour from Hobart, Mt Field National Park encompasses various wild landscapes including alpine, tall eucalypt and beautiful waterfalls tumbling into rainforest.

There are plenty of accommodation options if you’re keen to make it a weekend adventure.

2

In the north, Liffey Falls are set in a magical rainforest less than an hour from Launceston. There’s a short walk down to the first sets of falls, but the real reward is in hiking down to the campground and back. Better still, camp overnight and do the return walk from your tent or camper.

3

Not far from Liffey and along the same slopes of the Great Western Tiers, you’ll find a multitude of walks around the upper reaches of the Meander River. The 10km return hike through mature rainforest into the 130m Meander Falls is spectacular, as is the shorter walk to Split Rock Falls. With the beautiful country town of Deloraine close by, you could do a couple of walks over a weekend, while enjoying the town’s pubs, restaurants and heritage accommodation.

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Early the next day, sea eagles and black cockatoos guide us towards Lover’s Falls. Arriving at what looks like a door into the rainforest, we secure the kayaks and enter another world. The rainforest is damp, intensely green and full of miniature life forms, including mosses, liverworts and colourful fungi, which tumble lace-like over an escarpment into an amphitheatre of tree ferns.

A honeymooning couple reputedly found a gold nugget near the falls in the 1930s and they’ve been called Lover’s Falls ever since.

It’s only a short paddle back to the surprisingly calm Savage River. Before leaving our kayaks, we paddle around the wreck of the SS Croydon, lying just beneath the surface. Full of timber, the ship sank in 1919, when there was a bustling mining and logging settlement here. Suspicion raged that the crew sabotaged the ship, keener to drink at the nearby pub rather than head back to sea. Scanning the rainforest, there’s no sign of the settlement or pub. Nature wins, I think to myself.

Tying the kayaks to the jetty, we dodge slippery roots up the hill, under a canopy of huge myrtle, sassafras and blackwood trees. Following the ridgeline, we catch glimpses across the vast green blanket of rainforest, before the trail takes us back to the banks of the Pieman and we enjoy an easy stroll past ancient Huon pines into Corinna.

Not yet lunchtime, we head to the pub for a coffee. Manager Matt Coxan tells us he moved to

We dodge slippery roots up the hill, under a canopy of huge myrtle, sassafras and blackwood trees.

Photos: Chris Crerar

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT

Paddle to Lover’s Falls; explore ‘another world’ on foot; examine a diversity of ferns, mosses, liverworts and fungi; nourish the senses in the tranquil rainforest; cruise the Pieman River aboard MV Arcadia; take in the stunning surrounds by water, at your own pace.

Corinna from South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.

“Corinna ticks a lot of the boxes for Tasmania,” Matt says. “You’ve got a river and a rainforest,” he dryly adds. “It’s off-grid and nature tourism at its best.”

Matt might just be right. Developed around the remaining buildings of what was once a booming gold mining town, Corinna has been sensitively expanded into a sustainable eco-resort, with a range of accommodation, including riverside camping, making takayna accessible to almost anyone. With solar power and a focus on lowimpact environmental practices, treading lightly is taken very seriously at the Wilderness Village.

As is giving visitors the opportunity to unhook from their devices and re-charge in nature. Corinna is free from mobile and internet coverage, which Matt says guests actually “love the most”. With the nearest alternative accommodation an hour away in either direction, this really is ‘outback’ Tasmania.

After being lulled into deep sleep by breezes running through the treetops, we wake early to spend our final day at Corinna heading back down the Pieman in a different kind of vessel. Joining fellow guests aboard MV Arcadia, a Huon pine motor launch built in 1939, we cruise at a leisurely pace down to the Pieman River heads. Around bend after bend the majestic Pieman reveals a remarkably intact natural landscape. Staring into the myriad shades of green is almost hypnotic.

At the heads, we’re given the opportunity to wander down to the log-strewn beach, where the Pieman meets the Southern Ocean. It’s a slightly surreal, edge-of-the-world feeling out here. It’s also along this coast that the tarkiner people flourished for over 40,000 years. I try to imagine them paddling the river in their canoes as we head back up the Pieman.

