10:30am saturday. the meeting is in session.
It’s holiday time and the gang is back together. Your parents are busy poring over maps, trying to determine whether to visit a brewery or winery next. Urgent action is needed to present them with an alternative itinerary. The ideas are coming thick and fast. The maze. The caves. Kayaking on the river. Going fishing. Beach cricket. Anything but bushwalking. For holiday planning, there’s no place like Dôme.
Perth Metro, WA Regional: Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Esperance, Geraldton, Katanning, Margaret River, Newman, Northam, Port Hedland, Rottnest.
On behalf of the RAC Council, we are pleased to inform members about our second Social and Community Impact Report. The Social and Community Impact Report highlights our journey and progress toward achieving RAC’s Vision 2030 for a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected future for all Western Australians.
RAC’s Vision 2030 includes our Social Impact Metric which guides our initiatives and measures how we are progressing against the ambitious targets our organisation has set.
Over the past 12 months COVID-19 restrictions and uncertain economic conditions have had an impact in the community. During this time, RAC has remained purpose-led and always strived to be at its best. This includes maintaining and expanding our work and important partnerships with the community, such as:
Building the most comprehensive air quality sensor network in Australia, with Perth joining cities such as London, Paris and Los Angeles in the use of the world-leading technology.
More than $800 million in Federal and State Government funding allocated to the Regional Road Safety Program.
The RAC Rescue helicopters flying 9,000 missions since 2003.
Road safety lessons provided to more than 35,000 students across metropolitan and regional WA and 8,000 students attending RAC bstreestsmart.
Expanding the RAC Electric Highway® with more chargers in more locations and calling for better policies to increase the availability of electric vehicles.
Commencing RAC’s journey towards net zero by implementing a decarbonisation strategy for our own operations.
Reconnect WA and RAC Connecting Communities Fund inspiring and transforming neighbourhoods.
Focusing on cost-of-living pressures including fuel pricing, motoring and public transport costs.
In the Social and Community Impact Report you can find out more about our partnerships and work in the community. We are proud of our achievements to date and have a clear focus on the future and the work still to be done.
To the team at RAC, our partners across Western Australia, and our more than 1.2 million members – thank you for your trust and support. Together, we can create a better WA.
Jacqueline Ronchi President (2019 – 2022) Rob Slocombe Group Chief Executive OfficerSend us your opinions and feedback and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance.
@RACWA
@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.
Recently I checked the top-quality iridium spark plugs on my 2010 Toyota Corolla. These were replaced at 100,000km and the new set had done only 60,000km. I was dismayed to find the centre electrodes completely burnt away. I showed my mechanic and he asked, “What fuel brand are you using?” I said 91 as recommended for the car. He said, “No, what brand?” I said, “the cheapest”.
I thought all petrol sold here satisfies the Australian standards. He said, yes, the minimum standard, but our standards are very low compared to Europe and cheap petrol often has higher sulphur content. Does this argument have merit? Michael
RAC reply: In a modern engine designed to run on unleaded 91 RON petrol, it is unlikely that buying fuel at a specific brand of retailer will make a difference to how the vehicle runs
It’s been unbelievable since COVID to see the number of new caravans on our roads which is great, but you don’t need a licence or to do a driving test to own a caravan and learn new road skills. I’m a volunteer ambulance driver and I am simply amazed at how many caravans don’t have wide mirrors. I’ve had numerous instances where we start flashing high beam and spotlights on corners when catching up to vans when I finally get to see their mirrors in the hope it will alert the driver. Please give way to ambos, the firies and the SES. Those wide mirrors are the best buck you’ll ever spend. (Name provided)
or wears its spark plugs. While 91 RON petrol is, in Australia, allowed to have a higher sulfur content than premium fuels, in laboratory testing, where we tested 91 RON petrol from across the Perth metro area for octane and sulfur content, we found no brand had less sulfur in it than others. In any case, while sulfur in fuel is bad for exhaust emissions and the air we breathe, it’s unlikely to have much impact on how the engine itself runs - at least in petrol engines. And after 60,000km, it’s likely your car’s spark plugs will have distinct signs of wear simply due to the distance and time they’ve been in use.
Some of our Facebook followers commented on the results of our Risky Roads survey which highlighted the roads and intersections nominated by WA drivers as the state’s most dangerous.
Armadale Road and 8th Road is particularly unsafe when a bus is trying to turn right onto Armadale Road, totally blocking the view of anybody trying to turn right, sometimes for five minutes or more. A road death waiting to happen as people get sick of waiting and take a chance. Bert
We live in Binningup and trying to drive onto Forrest Highway is particularly horrendous on long weekends, and not much better on other weekends, with traffic heading to and from Margaret River region and surrounds. We just sit and patiently wait until we can slip into a break in traffic. It is very frustrating, but we do try to avoid having to leave town during the extremely busy times. Ronnie
Coming off the Kwinana Freeway onto Manning Road exit and trying to merge towards that exit whilst cars are streaming past on your left crossing over to merge onto the Kwinana Freeway is a nightmare. This is a very dangerous section and should be addressed. Vehicles exiting the freeway towards Manning Road should not have to take risks trying to negotiate the merge at the same spot where vehicles merging from your left need to cross over you towards Kwinana Freeway. Vera
Recently I drove the direct road from Hyden to Norseman, approximately 250km of which is gravel. The road was fine; the other drivers left me dumbfounded. I was taught that when vehicles came the other way, you slowed down. If not, then the other vehicle would be driving into a pall of dust that could be very dangerous. Not one driver coming the other way did what I did - slow down. Anyone who has driven the Oodnadatta Track may remember picking up a brochure titled ‘How to Drive the Oodnadatta Track’ from one of the service areas. Rule one: let your tyres down to protect the road and your vehicle. Rule two: slow down when other cars come towards you. Can we learn to do the same in WA? Lester
Join RAC’s Members’ Voice, an online community where members can share their views on a range of topics. Visit rac.com.au/ opinion
If you’re planning on road tripping through more remote areas of WA this summer, bear in mind that fuel stations which sell 95 and 98 RON petrol might be hard to find in some areas.
If your car is designed to run on either of these fuels, it’s wise to take some octane booster with you.
Octane boosters increase the octane rating of your petrol so if the lower octane 91 RON petrol is the only one available, adding the correct amount of octane booster will keep your car running smoothly.
Using petrol with a lower octane rating than the one recommended for your vehicle can result in the fuel igniting prematurely in the engine, producing a knocking or pinging sound.
This can result in loss of power, a decrease in fuel economy and potentially engine damage.
Octane boosters are available from most auto accessory retailers. Just ensure you carefully follow the mixing ratio instructions. To help plan your trip, you can check the availability of different fuel types at fuel retailers across WA by visiting fuelwatch.wa.gov.au
On 14 September 2022, more than 8000 year 10-12 students watched a serious vehicle crash unfold before them.
It was a re-enactment staged as part of the annual RAC bstreetsmart youth road safety event, held at RAC Arena.
The crash re-enactment, which included real emergency services personnel and vehicles, demonstrated the scale of the response required when a serious crash occurs and the far-reaching impacts on all those involved, from first responders to the victims’ families and friends.
Students also heard firsthand accounts from those who had been involved in
road trauma incidents, including those working on the frontline to save lives. This year marked the 10-year anniversary of the event. Since 2012, more than 70,000 secondary school students have attended.
