Journeys October/November 2020

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

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OUR COMMUNITY Protecting Tassie

ON THE ROAD 4WDriving

EXPERIENCES Mountain biking

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ADVOCATING CHANGE A vision for the north

4

Take a look at our submission for future mobility in Greater Launceston.

OUR COMMUNITY From the President 6 From the Group CEO 7 Your views 10 A lifetime of loyalty 12 We catch up with long-time RACT members Cedric and Janet Lockley.

Highlights of our year

Port Davey

EXPERIENCES 15

Celebrating our achievements from the 2019-20 financial year.

Board election and AGM

Susan Mace

21

Ready, set, ride

36

Photographer Stu Gibson shares some of the top places to go mountain biking in Tassie.

Food on the move 38

Have your say and watch our Annual General Meeting online.

It’s time to hit the road and stop in at one of Tassie’s food trucks.

MEMBER VALUE

Beyond the icons 40

More ways to save

26

Our eight rewards categories are full of offers to help you save in all areas of your life.

ON THE ROAD Nissan N-TREK Warrior 30 Darren Moody takes Nissan’s latest dual-cab ute on a 4WD adventure.

Toyota Yaris Toyota has launched a brand new Yaris. Ged Bulmer tells us more.

32

With the summer months coming up, the east coast is calling.

Heritage time travellers 44 Travel back in time at Woolmers Estate in the Northern Midlands.

The lure of books 46 Peter d’Plesse tells us why Campbell Town is such a page turner.

TRAVEL Cruising Australia 50 Explore Australia by sea with Holland America Line.

HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION?

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HOW TO CONTACT US

RACT branch network – All RACT branches are open Monday to Friday from 8.45am – 5pm Our Travel branches, including Cruise Travel Centre at 110 Collins St, Hobart are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 3pm Roadside Assist – Call 13 11 11 anytime RACT Customer Service Call Centre – Call 13 27 22 Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm Please give us your feedback via email journeys@ract.com.au.

To comment on issues that matter to you, log on to the Member Hub; and keep up-to-date via our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn pages.

ON THE COVER

Mountain biking in Maydena. Image: Stu Gibson.

Check out more places to ride on pages 36-37.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 3

A VISION FOR THE NORTH ALEX LUTTRELL

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reater Launceston has the potential to become one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities, providing it can address the ways people travel both now and into the future.

Population and tourism numbers are growing across Greater Launceston. However, a side effect of this is increased vehicle use, resulting in traffic congestion.

In fact, a survey of our members found that 96% of people in Greater Launceston travel by car, while just 3% do so by bike, on foot or by public transport.

If ignored, these trends will only get worse, which is why the six Greater Launceston councils aim to address these issues through their draft Transport Vision and Work Plan.

While the councils’ documents are a good start, we want to see a long-term, 30-year vision for Greater Launceston that looks at not just infrastructure and congestion, but public and active transport, future mobility and urban planning, as well as social cohesion.

This is why we have developed a submission to the councilled process that has a 30-year focus for Greater Launceston mobility.

Identifying the problem We wanted to understand how members of the community travel and their biggest concerns in Greater Launceston.

To do this, we undertook a survey of our members, which received 1200 responses.

Our survey found there is a major over-reliance on the private car, which was how 96% of respondents chose to travel. This has a significant impact on other modes, with just 1% of people walking and even less opting to ride (0.9%) or catch public transport (0.7%).

However, the average trip to work in Greater Launceston is 9km, with 75% of people living within 10km of their workplace.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

This is an opportunity to increase active and public transport use, as people can travel from anywhere in the wider urban area to the CBD within 20 minutes.

Stakeholder and community input A key part of this project was meeting with mobility stakeholders, including all six Greater Launceston councils, Tasmanian politicians and the Department of State Growth.

In July we launched our own consultation process to gather not only the community’s thoughts on the councils’ Transport Vision and Work Plan, but also solutions to issues facing Greater Launceston.

The response was fantastic. We received 60 submissions outlining a range of ideas, from major infrastructure projects, more cycleways and walkways, improved public transport options, adoption of emerging mobility technologies and calls to increase community spaces.

Expert panel workshop The next step was to tap into the considerable expertise of an independent panel during a workshop session.

This panel helped us refine these submissions, while considering all available research, in order to finalise a variety of unique priorities.

Our submission Our submission document identifies a range of priorities for Greater Launceston, including: • Consideration of major infrastructure projects; • More cycleways and walkways; • Improved public transport options; • Adoption of emerging mobility technologies; • Enhanced urban planning principles; and • More community spaces.

ADVOCATING CHANGE

MEET THE PANEL

As part of the development of our submission, we worked closely with a group of independent experts that specialise in a range of areas.

KYM GOODES 3P Advisory, Hobart

Kym Goodes has two decades of experience working in social and economic public policy fields, including education, employment, transport, housing and human services.

STEVEN BURGESS Complete Streets, Hobart

Steven Burgess brings 30-plus years’ experience as a transport engineer and urban strategist to reform the balance between car space and people space in towns and cities all over the world.

JASON BYRNE University of Tasmania, Hobart What’s next?

Our submission document has been provided as feedback to the six councils’ Greater Launceston Transport Vision and Work Plan, outlining how we can all work together to achieve the highest priorities for the region in the short, medium and long term.

We now look forward to working with the six local councils and Tasmanian Government to create a unified vision for Greater Launceston. Once we have this unified vision, we will use it as an advocacy tool to create a safe, sustainable and future-focused mobility network across Greater Launceston.

For regular updates visit launcestonvision.ract.com.au

Retire with us Wherever you are.

Jason Byrne is an advocate for Smart Roads, multi-mode public transport, replacing car parks with pedestrian malls, moving workplaces out of the CBD and building housing near transport.

ADRIAN BITZIOS Bitzios Consulting, Gold Coast

Adrian Bitzios has more than 20 years’ experience in transport planning, traffic engineering, project and traffic management, intelligent transport systems and network performance.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

ABOUT YOUR RACT PRESIDENT Kathryn Westwood VICE PRESIDENT Peter Dixon BOARD Peter Joyce Phil Jones Jenny Richardson Risden Knightley Alison Flakemore

Josephine Archer Jude Franks Sue Smith Pieter Kolkert Ralph Doedens

Kathryn Westwood

GROUP CEO Mark Mugnaioni HEAD OFFICE/HOBART BRANCH 179-191 Murray Street, Hobart Ph: (03) 6232 6300 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 OTHER BRANCHES Cruise Travel Centre, Hobart, 1/110 Collins Street (03) 6222 9222 Launceston, Cnr York & George Streets (03) 6335 5633 Devonport, 68 Rooke Street Mall (03) 6421 1933 Ulverstone (Travel only), 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

A

s a member organisation we exist for you. We’re here to support you through life’s milestones and obstacles, and are committed to making your life easier.

Thank you to those who had their say in our recent annual member survey.

We appreciate your honest feedback and ideas, and will take them on board as we find ways to support you that take your interests and values into account.

AUTOSERVE 136 Harrington St, Hobart 85 Cimitiere St, Launceston EDITORIAL Zoe Cooney GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001 Email: journeys@ract.com.au Ph: (03) 6236 4347 ADVERTISING Stacey Pennicott, 0400 618 159 Travel: Christine Benbow, 0419 886 549 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 recommendation of RACT. If you wish to unsubscribe from Journeys, please contact the RACT on 13 27 22, email journeys@ract.com.au, or visit ract.com.au/membership/ manage-your-membership *Competition terms and conditions: ract.com.au/membership/journeys No part of Journeys may be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2020 RACT DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Digital Ink PRINTING: Ovato MAILHOUSE: D&D Mailing Services DISTRIBUTION: Australia Post ISSN 0818-5549 6 Journeys

Some of the key insights you told us include:

• You value the fact that we’re a Tasmanian organisation that provides peace of mind and has a strong focus on customer service; • Being a local provider that makes Tasmania better is important to you, as is the fact that we can be relied upon when you need us; • Road safety continues to be an area in which we should be focused, particularly in the area of improving the safety of our younger and more vulnerable drivers; and • There are a range of member experience improvements we can implement to make your life simpler and easier and to add value to our services.

It is devastating to see Tasmania’s road toll continuing to climb. The impact this has on the families affected and the broader community is shattering. Tolerating unsafe and risky driver behaviour is unacceptable.

We all have a role to play in speaking up if we see risk-taking behaviours, whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague. We must also commit to making better, safer choices behind the wheel ourselves.

As the Tasmanian weather warms up and we head out to explore our beautiful state, being safe on our roads needs to be top of mind for all motorists. This time of year sees an influx of road-users, motorists driving later in the day, schools coming to a close, end-of-year celebrations and gatherings, and longer drives to holiday destinations.

We urge all drivers to consider the Fatal Five whenever they’re behind the wheel: driving under the influence of drugs/ alcohol; speeding; driving without a seatbelt; distraction; and fatigue.

It has been an unprecedented year and COVID-19 continues to have physical and mental impacts on our health and wellbeing. Feelings of isolation when away from family and loved ones, as well as feeling overwhelmed and distressed, can significantly affect our ability to focus on the road and can compromise our safety.

It is important to check in with yourself and those around you before driving to ensure you can focus fully on the task at hand without distraction. Be aware, too, that others on the road may be distracted.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. A list of free, confidential and professional support services is also available on our website at ract.com.au/customer-assistance.

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Go to ract.com.au/membership/manage-your-membership 200352

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

OUR COMMUNITY

FROM THE GROUP CEO Mark Mugnaioni

W

e’re extremely proud of our community at RACT. We’re here because we want to support you, our members, in the good and the challenging times. Although we’ve achieved much progress in the last 97 years, there’s still much more we can do to help.

With our new strategic plan, we’re committed to putting our members at the centre of every decision we make.

We want to do more, to be different, and to offer extraordinary services, benefits and experiences.

As we invest behind the scenes in our people and systems, we’ll continue to find meaningful ways to support you so you can focus on what you love to do in life, rather than what you have to do.

This is an exciting chapter for our organisation. And as we grow stronger, we’ll help our members and the Tasmanian community to do the same.

Advocacy remains a key part of our role in the community. We’ve welcomed a number of positive steps forward

recently, one of which was the State Government implementing real-time fuel price reporting in Tasmania.

Via a website and smartphone app, motorists can now find the cheapest and most up-to-date fuel prices in their area. Fuel retailers are required to update changes to their prices in real time, keeping retailers accountable and ensuring Tasmanians can always find the best deal.

