Horizons October/November 2021 by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)

October/November 2021

Your RAC member magazine

Member benefits + Your feedback + Ten of the best

Northern exposure EXPLORE WA’S ANCIENT NORTH WEST LANDSCAPES

10 cars that failed us Australia’s biggest car safety failures

An eye on the street Home CCTV cameras help fight crime

WA’s cheapest cars to own and run Which cars will leave more in your pocket?

Members save

The power of membership

Need new tyres? We’ll come to you

We’ll fit in with your plans and will come to your home or workplace within the Perth metro area. Plus, members save $60 on average with our 10% member discount.*

Get a quote at rac.com.au/tyres or call 1300 651 042 *$60 average saving is based on a set of four tyres using the 10% member discount. Applicable to tyres and fitting and available for online or metro bookings only. Fitment locations must be suitable for practical and safety reasons. MRB 723

Keep your home in tip-top condition this spring

RAC Home Repair & Maintenance 1 Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes 2 Check for mould and mildew 3 Check sprinkler heads 4 Clean & service air-conditioners 5 Deep clean your dishwasher

6 Deep clean your garbage disposal 7 Clean fly screens from winter grime and dust 8 De-bug patios and pergolas ready for those summer BBQ’s 9 Maintain your garden 10 Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

10 1 7

R18151

Need more help with your home? Visit rac.com.au/hrm or call 1300 655 057

Your RAC member magazine

HORIZONS® Published by RAC WA MANAGING EDITOR Vanessa Pogorelic DEPUTY EDITOR Tatum Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renee Smith ADVERTISING Gail Raj (WA only) T: 08 9388 7844 E: gail@mediatonic.com.au Lauren Casalini T: 03 8520 6444 E: laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com CONTACT US facebook.com/RACWA twitter.com/RACWA instagram.com/RACWA editor@rac.com.au rac.com.au 13 11 11 Roadside Assistance, Battery Services 13 17 03 Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services 1300 797 078 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 135 667 RAC Auto Services 1300 651 042 RAC Tyres 9436 4111 Corporate Enquiries For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au See page 81 for more contact details

ON THE COVER Karijini National Park PHOTOGRAPH BY Osprey Creative ospreycreative.com

Membership +Benefits 15 CAB AUDITED AS AT MARCH 2021 IS 651,746 HOUSEHOLDS OUR PLASTIC WRAPPER IS BIODEGRADABLE AUSTRALIA POST ISSN NO 0810 8285 The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

Annual report

61 Member benefits

81 Contact us

Inside this issue OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

Our State, People+Future

Car +Motoring

Travel +Touring

Home +Life

President’s message

Car running costs We reveal WA’s cheapest cars to own and run

WA travel brief

An eye on crime How home CCTV can help keep our suburbs safer

Don’t bypass Bunbury Bunbury’s new look and new attitude

Member lounge

08 Your feedback

12 Snapshot

25 The cars that failed us Find out why these 10 cars are worth forgetting

Long gone Perth attractions From a drive-in lion safari to a Spanish-themed park

Test drive

Car doctor

Future moves

Warlu Way A red dirt adventure through the heart of our North West

Ten best

With the power of your membership we’re all in for a better WA For over 115 years, we’ve worked together with our members for the better of WA. Every one of you has played a crucial role in that journey. But, while we’ve come a long way, we’ve still got a long way to go. Tragically, someone is killed or seriously injured on Western Australian roads every five hours.

Urban sprawl is increasing congestion and our vehicle emissions are reducing air quality. With the power of your membership behind us, we’re committing to a safer, more sustainable and better connected WA for all of us. We’re all in for a better WA. Join us.

Find out more at rac.com.au/betterWA

Our State, People+Future

President's message BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE For over 115 years, RAC has worked with our members and the wider community for a better WA. Through partnerships with community groups and not-for-profits, government agencies and like-minded businesses, we’re working to improve road safety, supporting sustainable mobility, and making it easier and safer to move around our cities and regions. RAC bstreetsmart — an annual event allowing students to witness the devastating realities of road trauma through a confronting live re-enactment of a serious car crash — is delivered in partnership with WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, Royal Perth Hospital, Theatrical Response Group and Road Trauma Support WA. More recently, we’ve expanded this lifesaving initiative to regional communities through RAC Project Road Smart – a filmed version of bstreetsmart for country students. Together, these initiatives have now reached over 68,000 future drivers across WA. In 2016, in partnership with the City of South Perth and with support from the WA Government, we brought Australia’s first public trial of a driverless shuttle to WA — the RAC Intellibus®. To date, the trial has seen more than 24,000 people register to ride, with 98 per cent of passengers positively rating the experience. RAC has since taken the Intellibus® to our regions by working with the cities of Busselton and Greater Geraldton for demonstrations. By teaming up with local schools, the RAC Intellibus® is also educating young Western Australians about the changing nature of transport, mobility, and road safety through the RAC Imagine Program.

RAC PRESIDENT Jacqueline Ronchi RAC COUNCIL Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM

These exciting initiatives have given more WA communities the chance to see and experience automated technology, allowing us to explore how it could help address unique road safety and transport challenges faced in regional WA.

Vice President John Driscoll

Our Reconnect WA initiative is also seeing RAC partner with local governments across the State to deliver projects which transform our neighbourhoods, boost engagement, and inspire positive changes in WA communities. Additionally, as the Principal Partner of Town Team Movement and through the RAC Connecting Communities Fund, we’re working with residents and local businesses to shape and improve their communities, bringing significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Leanne Bishop Allan Blagaich Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Stephen Fox Dalton Gooding Brian Hanson Jody Nunn Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley Jim Walker

Importantly, we also continue to support WA communities by highlighting critical issues they face, including supporting calls for safer speed limits to reduce the devastating impact of road trauma in WA. Together with our members and the wider WA community, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved for WA, but together, we have more to do. RAC’s 2030 vision is for a safer, sustainable, and more connected future for Western Australians, and with your help and the support of existing and future partners, we are well on our way.

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC President 7

Our State, People+Future

Your feedback Did you pass the first time? We recently asked our Facebook followers how many attempts it took to pass their practical driving test. Here are some of their responses:

I took my test in a Chrysler Valiant with no power steering, no air conditioner and plastic seats. I think the driving test instructor thought “if she can drive this car, she can drive anything.” Vicky I failed my first time because I reversed into a fence post. David

ALONG THE WARLU WAY Members Mark and Mandy Crook were on a road trip from Exmouth to Karijini when they bumped into one of our writers, Chris Morton, who was driving the Warlu Way track as part of a story for this edition of Horizons. Mark and Mandy shared a photo of their trip. To read Chris Morton’s story about the Warlu Way, see page 44.

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN Send us your opinions and feedback and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance.

I passed the 2nd time. I used my own car to do the test in 1981, a Holden Gemini SE, manual transmission. The first time I was so nervous and panicked. The examiner beside me said, “Can you see the red light in front of you?” Me looking ahead nervously said, “No I can’t, what do you mean?” He said, “Your brake light on the dashboard!” OMG I was so embarrassed. I had driven off and forgot to release the hand brake. Here I was, looking for the red traffic light ahead. Lyndall I passed the first time, but in hindsight I was very overconfident. A fail may have brought me some humility and caution. Eventually I did an advanced driving course which made me a more considerate and careful driver. Highly recommended if you think your newly qualified adult child is overconfident. Fran

FUELLING DEBATE

@RACWA

Thank you for the excellent article on fuel use and fuel quality (Horizons August/September). Interesting to note that we do not have the cheapest or the most expensive fuel in the world and are not taxed the most or the least. The thing I found most disturbing is the fuel quality in our country, to see that in terms of quality, we are ranked 85th. I applaud the RAC for starting this conversation and hope it gets a lot of airtime. Peter

@RACWA @RACWA editor@rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 81. Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Our State, People+Future

BELOW: Seven-year-old Jaxon, the newest ‘honorary’ flight crew member; LEFT: Jaxon and the RAC Rescue helicopter crew.

FUTURE RESCUE CREWMAN In the June/July edition of Horizons we featured a fabulous drawing by seven-year-old Jaxon of an RAC Rescue helicopter. The RAC Rescue crew loved it so much they decided to get Jaxon out to see one of the helicopters in real life. Young Jaxon thought the crew looked very “cool” in their gear and couldn’t believe how big the helicopter was. Dad Shane tells us he’s told some of his mates that he’s now part of the RAC flight crew and that George from RAC Rescue is his boss.

TOO OLD TO REPAIR We bought a car about 20 years ago and it was serviced by the dealer over those 20 years. Recently, an electrical gremlin arose, which I’m sure was caused by one of the multiple computers malfunctioning. I thought this could be detected using the plugin diagnostic which the car had when it was purchased. But we were told that because of the car’s age, they didn’t have the software anymore. The only solution was to replace each computer one by one. This would have cost thousands, with no guarantees. So, we had to write-off a car which was still in very good condition. Richard

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE COURTESY This week, on two occasions, I was beside a four-wheel drive in an outside lane and pulled up to an intersection. The four-wheel drive didn’t drive as far forward as normal but held back so any sedan in the next lane could actually see oncoming traffic too. What a safe and thoughtful thing to do. Doesn’t take much to be courteous, put safety first and keep our traffic moving. Marianne 9

From RAC: Dealers typically only have the gear and training to service vehicles up to approximately 15 years old. In this instance, you could try using an independent repairer or a specialist such as an auto electrician as this could well get you a better result. If it turns out to be simply too expensive to repair, the only option may be to consider a newer vehicle, which would not only be more reliable, but also safer and more efficient.

R18170

Sleep with both eyes closed Worry-free home security, plus members save 10%*. That’s the power of membership rac.com.au/secure T&Cs apply. RAC Security Services (WA) Pty Ltd (ABN 044 096 235 200) operates in Perth Metro and Mandurah only. Police License No. SA 4542

WE’RE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP. Whether you’re hitting the road on your next adventure, or working on your DIY project you’ll find everything you need at Repco. As a RAC member, you have exclusive access to more offers at Repco, with better promotional discounts and more frequent sales on your favourite products. You can also enjoy member competitions and exclusive promotions, as well as an everyday 5% discount on almost everything. Show Your RAC Card & Save in-store or shop online @repco.com.au

Scan the QR code to shop this month’s exclusive offers.

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News in brief from RAC and beyond

Snapshot WA’s ute salute Utes are particularly popular in Western Australia, as you’ll see in the Test Drive section of this edition of Horizons (page 52). Utes made up almost a quarter of all road vehicles sold in WA in the first six months of 2021. This is particularly significant given the high number of overall vehicle sales in WA over that time (56,526), and the fact 13,203 of those sales were utes. For comparison, medium sized SUVs made up 16.5 per cent of sales, while small SUVs comprised 13.3 per cent of all cars sold. Although, when combined, SUVs of all sizes made up a whopping 51.2 per cent of all sales.

REPLACING YOUR CAR KEYS Traditional metal car keys were once reasonably simple and inexpensive to replace but replacing the electronic key fobs of modern cars can be much more complex and costly. When new, a vehicle typically comes with two master keys or key fobs.

and start the engine even if the remote is damaged or its battery is flat. These sometimes have the remote mounted on the end of the key itself, or as a separate fob which is kept with the key. These are the least expensive electronic keys to replace.