Bstreetsmart was created to give our future drivers an insight into the impacts of road trauma and the devastating consequences of risk-taking behaviours and poor decisions made behind the wheel.
It is the state’s largest youth road safety event and an important part of our ongoing commitment to reduce road trauma in WA, staged with the support of WA Police Force, St John WA, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Royal Perth hospital.
It is possible to be fined for eating while driving but it does depend on how much the food is considered to be affecting the driver’s attention.
In 2018, a Perth woman who was photographed holding and eating a bowl of cereal while driving on a busy road, was fined and received three demerit points for driving without due care and attention.
While the law does not explicitly prohibit eating and drinking while in control of a vehicle, a driver can be penalised for ‘driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention,’ under Section 62 of the Road Traffic Act 1974.
Certainly not every instance of eating and drinking behind the wheel is likely to get you fined, but it’s advisable to avoid consuming any food and drinks while driving where possible. Taking a hand off the wheel or your eyes off the road reduces your ability to react quickly to unexpected hazards.
Even sipping a coffee could significantly distract a driver and affect their ability to control a vehicle, particularly if it’s spilled.
At 60km/h if you glance away for just two seconds you will have travelled 33 metres without looking at what’s ahead of you.
Inattention, be it deliberate or not, is a significant cause of road trauma. Between 2016 and 2020, inattention-related crashes resulted in 524 people being killed or seriously injured on WA roads.
In the year to 30 June 2022, RAC’s Roadside Assistance patrols rescued almost 600 children and pets locked in cars.
Lockouts in hot or even warm weather can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.
On a 32-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 40 degrees Celsius in as little as seven minutes.
The auto-locking function in many modern cars – which relocks the doors after a set interval – has increased the incidence of lockouts. Very often lockouts also occur when a child is playing with car keys or when the keys are inadvertently left somewhere inside the car while loading it.
When away from home and using your car, always keep your keys on you – avoid putting them down anywhere in the car or letting children handle them. It’s also recommended you keep your car keys out of reach at home to prevent a curious child from getting into your car without you knowing.
If you are faced with a lockout, assess whether to call Roadside Assistance on 13 11 11. RAC prioritises lockouts over other callouts and Roadside Assistance membership is not required. If a life is in danger, call emergency services immediately on triple zero.
To create RAC’s new ‘Change for the better’ commercial, we set out to capture more than 115 years of history, innovation and change in just 48 hours of filming. Here’s how we did it and the story we wanted to tell.
From placing the very first directional signs on Western Australian roads, to building Australia’s first electric highway, RAC has always been an organisation that has helped drive change.
In 2023, we’re still tackling today’s challenges with positive action, working to transform our state with new ideas, new ways of doing things and new initiatives.
The story we wanted to tell through this whole campaign was about what can be achieved when we work together with and for our members to move WA forward to a better place, while also drawing on our past. We represented this with a young woman who ‘runs through’ significant eras of change highlighting RAC initiatives.
Our commercial’s director, Matsu, summed up the spirit of what we wanted to capture as the idea of continuing to be inspired by RAC’s early innovators and changemakers.
“The idea that we all stand on the shoulders of those that came before us and carry on the work they started is a beautiful one, and for more than 115 years in Western Australia, RAC has been and continues to be a significant part of that journey.”
The location we chose to shoot at was against the red brick walls of the old Midland Rail Workshops. Here we recreated many different eras in WA’s history.
To ensure the authenticity of each period represented, we undertook a great deal of historical research, including studying images of Perth from the last 100 years. We even used some original RAC memorabilia from our own archive.
The 1980s RAC patrol car that appears – the iconic yellow Ford Escort – was sourced from the Motor Museum of WA at Whiteman Park and one of our patrols, John May, was in the driver’s seat for the filming. With the exception of the RAC patrol car, all of the vehicles used, from the 1960s onwards, came from local vintage car enthusiasts.
RAC’s Chief Member Officer, Peter Williams, says that while the story we’re telling is about the changes RAC has helped drive for its members and the wider community in the past, it’s also about inspiring our future.
“If we want to improve things, we can’t stand still. We’ve got to do things that have never been done before and we need to keep moving forward.
“Change isn’t always easy but when we embrace positive change, great things are possible.”
I rst went to see Brad on the advice of my good mate and cricketing great, the late Bruce Yardley who thoroughly recommended Brad’s services. Bruce had told me Brad’s a cricketer and a thoroughly good bloke. At the time, Bruce even o ered me a spare pair of his hearing aids to take home with me to try them out!
I knew I needed hearing aids because I was hearing it from my wife, sons and sta , and there were problems with speaking on the telephone. I often had to ask for clari cation of what was said. Watching TV, the sound would be turned up to 100, I’d try lip-reading but still couldn’t make out what was said. I’d constantly have to ask my wonderful tolerant wife June: “what did he say?” and that could really be very distracting for everyone around, and all of us would have trouble with the story line. And when I was out with friends, I’d be very busy trying to take into account as much of the context of what they were saying as I could get, but about 60% of the time I wouldn’t really understand what they were talking about. When I rst got my aids, I didn’t mention this to June. I turned on a favourite show and set the sound on 23, and sat down and
started watching. June looked a bit bewildered and asked me if I could hear that, and of course, I said “Yes”. We have reached a compromise now and the sound is set at 35, so we are both happy. And when we’re having a conversation, I can turn my hearing aids o if I choose to!
Wearing the aids at my sporting goods store, Slater Gartrell Sports, I can now hear my customers with greater ease and con dence. I can also hear what my sta is saying about me too – all very pleasant comments of course!
When I went back after my two week trial nished, I told the lovely clinic manager Rowena as well as Brad that they had sold me a dud, and that the aids did nothing for me, which was absolutely the opposite of the truth. They looked at me in shock until I came clean.
The aids were fantastic, wearing them has improved my quality of life amazingly, and it’s great for everyone around me as well.
I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the team at Brad Hutchinson Hearing to help with improving your life through better hearing. Kevin Gartrell
Let us show you how e ortless hearing should be - even in background noise - with a 2-week home hearing aid trial. No cost and no obligation when trialling hearing aids. Excludes free hearing aids available to eligible clients under the HSP* For further info, call 9228 9928 or email info@bhhearing.com.au
NORTH PERTH (08) 9228 9928
MIDLAND (08) 9250
MELVILLE (08)
WOODLANDS (08)
DIANELLA (08) 9275 0078 info@bhhearing.com.au
Accredited by the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP)*
*Eligible pensioners and veterans may be entitled to free or subsidised digital hearing aids and free hearing services. Conditions apply to clients under the HSP. To nd out if you’re eligible, visit hearingservices.gov.au.
A scuba diving torch doesn’t look like much of a threat, but when one was overcharged in a Beeliar home last year, the resulting explosion threw a superheated lithium-ion battery across the room — and burned the house down.
Such destruction remains rare, but WA firefighters warn the incidence of battery fires is climbing, as more and more household goods become battery charged.
Found in everything from mobile phones to vacuum cleaners, e-cigarettes to electric drills, lithium-ion (or li-ion) batteries are a critical component of almost all rechargeable appliances.
On the one hand, the batteries make it possible to enjoy many of the conveniences we take for granted — like working on a laptop, riding in an electric wheelchair, or zipping to work on an e-scooter. On the other, li-ion batteries pose a serious risk to people and property if they catch fire.