Plan now Feeling inspired to adventure? Secure your spot at corinna.com.au

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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Harnessing the

WAVES This tiny island in the Bass Strait is a leader in green energy.

Andrew Bain travels to King Island to explore its eco credentials.

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travel

A

LEFT TO RIGHT

Martha Lavinia, one of Australia’s best beach breaks; Currie, King Island’s largest town, is set on a harbour with incredible ocean views.

t Stokes Point, the wind and waves are neardeafening companions.

Off this southern tip of King Island, Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean meet so ferociously that, two decades ago, it was the site of the world’s first tow-in surfing competition. The only thing that rivals the ocean’s power here is the wind – the notorious roaring forties that blow in across thousands of kilometres of unbroken Southern Ocean waters, seemingly flattening the island in its path.

Standing here, among wind-pruned scrub, there’s a rawness and ruggedness that belies the gentility of King Island life – the green pastures, the laissez faire island days, the finely crafted cheeses and meats, and a burgeoning crop of luxury accommodation properties – but all inside the brutal grip of nature.

This is an island that has witnessed more than 100 shipwrecks, including Australia’s worst peacetime maritime disaster, when the Cataraqui ran aground on a reef during a storm in 1845, killing 400 people.

But instead of bowing to these forces, King Island has been busily harnessing them. ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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travel TOP TO BOTTOM

Follow the Shipwreck Trail and you get the sense that King Island has long been a maritime crash barrier ...

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Drive south from Currie, the largest town on this island of 1600 residents, and one of the first things you pass is its wind farm, with five turbines chopping at the sky. Built in 1998, initially with three turbines, it was just the second commercial wind farm in Australia (after the Salmon Beach wind farm near Esperance, WA). Today, as part of the hybrid, off-grid King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project (KIREIP) power system, it helps produce around 50 percent of the island’s power.

According to Hydro Tasmania, KIREIP can, in the right conditions, generate 100 percent of the island’s power.

Coupled with this, the island last year completed Australia’s first trial of wave energy conversion, with a wave energy converter offshore from the small town of Grassy. The 12-month trial of the 200-kilowatt converter is reported to have, in the right conditions, produced enough electricity to power 200 homes, achieving a high average conversion rate of 48 percent of a wave’s energy.

And waves are something that King Island has in abundance.

Look beyond Stokes Point’s moment of surf pioneering and you’ll find Lavinia Beach high on the east coast. When south-west swells wrap around the island, the beach’s Martha Lavinia break affirms its legendary status. Surfing Life magazine once rated it among the top 10 waves on the planet, and it has, over time, lured the likes of world-champion surfers Kelly Slater, Tom Carroll and Sunny Garcia to the island.

In remarkable contrast to these waves is placid Pennys Lagoon, tucked behind Lavinia Beach’s dunes and one of only three known ‘perched lakes’ – freshwater lakes sitting higher than the water table, so they contain no groundwater and are fed by no streams (the best-known example of a perched lake is Lake McKenzie on K’gari/Fraser Island in Queensland) – on the planet.

Surfing isn’t the only sport in which the island overachieves. Sitting in the ocean like a golf green surrounded by a water hazard, King Island has suitably become one of Australia’s most desirable golf destinations. Cape Wickham Golf Links and Ocean Dunes Golf Course are considered among the country’s best golf courses – they were ranked No 3 and No 13 respectively in Australian Golf Digest’s 2022 ratings.

Photos: Tourism Tasmania (Stu Gibson, Andrew Wilson)

Cape Wickham Golf Links is surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery; Currie is the jumping-off point for many foodie destinations; a vast population of wallabies call King Island home.

Ettrick Rocks - King Island Not just a destination, it’s an experience!