If you have a vehicle with push-button or keyless ignition, you won’t need the metal key every day, and therefore the key is often hidden inside the fob. The metal key is there for situations such as when the remote’s battery goes flat or fails for some other reason. A further advancement is proximity keys, which can open the doors and boot when a person touches the door handle or boot button while keeping the key fob in their pocket.

An older-style car remote has a physical key which can open the doors, boot,

With any electronic keys, if you lose one, generally a new key can be cloned from the spare. This can be done by the manufacturer dealership or an automotive locksmith - shop around to get the best deal. If both keys are lost, your car’s computer system will need to be reprogrammed and this can be expensive, depending on the vehicle make and model.

Our State, People+Future

NEW DATA SHOWS WORST DAYS FOR MERGING Crashes while merging are on the rise on WA roads, with RAC Insurance data revealing a 33 per cent increase in claims for merging crashes so far this year. Motorists are also more likely to collide while merging at the end of the working week, with Thursdays and Fridays the most common days for these crashes. RAC Claims Manager Glen Walker said with more people choosing to commute by car in the wake of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to be patient and courteous to other road users. “Failing to merge properly not only causes frustration, it also disrupts the flow of traffic and can lead to crashes that are entirely preventable,” says Walker. According to the Road Safety Commission, where two lanes merge into one, the vehicle in front has the right of way. If there are two separate lanes and your lane ends, you must give way to vehicles already in the lane you’re moving into.

CAN MOTORCYCLISTS LEGALLY RIDE BETWEEN CARS? The short answer is, yes, it is now legal in WA for motorcyclists to ride between vehicles travelling in the same direction, but there are many exceptions to the rule.

“Rather than rushing to be the driver ahead, we’d encourage motorists to take it in turns to merge, especially if you find yourself stuck in heavy traffic.”

Lane filtering became legal in WA in March this year. It is a manoeuvre where a motorcyclist rides at a speed of no more than 30km/h between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving traffic that is in separate but adjacent marked lanes, all travelling in the same direction. While lane filtering, the motorcyclist can ride over continuous white lines separating lanes of traffic and then stop at the front of an intersection, if it’s safe to do so. The situations in which lane filtering is not allowed, include (but are not limited to):



Where the motorcyclist is travelling above 30km/h.

 

In a school zone or shared zone.



Approaching or on a marked foot, pedestrian or children’s crossing.

 

Between one or more heavy vehicles.

In an area or zone where the speed limit is 40km/h or below.

When the vehicles the rider is between are merging.

Glenn Weaver

Motorcycles with three wheels or two wheels with a sidecar supported by a third wheel, are not permitted to lane filter. To find out more about the exceptions that apply to lane filtering, visit rsc.wa.gov.au

Our State, People+Future

Bushfire warnings are changing

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Bushfires can happen year-round in Western Australia and with more than 90 per cent of the state bushfireprone, and with many more people travelling into regional and remote areas, it is important to be aware of the risks. WA’s bushfire warnings have changed and now use the same colours and icons as other Australian states and territories, to help you stay safe no matter where you are. ‘Watch and Act’ level warnings will now appear as orange and ‘Advice’ warnings will display as yellow. Ensure you know the warning system and how to stay safe during a bushfire. For more information, visit emergency.wa.gov.au Emergency WA is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on behalf of the Western Australian Government.

ADVICE

WATCH AND ACT

EMERGENCY WARNING

A fire has started but there is no immediate threat to lives or homes.

There is a possible threat to lives or homes.

There is a threat to lives or homes.

You need to leave or get ready to defend do not wait and see.

You are in danger and need to take immediate action to survive.

Be aware and keep up to date.

The 116th Annual General Meeting of The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Incorporated) (RAC) will be held at: RAC Head Office 832 Wellington Street, West Perth, 7pm on Tuesday 23 November, 2021. Business 1. To declare the 2021 Annual General Meeting open. 2. To table the Notice of Meeting. 3. To receive apologies. 4. To table and confirm the minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting. 5. To table the report of the President. 6. To present for consideration: (a) the financial report of the RAC for the year ended 30 June 2021; and (b) a copy of the auditor’s report on the financial report. 7. To disclose the nature and extent of any material personal interests of Councillors declared. 8. Declaration of election of President and Senior Vice President. 9. Declaration of election of five (5) members to the Council by the Returning Officer. 10. Questions. 11. Close of Meeting. By order of the Council: R. Slocombe, RAC Group Chief Executive.

COUNCIL ELECTION Eligible voting members of The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Inc.) will shortly receive an election supplement to vote in the RAC Council election. Where there is more than one eligible voting member in a household, the supplement will arrive by separate post at a later date. If you are an eligible voting member and have not received your election supplement by 8 October, please call 9436 4389.

Membership+Benefits

Annual Report 2020/21 It is our pleasure to inform members that the 2020/21 Annual Report is now available. During the year RAC continued to support over 1.2 million members in WA through the important social and community impact activities we deliver and through the range of services we provide. RAC Group revenue for the year ended 30 June 2021 was $1,073 million with an overall profit after tax of $79 million. The total net assets of the Group as at 30 June 2021 increased to $995 million. It is pleasing to report that RAC members received $66 million in direct member benefits across the financial year. RAC’s new Purpose, Vision and Mission was launched in late 2020 and embodies our commitment to being a purpose-led WA member organisation which delivers great services and experiences while working to make our community a better place to live. In support of our Vision 2030 for a safer, sustainable and connected future for Western Australians, we also progressed and delivered important initiatives across our State. With COVID-19 ever-present, our organisation adapted to the evolving impacts of the pandemic, ensuring the essential services our members rely on continued. To assist members facing difficult circumstances we also maintained a dedicated Financial Hardship Support Team. In what was an uncertain year for so many, we’d like to highlight the enormous support of members and the many dedicated people who work for our organisation. Your resilience, compassion and spirit are unmatched and has us well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring we can continue being the driving force for a better WA. TOP: Part of our Reconnect WA initiative, RAC partnered with the City of Subiaco on a six-week trial of a vibrant, community plaza; BOTTOM: Through our Connecting Communities fund, RAC supported the Dunsborough Town Team to convert a neglected lot into a welcoming parklet.

Jacqueline Ronchi President

For a copy of the Annual Concise Report call 9436 4389 or visit rac.com.au/annualreport

Rob Slocombe Group Chief Executive Officer

Car+Motoring

ABOVE: The Chinese-manufactured MG ZS EV was the cheapest electric vehicle to own and run in WA.

Car+Motoring

11 of WA’s cheapest cars to own and run We assessed more than 80 cars across a range of categories to uncover which were the least expensive to buy and keep on the road.

During a year in which vehicle pricing went through the roof while vehicle availability went in the other direction, finding a bargain was a challenge that eluded many new car buyers. But this year’s RAC Vehicle Operating Costs Survey has revealed some solid bargains, and one was in a surprising category – electric cars. The MG ZS EV was the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) to own and run in WA. With a purchase price of just $43,990, it’s also currently the cheapest EV you can buy in Australia. The ZS EV’s weekly running cost of $248.55 made it notably cheaper than other EVs, which included pure electric and plug-in hybrids. At the other end of the field was the Nissan Patrol Y62. At $525.08 per week, it was the most expensive car to own and run in this year’s survey. The Chinese-manufactured MG range stood out with their rock-bottom pricing, but in the case of the MG3 Core in the light car category, the bargain price tag comes with some drawbacks. Although the Core was the cheapest car to own and run overall, with a weekly running cost of $147.72, it lacked some important advanced driver assist systems, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane assist systems. It also does not currently have an ANCAP safety rating. A further disadvantage is the relatively high fuel cost – the MG3 Core needs the more expensive premium 95 RON petrol. Also known for high costs, the 4x4 ute category is one of the most expensive on average for annual running and ownership costs (second only to all-terrain vehicles), yet it was also the single biggest-selling category of vehicles in WA for the calendar year to 31 July 2021. The RAC Vehicle Operating Costs Survey is based on typical vehicles on WA roads and provides an indication of the likely areas of regular out-ofpocket expenses. Weekly running costs are based on buying a new vehicle and operating it for five years. While standard drive away pricing was used, consumers may find some prices higher due to demand for new vehicles, or changes made by manufacturers after the survey was completed. 

Car+Motoring

Cheapest Light Car

Cheapest Small Car

Cheapest Medium Car

MG3 CORE

KIA CERATO

TOYOTA CAMRY ASCENT

4 SPEED AUTO ON-ROAD PRICE (est) ANCAP SAFETY RATING STANDING COSTS

6 SPEED AUTO $16,990 not rated per month

HYBRID CVT

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

$25,490

ANCAP SAFETY RATING



STANDING COSTS

per month

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

$37,517

ANCAP SAFETY RATING  STANDING COSTS

per month

Registration, insurance & CTP

$124.58

Registration, insurance & CTP

$128.45

Registration, insurance & CTP

$118.73

Loan repayments

$340.61

Loan repayments

$497.07

Loan repayments

$731.61

RUNNING COSTS

per month

RUNNING COSTS

per month

RUNNING COSTS

per month

Fuel

$128.14

Fuel

$134.13

Fuel

$89.89

Servicing

$35.02

Servicing

$38.00

Servicing

$22.75

Tyres

$11.27

Tyres

$11.93

$9.93

TOTAL COST per month

$639.61

TOTAL COST per month

$807.58

TOTAL COST per month

$974.91

TOTAL COST per week

$147.72

TOTAL COST per week

$186.51

TOTAL COST per week

$255.15

ANNUAL COST

$7675.32

ANNUAL COST

$9,691.01

ANNUAL COST

$11,698.86

Cheapest All Terrain SUV

Cheapest People Mover

Cheapest 2WD Ute

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT GLX

HONDA ODYSSEY ViL7

MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

8 SPEED AUTO

$53,190

2.4 CVT

6 SPEED AUTO $49,464

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

$42,504

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

STANDING COSTS

Registration, insurance & CTP

per month

Registration, insurance & CTP

$149.16

Registration, insurance & CTP

$143.51

Loan repayments

$1,024.85

Loan repayments

$953.06

Loan repayments

$828.86

RUNNING COSTS

per month

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel

$150.56

per month

$156.00

Fuel

per month $145.00

RUNNING COSTS Fuel

per month $163.80

Servicing

$47.75

Servicing

$61.43

Servicing

$47.75

Tyres

$23.67

Tyres

$15.27

Tyres

$15.27

TOTAL COST per month

$1,402.84

TOTAL COST per month

$1,323.92

TOTAL COST per month

$1,199.19

TOTAL COST per week

$323.98

TOTAL COST per week

$305.76

TOTAL COST per week

$276.95

ANNUAL COST

$16,834.02

ANNUAL COST

$15,887.06

ANNUAL COST

$14,390.27

Car+Motoring

Cheapest Small SUV

Cheapest Medium SUV

Cheapest Large SUV

HYUNDAI VENUE

TOYOTA RAV 4 GXL

SUBARU OUTBACK

6 SPEED AUTO

HYBRID FWD CVT

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

$24,960

ANCAP SAFETY RATING



STANDING COSTS

per month

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

2.5 AWD CVT $43,012

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

$45,248

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

STANDING COSTS

per month

Registration, insurance & CTP

$122.95

Registration, insurance & CTP

$124.43

Registration, insurance & CTP

$140.87

Loan repayments

$500.39

Loan repayments

$838.76

Loan repayments

$871.82

RUNNING COSTS

per month

Fuel

$130.50

RUNNING COSTS

per month

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel

$85.19

Fuel

per month $132.31

Servicing

$30.25

Servicing

$21.92

Servicing

$61.12

Tyres

$11.27

Tyres

$19.00

Tyres

$19.00

TOTAL COST per month

$795.36

TOTAL COST per month

TOTAL COST per week

$183.69

TOTAL COST per week

ANNUAL COST

$9,544.37

ANNUAL COST

$251.57 $13,071.44

Cheapest 4WD Ute

Cheapest Electric

MITSUBISHI TRITON GLX

MG ZS

ON-ROAD PRICE (est)