Because they are packed with cells that store significant energy, if one becomes damaged or overheats, it can trigger a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway, where temperatures can reach 500 degrees Celsius.
The battery can explode, setting alight furniture or fabric, potentially destroying a home or office in a matter of minutes.
And yet, warns Peter Jones, a District Officer at WA’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), most people don’t take the threat of battery fires seriously.
“It doesn’t seem to make any sense to people as a threat because a battery
seems so ordinary,” says Jones, who works in the Department’s Fire Investigation and Analysis area.
“You don’t have any of the normal things that might make you perceive it as a threat and nothing that would suggest it is a potential fire cause at all. But it is a massive energy source.”
Complacent despite the risk That lack of awareness means people tend to be less cautious than they should be when charging or storing li-ion batteries and the results can be catastrophic.
In the past five years, the number of structure fires in WA believed to have been caused by battery fires has doubled, with 59 incidents in 2021/22, representing one in every 20 structure fires. And unlike more common causes of fire, where householders might intervene early or call emergency services, many battery fires go unnoticed until it is far too late.
“We used to go to a house fire, and somebody would have left a candle on or
an electric blanket going, or a chip pan had caught fire,” Jones says.
“The person would have done something that caused the fire to start, or they would see something or smell the smoke.
“But we’re attending fires now where nobody has done anything at all, other than plugging something in six hours earlier to charge, or they just brought a new product into the house. We’re also seeing more fires that start when nobody is home so there is no one for the smoke detector to warn.”
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Never leave a device to recharge on a soft surface; Structure fires in WA caused by rechargeable batteries have been increasing; When a lithium-ion battery explodes it can scatter debris up to 10 metres.
If a cell within a battery fails or shortcircuits, it can overheat and catch fire, creating a dramatic and dangerous chain reaction.
“Once it starts that chemical process, you can’t extinguish it because it is in a sealed unit,” Jones says. “You can’t put water inside a battery unit. When it starts to break down, or you start to see white smoke coming out, it is starting to undergo thermal runaway and it will continue to escalate. The cells can then explode and fly five or 10 metres, with a mass of burning fragments.”
What happens next can depend on where the battery was in the home. Jones says battery-operated tools left on a charger for too long in a garage could easily overheat but as few garages include a smoke detector, the fire can go unnoticed.
“Of course, that’s where all your camping gear is, your petrol, your car, your paint,” he says.
“If I throw an exploded battery five metres in any direction in your garage it is going to hit something that will catch fire, so don’t recharge your batteries in there.”
Inside the home, a battery blaze can quickly spread to furnishings or curtains. Even if the fire is contained to one or two rooms, the destruction adds up.
“As these batteries are powering an evergrowing array of devices and appliances, we have seen an increase in claims related to their use,” says RAC Insurance Claims Manager Glen Walker.
“We recently had a claim in excess of $1 million for a Perth home destroyed due to
e-bikes being charged, and also a number of fires where power tools have been left charging.”
What causes a lithium-ion battery to fail?
The common thread is that some kind of damage has happened to the battery — even if it is invisible to the human eye.
Li-ion batteries are highly efficient and have high energy density, so they can deliver large amounts of current for longer than most competing batteries. But they also tend to overheat, so need to be designed with safety measures to reduce their volatility.
To reduce the risk of fire, batteries and their recharging devices need to pass stringent safety tests to be sold in Australia. Despite this, incidents happen.
Jones says firefighters have seen fires caused by new batteries and old, some on charge and some that appear to have been disconnected from power when the fire broke out.
DFES has also seen fires that may have been triggered by second-hand or nonoriginal chargers that failed to prevent a battery overheating while on charge.
“Let’s say it is a cordless vacuum cleaner — perhaps it has been losing power on a regular basis which might show the battery is degrading,” he says. “Or sometimes the charger and the battery are no longer talking to each other, so the battery is fully charged but the charger doesn’t recognise it and doesn’t turn off.
“We’ve seen poorly manufactured batteries or those that have just overheated because they are in direct sun through a window. You might have a battery that has physical damage, where it has been mechanically ruptured. There can be a range of different reasons.”
Even disused batteries can pose a risk. Jones says there are regular fires in rubbish trucks believed to have been caused by old batteries crushed in the machinery.
“You can understand that someone gets lazy and instead of dropping the battery into the right kind of recycling, they throw it in the bin. But if the battery goes into the rubbish truck and the machinery squashes the laptop or power tool or whatever it might be, the truck could catch fire. You have to think of these things like an unexploded bomb.”
In the meantime, there are simple steps that householders can take to reduce the chance of fire — starting with awareness of the risks.
Peter Jones recommends against charging batteries on soft surfaces like beds or couches and keeping them away from flammable goods.
The location used for charging should also be assessed for risk. Peter recommends rooms like bathrooms or laundries where the risk of a fire spreading is relatively low. It may also be wise to avoid second-hand battery-operated products that may have been damaged in the past. Damaged batteries or batteries that are not charging properly should be appropriately disposed of. At the very least, if the battery has any visible damage, then it’s time to go. You
should also stick to buying only reputable, branded battery chargers.
Most importantly, Jones says, never overcharge.
“Take the battery off charge when you’re not home, and if the red light turns green unplug the charger,” he says.
“When it’s done it’s done. You can’t get any more charge in, and if you try you’re just adding to your risk.”
For information about where you can safely dispose of old or damaged lithium-ion batteries, visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/batteries
SUVs are hugely popular, so are four-wheel drives and although they’re not the same thing, they are often grouped together, and that can be confusing.
With categories of cars always evolving and often overlapping as brands continue to look for new niches and sub-niches, it can be tricky to understand the differences between an SUV, a four-wheel drive and a regular car, especially as they’re often used for similar purposes.
In 2021, all-wheel drives and SUVs outsold passenger cars (hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, coupes and convertibles) by a factor of 2.5, and now account for one in two new vehicles sold nationally. The positions are swapped from a decade ago. Here are some of the pros and cons, plus the differences between each.
So, which one do you need? Nowadays, many SUVs are offered in two-wheel drive (which usually means front-wheel drive) as well as all-wheel drive.
If you regularly travel over long, corrugated gravel roads or encounter sandy or grassy tracks and hills, the extra traction and grip afforded by a four-wheel or all-wheel drive would be useful. Otherwise, a two-wheel drive vehicle will usually be sufficient. However, you should also consider that there are differences between all-wheel drive and two-wheel drive vehicles in how they handle and drive, even on sealed roads. For example, you may feel a slight loss of traction when accelerating out of corners in a frontwheel drive vehicle, especially on wet roads, whereas an all-wheel drive will feel more sure-footed.
Then there is also the question of price and whether it’s worthwhile paying more for the benefits afforded by an all-wheel drive vehicle.
For example, the Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid two-wheel drive is more than $3300 cheaper than its all-wheel drive equivalent. For a Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport, you’ll only need $2800 in order to upgrade to all-wheel drive capability.
Besides costing less to buy, two-wheel drives typically are more economical. Averaging 7.9L/100km, a Nissan X-Trail two-wheel drive uses 0.4L/100km less petrol than its all-wheel drive equivalent.
Two-wheel drive vehicles are cheaper to maintain mechanically, however they might wear front tyres more quickly. They’re also lighter, by at least 80kg.