For years we’ve been calling for solutions to Hobart’s congestion. One of the major projects we’ve advocated for is a ferry service on the River Derwent, which was outlined in our Greater Hobart Mobility Vision. The State Government’s recent call for ferry operators to register their expressions of interest is a significant step towards sustainable, safe and efficient ways of moving around our capital city.

We’re looking forward to working with the government to ensure any type of ferry service is integrated into Hobart’s overall transport network to ensure the best possible chance of success.

Future mobility in Greater Launceston is another priority for us and our members. Since the release of the Greater Launceston Transport Vision and Work Plan by six Greater Launceston councils and the State Government, we’ve seen constructive feedback and ideas from our members about how they want to move around Launceston. We recently met with a panel of experts to formulate our own response to the Transport Vision

and Work Plan. This is a crucial step in making Launceston one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Tasmanian families continue to feel the financial impacts of COVID-19.

We understand that every saving counts in difficult times like these, which is why finding ways to help is important to us.

Through our Better Together campaign, between June and September we offered free 12-month Lifestyle memberships to all Tasmanians, giving them access to our Royal Rewards program, which includes offers and discounts at over 200 businesses.

Since then we’ve welcomed over 2100 new members to the RACT family.

Additionally, local businesses have the opportunity to partner with us for free, passing on savings to our members and being part of a community of 200,000plus RACT members.

It has been fantastic to see the community spirit through this campaign. Locals supporting locals is what it’s all about in times like these.

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your dollar further, I encourage you to visit our website. Whether it’s on the road, at home, or out and about, there’s a wide range of discounts and offers exclusive to our members.

Visit ract.com.au/member-rewards.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE’LL BE SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS INTO THE FUTURE, VISIT RACT.COM.AU/ABOUT-US

MCMF INVESTMENT RATES NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT

CURRENT PERFORMANCE:

LAST QUARTER PERFORMANCE:

LAST YEAR PERFORMANCE:

2.85% 3.35% 3.47% p.a*

p.a*

p.a*

Returns are net of fees and are likely to change in line with changes in market interest rates. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. There is a risk that an investment in the fund will achieve lower than expected returns. An investment in the fund is an equity investment in a managed investment scheme. It is not a bank deposit. An investor faces a higher risk of losing some or all their investment than is the case with a bank deposit. This information does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any investor. Before making any investment decision, investors should consider taking professional advice.

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 7

DRIVE IN THE MOMENT

W

e’ve recently launched a new online resource to help Tasmanian drivers overcome a major road safety challenge – the use of smartphones while driving.

Based on findings from research commissioned by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), Drive in the Moment helps road-users to better understand the risk of using mobile devices while driving and to develop effective strategies to keep their hands on the wheel and minds on the road.

The study behind Drive in the Moment is one of the first to look at the different ways drivers are using phones when driving. From taking a call and checking notifications, to using a GPS

app, changing a song, or watching a video, the list goes on.

The AAA research shows that too many people still think it’s socially acceptable to use their phone while driving. We’re trying to change that mindset with this resource. Our new evidence-based approach helps drivers change their behaviour, by having a plan to change their thinking the next time they are tempted to use their smartphone behind the wheel.

The good news is the research has shown that people are trying to reduce their use. We hope this new approach is one way that can help those who want to change their behaviour.

Drive in the Moment is free and available at ract.driveinthemoment.com.au.

AAA research shows that of those who admitted to using their phones while driving:

93%

of younger drivers and 79% of experienced drivers have tried to reduce their in-vehicle smartphone use.

61%

of younger drivers believe turning the phone off is effective for reducing use, but only 5% use that strategy.

46%

of younger drivers and 28% of experienced drivers acknowledge using their phones in handheld mode in a typical week.

LEARNER DRIVERS NEED YOUR HELP

L

earner Driver Mentor Programs (LDMPs) across Tasmania are back on the road.

LDMPs provide practical on-road experience to disadvantaged learner drivers, particularly young people, to help them gain their provisional driver’s licence.

Programs were suspended during COVID-19 in order to keep both learner and supervising drivers safe.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

been stressful for young people in particular,’ said Garry O’Byrne from Driver Mentoring Tasmania.

‘Loneliness and isolation are common. Just because people are a click away over the internet doesn’t mean they feel connected.’

Fourteen community-based organisations and two local councils coordinate LDMPs across Tasmania.

‘LDMPs are about providing opportunities. A driver’s licence can enable young people to reconnect with

education and training and to seek jobs they may have never thought possible,’ Garry said.

‘The programs help to strengthen our sense of community by connecting with and supporting each other.’

Volunteering 1-2 hours per week to supervise a disadvantaged learner driver can help to connect you with the community around you.

For more information about LDMPs or to find out how you can become a volunteer mentor, visit ldmp.com.au.

OUR COMMUNITY

A HELPING HAND

G

lenorchy’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Kalang has been an important part of the community for over 20 years. Like many not-for-profit organisations, RDA Kalang has been struggling to stay afloat due to the impacts of COVID-19.

We were so happy to lend a helping hand with a grant through the RACT Insurance COVID-19 Community Support Fund.

The small team of dedicated volunteers and range of horses and ponies at RDA Kalang cater for both adults and children.

With a focus on the social, psychological and physical benefits of working with horses, the riding programs aim to build new skills in exciting, challenging and motivational ways.

The horses and ponies are vital to these programs, but their maintenance is an expensive process. During the pandemic, RDA Kalang closed and all fundraising activity stopped, meaning RDA Kalang was unable to raise these much-needed funds. The grant from RACT Insurance went to the ongoing care and maintenance of the horses and ponies during this time.

Connor Munnings provided by the Glenorchy Gazette

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers and RDA State Coaching Coordinator Claudia Nevah.

Local community groups like RDA Kalang make a big difference to life in Tasmania and play an important role in rebuilding and bringing our communities back together in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Through the two rounds of the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, RACT Insurance has shared a total of $200,000 across 85 local organisations to help them get back on their feet.

TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF GRANT RECIPIENTS VISIT RACT.COM.AU/INSURANCE-COMMUNITY-SUPPORT-FUND

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October 30-December 4 Livestreamed from Federation Concert Hall Friday Nights at 7.00pm | $22.50 per concert Musicians of the TSO in a specially curated digital only series watch.tso.com.au

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 9

YOUR VIEWS Bass Hwy speed limits

We live on the Bass Hwy at Detention River and are concerned at the number of trucks travelling at 100+ km an hour in the area from the Hellyer turn-off to the Rocky Cape Tavern.

At busy times there could be three trucks parked across the road from the store and more on the store side, plus school buses and store patrons turning in and out. Trucks that are not stopping travel in the middle of the road at full speed to avoid parked trucks. It’s a disaster waiting to happen but State Roads are not interested. We wrote to State Roads to ask them to reduce the speed limit to 80km but they said their reviews showed there was no evidence. They should come and have a look for themselves.

Victoria Cochrane, Hellyer

More public transport needed

Public transport in Hobart is a bus. No choices. More public transport in the Tasmanian capital is needed. The bones of a rail system exist and the Derwent offers ferry routes waiting to be used. Melbourne’s tram system is world class and Hobart-built ferries crisscross Sydney Harbour every day.

In the mid-to-long term, ferries, trams and trains are solutions. In the shorter term, encouraging bicycles, scooters and motorcycles is cost effective.

It is true that Hobart’s population is smaller than Melbourne or Sydney’s. It is true that infrastructure costs money. It is also true that Hobart’s traffic congestion problem will get much worse if the majority of commuters continue to use singleoccupant cars to get to and through the CBD. Review Hobart’s inadequate motorcycle parking areas and plan for secure, free parking for bicycles, scooters and motorcycles at public transport park and ride facilities.

Damien Codognotto, Howrah

Indicators

I am accustomed to the organised turmoil of traffic in Indonesia (though only as a passenger), but still amazed by the inability of Tasmanian drivers to cope with roundabouts and indicators.

Yesterday at the roundabout in West Hobart, waiting to turn right, there were four cars on my right but the fourth had its indicator on to turn left, and I checked that his indicator was still on just as he entered the roundabout. I admit I was a bit frazzled at the return to the usual school-leaving traffic after the recent restrictions, so did not wait as I usually do to make sure the driver’s intentions matched his driving skills.

Clearly not, in his case, as he was astonished that I should enter the roundabout before him, tossing his hands up in the air in puzzlement.

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OUR COMMUNITY

What is it about indicators that drivers don’t get?

Are modern cars no longer provided with the indicator’s sound/light on the dashboard? My car is more than 20 years old, and is quite audible and visible.

I am frustrated at how underrated and poorly applied indicators are, when they are a clear warning to other drivers.

Jo McRae, Mornington

Retesting drivers

Assuming that all car learner drivers are taught good driving habits as opposed to simply trained to pass a driving test, I continue to be horrified at the ineptitude of both new and experienced drivers, of all ages, in implementing even the simplest of road rules and procedures associated with safe driving.

This, evidenced with many other bad driving habits, is to me sufficient cause to introduce periodic and stringent retesting of all drivers. I would suggest every five years to be appropriate.

I am confident getting bad/unsafe drivers off the roads and rigorous good habits/skills development retraining would significantly reduce road safety injuries and fatalities and all of their associated emotional and financial impacts.

Bad habits

I totally agree with the MAIB TV promotion that younger and new, inexperienced drivers should get more practical hands-on experience before driving without any supervision.

However, my brother has run a driving school for many years interstate. His comment has always been that he often has to spend a lot of time unlearning young and older learner drivers’ bad skills and habits, plus mindset passed on from both family members and other risk takers, who unfortunately pass on incorrect driving skills and non-road rules compliance.

Additionally, has anyone considered that by lowering the speed limit through central Hobart, with vehicles forced to use low gears, what amount of pollution this will cause from exhaust fumes to both the inner city area, and those both working and being a pedestrian there?

David Hayden, Howrah

John Seaton, Prospect Vale

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Journeys 11

A LIFETIME OF LOYALTY ZOE COONEY

B

etween the two of them, husband and wife pair Cedric and Janet Lockley have 100 years’ worth of RACT membership. This year, Cedric celebrates his 60th anniversary, and Janet her 40th.

With so much ground to cover, it’s almost hard to know where to start, but Cedric’s introduction to RACT looked a little bit different back in 1960.

A keen snooker player, Cedric had just turned 21 and joined RACT as a social member – he didn’t even own a car.