6 SPEED AUTO

$1,089.29

$46,406

$43,990

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

STANDING COSTS

per month

Registration, insurance & CTP

$148.16

Registration, insurance & CTP

$121.10

Loan repayments

$894.15

Loan repayments

$857.83

RUNNING COSTS Fuel

per month $167.70

RUNNING COSTS Fuel

per month $53.52

Servicing

$47.75

Servicing

$29.18

Tyres

$15.67

Tyres

$14.60

TOTAL COST per month

$1,273.43

TOTAL COST per month

$1,076.24

TOTAL COST per week

$294.09

TOTAL COST per week

$248.55

ANNUAL COST

$15,281.13

ANNUAL COST

$12,914.90

TOTAL COST per month

$1,225.13

TOTAL COST per week

$282.94

ANNUAL COST

$14,701.55

The RAC Vehicle Operating Costs Survey is based on typical vehicles on WA roads and provides an indication of the likely areas of regular outof-pocket expenses.

For a full list of surveyed vehicles, visit rac.com.au/runningcosts

Home+Life

Private eyes on the street help tackle crime By Ruth Callaghan

WA POLICE ARE INCREASINGLY TURNING TO A GROWING AID IN THE FIGHT ON CRIME, SEEKING FOOTAGE FROM RESIDENTIAL CAMERAS AS PART OF THEIR INVESTIGATIONS. Home security cameras were once the province of luxury mansions or large apartment complexes, where the risk of theft justified a hefty investment in CCTV systems. But thanks to a fall in price and improvements in technology, including thermal sensing, motion detection and infra-red for night-time viewing, advanced cameras are within easy reach for most households. The value for homeowners lies in being able to detect a potential intruder early, capture footage to track down a thief, or share a photo with neighbours of ‘porch pirates’ stealing deliveries from the front door. But for WA Police, the boom in home security promises a broader benefit: leveraging privately owned cameras capturing footage that can be used to solve crime. Superintendent Mark Longman formerly of the State Operations Command Centre says the ambition of mapping CCTV cameras across WA has been a goal since

2013, when local governments received a boost in funding to increase their surveillance capacity in public areas. But with the boom in home CCTV systems, that goal has widened, as police recognise the role private citizens could play in gathering evidence and intelligence around crime.

Being ‘virtually’ at the scene WA Police are now urging homeowners who have CCTV or security cameras that cover public areas such as footpaths, parks or roads to join the state’s register of public-facing CCTV systems, known as CAM-MAP WA. The register, which already includes more than 10,000 government, business and residential cameras, is designed to provide a quick reference for law enforcement agencies if they need to determine where cameras are positioned across the state. Once registered, it means police can contact camera owners quickly if they need to preserve or review footage that might be instrumental in solving a crime.

Superintendent Longman says privately owned cameras and dashcams are already providing on-the-ground evidence of dangerous behaviour and illegal activity, with in-car cameras in particular used to prosecute bad drivers.

There are also issues of public safety that can trigger a request, including investigations into missing persons. By registering fixed home-based security cameras, he says it makes the task of police in finding and collecting footage easier. “We get people to register their publicfacing cameras and we put that into our mapping system,” he says. “Then if we are looking at a locality for potential footage of an offence, we contact those people for help.

Home+Life

“Usually we email and ask them to review their footage and provide them a link so they can access our digital evidence management system. We can then go in to see if the footage provides evidence of what we’re looking for.” Superintendent Longman says the main reasons police would look for footage include crimes against people, such as assaults or robberies, but also property crimes: burglary, property damage or stealing cars. There are also issues of public safety that can trigger a request, including investigations into missing persons. “We might get advised that someone has had a car stolen, and checking video footage from the neighbours can provide useful information,” he says. “For serious offences we will still go knocking on doors but we might also ask residents in a ring around the area to check their cameras to see if they have footage they can share.”

Widening the net The growth in home surveillance is driven in part by a concern about crime, with more than 238,000 household break-ins normally occurring each year across Australia, and around 60,000 in households robbed more than once. In the past year, however, the number has fallen sharply.

Nationally, it is estimated there are close to a million private CCTV systems in place. WA Police recorded an average of around 1000 home burglaries a month in 202021, down from between 2000 and 2500 a month in recent years – part of which may have been due to more people working from home during lockdowns. Despite this, home-based CCTV continues to grow in popularity.

ABS statistics from 2017-18 suggest about 110,000 WA detached or semidetached homes have a security camera as part of their home security precautions, which represents about one in every eight homes. Nationally, it is estimated there are close to a million private CCTV systems in place. To date, a total of 15,557 private residential cameras have been registered on CAM-MAP WA. “When we get a workable mass of cameras, we can rely on the system, without having to knock on people’s doors to say, ‘we notice you have a camera’,” Superintendent Longman says. “We still need boots on the ground right now to avoid missing out on footage, but that’s a time-consuming process. “It will allow quicker investigation of crime and we can then utilise that CCTV footage to help identify the offender faster. It also reduces the demand on our resources as we can focus on the digital evidence that is most relevant.” 

Home+Life

Money back for registering Recognising the value of CCTV in monitoring public areas and potentially reducing crime, some councils have joined the campaign, offering rebates for residents who install appropriate CCTV systems and register them with CAM-MAP WA. The Town of Victoria Park will provide rebates of up to $750 for residents, for example, while the City of Karratha will offer subsidies of up to $500 per property. In each case, residents are required to add their CCTV system to the register. Superintendent Longman says adding the details of an existing system is simple, but the first step is to check that your camera is public-facing. Cameras that point on to your private property are not able to be included, with the WA Police wanting to focus on roads, parks, footpaths or other public areas. To register, CAM-MAP WA simply asks for an email to create an account, the address of the CCTV system and the owner’s contact details. Each camera

bmphotographer / Shutterstock.com

WA Police recorded an average of around 1000 home burglaries a month in 2020-21

can then be listed with a brief description of where the camera is or what it can see. If police need to get in touch, they will make a formal request for CCTV footage, and provide support for the owner to share it online or in hard copy. There are safeguards in place, Superintendent Longman says, to make sure footage is requested only for appropriate reasons and only to observe areas that are public.

“We only want public-facing cameras registered and we understand that people might have a system in their house that has private areas covered: we don’t want that,” he says.

For more information visit cam-mapwa.police.wa.gov.au and to register for CAM-MAP WA, simply scan this QR code with your mobile phone camera.

“We will only access CCTV for a police reason and there’s auditing and accountability over that as well as over who has access to the CAM-MAP WA register. “While we really want people to register, it is also a voluntary process. You don’t have to do it, but it helps us if you do.”  To learn more about CCTV camera features and how to decode CCTV jargon, see page 59.

EN P O W NO R HEARING

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You may recall my story of when I first got fitted with hearing aids: “Hello, my name is Jeff Peek and I am the owner of Auto1 in Midland, WA. It took me a lot longer to commit to hearing aids than it should have – around 10 years in fact. My wife Joanne and my kids, Chris and Jess, had to repeat themselves about three times for me to get what they were saying, and even then no-one quite knew that what I heard was right. It was really tiring just trying to listen. I’d given up working on the front counter at my Auto1 shop because customers needed to spell out what they wanted, and sometimes they weren’t quite as forgiving of my hearing loss as my family. In business meetings, I’d have to catch up on decisions taken without my input – all because I wasn’t able to effectively participate in the discussion. This was very frustrating. I’d lost my hearing over many years working on cab-less heavy earthmoving machinery and through my involvement in motor sports, of course all without wearing hearing protection. And I simply didn’t realise what a heavy toll this was taking on those around me. I’d been for a hearing test previously, but didn’t feel comfortable at the outcome. But on the day I went for a test at Brad Hutchinson Hearing, audiologist Melanie Atkinson won my trust and I went

back to the shop fitted with my new hearing aids where my family was astonished at my newfound hearing. I was speaking quietly and I could easily hear their conversation. Joanne and Chris knew immediately that I’d had hearing aids fitted. In their delight, they called a staff meeting to test the reaction, with some of the staff saying that they liked it better when I couldn’t hear. It worried them that I was speaking so quietly. Now I’m a very proactive member at Auto1 brand meetings, participating fully in business decision making, and this is really positive for me. My family is particularly encouraged by my new hearing status. If I’d known the impact my inability to hear well had on my family, I might have acted sooner. Melanie made getting fitted with hearing aids really painless and I’m wearing my aids often for up to 16 hours a day. I wouldn’t be without them, even at loud Formula 1 meetings. I’m very happy that I went to Brad Hutchinson Hearing and believe without a doubt it is very important to choose your audiologist before choosing your hearing aid.” The best part is that I feel I’ve had the best service from this company and I’d recommend them to anyone who needs hearing help. Jeff Peek.

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Car+Motoring

The cars that failed us 10 CARS THAT JUST DIDN’T CUT IT WHEN IT CAME TO SAFETY AND HOW FAR WE’VE COME SINCE THOSE BAD OLD DAYS. By Byron Mathioudakis

Like running water, electricity and waste management, we take car safety for granted. The evolution of car safety has not only shaped the way vehicles appear, feel and drive today, it’s also helped dictate infrastructure, like better roads, as well as human behaviour around vehicles. Yet safety has only achieved comparatively recent priority status in the 130-year-plus history of the automobile, having met resistance at almost every single turn.

Just how bad was it? In the early days, such as the 1970s, most safety items in vehicles were there because of government legislation mandating it. Car companies were notoriously reluctant to give anything away for free, although today, competitive pressure often means they have to add value. That’s why, before the 1960s, car safety was a dirty word amongst car companies, especially in prosperous Post-War America, where cars were a symbol of wealth and drove urban sprawl as living standards boomed. Cars were getting faster and flashier, but because their safety features weren’t developing at the same pace, they were also becoming more dangerous. Looking at Australian statistics from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities,

ABOVE: Holden VN Commodore

in 1930 there were 16.3 road fatalities for every 100,000 people, rising to 24 by 1960 before rocketing to an alltime high of 30.4 just 10 years later. The fact that we hit a record low of 4.6 deaths per 100,000 Australians by 2018 shows the effect of vehicle safety improvements, along with accompanying road safety legislation, such as seat belts and random breath testing. But it’s been a never-ending battle. 25

Australia’s biggest safety failures Car safety has improved dramatically over the past 60 years, but it has been a long, winding and very dangerous road to get to where we are now. Here are just some of the many car safety ‘fails’ in the intervening years. 