On the flipside, all-wheel and four-wheel drives are worth more on the used market come resale time, with the gap often being larger than the difference when new. They also both offer a degree of added security and capability when unexpected weather or terrain confronts you.
All-wheel drives and four-wheel drives in particular are better for towing caravans, boats and trailers, as the extra traction can overcome slippery roads or challenging conditions, especially when on steep hills, including boat ramps.
In vehicles with a separate transfer case and dedicated four-wheel drive modes, engaging four-wheel drive is usually a manual process, requiring the driver to slow down or even stop the vehicle before selecting four-wheel drive.
This is usually via turning a dial or by using a lever near the gear stick.
Most offer ‘Low Range 4x4’ for negotiating steep or challenging terrain, or ‘High Range 4x4’ for optimum traction at faster speeds. Note that some four-wheel drives won’t allow either 4x4 mode to be chosen beyond certain speeds, so as not to damage related internal mechanisms.
Popular four-wheel drive examples include the Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol and the original Land Rover – three tall, tough vehicles with a strong chassis and a robust body bolted on top.
SUVs versus four-wheel drives SUVs are cheaper to produce and buy than four-wheel drives. A Toyota Kluger GX V6 7-seater starts at $54,255 while the equivalent Toyota Prado kicks off from $67,800.
Being hundreds of kilograms lighter they’re more economical on fuel than four-wheel drives and easier to drive in built-up areas because their suspensions and steering systems are built more for sealed roads than serious off-road driving.
SUVs are also generally nimbler at low speeds and more stable and easier to control at higher speeds because of their lower centre of gravity compared to higher-riding four-wheel drives.
When it comes to safety, many SUVs do perform well in ANCAP vehicle safety ratings, however, as with any vehicle, we’d recommend you check the safety rating of an SUV you may be considering buying.
SUVS ARE ALSO GENERALLY NIMBLER AT LOW SPEEDS AND MORE STABLE AND EASIER TO CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS BECAUSE OF THEIR LOWER CENTRE OF GRAVITY.
Given SUVs are typically built with more compact suspension systems than those of dedicated four-wheel drives, an SUV will have more interior space and greater practicality, where vehicles of a similar size are compared.
The loftier height of the seats in SUVs makes them easier to get in and out of for some folk, especially as they don’t have to bend down or haul themselves up, and instead just slide themselves onto a higher seat base.
But four-wheel drives can reach off-road places that SUVs can’t, mainly due to their high/low range 4x4, higher ground clearances, off-road tyres and specialised suspension and axle designs created for traversing such environments.
Four-wheel drive leads to all-wheel drive
Four-wheel drives have their obvious place offroad, but it took decades after World War II for carmakers to successfully market passenger cars with all four wheels receiving power for purposes other than going bush. This is what we now call all-wheel drive.
The key change here is the absence of typical four-wheel drive truck-like construction, namely a chassis with a body perched on top. Also gone is the extra weight and cabin-space robbing bulk from the low-range gearing, solid axles, transfer cases and other heavy off-road systems.
Stripping excess mass from an existing fourwheel drive and sticking the driveshaft to the rear wheels of a front-wheel drive car is exactly how Audi changed the automotive world forever in 1980.
The Audi Quattro of 1980 pioneered high volume all-wheel drive vehicle production.
Combined with a turbocharger for increased power, it created a new class of performance car that proved incredibly secure at speed, even when raced through rain, snow or gravel. In turn, this helped the Quattro become a rallying sensation overnight and an icon to this day.
By the mid-’80s many rivals developed similar all-wheel drive systems. In Europe, America and Japan especially, buyers demanded it to help get them through fierce winters.
Canny Subaru, meanwhile, launched a raised Liberty all-wheel drive wagon in 1996, glued some cladding on the side and called it the Outback – thus giving birth to the crossover. Others soon released similar models and another niche was born.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A 2021 Toyota Kluger; Subaru’s Outback gave birth to the crossover segment; Mitsubishi Pajero Sport; Nissan’s X-Trail; The Audi Quattro created a new class of performance car.
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A beautiful expression of a grandmother’s love, the pendant is also a remarkable value which can be yours for just 3 instalments of $49.99 or $149.97 plus $14.99 postage and handling. This exquisite edition arrives in a velvet jewellery gift box that includes the touching Grandma’s Pearls ofWisdompoem and a Certificate of Authenticity. Our 120-day guarantee assures your complete satisfaction. The design is exclusive to The Bradford Exchange – you won’t find it anywhere else, so you must act today. Send no money now. Return the coupon or go online today at www.bradford.com.au/gd
I’ve travelled paths you’ve yet to walk
Learned lessons old and new And now this wisdom of my life I’m blessed to share with you
Let kindness spread like sunshine Embrace those who are sad Respect their dignity, give them joy And leave them feeling glad
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In 2018, there were 3236 deaths due to air pollution in Australia - a 26 per cent increase from 2015 - yet there remains a lack of quality data to inform the community and decision-makers.
By global standards, Perth certainly does experience good air quality a lot of the time, much like the rest of Australia. However, there are times when our air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation’s Air Quality Guidelines. When this happens, it can result in negative health impacts, especially in those that are more vulnerable. It doesn’t take constant exposure to poor quality air for it to impact you.
Vehicles emit a range of pollutants that are harmful to the environment and our health. They continue to be some of the biggest polluters in urban areas in Australia, and in Western Australia the car is by far the dominant mode of travel.
To give Perth residents a more detailed picture of local air quality, RAC recently launched the most comprehensive air quality sensor network in the country, joining cities such as London, Paris and Los Angeles in the use of world-leading air quality technology.
The RAC Air Health Monitor will be a network of more than 200 sensors providing real-time, localised air quality measurements. Using an interactive model which blends air quality data from the sensor network with other sources, including satellites and traffic monitoring
services, the monitor allows anyone to see data on pollutant levels in the metropolitan area down to neighbourhood level.
RAC group executive Social and Community Impact, Patrick Walker, says the insights will be game-changing.
“RAC’s focus is on understanding and tackling harmful vehicle emissions. “Insights from this important initiative will support government policy changes and investment, while also empowering the community to know the air quality in their area and make individual choices in support of healthier air.
“Our air quality is not currently as bad as some cities, but we know there is no safe level of air pollution exposure and our vehicle emissions have been on the rise.
“We need to act together, now, to reduce vehicle emissions. This includes action to support electric vehicle uptake, tackle congestion, and more people driving less, and using public transport, walking and cycling more.”
Over the page, we break down why air quality is an important issue for all of us and how we can reduce the risks.
Air pollution comes from a range of both natural and human-made sources. Significant human-influenced air pollution sources include fossil fuel, combustion from road traffic, industrial processes, power generation and domestic wood heaters.
Over the last 30 years, the average emissions per person from road transport increased by almost 11 per cent in WA, while the national average declined by almost 1 per cent.
In major cities across Australia, one of the main sources of air pollution is from motor vehicle emissions.
In 2020/21, Western Australians travelled 19.5 billion kilometres by car. On average, every person aged 17 and older travelled 9300km by car.
In WA, the percentage increase in road transport emissions over the last 30 years is almost double that of Australia’s.
We will measure a variety of pollutants including Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). In the future, we will explore options to measure other pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and black carbon (sometimes known as soot).
