Journeys August/September 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE RACT

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Cruising the South-West COMMUNITY Tasmania’s flood recovery

LIFE ON THE MOVE Tim Cox: King of the road

TRAVEL A surprise in Samoa

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What’s inside your August/September edition?

04 IN OUR COMMUNITY

32

In this issue we take a look at development at Freycinet Lodge; the floods that hit the state’s North and North-West; and calls for better headlight use and closer monitoring of fuel pricing.

15

Join Alice Hansen on a cruise from deep in Tasmania’s South-West as she finds a wealth of history and wild landscapes to explore.

Further afield, Loretta Lohberger discovers that in Thailand, nothing gets in the way of friendly customer service.

24

LIFE ON THE MOVE e give you the full run-down on our Vehicle W Operating Costs survey; review the new Prius; and long-time Tasmanian media personality Tim Cox joins our team to share his experiences behind the wheel.

ZINE THE MAGA

ERS FOR MEMB

RACT OF THE

the Cruising t es South-W ITY COMMUN flood recovery Tasmania’s

MBER 2016 / SEPTE AUGUST

E THE MOV road LIFE ON the King of Tim Cox:

ON THE COVER:

a TRAVEL in Samo A surprise

The spectacular coastline of Tasmania’s South-West captured travel writer Alice Hansen’s heart when she first saw it, and has never let go. Read more on Pages 15-17.

Photo: Chris Crerar Photography www.chriscrerar.com.au

We investigate the future possibilities for former asylum Willow Court; Steve Lovegrove shares some of his award-winning travel images; and we take a look at upcoming events and theatre and book reviews.

41

WANDERLUST

IN TASMANIA TODAY

WAVE AND SAVE As part of your RACT membership you have access to some great deals with our Royal Wave and Save partners. See how you can survive the end of winter with our top tips.

45 TRAVEL NEWS Chris Viney gets a surprise in Samoa; we kick off the cruising season with some fantastic deals; and we have top travel tips and unbeatable offers for your next holiday.

HOW TO CONTACT US RACT branch network All RACT branches are open Monday to Friday from 8.45am – 5pm Our Cruise Travel Centre at 110 Collins St, Hobart is also open on Saturdays from 10am – 1pm Roadside Assist Call 13 11 11 any time

RACT Customer Service Call Centre Call 13 27 22 Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm Saturday 9am – 2pm Please give us your feedback – visit www.ract.com.au log on to the Member Hub and keep up to date via Twitter and Facebook. @RACTOfficial

fb.com/RACTOfficial

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN OUR COMMUNITY

Freycinet development concept revised The RACT is committed to continuing development on the Freycinet Peninsula for the benefit of locals and visitors.

F

reycinet Lodge is set to have new spa cabins, additional access rooms and enhanced central facilities as part of a planned upgrade to the popular East Coast destination.

After consultation with members and other external stakeholders, including Parks and Wildlife, the RACT has decided to focus on development within the site’s existing footprint.

‘We recognise that any development at Freycinet Lodge must be sustainable and sensitive to the environment in which it is located,’ RACT Chief Executive Harvey Lennon said.

‘Our long-term vision to expand our involvement in the Tasmanian tourism sector continues to be a major focus for the organisation.

‘We remain committed to further sensible investment for the benefit of our members and visitors to the state.’

Mr Lennon said the RACT would continue to work with tourism entrepreneur Brett Torossi to finalise a concept for the existing site.

Call for fuel price transparency T

he RACT is calling on the State Government to urgently address concerns about fuel price transparency in the state.

Following the pull-out by many fuel retailers participating in FuelWatch, the RACT believes it no longer provides sufficient data for Tasmanian motorists, with about 40% of the state market not being included in pricing information.

As a result FuelWatch has been removed from the RACT website.

Group Chief Executive Harvey Lennon has written to the Premier and Treasurer, asking the State Government to follow the lead of other states such as New South Wales and draft legislation to protect Tasmanian motorists.

Members will be kept informed as this campaign progresses.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

‘We intend to expand our offering through new experiences and the establishment of additional spa cabins on our existing site.

‘The development concept includes a number of spa cabins, the addition of access rooms and enhanced amenities in the main Lodge building.’

Mr Lennon said the RACT would continue to work with the Parks and Wildlife service to ensure the development met current guidelines.

‘Our development continues to be subject to the outcome of the ongoing Parks Management Plan process,’ he said.

‘The RACT will continue to follow all regulatory and environmental approval processes.

‘We are also committed to speaking directly to the East Coast community about the proposed plans as they are developed.

Any infrastructure enhancements or improvements at Freycinet will be in line with community expectations.’

Keeping kids safe on the road T

he RACT has provided a funding reprieve for the Bicycle Network Ride2School program, which gives students a range of tools and advice to help them travel to and from school safely under their own steam – either by walking, riding, skating or scooting.

An early knowledge of the road rules and dangers has benefits for all motorists. Children become more cautious and less erratic around the road and grow up to have a better understanding of the inherent dangers.

Primary schools as widely spread as Strahan, Austins Ferry and Youngtown have already been using the Ride2School program to establish safe travelling maps, footpath markers, student workshops or a combination of all of these tools.

Tess Allaway, General Manager of Behaviour Change at Bicycle Network, says that RACT’s grant of $20,000 will keep the program going for a few more months, but it will fold without a stable funding source.

Matt Steele

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Enhancing the main Lodge building will be part of the development.

From the

GROUP CEO

Harvey Lennon

G

iven the closeness of the result of the recent Federal Election, it is fair to say that the life of the new Federal Parliament will be a challenging one for its politicians.

The RACT will continue to work with the recently elected Tasmanian-based MHRs and Senators to address and rectify problems identified with key road infrastructure.

The RACT has stated previously that it strongly endorses and supports the 10-year upgrade of the Midland Highway and the work that has been completed and funded to date.

But the incoming Liberal Federal Government must ensure that the remainder of the 10-year plan is funded to allow freight, visitors and locals to travel the length of the highway in a safe and efficient manner.

There was also a $30 million pre-election commitment to replace the roundabout near the Hobart Airport, which we would like to see implemented as soon as practical.

And we were very pleased that, during the campaign, the Liberal Party announced remedial treatments on a number of the dangerous intersections on the Bass Highway near Wynyard, which has been a priority for the RACT for a number of years.

T

he authors of the Towards Zero – Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017-2026 Discussion Paper, released by the Road Safety Advisory Council, are to be congratulated for the consultative way they have engaged with the community during many months.

I was particularly pleased to read that the Towards Zero Strategy will be based on the world’s best practice Safe System Approach.

It has four elements – safe road users, safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds and safe vehicles. It works like this – to prevent death or serious injury on our roads, all four elements of the system must work together.

‘If a crash occurs as a result of a specific weakness of one element, the other three elements should be strong enough to counteract the effects of the crash,’ the discussion paper says.

I am also pleased to see the recognition in the paper that more needs to be done to reduce serious injury crashes on Tasmania’s roads and that ‘everyone has a role to play in improving road safety…’

We look forward to the release of the final strategy.

A

s you will read in the story opposite, the RACT has revised its concept for Freycinet Lodge, focusing any development within the site’s existing footprint.

The decision follows consultation with members and other external stakeholders.

It is important to note that we will be speaking to the East Coast community about our plans, when finalised, and will follow all regulatory and environmental approval processes. Regardless of what the final concept looks like we will be strongly focused on further enhancement of the natural environment.

The RACT has made a significant investment in the Tasmanian tourism industry on the doorstep of the state’s wilderness areas across the state.

As a Tasmanian organisation with a long history of serving the interests of Tasmanians, we are committed to the state and will never do anything to damage its reputation.

Our wilderness areas are obviously a significant attraction and have been for many years. Enhancing these attractions for the benefit of locals and visitors continues to be a major focus.

Harvey Lennon Group Chief Executive AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR RACT PRESIDENT Peter Joyce VICE PRESIDENTS Kathryn Westwood Peter Dixon BOARD Josephine Archer Alison Flakemore Jude Franks Phil Jones Chris Langdon Jenny Self Stuart Slade Sue Smith GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE Harvey Lennon HEAD OFFICE 179-191 Murray Street, Hobart Telephone (03) 6232 6300 Facsimile (03) 6234 8784 BRANCHES Hobart – 1/110 Collins Street (03) 6222 9222 Launceston, Cnr York & George Streets (03) 6335 5633 Devonport, 119 Rooke Street Mall (03) 6421 1933 Ulverstone, 38 Reibey Street (03) 6490 8350 Burnie, 24 North Terrace (03) 6434 2933 Rosny Park, 2 Bayfield Street (03) 6212 6755 Glenorchy, Cnr Main Road & Terry Street (03) 6212 9588 Kingston, Shop 60 Channel Court (03) 6242 3200 EDITOR Paula Sward GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001 Email: journeys@ract.com.au Ph: (03) 6236 4350 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 ADVERTISING Paula Sward GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001 Email: journeys@ract.com.au Ph: (03) 6236 4350 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited ABN 62 009 475 861 Every effort is made to ensure the authenticity of ad­ver­tise­ments including product testing where practicable. However, publication of an advertisement does not imply that the product or service carries the recommendations of RACT. If you wish to stop receiving Journeys, please contact the RACT on 6236 4350 or email journeys@ract.com.au. No part of Journeys may be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2016 RACT DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Digital Ink PRINTING: Hannanprint Victoria MAILHOUSE: D&D Mailing Services Distribution: Australia Post 160379 ISSN 0818-5549 6

Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Flood recovery slow and steady

Launceston’s Tamar River in flood.

T

asmanians are still counting the cost of the major flood event that hit the state in June.

‘This has been one of the worst natural disaster events I’ve ever seen in Tasmania,’ RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said.

‘While the number of claims we have received has been significant in volume, it is the severity of the damage to flood-affected homes that has had the most impact.

‘It is one of the most devastating I have ever seen from a damage and cost point of view.’

RACT Insurance received 718 claims, totalling close to $9.5 million in claims costs.

‘While only about 20% of these claims were directly related to flood damage, they accounted for a significant amount of the cost due to the severity of the damage,’ Mr Sayers said.

The areas of Wynyard, Forth and Latrobe in the state’s North-West were the heaviest hit by the flooding, which also damaged a large amount of public, commercial and rural infrastructure.

Large areas around Launceston were also affected.

Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney said the community was slowly recovering from the destruction.

‘Things are quite positive here at the moment, primarily because of the support from communities and businesses,’ he said.

‘People are quite overwhelmed I think but it’s helped their spirits and morale.

‘We also have service clubs working with individuals and families to help them get back on their feet and Blaze Aid is here helping

Helping a member in need ACT member Sandra Petersen was trapped By this time the water had reached her waist in her car with water up to her ankles when and understandably she was very concerned.

R she called Roadside, after calling the police.

While Roadside isn’t normally involved in flood rescues, leaving these up to the experts at emergency services, staff member Melanie Curtain went above and beyond in her quest to assist Ms Petersen.

After calling the SES and the police, Mel spoke with Ms Petersen again to reassure her help was on the way. Mel continued to speak with Ms Petersen until police arrived, helping to calm her in a very stressful situation.

After her rescue, Ms Petersen called Roadside again for assistance to return home after her car had been towed to Deloraine. Mel duly arranged this – all the way back to the Launceston suburb of Newnham.

Ms Petersen credits Mel for helping to save her life.

‘I think Melanie qualifies for some sort of award for outstanding care of duty to an RACT member in danger,’ she said.

Matt Steele

Crawford Drone

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Aerial photos of flooding in the Launceston suburb of Newstead.

farmers rebuild fences. But we still have a long way to go, particularly those people whose homes may be condemned and the farmers whose properties have suffered environmental damage that may take years to recover.’

Cr Freshney said RACT Insurance had been very active in the community since the event.

‘They had their van at the hall which was very good for the people who are insured with them, it made them very accessible.’

Mr Sayers said RACT Insurance was well-prepared for the flooding event, but would review their response to see where improvements could be made.

‘The minute we were alerted to the possible impact of the flooding we activated our large event plan, which included increasing the number of assessors on the ground, the number of people and opening hours of our call centre and ensuring emergency accommodation was available for our customers,’ he said.

‘We also deployed our Mobile Service Centre to Latrobe to provide residents with a dedicated line through to our call centre.

‘Because we live and work in the community, we understand the potential for flood to occur, and attempt to strategically place our resources in advance to best assist our customers in what are very traumatic circumstances.

‘We took a lot of learnings from the Dunalley fire event, where we exceeded industry benchmarks in timeliness for settlement, and implemented them on-theground in the North-West.’

Mr Sayers said for many of those affected by the floods, there would be a long rebuilding process.

‘As a major event, flooding tends to be more complex and have a longer repair process, so we’re working to support our customers in this difficult time,’ he said. ‘For larger claims we have appointed dedicated case managers who are readily available as a point of contact and are locally based so they understand the unique position these people are in.’

Time for motorists to see the light he RACT is reminding drivers to use Bennett advised motorists to err on the side a motorbike. That’s how head-ons happen,’ their headlights in low light and poor of caution.

T he said. conditions after a spate of complaints from members.

‘Our policy is that park lights should be switched on for all highway driving and low-beam headlights should be used when visibility is poor,’ RACT acting general manager, Member Assist, Craig Millington said. ‘If you can’t see other motorists, they can’t see you, and that makes for a very dangerous driving situation.’

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Andrew

‘For dark or road-coloured vehicles in particular, be aware you’re harder to see and should put your lights on earlier,’ he said.

Acting Inspector Bennett said the police’s main concern was headlights that were not working correctly, which could lead to serious accidents.

‘Particularly when the headlight is out on the driver’s side, making the car look like

Another police concern is multi-coloured lights and tints that affect the colour of headlights.

‘Using these is an offence and you will receive a fine,’ he said. ‘We’re regularly pulling people over for this.’

Have you had a bad experience with headlight use? Have your say in our Member Hub. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN OUR COMMUNITY

Celebrating 50 years M

ore than 50 RACT members in the state’s North-West were recognised at our 50-year member function in Burnie.

RACT President Peter Joyce thanked the members for their continued loyalty.

‘Member service is something that the RACT prides itself on – in fact we are passionate about it,’ he said.

‘Fifty years is a long time, so we must have been doing something right during the past 50 years to keep these members on our books.’

Member Joy Gillies addresses the function.

Members enjoy the 50-year celebrations in Burnie.

RACT Annual General Meeting Members are advised that the 93rd Annual General Meeting of the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited will be held at 5pm on November 9, 2016.

T

he Constitution of the Club requires that the official Notice of Meeting, listing the Agenda items, be published at least 30 days before the date of the AGM. It will therefore be published in the October/November edition of Journeys magazine.

The Club’s business is increasingly complex and any successful nominee will need to have significant business acumen and be able to understand financial reporting in order to contribute to the Board and the continued successful guidance of the Club.

Should any eligible Member wish to be nominated for election as a director of the Board, a nomination form can be requested from Michael Hopster on 03 6236 4301 or by email via companysecretary@ract.com.au.

The election of members of the RACT Board is governed by RACT’s Constitution and Election By-laws, which can be found on the RACT website and will be provided along with any nomination forms requested. The closing date for completed nomination forms will be 5pm on September 9, 2016.

It should be noted that the position of director on the Board of the Club carries with it a number of legal responsibilities such as a requirement to act in the best interests of the Club as a whole, setting aside any contrary personal opinions a director may have.

If a director has an interest in a matter or is connected with an organisation that is interested in any matter, that director will not be able to take part in any vote on the matter.

The RACT prides itself on being an independent voice for Tasmanians and consumers across the areas of its business activity.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

The Members of the Club were recently surveyed on a range of matters and a positive response was received in all cases in relation to the Club’s performance. These included more than 83% of Members believing our advocacy efforts, and more than 84% that our range of products, are either good or extremely good.

The Board believes that the current directors provide the broad mix of skills and experience needed for the Board of the RACT and its Members.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

United partnership results in growth

R

ACT members on the West Coast and in the state’s southern areas will soon have access to discounted petrol, with United Petroleum planning to open more sites in the coming months.

The partnership with RACT has already had a large impact on the company’s presence in the state, with United opening or refurbishing seven more sites in the three months since the partnership was launched, most recently in Paterson St, Launceston, and at Claremont. With more sites planned in coming months,

the company says RACT members have certainly voted with their feet for cheaper petrol prices.

‘Tasmania has been feeling the pain of high fuel prices for too many years,’ United’s marketing manager Andrew English said.

‘Our strategy has always been to beat our competitors on price, thereby driving fuel prices down.

‘Put on top of this the six cents per litre discount for RACT members and we’ve certainly seen the impact that’s having on the market.’

Andrew said the partnership had by far exceeded the company’s expectations.