Car+Motoring

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: Morris Mini; Holden FB; XA Falcon Hardtop; Vauxhall Viva

1960 Holden FB Australia’s best selling car in 1960, the FB featured inadequate drum brakes, primitive suspension with a habit of bouncing the car sideways, and slow and heavy non-assisted steering that required real muscle to control – often fruitlessly in an emergency situation. It also featured vacuum-operated windscreen wipers that actually slowed down under acceleration in teeming rain. In a crash, occupants’ heads or torsos were exposed to steering wheel spokes, protruding switches and knobs, sharp rear-view mirrors, metal dashboard finishes and windscreens that shattered.

1960 Ford XK Falcon Designed and engineered in Detroit, the earliest Falcons suffered from catastrophic front-suspension ball-joint failure, collapsing after just a few years of hard driving over Australia’s tougher rural roads. Another inherent danger was the steering column which jutted out in such a way as to spear the hapless driver in certain head-on collisions. Terrifying. 1961 Morris Mini The original Mini’s fuel tank featured a protruding filler pipe that in certain impacts or rollovers created sparks that ignited the fuel and would incinerate the vehicle. So dangerous was the Mini that it failed to satisfy US-market legislation and was withdrawn for sale in the USA in 1967.

1964 Vauxhall Viva The UK-developed but locally built HA Viva was touted as Australia’s own small car, but betrayed its ancestry by not coping well over rougher roads. Bouncy suspension made it prone to rolling over through sharp turns. This led to a complete chassis redesign for its 1967 HB Torana successor. 1965 Holden HD After the adored EH, Holden’s styling took a sideways turn with the long, low and wide look of the HD. But the front mudguards and their pointy shape quickly earned the unfortunate nickname of ‘kidney slicers’ due to their propensity to maim pedestrians on impact.

Car+Motoring

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: Ford XK Falcon; Holden HJ; Holden HD; Leyland Marina; BELOW: Ford SA Capri.

1972 Ford XA Falcon Hardtop Following the disastrous early Falcons, Ford worked hard to ensure its big family sedan behaved like an Australian car should. But the sleek two-door coupes of the ‘70s were impossibly difficult to see out of due to tiny side and rear windows. Low seating and a high dash didn’t help matters at all. 1973 Leyland Marina One of the worst built and engineered cars in history, the Marina was built to replace the 1948 Morris Minor (an excellent small car in its time). It featured antiquated suspension that struggled to keep the heavy beast stable at speed. The resulting wallow and imprecision made the Marina feel every bit the boat in choppy seas that its name implied.

1974 Holden HJ Excessive torque combined with insufficient brakes meant that GMH’s big family sedan of the mid-‘70s was difficult to stop safely on wet roads. Making matters worse was overly soft suspension, inadequate tyres and a lack of basic safety features like high-beam headlight flashers. The adoption of a hard-to-read strip speedometer was a throwback too far, with critics savaging the HJ. 1988 Holden VN Commodore The ‘big new Commodore’ featured a larger body over the older, smaller Commodore’s, but the structure did not crumple well in a crash, leading to potentially severe injuries. Making matters worse was far too much power, that overwhelmed the rear tyres’ ability to grip. Combined with overly sensitive steering, it was dangerous in wet conditions. 27

1989 Ford SA Capri The Capri’s convertible roof was great for wind-in-the-hair motoring, but the combination of a 100kW turbocharged engine in this light, front-wheel drive car with no traction control made it ‘hair-raising’ in a very different way. 

Car+Motoring

The turning point So, what changed and where are we at today?

BELOW: 1997 Mercedes A-Class moose test.

Firstly, the world owes a debt to Swedish manufacturer Volvo, which invented today’s three-point seatbelt system in 1959 and made it available patent-free to everybody, including rival carmakers. This one act of corporate generosity is estimated to have saved more than one million lives. Culturally, the medium of television also started playing a role in opening people’s eyes to car safety, as the nightly news beamed horror images of car crash death and destruction into loungerooms across the nation. As the 1960s progressed into the 1970s, Australian cars gained electric wipers and padded dashboards while switchgear became recessed to avoid injury. Seatbelts gained inertia reels making them more comfortable to use and windscreens became laminated and demisters were fitted. Child seat anchorages appeared, to promote child seats, and door latches improved to resist bursting open and ejecting occupants in a rollover. And almost all came about by law.

Culturally, the medium of television also started playing a role in opening people’s eyes to car safety. Further mechanical and structural changes also made cars safer as the 1980s approached. Propelling this was the advent of independent crash-test organisations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, today’s Euro NCAP, and later ANCAP in Australia. Car bodies were designed to better absorb and dissipate crash energy, rather than transfer it dangerously into the cabin area, and fuel tanks were moved further inboard rather than hanging under the boot so they wouldn’t ignite in a rear impact.

Then, as the ‘80s wore on, electronics stepped in. Anti-lock brakes gave the driver the control to more safely swerve in a skid situation – a massive step forward. Yet it wasn’t until US law demanded the fitment of airbags from the late ‘90s that carmakers finally turned safety into a selling point. In 1997, the Swedes’ unique ‘moose test’ aimed at seeing how a car could avoid a moose during a high-speed swerve, exposing a flaw in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class – a small car featuring a distinctly upright design. In the test, the Benz toppled over. This led to Mercedes fitting the nascent, rollover-reducing stability control technology (ESC) as standard equipment. Australia legislated ESC’s standardisation in the early 2010s. Today’s SUVs would be far less stable at speed without it. Nowadays, electronic driver-assist systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which automatically applies the brakes faster if the driver does not respond to the threat of a crash. Rear cross-traffic alert warns a driver of traffic and pedestrians behind the car when reversing, and in some cases automatically 28

applies the brakes. Blind-spot monitors warn of traffic or objects that might otherwise go undetected while lane-keep assist systems help warn the driver to keep in their lane and if needed, actively steer a car to keep it within its lane. Today, safety is right up there with affordability, design, performance and brand reputation as main motivators for buying a new car. Legislation, along with decades of car safety development and increased consumer demand, means we are far safer in our cars than we were half a century ago. However, while car safety is generally better today, the safety credentials of modern cars can still vary tremendously, and we should never take safety for granted. 

HOW SAFE IS YOUR CAR? To check the safety rating of your car or one you’re thinking of buying, see ancap.com.au for new cars or howsafeisyourcar.com.au for used cars.

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Our State, People+Future

Quirky Perth tourist attractions that are long gone A drive-in lion safari and dancing horses in a Spanish-themed park. It was all once part of a regular Sunday afternoon for Perth families. By Fleur Bainger

Lions jumping on car bonnets. Dolphins balancing performers on their backs. Stallions rearing on two legs. Perth’s shuttered tourist attractions may seem like something out of a child’s overactive imagination, but for many locals, those memories are real.

white footage and countless photos of lions mounting car bonnets reveal that interactions could take any turn. Lions were known to chew windscreen wipers and tyres, and even climb up on top of car roofs, delivering terror and excitement in equal measure. The owner’s tongue-in-cheek signage at the park’s entry acted to build anticipation of the unexpected; one such sign stated, “Trespassers will be eaten.”

Bullens African Lion Safari

The safari park was started by Stafford and Ken Bullen as a refuge for displaced circus lions, some of which were tame, including a lion named Ferocious. Their park manager John Gilbertson was open about having zero experience with exotic animals – previously he’d only looked after a domestic cat and dog at home.

Can you imagine driving your car up to a pride of lions, in Perth? Western Australia’s first and only open-range zoo opened in Wanneroo in 1971 with some 30 lions and cubs, split into two prides. Bullens African Lion Safari was wildly popular with locals and tourists, despite the occasional heart flutter: black and

The park ran for 17 years but was hampered by a number of events in its latter years. In 1981, American actress Tippi Hedren (mother to Melanie Griffith) visited, sharing her dismay at the conditions the lions were kept in with local media. One year later, a man got out of his car and walked into the lion compound holding a cross and wearing symbols of religious devotion. A pack of lions due their mid-morning feed mauled him to death. When the park shut its gates in 1988, it cited the high cost of animal feed, pricey public liability insurance and the impact of animal rights activists as contributing factors.

State Library of WA

For those who remember those crazy days, here are five Perth fun parks that used to draw a crowd.

Along with the lions, there were camels, ostriches, emus and koalas kept in separate areas, which would also approach visitors’ vehicles.

Our State, People+Future

El Caballo Blanco During its heyday in the 1970s and ‘80s, El Caballo Blanco drew a quarter of a million visitors a year, all eager to see the dancing white stallions. The Spanish theme park in Wooroloo was the brainchild of Perth businessman Ray Williams, who had fallen in love with Spain’s Andalusian horses after seeing the famous Alvaro Domecq troupe perform in London. After witnessing the skills taught by the Andalusian School of Equestrian Art – where horses would goose step with bent knees, curl their necks, and kneel - he travelled to Spain and bought a stallion called Bodeguero, and a handful of purebred, in-foal mares. They arrived in Perth to form the first Andalusian horse stud in Australia.

outdoor arena, there were appearances by personality Tony Barber and attractions such as the ‘Rampage’ aqua slide, water playgrounds and a chair lift. In the ‘80s, entry was $7 per adult and $4 per child. For decades, millions of happy memories were made. In 2006, a new owner attempted to bring back the magic of El Caballo Blanco, but it closed soon after. A lifestyle village was built on part of the site in 2013. In 2020, the property was sold to an Aboriginal charitable trust with plans to use it to house the homeless, run a refuge and rehabilitation centre and operate childcare and aged care facilities.

Castle Fun Park in Mandurah

Along with horses topped with riders wearing flamenco skirts and diamond bodysuits performing in a 2000-seat

The towering, stark white and pale blue replica of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria was the star attraction but sadly,

LIONS WERE KNOWN TO CHEW WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND TYRES, AND EVEN CLIMB UP ON TOP OF CAR ROOFS, DELIVERING TERROR AND EXCITEMENT IN EQUAL MEASURE.

Wanneroo Regional Museum

El Caballo Resort, iconic for its arching Spanish architecture, opened in 1974 and soon became a bustling tourist attraction and popular wedding venue.

Once upon a time, there was a grand castle at Halls Head in Mandurah. It was surrounded by an ornate church and a village of charming miniature buildings from around the world that people used to marvel at as they wandered by.

LEFT: A dancing white stallion at the Spanishthemed El Caballo Blanco. RIGHT: Bullens African Lion Safari was WA’s first and only open-range zoo.

that’s largely all that remains from this abandoned attraction. Castle Fun Park was constructed in 1979, complete with an Australia-shaped swimming pool, mini golf course, go-kart track and playground. To children, the highly decorated buildings seemed huge but in reality, they were just over adult head-height. The castle’s towers and throne room could be visited, forming enchanting memories for countless kids. The Mandurah bypass bridge is blamed for killing the fun park, diverting carloads of people who would normally use it as a stop-over. It closed in the early 2000s, with many of the structures torn down to make way for housing. A bushfire razed what was left in 2007. While many families have rallied to have the fun park restored to its former glory, it now looks set to become a childcare centre adjoining an aged care facility. Happily, the developer says the castle will remain as part of the childcare centre, renovated, repainted and set to delight children once again. 