Australia is the only developed country that does not have a mandatory carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) standard for new light vehicles, and our noxious emissions standards are less stringent than elsewhere. RAC has called on government to introduce impactful CO 2 and Euro 6d (or equivalent) emissions standards for new light vehicles, to accelerate the transition to cleaner vehicles and reduce harmful vehicle emissions and the impacts on human health and the environment.
In Australia in 2018, it’s estimated air pollution contributed to 3236 deaths and approximately 5.8 per cent of all cardiovascular disease, 3.2 per cent of all respiratory disease and 0.6 per cent of all cancers.
That same year the number of deaths attributable to air pollution was more than 26 per cent higher than in 2015.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021.
Australia is the only developed country without CO2 standards for new light vehicles
DEATHS AND APPROXIMATELY
of all cardiovascular disease
of all respiratory disease
of all cancers
Consider a greener travel option, like public transport, carpooling, walking or cycling for more of your trips. In WA, two in three private car trips are less than 5km and most people can cycle 5km in 15-20min or walk 1km in 10min.
Avoid idling your car, especially around schools and in highly pedestrianised areas.
At home, choose renewable electricity like solar and wind, including solar panels and ‘green’ power plans.
Transition to a low or zero emissions vehicle e.g. a hybrid or electric vehicle. Currently one in two RAC members would consider buying an electric or hybrid car for their next vehicle purchase. Of the other one in two, 68 per cent said high purchase costs were a barrier.
RAC has called on government to implement incentives and subsidies to increase affordability and welcomed the WA Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate as part of the Clean Energy Car Fund. For more information on the accessing the rebate, visit the Department of Transport’s Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate page at transport.wa.gov.au
Of all OECD countries, Australia allows the lowest quality fuel.
Diesel fuel has met maximum allowable 10ppm (parts per million) sulfur specifications since January 2009, but currently the allowable sulfur content in unleaded petrol is up to 150ppm - 15 times the international standard.
Fortunately, Australia’s dirty fuel is getting cleaner, and from 2024 petrol sold in Australia will have a maximum sulfur level of 10ppm.
Try to limit your exposure to outdoor air. Stay indoors with the doors and windows shut and avoiding exercising outside. Anyone can be impacted by poor air quality but those with heart or respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are at greater risk.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides recommendations on what to do. Visit der.wa.gov.au
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Enjoy all the fun of camping with a lot more convenience. Here are 10 good reasons why you may be tempted to leave the tent at home for your next camping trip.
Maybe you started your camping adventure with a basic $30 tent from a discount store, as many young adult campers do, and it worked just fine.
Then you made the big decision to upgrade to a full-sized tent for the whole family, once there was a partner and some kids to accommodate.
Now you might have a family-sized dome tent and as much camping gear as you can possibly squeeze into a family wagon while still leaving room for other essentials, like your family.
Either way, this state of affairs is great for a few years, until that one trip where a mate shows up in a caravan. Not that you’re jealous or anything.
A caravan, even a second-hand one, might just be too much of a hit to the budget. Or may be too much of a hindrance off-road. But a camper trailer could be just the ticket to improve your camping experience. So, to help you rationalise the decision, here are 10 reasons why a camper trailer may be better than your old tent.
As versatile, inexpensive and compact as tents are, it’s likely that from time to time you’re going to be sleeping on an awkward slope that results in a sore back and every single child rolling onto your mattress and spending the night kicking you. In a camper trailer, you sleep off the ground on a flat platform with a proper bed, and you can use ramps, jockey wheels and stabiliser legs to get everything more level.
There’s a limit to how convenient folding tables, portable stoves and collapsible pantries are when camping, and that limit is often found at pack-up time, and often when it’s raining. Disassembling 30 different ‘time-saving’ pieces of camping equipment very quickly takes forever, especially when you also have to arrange them in the back of the car in a very particular order or it won’t all fit. In a good camper trailer, compartmentalisation, cavernous amounts of space and integrated camp kitchens make this a far simpler affair. If you’re really good, you might even be able to get the kids to put things back where they go after they’ve used them.
ABOVE: With a camper trailer, if you roll into camp late, you can still be set up in no time.
Because everything has its place, the extreme ends of your camping trip are much more relaxed. If you’ve rolled into camp late, getting the tent set up and the beds made is a minutes-long affair. Even if you get in early, the time between check-in and sitting around the fire is much shorter. More importantly, pack up is quicker, so you can stay and play a bit longer, or be more at ease doing overnighters on those long road trips.
If you spend any time at all preparing food at camp, you’ll have noticed how uncomfortable it can be doing so at a camp table, rather than at something with the height of a proper bench. Camper trailers, no matter how simple the kitchen, solve that, so you can chop veggies, make pancakes and flip sausages without a bend in your back. But the convenience of having a slide-out or integrated kitchen can’t be understated. Without having to do much more than open something and plug in a gas lead, you can be heating some food at lunch-stops, or preparing gourmet delights each night at camp. Plus, you’ve got space for a proper fridge, access to running water and a sink.
This is a broad generalisation, because there are plenty of camper trailers that cost more than an equivalent caravan, but camper trailers offer an affordable entry into the towable RV market, and there are so many options to suit your desires and budget.
Broadly, there are four different types of camper trailer. The simplest is a soft-floor camper. Generally, these feature a canvas tent that folds off the side and the floor area is tent material, therefore, soft. For as little as $10,000, you could pick up a brand new, Australian-made soft-floor camper trailer with enough comfort to turn you off tents forever. Next, hard-floor campers have a few sub-divisions, but in most, the trailer’s lid folds over and becomes the tent’s floor, therefore hard. It helps keep everything level and above puddles or rough ground. Prices start at about $14,000 for an entry-level imported, hardfloor camper trailer with as much comfort as a budget caravan.
Next, there’s forward- or double-folding camper trailers. With these, the trailer’s lids fold over to become the beds, and usually, the trailer body holds a crude living area with a lounge and table. Start your budgeting at around $15,000, but you could easily spend up to $80,000.
The ‘Jayco’ style camper trailers (although Jayco did not invent them), are the fourth style. These most closely resemble caravans, with internal living areas and kitchen. Prices start at around $15,000, but a bigger, off-road model could be as much as $50,000. Keep an eye on the second-hand market, too. For just a few thousand dollars, you can get a used Jayco, which will have the same layout as a modern one, without the shininess.
Finally, all other camper trailers can broadly be lumped into the expedition camper category. These may or may not have a tent, and their primary function is to carry as much gear in as organised a way as possible for extended bush forays. Patriot Campers is probably the most well-known manufacturer of this style of camper.
Camper trailers don’t need to sit dormant in your driveway for months on end. With the increase in popularity and trust of the share-economy, there are several good marketplaces where you can hire out your camper trailer to people who were just like you before you bought your own. While you might not be quitting your day job on the income, you will possibly put enough money away through the year to pay for your next holiday. People are paying between $80 and $140 a night for camper trailer hire. Google ‘p2p camper trailer hire’ and you’ll see the different options.
The compact nature of camper trailers means they’re much easier to tow than a full-sized caravan. Often, their profile means they sit behind the car, so don’t affect aerodynamics or fuel economy as much as a big, white box. Because they’re short and low to the ground, they’re also far less prone to situations like trailer sway. They are less daunting to reverse into sites at camp because it’s easier to gauge where they end or see over and past them. Even if you don’t get the reverse perfectly right, they’re often light enough to get into place once they’re unhitched. As a potential costsaving, you’re less likely to need a vehicle upgrade to tow one, as most are light enough that most modern SUVs, large family wagons and vans can tow them.