The social club boasted, in Cedric’s words, ‘three absolutely wonderful billiard tables’.

A few nights a week Cedric and ‘a real oddball collection’ of gentlemen both young and old would gather at the building on Macquarie Street to enjoy a game and meet new people. Cedric still has his first snooker cue. Given to him by his father, it’s made of laminated English ash and is still in excellent condition.

LEAVE A GIFT THAT WILL CHANGE LIVES Since 1899, the St Vincent de Paul Society – also known as Vinnies – has been dedicated to shaping just and compassionate communities and supporting people who are vulnerable in Tasmania.

Vinnies 1500 members and volunteers provide practical, every-day essentials – from financial assistance when bills mount up, to meals and friendship during times of hardship and personal crisis.

With the support of the community it serves, Vinnies provides hope. Hope for a better future.

One of the most important sources of funding for the Vinnies work in the community comes from people who have included a gift in their Will.

Supporting the Society in this special way not only creates a lasting legacy of kindness, it plays a vital role in continuing to provide ‘a hand up’ to people in need for generations to come.

You may never meet the person you have helped, but your generosity lives on in their lives.

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12 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

OUR COMMUNITY

‘That car used to get me into a lot of trouble and the man used to get me out of it. I’m really grateful.’

It wasn’t until Cedric bought a beautiful 2.5L Riley in canary yellow with a black top that he joined as a roadside member.

For Cedric and Janet roadside has always been essential.

Owning 22 cars between them over the years, they’ve definitely relied on roadside many times.

‘I think it’s wonderful,’ Janet said.

‘I had a Morris 1100 that used to break down so often, and this wonderful man used to always help me.

‘I’d get stuck because it would just stop in the middle of the road!

‘That car used to get me into a lot of trouble and the man used to get me out of it.

‘I’m really grateful.’

Over the years, Cedric and Janet have been on many adventures. They’ve explored and camped around most of Tasmania, they’ve gone whitewater rafting on the Picton

River, and spent four years in Townsville in a campervan.

Cedric even built his own boat in their yard, sailed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race seven times, and spent nine days at sea sailing to Vanuatu with an Australian Navy crew.

They’ve both played important roles in the Tasmanian community. Janet was a nurse for 45 years, and Cedric a school teacher for 32. Cedric loved his time as a teacher and recounts stories of helping two students in particular who went on to their dream jobs – one as a pilot and the other as a ship’s captain. Cedric’s impact as a teacher was even highlighted just before the interview for this story, with our Southern Retail Manager Carol Cragg quickly recognising Cedric as Mr Lockley from her time at Geilston Bay High School.

We’ve loved getting to know Cedric and Janet and hearing their stories. They’re an important part of our history and we thank them for their continued loyalty.

OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY IS COMING UP AND WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORIES. IF YOU’VE GOT A PIECE OF RACT HISTORY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT ONEHUNDRED@RACT.COM.AU

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 13

MANAGE YOUR

INSURANCE ONLINE 24 / 7 WITH RACT INSURANCE

RACT5684 • BC

ract.com.au

ract.com.au | 13 27 22 |

INSURANCE by

RACT Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 96 068 167 804, AFS Licence 229076, is the insurer. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to decide if it is right for you. Obtain a copy from your local branch, call 13 27 22 or visit ract.com.au. Terms and conditions of the PDS apply.

RACT 2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

Highlights of our year

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 15

The 2019-20 financial year has seen extraordinary circumstances affecting us all.

The impacts of COVID-19 on our health and wellbeing combined with the economic and social impacts of the virus, will be far reaching for many years to come.

R Kathryn Westwood President

16  Journeys

Mark Mugnaioni

Group Chief Executive Officer

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

ACT was fortunate to have been in a solid financial position at the time of the crisis.

To ensure the business can continue to operate in these times of uncertainty, we have taken a prudent approach to managing our financial resources.

While we continue to provide high quality services to our members, we have, and will continue to implement, a range of efficiency improvements that will ensure RACT remains strong and competitive into the future.

This year we achieved a $2.8m after-tax profit.

Revenue declined 4.7% due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the Destinations business. Capital investment this year was $3.3m, which included an upgrade to the Launceston branch, continued investment in IT and digital, and improvements across the Destinations portfolio.

While we expect to see a constrained economic environment for the next foreseeable period, we are continuing to pursue our new strategic plan, which will see us deliver more for our members.

RACT 2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

MEMBER EXPERIENCE Pleasingly, RACT continues to be valued by our members and the wider Tasmanian community. Our brand remains number one in Tasmania, and our insurance services have been named the Roy Morgan General Insurer of the Year for the fifth consecutive year.

This year we hit a major milestone, welcoming our 200,000th member into the RACT family. As a member organisation, it is important that we not only gain members, but that we reinvest back into valuable programs. This year, over 50% of our members used our member benefits program, with the most popular benefit being our fuel discount at United Petroleum.

We also introduced over 100 new partners through our Better Together program. The program is designed to help Tasmanian businesses impacted by COVID-19. We also brought on two key partners – 1st Energy and HCF – who will provide everyday discounts on household expenses across home energy and health insurance, something our members have told us is important to them. Overall, our members saved $5.71m through member rewards.

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY This year saw the achievement of a number of long-term priorities. After significant lobbying, the State Government committed to the implementation of real-time fuel price legislation. Our members have continually told us that the cost of fuel impacts on their cost of living. In December 2019, almost 10,000 people signed our online petition for the introduction of real-time fuel pricing. Off the back of this, RACT provided the Government with a fully costed business case to make the change. With the impacts of COVID-19 being felt within the Tasmanian economy, and the continued high cost of fuel at the height of the pandemic, RACT lobbied the Government on behalf of our members and gained commitment to implement a new Code of Practice.

We continue to work with the Government to ensure this Code is rolled out effectively.

We also recognised the importance of keeping the Tasmanian economy strong, and through the pandemic, we lobbied the Government to fast-track five key priorities that will improve the mobility of Tasmanians, while also providing much needed economic stimulus within the state.

We were pleased to see the Government commit to all five priorities, which were upgrades to the Hobart Airport

interchange, a ferry service on the River Derwent, a park and ride at Huntingfield, improvements on the West Tamar Highway and Bass Highway improvements at Boat Harbour.

We have also worked with the six Greater Launceston Councils and the State Government to develop a longterm vision for mobility for the region. The finalisation of this vision will be a significant step forward to advancing improvements for the wider Launceston area.

Late last year, we progressed elements of our mobility strategy by partnering with the City of Hobart and the State Government to bring the first driverless bus trial to the state.

The highlight of this event was seeing our members have the opportunity to participate and test the technology at our member days.

MAJOR PROJECTS In August 2019 we launched our refurbished Launceston branch. The branch, which first opened in 1973, was given a major makeover, with the assistance of Tasmanian firm Invision Developments.

Early in 2020 we were also pleased to open Elements Café at Cradle Mountain, as a part of the redevelopment of the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, offering an improved experience and new dining options.

IMPACTS OF COVID-19 The biggest impact on the RACT business for FY20 was COVID-19. RACT moved fast to ensure the health and safety of members and staff. This included managing a rapid move to allow our staff to work from home, introducing a range of COVID safe measures for our essential services, such as roadside assistance, and re-deploying frontline staff where possible to alternate duties or to assist the community. The process has shown the resilience of our staff, our members and our work practices. There is no doubt that this has been a challenging period for us all, but we are proud of the way all Tasmanians have come together to support one another.

As a local organisation, we have been humbled by the level of support our members and the wider Tasmanian community have given us and we will continue to give back to our members and the state so we can all get through this together.

A FULL VERSION OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT CAN BE FOUND AT RACT.COM.AU/ABOUT-US

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 17

RACT 2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

DELIVERING FOR OUR MEMBERS

CORPORATE

MOTORING

No.1 brand

13,666

252

11,534

in Tasmania

new employees inducted

23.8%

decrease in workplace incidents across the RACT Group

13.7%

124,000

batteries sold

Average of

Average of

184

roadside callouts a day

15,074

driver training lessons

911

calls through our Call Centre

898

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

1,756

179,793

L2 driver training assessments

78.2%

P1 driver training assessments

200,000

child restraint fittings More than

90%

of vehicles were mobilised on the roadside

101,187

members used the United fuel discount, saving $3.28 million 18  Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

More than

new roadside members

decrease in injury and illness rates across the RACT Group

members reached February 2020

INSURANCE

Tasmanians covered

by RACT Insurance

1,815

claims finalised per month

$50m

paid in claims

Winner

Roy Morgan General Insurer of the Year for five years running

Winner

ANZIIF Small to Medium General Insurance Company of the Year

RACT 2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

TOURISM Members stayed

8,915

nights at Destinations properties

COMMUNITY

288

older drivers engaged in community programs Nearly

25,049

600

51,875

Over

people experienced Gordon River Cruises rooms sold across all three properties Launched

The Pillinger Explorer in Strahan Launched

Elements Café at Cradle Mountain

Grade 3 and 4 students participated in RoadSafe

400

ADVOCACY First demonstration of

driverless technology Winner

Planning Institute of Tasmania award for 30-year Greater Hobart Mobility Vision

high school and college students participated in safe driving activities

12

organisations supported through the staff volunteer program

42

community sponsorship donations made

21

community groups supported through our Community Fund

85

additional community groups received COVID-19 Community Support Fund grants OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 19

RACT 2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

80

160

70

140

60

120

50

100

40 30

2016

2017

2018

Net Profit After Tax

2019

60 40

10

20

0

0

2016

2020

2019

2020

Group Assets

Financial year ended 30 June 2020 consolidated

2019 ($000’s)

Revenue

71,207

74,816

Expenses

(70,881)

(69,219)

326

5,597

Income tax benefit/(expense)

2,539

(39)

Profit for the period

2,865

5,558

Other comprehensive income

1,173

4,251

Total comprehensive income for the period

4,038

9,809

FINANCIAL COMMENTARY

2018

FINANCIAL POSITION

2020 ($000’s)

Profit before income tax

2017 Net Assets

Revenue

Financial year ended 30 June 2020 consolidated

Group revenue decreased by 4.8% due to the impacts of COVID-19 and subsequent closure of our Destinations accommodation during the height of the pandemic.

Our net assets increased to $88.9m from $85.0m in FY19 a 4.5% increase, largely as a result of an income tax benefit of $2.5m and the net revaluation adjustment to the Asset Revaluation Reserve following the revaluation of Destination properties.