State Library of WA

Image courtesy of Roy Maloy

State Library of WA

Our State, People+Future

ABOVE: The eerie open-mouth façade at Luna Park Scarborough in 1939; TOP LEFT + RIGHT: The charming miniature buildings and replica Bavarian castle at Castle Fun Park in Mandurah. OPPOSITE PAGE: Acrobatic dolphins at Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks.

THE HERITAGELISTED KING NEPTURE STILL HOLDS HIS TRIDENT ALOFT, PERHAPS HOPING FOR A RESURRECTION.

Atlantis Marine Park The infamous WA businessman Alan Bond dreamt up Atlantis Marine Park as part of his Yanchep Sun City project. Among his proposed satellite city housing 200,000 people, he envisioned a mega resort and an oceanic theme park to rival Disneyland. Found at Two Rocks, 65km north of Perth’s CBD, Atlantis rose from the sandy scrub in 1981. There were acrobatic dolphins trained to do jumps in formation, play ball and carry a standing performer on their backs. There was a huge King Neptune statue, playful seals, Roman columns, waterslides and pools. Also on site was a trampoline park, pedal boats and an aquarium, as well as celebrity sculptures featuring Charles and Diana, The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. 32

Despite the fanfare, and one million visitors through the gates in its first year, Atlantis failed to convert. The touted tourism and population boom never happened, and a Gold Coast of the West never eventuated. Like its namesake, drawn from the 2300-year-old Greek myth, Atlantis Perth sunk into oblivion and was shuttered by 1990, citing financial troubles. What remains of the park today is abandoned and overgrown, although the heritage-listed King Nepture still holds his trident aloft, perhaps hoping for a resurrection. In 2011, a group set up on Facebook called for the park to be revived in some form, with more than 10,000 people putting their names to a petition. The push resulted in Neptune being

State Library of WA

Our State, People+Future

restored in 2015 (it took 11 workers, two weeks and 70 litres of paint), while the rest remains in ruin. Numerous plans to redevelop the site have been floated in the years since. Happily, none have suggested painting the sandhills green – something Bond once did to make the land look more appealing to prospective buyers.

Luna Park Scarborough Melbourne and Sydney aren’t the only capital cities to host a Luna Park; in the summer of 1939, Perth had its very own in Scarborough. The WA version had the iconic openmouth façade, but its appearance was distinctly different to the grinning, east coast gateways. Ours was blue-faced, cross-eyed, pointy-eared and sported only three teeth illuminated with neon lighting.

Inside the perimeter there was a ferris wheel, dodgem cars, flying boats, a Gee-Wizz ride, merry-go-rounds and a sideshow alley with laughing clowns and other games. Luna Park actually began its life years before, in 1928 in Cottesloe, initiated by an English immigrant named Lionel Morris who had been captivated by Melbourne’s Luna Park. He banded together existing amusement booth operators and created a bigger, more sparkly attraction complete with an open-air platform jutting over the sand that would host circus artists, Vaudeville cabarets and jazz bands each night. But after Morris upset some influential Perth locals, the park was shut down, later relocating to Scarborough. The ‘new’ Luna Park entertained locals for 33 years. It 33

was a buzzing time for the beach suburb, with the Scarborough Hotel opening, as well as new roads, shops and houses. Yet it’s claimed there was a dark side to Scarborough’s Luna Park, with “crimes committed, pistols shot, fist fights, fraud and infidelity in grand proportions,” according to Roy Maloy, author of a tell-all 2018 book The Dark Side of the Moon. The park was knocked down in the 1970s, making way for what is now the Luna Maxi Mart Shopping Centre. Next time you buy a pastry from the Luna Bakery Cafe, imagine the laughing clowns that once turned their heads where you now stand.  While this nostalgic story may bring back happy memories for some WA locals, it’s fortunate that today our most-loved attractions no longer use performing animals.

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*Advertised prices are per person based on Everyday Motor Org Holiday 2022 fare and include the RAC members saving, in a Gold Service Twin Cabin on The Ghan, Darwin to Adelaide. Offer valid for new bookings from 01 October to 30 November validity is based between February to 25 March 2022 andfare 04 and November November on available dates only. subject to availability. Allnew discounts andfrom savings have been *Advertised2021. pricesTravel are per person on 04 Everyday Motor Org Holiday 2022 include to the30RAC members2022 saving, in a Gold Service TwinOffer Cabinison The Ghan, Darwin to Blackout Adelaide.dates Offer apply. valid for bookings 01 October applied to the price. Not available with any other offer. If advertised hotel is2022 not and available, a similar of Journey willOffer be booked. deposit of Blackout the totaldates fare isapply. due at time ofand booking. to 30 November 2021. Travel validity is between 04 February to 25 March 04 November to property 30 November 2022 onBeyond’s availablechoosing dates only. is subject25% to availability. Allthe discounts savingsFinal havepayment been is due 45applied days prior to price. departure. Bookingwith andany credit card feesIf may apply.hotel Loss isofnot deposit whenacancelling more than 45 days prior tochoosing departure. cancellation fees apply days under prior to departure. suspension to the Not available other offer. advertised available, similar property of Journey Beyond’s will 100% be booked. 25% deposit of the45 total fareand is due at the time of booking. Should Final payment is of dueoccur 45 days to departure. Booking and credit 100% card fees apply.paid Losswill of deposit when more than 45 prior to departure. visit 100%www.journeybeyondrail.com.au. cancellation fees apply 45 days and under priorastoatdeparture. suspension of services dueprior to government-imposed restrictions, of themay monies be placed in acancelling future travel credit. Fordays full terms & conditions Prices correct 10 AugustShould 2022. E&OE. | 00554JBR services occur due to government-imposed restrictions, 100% ofIMAGES: the monies paidThe willGhan, be placed in aSA future credit. For fullService terms & twin conditions www.journeybeyondrail.com.au. Prices correct as at 10 August 2022. E&OE. | 00554JBR (Top) Marla, (L-R)travel The Ghan, Gold cabin visit | Uluru, NT | Kakadu, NT. IMAGES: (Top) The Ghan, Marla, SA (L-R) The Ghan, Gold Service twin cabin | Uluru, NT | Kakadu, NT.

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News and info for WA travellers

Jessica Wyld

WA travel brief Karri Valley improvements After opening in December 2020, the campground at RAC Karri Valley Resort has undergone some key upgrades based on feedback from guests. Two new bathroom buildings have been added and include full ensuite bathrooms, powder rooms and vanities, and the camp kitchen’s fireplace has been repositioned to keep guests warm while cooking and during mealtimes. A dust suppressant has been applied to local roads to keep red dirt out of the air, while the capacity of the laundry facilities has doubled. Some powered camp sites have also been fitted with kikuyu roll-out turf, a vibrant green grass that complements the campground’s forest surrounds. RAC members save up to 20%* on stays. Book at rackarrivalleyresort.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. Member rate varies according to season.

Wayne Lawler/AWC

GET UP CLOSE WITH OUR ENDANGERED WILDLIFE Most of Australia’s wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. Protection of endangered Aussie animals is crucial for their survival – that’s where the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) comes in. They currently manage 31 locations across the country, with five of them right here in WA. Luckily for Perth locals, two AWC sanctuaries are within an hour of the city. Because of its predator-free fenced area, a visit to Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary

near Chidlow allows you to experience the bush as it was before the arrival of feral animals. Join a two-hour guided walk at dusk to admire woylies, tammar wallabies, red-tailed black cockatoos and quendas in their natural habitat. Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary within the Avon Valley offers several walk trails through jarrah, wandoo and powderbark forest during open season from May to October each year. The trails wind 36

past creeks, wildflowers, waterfalls and plenty of local wildlife, including adorable honey possums. The AWC also manage three visitorfriendly sanctuaries further afield: the Charnley River-Artesian Range Wilderness Camp and Mornington Wilderness Camp in the Kimberley, and the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary in the Wheatbelt. For more information about visiting AWC sanctuaries, visit australianwildlife.org

Travel+Touring

Tourism Western Australia

Kalbarri reopening to visitors After a tremendous clean-up effort by state emergency workers, volunteers and the local community following Cyclone Seroja earlier this year, Kalbarri is ready to welcome visitors again. The inland river gorges and coastal national parks are all open to the public, and many local tour operators are welcoming bookings. Tour experiences in the region include canoeing through gorges, cruising alongside Kalbarri’s coastal cliffs, whale-watching, wildflowerspotting, flying over the pink lake at Hutt Lagoon and fishing charters. Many small businesses, including retailers and food and drink venues, have also re-opened. Accommodation is available at tourist parks, resorts, campgrounds and stations. Visitors are required to prebook accommodation before arriving. T o see the full list of reopened accommodation providers, operators and venues, visit australiascoralcoast.com and click on ‘Cyclone Seroja updates’.

Broome was the destination caravanners and campers most wanted to visit.

CAMPERS AND CARAVANNERS CALL OUT PET HATES AND FAVOURITE PLACES With local roads trips the only real option for WA holidaymakers over the past 18 months, many West Aussies have had to quickly brush up on their camping and caravanning skills - which some have clearly done better than others.

the most discourteous, with 92 per cent saying they considered it ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ inconsiderate.

In RAC’s recent Caravan and Camping Survey, 900 WA caravanners and campers were asked about behaviours they had observed on their travels.

The survey also asked participants about the destinations they had visited, along with those they would like to visit in the future.

Messy holidaymakers were particularly called out, with 34 per cent of caravanners and campers saying they regularly observed others not leaving shower and toilet facilities clean after use. Leaving rubbish behind at a site was the behaviour nominated as

Not respecting personal space was also an issue, with 31 per cent reporting frequently seeing people walk through other’s camp and caravan sites.

The north of the state was high on the list of places WA holidaymakers most wanted to visit. Broome was overwhelmingly the number one choice, with caravanners and campers also nominating Kununurra, Exmouth, Coral Bay and Karijini as destinations they particularly wanted to visit.