‘We have been very pleased with the fantastic response from RACT members and as a result have been able to add more sites around the state a lot sooner than expected,’ he said. ‘At this stage about 70% of Tasmanians have direct access to a United site, and we’re just addressing the gaps now.’

For more details on the partnership and the locations of United outlets, visit www.ract.com.au/united

You’ve got male Riders line up for a test run at Baskerville Raceway. Inset: Mal McGinn and David McAdam.

T

here would need to be something special to make avid motorcyclist Mal McGinn jump off the luxury of his BMW GSA 1150 and onto a 110cc postie bike – especially when he’s going to ride it 4700km from Hobart to Cairns.

Mal’s motivation is close to his heart. After battling prostate cancer several years ago, and winning, he’s leading the Riding Posties for Prostate charity ride to raise awareness and funds for the disease that affects more than 18,000 Australian men each year.

It was on camping trip in north-western Australia that Mal and his good mate David McAdam struck upon the idea.

‘We wanted to not only raise funds, but also awareness of men’s health issues and how to

ask for help,’ Mal said. ‘We thought of doing a charity ride, and then thought ‘if we’re going to do it, let’s do it the hard way – on postie bikes’.’

There’ll be no harder challenge than going a maximum of 80km/h on the flat, through the back roads to avoid traffic hold-ups, on the seat of a four-stroke bike that at 7500 revs produces only 7.5 horsepower.

Mal and David will be joined by a team of 10 other riders and six support crew, all of whom have to pay their own way so that any money raised goes to charity.

Mal has also received great support from the Claremont Rotary Club. Fellow Rotarian Eric Myers has jumped on board to help organise the logistics and fundraising

efforts, which will be managed through Rotary to ensure the chosen charities receive all of the money raised.

Funds will be donated to the Australian Prostate Cancer Centre and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Mal has been overwhelmed by the amount of corporate support for the ride, with the number of companies making donations and sponsorships too many to name.

The ride leaves on August 18, with the group riding 160-340km a day, six days a week. They expect to take three weeks to reach Cairns.

To follow the ride or make a donation, visit https://www.facebook. com/postiesforprostate AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN OUR COMMUNITY

Our journey with RACT

Laura Wilson

T

asmania can be unpredictable at times. With its rugged terrain, mixed with unsuspecting wildlife, even the best drivers need to remain cautious.

I decided to treat my family to a weekend at Freycinet Lodge on Tasmania’s East Coast for Mother’s Day. Conscious of getting on the road before dark, all appeared to be going to plan until suddenly in front of us appeared a set of eyes – a wallaby. Despite our best efforts it was, unfortunately, too late to avoid this native creature. We pulled over, checked there was no joey in the pouch and ensured the wallaby was well off the road.

We didn’t realise the damage to our vehicle until about 10 minutes down the road when we heard a rattling sound from underneath the car. Eventually the bottom of the car dropped and began scraping along the road.

Our reliable family car had made it through the trials and triumphs of early adolescence to adulthood and before taking its final breaths brought us safely to the second speed hump at the entrance to Freycinet Lodge.

Laura enjoys a glass of wine overlooking the view after a troublesome journey to Freycinet Lodge. Below: Laura’s family car is put on the back of the tow truck.

Despite our misfortune, we were overwhelmed by the accommodating staff at Freycinet Lodge. They helped us push the car off the road and quickly packed our belongings into another vehicle to transport us to our cabin. The maintenance manager Chris even dropped us at our Wineglass Bay Cruise the following day.

RACT Roadside Assist immediately sent a truck out to assess the situation. The prognosis wasn’t good, but they still encouraged us to enjoy our holiday.

It wasn’t exactly the trip we had planned – Mum spent Mother’s Day in the back of tow truck. However, we couldn’t be happier about our experience with the RACT. It just shows that you don’t know the value of a service until you REALLY need it!

Laura is a blogger for RACT’s Destinations properties.

Members have their say In recent months we completed a survey of almost 7000 members around the state. Your answers gave us insight into a range of areas, what you believe we’re doing well and where we can improve.

To the right is a summary of the key results.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

90% 84% 84% 80% 60% 62% 51% 66%

were supportive of increased investment by government on tourist roads.

rated as good or extremely good the way in which the RACT advocates on behalf of members. rated as good or extremely good the RACT’s current range of products and services. of members would like to receive Journeys magazine every second month (as they do now) or once a quarter. were interested in reading Journeys magazine in digital form, if there was a small reduction in their membership renewal fee. had visited the RACT website between one and four times in the past 12 months. would like to see groceries and household goods increased as part of the Show Your Card and Save program. supported further development at Freycinet Lodge.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Keep your winter safety in check

Josh Dobie checks the engine oil on a Subaru Leone.

T

he importance of maintaining your vehicle, particularly in the winter months, was highlighted during our winter safety checks.

‘Keeping an eye on the basics in your vehicle can lead to large cost-savings on future maintenance,’ acting RACT general manager, Member Assist, Craig Millington said.

‘It also increases the safety not only of drivers, but of other passengers in the vehicle, particularly children.’

Held over five days in six locations throughout the state, 160 vehicles were checked with 378 faults found.

A total of 53 child restraints were of concern, with 39 needing adjusting, five out-of-date and another nine deemed unsafe due to being either not tethered in the vehicle or tethered incorrectly.

Divers are reminded to look out for the following issues in their vehicles: • Lights and indicators (front and rear) are easy to check with a friend or partner sitting in the vehicle.

• Seat belts need to be in good working order. The webbing should also be free of cuts or obvious signs of deterioration.

• Tyre condition, wear and pressure checked regularly. This can be done at any driveway service petrol station, although should be investigated thoroughly at service.

• Wipers should wipe clear, not leave streaks across the windscreen, and windscreen washers should give a good spray to help the wipers clean the windscreen.

• Batteries have an average life of 4-5 years, after which the vehicle is getting sluggish to start. Our Roadside team will test batteries free of charge for Roadside members.

• Fluid levels: It is always advisable to have the vehicle fluid levels checked. This can be done at any driveway service petrol station.

From 160 vehicles, faults were found with: 62 lights 16 seat belts 32 wiper/washers 53 child restraints 23 drive belts 11 cooling system hoses 63 fluid levels needed topping up 52 battery-related faults 66 tyre condition, wear and/or pressure faults

Growing new horizons in state’s North

T

he New Horizons Club Inc has been providing sport and recreation programs for people with disability in the state’s north since 1986. With more than 300 members, the club aims to ensure everyone in the community has the opportunity to reap the fantastic physical, mental and social benefits that an inclusive, active life brings.

Thanks to a RACT Community Fund grant, the team at New Horizons will purchase four raised garden beds, suitable for wheelchairs, for their Mowbray clubhouse to start an on-site gardening program.

‘Garden for Growth’ will see members erect raised garden beds and then plant and grow vegetables, fruits and herbs. All produce will be used in the New Horizons Tuesday member’s lunches during summer and the crew will be blogging about their new skills and experiences at www.newhorizonsclub.org.au.

The RACT Community Fund offers small grants twice a year to non-profit community groups or organisations to assist with community-building, local projects. The next round of applications will open in October. For further details visit: www.ract.com.au/Pages/Community-funding.aspx

New Horizons club members are looking forward to the on-site gardening program.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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IN OUR COMMUNITY

Join the conversation People are having their say on the issues that matter to them most via our Facebook page. Below are just a couple of highlights from recent weeks.

Do you have Australia’s worst commute?

Light rail and ferry services up and down the river would greatly ease the congestion.

- Bruce Morris How can we ask for money to relieve congestion and money to move university campuses into our cities?

- Susan Armstrong We. Don’t. Have. A. Problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Grant A. Mullen

Your views Limit your distractions

O

n February 16, Ian Batchelor wrote in the Hobart Mercury newspaper about trying to watch the road and stay under the speed limit. I cannot agree with his comments except to say that driving is a dangerous undertaking.

One of the basic rules for maintaining a driver’s licence is to keep your concentration. Focus is required to continually check your speed with your own and other vehicle movements via direct and mirror observation and to monitor traffic changes occurring during transit and approaching intersections.

My advice is to refrain from all distractions within your vehicle apart from dash checks of vehicle performance and warnings.

That means dispense with accessory use, whether it is fitted or carried within, and refrain from unnecessary conversation with passengers.

Be especially on the lookout during peak times, school in/out times, Fridays and holiday eves – these are the times when people become distracted or insensitive to situations.

Eric Harthill, West Hobart

Time to get back on the rail

T

Take care on the roads out there and watch your following distance!

I’d like to start a campaign to encourage people to turn on their lights whenever they turn on their windscreen wipers. There are too many people driving around in poor visibility with no lights. It may only be 3.00 in the afternoon, but it’s overcast and it’s raining, we can’t see you.

- Chris Spiegel Join the conversation at www.facebook.com.au/ ractofficial 12

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

he RACT is to be commended on its initiative in calling on the Commonwealth Government to improve infrastructure in the city of Hobart (Page 5, Journeys June/July 2016). Could the commuter load be lightened by adding rail travel, including a revival of the BelleriveSorell link? Perhaps a feasibility study could be envisaged, as many sections of the original line are still in place.

John T. Harding, Bellerive

Cameras in our sights

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here can be no debate about the need for speed cameras – that is proved by the many infringements and ‘accidents’ as stated by Michael Claxton in the June/July issue of Journeys.

What is still a fair subject for debate is the best way to install them. I don’t know the latest statistics for road deaths and injuries due to speeding and unsafe driving, but it is fair to assume that they are more or less

the same as last year. Which means we still do not have the right mix of sufficient cameras in appropriate sites, with or without warnings, as they are supposed to be a deterrent.

If they fail to deter, then something needs to change.

Jo McRae, Lenah Valley

Give cyclists a safe distance

I

would like to remind motorists that when you come across cyclists and want to give them 1.5m to overtake them, you are only to overtake them if it is safe to do so.

I have had a couple of very scary incidents where the car behind the cyclist has simply crossed into the oncoming lane while I was right there travelling towards them!

My husband had a worse experience when he was on his motorbike travelling along when the oncoming car pulled directly in front of him in order to overtake a cyclist.

The female driver was actually indicating to him to get off the road! My husband was left with about six inches of bitumen and was very shaken by this.

What is going on in some people’s minds?

If a cyclist is in front of you, you can only overtake it if it is safe, the same as if it is a car or anything else. You are the one who just may have to apply the brakes. You do not have the right to force others off the road!

Alison Carter, Lalla

Seeing red… on black

I

am wondering who in their wisdom approved those coloured number plates red-on-black, blue-on-black?

Obviously they have not driven behind one of these numbered vehicles and noticed that they are so hard to read unless close up. I am not colour blind nor have any eye problems but it is nigh-on impossible to make out the numbering on that black background at a distance that I can read the normal blue-on-white plates.

Also on the theme of the tinted windows, it should be mandatory that L and P plates be put on the outside of a vehicle with a tinted rear window.

Keith Broomfield, Perth

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Shanghai Lujiazui ring overpass.

What the Brooker needs

I

t’s going to be really wonderful for those of us who use our vehicles to drive along the Brooker Highway when the two new traffic lighted junctions are finished.

On the alert for tourists

W

Enough to send you around e have L plates and P plates on the bend

vehicles to alert us to new or inexperienced drivers on our roads, so how about T plates for tourists who may sometimes be a bit hesitant or unsure of where they are going? If we know they are unfamiliar with our roads perhaps they could then be given a bit more consideration and tolerance by Tasmanian drivers.

I

All of which are no damn good unless they are populated by people, not vehicles.

ntold thousands of dollars are being spent on roads and highways to make cycling safer, then we see so many cyclists dressing in black or other hard-to-see lycra colours. Check out our posties – to be safe, be seen. Even our Prime Minister must wear a high visibility vest when entering a work site. It would be good to get some feedback from motorists on this subject.

Prevention is always better than cure.

am frustrated by the number of ignorant drivers who don’t exercise good old-fashioned courtesy when entering and exiting roundabouts.

In numerous instances, I stop to wait for the drivers who exit left with the right-hand indicator still flashing, thus interrupting the flow of traffic.

Turning the left-hand indicator on when half-way between entry and exit would be safer and a lot more convenient for the vehicles waiting to enter.

Also, why do so many impatient people ignore the holding lines at the entry of a dual-lane roundabout?

I thought drivers still had to wait at the left lane entry to allow drivers exiting left that have entered via the right lane to safely change to the left lane to exit. I am then forced to exit then continue in the right lane to avoid a side impact.

Phillip Truscott, Lachlan

Bill Pregnell, Carlton River

Dale McPherson, Bagdad

But what of the poor pedestrians who have to negotiate their way through them?

No real thought has been given to what they are supposed to do.

So when I saw the above picture on the Bing search engine, I knew it was exactly what these two new junctions also need.

Susan Adderley, Brighton

It wouldn’t be round of course, but then that really wouldn’t matter.

U

But it’s exactly what is needed, when you consider what is also in the area.

Showgrounds on one side and horse and dog racing on the other; and also a very new, most popular store.

Be safe, be seen

THE WINNING VIEW... Dale McPherson wins a $50 travel voucher for his letter on the use of roundabouts. We welcome letters on any motoring or travel-related topic. Keep them brief – we reserve the right to edit. Contact us by post or email and please include your postal address. Email journeys@ract.com.au AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

13

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Opinion Shining light on tinted windows Gary Lane from Protek Window Tinting in Devonport responds to Richard Langman’s letter in the June/July issue of Journeys regarding car window tinting.

F

irstly, more than 34 years’ experience in dealing with the after-market installation of glass-tinting films for both vehicles and buildings, including one of many discussions on the subject of safety, requires me to answer Mr Langman’s letter ‘Hints on tints’.

His arguments regarding the safety aspects appear somewhat confused and lack a depth of understanding regarding many issues with glass-tinting (whether factory-tinted glass or the use of aftermarket films) verses safety standards / vehicle design / weather patterns and the quality (or lack of it) of drivers in general.

Firstly, while it was common in the very early years of window tinting (some 35 years ago) to have it as a fashion accessory (mainly with some of the younger drivers), it has never been a major reason that customers had tinting done. The primary reason is to reduce heat and glare issues, particularly when one considers that air conditioning was not in general use as it is today and people had to rely on other means to keep their cars cool.

This was then, as it is today, largely dependent on the climatic conditions and where one lives.

Saying tinting is a recent fashionable thing to have is completely false. Just try selling a vehicle without air conditioning and tinted windows these days and ask customers why they want them.

For me, the two main reasons are: 1) Our weather patterns have been getting much hotter and for longer periods at a time.

2) The general design of vehicles. Making them more aerodynamic to reduce drag, which helps to reduce fuel consumption, has meant a change in the angle of slope of the front and back windows, which has meant an increase in the amount of heat that penetrates the glass, which in turn increases the build-up of heat within the vehicle.

Even with air conditioning one can still get sunburnt through the glass. Hence the increased use of tinted windows, whether factory tinted or filmed. Good looks are just a by-product.

Other problems with increased cases of skin cancers have also increased the need for more sun protection.

Getting to the point raised by Mr Langman in being able to see other drivers clearly and predicting their moves as the reason for not liking tinted windows, I’ve noticed this comment has been raised on more than one occasion.

I can only say that one should never, ever try to predict another person’s actions (unless you’re a mind-reader). I’ve eyeballed other drivers that have still pulled out of intersections at the last minute because they were too impatient to wait.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Whether you’re able to see the other drivers clearly or even eyeball them, you’re only asking for trouble if you’re going to try to predict their movements on the assumption that if you can see them clearly, then they have seen you and that their actions can or will be predicted.

Regarding the back windows being dark tinted, there are a couple of good reasons for this. Firstly, when carrying young babies from 0-6 months, the requirement is that they have to face towards the back window. So while driving, the sunlight (glare and heat) can shine directly into their faces. I’ve often seen parents hang towels up against the back windows, obscuring their vision.

A dark tint can help, while still providing good vision. One must ask which would be the safer of the two options.

According to the Cancer Council Australia, UV radiation levels inside a car vary depending on factors such as whether the side windows are open or closed and the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the sun. Clear autoglass (side windows) blocks about 97% of the UVB radiation and about 37% of UVA radiation. Laminated windscreens block all of the UVB radiation and about 80% of the UVA radiation. Our sister club at RACQ undertook a ‘real world’ test on the ability of tinting to reduce the cabin temperature and found that tinting had a negligible effect on the overall temperature.

Darren Moody, general manager, Member Assist, RACT

Alice Hansen

WANDERLUST

Jetty at Clayton’s Corner.

Alice Hansen takes a trip to the edge of civilisation and finds a wealth of history and wild landscapes to explore.

I

stand there with my fully packed bag, all smiles at the airport.

We’re off to a place I hold loftily among my favourites on the world map. But the pilot just smiles at our small group and says ‘you’re not going anywhere’.