After repayments, borrowings were reduced to $33.6m from $36.1m in FY19, with the Group’s financial leverage moving down to 37%. After allowance for cash, leverage was 23% at year end.

Profit for the year was impacted by the impact of COVID-19 on business operations and particularly the revaluation of Destination properties and subsequent impairment loss and a goodwill impairment.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

80

20

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

20 Journeys

CONSOLIDATED GROUP ASSETS & NET ASSETS 2016 – 2020

Millions $

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Millions $

Millions $

CONSOLIDATED GROUP REVENUE & NET PROFIT AFTER TAX 2016 – 2020

2020 ($000’s)

2019 ($000’s)

Total current assets

20,993

17,753

Total non-current assets

134,688

126,309

Total assets

155,681

144,062

21,454

27,213

Total current liabilities Total non-current liabilities

45,236

31,896

Total liabilities

66,690

59,109

Net assets

88,991

84,953

Membership subscriptions continued to grow with our Roadside Assistance revenue of $16.8m (FY19 $15.8m), as Tasmanians continued to see value in the security we provide and our member value offerings.

Tourism revenue decreased by 17% to $26.8m due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Our investment in our Insurance business continued to provide a solid return with a $5.2m dividend. Share of profit for the year was higher at $6.3m (FY19 $4.8m).

Capital investment this year was $3.3m, which included an upgrade to the Launceston branch, continued investment in IT and digital and improvements across the Destinations portfolio.

TO READ OUR FULL 2019-20 FINANCIAL REPORT VISIT RACT.COM.AU/ABOUT-US

2020 RACT BOARD ELECTION

YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE

2020 RACT BOARD ELECTION

To vote you’ll need your member number and access to the internet.

Who can vote?

Only members with Roadside Ultimate or Roadside Advantage, Honorary Life Members and Paid Life Members have the right to vote.

How to vote

1 2 3

Visit ract.com.au/board-election

Enter your member number and surname in the online voting portal You’re ready to vote

Don’t have online access?

You can request a paper ballot pack be provided to you in the following ways: • Email returningofficer@ract.com.au with your name and address • Phone 13 27 22 • Visit one of our branches REMEMBER: You can only vote once and each vote in the ballot is for three candidates. If you vote online as well as by post, only the online vote will be counted. All votes are confidential and the ballot is administered independently.

Important dates

Voting opens 1 October 2020 and closes 12pm 28 October 2020.

Result

The result will be announced at our AGM on 4 November 2020.

You can attend our AGM online this year.

Membership enquiries Call us on 13 27 22.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 21

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

AGM GOES ONLINE This year our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held online.

Register to attend

1

Attendance is easy and will work via your internet browser

2

Visit ract.com.au/agm to let us know you’re attending

3

We’ll send you information and links once you’ve registered

Can’t attend? You can still have your say

• You can appoint someone who is attending the online AGM to lodge your vote at the AGM even if you can’t attend yourself. This is called a proxy vote.

• You can either appoint the individual to vote exactly how you want or leave it up to them.

• If you don’t know anyone who is attending you can nominate the RACT Chairperson to be your proxy.

The Board recommends that all the resolutions be approved so unless you direct the Chairperson otherwise, the Chairperson will vote in favour of the resolutions.

To register a proxy vote

• Visit ract.com.au/agm and enter your member number and surname in the online portal.

• Follow the instructions online on how to lodge a proxy vote.

• Proxies must be lodged by 5pm 2 November 2020.

Vero Voting are the independent administrators for our proxy votes and will look after voting during our online AGM and Board Election.

When?

Our AGM will be at 5pm 4 November 2020.

If you can’t attend online but would like to follow what happens at our AGM you can listen in but you won’t be able to vote or ask a question. Please contact us to find out more on 13 27 22.

We’ll include a recording of the AGM and the result of all the voting on our website as soon as possible after the meeting.

22 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with Corporations (Coronavirus Economic Response) Determination (No. 1) 2020, the 97th Annual General Meeting of Members of The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited will be held virtually via ract.com.au/agm on 4 November 2020 commencing at 5.00 pm.

Agenda

1. To confirm the Minutes of the 96th Annual General Meeting held on 13 November 2019.

2. To receive the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020.

3. To elect 3 members to the Board in accordance with Clause 16 of the Constitution.

The following nominations have been received: Sue Smith* Ulverstone (Company Director) Lara de Vries Blackmans Bay (Disability Support Pension Recipient)

Pieter Kolkert* Hobart (CEO and Company Director) Alison Flakemore* Huonville (Chartered Accountant and Company Director)

*Denotes Retiring Member who is eligible for re-election.

In accordance with the Club’s Constitution, a Ballot for the election of three (3) members to the Board will be conducted between 1 October 2020 and 12 noon, 28 October 2020.

4. Special Resolution – Adoption of new Constitution To consider, and if in favour, pass the following resolution as a special resolution: ‘That, pursuant to section 136(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), the existing constitution is repealed and the new constitution that has been made available to members via RACT’s website at ract.com.au/agm (New Constitution) and in hard copy on request, is adopted as the constitution of the Company, with immediate effect.’

Explanation: The existing constitution was adopted over 15 years ago and has been amended on seven occasions since that time, but in order to fully take advantage of changes to the Corporations Act since its adoption, maintain best practice governance processes, and allow the establishment of Membership within the Constitution without direct linkage to Roadside Assistance, the Board recommend the adoption of the New Constitution.

Further details of the differences between the existing constitution and the New Constitution can be found alongside a copy of the New Constitution at ract.com.au/agm and will be provided in hard copy to any member who requests a copy be sent to them.

5. Ordinary Resolutions: Board Limit and Directors Fees To consider, and if in favour, pass the following resolution as ordinary resolutions: Board Limit “That without prejudice to its right to do so the Board not be required to appoint two Board Appointed Directors in respect to the period from the end of the 2020 Annual General Meeting up to the end of the 2021 Annual General Meeting.”

Explanation: Both the Club’s existing constitution and New Constitution provide that following the 2020 Annual General Meeting the Club Board may appoint up to two Board Appointed Directors in addition to 10 Member Elected Directors. Despite it forming part of the member-approved constitution, the maintenance of 10 Directors on the Board, being below the maximum of 12 Directors (being 10 Member Elected Directors and 2 Board Appointed Directors) could be considered to be a Board Limit under the Corporations Act and if so then approval at a general meeting of the Club would be required and it is therefore prudent for approval to be sought.

The ability for the Board to appoint Board Appointed Directors is contained in the Club’s Constitution to ensure that the Club’s Board has within it what the Board believes are the appropriate skills and experience for the Club should the Member Elected Directors not provide a sufficiently wide skill base.

Director’s Fees “That the annual directors fees remain at the aggregate amount as previously authorised by Members, but that in alignment with the proposed New Constitution, the Board shall not be required to allocate the total aggregate amount amongst the Member Elected Directors in any given year and that in future annual increases to the aggregate amount will reference the All Groups Consumer Price Index for Hobart rather than Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.”

Explanation: Both the Club’s existing constitution and New Constitution provide that the Directors shall be paid remuneration out of the funds of the Club for their services as directors. Rather than a fixed total amount as under the Club’s existing constitution, the New Constitution makes it easier for the Board to reduce the amount of fees allocated in a given year.

The Board has determined that they shall receive no increase in directors fees in November 2020, and as such a portion of the total aggregate fees will not be used.

6. General Business 7. Any Other Business that may be correctly brought before the meeting.

The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited 179-191 Murray Street Hobart, Tasmania 7000

Michael Hopster Company Secretary/ Returning Officer 1 October 2020 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 23

Your gift can help save some of Tasmania’s most-threatened birds Donate now to protect Tinderbox Hills, a conservation gem south of Hobart.

Tinderbox Hills is home to the critically endangered swift parrot, and to one of Australia’s rarest birds, the endangered forty spotted pardalote. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy is raising money to protect these species’ habitat.

As climate change, land clearing and extinctions chip away at Australia’s remarkable natural heritage, there is something you can do to help. Donate to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy to support our work purchasing, protecting and managing private land for conservation, forever.

TASLAND.ORG.AU @tas_land

@taslandconservancy

Forty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus). Photo: Chris Tzaros

@tasland

OUR COMMUNITY

LEFT: Prosser Reserve.

BELOW: Swift parrot.

Andy Townsend

Chris Tzaros

PROTECTING TASSIE ZOE COONEY

F

or the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) protecting what makes Tassie special not only involves preserving our natural environment, it’s also about bringing the community together.

TLC owns 21 reserves across the state, while also supporting private landholders who are committed to protecting their property for conservation. All up, that’s around 65,000 hectares of Tasmania with a chance to flourish forever.

‘In Tasmania we have the great opportunity to still protect species and places that are intact,’ TLC CEO James Hattam said.

‘Our goal is for Tasmania to be a global leader in nature conservation.’

The work of dedicated volunteers, staff and scientists, as well as donations from the community, is resulting in big wins for Tasmanian conservation, with one of the most recent at Egg Islands in the Huon. These were protected 12 years ago to preserve the habitat of the critically endangered Australasian bittern, and TLC has been

monitoring and weeding a Spanish heath infestation. Today, the weeds are almost all eradicated and the eucalyptus forest is regenerating. To top it all off, an eagle and its nest were also spotted in the reserve recently, which was a heartwarming discovery for the team.

In September, TLC announced its newest reserve at Prosser River on the east coast. Made up of 1500 hectares, this area is home to 11 threatened plant and animal species, including the critically endangered black gum and swift parrot. The land also hosts at least three wedge-tailed eagle nests. The acquisition was made possible thanks to a generous bequest from David and Jean McGregor, nature lovers who wanted to make a difference.

‘If you’ve travelled through the Prosser Gorge between Buckland and Orford and gazed northward into the ancient stands of blue gum and oyster bay pine, wondering if these areas were protected, thanks to the McGregors the answer now is, yes, and forever,’ James said.

In collaboration with private landholders, the local council and

the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, TLC is currently working hard to protect 70 hectares of land at Tinderbox Hills in the state’s south – dense with old-growth trees and a viable population of the critically endangered forty-spotted pardalote, which is connected to north Bruny.

‘Everyone thinks of Tasmania’s wild places and unique species,’ James said.

‘But if we don’t protect this place and we lose that population, what happens to the next population?’