With the ability to take and store a good amount of fresh provisions, you can stay away for longer. In a camper trailer, there’s much more space for the bare essentials. Even a modestly equipped camper trailer will have a 60-litre water tank and packing a week’s worth of food into it shouldn’t be that hard. With that space comes the ability to camp in more remote locations for longer. Without the need to find a tap or restock the pantry every few days, the scope of your camping adventures expands.
As great as camping is, in and of itself, it’s just sleeping in a less comfortable bed than the one at home, with a lot less Netflix. For most people, camping is about the experiences it opens them up to. Surfing that faraway break, casting a line to catch some bigger fish than at home, riding those mountain bike trails or four-wheel driving along a remote, deserted beach. With a camper trailer, you have the opportunity to pack equipment and toys that will take the adventure even further.
How many of us err on the side of not camping because it’ll take too long to pack the car? Because a camper trailer is dedicated to the job of camping, it can be left ready. All the things you need – bedding, kitchen, non-perishables, chairs and even some of the toys you bring can be left packed in the camper, waiting. Once you make the decision, it’s as simple as filling up the water tanks, loading the fridge with drinks, raiding the home pantry for anything good and packing some clothes before hitching up. You could be on the road within an hour of making a decision, enjoying a weekend not doing housework, which could, in itself, be the 11th reason to swap your tent for a camper trailer – no housework.
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: For around $10,000 you can get an Aussie made camper; Camper trailers can offer a comfortable space for meals; Compartmentalisation makes packing up easy.
For campers who love to rough it a little and truly immerse themselves in nature, a stay in one of WA’s many national parks is a great way to experience some of the state’s most impressive natural wonders.
There are around 100 different campgrounds across WA’s national and conservation parks. Most sites only have basic facilities, so you should be well prepared before you arrive, though some do have facilities such as barbeques and showers.
Camping fees vary across sites depending on the facilities available and bookings are essential at some. To find a campground, check site facilities and to book, visit parkstay.dbca.wa.gov.au
Remember some parks also have an entry fee. This is paid per vehicle for a standard vehicle (12 or fewer occupants) and is only paid once during your stay.
If you’re a regular national park camper or just a visitor, consider buying an annual parks pass. This will give you unlimited entry to more than 30 WA parks where entry fees apply, for a period 12 months.
RAC members get a 50 per cent discount on WA national park passes.
The digital passes can be purchased through our online shop at rac.com.au/shop
If you’re planning a trip to Esperance this summer and are keen to see as much of the stunning coastline as possible, a scenic flight is a great option.
One local operator, Fly Esperance, offers a number of flights, tours and flight packages, including their Esperance fly/lunch package.
It includes a 60-minute scenic flight that will take you over beaches renowned as having Australia’s whitest sands, flying over Cape Le Grand National Park and Duke of Orleans Bay, and over stretches of coast that are otherwise almost inaccessible.
Landing near the coastal town of Condingup, you’ll be transferred to the historic Condingup Tavern for a lunch of fresh, local snapper, plus beer and wine.
The return flight back then takes a different path for even more stunning views.
The fly/lunch package can also be paired with a four-wheel drive beach tour, so you can explore the coast from ground level as well.
To find out more, visit flyesperance.com
The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, off the coast of Rockingham, is well known for the colony of little penguins that are resident on Penguin Island, but this marine park has many other attractions to explore.
The reefs dotted throughout the park are popular for snorkelling. You can also swim with the park’s wild dolphins on a
dolphin cruise, or paddle around the rocky outcrops and spot sea lions basking on the beach at Seal Island.
Perth Wildlife Encounters offer a number of tours in the park, including a Threeisland Snorkel, Wildlife and Seafood Cruise. You’ll be taken to the best snorkelling spots around Penguin, Seal and Bird
islands, and then back onboard, enjoy gourmet platters which include fresh, local seafood.
All snorkelling gear, including wetsuits and floatation devices are provided.
To find out more and to see what other tours are on offer, visit penguinisland.com.au
It’s an expensive time of year, but even if the household budget is a little tight, everyone needs and deserves a holiday. This summer you and your family can enjoy a break that won’t break the bank at any of RAC’s nine Parks & Resorts across WA, and it’s still not too late to book your summer getaway.
Choose from caravan and campsites, cabins or chalet stays across a range of iconic WA locations, including Busselton, Cervantes, Esperance, Karri Valley, Margaret River, Monkey Mia and Exmouth.
We have a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget and every kind of holidaymaker, from couples and families to groups.
RAC members also enjoy exclusive discounts.
To see the latest special offers and to make a booking, visit racparksandresorts.com.au
If you hear rustling in the bushes on Woody Island, there’s no need to stop and freeze.
Somewhat uncharacteristically for Australia, the holiday isle sitting just 15km off the coast of Esperance, or Kepa Kurl, is entirely devoid of snakes. The crackling of leaves comes instead from resident skinks, geckos and quail, who roam noisily but invisibly beneath the cover of nature’s understorey. It takes some getting used to, but once you’ve calmed your body’s auto-response, the snake-free status becomes another of the getaway’s many charms.
Woody Island, some 700km south-east of Perth, is the only place you can stay within the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, also known as the Bay of Isles. Dotted with safari tents and lined with walking trails, it winks across the Southern Ocean at those taking the 40-minute ferry trip over. More recently, visitors can arrive in style, touching down on rounded granite rocks in a helicopter – their journey lasts six scenic minutes.
Curling around three coves and covered in a blend of coastal scrub and wooded
thickets, Woody Island was uninhabited until the late 1940s. The harbour’s tugboat owner, Don Mackenzie, took a shine to it, using it for family weekend escapes and grazing land: he shipped over 300 sheep and built basic infrastructure. By 1954, the livestock had to be removed as the archipelago was declared a nature reserve, but for the Mackenzie’s, the connection continued.
The ’70s saw Don and his sons start to bring day trippers across on their tugboat – the only one at the time to be licensed for passengers. The family added basic camping facilities for overnight visitors in the 1980s, evolving the island into a rustic, summer school holiday camp site and short cruise destination.
The Woody Island Visitor Centre opened in 1999, characterised by its tree trunk supports and all-wooden interior. It faces Shearwater Bay, a natural harbour where boats moor and visitors wander up the jetty past rounded rocks, with only a tiny strip of sand. Long before sustainability was a buzzword, the Mackenzie’s installed environmentally friendly composting toilets, rainwater tanks and boardwalks that minimised nature trampling and erosion and are still in use today.
Travel
“We have a huge range of coral growing under the jetty, which is unusual for Esperance.”
Esperance local and chief executive officer of Woody Island Eco Tours, Gen Spencer, remembers the joy she felt as a child, arriving on the island.
“It was a treat to go out there whenever we could,” she says. “I had my 13th birthday there.”
The nostalgia was so strong, that when Spencer’s family took over the running of the island in 2017, she was determined to bring back the pontoon and double slide she loved as a kid. A replica of the one living in her memories arrived in March 2022.