Deflated, we look at one another. We have drones, plump sailing bags, coats and faces dressed with the enthusiasm of a honeymoon couple bound for Bora Bora. We’ve even surfaced at 7am on a Sunday morning, yet we are grounded. I had an inkling of this when thunder clapped across Hobart’s skies en route to Par Avion’s Cambridge Airport base, but still held hope we’d touch down in South-West Tasmania later that morning. Simply because I really wanted to go, I’d done my best to block out what was clearly happening overhead.

It is weeks before we make it out there. Days pass, weather patterns belt through and surging swells mean no one can come or go.

It’s the nature of the place. It’s why I love it – a far-flung corner of the planet where no roads lead in. Only those willing to venture by air, sea or determined legs can reach Melaleuca.

Nearly a month later, on a perfectly crisp autumn morning, our promised trip arrives. This time I’ve whisked my father along for the ride, a fitting surprise 70th birthday sojourn. His eyes grow wide as we fly past Federation Peak and I see this landscape casting its spell on him, as it did me three years ago. Soon we’ll be descending low over Bathurst Harbour, some three times the size of Sydney Harbour and infinitely more silent and remote.

Touching down on the gravel strip of ‘Melaleuca International’ feels like home, despite these impenetrable wilds being so unforgiving, so unwelcoming. Fortunately we’re in hospitable company – skipper and owner of Tasmanian Boat Charters’ Odalisque Pieter Van Der Woude is in the plane seat behind us. We’re about to AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

15

Chris Crerar

Alice Hansen

Alice Hansen

Alice Hansen

WANDERLUST

Above, top to bottom: Water-filled ‘Scamp’ moored at Deny King’s former home; Open air boat shed at Deny King’s; A quick escape route for visiting quolls at Clyde and Win Clayton’s former home.

board his 20m luxury vessel, purpose-built to tackle a coastline carved by south-westerly storms. Our mission is to touch down in Melaleuca and make the nine-hour voyage from Bathurst Harbour to Hobart aboard Tasmania’s latest eco-adventure.

Pieter is a former ab diver who’s dipped below the surface of most of the off-shore islands we pass. He has a story for every sea cave, can spot a white-bellied sea eagle from seemingly three ks away and reels off island names like his own children’s. That said, Big Caroline and Flat Witch aren’t the most endearing of names.

Before we settle in for the evening, we have a task. Pieter has wooed a Hobart wine bar with talk of the pure South-West water he can collect, spilling over aforementioned ancient rocks. It’s anticipated to slip down suitably well with a Tassie single malt. We pull our dinghy in snug to the cascading tannin-stained flow.

‘Well I better try some,’ quips Pieter’s daughter Alice, leaning in close. She retreats not only with a mouthful but an entire face bathed in Roaring Forties-swept waters, and a refreshed smile to match.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

That night we bunker down in Bramble Cove – the unlikeliest corner of the Earth to find Moo Brew to be flowing on tap. Not only is one of Tassie’s most popular brews at the ready, but smooth Tasmanian cheeses and fresh produce surface. The barbie is fired up on the back deck and although some drink local Pinot long into the star-lit night, I retreat to my maritime bed spruced with a Spotted Quoll pillow from a local Launceston designer.

Our early rise rewards us with a pink-glowing sky as we motor past the Breaksea Islands with their wind-pruned flora. It’s now just us and the Southern Ocean, next landfall to the south – Antarctica. I struggle to fathom the courage of Aboriginal women who dove for shellfish and crays in these heaving swells some 35,000 years before us. With just tea-tree and bark dome huts as refuge, the Needwunnee people hunted seals from bark canoes off the Maatsuyker Island group.

The coast is a spectacle of unchanged majesty – wave-cut rock formations, gulches, petite inlets, sweeping bays and sand dunes a

WANDERLUST

Above: Big Caroline Rock outside the Port Davey headland.

Right: Odalisque skipper Pieter Van Der Woude pours a Moo Brew for his guests.

With sooty oyster catchers and dolphins as our drop-in visitors, we hear tales of Maatsuyker’s early days when it took three families to keep the lighthouse beam aglow, courtesy of whale oil in the 1800s. We fast forward to the 1970s when ‘Jane’, determined to kick a rumoured drug addiction, is delivered to far-flung De Witt Island by a fisherman to spend a year in isolation.

For us, though, we’re passing through. We’re merely visitors to this wild outpost. We hug our way round South East Cape, Australia’s southern-most tip, bound for Hobart Town. We’ll never know the weeks, months, years of hardship withstood by hardy souls who called the South-West home – Aboriginals, explorers, legendary bushmen like Deny King, or a lone man determined for the South-West to become a thriving Jewish settlement. But they are tales for another journey.

Alice Hansen

few thousand years in the making. To the early French explorers, their diaries read that this was the world’s end. Few places on the planet look visually near-identical to the time when first sighted.

ODALISQUE What: Tasmanian Boat Charters offer tours in the SouthWest from February to May each year. The Odalisque is based in Hobart for the remainder of the year, and available for charter. Popular routes include Tasmania’s East Coast, Bruny Island and the Channel.

Visit: www.tasmanianboatcharters.com.au Alice Hansen was a guest of Tasmanian Boat Charters.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

17

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FOR THE FULL RANGE OF MEMBER BENEFITS SEE PAGES 45-66

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Conditions: Our Low Price Promise is more than a marketing promise, it’s our promise to you our RACT member that at the time of booking (valid for new bookings only), subject to normal holiday availability and based on Australian registered businesses and websites and for travel departing from an Australian Port, we promise to beat any valid available holiday quote presented in writing for the same airline, cruiseline, tour operator and departure date in the same cabin/grade/fare type/share basis/ booking class/code. Available means that the other quote is current, confirmed in writing, genuine and available to be booked at the time you present it to us. If the quoted holiday content is not available, we will offer you the best available alternative that will suit your requirements. Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed user group, including time share membership offers, are excluded. In the unlikely event that we cannot match a quoted price on your international holiday we will pay for you (RACT Member) to fly free to Sydney or Melbourne to meet your flight.

a member of

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Conditions Apply: *You must be an RACT Member and present a current Membership card, see referenced page for more details and full terms and conditions. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

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WANDERLUST

Thai street food, fast and friendly.

Loretta Lohberger discovers that in Thailand, nothing gets in the way of friendly customer service.

A

small television on the counter of a busy restaurant in Kanchanaburi was the focal point during a Sunday night dinner service.

Thailand was playing South Korea in an international friendly soccer match. The chef took a break from the kitchen to sit in front of the TV for the end of the game, which Thailand lost 0-1.

I couldn’t help but be drawn into the drama and the ultimate heartache of the game. The Thais I met on my nine-day stay in the country were welcoming and eager to share their culture and way of life, and this included their love for football.

Despite the obvious disappointment felt throughout the restaurant, our chef still had a big smile for us all. We had feasted on yet another fantastic selection of Thai dishes in this peaceful town on the banks of the River Kwai.

The bridge on the river is one of the town’s most visited sites.

Part of the Thai-Burma ‘Death’ Railway, built by prisoners of war – including many Australians – and a large contingent of local labourers in 1943, the bridge was made famous by the 1950s book and subsequent film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Walking across the bridge today it’s difficult to imagine the horror of those days. It’s a beautiful place and, although the bridge is teeming with tourists when I visit, the views up and down the river are worth it.

The Australians who lost their lives in the area during World War II are among those buried at Kanchanaburi’s Allied WWII cemetery, opposite the Death Railway Museum. It’s a peaceful place, but a sadness hangs in the air above the rows of headstones that mark the graves of so many young men.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

19

Loretta Lohberger

WANDERLUST

Talking to locals about the recent history of their country, it doesn’t take long for them to mention the days of Japanese occupation.

One of our hosts at Apple’s Retreat and Guesthouse tells us stories about her grandparents, who were involved in the resistance.

Noi, who runs the guest house with her friend Apple, is also our cooking teacher for a half-day cooking class.

We start the morning with a tour of a local market where Noi points out the difference between the traditional way of cooking (‘old generation’, she calls it) and the demand for convenience (‘new generation’). Noi is very much for the old generation way of doing things.

Under her direction, our group makes four dishes – a banana flower cake, wing bean salad, a curry and a steamed vegetable or fish mousse – for a well-earned lunch break overlooking the river.

Like other Thai cities and towns, street food is plentiful in Kanchanaburi. One of the highlights was a man selling crepes

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

with various combinations of sweet fillings, including a delicious merengue-like cream, raisins and coconut.

About 162km east is the historic city of Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. Visitors come to Ayutthaya for its history, including temples that date back hundreds of years.

The town has its own regional dishes. One of the most popular is roti sai mai, thin pancakes rolled around a sugar mixture reminiscent of fairy floss. The shop we visit sells endless bags of the pancakes and the filling, and we’re told about the long line-up of customers at weekends.

In a large area at the back of the shop the pancakes and fillings are made by hand. Taking care not to hit our heads on the low beams, we watch the sugar mixture being boiled in large pots, then transferred to work benches where men deftly stretch the elasticlike mixture with specially made wooden tools. The mixture is then bagged up and put on the shelves out the front.

Loretta Lohberger

Loretta Lohberger

WANDERLUST

In another section, people sit at pans on which they expertly spread the pancake batter. Once they’re cooked, the pancakes are weighed, bagged and brought up to the shop.

Food is such an important part of life in Thailand. Each region has its own take on how to serve and enjoy food, and sharing a meal with others, whether travelling companions or locals you meet along the way, is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in this country’s culture – even if your meal is interrupted by devastation on the soccer field.

Loretta Lohberger

Clockwise: A train crosses the bridge over the River Kwai; cooking teacher Noi explains ingredients; making sugar filling for the roti sai mai; one of the dishes from Noi’s cooking class – wingbean salad.

WE CAN TAKE YOU THERE! Call RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 and ask us how you can experience Thailand.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

21

YOUR FLOOD MA WHEN IT RAINS ON YOUR ROOF, IT RAINS ON OUR ROOF As Tasmania’s only local insurer, we understand recovering from a flood can be a chaotic and emotional process. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to better cope with the challenges and get back on track faster.

1

BE PREPARED » Check your insurance policy for flood coverage » Prepare a room-by-room inventory of the contents of your home, and avoid underinsurance by checking the sum insured matches the value of your home and contents » Prepare a flood readiness kit, including a torch, water, radio, candles, matches, new batteries and any important documents or contact numbers

2

STAY ALERT » » » »

3

Seek advice on flood risk in your area Listen to local radio for warnings, or visit the Bureau of Meteorology website Give yourself time to evacuate before the storm or flood hits Avoid entering flood water, on foot or in a vehicle – flood water may be deeper, or moving faster than you expect

AFTER THE FLOOD » Return to your property when emergency services declare it safe to do so » Only enter your property when you are certain you are not at risk » If water has entered your property do not try and turn the electricity on yourself

WATER DAMAGE DO’S AND DON’TS DO

DON’T

Before entering your home, look outside for any damage Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves during clean-up Circulate air by opening windows

Discard any food or water that may have come in contact with flood waters Clean up any excess water you can Separate wet and dry items

In branch | Online | 13 27 22 |

Use your vacuum to clean up Handle electronic devices Start repairs without an assessment Wait to call the professionals Wait to make a claim

NAGEMENT PLAN 4

KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE » Keep the family together » Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid flooded areas until clean up is complete » Remove and put aside any water or mud-damaged goods that pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings » Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk

5

GET ORGANISED » Before you start cleaning, take pictures or videos of damage to possessions as evidence for your claim » Make a list of each item that has been damaged and include a detailed description, such as brand, model and serial number » Check for damage to any vehicles covered under your policy

6

CONTACT US » Contact RACT Insurance as soon as possible to check what your policy includes or excludes, and seek guidance on the claims process » Contact us before you attempt to authorise any building work, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy » We are here to help, so the sooner you get in touch with us the better

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU Some things you don’t see coming, so we protect you by taking the risk of unexpected accidents off of your shoulders, and into our hands.

RACT Insurance offers a range of Home and Contents Insurance options so no matter what you come home to, you’re covered.

Call 13 27 22 or visit ract.com.au for more information.

INSURANCE by

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Fresh face for family favourite S

tuart Minty was only six or seven years old when his parents John and Glenda started Minty’s Bodyworks in Mornington.

‘I practically grew up here,’ he said.

So it’s no wonder he found it a bit of a challenge when the business underwent a refresh earlier this year.

‘The whole front of the shop was original, from 1974 when Dad and Mum opened it,’ he said.

‘It was time for a refresh, but we kept the original sign format and shape, just adding new colours and updating the front.’

Stuart attributes part of the new look to the hard work of M.J. Honeyman for the painting and rendering and Lid Design, which worked on the new signage.

Stuart, who took over running the business about 13 years ago, now has six employees.

Customers are greeted by faithful dog Narla, adopted

by Stuart six years ago.

‘This business has been dealing with RACT for more than 30 years and we hope to continue for another 30 years plus more,’ he said.

Tassie’s best prices on mobility equipment Statewide delivery available

Stuart Minty with his faithful sidekick Narla outside the refurbished business. Left: The old shop-front.

Cnr Sunderland Street & Derwent Park Road Moonah, 7009 P: (03) 6273 8300 E: hobart@walkonwheels.net.au W: www.walkonwheelstasmania.com.au

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Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

P: 1300 919 406 (local call cost) or (03) 6272 2966 E: info@stairliftsalestasmania.com.au W: www.stairliftstasmania.com.au

LIFE ON THE MOVE

SUV ownership comes at a price T

hey may be popular people-movers, but Tasmanians are paying more to purchase and run Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) than other, more traditional models.

The RACT’s annual Vehicle Operating Costs survey added another 14 vehicles in 2016, all SUVs, reflecting their sales growth in the marketplace. In total, 125 popular vehicles were analysed, taking into account all expenses associated with normal car ownership including purchase price, interest, fuel, servicing, new tyres, insurance and depreciation.

The survey results help consumers see where the money goes in every aspect of vehicle ownership from buying a car to fuel efficiency and servicing.

RACT general manager, Member Assist, Darren Moody said this year’s cheapest car to own and run was the Suzuki Celerio – for the second year running.

‘At $92.74 a week, the Celerio is more than $10 a week cheaper than the second-placed Mitsubishi Mirage, and is actually $2 a week less than last year, mainly attributable to the drop in fuel prices,’ Mr Moody said.

In the popular small car class, the this year’s cheapest Kia Cerato S was cheapest to run with a weekly cost of $128.08. car to own and Mr Moody said comparing run was the Suzuki the Cerato to the cheapest SUV, the Ford Ecosport Celerio – for the small at $144.75 a week, would add second year running more than $4300 in costs over a five-year ownership period.

Mazda’s CX-5 was the cheapest vehicle to own and operate in the medium SUV category at $171.87 a week, while in the increasingly popular dual-cab 4WD ute category, Mitsubishi’s Triton topped the list for the second year running.

The most expensive vehicle to own and operate is the Toyota LandCruiser GXL Petrol, knocking out the Nissan Patrol ST-L which held the title for the past three years. With an estimated on-road price of $87,959, the LandCruiser costs owners a hefty $341.66 a week to keep on the road.

Mr Moody said depreciation was the biggest cost of car ownership, accounting for 42 per cent of the total cost over five years, on average.

‘While the survey takes into account the manufacturer’s list price (MLP) when calculating the weekly cost, there were many deals in the market at the end of the financial year that could not only save money up-front, but over the life of the vehicle through less depreciation,’ he said.

Calculations are based on private ownership for five years and driving an average 12,000km a year.

For the full list of vehicles surveyed, along with tips on buying a new car, visit www.ract.com.au/buying-a-car

Suzuki Celerio

Mazda CX-5

2016 vehicle operating costs survey results Category

$/week

Micro

Suzuki Celerio LF 5D Hatchback Inline 3998 cc MPFI 5 Sp Manual

$92.74

Light

Mazda2 Neo DJ 5D Hatchback Inline 4 1496 cc MPFI 6 Sp Automatic

$116.81

Small

Kia Cerato S YD MY17 5D Hatchback Inline 4 1999 cc MPFI 6 Sp Automatic Seq Sportshift

$128.08

Medium

Skoda Octavia 110 TSI Ambition NE MY16 5D Hatchback Turbo 4 1395 cc TMPFI 7 Sp Auto Direct Shift

$162.10

Large

Holden Commodore Evoke VF II 4D Sedan V6 2997 cc MPFI 6 Sp Automatic

$203.06

People Mover

Honda Odyssey VTI RC MY16 4D Wagon Inline 4 2356 cc MPFI Continuous Variable

$198.97

SUV Small

Ford Ecosport Ambiente BK 4D Wagon Inline 4 1498 cc MPFI 6 Sp Automatic

$144.75

SUV Medium

Mazda CX-5 Maxx (4X4) My15 4D Wagon Inline 4 2488 cc Mpfi 6 Sp Automatic

$171.87

SUV Large

Ford Territory Tx (Rwd) Sz Mk2 4D Wagon Inline 6 3984 cc Mpfi 6 Sp Automatic

$208.30

SUV All Terrain

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX (4X4) QE 4D Wagon Diesel Turbo 42442 cc DTFI 8 Sp Automatic

$226.89

2WD Ute

Ford Falcon FG X Utility Inline 6 3984 cc MPFI 6 Sp Auto Seq Sportshift

$189.66

4WD Dual Cab

Mitsubishi Triton GLX (4X4) MQ MY16 Upgrade Dual Cab Utility Diesel Turbo 4 2440 cc DTFI 5 Sp Automatic

$207.97

Electric

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid ZJ MY14 4D Wagon Inline 4 1998 cc MPFI 1 Sp Automatic

$243.72

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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25

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Sports car gets a safety high-five T

he new Mazda MX-5 has achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating – one star up on the previous model.