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Exclusively to RACT members* book your unforgettable King Island holiday by staying at one of our luxury 1-2- and 3-bedroom retreats. Each retreat is fully glazed offering the most spectacular views of the Great Southern Ocean and the magnificent rock formations unique to this location. *For bookings less than 6 nights enter the promo code RACT for a 5% discount Visit www.ettrickrocks.com.au or contact us at info@ettrickrocks.com.au plus enjoy full breakfast provisions, a welcoming cheese platter and a Tassie wine included in the fee.

travel

5 must-do experiences on King Island Calcified Forest One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, leading to a sand patch strewn with otherworldly limestone structures.

TOP TO BOTTOM

Currie Lighthouse served as a beacon for mariners from 1880 to 1989; the rugged cliffs at Seal Rocks State Reserve are well worth a visit to take in the spectacular coastal views.

Cape Wickham The southern hemisphere’s tallest lighthouse rising above the most beautiful and challenging golf course imaginable.

Restaurant With No Food The island’s most colourful building hosts a suitably quirky island experience – a dining venue to which you bring your own food and drink.

King Island Dairy Sample a half-dozen cheeses, which you can combine with a King Island Brewhouse beer or Tassie wine, in the tasting room of the dairy that put the island on the gastronomic map.

and from the surrounding sea. Craft beers are pouring at King Island Brewhouse, and gin, whisky, vodka and limoncello are emerging from the stills at King Island Distillery.

And each time you return to Currie, those turbine blades are turning, drawing on nature’s power for the island’s power, and the Southern Ocean’s waves are slapping ashore, full of both menace and potential.

Plan now Head to kingisland.org.au to map out your next King Island adventure.

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JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

Photos: Tourism Tasmania (Stu Gibson, Adam Gibson)

It isn’t just the task of belting a dimpled white ball that impresses on these courses. It’s each one’s wild coastal setting (Cape Wickham is laid out beneath Australia’s tallest lighthouse, which seems almost to stake it to ground against the ever-present winds) and, as ever on this island, the power of nature around them. I’ve taken non-golfers to see these courses and heard them declare that they’d almost take up the game just to play a round here.

The natural forces that have shaped the island are evident elsewhere as well. Follow the Shipwreck Trail and you get the sense that King Island has long been a maritime crash barrier, while the scene from Seal Rocks, atop the island’s highest cliffs, is a fierce one of wild water and rocky ramparts.

But not all here is harsh. At its core, King Island is a place of gentle scenes and delicate flavours inside a frame of rugged coastline. Its beef and cheese have long been lauded, and today there are restaurants such as Wild Harvest (Grassy) and Oleanda (Currie) that celebrate the produce that emerges from behind the island’s paperbark windbreaks

Seal Rocks Just beyond the Calcified Forest, the road hits the coast above the island’s highest cliffs and a snarling Southern Ocean.

Home to Poltergeist Gin and Callington Mill Whisky Open 7 days 10am - 4pm

Tours and Experiences Whisky and Gin Tasting Fine Dining

6 Mill Lane, Oatlands, Tasmania, 7120. www.callingtonmilldistillery.com

tourism secrets Visitors to the Apple Isle are still coming for the same reasons they did 100 years ago, writes Amanda Ducker.

TASSIE TOURISM THROUGH THE YEARS

1893

Premier Henry Dobson establishes the Tasmanian Tourist Association

68 JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

Unchanged melody

So, what is Tasmania’s best-kept tourism secret, then? One could theorise that it’s

1931

1915

The Scenery Preservation Board sets aside much of Tasmania’s environment for future generations

1921

Regular motorised transport into the Cradle Mountain area starts

RACT proves instrumental in gaining public support and government action to build an airport near Hobart

Photos: XXXXXXXX

Tasmania‘s

Photos: Tourism Tasmania; Emilie Ristevski; Jason Charles Hill; Tasmanian Archives, Frederick Smithies collection, with the reference LPIC27/2/6 State library and archive service Libraries Tasmania; CJH collection slide-Mike Cornwall, Shipspotting.com

T

he way Tasmania has sold itself to tourists has remained mostly unchanged in the last century – it’s all about our marvellous scenery and temperate climate. In 1936, we were “the scenic wonderland of the Australian Commonwealth”. In 2023, we are enticing tourists to come and lie on our grass.