“I wanted to bring back the pontoon, to bring back the past with something new” she says. “Everyone is just so happy to see it up and going again.”
As an adult, Spencer is just as enchanted by Woody Island. “You drift in on the boat and all you can hear is the island is alive,” she says. “It’s flourishing with
birdlife, and you can hear the chirping; there’s an abundance of different plants and trees. I love that first sensation.”
Beyond the comforting absence of snakes, the island is home to flesh footed shearwaters and fairy penguins who return each evening to Twiggy’s Landing. The tranquil spot is found at the end of a bush trail and is named after a pet Labrador who was lost at sea about 4km from the island, and later turned up there.
You may also see roos on the rocks, silhouetted at dusk, although a court of kangaroos outside Black Jack’s bar, beside the Visitor Centre, is far easier to spot. They were introduced to the island to keep on top of weeds and feral plant species. And the bar?
Named after a pirate that once lurked on Middle Island, not the poker game.
Woody Island, some 700km south-east of Perth, is the only place you can stay within the 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago.
There are other marked walking trails, including the Island Top Walk and one that takes you to the suggestively named Skinny Dip Bay. You can go it alone to the bay, wandering along slender eucalypt woodland to reach a secluded corner of granite boulders tumbling into the sea. The Top Walk is do-able under your own steam, or you can join a guided 1.8km walk, whether staying on the island ($65) or joining a day trip ($125/adult). Head uphill through a cluster of sheoaks whispering in the wind and look for the bench seat with a plaque dedicated to “Tom, who loved the birds and quiet places.” Finish up at the solar-powered Visitor Centre and kiosk, and tuck into a steak sandwich or locally caught gummy shark fish with chips.
Snorkelling on Woody Island is fantastic and wearing a wetsuit highly recommended. Gen Spencer describes the ocean temperature
as “refreshing,” which some may say is an understatement. It’s worth diving down to inspect the waving seaweed below. Within, there are 450 species of soft coral, intricate sea grasses and sponges, along with varied fish (marine gear is free to overnight guests; day trippers can rent it).
“We have a huge range of coral growing under the jetty, which is unusual for Esperance,” says Spencer. “There’s vibrant colour and red starfish up the pylons of the jetty.” Helpfully, there’s a Perspex-bottomed kayak for cold-adverse guests.
The styles and standard of accommodation on Woody Island has evolved over time. Most of it is set up for you and includes beds, making for a comfortable wilderness stay. Starting with raw bush camp sites ($60/night for two people),
CLOCKWISE FROM THE FAR LEFT: Exploring the local wonders via kayak; Woody Island Eco Tours can get you to and from the Island; You’ll see and hear a diverse range of birdlife; Accommodation varies from raw bush camp sites to luxury eco tents.
there are ground-level tents ($120/night, bed/s included, fits two) furnished family tents on decking ($160/night, for a maximum of four guests) and balconied safari huts on stilts ($180/night, fitting two adults and three children).
“All of the family and standard tents are brand new,” says Spencer. “We’ve used a canvas that aerates better and they’re a darker colour so the sap off the eucalyptus trees doesn’t show up as much. We’ve also upgraded the decking beneath the tents and around the island.”
More recently, a coveted number of couples-only ‘luxury retreat’ eco tents opened, with inviting interior-styling including lush linen on a king bed, couch, fluffy rug and stunning balcony views ($260/ night, minimum two-night stay). Lighting is solarpowered and there are even USB points for device recharging – not that you’ll need them on the island, which has blissfully limited phone coverage.
In 2023, it’s the safari huts’ turn to be upgraded, with all-new canvas and beds. It comes at a time when Woody Island is welcoming more visitors than ever before.
Middle Island’s captivating pink lake While you’re in Esperance, a trip to this unique wonder makes a great additional adventure. Seeing (and snapping) Lake Hillier, the otherworldly fuchsia-pink lake on Middle Island, is a bucket list item for many. Fly Esperance has a dedicated, 80min fixed wing scenic flight experience that also takes in Woody Island and Cape le Grand National Park, and for something fun, it has recently launched a flying bar hop, with the option of adding on a view of Lake Hillier. HeliSpirit, which operates its helicopter out of Esperance during the warmer months, lands on a rock platform on Middle Island and runs a guided walk to the pink lake’s edge.
“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a 100 per cent loss in accommodation and ferry bookings,” says Spencer. “Once regulations loosened off, the season that’s just been [September 21-June 22] was our busiest yet. We were up 30 to 40 per cent in some months.”
Spencer says Woody Island’s untamed nature and tranquillity will continue to draw visitors, along with the transformation it delivers. “You really feel like you have travelled overseas to a completely different place.” she says. “And yet you’re only 40min from town.”
For more details, vsit woodyisland.com.au
Extend your time in Esperance and stay at RAC Esperance Holiday Park. RAC members enjoy exclusive discounts. Visit racparksandresorts.com.au
Getting off-grid used to mean packing a tent, an esky and a camp stove. You’d head out to a secluded spot, knowing you’d return needing a good scrub and looking forward to a comfy bed. Not anymore.
Picture instead a king-sized bed covered in flax linen butted up against a wall of glass, framing an enchanting WA view of hefty marri trees and a hillside raked with grapevines.
To the side is a micro kitchen equipped with gas burners and a solar powered mini fridge, while through a sliding door is a (hot) rainwater shower and composting eco loo. All that - and the kitchen sink - fits compactly into only 15 square metres. Welcome to the age of tiny cabin accommodation.
Across Australia, hundreds of off-grid escapes have been positioned on farms, vineyards and bushland – places you might not otherwise have access to – offering fence-free isolation with a minimal eco footprint. Tiny cabins tend to be built on wheels, with the ability to be relocated with relative ease and minimal disturbance to the environment. Some have decks with barbeques, others have outdoor baths, but it’s what they don’t have that is perhaps most appealing. At each, there’s not another soul in sight.
Spurred by the tiny house movement and galvanised by the restrictive COVID-19 era, tiny cabins unlock that slice of simplicity and serenity so many crave. Increasingly, people are choosing nature escapes where they can travel more mindfully and shake off the past couple of years of anxiety. The shift is so widespread, it even has a name: ‘ecotherapy’.
Initially just for couples and solo travellers, there are now family-friendly tiny cabins that allow children to roam freely in the great outdoors. Since 2019, rural WA has been joining the trend.
“There’s no neighbour, you’re in complete seclusion in nature and you can turn off your phone and enjoy the peace and quiet,” says Ash Bamford, who, with husband Jon, owns Hidden Cabins. “I don’t think you get that in a regular hotel or a BnB, because you’ve got people around you. Even with camping, there are people on the sites next to you. We wanted that hidden aspect,” she says.
The couple launched their first cabin, ‘Florence’ in July 2021 and added another, ‘Henry’ in May 2022. A third is due to arrive early in 2023, set on an old dairy farm.
Florence is shrouded in the forest of Pinjarup country, an easy 1.5 hours away from Perth
in the Peel Region, while Henry is tucked behind rolling hills and vineyards on Kaniyang country in the Ferguson Valley, about two hours’ drive from Perth. Not too far to go, yet just far away enough for guests to unplug. “A little escape to nature is just what you need every now and then to reground yourself,” says Ash.
John and Ash stumbled upon tiny houses when they were researching ideas to create a more mainstream style of tourism accommodation. Inspired by the 2019 Netflix program, Tiny House Nation and having renovated a number of houses together, they headed down the micro path.