‘The ever-popular sports car impressed in local testing, achieving a good result for this type of vehicle,’ ANCAP chief executive officer James ANCAP side impact testing of the Mazda MX-5.

Goodwin said.

‘This is a significant improvement on the model However, the MX-5’s lack of driver assistance technologies was a concern. it replaces.’

RACT general manager, Member Assist, Darren Moody said the ‘Autonomous emergency braking, active lane support and speed assistance systems are lacking,’ Mr Goodwin said. safety result was a pleasant surprise.

‘The 5-star result for Mazda is a great engineering feat as roadsters ‘As a newly designed model – one that is likely to remain in the market for some time – it is concerning to see these important don’t traditionally fare well in side impact and pole tests,’ he said. safety technologies have been overlooked.’

The frontal offset, side impact, pole and whiplash tests each revealed high scores, but the most impressive area of assessment For the full run-down visit ancap.com.au was pedestrian protection.

‘Not only has the MX-5 performed well in each of the impact tests, this is the highest pedestrian protection score we have seen for any Interested to know what we think about the new vehicle to date,’ Mr Goodwin said.

MX-5? Read about it in our He said/She said The MX-5 has an active, or ‘pop-up’, bonnet, which is designed column in the June/July issue of Journeys, to provide extra clearance between a pedestrian’s head and the or find it on our Member Hub. vehicle’s stiff components beneath.

A VAN OR MOTORHOME FOR EVERY TYPE OF GETAWAY J-Pod, Camper Trailers, Expanders, Pop Tops, Starcraft Caravans, Toy Haulers, Motorhomes

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Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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LIFE ON THE MOVE

King of the road

Tim Cox

A

ustralians used to be a wonderfully inventive mob when it came to nicknames. Most were based on physical appearance but the best would reflect what your mates – affectionately, I’m sure – saw as your shortcomings. You’d be Showbags (full of it), Whispers (never shouts), or Pothole (best avoided).

My grandfather used to refer to one of his bowls mates as ‘Rust’.

It was nothing to do with the colour of his hair – Rust was always in someone’s car. And as much as I celebrate that spectacular cleverness, I struggle with Rust.

Around the time I held my (second) learner’s permit I stopped and pulled a young woman, maybe a year or two younger than me, out of a crashed car. She died in my arms. And in less than 60 seconds I lost any impetus I had to drive.

I became – and still am – Rust.

Fortunately, I am married to a woman who is a tremendous driver and who, most of the time, is (well, appears) happy to be behind the wheel. But it’s well past time I gave her a lift somewhere and, as I’m studying to be a marriage celebrant, it would be a far better look if I turned up to your day of days under my own steam – preferably behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper S – rather than getting a lift from someone whose weekend dress code is strictly ‘gardening-appropriate’.

So, in the shadows of turning 50, I’m going to give it one last go.

I say ‘last’ as I’m committing to it here in the pages of Journeys and will see it through to P plates and then a full licence. And I’ll tell you about it along the way.

A couple of weeks later…

You’re a regular, probably daily, road user but ask yourself: do you know how Tasmania’s road rules have changed since you got your first full licence to drive? Judging by the way I see people use roundabouts, ‘merge’ and generally not indicate... I’m thinking no.

Tim Cox gears up for his first driving lesson with the RACT.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as I leave Service Tasmania, having failed the learner driver test.

I’d spent a couple of hours running through the road rules and then doing the online sample tests and had come up short: well short, in fact. But they’re nice people at Service Tasmania and they’ll let you have another go the very next day and, with a couple of extra hours of revision and test practice under my belt, I anxiously returned – and got a perfect score!

All the ‘who gives way to whom’ questions, what the hand gestures (no, not those ones) from other drivers and police mean, and the maximum speed at which you may turn a corner controlled by traffic lights. You know the answer, don’t you? Take the test and find out – it’s rather harder than you’d think.

Just on the off-chance I let myself believe that’s the hard part out of the way it’s time to call Kat, my RACT driving instructor, and book my first lesson. My last first lesson.

RACT Driver Training in the south has moved to our Patrick St annex, just around the corner from RACT House.

All southern driver training enquiries, parking, payments and bookings can now be made at 62 Patrick St or by calling 1300 761 429.

Vital program for learners gets funding extension

I

t takes less than an hour for inexperienced drivers to move from being statistically the safest drivers on the road to the most at risk.

In the time it takes to sit and pass a driving test, a new driver’s risk of being harmed in a crash increases about 20 to 30 times. While on their Ls, new drivers are in the safest category of road users.

This is because while learning, they are guided and made aware of harmful situations by their supervisors and instructors, and are often sheltered from experiencing the responsibilities that come with choice. Once they get their P plates, new drivers face a range of situations they’ve never experienced. Suddenly, they’re alone, with little training in how to adapt to new and hard decisions.

This is why the RACT, in conjunction with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), fought hard to have funding for

the Federal Government’s keys2drive program to be reinstated after news earlier this year that it was to be discontinued.

We’re pleased to say that the program received ongoing funding in the Federal Budget, but only for 12 months Keys2drive provides a learning approach that is more real, more comprehensive and more attuned to the reality of licensed driving.

The program is designed to compliment other learner driver programs, not replace them.

Preliminary findings by the University of New South Wales show keys2drive participants were 40 per cent less likely to be involved in a crash that causes moderate to serious injury. It also showed they were 28 per cent less likely to be involved in a road crash of any type in their first six months on P plates.

For more information visit www.keys2drive.com.au AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

27

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Prius takes it up a notch Back in 1998, Toyota was first to introduce viable hybrid technology to the Australian public with the Prius. The latest version is more driver-focused.

T

he new two-model Prius line-up follows the path of the previous generation, using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive package featuring the proven 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine. Redesigning much of the mechanical componentry to reduce friction and aid faster warm-ups, along with improvements to the Synergy Drive system, has resulted in a 12.8 per cent reduction in fuel consumption for both models. The official combined fuel consumption figure is now just 3.4L/100km. The engine delivers 72kW and 142Nm, while combined hybrid power is 90kW. It is Euro 5 emission compliant.

While this Prius takes its styling cues from the second and third generations (which were characterised by their arched roofline and cut-off rear), it has an all-new design. Built on a new global Toyota platform, the Prius is lower, more angular and more aerodynamically efficient. The platform is structurally stiffer and lighter, to optimise handling dynamics and reduce fuel

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Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Tim Pomroy

consumption, and moving forward the platform will underpin many future Toyota models.

The Prius has an extensive safety armoury, which is standard across the line-up. There is Toyota’s Pre-Collision Safety System (which uses a combination of radar and a high-mounted camera in the windscreen), active cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic high beam functions. The i-Tech also gains blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Two specification levels are available. The base Prius ($34,990*) features new-design alloy wheels, auto levelling bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights, a reversing camera, colour head-up display, 10-speaker audio system and wireless phone charging.

The i-Tech also has 17-inch alloys, heated eight-way electric front seats finished with leather accents and satellite navigation.

It costs $42,990*.

New speed limit after community concern limit on Port Sorell Rd between Wesley Vale and Sorell is now 80km/h.

T hePortspeed

The change followed a request from Latrobe Council to lower the speed limit following community concern over a number of recent crashes and heavy, slow-moving vehicles mixing with tourists, commuters and vulnerable road users such as cyclists, a State Growth spokeperson said.

Signs advising motorists of a ‘New speed limit ahead’ were installed as part of the change.

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Wireless phone charging console.

The fresher and more contemporary interior.

The Prius reflects how Toyota is pushing towards a fresher, more contemporary design approach in its cars. Inside, bright white finishes to the centre console, along with leather trims in the wheel and gear selector, are a departure from the drab, largely colourless designs in previous models. It’s not just about the looks – ergonomically, it’s the most user-friendly Prius to date, with everything well laid out and easy to operate.

The new platform has allowed engineers to relocate the battery from behind the second-row seats to underneath the rear floor, lowering the centre of gravity, upping the luggage area to 502 litres

and increasing passenger space. New suspension, electric power steering and that lower centre of gravity have changed the Prius’s driving traits for the better and provide the driver with a greater sense of connection to the car.

Around town the Prius is quiet and refined – the various components of the Synergy Drive System interact in a seamless way under normal driving conditions. The head-up display incorporates the hybrid system indicator and battery charge, helping you drive economically, and on our city drive cycle the Prius returned 3.9L/100km.

The highway run revealed the biggest changes to the way the Prius drives, with the new suspension, revised steering and tyre package giving it a more ‘planted’ feel. The ride quality is firmer, too, reinforcing the newfound tautness of the package. The revised braking system also has a more consistent, predictable feel.

The i-Tech looks expensive for a small car, but if you’re looking at alternatives to the traditional combustion engine, cost isn’t always the first consideration.

Pros: I mproved driving dynamics, less cabin noise, more usable luggage area. Low capped price servicing.

Cons: Inflator kit instead of space saver spare tyre. *prices quoted are plus on-road costs.

FINANCE IT WITH US! RACT Car Loans offer competitive rates, low fees, great service and minimum hassle – with discounted interest rates for RACT members. Get fast, over-the-phone pre-approval, so you can bargain to your best advantage, knowing how much you have to spend. Call 13 27 22 or apply online at www.ract.com.au

AutoServe launches in Launceston T

he RACT’s new AutoServe vehicle servicing and repair operation in Launceston provides high-quality vehicle servicing and repairs.

RACT AutoServe offers mechanical repairs and servicing for all types of vehicles, including vehicles under warranty, and still provides vehicle inspection services.

It is open to both RACT members and non-members, with members enjoying a discount.

‘Combined with our Approved Repairers network, RACT AutoServe represents a strong and trusted presence in the automotive repair and servicing industry,’ Mr Moody said.

‘Research by the RACT showed that members wanted to see the Club bring its reputation into the vehicle repair and maintenance sector to add choice and competition in an area where – particularly in terms of cars under warranty – consumers felt they had few options,’ RACT general manager, Member Assist, Darren Moody said.

‘RACT AutoServe is designed to be cost competitive, with an added discount for members, and will provide a high-quality service, injecting both choice and more competition into the market.’

RACT Autoserve is located at 85 Cimitere St, Launceston.

Phone: 1300 127 684 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

29

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IN TASMANIA TODAY

A PORTFOLIO

Above, From Left: Detail from the garden of Villa San Rocco, in the tiny village of Benabbio, Italy, using wet plate collodion method; Detail of a ceiling inside the Medici Chapels, Florence; Details of street scenes photographed in Florence, Lucca and Milan, captured with a mobile phone.

Right: The view down one of the many small alleys in Florence as a tourist horse and buggy passes by.

32 

 

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

IN TASMANIA TODAY

Steve Lovegrove

With the ready availability and high quality of digital technology, it can be easily said that photography in the new age is any man’s game.

However, there are a rare few, such as Tasmanian photographer Steve Lovegrove, who yearn for an earlier time, a different look – and a lot more hard work.

Steve has recently taken to studying and using the Wet Plate collodion method of photography, first developed in about 1851. This intricate process requires photographic material to be coated, sensitised, exposed and developed all within about 15 minutes – an age in digital terms but not nearly time enough when you’re out in the field.

Steve travelled to Villa San Rocco, in the tiny village of Benabbio, Italy, last year to undertake a course in the process. While there, he captured some amazing images in both modern and traditional forms. These made up his winning entry in the 2016 AIPP Tasmanian Travel Photographer of the Year.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

33

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IN TASMANIA TODAY

Out of the shadows Damian Bester

Paula Sward

The national spotlight was cast on New Norfolk’s historic Willow Court precinct during Dark Mofo’s winter festival and has left many wondering – what will happen to the former asylum?

W

hen the Royal Derwent Hospital closed in 2000, it marked the end of more than 170 years of continuous use of Willow Court as a health facility. Established in 1827 as an invalid convict barracks, the site outdates Port Arthur.

Since closing it has fallen into disrepair, with many of the buildings being vandalised, including the nearby superintendent’s house, which was built in 1834.

When I toured Willow Court during Dark Mofo I felt an overwhelming feeling of sadness – not only from Mike Parr’s performance art works that were part of the festival, but from the appalling conditions the buildings have fallen into.

The Derwent Valley Council took over operation of the site from the State Government in 2001. Five years ago the council commissioned the Malcolm McDonald report to map its future. It estimated a cost of $9.1 million to restore the buildings.

‘Willow Court pre-dates Port Arthur. Its history is no less profound. While it shares convict links, what it has to showcase is unique. It has a different story to tell,’ the report states.

‘Willow Court has the potential to become a world-class attraction.

It has been recommended, therefore, that the long-term vision be set for the site to become World Heritage listed and linked to World Heritage and Tasmanian Heritage trails.’

The Willow Court Barracks Precinct and Frescati House are currently under review for National Heritage listing, with a decision due to be made by mid-2017.

Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans is the first to admit that the condition of the site is far from perfect.

‘We’re working through the [Malcolm McDonald] report on the conservation, management and reuse of the site,’ he said.

‘But we need to be able to fund this.

‘In the past three years we have raised some funds from the sale of assets, all of which have gone back into the restoration and preservation of the site.

Main: Part of the Willow Court barracks, which have fallen into disrepair. Above: Inside one of the rooms during Dark Mofo; part of Mike Parr’s Asylum (Entry by Mirror Only) exhibition.

‘However, without an injection of funds from the state and/or federal governments we won’t be able to see significant change.’

Cr Evans has been speaking with Dark Mofo artistic director Leigh Carmichael, arts patron Penny Clive, artist Mike Parr and the council and wider Derwent Valley community about the site’s future.

‘We’ll workshop how we can move forward,’ he said. ‘Patients were sent here from all over Australia. There is definitely significant national and international interest in the site, particularly after Dark Mofo.’

Mr Carmichael believes the site has a significant role to play in the state’s tourism future.

‘What happens to it [the site] next I don’t know, but I hope that this exhibition and our use of the site will help shine a light on the importance of what it is now and maybe what it could become,’ he said in his speech to open the event.

‘It deserves to be treated with even greater respect going forward and my personal plea to those who hold the keys to its future is to tread lightly and carefully, because as I truly believe that this place has all the attributes of an iconic Tasmanian destination.

‘It holds a unique, troubled and important past, but its full potential lies in the future.’

Do you think Willow Court has potential as a tourism destination? Have your say in our Member Hub. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

35

IN TASMANIA TODAY

Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

Sample the delights of the East

Great Eastern Wine Weekend, September 10-11

T

he Great Eastern Wine Weekend showcases the East Coast of Tasmania’s finest food and signature drops.

The two-day event held during the weekend of September 10-11 offers an opportunity to explore the area’s wine region. The East Coast’s wineries along the Great Eastern Drive will open their cellar doors and provide various special offers during the weekend.

Special events include a Bubbles and Bivalves tour at Freycinet

THE

GREAT EASTERN WINE WEEKEND

SATURDAY 10TH - SUNDAY 11TH

SEPTEMBER 2016

A celebration of Tasmania’s exquisite East Coast wine with numerous activities, special events and discount offers across two days!

For accommodation and event details visit freycinetlodge.com.au/wineweekend

Image credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman RDF1031

36

Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Marine Farm, where the farm comes to you, and a cruise to sample three wines and local produce in Wineglass Bay. The highlight event is the Great Eastern Wine and Dine gala dinner at Freycinet Lodge on September 10, with a sunset feast overlooking Great Oyster Bay featuring Tasmanian produce with matched wines presented by their respective winemakers.

Bookings are essential for these three special events. www.freycinetlodge.com.au/WineWeekend

Get wicked this winter Chocolate Winterfest, August 14

C

hocolate Winterfest is Latrobe’s wickedly delicious festival celebrating all things chocolaty.

Throughout the festival, patrons indulge in events individually or successively as the festival takes place at various locations in and around the town of Latrobe, on Tasmania’s central northern coast.