The state’s most-visited tourist attractions are mostly the same places they were a century ago, from Hobart to Freycinet, Mount Field and Cradle Mountain, the latter’s rare beauty having inspired the state’s most famous eco-pioneers, Gustav Weindorfer and Kate Cowie, to open their remote lodge more than 110 years ago.

Beyond nature tourism, there were allusions in advertising 100 years ago to the former penal colony’s dark history, and it was already explorable at Port Arthur. The site of the infamous and scenic waterfront former penitentiary attracted three hotels and two museums by the 1930s and remains a must-do on many travel itineraries to this day.

The industry’s issues are perennial, too, with tourism as an economic activity then as now revolving around what tourism scholar Simon Harris calls the Four As: advertising, attractions, access and accommodation. Tourists’ favourite mode of travel has been around for 100 years, too. Hail the enduring pleasures of a road trip on curly, compelling routes.

not about travellers at all. Rather, it’s about Tasmanians responding to an issue facing island communities everywhere – brain drain: the desire of young people to seek opportunity further afield if they do not find it through interesting, well-paid work at home. The motivation for families to retain their children on the isle into adulthood and to attract new families to live here is remarkably unchanged from 100 years ago. And so, the tourism industry keeps growing and evolving.

In November 1922, Tasmania welcomed a wave of visitors and former residents with its ‘Back to Tasmania’ campaign. The fortnight of activity received exuberant coverage in The Examiner newspaper. “Flocking in their hundreds the ‘mainlander’ comes in a neverending and ever-increasing stream,” it reported.

“The garden island of Australia offers health, beautiful scenery and almost unexplored riches to all who will look and see.” The campaign, the editorial predicted, would not be “merely a spasmodic fortnight that will be forgotten in a few weeks”, but the beginning of a flourishing new era for Tasmanian tourism. The prediction was right. Today – even following its slamming by the COVID-19 pandemic – tourism in Tasmania directly and indirectly supports about 33,600 jobs in Tasmania. That’s about 13 percent of total Tasmanian employment, the highest percentage in the country.

What has changed – and improved – since The Examiner’s 1922 prediction are travel times, greater emphasis on cultural tourism (hello, Mona), support for Tasmanian Aboriginal

tourism enterprises (see wukalina Walk) and, thank goodness, the quality of the cooking.

An enduring love

Tasmania’s capital city has always loomed large for tourists. And Hobart remains an ideal base for exploring the state, though Launceston – as it did 100 years ago to the tourism associations of the day – would jump up and down to say it was exactly that, too. Today, interstate and overseas travellers routinely ascend kunanyi/ Mt Wellington with its promised view of our southern waterways and return to the city amazed by the experience.

Just as travel scribe CCD Brammall was amazed, back in 1936, when he wrote in Walkabout magazine that “everybody falls in love with Hobart” because “no-one can help it”. Describing the view from halfway up our beloved mountain, he wrote: “See it in the haze of summer, when the sea-breeze sends white horses leaping across the dark-blue waters, and flying sails snore through the fresh, salty air, and see it in winter, when a white cloth is spread over the guardian mountain and Hobart sits serene beneath its snowclad sentinel like a lake city in Switzerland. See all these things, and the beauty of Hobart will never pass from you. See but a few of them, and you must return to see the rest.”

What a timeless invitation.

For more than a century, visitors have flocked to Tasmania to enjoy its stunning scenery; Little Blue Lake is one of many tourist drawcards.

2011

1959

Princess of Tasmania, an Australian-built roll-on/rolloff passenger ship sails on her maiden voyage across the Bass Strait

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

1972

The world’s longest single-span chairlift is built at Cataract Gorge in Launceston

The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) opens in Hobart

2022

Tourism contributes around $2.25 billion or 6 percent to Tasmania’s gross state product (GSP)

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

69

These beachy, fully self-contained waterfront units will suit any traveller looking for a cruisy coastal getaway.

Fresh salty sea air on your skin and the sand tickling your toes is what you’ll experience when staying here at Pelican Sands Scamander.