STICK TO SAFE DESTINATIONS Tourism Western Australia

If you’re planning a road trip to the Pilbara, one town to stay well clear of is Wittenoom. Often dubbed the most dangerous place in the country, the town and surrounding area is heavily contaminated with asbestos tailings from historical mining operations during the 1930s to 1960s. The Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia has warned visitors to the region to stay well clear of the area. For more information, visit asbestosdiseases.org.au

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10 reasons why you shouldn’t bypass Bunbury By Julie Hosking Photography by Frances Andrijich

Next time you head south, don’t take the Bunbury bypass. Drive into Bunbury instead and be surprised by the new look, new attitude and a host of new attractions. Anyone who regularly makes their way down south has reaped the benefits of the Bunbury bypass. Completed almost a decade ago, it cut a welcome chunk off the drive to the gourmet attractions of Margaret River. But what are you missing by bypassing Bunbury? Plenty. The tourism campaign Found in Bunbury was launched last November to remind West Aussies of what they loved about the place all those years ago, as well as to introduce newer attractions. While it has retained the laidback charm many will remember from family holidays gone by, Bunbury has grown up. It’s a regional city with great bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts scene offering cultural experiences galore, as well as bountiful bays and estuaries to explore. And dolphins, lots of dolphins. The port city, a mere two-hour drive from Perth, is very much a destination in its own right. Here are just a few reasons why you should bypass the bypass and linger in Bunbury. Dolphin delight Perhaps Bunbury’s most iconic attraction, the Dolphin Discovery Centre offers many ways to interact with Koombana Bay’s famous residents. Home to about 50 bottlenose dolphins, with

another 100 or so visiting throughout the year, the bay is a playground and sanctuary for the wild animals. Stand knee-deep in water in the Interaction Zone, where volunteers answer questions about the dolphins as you await their arrival. Take a 90-minute eco cruise to see them frolicking (or sleeping) in the bay or, even better, swim with them. An exhilarating three-hour adventure runs from November to April, with tours departing 8am every day except Tuesday. Bookings for all tours are essential. The centre also boasts aquariums replete with fish and coral, as well as interactive displays and feeding programs to engage the whole family. Art attack Fondly known as BRAG, the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery has a lot to brag about. A former convent, the striking 1883 building hosts an ever-changing roster of world-class exhibitions across its galleries. Shaun Tan’s Rules of Summer, featuring rarely seen original pieces from the Oscar-winning artist, and the Noongar Country Exhibition, showcasing talented Indigenous artists, are worth the journey alone.

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Bunbury is also home to the largest collection of street and public art in regional Australia. Pick up a street map at the Bunbury Visitor Centre, inside the Old Railway Station, and take a stroll in search of the 40-plus large murals by national and international artists — allow a good two hours to see them all. You will also spot electrical boxes that have been transformed into colourful characters in a novel collaboration between artists and local students. The annual Tree Street Art Safari, a free self-guided walking trail of this creative hub, is also a must-do if you visit in March. The resident artists offer workshops year-round, too. Beach beauties Bunbury became popular as a seaside resort in the late 1800s when miners sought respite from the Goldfields heat. While the city bears little resemblance to the Gold Rush settlement, its coast still holds the same allure. Koombana Bay is a great family beach with a playground, barbeques and plenty of shade, but locals also like to hang out at Jetty Baths, not far from the city centre. A flat, shallow beach with shaded grassy areas and a playground, it’s the perfect place to build sandcastles while keeping watch for dolphins and other marine life. Back Beach stretches along Geographe Bay and draws snorkellers and surfers as well as swimmers to its shores. Fishing is also popular along the beach, while joggers, dog walkers and cyclists work up an appetite on the path hugging the coastline. Cool cuisine The city is no slouch in the culinary stakes. Nicola’s Ristorante is a Bunbury institution with a real family feel, specialising in local, seasonal produce. Mojo’s is a popular haunt for fine dining (think Geographe Bay octopus, confit duck breast) and a superb wine list.

Bunbury is also home to the largest collection of street and public art in regional Australia.

Waters Edge Café and Restaurant offers stunning waterfront views over Leschenault Inlet and a good selection of gluten-free dishes. 

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Proud Noongar artist and performer Troy Bennell gives visitors a different perspective via Ngalang Wongi Cultural Tours.

The Bayview Bar and Grill also boasts a beautiful outlook, this one over Koombana Bay, and a steak sandwich to match. At Market Eating House, the star attraction is the charcoal and woodfired oven that turns out flavoursome food made for sharing. The team also produce platter boxes if you fancy a family picnic on the foreshore. If all that sea air creates a craving for fish and chips, look no further than AJ’s, while Natural Temptation Café is a hit with those seeking a healthier option. For a hearty brekky, locals swear by The Happy Wife, with its all-day menu

boasting the likes of homemade crumpets (sweet and savoury) and cheesy Boston beans. Open Monday to Saturday, they don’t take bookings. The cosy Benesse Bunbury, open seven days, has long been a favourite, too, with its toasted breads and wraps going down a treat. Outdoor adventures Bunbury is an ideal base to explore the region’s natural beauty. It’s best to stop by the visitor centre to find a trail right for your level of fitness, but the Marlston Hill walk to Bunbury’s checkered lighthouse and the lookout is well worth the climb,

Travel+Touring

SIX THINGS TO DO WHILE IN BUNBURY 1. P ick up a map and stroll the streets in search of 40-plus large murals. 2. C heck out one of the new night spots for a drink with friends. 3. S ee the Wardandi Boodja sculpture looking out over Koombana Bay. 4. H ire a bike, pick up a coffee or even have a bite to eat at Melo Velo. 5. B ook an interactive adventure at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. 6. J oin one of the Ngalang Wongi Cultural Tours with Troy Bennell.

providing superb views of the city and bay. Leschenault Peninsula, 18km north of Bunbury, offers three walking trails that are also great for birdwatching. There’s no shortage of bike trails for amateur or avid cyclists, either (if you don’t have a bike, you can hire one at Melo Velo). Prefer water activities? You can bodyboard, surf, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, water-ski or sail. Ask for details at the visitor centre. You can even dive for ‘sunken treasure’ with Octopus Garden Dive Charters. The FV Lena, just off Bunbury, is now an artificial reef rich in marine life.

Noongar culture Noongar people called this area Goomburrup long before the town was founded in 1836 and named for Lieutenant Henry St Pierre Bunbury. Proud Noongar artist and performer Troy Bennell gives visitors a different perspective via Ngalang Wongi Cultural Tours. On the Dreaming Town Tour, you’ll learn how the Noongar lived and hunted, and visit sites of cultural significance. The Estuary Walkabout Tour takes visitors by the mangroves and up along Koombana Bay, where you’ll forage for bush tucker and learn a bit of bush medicine. Both tours take

about two hours, with the latter including entry to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. If you prefer to wander by yourself, be sure to visit Wardandi Memorial Park, a Noongar meeting place and traditional burial site, and Wardandi Boodja, a 5.5-metre tall sculpture looking out over Koombana Bay. Designed to reflect the resilience and spirit of a Noongar man, the imposing metal face has been a popular attraction since it was unveiled in 2019. Market magic The Bunbury Farmers Market’s location on the bypass is genius, as everyone going down south can stock up for the 

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It’s a regional city with great bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts scene offering cultural experiences galore, as well as bountiful bays and estuaries to explore.

time away or their homecoming. If you’re staying in Bunbury, though, you can visit any time you please. This massive indoor marketplace is loaded with fresh fruit and vegies; specialty cheeses and cured meats; freshly baked breads and cakes; and a host of sauces, spices and chutneys that you don’t need but will definitely want. Chances are you’ll leave with an overladen trolley even if you are only there for a few days. Just avoid peak hours – parking can be hard to find. Locals also swear by the Bunbury Markets. Held every first and third Saturday of the month in the Queens Gardens, the markets are not only a great source of local produce, crafts and more, they are a wonderful place to get to know the people who make Bunbury so special. Night moves Like all good port cities, Bunbury has plenty of good watering holes. Call in for a drink at the refurbished Rose Hotel, which has been serving customers since 1865. A much more recent addition to town, Lost Bills, describes itself as a place where the cocktails are craft, the beers are chilly and the wine list is local. It also hosts a different local artist each month, enabling them to display and sell their work.

Another new addition is Brooklyn32, a contemporary venue offering two distinct but equally cool spots to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat. It’s Bunbury’s first rooftop bar, with commanding views of the city and Leschenault Inlet, and a Brooklyn-inspired downstairs lounge with comfy couches and trendy booths. Book a spot in the early evening to soak up the views and settle in for the night. If you want to get your dancing shoes on, the heritage-listed Burlington Hotel lets rip from 9pm to 1am Fridays and Saturdays with bands in the Indi Bar. The hotel’s newish restaurant, Bar 51, also doubles as a cocktail bar connecting the two live venues. Festival fever Now in its fifth year, Bunbury Fringe offers a range of cutting-edge performances, including stand-up comedy, music, improv, poetry and storytelling. Held in the last week of January, expect the unexpected, hang out in the Fringe Garden and eat or drink at one of the pop-up venues before or after a show. Film buffs should put CinefestOz on their calendar. Held in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River in August, the state’s leading film festival always has an exciting program, including workshops and world premieres, as well as a few stars walking the red carpet.

The Bunbury Biennale, the second oldest biennale in Australia, brings artworks from around the state together every two years, capitalising on BRAG’s reputation for world-class exhibitions. Historical hits Housed in the old Bunbury Boys School, built in 1886, the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre only opened five years ago. It takes a contemporary approach to the past, sharing the lives of Wardandi Noongar people, the struggles of early migrants and convicts, wartime history and beyond through a series of temporary and permanent exhibitions. From there, history buffs will find themselves spoiled for places to visit, including the Stirling Street Historic Precinct, where buildings retain much of their 19th century character; Marlston Waterfront walk, revealing the dozens of vessels that came to grief on ‘shipwreck bay’ in the 1800s; and Centenary Gardens, created in 1936 to mark the city’s 100th birthday.  Bunbury’s waterfront redevelopment project is currently underway, a three-stage initiative that includes developments in coastal areas from Koombana Bay to Casuarina Boat Harbour.

in WA this spring No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, RAC Parks & Resorts has you covered with a wide range of quality accommodation options; from caravan and camping, self-contained family or group accommodation to hotel style rooms. All located across WA’s iconic holiday destinations. Book and relax with us.

RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Ningaloo Reef Resort

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort The power of membership

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Perth

RAC Busselton Holiday Park

RAC Margaret River Nature Park

RAC Karri Valley Resort

R17700

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details. RAC Esperance Holiday Park is currently under development and will reopen in December 2021.

RAC Esperance Holiday Park

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ABOVE: South-east of Karijini National Park.

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Following the Warlu Way By Chris Morton

Wind your way through the North West’s ancient landscapes, from rugged red gorges and inland swimming holes to coastal mangroves and remote beaches. Back in the dreamtime, Barrimirndi, a great sea serpent, became angry with two boys for eating a Barnbarn (a twenty-eight parrot). In his pursuit of the boys, he carved out great gouges in the earth, creating rivers and water holes where previously there had only been dry land. Barrimirndi eventually caught up with the mischievous boys, swallowing them whole. Today, you can trace the winding, gorgefilled path of the Barrimirndi on the Warlu Way, a journey from Exmouth to Broome that cuts a path through the heart of the Pilbara and the Kimberley coast. The following 12-day itinerary takes you on an incredible journey through this region’s unique and stunning landscapes.

Cheela Plains Station

Australia’s North West and CJ Maddock

182km from Nanutarra Roadhouse Turning off the North West Coastal Highway, commence your adventure along the Nanutarra Road, east of Exmouth. The drive almost mimics a serpent’s slithering, serpentine movements, as it winds through the iron ore-rich landscape. Named after the vast plain on which it sits, Cheela Plains Station was once part of neighbouring Wyloo Station (which is the English interpretation of Warlu) before being annexed off in 2000. The station offers a place to stop 45

for caravans and campers as well as a limited number of rooms and safari tents. The campgrounds are accessible by twowheel drive however a four-wheel drive is required if you want to explore the gorges and water holes found on the property. Stay a couple of nights and take some time to head out to the picturesque Munderie Spring before discovering The Wall and Woongarra Pool. Mussel Pool offers a great place for a refreshing dip amidst towering cliffs.