The program includes a challenge to transform a chocolate product into a wearable costume; the In the Raw chocolate cake competition for men only – unfilled and un-iced – just ‘au naturale’; and Chocolate High Tea at the internationally renowned House of Anvers. www.chocolatewinterfest.com.au

Emperor penguins stand on sea ice near L’Astrolabe in Commonwealth Bay.

Too much science for just one week

Celebrating the far south Australian Antarctic Festival, September 8-11

T

Jeremy Just, Tasmanian science communicator and research chemist, performing at the Festival of Bright Ideas.

he inaugural Australian Antarctic Festival will be held in Hobart in September, celebrating the role of Hobart as Australia’s Antarctic port and involving the whole Antarctic community of scientists, technicians, tradespeople, government agencies and commercial suppliers.

Events include a film festival, international photography and art prizes, open days at the Mawson’s Hut replica and IMAS, lectures and exhibitions and a schools’ program bringing 1200 Tasmanian school children to town to visit the Australian ice breaker Aurora Australis. In addition, the Aurora Australis and L’Astrolabe will be open for public inspection for the first time in more than 10 years.

An event highlight will be a re-creation of the famous 1912 return of Roald Amundsen’s expedition that conquered the South Pole.

hile National Science Week officially runs from August 13-21 Australia-wide, in Tasmania there is so much science, they dedicate an entire month.

In the south, the Festival of Bright Ideas will dazzle Hobart’s waterfront with spectacular science shows, workshops, talks and more. On the West Coast, the curious can attend the Bright Ideas: Innovation & Opportunity in Western Tasmania festival, while TAStroFest returns to the North-West, investigating the secrets among the stars.

There are more than 100 events statewide at museums, art galleries, cafes, farms, and even pubs.

www.antarcticfestival.com.au

scienceweek.net.au

Low winter rates from $127* per night

National Science Week, August 4-31

W

With Autoclub member rates from just $127* per night, there is no better time to stay with the RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel.

Book now at racv.com.au/hobart or call 6270 8600

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Prices are based on seasonality. Autoclub membership number to be quoted at booking and presented at check-in. See racv.com.au/resorts for details.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

37

Jenny Davson Galle

David Killick

IN TASMANIA TODAY

IN TASMANIA TODAY

A mine of convict history S

ituated on the Tasman Peninsula near Saltwater River, the Coal Mines Historic Site was Tasmania’s first operational mine. It also served as a place of punishment for the ‘worst class’ of convicts as part of the system of convict discipline and punishment. During its busiest years almost 600 prisoners, living with their jailers and their families, lived at the Mines.

Today, the Coal Mines Historic Site offers visitors the chance to discover a deeper understanding of Tasmania’s convict heritage.

Nestled amid quiet bushland about 25 minutes’ drive from Port Arthur, the ruins of the main settlement offer a small glimpse into the lives of the men once incarcerated at this notorious

punishment station. While the underground workings are no longer accessible, you can visit the picturesque ruins of houses, barracks, offices and punishment cells, or take a walk through the surrounding bushland on one of the many well-maintained walking tracks.

Along with the Port Arthur Historic Site, the Coal Mines Historic Site is included in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage register. Complimentary Coal Mines visitor guides are available from the Port Arthur Historic Site Visitor Centre, or can be downloaded from the Coal Mines website. www.coalmines.org.au

BE

AWESTRUCK BY THE AMAZING

STORIES AND EPIC HISTORY OF OUR PAST WITH TOURS AND INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS AS YOU EXPLORE THIS

W ORLD H ERITAGE - LISTED PLACE .

A RTHUR H IGHWAY , P ORT A RTHUR C ALL 1800 659 101 OR VISIT portarthur.org.au

Connect with our convict heritage at Port Arthur 38

Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

IN TASMANIA TODAY

on the

on the

SHELF Underlands

by Ted Nield. Granta, $24.99.

R

eflecting on the British landscape and its many traditional uses and industries, the geologist Ted Nield writes that ‘while farming is still to be seen almost everywhere, quarrying and mining have almost vanished’. Where once, just after World War II, more than a million people were employed in extracting minerals, rock and stone from underneath the surface of the Earth, the quarries are now overgrown and the mines disused and forgotten.

At times, Nield’s book Underlands: A Journey Through Britain’s Lost Landscape speaks tellingly of the fundamental influence that what lies below the ground has on all of us walking above it, but for much of its length it is more a family history than a natural one.

Nield explores in detail the mining background of his ancestors in Wales. His lamentations for the death of such industries in the face of cheap imports – enabled by the mining of oil – are paralleled by the loss of former generations, as though the former had wiped away the latter. More than once, the notion of what lies hidden deep beneath the surface has a more personal resonance.

Perhaps for a geologist – working with such ancient timelines – it was hard to resist dwelling more in the past than the present; but this is in many ways a shame. For when Nield delves into the actual science, key discoveries and personalities, and how all of geology’s layers prop up the present, his background as a science journalist shines and the writing is more engaging and enlivening.

Ben Walter

The Lost Cave of Corinna

by Greta Kerschbaum, $16.95.

T

asked with reading a children’s book to myself for the first time in many years, I found this story entertaining and compelling, with an important message weaved intricately through the words.

The Lost Cave of Corinna follows the tale of Tom, a young boy visiting Tasmania, who is sent on a wild adventure and along the way learns important lessons about conservation and our native wildlife facing extinction. The main focus is on our Tasmanian devil, including graphic detail of the devastating facial tumour disease our scientists are battling to this day.

It is fantastic to see a local author using an engaging story to deliver an important message to our children.

A percentage of the author’s profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

Paula Sward

STAGE A fine line between love and jealousy Othello 25-27 August, Theatre Royal

T

he RACT is thrilled to be partnering with the Theatre Royal to present Bell Shakespeare Company’s Othello from August 25-27.

One of Shakespeare’s finest, but not for the faint-hearted, Othello is a violent exploration of the thin line that separates love and jealousy. Othello is a man swept up in desire, which quickly turns to murderous rage when he is betrayed by his military brother-inarms Iago.

As our feature show of the Theatre Royal season, RACT members will receive a 10% discount when purchasing a minimum of two tickets to the show, either by showing your card at the box office, or online at www.theatreroyal.com.au

WIN Journeys readers have the opportunity to win one of two double passes to our Othello opening night event on August 25 – including two tickets to the show, a backstage tour and cocktail party at the Old Woolstore – as part of our Black Crown competition.

Simply find the hidden Black Crown and email the page number and your contact details to journeyscomps@ract.com.au, or you can write the page number on the back of an envelope and mail to Black Crown, RACT Marketing, GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001.

Entries close August 19. Winners will be notified by phone.

Last issue the Black Crown was on Page 44.

Winners (JUNE/JULY Black Crown) Anne Tyson, of Howrah Vicki Carman-Brown, of Ulverstone Noelene Westerneng, of Windermere

The butler didn’t do it!

Something’s Afoot, September 2-17, Playhouse Theatre

A

n invitation for a marvellous weekend on a private island in a secluded lake at a country mansion complete with a dodgy caretaker and ancient butler. What could go wrong?

Combine Agatha Christie’s most ingenious murder mystery plot with a deliriously dizzy musical score and you get delightful show where the bodies pile up between songs and the young lovers don’t know whether to kiss or run for cover.

Thanks to Hobart Rep we have three double passes to give away.

For your chance to win one of our reviewed books or tickets to Something’s Afoot, simply email journeyscomps@ract.com.au with the title of the competition you wish to enter in the subject line, along with your name, address and phone number in the email.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

39

The

LesT We ForgeT CuCkoo CLoCk

Honouring those who served our country courageously The

see & hear

sPiriT of The anzacs The

LasT PosT PLays on The

hour

From the shores of Gallipoli to the deserts of Iraq, Australia’s armed forces have served us proudly with courage and valour. Now, you can remember the bravery of a loved one who served with the “Lest We Forget Cuckoo Clock,” a unique tribute bringing the spirit of the Anzacs to every minute of your day.

A moving tribute in sculpture,sound and motion Poignant and inspiring, the clock showcases a montage of a century of Australians at war. Journey from the trenches of Gallipoli, to the deserts of Tobruk and to the jungles of Kokoda and South East Asia, where you will witness the courage which made your digger the proudest son of our nation.

Laurence Binyons’ immortal Ode graces the art, reminding us of the debt of gratitude our nation owes to the men who sacrificed all for our freedom. The artwork is flanked by two magnificent sculptures of diggers, heads bowed in silent prayer for their fallen mates. At the start of every hour, a trio of diggers emerge from the top of a clock as a faithful rendition of The Last Post fills the air. Each man represents a hero – your hero – never to be forgotten by their families or their country. Through the artistry of the “Lest We Forget Cuckoo Clock,” we will remember them...

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Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply.

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Available only from The Bradford Exchange and limited to just 1,915 issues, the “Lest We Forget Cuckoo Clock” may sell out fast. You need to act now. The clock is very affordable at only $299.95, payable in five easy, interest-free instalments of $59.99, plus $19.99 postage and handling. Our world-famous 365-day money-back guarantee assures your complete satisfaction. To reserve your clock, send no money now. Just return the coupon or go online at www.bradford.com.au/lwf today.

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RIGHT

WAVE AND SAVE WINTER SURVIVAL STRATEGIES

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Show your RACT membership card and save on a range of new discounts this winter.

In branch | Online | 13 27 22 |

Save up to 20% with Visit Vineyards Tour some of the state’s best wineries and sample their finest drops.

Visit ract.com.au/visitvineyards-com for more details.

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Visit ract.com.au/amf-bowling for more details.

Save 7.5% at K&D Brighten up your favourite room with a coat of paint. Visit a K&D store and receive 7.5% off normal retail prices.

Visit ract.com.au/kd-warehouse for more details.

Save 10% with Tyreright Make sure you’re safe to hit the road with new tyres this winter. Save 10% off GT Radial car, 4WD, van or ute tyres online or in-store.

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Movie tickets from $12 Snuggle up and escape to another world with our cinema offers across the state.

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Save 10% with Archicentre Services Archicentre, the building design and advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, is offering members 10% discount on their consumer services.

For more than 30 years Archicentre has been the national provider of design, advice and inspection services to Australian home buyers, builders, renovators, business owners and property investors. Whether you’re building a new home or developing an existing one, working with a qualified architect is your best way to bring your dreams to life.

Visit www.ract.com.au/ArchitectureHomeServices or call 1300 134 513 for more information.

Save 5% with Woolworths WISH Gift Cards RACT has partnered with Woolworths to offer members the opportunity to purchase WISH Gift Cards online at a 5% discount. If you purchase online you can also receive free delivery.

The ultimate gift of choice, WISH Gift Cards are redeemable at all participating Woolworths supermarkets and online, BIG W, Dan Murphy’s, Masters, BWS, Thomas Dux and participating Caltex Woolworths fuel outlets.

To purchase your discounted WISH Gift Card simply visit the RACT Member Hub – hub.ract.com.au.

If you are not registered for Member Hub visit www.ract.com.au/memberhub for details.

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

Don’t forget to show your card & save.

537586

90 YEARS OF

OF 90 YEARS

YOUR TRAVEL NEWS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

NEW ZEALAND | AUSTRALIA | EUROPE | THE PACIFIC

52

Canada & Alaska

54

Spring Gardens in Japan & South Korea

65

Patagonian Delights

TRAVEL by RACT

surprise Under the turquoise waters off the south coast of Upolu, Chris Viney has a close encounter with one of nature’s beauties.

I

t’s simply impossible.

No fish in any ocean on Earth could look like the one that’s eyeballing me from a coral crevice in the warm waters of a Samoan lagoon.

It’s a Disney fish, a dream fish, a fish whose colours and patterns could have been splashed on by Matisse or Picasso.

From prominent blue lips, blue-green stripes run back through a bright-orange head towards a pair of gold and neon-blue fins.

From there, the stripes abruptly change colour and direction – now they’re vertical orange lines on a blue body. The tail and dorsal fin are streamlines of gold, orange and electric-blue.

The eyes regarding me from the hole in the coral have jet-black pupils, rimmed in bright green. Perhaps the fish is also marvelling at me – a naked pink head, mouth clenched around a black tube, face masked in glassy yellow goggles, eyes boggling.

Our encounter takes place inside the reef that shelters the lagoon in front of Seabreeze Resort on the south coast of Upolu, the most populated of the Samoan Islands.

Back home in the depths of a Tasmanian winter, some Googling tells me that my fish is a sunset wrasse, common enough in the tropics but never seen in the chilly waters of South Bruny.

46

Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Frank Baensch

Samoan

TRAVEL by RACT As well as unique sights, special places have distinctive sounds that trigger my memories. In Japan’s mountains, it’s the papery rustle of dwarf bamboo. On our own coasts, it’s the whisper of a breeze in the casuarinas. In Samoa, it’s the clatter of glossy coconut palm fronds as they sway and bend in the south-east trade winds.

Three of these ‘trees of life’ cling precariously to the little island in the middle of the Seabreeze lagoon. The Samoan flag, a red background with the Southern Cross in a blue corner, flutters above a white, dome-shaped memorial to the chiefs and elders of neighbouring villages. Beyond the island and the quiet waters of the lagoon, surf crashes on the reef.

The resort buildings are tucked away among palms around the cove – the honeymoon house on its own elevated rocky buttress; a half-moon of beachfront suites and villas curving around the infinity pool; and the waterfront restaurant and bar, looking over the lagoon to the island and reef.

The restaurant is the scene of some memorable meals and enjoyable entertainment during our stay. Genial and talented chef Tasi (it means ‘the first’) has been with Seabreeze since the very beginning. His menu includes Samoan specialties with a focus on fresh seafood – we’ve never eaten better tuna sashimi.

Tasi - chef extraordinaire.

Tasi and the other members of the resort’s family of local staff share the characteristic Samoan love of music, especially singing. In the afternoons we hear them rehearsing for their cultural performance on Fia Fia Night – strummed guitar chords and close-knit harmonies drift out over the lagoon.

Venturing out from the resort, we join a guided drive tour, travelling over the island’s spine of forested mountains to the bustling markets of Apia and returning via the coast road, through a string of little villages, each with its white-painted church and open-walled community house.

A bove left: A sunset wrasse.

Right and below: Honeymoon Point and its luxury plunge-pool.

Left: Seabreeze Resort.

On another day we take the 4km walk to To-Sua Ocean Trench, where an almost vertical ladder drops down into a circular pool filling an ancient lava tube. In deep shade, the water is surprisingly cool and refreshing.

Returning to Seabreeze along Vavau Beach, we come across the unfamiliar jetsam of a tropical shore – unusual net floats, broken coral, scraps of driftwood, strange seashells and coconuts, coconuts, coconuts.

Chris Viney was a guest of Samoa Tourism and Seabreeze Resort.

GETTING THERE

Judith Viney

It’s a five-hour direct flight from Sydney to Apia, Samoa’s capital. From there, a Seabreeze driver can meet guests for the drive across the island to the south coast. Samoa’s sole adults-only resort has just eight villas and suites, so Seabreeze is always quiet, relaxing and peaceful.

Guests are met and welcomed in person by Chris and Wendy Booth, the hands-on owners who built and developed Seabreeze. On the day guests depart, there’s always a musical farewell from the local Samoan staff.

Judith Viney

The resort has won many prestigious awards for excellence in recent years, including being named as Samoa’s Leading Hotel in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 World Travel Awards, with a nomination in the same category in the 2016 awards. Seabreeze has won a number of TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards – this year it is one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Small Hotels in the South Pacific.