There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference with TLC. Events, volunteer and discovery days are fun, meaningful ways to show your support, while connecting with diverse, like-minded people and visiting corners of our beautiful landscape you may not have seen before.

‘Our view is that people need to experience nature,’ James said.

‘See nature, smell it, touch it, feel it to build that connection with it, to really value it, to want to contribute to protecting it.

‘The success of TLC is built upon the community of supporters.’

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 25

RACT ROYAL REWARDS

MORE WAYS TO SAVE

We can help you find more ways to save in all areas of your life.

Whether it’s food, entertainment, experiences or on the road, check out our eight rewards categories full of hundreds of discounts and offers to help you stretch your dollar further.

Take a look at where you can save at ract.com.au/member-rewards

Activities & Experiences

Cars & Driving

Food & Entertainment

Health & Fitness

Home & Garden

Services & Other

Shopping & Gifts

Travel & Accommodation

SAVE 8%*

SAVE 10%*

when dining in

on daily rates

APOLLO

HOKKAIDO SUSHI

Craving the open road? Create your own adventure with the flexibility of an Apollo campervan or motorhome. With a member discount of 10%* off the daily rental rate or on top of Apollo specials, it’s the perfect chance to rediscover our island state.

Tuck into some delicious Japanese food at Hokkaido Sushi. With convenient sushi train locations at Eastlands and Elizabeth Street Mall, members save 8%* when dining in.

Discover more at ract.com.au/apollo

Discover more at ract.com.au/hokkaido-sushi

HEALTH AND FITNESS WORLD LAUNCESTON

FIRST MONTH FREE* as a member

Looking to shake up your routine and focus on your wellbeing?

The team at Health and Fitness World Launceston has a wealth of experience to help you on your fitness journey. Members get their first month free and save with no lock-in contract*.

Discover more at ract.com.au/health-and-fitness-world-launceston

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit ract.com.au/member-rewards. Product prices and savings correct at time of printing.

BE ROYALLY REWARDED

SAVE 10%*

SAVE 6c*

on Tassie experiences

per litre

EXPERIENCE OZ

UNITED PETROLEUM

It’s time to explore your own backyard. Whether it’s fast-paced adventuring, leisurely lunching or a family day out, members get 10%* off a range of Tasmanian experiences with Experience Oz.

Fuel for your next road trip is sorted with United Petroleum. Simply show your membership card when buying fuel at participating sites across Tasmania and you’ll save 6 cents per litre*.

Discover more at ract.com.au/experience-oz-tas

Discover more at ract.com.au/united-fuel-discount

LOW HEAD PILOT STATION COTTAGES Until 1 December you can stay by the seaside in an 1800s cottage complete with breakfast basket, bottle of local wine and Penguin Tour. All starting at $289 for two people, also available for groups, at Low Head Pilot Station Cottages. Members get 10%* off extra nights and 5%* off meals at the onsite cafe.

Discover more at ract.com.au/low-head-pilot-station

RENT YOUR parking space

KERB Rent out your vacant car space or driveway and earn extra cash. Members get 50%* off the transaction commission for the first year and 10%* off when making a booking.

Discover more at ract.com.au/kerb

Do you have an unbeatable offer our members would love?

By becoming a Royal Rewards partner you’ll unlock a range of benefits for your business and the chance to reach a community of 200,000-plus RACT members.

For more information, please contact us at royalrewards@ract.com.au

FROM $289* until 1 Dec 2020

RIGHT: The kitchen, lounge and courtyard area in 46B Kelly Street.

A LOCAL ESCAPE

L

ocated in the heart of Hobart’s historic Battery Point, Sullivans Cove Apartments’ new accommodation at 46 Kelly Street is an incredible hidden gem. Just a few doors from local favourite Prince of Wales, the cottage façade is a vast contrast to the luxury escape inside.

Apartment 46A is a light-filled studio space, with king-size bed, streamlined kitchenette and contemporary bathroom.

Through the timber shutters are views of the charming cottages lining Kelly Street, quintessential to life in Battery Point.

You’ll find the ultimate retreat in Apartment 46B. The moment the door clicks shut behind you is one to remember.

Light streams in from the skylight and sliding doors that stretch wall to wall and floor to ceiling. The kitchen’s focal point is the marble-topped island bench, complemented by appliances and stocked with utensils for those who can’t wait

to cook with Tasmanian produce. Concrete and wooden floors give a modern but warm touch, as do the pops of colour from the artwork and brick in the courtyard. Relaxation starts with the king-size bed, followed by the luxurious bathroom where you can sink into the dreamy freestanding tub or indulge in the double waterfall shower. Special touches such as L’Occitane bath products and fresh milk upon arrival will instantly make you feel at home.

This is Sullivans Cove Apartments’ goal. To feel at home.

To live like a local. To be an ‘un-tourist’. 46 Kelly Street offers independence. You’re free to wander Battery Point’s historic streets, enjoy culinary delights from local institutions such as Jackman & McRoss or Da Angelo, or take a short walk down Kelly’s Steps to explore Salamanca and Hobart’s picturesque waterfront.

JOURNEYS READERS CAN GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN THEIR OWN LOCAL ESCAPE AT 46 KELLY STREET. EMAIL YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND MEMBER NUMBER TO JOURNEYSCOMPS@RACT.COM.AU. COMPETITION CLOSES AT 5PM 1 NOVEMBER 2020. T&CS APPLY. VISIT RACT.COM.AU/COMPETITIONS

28 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

OFFICIAL PARTNER

BBL PRINCIPAL PARTNER

W/BBL MAJOR PARTNER

FIRST DRIVES: NISSAN N-TREK WARRIOR DARREN MOODY

W

ith dual-cab utes among the most popular sellers in the Australian market, manufacturers continue to look for niches to broaden appeal. The latest is a series of premium models offering powerful road presence and superior off-road performance. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Nissan Australia has launched the Navara N-TREK Warrior.

The N-TREK model features a sticker pack and upgrades including guard flares, alloy sports bar, side steps, and a whole host of blackout and orange accent treatment. Adding the Warrior option is when things start to get serious, with changes going more than skin deep.

The Warrior’s ride height is the first and most obvious change, increasing by 40mm thanks to changes in suspension and the wheel and tyre combination.

The Navara is the only dual-cab to be fitted with coil-spring rear suspension, allowing considerably more flexibility for suspension upgrades. Passenger comfort, both on and off road, has improved with the softening of primary spring rates, which also provide enhanced suspension articulation for better off-road performance. Secondary spring rates have increased to ensure carrying maximum loads and towing are unaffected.

Shock absorbers have been upgraded to provide added compression damping for quicker response. The outer tube diameter is larger, with greater oil volume to improve cooling and roughroad capability, while the piston rod

30 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

diameter is larger for more strength.

The result? The best riding Navara on and off-road I’ve driven by a long way.

Other features include longer springs taking the larger wheel and tyre combination further away from the body. The inner front guards have been modified in combination with the body-colour front bumper, which incorporates a bull bar to provide the appropriate clearance.

The Warrior model also comes with a 3mm stainless steel front underbody protection plate and a 470mm front LED light bar. Although there are comprehensive suspension upgrades, the Warrior doesn’t get any driveline improvements, so it makes do with its 140kW 450Nm 2.3L twin turbo diesel mated to a seven-speed auto.

I couldn’t have a vehicle with this level of off-road capability without taking it into its natural habitat. I set off to explore the hills behind Margate the day after southern Tasmania experienced 50mm of rain. Initially, I switched to high-range 4WD and climbed through ruts and rocks with no issues. I soon experienced some significant water crossings. Taking no chances, I clicked in low range and proceeded with some caution.

I knew the track base was solid through these crossings, which was useful as the Warrior was right on its 600mm maximum wading depth.

I climbed out of the last water crossing to be confronted with mud ruts, so it was time to lock in the electric rear diff’ lock.

The Warrior made its way through the mud with some challenges, but I never feared I’d be stuck. As I picked through the tracks for the next

30 minutes, I bottomed out a couple of times but found comfort in the knowledge that all the important parts underneath were protected.

I met another 4WDriver on the way out who was surprised I had a new 4WD out in these conditions, but impressed I had a ‘standard’ vehicle that had such capability.

I’ve tested plenty of 4WD vehicles on those tracks, but none in those conditions. I can guarantee some of them wouldn’t have made it out.

The standard fitment tow bar is a bespoke unit for the Warrior. This compensates for the increase in overall ride height, while still allowing a fullsize alloy spare. I took advantage of the towbar and hauled a 2.2 tonne trailer and car up and back on the Midland Highway. The Warrior proved itself well, easily holding the national highway limit and only fading around 10km/h on the steeper inclines. While my load was well short of the 3500kg capacity, there was plenty left in reserve to manage the additional weight if needed.

Inside, Warrior isn’t short of creature comforts; keyless entry and starting, heated partial leather seats, 8” infotainment with all the usual connectivity and around-view monitor are all included. I did, however, find it difficult to find that ultimate driving position as the seats were a little flat, and I did miss reach-adjustment on the steering wheel. However, after driving more than 300km in a day I didn’t find it uncomfortable.

At a little over $67,000 drive away the Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior auto isn’t cheap. However, if it’s road presence and off-road capability you’re seeking, it ticks these boxes.

ON THE ROAD

Testing out the Nissan N-TREK Warrior’s 4WD capabilities in Margate.

All images: Darren Moody

‘I couldn’t have a vehicle with this level of off-road capability without taking it into its natural habitat.’

FINANCE IT WITH US! RACT FINANCE OFFERS LOW-RATE LOANS, NO ONGOING FEES AND FAST APPROVAL. APPLY ONLINE AT RACT.COM.AU/CAR-LOANS

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 31

CAR NEWS: TOYOTA YARIS GED BULMER, RACQ MOTORING EDITOR

C

onsumer demand for comprehensive safety features means the days of the sub-$20,000 Toyota small car may be over.

The new entry level Toyota Yaris has been completely overhauled with new platform, body and styling, plus a host of hi-tech safety features usually the preserve of far more expensive models.

But pricing for the comprehensively re-engineered model has also increased across the board, with the entry level Yaris now broaching the $20k barrier for the first time. The previous models’ entry level price was a thrifty $15,390, albeit with a smaller 1.3-litre engine than the new 1.5-litre units.

The all-new Yaris has sharper styling, a dynamic new platform, powerful and efficient new powertrains, an engaging new driving experience and the cutting-edge safety that is otherwise

available only in luxury cars.