Base yourselves here and most places are just a day trip away.

National Parks, golf course, the zoo, and endless white sandy coastlines to shell fossick or surf, or just walk and explore…

Pelican Sands Scamander Tasmania 157-163 Scamander Avenue, Scamander 7215 reception@pelicansandsscamander.com.au | pelicansandsscamander.com.au All guests have access to complimentary kayaks and lifejackets on site A waiver signed and deposit must be paid before using

Alchymia Distillery is situated on the rugged North West coast of Tassie at Table Cape. It’s only 100m off the Bass Highway and 7km from Wynyard.

Matt and Sarah fell in love with distilling here in Tasmania in 2016, so much so they decided to jump off the corporate bus to build their own distillery and tasting room, allowing them to share their story and their passion with visitors and other lovers of great spirit. Alchymia Distillery create small batch spirit on site, offering behind the scenes tours to experience the process of making Whisky and Gin. They are adding a Vodka, Rum and Apple Brandy to their range soon so why not drop in for a tasting a tour or just a nip or a cocktail and enjoy the amazing views over the Bass Strait.

599 Tollymore Road, Table Cape, Tas 7325 ● Open Friday to Sunday 12-4pm ● Thursday by appointment, call Sarah 0447619291

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7/7/2022 9:33 am

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COMMUNITY NEWS CHANGING GEARS

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MEMBER REWARDS PUZZLES

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STATE GROWTH

REAR VIEW

RACT gives a helping hand to promote female economic empowerment

We have announced a new partnership with the charity Dress for Success: a global non-profit organisation empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

We’ll be working closely with Dress for Success to support the organisation’s mission by providing clothing collection bins across southern Tasmanian branches. The partnership will also provide our employees with the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills to support Dress for Success clients.

Continued on page 72

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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the latest.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Dress for Success, an organisation that aligns with our values of community support and empowerment," Leah Tierney, Head of Marketing at RACT said. "We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Tasmanian women."

Collection bins at RACT southern branches will allow the public to donate good condition, pre-loved professional women’s workwear, which will be provided to women preparing for a job interview or starting a new job.

“Donations should have plenty of life left in them, pieces that they would feel comfortable themselves wearing to a job interview,” Leah said.

“We’re so happy to have partnered with RACT. They’re such a trusted brand in Tasmania and rolling out these collection points at their southern branches means more people have the chance to help our cause,” said Dress for Success CEO Amanda French.

The Dress for Success clothing boutique is equipped with garments suitable for a wide array of industries and positions, with sizes to suit all.

If you would like to donate, find more information at

ract.com.au/community/ community-support/dressfor-success

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JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

100 years of RACT achievements We’ve been an influential force in the Tasmanian community for over 100 years, working tirelessly to promote road safety and improve the overall driving experience for all Tasmanians.

ONE OF OUR EARLIEST FEATS was the installation of safety signage on trams, which helped to reduce the number of accidents and injuries caused by collisions with these vehicles. We were also a leading voice in the requirement for bicycle reflectors, which have been shown to greatly improve visibility and safety for cyclists.

In the early days of motoring in Tasmania, we played a key role in encouraging slow-moving traffic to keep to the left, which continues today to help reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic on Tasmanian roads.

Additionally, we’ve advocated for stricter rules that discourage the use of dazzling headlights.

Throughout our 100-year history, we’ve also been heavily involved in various road safety advertising campaigns and have advocated for road safety to be taught in Tasmania’s schools. Our efforts have helped to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and have encouraged safer behaviours on the road.

Overall, we’ve played a vital role in making Tasmanian roads safer and more enjoyable for all drivers.

Our efforts over the past 100 years have contributed to safer roads and improved the driving experience for all Tasmanians. We look forward to whatever the next 100 years may bring.

Commemorate our 100th year with us We’re officially turning 100 and we want to celebrate with Tasmanians – to say thanks for your unwavering support – with a wide range of events the whole community can take part in.