WE CAN TAKE YOU THERE! Qantas Holidays has Samoan packages with accommodation at Seabreeze Resort. For more information on the special deals available, see Page 49 in this issue of Journeys.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

47

EXCITING holiday

destinations

US$85 ONBOARD CREDIT

US$200 ONBOARD CREDIT

PER STATEROOM+

PER STATEROOM+

BOOK BY 26AUG16 AND RECEIVE AU$1000 PER COUPLE IN ADDED VALUE#

ALASKA & CANADIAN ROCKIES MALAYSIA, THAILAND & VIETNAM

$2,629*

From

$5,429*

per person, twin share

(17 night cruise/rail/stay package) Itinerary: Vancouver > Tracey Arm Inlet > Juneau > Skagway > Glacier Bay > Ketchikan > Vancouver

Includes: • 3 nights pre-cruise accommodation in Singapore staying at the Park Regis Hotel in a Park room (or similar hotel) • Half Day Singapore City tour • Night Safari tour including dinner • 12 night cruise onboard DIAMOND PRINCESS from Singapore return in an inside stateroom • Main meals~ and entertainment onboard • Transfers throughout • Port Charges and government fees

Includes: • 1 night pre-cruise accommodation in Vancouver staying at the Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel in a standard room (or similar hotel) • 7 night Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruise onboard ms NIEUW AMSTERDAM from Vancouver return in an inside stateroom • Main meals~, entertainment & port taxes • 2 nights post-cruise accommodation in Vancouver staying at the Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel in a standard room (or similar hotel) • 7 night Western Explorer Tour including: • 2 day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf Service with 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches • 7 nights accommodation including luggage handling • Admission to Vancouver Lookout & Calgary Tower plus a Jasper Highlights Tour, Icefields Parkway Tour, Yoho Park Tour & Banff to Calgary Tour including Banff Gondola & Summit Helicopter Flightseeing • Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops & Jasper

Cruise Departs: 27 January 2017

Cruise Departs: 29 April 2017

From

per person, twin share

(15 night cruise/stay package)

Itinerary: Singapore > Ko Samui > Bangkok (Laem Chabang) > Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) > Singapore > Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) > Penang > Phuket > Singapore

a member of

For further information contact your nearest branch 1300 368 111 or www.ract.com.au/travel Rosny 6212 6777 Burnie 6434 2955 Ulverstone 6425 8050 Devonport 6421 1977 Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 CRUISE TRAVEL CENTRE 6222 9222 - Hobart Kingston 6242 3211 Launceston 6335 5655

AMAZING AYERS ROCK From

$355

person, * per twin share (land only)

Includes: • 2 nights accommodation at Desert Gardens Hotel in a Garden View Room • Field of Light Pass± • FREE Return airport transfers • FREE Indigenous Guest Activities Program • FREE Wi-Fi Travel: 1 Dec 16 – 31 Mar 17

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2017

$435

person, * per twin share

From

(land only)

Includes: • 2 nights accommodation at the Mercure Hotel Welcome in a Standard Room • Margaret Court Arena Day ticket to Australian Open 2017 on Mon, 16 Jan 17∞ • Rod Laver Arena Night ticket to Australian Open 2017 on Tues, 17 Jan 17∞ Travel: 16 – 18 Jan 17

RESORT PASSPORT BOOKLET

VIVA LAS VEGAS! From

$439*

per person, twin share (land only)

Includes: • 5 nights accommodation at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino in a Casino Tower Deluxe Room† • Grand Canyon South Rim bus tour • WiFi access • 2 premium rides at the Adventuredome • Chips and Salsa at the Garden Grill • 2 free Midway games • Return airport transfers Travel: 24 Oct - 15 Dec 16, 10 Jan - 10 Feb 17

ONE FREE BREAKFAST^

LUXURY HAWAI‘I From

$975

person, * per twin share (land only)

Includes: • 4 nights accommodation Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in a Banyan City Room^ • Return express airport transfers • Collections of Waikiki savings booklet • WiFi access • Up to 60 minutes of international calls per day • Self-parking for 1 car Travel: 1-15 Sep, 21 Sep - 18 Dec 16, 4 Jan - 9 Feb 17

WAITUI BEACH CLUB BENEFITS

FREE MASSAGE Ŧ

ESCAPE TO SAMOA From

$1,049

person, * per twin share (land only)

RELAX IN FIJI

From

$1,409

person, * per twin share

(land lonly)

Includes: • 5 nights accommodation at Seabreeze Resort in an Ocean View Villa • Return airport transfers • Nightly turndown service • A la Carte Mini bar replenished dailyŧ • Champagne breakfast daily • 1 dinner for two with a bottle of wine • FREE arrival transfer

Includes: • 5 nights accommodation at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa in a Luxury Beach Club Room • Access to the Waitui Beach Club • Full breakfast daily • Return private car transfers • 60 minute tropical massage per person • Exotic sun-downer cocktails and canapés each evening • Pool Butler service • Daily Beach Club welcome pack

Travel: 1 Nov - 23 Dec 16, 28 Dec 16 - 31 Mar 17

Travel: 21 Oct - 24 Dec 16, 6 Jan - 31 Mar 17

Conditions Apply: All prices correct as at 02Jun16 but may fluctuate fluctuate if surcharges surcharges, fees fees, taxes or currency change and is subject to avai availability. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price price. The prices shown are for a cash payment payment. Credit card fees of uup to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside these offers service fees may apply. Please ask at time of booking. All offers valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer. Airfares are not included in the advertised price. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Limited availability. Other departure dates are available and prices are on application. A limited number of cabins are available at the prices shown and once these have sold out pricing may be withdrawn and/or may increase. Single supplements may be extra. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing may vary until full payment is received. Offer ends 30Sep16 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Cancellation fees may apply. Domestic and international airfares are not included. Vaccinations, visas and travel insurance not included. Further restrictions may apply. For specific offer and terms & conditions, please contact your nearest RACT Travel office.

Diamond Princess & Nieuw Amsterdam: ~Specialty restaurants may incur a surcharge. +Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in the Casino or Medical Centre. Gratuities are not included. #Credited value option must be requested at time of booking and can be used towards extra hotel accommodation, sightseeing, cruising, dining and much more. An amendment fee of A$50 per booking will be charged for changes to the use of the credit after the booking has been confirmed. Credit cannot be deferred to a later trip.

Additional conditions may apply. Ayers Rock: ±A mandatory National Park entry fee of $25 per adult and $12.50 per child is payable direct to the tour company on the day of travel. Australian Open 2017: ∞A minimum of 1 session (either DAY or NIGHT session) or 1 Finals Package must be purchased. Event ticket must be purchased with accommodation and cannot be purchased separately. Event ticket is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Payment for event tickets is required at time of booking. Conditions of payment, cancellation fees and other conditions apply. Qantas Holidays cannot guarantee specific seating requests. Hawai‘i: ^1 FREE breakfast for 2 people only. A compulsory resort fee of USD$31.41($42)per room, per day is payable direct & not included in the advertised price. Samoa: ŧMini bar limits apply, 2 beers, 1 wine, 2 soft drinks, 2 waters, snacks daily. Ŧ1 x 30 minute massage per person. Las Vegas: †Pricing for accommodation based on check-in 15Nov16 and correct at time of printing however is subject to change. These prices should be used as a guide only. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant at time of or before booking. The CRUISE TEAM, Qantas Holidays and Helloworld booking terms and conditions apply, refer to www.helloworld.com.au. Offers must be requested at time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

TRAVEL by RACT

Intimacy the key to cruising bliss

I

t’s a pinch-yourself moment when you’re lying on a sparkling white sandy beach, with an endless horizon of azure blue water, sipping on a cocktail served in a coconut shell when suddenly your dreamy thoughts are rudely interrupted by the sound of a deep rumbling drum-beat. However, you soon realise it’s simply the signal that lunch has been prepared by your private chef and is now laid out on a picnic table at Blue Lagoon Cruises’ exclusive island beach Nanuya Lailai.

This is the daily reality for passengers on-board the Fiji Princess – a boutique, small cruising ship that travels through the spectacularly

unspoilt Yasawa Islands, north-west of the Fijian mainland.

There is a maximum of 68 guests, who are today being treated to a sumptuous buffet-style selection of freshly cooked and locally caught fish, barbecued meats and freshly prepared salads of local produce – and this is nothing compared to the ‘lovo’, which our crew started preparing hours ago for our dinner this evening.

Similar to a New Zealand ‘hangi’, the crew make a performance out of digging an underground oven and delicately wrapping the meats in palm fronds to be roasted throughout the day before being served on the beach under the stars for dinner that night.

With such limited numbers and a small, unimposing vessel, this cruise is nothing like the big river or ocean-going cruises. In fact, throughout our seven-night cruise we only cruise for a maximum of four hours each day, giving us so much time to explore the surrounding islands, snorkel, or simply curl up on the beach with a good book borrowed from the ship’s library.

The activities are many and varied and you can choose to do as little or as much as you like – swim in the famous Blue Lagoon caves; snorkel amongst amazing corals, fish and even sharks and manta rays; visit local island villages and schools; and so much more.

They say Fijians are the happiest people in the world – and it’s hard to disagree. You’ll encounter big ‘bula’ smiles everywhere you turn as the crew strives to create life-long memories of a totally spoiled holiday in their unspoilt paradise.

Blue Lagoon Cruises offer three, four or seven-night cruises on the Fiji Princess departing Port Denarau.

Contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch

Cruising in Fiji MEMBER’S BONUS FREE cabin upgrade + FJ$100 bar credit*

4 or 7 Night Cruises

BLC6316-v4

From

50

$1,843 per person, twin double share

*Conditions apply. Valid for sale 01-30Aug16. Valid for travel 01Aug16-31Mar17. Price is in Australian Dollars based on a Hibiscus Deck cabin 4 night cruise. Member bonus free cabin upgrade confirmed at time of booking and subject to availability. Cabin upgrade is from Hibiscus Deck to Orchid Deck and is offered with Double/Twin cabin with 2 adults sharing. Must be booked as a 4 or 7 night cruise departing on any available sailing through the travel validity period. Bar credit is per cabin & can be used onboard Fiji Princess only. No refund will be given for unused credit. Upgrade & bar credit cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Please quote booking code RACT-16. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking.

RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL by RACT adventure is one that introduces you to immersive experiences and sights that last a lifetime.

The key ingredient? Experienced guides who can turn an exciting getaway into something truly extraordinary. Who tell the stories and secrets behind stately homes as you wander the corridors.

Who show you the perfect position to see the sun set over a village skyline. And who point you towards the exact patch of coastline where you can try oysters straight off the boat.

Take a closer look

Travelling in small groups of up to 18 people ensures our tour leaders provide a more personalised experience. Leisurely paced itineraries mean no sunrise starts or long days hopping on and off the coach.

Rarely starting before 8.30am, we give each stop the attention it deserves and allow plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Winding country lanes, coastal beauty spots, breathtaking mountain passes. With luxury mini-coaches that take you along scenic roads beyond the reach of large vehicles, the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.

P

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience a different culture is to sample the cuisine. From visits to local producers to food and wine tastings and even cooking classes, Back-Roads ensures there will be plenty of opportunities to discover new flavours.

Back-Roads Touring has spent more than 25 years creating these kinds of small group tours, so they know that the best kind of

Truly getting to know a destination means stepping off the typical tourist trail. From hidden-gem attractions to local favourites, time is taken to seek out genuine experiences that take you to the heart of each region as well as its culture.

This is the road less travelled.

Isle of Skye.

icture a touring holiday that delves a bit deeper. One that doesn’t simply drop by top sights and major cities, but invites you to see a destination through the eyes of the people who know it best – the locals who call it home. Where journeys are made for absorbing never-to-be-forgotten views and each day ends in a cherry-picked boutique retreat loaded with local charm.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch

Book and pay in full before 31st August 2016

10%

OFF

all bookings.

MEMBER’S BONUS A bottle of French Champagne

2 0 1 7

B R O C H U R E

O U T

N O W

G R E AT N E W I T I N E R A R I E S • G R E AT N E W S AV I N G S

Maximum Group Size of 18

Scenic Back Roads, Avoiding Motorways

Boutique Accommodation

Leisurely Paced Itineraries

Authentic Local Experiences

Culinary Discoveries

*Terms and conditions apply. Valid for tours listed in the 2017 brochure. Book and pay in full by 31 August 2016 and receive a 10% discount per person off the price of your tour (promo code BRT16EB10%). All services need to be paid in full to qualify. 10% early booking offer is not combinable with any other discount. Offer cannot be extended. Champagne offer applies to the first 10 deposited bookings. Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 114 538 803. ATAS No. A11470

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

51

MEMBER’S BONUS

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Inspiring landscapes from all angles Rockies Odyssey & Alaska Cruise Pure mountain air, crystal clear lakes and soaring mountains do wonders for your spirits. So too do the Iconic hotels, epic train journeys, premier cruise ships, fine dining and five-star service of an APT Canada and Alaska holiday.

EXCLUSIVE – Iconic luxury hotels and resorts throughout Canada including the Westin Whistler Resort & Spa GUARANTEED – GoldLeaf Service on all Rocky Mountaineer Rail journeys, with panoramic windows and a glass-domed carriage, as well as a Verandah Stateroom on your Alaska cruise featuring Glacier Bay INCLUDED – A comprehensive range of included sightseeing activities, including APT’s Freedom of Choice Touring & Dining, all tipping, airport welcome, transfers and port charges

Vancouver to Vancouver 22 days from $12,795* pp twin share Fly for $995* per person

Glacier Bay 7

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Queen Charlotte Islands

Skagway Juneau ALASKA

Ketchikan

C A N A DA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA Jasper

Mount Robson National Park Blue River 2 JASPER SUN PEAKS Athabasca Glacier WHISTLER 1 Vancouver Island 2 LAKE LOUISE 2 1 VANCOUVER 2 2 BANFF KAMLOOPS Banff VICTORIA 2 National Park

UT22BEVV

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and include port charges. Prices are correct as at 7 June 2016, but may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates. Price is based on: UT22BEVV: 29 April 2017. Offers are subject to availability, are not combinable, are available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. A limited number of offers are available on selected departures. Book by 30 November 2016, unless sold out prior. DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days. A second non-refundable deposit of $2,000 pp is due by 30 November 2016. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. AIRFARE OFFERS: Limited seats on set departures in economy class with Air Canada (L class), or another airline of APT’s choosing. Airfare offers are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Once booking class sold out, surcharges apply. Flights must be booked by APT. Airfare offers are available from selected capital cities. FLY FOR $995 PER PERSON: Offer includes return economy class airfare, with air taxes up to the value of $200 pp. Offer available when booking UT22BEVV on April to September 2017 departures. #RACT MEMBER BONUS: Save an additional $200 per couple ($100 pp) on new bookings only for the advertised package of UT22BEVV only. Book by 30 September 2016 to receive member discount. A limited number of member discounts available. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470 ABN 45 144 538 803. 4136

TRAVEL by RACT

Wonders of the north only limited by your imagination

Alaska’s Inside Passage.

W

hen thinking of Canada and Alaska, for many people images of snow-capped mountains buttressed by thick pine forests come to mind. The imagination conjures the splendour of the Rocky Mountains, the raw majesty of fjords and glaciers of the Inside Passage and countless jaw-dropping landscapes waiting to be discovered. The only way to feed your fancy is to experience this remarkable slice of the globe with APT. For those wanting to visit North America in 2017, a range of extraordinary experiences is offered by APT. From spending a white Christmas in the Rockies or witnessing the colour and charm of Vermont and New England in autumn, to having an exclusive encounter with a brown bear or witnessing the Northern Lights, APT has a range of tailored itineraries sure to satisfy even the most seasoned explorer.

In western Canada, relax aboard the Rocky Mountaineer as you travel into a land where nature takes centre stage. Enjoy unparalleled panoramic views without leaving your seat thanks to the fully domed windows in the prestigious GoldLeaf carriage and sample superb chef-prepared meals as you glide past peaks and pines.

In the Rockies, indulge in luxurious stays at Fairmont’s iconic properties, including The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you’ll stay in a Lakeview Room. Explore alpine resort villages such as Whistler, mountain towns like Jasper and the vibrant cities of Vancouver and Victoria,

with everything looked after and a range of exceptional sightseeing experiences included.

Join a cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage with APT aboard any Holland America Line or Princess Cruises voyage and you’ll enjoy a delightful Sail Away dinner to kick off the celebrations. Beer and wine is also included with dinner each evening.

New for 2017, APT’s elite Platinum Collection journeys include a six-star Alaska Inside Passage cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Capture the essence of Alaska’s scenery from your exquisite private balcony suite, dine whenever and wherever you wish and enjoy unlimited included shore excursions.

With APT’s Wilderness Extensions, guests can add a unique adventure to their already unforgettable holiday. These experiences can be combined with many of APT’s 2017 itineraries, offering a deeper look into Canada and Alaska’s most rugged and remote realms. From the chance to spy polar bears in a land almost off the map to watching the Northern Lights ripple over a night-time tundra landscape, these are sights that are rarely seen.

Delving deeper into the United States, APT will return in 2017 to the ever-popular southern states of Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, while many eastern Canada journeys visit New York City, Boston and Washington DC. For those wishing to see it all, APT’s the Best of Canada, Alaska & USA journeys will deliver all you could wish for in a holiday. From Montreal and New York to Vancouver and Banff, the Grand Canyon to the Rocky Mountains, APT has North America covered.

The McGeary family invites guests to celebrate an important milestone in an extraordinary journey in 2017. From humble origins in 1927, this little Aussie business has grown into one of the leaders on the global travel landscape. APT is still owned and operated by the McGeary family 90 years on.

RACT Travel consultants are the experts with APT and can assist you with your holiday plans.

Contact your nearest office – call us on 1300 368 111 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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TRAVEL by RACT In 2017, Botanica has once again secured well-known international gardener and TV expert Monty Don as a special guest aboard two of their cruises – the 11-Day British Isles Castles, Gardens, History & Birdlife Cruise and the 8-Day Bordeaux Gardens, Chateaux, History and Wine Cruise. Monty Don will deliver a special lecture to guests, staying on-board afterwards to host a luncheon where he will be on-hand to answer questions relating to his gardening experience.