Arguably, the biggest news in this comprehensively revamped new model is the introduction of a full Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) safety package as standard on every Yaris. In addition to the new intersection assist feature, the system includes a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, automatic high beam, and technologies to assist with cornering, staying in the intended lane and detecting speed signs. A reversing camera and a full suite of brake-assist and traction-control systems including active cornering assist are also standard.

Now as before, the Yaris will be sold in Australia in three specification levels – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR – and with the choice of a three-cylinder petrol engine or a three-cylinder petrol-hybrid.

TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE NEW TOYOTA YARIS VISIT RACT.COM.AU/JOURNEYS/TOYOTA-YARIS

Prices and standard features Ascent Sport manual $22,130 Ascent Sport CVT $23,630 Apple Carplay and Android Auto; LED daytime running lamps; tail and stop lamps; auto retractable door mirrors with LED turn signal lamps; and power windows.

SX CVT $27,020 SX Hybrid CVT $29,020 Satellite navigation with pinch-and-zoom capability; speed-limit display and warnings; automatic air-conditioning; keyless smart entry; smart-start ignition button; soft-touch instrument panel; 15-inch alloy wheels; LED headlamps, indicators and rear combination lamps; and privacy glass.

ZR CVT $30,100 ZR Hybrid CVT $32,100 16-inch alloys; rear spoiler; head-up display; sports front seats; blind-spot monitor; front and rear parking sensors; parking support brake system; and paddle shifter on the petrol variant.

RACT APPROVED REPAIRERS

YOUR ONE-STOP AUTOMOTIVE SHOP Tyres

Alignments

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Fleet Vehicles

CORNER FREDERICK & MARGARET STREETS, LAUNCESTON 6331 6755 // gyearltn@bigpond.net.au

32 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

le

Ce anC ann l h

g in ’s ry at er sa br st er a iv

t 70

Hand-crafted Avro Lancaster Bomber sculpture with bronze-tone finish Showcasing the 617 Squadron motto ‘Après Moi, Le Déluge’ • Clock and thermometer inspired by the Lancaster’s authentic cockpit instruments

Includes a fascinating

FREE FACT CARD!

Role: H ea Introd vy bomber uc Retired ed: 1942 : Numbe 1963 (Canad a) r Crew: built: 7,377 7: aimer, pilot, flight en op Length: erator, mid gineer, navi ga -u Heigh 69 ft 5 in (21. pper and rear tor, bomb t: 18 gunner Power 19 ft 7 in (5.9 m) s pl 7 engine ant: 4× Rolls m) s, 1,28 0 hp (9 -Royce Merlin Maxim 54 um sp XX V12 eed: 24 kW) each 15,000 0 kn (2 ft 80 mph Guns: (5,600 m) 8× , 450 km guns in 0.303 in (7 /h) at .7 th Bombs ree turrets, mm) Browni : w ng mac lb (6,3 Maximum no ith variatio hine ns 00kg) rm al or bo modifi cation 22,000 lb Gra mb load of s to bo 14 mb ba nd Slam wit ,000 y. h

MEASURES 25cm WIDE 16cm HIGH 15cm DEEP In 1942, the ground-breaking Lancaster Bomber entered into RAF service, making military history as it confirmed its battle-ready status. Symbolising the combined hopes of the Allied nations, this spectacular aircraft delivered a record 608,612 tons of bombs during its remarkable 156,000 sorties, proving itself to be one of the most successful night bombers of WWII! Now you can celebrate the landmark 70th anniversary of a true icon of the skies with the perfect tribute – the Lancaster Bomber Masterpiece Clock is a collectable unique to The Bradford Exchange.

Mastercrafted by hand for authentic detail...

• Market-first sculpture honouring the fearless Lancaster pilot Guy Gibson’s iconic aircraft, flown during his command of the famed 617 Squadron.

• Authentically mastercrafted with a gleaming bronze-tone finish – reminiscent of stunning museum-quality treasures.

• Mounted on a richly grained and polished wooden base with a precision Quartz movement clock and indoor thermometer – both inspired by authentic instruments from the Lancaster’s cockpit!

• Clock face inscribed with the stirring 617 Squadron motto of ‘Après Moi, Le Déluge’ (After Me, The Flood) – a striking reminder of the bomber’s contribution to the acclaimed ‘Dam Busters’ raids.

•Featuring the symbolic laurel wreath of victory, in addition to a brilliant brass-like plaque proudly commemorating the Lancaster’s service with the RAF!

Astounding quality and unique design – order yours today!

This anniversary edition is a one-of-a-kind celebration of an iconic aircraft and a legendary pilot. Arriving with a Certificate of Authenticity, this fine masterpiece is yours for just three interest-free instalments of only $49.99 – that’s $149.97, plus $14.99 postage and handling, backed by our famous 365-day guarantee. You need pay nothing now. To reserve your edition, simply complete and return the coupon or go online today at www.bradford.com.au/aircraft

Quote 114891 for fast ordering 365-day money-back guarantee Interest-free instalments Gift Delivery Service? Call (02) 9841 3311

Shop Online with Ease

www.bradford.com.au/aircraft ©2020 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617 426-B3949.01

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1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/aircraft quoting promotion code: 114891 2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford Exchange, Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta NSW 2124 3. PHONE: (02) 9841 3311

8am-5pm Mon – Fri

Please allow between 2-10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q

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In branch | ract.com.au | 13 27 22 |

Ready, set, ride Stu Gibson is known for his award-winning surf photography (see our Dec19/Jan20 issue).

But when he’s not catching waves, he loves to head out on his bike. Mountain biking in Tassie has taken off recently, with trails for all skill levels. We asked Stu to share some of his top places to ride and a few of his action shots.

36 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

EXPERIENCES

PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN IMAGE: DERBY

The trails at Derby are so much fun. It’s amazing riding through lush, green rainforest, and past rivers and giant man ferns. Derby is a historic mining town that has been completely transformed into a world-class tourist destination. It has its own unique vibe, similar to a ski town with people riding around everywhere. There’s something for everyone – camping, a pump track for the kids and trails for any skill level.

HOBART

There are plenty of places to ride around Hobart.

The trails in the lower foothills of Mount Wellington/ South Hobart are popular, as is the old-school 11km North South Track starting at the Springs and ending at Glenorchy. The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park itself has fun trails through the bush for all skill levels. The Meehan Range near Mornington/ Flagstaff Gully also has a great network of crosscountry tracks and a skills park at the bottom.

MAYDENA

They call it the ‘gravity park’. Riders are dropped at the pinnacle before making their way down the mountain. There are around 60 different trails to choose from. Advanced riders will love Maydena – it’s the wild western wilderness. It’s large, steep and scary. But for those who aren’t up for that, there are some easier trails along the lower parts of the mountain too.

ZEEHAN

At Oonah Hill Mountain Bike Trail you kind of feel like the only person in the world. It’s a fun, single trail, with a scenic climb to the top as well as cruisy, flowy sections that most people will really enjoy.

ST HELENS

St Helens is home to a new network of mountain bike trails ranging from family friendly to advanced.

A favourite is a 42km trail starting at Blue Tier and finishing at Swimcart Beach in the Bay of Fires.

It’s an incredibly scenic ride – a rainforest descent, before making your way between huge granite boulders and ending up on the white sandy beach.

WANT MORE?

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS HAVE THEIR OWN CLASSIFICATIONS. = EASY = INTERMEDIATE = ADVANCED

• Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails at Latrobe • Dial Range and Penguin Mountain Bike Park at Penguin • Kellevie Mountain Bike Park on the Tasman Peninsula

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 37

FOOD ON THE MOVE

No matter where you are, there’s bound to be a Tassie food truck nearby to satisfy your tastebuds.

DELICIOUS LITTLE THINGS Where can we find you?

Harvest Market, Launceston.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

Our homemade beef sausage rolls with mum’s relish leave quickly. Our lemon meringue tart is the sweet winner.

Your ethos?

Evoking happy memories. We believe in a good quality treat to make people happy.

We use the best quality, natural ingredients that remind you of the sponge nanna made when you were a child.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

Community contact. Hearing the children run towards the van before you see them and watching them grow over the years. Building relationships with stallholders and people at the market is a highlight.

CUBED ESPRESSO Where can we find you?

Pirates Bay Lookout, Eaglehawk Neck.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

We specialise in espresso using smallbatch locally roasted and ethically sourced beans. Our choc-chunk vanilla butter cookies with a sprinkling of Tasman sea salt have a cult following.

Your ethos?

We believe in creating a space for people to come together over an excellent brew, take a breath and enjoy handcrafted treats with one of Tasmania’s most

breathtaking views. Our philosophy is also about reducing our footprint by running on solar power, using rain harvested water, recycled materials and sustainably sourced products.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

Cubed draws a diverse crowd of people and we catch them in a very happy place.

Each comes with a story and passion for good things. We love finding out which walks or beaches they’re headed to or how their day’s been. Making sure everyone has the nourishment they seek is a job we adore.

CHAN BAO Where can we find you?

Bellerive and the Hobart Twilight Market.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

Taiwanese gua bao is our main product.

Our pork belly and fried chicken bao buns are popular favourites.

Your ethos?

We started our business because my partner missed her home food and there

38 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

aren’t many Taiwanese options in Hobart.

Gua bao is traditional Taiwanese food, which she has been eating since she was a child.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

We’ve had lots of interesting and fun experiences, especially as we didn’t train as chefs. We love seeing people enjoy the food. Sometimes it can be stressful, but it’s just part of the fun.

EXPERIENCES

WOLFPIT BBQ Where can we find you?

Kingston, New Norfolk Market and Moonah.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

We specialise in Tasmanian slow-cooked meats. Pork, beef brisket and lamb are our menu staples – our vegan options and smoked meats are popular too. Our pulled jackfruit and vegan chilli con carne get rave reviews, and our slow-smoked maple bacon is a must for any meat lover.

Your ethos?

We’re proud of our state and where possible we showcase local produce, from our meats to our Tasmanian smoked salt.

We love what we do and feeding bellies with delicious food is something we’re passionate about.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

Our customers are like our family. New customers turn into regular customers and that’s just the way we like it.

SAILOR FOOD TRUCK Where can we find you?

Westbury, Longford, Launceston and Deloraine.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

We specialise in fresh seafood. The crowd favourite is a toss-up between our tempura battered Tasmanian gummy shark or our ginseng battered Tassie scallops.

In summer, our salt ‘n’ pepper calamari is a top seller as well.