Book launch

We’re excited to be launching our commemorative coffeetable book this month, with author Nick Brodie available for signings at the Hobart launch at 5.30pm, Wednesday 22 March.

Community drive-in cinemas

We’ll also be hosting several community drive-in cinemas in September and October where you can catch up with our team and the rest of your community and share your memories while watching your favourite film.

National Road Safety Week

In May, we’ll be taking part in National Road Safety Week with an awareness campaign highlighting the significant number of lives lost through the course of our 100 years, and how we can work together to reduce the road toll over the next 100 years.

Club Run

For the car aficionados, there’ll also be a Club Run at New Norfolk in November, allowing you the chance to view some iconic classic cars from the last 100 years.

Photos: Tasmanian Archives: LPIC147/6/306

Keep an eye on all communications from us to stay up to date with these events and more.

Spotlight on Julia Genge With nearly four decades on the job, meet our current longest-serving employee.

As we celebrate our 100th year this month, we want to shine a light on our longest-serving employee: Customer Service Consultant, Julia Genge.

Julia has been supporting Tasmanians as part of RACT since January 1986. At the time, we approached TAFE looking for a student they could recommend and that’s where Julia’s career with us began.

Julia’s first task was selling insurance and roadside cover. She remembers the phones ringing off the hook, with customers lined up at the door.

“I had one day training on insurance and half a day on roadside then had to hit the ground running,” she says.

“We had a separate cashier, someone taking and distributing roadside calls to our patrolmen, taking bookings for accommodation and doing driving school bookings.”

Julia has relished the opportunities made available to her over the years.

“There are many opportunities open now with the flexibility of living anywhere. Before technology, this really wasn’t the case – unless you were willing to move your family to another city in Tasmania.”

After 37 years with us, Julia enjoys her role and thinks of her team as family. She really enjoys the challenge of working with customers, as every one of them approaches insurance and roadside differently, so you never know what the day will bring.

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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community

Changing gears

Reviewing speed limits

• The width and alignment of the road; and

Here are just a few examples of inconsistency: • We have some Hobart CBD streets where the limit is now 40 kmh. In the same street conditions in Launceston, the limit remains at 50 kmh.

• Kingborough’s maximum speed limit is 90 kmh, not 100, as for every other council.

• When it was decided to reduce the Richmond Rd to 80 kmh (a decision that makes it a safer road) there was an outcry.

Yet, the East Derwent Highway, which is of a higher standard, has always been 80 kmh.

There have also been some wise decisions made by councils.

Derwent Valley Council, for example, succeeded in having the Plenty Rd limit reduced to 80 kmh from 100 kmh – after public consultation that received majority support. And now it’s acting to reduce the speed limit in the New Norfolk shopping strip to 40 kmh – another good decision, but a decision that cries out for statewide consistency across all shopping strips.

Currently, if you want to have a speed limit reviewed for a council road, you approach the council. That council must then prepare a case to put to the Transport Commissioner.

But many councils don’t have the resources to do that work. And they might share that road with neighbouring councils.

There were 27 speed reviews of council roads in 2022, which means some councils are acting to ensure the health and wellbeing of its residents.

What’s needed is more resources, and expertise within councils, and more cooperation, assisted by the state government, to deliver speed limits appropriate to road conditions.

• Minimising speed limit changes.

For detailed information on speed zoning guidelines, visit transport.tas.gov.au

In 2022, there were 41 reductions in speed limits on state and council-controlled roads in Tasmania. In every case, these decisions have been made to keep Tasmanians safe, writes RACT’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Garry Bailey.

A

s the state government’s Transport Services website says, in reporting the speed limit changes on state roads: “Research tells us that even small reductions in travelling speeds can lead to a reduction in serious casualties.”

In some cases, the changes are the result of agitation by communities or individuals concerned about their safety.

That’s no surprise to us. Our surveys tell us that speed limits not appropriate to road conditions remain one of the top road safety concerns for our members.

We support the speed review process, particularly the independence of the Transport Commissioner to act on the evidence without political interference.