Tom Price 112km to Tom Price via Nanutarra Road – gravel – or 174km via Paraburdoo Once a privately owned mining town, Rio Tinto handed Tom Price over in its entirety to the Shire of Ashburton for the princely sum of $1 in 1982. Today, the town is an integral part of the mining operations in the area. Sitting 747m above sea level, the town is the highest in WA. Travel to the top of Mt Nameless for a 360-degree view or take a bus tour through Rio’s Mt Tom Price operations. It is also your last opportunity to resupply before heading into Karijini National Park, 90km to the east. The town also offers alternative accommodation options, in the event that Karijini is booked out. 

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Ryan Hoi / Shutterstock.com

BELOW: Aboriginal artist at work, Cossack; RIGHT: Fortescue Falls at Karijini National Park is a favourite spot with all visitors.

Karijini National Park 90km from Tom Price At Karijini National Park, deep gorges carved out by flowing water over many millennia have created a snapshot back in time, clearly visible as you descend into any of the accessible gorges. Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are favourites with all visitors, helped by the installation of a steel staircase, however, don’t be afraid to venture into the other gorges. Each and every one offers their own unique beauty. Kalamina Gorge has a relatively easy entry and provides you with a spectacular reward for your efforts. A large, deep waterfall-fed pool is located to the immediate right of the gorge as you enter. For those slightly more adventurous, you can tackle the 3-hour return, class-4 hike to the end of the gorge and take a gander at Rock Arch Pool.

Karijini Eco Retreat offers a touch of luxury with safari tents, cabins or unpowered camp sites. Alternatively, Karijini National Park also has camping at Dales Campground. You will need to book well in advance of any trip to ensure you secure a site. Take care when around the gorges. People have died or been seriously injured after slipping and falling. Ensure you wear good walking shoes, carry plenty of water and don’t be afraid to use a hiking pole for that extra support - they make a huge difference when climbing in and out of a gorge.

Glenn Herring Gorge 269km – 60km of gravel At the end of a four-wheel drive track sits Glenn Herring Gorge - a cavernous cleft in the rock through which previous explorers scrambled with their horses.

The creek running through it shows the scars of previous rains when the countryside is soaked and the waterways spring to life. This is a great little place to stop for a night or two away from the crowds. The gorge is well worth exploring.

Marble Bar 34km from Glenn Herring Gorge Marble Bar has a very long and interesting history. Incorrectly named after the huge slabs of Jasper found in the Coongan River just out of town, this is the home of the Nyamal people. Pastoralists established stations here and gold was also discovered. During World War Two, Allied bombers launched raids from the top-secret Corunna Downs Airfield against Japanese targets far to the north.

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Australia’s North West and CJ Maddock

LEFT: A visit to Python Pool in Millstream Chichester National Park is a must; BELOW: There are 42 islands that make up the Dampier Archipelago, which offer remote beaches and incredible underwater landscapes.

Port Hedland 200km from Marble Bar The sprawling industrial hub of Port Hedland is a town that never sleeps. Huge iron ore trains constantly snake their way from mines deep in the Pilbara, feeding cavernous ships. The town offers travellers a place to stop and resupply, repair their vehicle or just enjoy the coast for a while. Pretty Pool is a surprising example of a mangrove eco-system, constantly changing with every tide, nestled a stone’s throw from suburbia. If you have the time, take a harbour tour with The Seafarer’s Centre and get up close with the steel leviathans as they take on their iron ore loads.

Millstream Chichester National Park 250km via the Roebourne Wittenoom Road – gravel Once a pastoral lease, Millstream Chichester National Park is sacred country to the Yindibarndi people. Millstream is an oasis of permanent water pools, spring-fed from underground aquifers that bring life to the surrounding countryside. Flocks of white cockatoos roosting along the shoreline make up just one of approximately 120 bird species found within the park. At Millstream, a visit to Python Pool is a must. Located approximately 60km from the Millstream campgrounds, the pool is nestled in the Chichester Ranges. It offers a deep swimming hole and is accessible from the car park along a 200m walk trail.

Karratha / Dampier 102km from Millstream Chichester National Park In addition to the heavy industry here, the Karratha/Dampier area is a melting pot of cultures. Nowhere else on the planet will you find liquid natural gas plants and iron ore loading facilities only a stone’s throw from a natural art gallery that’s been 20,000 years in the making. Rock art, depicting the everyday along with animals like the Tasmanian devil, Tasmanian tiger and megafauna, long extinct from this region, are still etched into the landscape. The rocks are alive with the voices of the world’s oldest living culture, telling the stories of the Yaburara and Martuthunira people. 

Travel+Touring

THE WARLU WAY APP

Chris Morton

Launched this year, the Warlu Way smartphone app has geoheritage trail information for the Pilbara coast, inland and East Pilbara. It includes GPS-triggered directions and interpretative information to self-drive the Pilbara’s Warlu Way while not requiring internet connection, and also provides information on attractions, tours, dining, accommodation and emergency alerts including road conditions. It’s free to download and available at destinationpilbara.com.au

ABOVE: Mussel Pool crossing, Cheela Station.

The waters around Karratha are a fishing and diving paradise. There are 42 islands, each rivalling Rottnest in size, that make up the Dampier Archipelago and offer remote beaches, incredible underwater landscapes and the chance to ‘catch’ dinner, only a short boat ride away. Just north of Karratha lies Roebourne, a town whose importance to the state grew significantly with the discovery of gold, copper and tin in the surrounding areas. Restored historic buildings throughout the town provide an important link to the past, with a visit to the old gaol being highly recommended. It is a sobering look at how this land’s original inhabitants were treated during colonisation and the conditions they endured. West of the town, the historic port of Cossack, now under the control of the Garlbagu Corporation, is springing back to life with some basic accommodation and camping options available. Grab some lunch and spend time exploring the historic buildings and taking in the sights.

Peedamulla

Onslow

198km, includes approximately 8km of gravel

75km via Onslow-Peedamulla Road – gravel – or 123km via North West Coastal Highway

Part of the Camping with Custodians program, Peedamulla Station has an established campground, complete with five powered sites (with water), 15 unpowered sites, a camp kitchen and ablution block with hot showers. Camp sites are well spread out, offering visitors their own slice of seclusion. A communal firepit as well as two camp oven pits bring visitors together to share stories. Grabbing a map from the station will guide you out to the coast via the only freshwater swamp in the Pilbara. Mangroves line the coast here, with the mouth of the Cane River kissing the ocean. Mud crabs and an abundance of fish make for a great coastal adventure. Please take care here as there have been plenty of encounters with saltwater crocodiles along the coast and up the Cane River. Access from the campground to the coast is only possible with a four-wheel drive.

Located 82km west of the North West Coastal Highway, Onslow is not a town that you just drive through. You need to make a conscious decision to come and explore here. The original town was founded in 1885 before being moved to its current location in 1926 due to the recurring impact of cyclones. It has a good feeling about it and ocean views on two sides that are to die for. The town is well known as being the jump-off point for anyone venturing out to the fishing mecca of the Mackerel Islands but there is so much more to see. The ANZAC Memorial is guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye with its stylised Rising Sun set to catch the setting sun’s rays. The town’s visitor centre and Goods Shed Museum is bursting with local history. Book a tour of the town and discover hidden gems like the ‘cartoon tank’. The Ashburton River, Old Onslow town site, Three Mile Camp, Five Mile Pool and Ten Mile Pool are all great spots to while away your time alongside the river. 

art

Our State, People+Future

Future moves THE REGULATIONS DELAYING ELECTRIC CARS Three years after it was first launched overseas, the Kia Niro EV is finally in Australia. Part of the reason for its lateness is that it’s more beneficial for Kia to sell the Niro (particularly the pure EV version) into markets where there are already CO2 regulations in place and car makers are required to meet a certain fleet average CO2 emissions limit. (Australia doesn’t yet have this but it’s something RAC has been calling for). Zero tailpipe emissions cars like the Niro EV help keep those CO2 emissions averages down, so Australia only received the Niro after demand was satisfied elsewhere. The Niro itself is particularly unusual in that it’s available as a regular hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a pure EV. The Niro’s replacement is set to arrive in the next year.

KLUGER’S SAFER TURN The new Toyota Kluger SUV has received a lot of attention for its hybrid drivetrain, which finally addresses the previous Kluger’s biggest Achilles’ heel – its thirst. However, it’s also now very good at avoiding crashes. Vehicle safety testing agency ANCAP gave the new Kluger a maximum 5-star rating, saying the Kluger impressed with its ability to avoid collisions with other vehicles when turning across their path, and with pedestrians when they are crossing from the other side. The tech, Junction Assist, is standard equipment too. As well as the hybrid version, the new Kluger is still available with the regular V6 as an option.

LEARNER DRIVERS REDEFINED Soon it could be possible to make your car safer just by driving it. Volvo engineers are working on an on-the-road learning technology that will help make the development of Volvo’s autonomous driving (AD) technologies faster and safer. Volvo engineers said that by using the data generated from millions of kilometres driven by tens of thousands of Volvo drivers around the globe, engineers could validate AD features for specific geographic locations much quicker than with a limited number of cars on a test track. Volvo said that, over time, the car will improve and have the hardware and software capabilities to allow it to take over on its own in case the driver does not respond in life-threatening situations after repeated warnings. Volvo said the tech would only take over if it was clear there would otherwise be a crash.

Car+Motoring

Test drive

4X4 UTES BACK-TO-BACK We compare the Toyota Hilux Rogue against the Nissan Navara Pro-4X. By Alex Forrest

TOP: Many will find the Navara surprisingly refined, and its grunt from low down in the rev range particularly useful; LEFT: The Hilux was the most popular 4x4 ute among WA buyers in the first half of 2021; ABOVE: The Navara is much cheaper, but it does miss out on some of the extras you might expect in a near top-of-the-range model.

Car+Motoring In Western Australia, we like our utes more than the rest of the country. In the first half of 2021, utes comprised 23.5 per cent of the vehicles sold in WA. Over the same period Australia-wide, utes made up only 20 per cent of all sales. The Toyota Hilux was the most popular 4x4 ute among WA buyers in the first half of 2021, while the Nissan Navara 4x4 was in sixth spot. However, among private buyers especially, it’s the higher-priced utes with extras like stylised fender flares, tray covers, special wheels, and dedicated paint colours and decals that are proving very popular. They’re still utes, but they’re far from utilitarian. Here, we compare two well-optioned workhorses – the Toyota Hilux Rogue and the Nissan Navara Pro-4X. Both are designed to appeal to buyers who would otherwise make these kind of additions to their utes using aftermarket suppliers. With these vehicles, manufacturers are taking on the aftermarket at their own game. Let’s see how well they do. Value for money

The Hilux Rogue is priced at $76,430 drive away, making it $14,000 more expensive than the Navara Pro-4X ($62,290). As is the case with all of these highly specified utes, the critical factor is whether buyers actually want or need all of those extras, and whether it would be better value to choose a lower specification ute like a Navara ST-X and then add only the options they want. This is a much better Rogue than the old one and very well equipped, but it’s also $10,000 more than a Hilux SR5. The Pro-4X is cheaper than the Rogue, but it misses out on gear like heated and electrically adjustable seats, and radar cruise control, which you might expect in a near top-of-the-range model.