Your ethos?

Our beautiful ‘school bus turned food truck’ oozes character and nautical, laid-back

vibes. After finding her on King Island, we saw the potential and took a leap of faith. We’re big on supporting local, so we endeavour to use fresh Tassie produce when possible. We believe quality, consistency and pride are what set us apart, along with good old-fashioned customer service.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

Often referred to as the ‘big blue bus’, we’re so proud of the support that Sailor has received in just three years.

It’s rewarding to hear from customers who love our food and the theme we’ve created for our little business.

TANGAROA KAI STRICTLY SEAFOOD Where can we find you?

Huonville Esplanade.

Specialty and/or crowd favourite?

It would have to be our calamari strips.

Your ethos?

We believe in great food served with great customer service, while caring for our planet using only compostable packaging.

Favourite thing about running a food van?

The interaction with the community.

We love hearing and telling stories, and are genuinely interested in who our customers are.

FOLLOW YOUR FAVES

You can find everyone featured here on social media. Make sure you’re following them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with their whereabouts.

CHECK OUT EVEN MORE OF OUR FAVOURITE FOOD TRUCKS ON OUR WEBSITE AT RACT.COM.AU/JOURNEYS/FOOD-ON-THE-MOVE

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 39

Beyond the icons When picturing Tasmania’s east coast, iconic images spring to mind of beautiful Wineglass Bay, tranquil Maria Island and pristine Bay of Fires. With summer adventures fast approaching, let’s take a moment to explore beyond the icons.

FOR THE ADVENTURERS Freycinet Peninsula

Experience the peninsula from the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises. Go off the beaten track on a quad bike with ALL4Adventures. Or enjoy an idyllic paddle or snorkel into an underwater paradise with Freycinet Adventures.

Pyengana St Helens

St Helens

St Helens Mountain Bike Trails offer family friendly rides. There’s also a range of experiences in the area from fishing and biking, to guided walks and boating, including Bay of Fires Eco Tours.

Scamander St Marys

FOR THE FOODIES Bicheno

Cranbrook and Apslawn Swansea Rocky Hills Triabunna

Buckland

Coles Bay Freycinet Peninsula

Orford

Orford

You won’t want to leave Darlington Vineyard without a bottle of their cool-climate pinot noir.

Or dine on the waterfront at Spring Bay Seafood Restaurant and Café.

Triabunna

The Fish Van is as fresh as it gets and guaranteed to please the entire family. Travel on to Little Swanport to visit Boomer Creek Vineyard for wine, local produce and breathtaking views.

Swansea

Coffee and art lovers will love the exhibits at Artifakt Gallery and Café, or indulge at Tellers in the courtyard or in front of the fire. A few minutes away you’ll find Melshell Oyster Shack.

Cranbrook and Apslawn

A wine lovers heaven – visit Milton Vineyard, Spring Vale Wines, Gala Estate Vineyard and Craigie Knowe Vineyard. Travel over Cherry Tree Hill to be greeted by amazing views 40 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Wineglass Bay Cruises

at Devils Corner Cellar Door and on to Freycinet Vineyard. A short drive away, the kids will love an ice cream at The Pondering Frog.

Coles Bay

Get your caffeine fix at Granite Freycinet, fresh seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm and enjoy local produce and amazing views at Freycinet Lodge in the national park.

Bicheno

The Farm Shed Wine Centre is hard to beat for tasting local gin, whisky or wine. Visit Overtime Vineyard for wine tasting overlooking the sea.

For seafood lovers, Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods and The Lobster Shack at The Gulch are a must-do.

St Marys

The Purple Possum Café is a great stop for a bite to eat, while the St Marys Hotel entices many a weary traveller to take a load off.

Scamander

Swims East Coast Coffee is a favourite, and the beach and playground across the road are perfect for the kids.

St Helens

Located in a 1920s shearing shed, Priory Ridge Vineyard Cellar Door offers tastings and sales daily. Enjoy the delights of award-winning Furneaux Restaurant or Meresta Eatery at Binalong Bay.

Pyengana

The Pyengana Dairy Company continues its 130-year cheesemaking heritage. The café is jam-packed full of goodies. Just nearby meet Priscilla, the beer-swilling swine that calls the Pub in the Paddock her home.

EXPERIENCES

Flow Mountain Bike

Adventuring Pals

FOR THE NATURE LOVERS

St Helens

Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve offers beautiful camping spots overlooking Great Oyster Bay. A short drive north is Kelvedon Beach for shell collecting and stretching cramped legs.

Pyengana

Rocky Hills

Coles Bay

Spend your day rock hopping on easily accessible, uncrowded beaches, or explore the many walks through the Freycinet National Park.

Bicheno

Walk, surf, paddleboard and play at Redbill Beach, while at Waubs Bay you can walk the entire coastline in one loop. If you’re in the area during whale season, keep an eye out for these beautiful creatures passing by.

Discover what’s lying beneath the surface on Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat. Spot penguins and learn about conservation with Bicheno Penguin Tours, while East Coast Natureworld is home to Tassie devils, kangaroos, wombats and many other furry or feathered locals in need of care. Explore waterholes and diverse rainforests at Douglas Apsley National Park.

St Marys

The journey through Elephant Pass is an experience in itself. The winding, narrow roads and the change of smell from salty goodness to luscious rainforest transport you to another world. Marvel at panoramic views of forest, coastline and the Tasman Sea at St Patricks Head and South Sister Peak. Drive to the Fingal Valley to Evercreech Forest Reserve to visit the White Knights, the tallest white gum trees in existence.

Tourism Tasmania & Freycinet Adventures

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Spotting whales from Wineglass Bay Cruises, Freycinet Peninsula; Collecting shells on Kelvedon Beach, Rocky Hills; Enjoying the serenity and delicious produce at Pyengana Dairy Company; Paddling at Freycinet with Freycinet Adventures.

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park is a treat for all ages, complete with a café serving coffee and light snacks.

Visit St Columba Falls, the highest waterfall in Tasmania.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS Buckland

Stay in boutique accommodation at Twamley Farm, hosted by the Turvey family who’ve been working on the land since 1842.

Meet the animals, explore the farm and admire the historic buildings. At St John the Baptist Church, you’ll find local family names on the stained glass windows and gravestones from the mid-1800s.

Ye Olde Buckland Inn is another stunning building, built around 1841. Entering the pub is akin to stepping into 1970s country Tasmania, complete with local characters and a roaring fire.

Orford

One of the many ways to fill your days is a bush walk along Old Convict Road which runs beside the Prosser River to the ruins of the Paradise Probation Station.

If you’re on the east coast using your ‘Make Yourself at Home’ travel voucher, we hope we’ve inspired you to explore even more of this beautiful part of the world.

STAY WITH US

Swansea

Don’t forget to stop at the convict-built Spiky Bridge. Can you see why they call it spiky?

St Helens

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Travellers enjoy way more time than anticipated at the St Helens History Room.

The Warship & Marine Corps Museum features a collection established in 1960 with over 10,000 catalogued items.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a place to stay in the heart of Freycinet National Park, RACT members get 25% off and access to exclusive packages at Freycinet Lodge.

For more information visit freycinetlodge.com.au.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 41

FROM

ALL ABOARD

T

he West Coast Wilderness Railway is back on track, taking visitors on a heritage steam train journey through the ancient wild west.

Whether you’re new to this part of Tasmania or you keep coming back for more, the half-day ‘Rack and Gorge’ tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the history and scenery of this unique place.

Where you’ll go Your four-hour journey will start at Queenstown Station.

As you travel deep into remote rainforest, you’ll stop at historic stations at Lynchford, Rinadeena Saddle and finally Dubbil Barril.

What you’ll do You’ll hear stories of the people who shaped the west, from the railway itself to the rich mining history, and all in one of the toughest natural environments imaginable.

You might strike gold at Lynchford as you pan for hidden treasures, or you can discover the collection of gem stones in the museum.

The spectacular views of King River Gorge will take your breath away before a short walk in the rainforest at Dubbil Barril. Watch the train being turned by hand on the original turntable, marking the start of your journey back to Queenstown.

FUN FACTS The West Coast Wilderness Railway is the only steam rail journey in the Southern Hemisphere that operates with an Abt rack-and-pinion system. If you don’t know what this is, your friendly guide will fill you in along the way.

The west coast’s gold rush took off when Cornelius Lynch found a gold nugget the size of a cricket ball in the 1880s.

The railway has three original Abt locomotives, with the oldest at 124 years old.

The ‘Rack and Gorge’ journey features the steepest steam haul in the Southern Hemisphere.

History that moves you

wcwr.com.au | (03) 6471 0100 | reservations@wcwr.com.au

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 43

Heritage time travellers FIONA STOCKER

‘The pride of the collection is a 1912 Wolseley ‘Town Tourer’, purchased in 1913 by Woolmers’ then owner Thomas Archer IV.’

44 Journeys

W

oolmers Estate in the Northern Midlands is in many ways a time capsule.

The buildings have changed very little and the tools, artefacts, household goods and vehicles acquired by six generations of the Archer family from 1817-1994, for the most part, remain intact.

The estate’s collection includes a small, but wonderfully idiosyncratic, collection of motor vehicles. For Peter Rae, Chair of the Woolmers Foundation and cousin of Thomas Archer VI, the top priority is preserving and displaying the collection in a way that befits a property that’s not only significant to Australia’s history, but also has a place on the World Heritage register.

The three vehicles in the collection were the pinnacle of personal transport in their day. They are now housed in the former Coach House and a nearby timber garage close to the main house.

The pride of the collection is a 1912 Wolseley ‘Town Tourer’, purchased in 1913

by Woolmers’ then owner Thomas Archer IV, who was an early motoring enthusiast.

His son and successor, Thomas Archer V, took his wife Marjorie on a honeymoon tour of Tasmania in the Wolseley in 1915.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Two decades later, upon inheriting the estate himself, Thomas V added to the collection with a 1936 Dodge ‘Beauty Winner’. This was described in effusive terms in the Camperdown Chronicle of Victoria as having a ‘brilliant new style and breathtaking beauty’, and perhaps reassuringly, ‘improved and balanced driving control interior’. Glancing through the windows of the Dodge as it rests magnificently in the Coach House, the spacious interiors, beautifully tooled leather upholstery and huge armrests still effortlessly evoke an age of luxury.

The third vehicle in the collection is a Dodge ‘Kingsway Coronet’, which was purchased by Thomas V in the mid-50s.