Explore the gardens of the world

The British Isles cruise features remote castles, wind-swept islands, luxury estates and zodiac landings into private gardens and quaint villages.

As well as having the chance to meet Monty Don, guests will also visit some of the most outstanding gardens in the British Isles including the exotic botanical gardens of Inverewe in the Highlands, stunning gardens such as Bodnant in Wales and Tresco on the Isle of Scilly, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull and Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland.

Also joining Botanica’s expert team of guides in 2016/17 is well-respected gardening historian Dr Toby Musgrave, who appears on Monty Don’s Lost Garden series. Dr Musgrave will be on-hand to give his insights on a number of tours, including the Italian and French Gardens and History in Spring tour.

A

ustralia’s leading garden travel operator Botanica World Discoveries has announced an outstanding line-up of special hosts and guest lecturers for its 2016-17 cruise and touring program.

With an enviable reputation for taking guests to some of the world’s most exciting private gardens and floral showcases, Botanica’s itineraries also incorporate history, art, music and gourmet themes.

Travellers can design their own itinerary by combining holidays and Botanica is offering a saving of $1000* per couple when you combine two cruises or tours, each of more than 10 days’ length. *Terms and conditions apply and offer is valid until 31 October 2016.

Talk to the travel experts at your local RACT Travel branch – call us on 1300 368 111

14 Day Japanese & South Korean Spring Gardens & Cruise Departing 5 April 2017

Gardens – History – Art – Music – Gourmet

Sea of Japan 11

MEMBER’S BONUS

South Korea Pusan

Worldwide botanically themed boutique cruises and small group discoveries for the discerning traveller

Okayama 1 Kyoto Hagi Miyajima Kobe Osaka

Nagasaki

BTJP14

Boutique Garden Cruises & Tours

Kanazawa

Matsue

Japan Tokyo 1

Hiroshima

SAVE $200 PER COUPLE#

plum, apricot

MS Caledonian Sky

Uwajima Train Coach Cruise No. of nights stay

Yakushima

In the first flourish of Spring discover with Botanica World Discoveries the historic shores of Japan and South Korea Services of a Cruise Director and Botanical Guides Airport transfers on first and last day, tipping and port taxes Wine, beer & soft drinks included with lunch & dinner on board the ship 11 nights on the small ship, the MS Caledonian Sky 1 night each in Tokyo and Kyoto in 4-5 star hotels Enjoy coastal views from your suite On board lectures by the Botanical Guides 37 delicious Meals From $16,995* per person, twin share. From $19,995* solo traveller.

*Conditions apply. Prices are correct as at 7 June 2016 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Prices based on a Standard suite. A limited number of member discounts available. #RACT MEMBER BONUS: Save an additional $200 per couple ($100 pp) on new bookings on the advertised packages BTJP14 only. Book by 30 September 2016 to receive member discount. A limited number of member discounts available. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS No. A10825. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

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Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL by RACT 2. The family that eats together Rediscover the joys of eating together, instead of TV dinners. And the food! There’s something for everyone: spicy, sushi, burgers – you name it. And no cleaning up means time for an evening swim together, a walk around the deck, to play a game or see a show.

3. Bring the whole tribe What better way for grandparents to spend quality time with their kids and grandkids. There’s plenty of space, plenty to do and, should you need it, places to retreat to throughout the ship. Book a family stateroom or suite – Carnival offers some that sleep four.

Or try interconnected rooms so everyone’s got their own little slice of holiday heaven.

Five ways cruising brings families together

E

veryday stresses can make family members feel like strangers.

Weekends seem to fly by, everyone doing their own thing, with family gatherings not happening as often as they should. A cruising holiday is a great way to rediscover the fun in family life.

Here are five ways cruising can bring your family closer together: 1. The choice is yours Do you have children or grandchildren? Look for a ship with a kids’ club and activities for different age groups, spanning ages 2-11. Have teenagers? Carnival offers unique teens-only activities.

And if adults want some time ashore, the kids’ club remains open if some in the family want to stay and play on-board.

4. Get involved Family ships feature amazing entertainment for all ages. For big kids, experience the Green Thunder, the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea (on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend); head to the top deck for a round of mini-golf; or simply enjoy ‘me time’ on the Serenity Retreat for adults. Enjoy a Broadway-style show, live family comedy or movie – but most importantly, laugh together.

5. See the world Whether accompanying kids ashore to experience new cultures and see different ways of life, or taking them to a dazzling Broadway-style show on-board, expanding their horizons is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.

RACT Travel consultants are the experts in cruising and can assist you with your family holiday plans.

Contact your nearest RACT Travel office or call us on 1300 368 111

MEMBER’S BONUS $100 ONBOARD CREDIT PER CABIN ~

TRANSPACIFIC SYDNEY TO HAWAII UNWIND IN NEW CALEDONIA & VANUATU

Interior Quad pp from* Interior Twin pp from*

$1,869

$2,299

19 nights Hawaii to Sydney departing 1 Apr 2017

Interior Quad pp from* Interior Twin pp from*

$1,114

$1,349

10 nights to New Caledonia & Vanuatu departing 13 Jun 2017

EXPLORE NEW CALEDONIA & FIJI

Interior Quad pp from* Interior Twin pp from*

$2,184

$2,149

11 nights to New Caledonia & Fiji departing 28 Dec 2017

*Fares are cruise only, per person, in AUD, in complete quad or twin cabins as specified, in lead categories available at the time of printing, inclusive of all discounts, taxes and charges (which are subject to change). ~Member Bonus is valid for select sailings only. Subject to limited availability. $100 onboard credit is in AUD, per cabin. Onboard credit is non refundable, non transferable and non reedemable for cash. Whilst all information is correct at time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal. To be read in conjunction with Carnival Cruise Line ticket contract available at www.carnival.com.au/au-legal-notice-ticket-contract which passengers will be bound by. ©Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. Ships Registry: Malta. Carnival plc trading as Carnival Cruise Line. ABN 23 107 998 443. The price shown is for cash payment – credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside of this offer service fees may apply.

Further conditions apply, please ask at the time of booking for full details Carnival plc trading as Carnival Cruise Line. ABN 23 107 998 443. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470 ABN 45 144 538 803.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

55

TRAVEL by RACT

No travel partner?

No worries!

Champagne Pool, Rotorua.

S

ome of the most amazing holiday experiences happen when you’re travelling on your own, so why let the lack of a travel partner stop you from following your dreams? See New Zealand, a tangible wonderland offering one of the most varied and spectacular series of landscapes in the world and make life-long friendships along the way.

Grand Pacific Tours invites you to experience the best of this stunning destination on fun-filled tours specifically designed for those who find themselves travelling alone, but want the comfort, ease and companionship of group travel.

The 16-day tour offers a memorable journey of both the North and South Islands by modern coach. Highlights include seeing the cascading waters of the Milford Sound, a fjord carved by glaciers during the ice ages. You’ll also enjoy the stunning views on one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys, the TranzAlpine.

For those with limited time, a new 10-day tour is now available.

This wonderful itinerary, departing 6 February 2017, encompasses the best of New Zealand’s dramatic South Island.

A tour guide will accompany the group, helping to break the ice with your fellow travellers from day one.

Alternatively, you can indulge on the 11-Day Ultimate Solo Travellers Tour and enjoy a New Year escape to New Zealand with a maximum of only 20 travellers. Experience ‘business class on wheels’ as you travel on the deluxe Ultimate Coach, featuring 20 luxury leather seats, panoramic viewing and a level of comfort unparalleled by any other vehicle.

All tours comprise of a few extra special touches, including an introductory dinner and complimentary welcome drink on the first night of the journey. There is also reserved seating at all restaurants for breakfast and dinner to ensure you will never dine by yourself.

The Solo Traveller holidays include a guaranteed single room.

For those looking to save even more, there is the option to share a room with a person of the same gender on the 10 or 16-day tours and save.

Travelling solo is fun! Join us today for the holiday of a lifetime.

For more information please contact your local RACT Travel office or call 1300 368 111 EX HOBART & LAUNCESTON, GUARANTEED SINGLE ROOM FROM

6289*

$

>> SHARE A ROOM & SAVE $1170^

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE $125 INCLUDES

RETURN

+ RECEIVE A FREE NZ TRAVEL GUIDE**

AIRFARES

16 Day Solo Travellers Highlights SPECIAL DEPARTURES 25 Oct & 6 Nov 2016. 21 Feb & 14 Mar 2017.

N

o travel partner? No worries! Experience the best of New Zealand on fully escorted tours designed for those who travel solo, but

want the convenience, company and value of travelling in a group.

ALL INCLUSIVE Tour includes airfares, taxes, GUARANTEED SINGLE ROOM ACCOMMODATION, most meals, sightseeing & attractions.

SOLO OPTIONZ 10 Day South Island Tour available or UPGRADE to an 11 Day Ultimate Small Group Tour.

*Conditions apply. Price valid for travel ex HBA/LST and includes prepaid taxes of $165 (subject to change). Prices shown are for a cash payment - credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. ^Twin share option is available on 16 & 10 Day tours only, share with a solo traveller of the same gender and save $1170 off the 16 Day price (10 Day tour saving is $910). **$125 saving is per person and price shown reflects this. Travel Guide is per household. No other special offers or discounts apply. Special offers apply to new bookings only until 30 September 2016. Availability is limited. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Offers can be withdrawn at any time without notice. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470. ABN 45 144 538 803.

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Journeys

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

TRAVEL by RACT

Packed with a world of experiences

W

Stunning Queenstown.

hether you are marvelling at the spectacular glaciers, picturesque fjords or simply relaxing in a thermal pool, New Zealand is magical by coach. Relax in armchair comfort as you travel through each region, feeling secure in the hands of your professional coach captain and tour guide.

Travel on the special RACT 20-Day New Zealand Showcase Tour that takes you to the best parts of both the North and South Islands including four two-night stays and four breathtaking cruises.

Your holiday begins with a tour of the North Island. Enjoy time on the east coast in the beautiful Bay of Islands and cruise the turquoise waters of the bay, encompassing 144 islands, to the

famous Hole in the Rock. Couple this with a plethora of activities to enjoy in cultural Rotorua – the hot spot of fascinating Maori culture and geothermal phenomena.

Be enchanted at the Hobbiton Movie Set and experience a fascinating guided tour in the rolling hills of Matamata.

Visit some of the lesser-known gems of New Zealand such as Napier, a city renowned for its eye-catching collection of beautiful art-deco buildings, and the wine-producing region of Wairarapa.

After 10 days in the North, you’ll explore New Zealand’s South Island. In contrast, the South Island provides a dramatic landscape where towering landforms meet peaceful sounds. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine, which traverses the mighty Southern Alps through a sequence of alpine gorges, taking your breath away at every turn.

Other Southern highlights include Queenstown, set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and the adventure capital of New Zealand. Here, board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak Station, the best way to enjoy Queenstown’s famed beauty.

Your holiday is not complete without basking in the scale of one of the most stunning locations on Earth – Milford Sound. Described as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, the remarkable natural environment features dramatic fjords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.

See the land of the long white cloud and return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Contact your nearest RACT Travel office for more information or call 1300 368 111 EX HOBART & LAUNCESTON PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE FROM

5884

$

>> BEST VALUE NZ TOUR!

*

MEMBER’S BONUS REcEivE

$695

INCLUDES

RETURN

OF BONUS EXTRAS PER cOUPLE**

AIRFARES

20 Day New Zealand Showcase SPECIAL DEPARTURE 5 February 2017

E

xperience the BEST of New Zealand on this fully escorted value for money tour. Discover all the ‘must see’ attractions from top to bottom such as cultural Rotorua, Art Deco Napier, the world famous TranzAlpine Rail Journey and scenic Milford Sound.

ALL INCLUSIVE Tour includes airfares, taxes, 4 star hotel accommodation, most meals, sightseeing & attractions.

*Conditions apply. Price valid for travel ex HBA/LST and includes prepaid taxes of $175 (subject to change). Prices shown are for a cash payment - credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. **$695 Members Bonus: $100 Saving per person (already deducted from advertised price), an extra night pre tour including breakfast which has already been incorporated into the above itinerary plus a Jacket & Cap per person. Bonus offer is exclusive to the 20 Day NZ Showcase Tour. No other special offers or discounts apply. Special offers apply to new bookings only until 30 September 2016. Availability is limited. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Offers can be withdrawn at any time without notice. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470. ABN 45 144 538 803.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

57

TRAVEL by RACT

Write the next chapter in your life story

D

ays and nights with Holland America Line are among the most memorable of a lifetime. Sail in classic style on beautifully appointed mid-sized ships, where gracious service anticipates every desire.

Relax in a chaise lounge, melt into a massage table, or learn to arrange flowers, blend wine and edit digital photos. Surprise and delight your palate with exquisite dishes and cultural delicacies created by some of the most influential chefs in the world. Then let

the music lure you to The Showroom at Sea, or dance to live jazz, duelling pianos or a chamber ensemble at Lincoln Center Stage.

As you stroll the wraparound Promenade Deck, the salt of the sea blows you a kiss goodnight. Then tuck in to total comfort in your stateroom with the promise of coffee on your private verandah, where you’ll watch new worlds take shape on the horizon.

With Holland America Line, choose from hundreds of carefully crafted itineraries to more than 400 ports of call. Jump-start your ideal immersion with the help of Destination Guides in partnership with AFAR Media — available online and on-board. Together with local travel experts, guest speakers and a host of enriching activities, you’re ensured a carefully curated, highly personalised introduction to the most fascinating places, people and cultures on Earth.

RACT Travel is your local expert in cruising. Contact your nearest office for the latest deals on offer.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH HOLLAND AMERICA LINE 14-day Pacific Treasures Christmas Roundtrip Sydney ms Noordam

$

21 Dec 2016

FARES FROM

2,099*

per person twin share

14-day Indonesian Discovery

WRITE TH E N E XT G R E AT CHAPTER IN YO U R LIFE STO RY.

Roundtrip Singapore ms Volendam

31 Jan 2017

MEMBER’S BONUS CRUISE FROM HOBART#

FARES FROM

$

1,999*

per person twin share

10-day Australia & New Zealand Hobart to Auckland FARES FROM per $ 1,599* ms Noordam 16 Mar 2017 stateroom per person twin share Exclusive Offer!

US$75#

Onboard Spending Money

*Conditions Apply. ALL PRICES STATED ARE CRUISE ONLY. Fares listed in Australian Dollars are per person, double occupancy and include taxes, fees & port expenses. Fares are current as of 16Jun16. All savings amounts are included in fares shown. Fares are based on an interior stateroom. Subject to availability. For more information about stateroom categories & suite descriptions, to view deck plans, and to view the full terms & conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to www.hollandamerica.com or the applicable Holland America brochure. Offers are capacity controlled & may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Certain restrictions apply. #Member’s Bonus: US$75 shipboard credit is per stateroom and is on 16Mar17 departure to Auckland only. Cruise is ex Sydney with the ability to embark in Hobart on 16Mar17. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

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Journeys

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TRAVEL by RACT

Journey into Australia’s heart

Simpsons Gap.

A

journey through the heart of Australia is one that should be savoured. Glimpses of kangaroos grazing while dining aboard the Indian Pacific, or waking to a sunrise over the boundless horizons from a private cabin on The Ghan – this is an experience not to be missed.

Combining the adventure of a true outback expedition with the style of deluxe travel, a journey on The Ghan and Indian Pacific is the definitive way to discover the people and places of Australia.

On The Ghan Expedition, included excursions are offered at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, offering unmatched access to some of the country’s most iconic heartland destinations over just four days.

The Ghan Expedition will be available on all Darwin to Adelaide departures for an extended six month season in 2017, from May 3 to October 25.

Or choose to cross the 4352km from coast-to-coast aboard the Indian Pacific. A journey of epic proportions, experience the heights of the Blue Mountains and the barren expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, travel from cities of four million people to ghost towns of just four.

Exceptional food, wine and service are all part of this outback adventure travelling aboard The Ghan or Indian Pacific. The all-inclusive fares mean private cabin accommodation, on-board dining and Off Train Excursions are all taken care of, making it the most relaxing way to travel through outback Australia.