It’s a process that has obviously taken on new urgency, as there has been a significant increase in speed limit changes on state and local government roads since 2021.

We don’t support blanket reductions of speed limits, but we do want to see a new process to deal with what two Legislative Council inquiries – in 2012 and 2022 – described as glaring inconsistencies in the speed setting regime.

We have the situation where speed limits have been reduced on sections of state roads, from 100 to 80, but there are council roads, often of lower standard and running through several local government areas, that remain at 100.

Key criteria The Transport Commissioner will consider the following when reviewing speed limits: • What the road is used for; • How many people use the road; • Roadside development, such as the frequency of driveways along the road; • The type and mix of road users on the road;

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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community

Improving

road safety standards

Photos: iStock

P

ersonal mobility through motorised transport has a relatively short history, with the horse and cart giving way to the motor car barely 130 years ago. Shortly after the introduction of motor cars, the first road fatality was recorded in Great Britain in 1896 when British mother Bridget Driscoll was struck

by Arthur James Edsall, while he was giving joy rides through neighbourhood parklands. From this point on, as motorised traffic volumes increased, so too did the number of deaths and serious injuries.

Australia quickly followed in England’s tracks with a significant rise in motor vehicles, and by 1925, when road fatality records began, around 700 people died on Australian roads.

As serious casualties continued to rise, there was a shift in focus from infrastructure provision to traffic management, including legislation and regulation, and education about road rules. Safe driving quickly became the principal tool within governments’ crash prevention strategies, including educating the public on safe behaviours and increasing enforcement to deter risky driving behaviours.

Despite these efforts, road trauma continued to rise along with the rapid increase in car ownership, and by 1970, Australia’s road toll had tragically reached its peak of 3800 fatalities. In response, governments began to systematically collect and analyse data to identify and tackle road safety issues and the most effective countermeasures for reducing serious casualties, which would underpin road safety strategies worldwide.

Understanding the history of our road safety initiatives will help us on our journey towards our target of zero serious injuries and deaths on Tasmanian roads.

Over the decades, a lot of work has been done to improve roads, enhance vehicle safety, implement safer speeds and improve driver behaviour through education, training and compliance enforcement.

Many of these measures we take for granted today, including compulsory seat belts, a blood alcohol limit, random breath testing, speed cameras and, more recently, drug testing. Vehicle technologies such as airbags, traction control and ABS braking have also contributed significantly. And of course, we are designing and building much safer roads that can better compensate for the mistakes even good drivers make from time to time.

All these measures have greatly improved the safety of our road network and undoubtedly saved countless lives and prevented many people from being seriously hurt. Still, year after year, we continue to see common trends in specific demographics and certain driver behaviours. Young drivers and males continue to be significantly over-represented in road trauma, as are motorcyclists. Most of our road trauma occurs in higher speed zones, and lane departure crashes (head-on and run-off-road crashes) are still the predominant crash type.

High-risk behaviours such as drink driving and speeding continue to put people at risk, but as society moves forward, there are also new challenges, such as mobile phone distraction.

Many challenges still lie ahead in our journey towards our target of zero serious injuries and deaths on Tasmanian roads, but by implementing evidencebased initiatives and trialling new technologies, we can continue to make reductions. ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

77

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puzzles

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4 Where was Tasmania’s first settlement back in 1803?

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5 What does the word ‘schadenfreude’ mean?

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24 Long walking area typically beside the sea (9)

7 Movement of liquid or air into a place (6)

18 6 Magnificent Meander plant that 8 Narrow valleys between hills 25 In or to what place or position (5) Any Across River or mountains (6) the 26 Relating to the human voice (5) grows 50 kilometres along reserve situated 1 Device used for joining the ends 9 Fashionable young middleclass 27 Town on the Meander River west of(6) ground by means along the Emu of a belt person with a well-paid job 50 kilometres west of Launceston Launceston (9) (colloq.)