Its sky blue form and chrome trim looms from the darkness of the shed in which it is garaged, and the stylised art-deco jaguar on the hood appears to leap towards the light.

While they are still in good condition, the vehicles are not preserved or presented as they should be and are open to the birds and dust, says Peter Rae. Visitors to Woolmers Estate expect the cars to be preserved and displayed in pristine condition, he explains, but this requires significant funding. The trouble with not

EXPERIENCES

doing it in a timely fashion, he adds, is that their condition deteriorates.

In 2017, Woolmers proudly opened a new visitor centre. The $5.3 million facility was made possible with donations from Archer family descendant and benefactor Nigel Peck, as well as the Tasmanian and Australian governments. The Nigel Peck Centre has transformed the experience of visitors and volunteers with a new, larger shop and restaurant, as well as storage and office quarters. A capacious yet discrete presence at the top of the estate’s rose garden, it is a huge asset going forward.

In principle support has been given by the Tasmanian Heritage Council for an extension at the building’s western end to construct a purpose-built showroom known as the Heritage Cars Pavilion. This will allow the three cars in the collection to be housed appropriately for their age, and to achieve their full potential as an attraction for visitors. Work is underway to raise the $150,000 needed.

The UNESCO World Heritage register requires the nominating state of any heritage site to ensure both its preservation and presentation, explains Mr Rae. In the case of Woolmers, the nominating

state is the Commonwealth of Australia.

However, at present, any funding from the Commonwealth is directed to the maintenance of heritage property, but not its presentation. The Woolmers Foundation is in the midst of protracted discussions to change this, bringing the Commonwealth’s provision into line with World Heritage requirements.

There is an inherent challenge in managing an extensive historic estate that depends on a small, part-time but dedicated team of staff and volunteers for its everyday operations.

The Woolmers team is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the buildings and gardens, as well as running the reception and shop. The Board and its six committees are also voluntary and work assiduously on events such as the annual Festival of Roses, an antique auction and car show. There are also plans for expanding art exhibitions in the new gallery spaces.

Meanwhile, the Wolseley needs a service, but still runs perfectly. A few years ago, benefactors Nigel and Patricia Peck arrived at the Festival of Roses in it in full ceremonial splendour. Mr Rae hopes to see both the Wolseley and the two Dodges presented in similar splendour in the Heritage Cars Pavilion.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wolseley ‘Town Tourer’ with Woolmers Estate Chair Peter Rae AO; Special details on the Wolseley 1912 ‘Town Tourer’; Dodge 1950s ‘Kingsway Coronet’.

All images: Fiona Stocker

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 45

‘Within these rooms I have discovered treasures of historical insight for only a few dollars…’

The lure of books PETER D’PLESSE

I

n a world emerging from lockdown, the thrill of getting out and about is felt by locals far and wide. In Tasmania, we’re lucky. We have a destination accessible from almost anywhere in the state suitable for a day trip.

Campbell Town is a historic village in the centre of Tasmania with a host of attractions. Years ago I once drove from Hobart just to have a meal at the newly opened Zeps café, which is still serving the needs of travellers on the Midland Highway. These days, my weekly journey is usually broken up with a visit to a bookshop.

Two shops actually, both under the same ownership. The Book Cellar and The Overflow Bookstore have an ambience that will seduce any lover of books. Each shop is home to an eclectic range, while also preserving two outstanding examples of our historic built environment.

The first can be found in the basement of the old Foxhunters Return Hotel, just over from the Red Bridge.

It’s a two-storey rubble stone building constructed by Hugh Kean in 1833 using convict labour. It’s one of the most original hotel buildings of the period and the National Trust describes it as ‘…the finest and most substantial hotel building of the late colonial period in Australia’. Here you will enter a secret world of tiled floors and sandstone block walls packed with books.

You could easily get lost browsing the collection but help is at hand. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable 46 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

and can provide a great cup of coffee to help in browsing the collection.

The second shop is a bit further up High Street and occupies the old court house next to the police station.

The main room still has the high vaulted wooden ceilings and raised platform from which ‘The Law’ delivered judgement. Within the five rooms of this building, again, browsers can lose themselves in the display of books on offer.

Within these rooms I have discovered treasures of historical insight for only a few dollars that have wiled away the night hours beside many camp fires in the desert.

Depending on the roster, you may be assisted by Michael the owner; Kathy, partner of a local worker; another Kathy who’s an enthusiastic editor of written work with a knack for conversation; or Anna, an author with a taste for Japanese haiku poetry.

In spite of the impact of e-readers, there’s still something special about holding a real book and savouring its pages, accompanied by the unique scent and feel of paper. The variety in both shops is sure to delight. Fiction, nonfiction, old books and new prints can all be found, as well as history, cooking, travel, cars, aviation, poetry, rare prints about Tasmania, the outdoors or gardening. It’s all there just waiting to be found. Shelves are clearly labelled

to make exploring a pleasure.

If time allows, there’s much to discover in Campbell Town. It’s one of five historic places between Hobart and Launceston located on the Heritage (Midland) Highway. The town’s connections with early Tasmanian history run deep. Governor Lachlan Macquarie named Campbell Town and the Elizabeth River after his wife. In 1821 the garrison town was established, around which the settlement grew.

From 1836-1838 the Red Bridge was built by convicts using about 1.5 million bricks made from clay dug from the south-east side of the bridge.

The bridge was built first and then the river diverted to flow through its three arches. It was designed with foresight.

Traffic started with a few horse-drawn carts, but now a couple of million vehicles cross the bridge every year.

Two bookshops and an abundance of history in the same town allow for an adventure-packed day trip.

Choose one bookshop to visit in the morning then enjoy lunch at one of the local venues before diving into the other. The bookshops are sure to be a memorable destination and can lead to a day of exploration that may easily run out of hours.

The Book Cellar and The Overflow Bookstore are open 10am-4pm seven days a week. For pre-trip planning, give them a call on (03) 6381 1545.

WANT TO HEAR FROM THE STAFF AT THE BOOK CELLAR AND THE OVERFLOW BOOKSTORE? HEAD TO RACT.COM.AU/JOURNEYS/THE-LURE-OF-BOOKS

A variety of books lining the historic walls of The Book Cellar.

All images: Chris Crerar

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 47

Through readers’ eyes Do you have a stunning image of our island state? Share it with us via Instagram by tagging @ractofficial or email to journeys@ract.com.au and it could be included in the magazine, in a gallery on our website, or shared on our social media accounts.

Please ensure files sent are the highest possible resolution and at least 1MB in file size. Images may require correction for printing.

Snow at Grove.

Dianne Machen

Ferns at Liffey Falls.

Peta Fletcher 48 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Abseiling at the Gordon Dam. Jacinta Lang

EXPERIENCES

Talisker the chihuahua enjoying the snow at Waratah.

Lissie Rustage

Lake Pedder.

Sarah Atkinson

Sunset at Arthur River.

Greg James

Western Arthurs Traverse.

Chelsea Rogers

Sunrise at Binalong Bay. Holly-Jean Dolan

Cradle Mountain.

Hannah Tischler OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Journeys 49

CRUISING AUSTRALIA

A

t Holland America Line, our highest priority besides being the premium cruise line of choice for explorers, foodies and music lovers, is the compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.

When society is ready and cruising resumes, we will sail our fleet of 11 perfectly sized ships to all seven continents with strengthened health measures developed in conjunction with government health authorities, public health experts, local ports and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to provide our guests with confidence and peace of mind when sailing with Holland America Line.

Departing 20 November 2021, explore your own backyard with this 32-day roundtrip from Sydney aboard the recently refurbished Oosterdam. Including completely refreshed suites, dining and entertainment venues such as Music WalkTM, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

Days on board can be spent doing as much or as little as you choose. Patronise the delectable specialty restaurants,

Oosterdam.

hone culinary skills with EXC Port to Table or learn about the world’s natural beauty with BBC Earth Experiences.

Days ashore can be spent searching for ‘dragons’ on Komodo Island, hiking the unspoiled jungles of East Timor during a visit to Dili, or exploring our great country on one of the 15 port visits including the Great Barrier Reef, Broome and Kangaroo Island. Whether on board or ashore, this in-depth itinerary is a must-do for every Aussie.

Come, savour the journey.

WONDERS

CRUISE WITH US 32-Day Australia Circumnavigation Roundtrip Sydney Oosterdam | 20 November 2021

MEMBERS’ BONUS: EXCLUSIVE Speciality Dining Bonus at Pinnacle Grill & Canaletto!

OCEAN-VIEW FROM

7959 PP TWIN SHARE $

Call 1300 368 111 or visit ract.com.au/travel

*ALL PRICES STATED ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE TAXES, FEES & PORT EXPENSES and discounts. CRUISE ONLY. Fares listed are in Australian Dollars. Fares are current as of 12 Aug 2020. Bonus is a Pinnacle Grill lunch and Canaletto dinner for the first two guests in a stateroom. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Travel agents may charge additional fees - check with your travel agent. To be read in conjunction with the Holland America Line Passage contract www. hollandamerica.com which guests will be bound by. Whilst all information is correct at time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal. We are currently assessing enhanced health and safety protocols in light of COVID-19 and how they may impact our future offerings. Our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described here. Learn more about our Current Operations Update and Travel Health Advisories at hollandamerica.com/news. Carnival plc trading as Carnival Australia ABN 23 107 998 443 as agent for Holland America Line. Members Travel Group Pty Ltd trading as RACT Travel. ABN 45 144 538 803. A11470.

50 Journeys

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020

Delight in a Fairy Wren Serenade Fully sculpted, hand painted Fairy Wrens crown the edition

Plays the uplifting melody of ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’

A heartfelt sentiment appears under the lid Hand-crafted of Heirloom Porcelain® for enduring beauty

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www.bradford.com.au/fairywren ©2020 The Bradford Exchange Ltd.

A.B.N. 13 003 159 617

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Shown bigger than actual size of 11.5cm long to highlight every exquisite detail

PAY NOTHING NOW 303-JIN24.01 Please Respond Promptly

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I understand I need pay nothing now.

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ____ First Name: ____________________________ Surname: _______________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ____________________________________ Postcode: __________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________

1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/fairywren quoting promotion code: 114892 2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford Exchange, Reply Paid 86369 Parramatta NSW 2124 3. PHONE: (02) 9841 3311

8am-5pm Mon – Fri

Please allow between 2-10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q