To take advantage of the amazing journeys on offer, book now and save with Advance Purchase fares. Available for all-inclusive Gold Service travel on selected departures, Advance Purchase fares offer incredible savings of up to $840* per couple on the Indian Pacific (Adelaide to Perth or vice versa) or save up to $1060* per couple on The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) when booking at least six months prior to travel.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch

TH E G HAN ADELAIDE TO DAR WIN

2069*

GO FURTHER, JOURNEY BEYOND

$

2017/18 NOW OPEN

PER PERSON GOLD SERVICE, ADULT TWIN SHARE

SAVING OF $530 PER PERSON OR $1060 PER COUPLE BOOK NOW AND

SAVE UP TO

1060*

$

PER COUPLE

MEMBER’S BONUS FREE Travellers Pack#

• 2 nights in Gold Service Twin Cabin from Adelaide to Darwin • Outback Experience in Marla • Off Train Excursion options in Alice Springs • Off Train Excursion options in Katherine • All meals and beverages

I N DIAN PACI FIC ADELAIDE TO PERTH OR VV

1629*

$

PER PERSON GOLD SERVICE, ADULT TWIN SHARE

SAVING OF $420 PER PERSON OR $840 PER COUPLE • 2 nights in Gold Service Twin Cabin from Adelaide to Perth or vv • Outback Experience in Cook • Outback Experience in Rawlinna • All meals and beverages

Terms and conditions: *Conditions apply. Save up to $1060 per couple based on High Season Advance Purchase Adult Fare on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin. Fares based on Gold Service, High Season Advance Purchase per person twin share, with single pricing available on request. For new bookings from 04July16 for travel from 01Apr17-31Mar18. Advance Purchase fares are available in Gold Service and subject to availability at time of booking and may not be available on the date first requested. In order to receive the Advance Purchase fare, bookings must be made a minimum of 6 months prior to departure. Full payment required within 14 days of booking. Amendment to travel dates allowed greater than 45 days prior to departure to another Advance Purchase fare more than 6 months before departure and subject to availability. If no availability or amendment is less than 45 days prior to departure then guests pay the difference between Advance Purchase and applicable fare. 100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date and fare is non-transferable. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at time of the booking. Not available with any other offer.

Timetables and Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice. #Member bonus of free travel backpack valid for the first 10 bookings deposited by 30Sep16 and provided with final documents. For general terms and conditions of carriage please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

046827CDGM 0616

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

Journeys

59

TRAVEL by RACT

Get your motor running in NZ

Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

N

ew Zealand is a country filled with incredible gems that will strike awe into even the most intrepid visitors, making it an unbelievably rewarding holiday destination and the perfect place to explore by motorhome. A stunning heartland of Maori culture and history, New Zealand is a patchwork of soaring mountains, vast plains, immense glaciers and sandy beaches – a special country and a landscape to be explored.

New Zealand’s North Island provides visitors with a lush paradise of rolling green hills and hidden wonders. Take a journey into the past and gain a deeper insight into the culture of the Maori people, witnessing the fascinating geothermal activity, vast lakes and tranquil farmland of this stunning region.

On the 11-Day Northern Motorhome you can discover New Zealand’s heritage with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Explore the magnificent Bay of Islands with a cruise to the ‘Hole in the Rock’ at Cape Brett. As you make your way down to Rotorua you will find yourself in Lord of the Rings country, where you can discover Middle Earth and The Shire on a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. The 11-Day Northern Motorhome also includes a Tamaki Cultural Hangi and Concert in Rotorua, Diamond Sightseeing Pass, a visit to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and much more.

This fantastic motorhome holiday starts at just $775* per person, twin share, and includes five nights at Kiwi Holiday Parks powered campsites, 11 days’ hire of a Britz Outbounder motorhome (Britz Inclusive Pack), plus sightseeing inclusions and fantastic member bonus offers.

For more information, or to find out more about the fantastic New Zealand events happening in your area, contact RACT Travel today.

MEMBER’S BONUS $50 Fuel Voucher

11 Day Northern Motorhome from

$775

*

per person

• 11 days 2 berth Motorhome hire • 5 nights powered site access at Kiwi Holiday Parks and 5 nights ‘freedom camping’ at your chosen locations • Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds • Hole in the Rock Cruise

GET RIGHT

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour • Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set • Tamaki Cultural Hangi & Concert

ADVENTURES a member of

• Rotorua Diamond Sightseeing Pass For further information please call 1300 368 111 or contact your nearest branch Rosny 6212 6777 Burnie 6434 2955 Ulverstone 6425 8050 www.ract.com.au/travel Devonport 6421 1977 Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 6242 3211 Launceston 6335 5655 Kingston

*Terms & Conditions: Prices correct as at 09 June 2016. Prices are based on a Motorhome Britz Outbounder hire automatic or similar hire and based on per person, for a 2 adults and 2 children. These are Flexi Rates and are based on availability at time of quoting only. Every day all day, availability is reviewed and pricing is adjusted. To guarantee this rate, a booking is required and is subject to change until done.*** Important - please note this is only valid for australian and new zealand drivers license holders – the final price will be determined by this ***. Valid for new bookings made by 30 Sep 2016.

All normal Britz Campervans terms & conditions apply. ^Member Bonus: NZ$50 fuel voucher. Voucher is non-transferable & may not be redeemed for cash. Limit one per booking. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers. Price excludes airfares, taxes, visas, insurance. Prices subject to availability and change. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside of this offer service fees may apply. To book quote RACT Aug/Sep Motorhome Promo. Further conditions apply, please ask at the time of booking for full details.

RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

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Journeys

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TRAVEL by RACT good to miss. Explore the sun-splashed Bahamas before immersing yourself in the rich culture of Jamaica.

Those looking to soak up the sun can do so on the lovely sandy beaches of Cayman Island, while those seeking adventure will find it in Mexico, amongst its mix of jungles, beaches and buzzing nightlife.

Departing Australia* 11 November 2016, guests can enjoy this 17-night cruise from $4935* per person.

MSC’s newest destination, Cuba, is a must-see in 2017. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, colonial architecture and retro cars, Cuba is more than its iconic sights, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The beauty of the area is so unique that we have sent MSC Armonia to join her sister MSC Opera in 2016. Home-porting in Havana, guests will have the chance to explore every corner of this Caribbean island as you use your ship as a cruise hotel.

To welcome a new cruising season for 2017-2018, MSC Cruises is offering fantastic super-saver discounts on early booking prices.

Valid on all departures from April 2017 to March 2018 on selected cabins, this super-saver discount is too good to resist. To take advantage of this deal, upgrade to a balcony cabin to save up to $350* per person on this amazing offer.

Cruise away from the cold

T

here is no better time to escape the winter blues than with a cruise to the Caribbean. Our Grand Caribbean fly, land and cruise package is the perfect way to discover the world’s most tropical destination.

Departing Australia, guests will enjoy an amazing itinerary that offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Board MSC Divina in Miami and discover Puerto Rico’s pristine beaches and the warm azure waters during your first port of call.

Turks and Caicos Islands is the perfect place to go snorkelling, scuba diving and parasailing with the islands’ natural beauty too

* Flights are ex-Sydney or Melbourne, surcharges apply ex-Tasmania.

For more information about MSC Cruises, please contact your nearest RACT Travel office.

++

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HERE THERE... & EVERYWHERE Farewell to a Travel treasure

Pictured at Kata Tjuta are Sarah Hodgetts, of RACT Ulverstone, Karen Plunkett, of RACT Murray St, and Angela Bowerman of Travel Studio.

The lights are on at Uluru

Rosemary Ravani, from RACT Travel Launceston, has finally left the building after 27 wonderful years of service.

Rosemary started her career at TAA and has shared her wealth of experience and knowledge with her large and loyal following of clients and new consultants at RACT Travel over the years.

We will all miss her and wish her and her family a fabulous retirement.

RACT Travel consultants recently participated in a trip to Uluru to experience the attractions of our great Red Centre while also visiting the magical Field of Light art installation.

Cruise sale day and week

Bruce Munro’s Field of Light consists of more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres that bloom as darkness falls over Australia’s spiritual heartland. The Field of Light pathways let you explore this magical sight, combined with twilight canapés and dinner. It is a unique night creating everlasting memories.

With their first-hand experience Angela, Sarah and Karen are experts in everything Red Centre – contact them today to arrange your own experience. Field of Light will be visible until 31 March 2017.

Wow! It’s that time again for Tasmania’s Largest Cruise Sale Day on Sunday August 14! Our RACT Travel & Cruise Travel Centre annual event is bigger and better than before with more than 40 cruise exhibitors and exclusive savings and deals on offer.

Come along to the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart and take the opportunity to chat with the experts from all the well-known cruise lines such as P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, APT and Carnival along with many more niche operators such as Oceania, Seabourn, Regent and Wild Earth – just to name a few! A fully operational travel agency will be on-site to make your reservations and if you come along on the day you go in the draw to win a fabulous 4 night Blue Lagoon Fiji cruise.

Another RACT Travel winner RACT Travel joined with Cityprom in their Launceston Quadrant Mall Renovation, Passport to Paradise shopping promotion.

The lucky winner of a South Pacific Cruise was Shane Williams, pictured here with (from left) Cassi Stokes, Travel Team Leader and Christine Benbow, Travel Sales Manager. Congratulations Shane, we hope you enjoy your cruise!

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For our members in the north of the state August 15-19 is cruise sale week, with access via RACT Travel branches to amazing cruise deals and offers.

Monday to Wednesday we have a unique opportunity in Launceston for potential cruisers to make an appointment and meet in-branch with some of the cruise line experts.

We look forward to seeing you in one of our offices to take advantage of some amazing deals. Remember August 14-19 for everything cruise.

TASMANIA’S LARGEST

CRUISE SALE DAY OVER 40 EXHIBITORS

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS & DEALS

ONE DAY ONLY

SUNDAY AUGUST 14th, 2016

10am - 3pm | FREE ENTRY | The Grand Chancellor Hotel www.cruisesaleday.com

For further information please call 1300 368 111 or contact your nearest branch Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 | Rosny 6212 6777 Kingston 6242 3211 | www.ract.com.au/travel

*Conditions apply. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

TRAVEL by RACT

Take time to enjoy the journey O

perating from the Canadian spring to mid-October and travelling by daylight only, Rocky Mountaineer offers four different rail routes through the Pacific Northwest and the majestic Canadian Rockies.

This unforgettable journey takes us back to a time when travelling was just as much about the journey as the destination. Guests from across the globe come to appreciate the exceptional on-board experience and to revel in the stunning western Canadian and

American scenery with endless views of old growth forests, glacier-capped mountain peaks and shimmering waterfalls.

The voyage comes alive with Rocky Mountaineer’s on-board hosts keeping guests entertained with stories of the passing regions.

With its impeccable on-board service, gourmet cuisine and luxurious surroundings, it is no wonder a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation is considered by many to be one of the world’s ultimate travel experiences.

To highlight the iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies, the company offers more than 65 holiday packages including several rail and cruise itineraries that combine a luxury rail holiday with a dramatic Alaska cruise.

Renowned for its luxurious all-domed fleet, Rocky Mountaineer’s two levels of service feature optimal views of epic scenery and wildlife such as black bears, elk, bighorn sheep and moose.

For a limited time, travellers booking eligible 2017 Rocky Mountaineer packages of eight days or more can receive an added value of $1000* per couple to enhance their Western Canada and Pacific Northwest adventure.

One eligible Rocky Mountaineer holiday is the 9 days/8 nights Northern Explorer package, which includes the newly enhanced Rainforest to Gold Rush route. The Early Booking Bonus is in effect now until 26 August 2016, on eligible new 2017 bookings.

Plus, on packages of five days or more, members will receive a complimentary private transfer between the airport and their hotel.

To find out more contact your nearest RACT Travel office or call us on 1300 368 111

Book now and receive $1,000* per couple in added value.

The Offer of the Year is Here

It’s the start of a new season aboard Rocky Mountaineer and that means it’s time for our biggest promotion of the year. Simply book a qualifying 2017 package of 8 days or more in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, by 26 August 2016, and you’ll receive $1,000*per couple in added value to use towards an extra

MEMBER’S BONUS†

hotel night, sightseeing, cruising, dining, and much more.

LUXURY CAR TRANSFER

Terms & Conditions: *Offer valid on new 2017 bookings made by 26 August 2016. This offer is applicable to 2017 Rocky Mountaineer packages of eight or more days on select dates only. Travel between April and October 2017 on select dates. Deposits are required at the time of booking and full payment of the balance must be made by 13 January 2017. Offer value of $500 per adult bonus credit ($1,000 bonus per couple) is with qualifying packages of eight days or more in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service. Applicable to single, double, triple or quad package prices. Qualifying packages can be purchased in any class of train travel or grade of accommodation. Credit must be requested at the time of booking and will not be automatically allocated or retrospectively added. Offer value is expressed in AUD as of 1 April 2016 as a guideline only and may vary at the time of booking based on changes in exchange rate with the CAD. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer has no cash value and is non-transferable. Additional conditions apply. †Virtuoso offer Member Bonus valid for any Rocky Mountaineer Rail Package tour of 5 days or more in the 2017 travel season. Additional conditions apply. The price shown is for a cash payment - Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

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TRAVEL by RACT Continue your trip to El Calafate to see one of the most breathtaking glaciers in the world, the famed Perito Moreno.

Discover Los Glaciares National Park, which occupies an area of about 500,000ha. This large ice field marks the start of 47 glaciers.

From El Calafate you will fly to Ushuaia, the southern-most city in the world. Located on the Beagle Channel it takes its name, which means ‘bay overlooking the West’, from the indigenous yámana tongue. Ushuaia is a picturesque city with important tourist service infrastructure, an elegant commercial centre and growing social and cultural activity. The main activities around Ushuaia are connected to nature, including hiking, horse riding, climbing and diving. The cruises and expeditions around nearby islands, glaciers, bays and cliffs are not to be missed.

From Ushuaia you will sail through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel past fjords, bays, glaciers and islands between Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile), all while enjoying Perito Moreno. the comforts of the Australis cruise. Continue through Torres atagonian Delights is a 14-day independent tour carefully created del Paine’s national park and enjoy the best of the park’s flora by the South America Tourism Office that will take you and fauna on treks with your specialist guides. You’ll explore through the highlights of the Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia. scenic landscapes such as rivers, glaciers, mountains and wildlife.

Lovers of nature can experience the beautiful and remote regions of To end this tour you will visit the beautiful city of Santiago de Patagonia, ‘the end of the world’. Start in the cosmopolitan city of Chile, with its museums, events, theatres, restaurants, bars and Buenos Aires, the historic capital of Argentina with breath-taking other entertainment and cultural opportunities. energy, spacious grandeur and self-confident style. Despite having The Patagonian Delights program has been prepared by the South grand boulevards and ostentatious architecture, this is a city of America Tourism Office (SATO), a tour operator that has been villages. Called barrios (districts), there are 46 in all, each enriched delivering unique travel experiences to Latin America and by the seduction of the tango, all stylish and full of great pretence.

Antarctica for the past 15 years.

Get back to nature in South America

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For more information, please contact your nearest RACT Travel office.

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For Forfurther furtherinformation informationplease pleasecall call1300 1300368 368111 111ororcontact contactyour yournearest nearestbranch branch Rosny 6212 62126777 6777 Burnie Burnie 6434 64342955 2955 Ulverstone Ulverstone 6425 64258050 8050 Rosny www.ract.com.au/travel Devonport Devonport 6421 64211977 1977 Hobart Hobart--Murray MurrayStSt 6232 62326455 6455 www.ract.com.au/travel Kingston 6242 62423211 3211 Launceston Launceston 6335 63355655 5655 Kingston

*Conditions apply. Prices are correct as at 03Jun16 and are per person, twin share and includes the Member Bonus discount. Valid for sale until 30Sep16. Valid for travel up to 30Mar17. Booking form and $1200per person deposit required at time of booking. Enquire for single or triple traveller cost. Price excludes taxes & surcharges. Air taxes are approx. $240per person. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please check all details with your consultant at time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016

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TRAVEL by RACT

Make an easy getaway

may feel confident, reducing the risk on your vehicle for a small fee can often save you in the long run. Organising damage protection beforehand means you can avoid paying over-the-top in the event of any damage.

If you are planning a trip any time soon it’s handy to know that as an RACT Member, you can take advantage of discounted Damage Waiver Protection options from Thrifty for complete peace of mind. As an RACT member, you can enjoy a $5* per day discount off Thrifty’s Ultimate Protection, to help you reduce your excess to zero. Plus a 30% discount off GPS hire* is sure to help you get around faster and easier.

Thrifty services more than 200 locations across Australia and New Zealand and has a large range of vehicles to suit every need.

W

ith spring holidays now on the horizon many of you may already be thinking about a fun family getaway. Thrifty is here to make your holiday experience all the more special. Enjoy your exclusive member discount of 15%* off the daily rates plus additional member benefits with Thrifty.

For holiday travel a compact SUV like the Mitsubishi ASX is a popular choice for members as it combines the efficiency of a small car with all the benefits of a traditional SUV.

When you are out on the road with a hire car it’s worth making sure you are fully covered throughout your holiday. While you

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

Get in early to book the hire car you want and ensure you don’t miss out on your exclusive savings with Thrifty.

To find out more about all the exclusive benefits Thrifty offers RACT members or to make a booking, go to www.ract.com.au/thrifty or call RACT Travel on 1300 368 111.

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