ABOVE: The Hilux Rogue has an electric roller shutter that covers the tray and provides a large area to securely store gear.

Nissan Navara Pro-4X

On the road

Both the Navara Pro-4X and the Hilux Rogue have the same towing capacity (3500kg) for a braked trailer, however the Rogue’s maximum rated payload capacity is 819kg, whereas the Pro-4X has a maximum payload of 1004kg. Following a 2020 update that saw the Rogue’s 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine receive a major power and torque upgrade to 150kW and 500Nm, the driving experience is now less frenetic and laboured. The Navara’s twin-turbo 2.3-litre diesel makes slightly less at 140kW and 450Nm. But many will find the Navara surprisingly refined, and we found its grunt from low down in the rev range particularly useful when hauling a load of mountain bikes and riders up a rough gravel road in Kalamunda.

ENGINE 2.3-litre twin turbo diesel POWER 140kW @ 3750rpm TORQUE 450Nm @ 1500-2500rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.1L/100km PRICE $62,290 drive away (auto) ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

Toyota Hilux Rogue

Safety and Practicality

Both the Navara Pro-4X and the Hilux Rogue have 5-star ANCAP vehicle safety ratings, however the Navara was rated using 2015 protocols and the Hilux was rated using 2019 protocols. As ANCAP testing protocols are now stricter, their ratings may be slightly different if tested today. The Rogue’s electric roller shutter that covers the tray is handy as it provides a large area to securely store gear. Yet when rolled back, it allows for tall items to be carried, which a traditional hard ute tray cover doesn’t. On the other hand, the open tray of the Navara offers more usable length because it doesn’t have the box for the roller shutter. Verdict

There’s no doubt the Hilux has a better finished interior with a few more features. But if you’re going to be carrying big loads on the back, like dirt bikes or lawn mowers, the Navara would do a better job with its unobstructed tray length and bigger payload. So, if money was no object and we weren’t needing the tray for heavy, bulky gear, we’d take the Hilux. If we needed the full ute functionality, it’d be the Navara.  53

ENGINE 2.8-litre turbo diesel POWER 150kW @ 3400rpm TORQUE 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.4L/100km PRICE $76,430 drive away (auto) ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

Car+Motoring

KIA NIRO Finally, Kia’s little electric SUV, the Niro, is on sale in Australia about three years after it went on sale overseas. You can read more about the reason for that in the Future Moves section in this edition (page 51), but here, we’ll look at the vehicle itself. The Niro is a particularly unusual vehicle because it’s the only SUV in Australia that can be had as either a pure electric vehicle (EV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a regular hybrid (HEV). The one we road tested was the EV, and because it has a relatively big battery pack at 64kWh, it’s pricey but offers good range, at a claimed 455km. Pricing for the Niro EV starts at $67,490 for the entry level S variant, with the rangetopping Sport model costing $70,990. The Niro is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona, which has a similar battery range. But to get this kind of range in other EVs, you’ll need to pay quite a lot more. So it’s reasonable value from that standpoint, at least. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, the Niro Hybrid’s pricing starts at $41,990 and the Niro PHEV’s pricing is in between at $49,990.

ENGINE Permanent magnet synchronous motor POWER 150kW TORQUE 395Nm BATTERY CAPACITY 64kWh CLAIMED ENERGY CONSUMPTION 159Wh/km CLAIMED BATTERY RANGE 455km PRICE $67,490 drive away ANCAP SAFETY RATING not rated

On test, the best aspect of the Niro as an EV was the fact it could be used over several days without having to worry about battery range, because it’s only slightly less than many liquid fuelled cars. The Niro’s performance is stronger than virtually any other small petrol or diesel SUV, with acceleration limited more by the grip of the front tyres due to the substantial but silent torque coming from the electric motor. The interior is comfortable and functional, but not at the level of luxury you would get if you stumped up $70,000 for a conventional vehicle.

Car+Motoring

AUDI A4 AVANT Drive a car-based wagon in traffic and the fact you’re in the vehicular minority will be shoved home fast. A traditional, car-based station wagon is rare, and if you like sporty driving with the extra room and style of a wagon, you’ll be quite happy to be in that minority. Take the Audi A4 Avant, for example. This current model A4 Avant (Avant being Audi-speak for wagon) has been available in Australia for about a year. There’s only one model in the A4 Avant range, being the 45 TFSI quattro S line. Deciphered, that means it’ll have a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive. The S line part means it’ll have bigger wheels and lowered suspension, along with a lower front spoiler and side body skirts. It’ll cost $81,800 drive away in Western Australia, with key rivals being the BMW 330i Touring ($84,850) and Mercedes-Benz C 300 Estate ($87,790). Other medium-sized wagons include the Peugeot 508 GT Sportswagon ($64,025) and Mazda6 wagon ($40,230). The Audi A4 Avant’s pricing suggests to buyers that their expectations of refinement, features and handling should be high, and it does mostly deliver. Especially that smooth and efficient engine. There is room for improvement, like needing to pay more for advanced safety features like active cruise control with stop-go traffic capability and the short three-year warranty. Still, it’s also worth noting that the A4 Avant is the only one among its direct German competitors that offers all-wheel drive, and it’s the cheapest, too. It can do essentially the same job as an SUV, with the exception that its ride height won’t have you towering over traffic. Compared to an Audi Q5 SUV, the A4 Avant will cost less to buy in a similar specification. It’ll also have a similar amount of luggage space, will handle better and use less fuel.  55

ENGINE Four-cylinder turbo petrol POWER 183kW @ 5000 – 6500rpm TORQUE 370Nm @ 1600 – 4000rpm FUEL CONSUMPTION 7.3L/100km PRICE From $81,800 drive away ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

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Car+Motoring

Car doctor

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.

Q I have a Honda CRV Q After a long drive, do

I need to keep the engine running to cool it down and if yes, for how long? Aprille, Forrestfield

A If you have a

turbocharged vehicle – petrol or diesel – that’s been driven at close to its maximum performance (such as towing a loaded trailer on a hot day), then it can be good to let the engine idle for a couple of minutes after you’ve finished driving. Turbochargers can get very hot in challenging conditions and letting them cool before shutting off the engine can help avoid burning the engine oil in the turbo. However, in normal driving, this is not required. If your car is not turbocharged, there’s no need to do this at all.

Q We have a 2009 Toyota

(diesel) and Nissan Murano (petrol), both seven years old and serviced with Honda and Nissan respectively. I have ignored the dealer’s recommendation to replace the car batteries because I encounter no problems at all. What harm could I cause? J Rao, Mindarie

RAV4 and have been having issues with the key fob unlocking the doors. Initially when it started playing up, it would only work on hot days or when the car was driven a long distance and had warmed up. Now the fob doesn’t work at all and we’re having to manually unlock the doors. We’ve changed the fob’s battery and the fuse in the car to no avail. Any ideas? Jane, Stoneville

Using a faulty battery in your car may cause the alternator to work harder than it should, and other electrical systems may not function as expected. However, if the batteries aren’t showing any functional signs (such as low voltage and slower engine cranking) or physical signs (plastic casing swelling), it would be a false economy to replace them before the end of their useful lives. But if they’re seven years old, that time will be soon, and you should keep an eye out for signs of failing batteries.

A It sounds like the

electronic contacts in your RAV4’s key fob may be worn or broken. With the key fob being 12 years old this is a reasonable amount of time for it to last. While you should be able to order a new key fob from your Toyota dealer, we would also encourage you to explore other options, which may be more affordable. 

WIN FREE FUEL Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma location Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits. Send your questions to editor@rac.com.au or post to The Car Doctor, Horizons, GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Member lounge

Win A FAMILY PASS TO GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

Adding some extra colour to Dunsborough Next time you’re in Dunsborough, check out Hannay Lane’s colourful refresh and the welcoming new parklet in town. The laneway has been splashed with colour to create a more vibrant, safe, and peoplefocused space, and an empty lot has been transformed into a picturesque parklet for people to meet and socialise. It’s hoped that both projects will also encourage increased activity to support local businesses within the town centre. Funded through RAC’s Reconnect WA and Connecting Communities initiatives, the two revitalised community spaces were created in partnership with the City of Busselton and the local Town Team, the Dunsborough Progress Association. To find out more visit rac.com.au/connected

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbuster’s universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mum and her kids arrive in a small town, they discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

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We’re giving away family passes for four people to see Ghostbusters: Afterlife, in cinemas from 1 January 2022.

Home+Life

Decoding CCTV jargon

But as the technology continues to evolve, CCTV systems have become more complex and so has the terminology used to describe their functions. Here are some key terms you’ll need to understand when evaluating a CCTV system.

NVR A Network Video Recorder is a computer that records video and audio from multiple CCTV surveillance cameras, then stores it in a digital format on a built-in hard drive.

PoE Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables network cables to carry electrical power. PoE uses relatively low voltages, so this can lessen your risk of an electrical hazard.

Megapixel This refers to the resolution of a video image. A 6MP camera can produce 6 million total pixels. The higher the pixel count, the better the image resolution and zoom-in ability.

IP security camera IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP camera, also known as a network camera, is a type of digital video camera that receives and sends video and audio data. IP cameras are capable of higher quality images and more flexible connections; they can be connected as a standalone camera or to a Network Video Recorder. If you’re considering CCTV cameras to provide extra security around your home, visit rac.com.au/security

To find out about WA’s community CCTV register, see page 20.

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Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras enable you to monitor your home from wherever you are to increase your home security. The presence of cameras outside your home can also work to deter intruders.

SAFE TURNING FOR LARGE CARAVANS

50m of the nearest point of the intersection (and if it’s not possible to turn from the lane you’re travelling in).

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OUR 50-YEAR-OLD ‘EASY RIDERS’ The profile of a typical motorcycle rider is not so much young, as young at heart, according to RAC Insurance data. Almost a third of RAC motorcycle policyholders are aged 50-59, with 54 years being the average age. Men account for 83 per cent of all motorcycle policy holders. Of the three most popular bikes insured, two are scooters - the Piaggio Typhoon 50 and the Piaggio Zip 50 C25, with the Honda CBR250R one of the most popular motorcycles. When it comes to theft prevention, most riders are extra cautious, with a recent RAC survey of motorcycle 59

owners revealing that 72 per cent kept their bikes safely locked in a garage. If you’re currently enjoying the freedom of two-wheeled travel, ride safe and remember to keep your bike safe, too. Where possible keep it locked up and out of sight, use a steering lock and consider having an immobiliser fitted. RAC provides a cheaper premium if your bike is fitted with an immobiliser or tracker and if it’s kept in a garage overnight. Members also save up to 10% on motorcycle insurance. To view all policy options, visit rac.com.au/motorcycle Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Check the PDS & TMD at rac.com.au to see if this product is right for you.

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