(6) of extending River (4,5) 4 Providing moral or intellectual (9) instruction (8) 15 Common stems or name for London’s Make (a coded message) 28 Make 7 28 (a coded of Central Criminal Court (3,6) 10 Endangered species of eucalypt Movement intelligible (8) branches (8) found in Tasmania (5,4) message) liquid or air into 17 Channel or system supplying 29 Alcove (6) information (8) 11 Mention or allude 20 Agoods intelligible (8) to (5) veryorlong time a place (6) 18 Any plant that grows along the 12 Having, bringing, or resulting ago (colloq.)

Downvalleys 29 Alcove 8 Narrow ground by means of extending from good(6) fortune (5) (4,3) stems or branches (8) 13 Suburb located three kilometres between 1 Cause (someone) to become hills or 20 A very long time ago (colloq.) (4,3) west of Burnie (4,5) perplexed and confused (8) 21 Ancient (3-3) (6) Down 14 Notice printed at the end of mountains 21 Ancient (3-3) 2 Occur at the same time (8) a book or section of a book (7) 9 Fashionable 22 Intensely enthusiastic or 22 Intensely 3 Cautious due to realistic 1 Cause (someone) passionate (6) 16 Small rural locality in the local suspicions (colloq.) (5) enthusiastic or togovernment becomearea of Break O’Day (4) young middle23 Drug used as an emetic and 5 A dishcloth (7) passionate (6) class person with perplexed and expectorant (6) 19 Aussie form of greeting (4) 6 Magnificent reserve that a iswell-paid confused 25 Of poorer 21 Workshop(8) or studio used by situated alongjob the Emu River 23 Drug usedquality as anor lower standard; less good or desirable (5) an artist or designer (7) (4,5) (colloq.)

(6) emetic and 2 Occur at the 15 Common name expectorant (6) same time (8) JOURNEYS DEC-JAN CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS for London's poorer Across: 1 due System, 4to Waypoint, 10 Huon River, 11 Trope, 12 Label, 13 Nullifies, 14 Nurture,25 16 Cool,Of 19 Isle, 21 Withers, 24quality Unleashed, 25 Luina, 3 Cautious Criminal 26 Envoi, 27 Dreamland, 28 Telegram, 29 Endear.Central Down: 1 St Helens, 2 Snobbery, 3 Enrol, 5 Acrylic, 6 Petticoat, 7 Ironic, 8 Theism, 9 Evince, 15 Unsparing, or lower realistic 17 Heritage, 18 Islander, 20 Echidna, 21 Wedded, 22 Nugent, 23 O level, 25 Lemon.

Court (3,6) standard; less suspicions 17 Channel or good or desirable (colloq.) (5) (5) system supplying 5 A dishcloth (7) Photos: iStock

2 What is the name of the river that Hobart lies along?

3 What was the last automaker to offer cassette players in their vehicles?

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1 Which creature features on the 10-cent coin?

6 In which city is Lygon Street, known for its many restaurants?

7 It’s late winter and you fancy a trip to the snow for a little skiing. Where should you go?

8 What does ANZAC stand for?

9 Which two Australian cities have hosted the Olympic Games?

10 Which book by Joan Lindsay was made into a film in 1975?

Want to find out how you did?

Find the answers online at

ract.com.au/puzzles

ract.com.au // JOURNEYS

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rear view.

Tasmania as captured by our talented members

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP // Julian Witek captured these incredible storm clouds over Norfolk Bay and Dunaley; Will Cragg’s shot of Eagle Hawk Neck; Kim Tyeson was lucky

enough to experience this south-west Tassie sunrise; the Sydney to Hobart boats at Constitution Dock inspired Susan Mace to snap this pic.

Want to see your photo here? Send your shots of our beautiful island to journeys@ract.com.au or tag us with both @ractofficial and #yourjourneys on lnstagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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JOURNEYS // AUTUMN 2023

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Find a Wattyl Paint Centre near you wattyl.com.au Only for the month of April all RACT members get 30% off paints, stains and 15% off accessories – online promo code is RACTA23. Standard discount of 10% off paints and stains for everyday discounts – online promo code is RACTM23 *Exclusions apply – see online or instore at all Wattyl Paint Centre for full details.