“Originally, we thought we’d buy our own block of land and do some regular cabins in the traditional way,” says Ash. “Then we decided we wanted to be in different locations.
Partnering with landowners means we can do that and having the cabins on wheels means we can move them around.”
Each cabin is designed to be part of the landscape it’s going into, inside and out.
Windows on all sides give the impression you’re outdoors, while being cosy within.
At Henry, the chortle of magpies and the raspy squawk of red-tailed black cockatoos provides a calming soundtrack as shafts of fading sun bounce off the mirror-like dam beside the vines.
Increasingly, people are choosing nature escapes where they can travel more mindfully and shake off the past couple of years of anxiety.Rachel Claire
As awareness spreads about the psychological benefits of time in nature, demand for this sort of connective approach is only expected to grow. “The experience of a tiny house ties in with that need to slow down,” says Ash. “You don’t need everything you think you do; it can be refreshing and relaxing on its own.”
The ‘cute factor’ may be the accommodations’ defining element: tiny cabin interiors tend to be design-focused, detail-oriented and totally Instagrammable. The two Hidden Cabins are a case in point.
Carefully curated books on chasing the slow life share shelf space with glass jars of spelt pancake mix and bags of locally baked granola. There’s a brew guide for the supplied coffee beans, which sit near a card printed with the message, “There’s no wifi in the forest, but I promise you’ll find a better connection.”
Handmade ceramic plates and mugs add tactile beauty, while fun is found in a draw beneath the bed, where games such as Cluedo and Connect 4 are wrapped in calico bags.
“We’ve intentionally chosen brands that are eco-conscious and the majority of the fit out is sourced from Australian businesses, which I think is really important. Even the mattress brand is B-corp (a certification
achieved by businesses with positive social and environmental ethics),” says Ash. “It definitely cost us more, but it ends up being a higher quality finish and it’s better for the environment, too.”
To date, the cabins have been embraced by the 24 to 35-year-old set, though a number of people in their 70s have also tapped into the tiny trend. With cabins currently booked out at least two months in advance, Jon and Ash plan to slowly add more to their offering. “We’re super passionate about it and we want to open up these amazing little spots for other people to visit,” says Ash.
CLOCKWISE FROM THE FAR LEFT: The latest tiny cabin offering from Hidden Cabins; The ultimate in secluded holiday accommodation; Cabins are often located on working farms; Inside one of Heyscspe’s tiny cabins.
Another WA business, Heyscape, launched into tiny cabins back in 2019. They now have 11 petit stays stretching from Margaret River to Narrogin, Serpentine, Toodyay and the Chittering Valley. The aim is to have up to 30 cabins - each measuring 18sqm - by the end of next year, in as many locations as possible. Esperance is currently being investigated.
Like Hidden Cabins, Heyscape has adopted human names to personalise the tiny cabin experience. Its first tiny cabin, Joey, sits in a paddock just outside Busselton, on a working farm, vineyard and winery. Native scrub lines the farmland, which is flecked with kangaroos who tussle in tall grasses.
Yawning windows draw the view in to the lumberjack-vibe wood panel interior, which is fitted with a queen bed and all the essentials. Beyond the Colourbond-clad frame, an open wood fire and hammocks strung between trees beckon. There’s not another human in sight, and the mobile phone coverage is reduced to a single bar: enough only to send and receive text messages. It’s a place to deeply exhale.
“They’re popular because people love the design and our lives are so busy, it’s paring back the holiday experience and giving you a proper sense of disconnect,” says Tenealle Harper, Heyscape’s guest experience manager. “It’s also that feeling of having some space. Even though WA is so massive, we’re mostly all hemmed in. To have that room to breathe while retaining creature comforts is rare and quite unique,” she says.
Joey was built in 10 days. Heyscape’s owners, Pierre Sauvignon and Sam Soley, wanted to meld their love of camping and the outdoors with the creature comforts of a shower, toilet and whole bean coffee. “Originally, it was a wooden box on wheels in keeping with the tiny house look, in the style of American and European reality shows,” says Tenealle. “It was really pretty, but not super practical for the varying degrees of extreme weather you can get in WA. It’s since been refurbished and insulated, in line with the lessons we’ve learned.”
A whole new way to see WA During the global pandemic, they noticed a hankering from WA tourists to dive into the regions and stay somewhere different.
More tiny cabins seemed a logical solution. “We often hear that there’s a lack of good accommodation in the regions, especially in places like the Wheatbelt,” says Tenealle.
“The cabins give people the opportunity to explore somewhere they’ve never been, despite living in this state.”
The Wheatbelt has a particular drawcard: a distinct absence of artificial light. Narrogin was added to WA’s Astrotourism Town map in 2020 for its stargazing trail of dark skies.
Each of Heyscape’s two Wheatbelt cabinsset well apart on more than 2000 hectares of cropping land, east of Narrogin - is fitted with an outdoor bath from which to observe the splendour of the night sky. “The star gazing opportunities are insane, there’s a massive lack of light pollution and it’s pretty flat, so you get a really good view wherever you are,” says Tenealle.
She says now that international tourists are returning, they’re also showing a thirst to explore beyond city limits, to “the real WA”. Heyscape launched its first luxury cabin in the Chittering Valley in September. Called Lauren, it’s a compact haven of customised furnishings, with high-end linens, a deep soaking tub made from half a concrete wine vat and a motorised cinema screen for watching movies in bed. It’s a sign of what’s to come, as more businesses add more cabins to every corner of WA. On that account, it seems that staying small and living simply might just be the next big thing.
ABOVE: The Wheatbelt’s low light pollution makes is ideal for stargazing.
“The cabins give people the opportunity to explore somewhere they’ve never been, despite living in this state.”
Find yourself at home at St Ives, and you’ll find yourself at the centre of something special. Surrounding you is a lifestyle that lets you live the retirement you have always imagined. Whether it’s pursuing hobbies, staying social or keeping healthy, St Ives is your opportunity to enjoy it all. And you’ll be enjoying it with like-minded neighbours who are living their version of a ‘happy retirement’.
Why not experience St Ives for yourself? Book a tour today at stivesgroup.com.au
230 Morrison Road, Midvale, WA 6056 08 9274 6161 www.solarmyworld.com.au
Solar myWorld’s SUNSYNK hybrid inverter is the most advanced inverter on the market and can do ALL of the following SIMULTANEOUSLY:
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230 Morrison Road, Midvale, WA 6056 08 9274 6161 www.solarmyworld.com.au
New types of high-visibility road line markings and other treatments are being trialled in Victoria in a bid to enhance road safety in regional areas of the state. The enhancements include glow-in-the-dark paint, LED tactile paving at pedestrian crossings and line markings with increased reflectivity. Regional Roads Victoria said the targeted roads make up a small percentage of Victoria’s overall road network but are well overrepresented in terms of fatal and serious injury crashes. About 70 locations across regional Victoria are scheduled to receive the high-vis treatment – something for authorities in WA to consider.
Generation Alpha – those born between 2010 and the early 2020s – have already had a say in what they expect from future technology. A UK survey conducted by Hyundai of 1000 youngsters aged between six and 10 years old has found that 72 per cent would like to see self-charging electric cars, over half would like a flying car and 17 per cent wanted to go to space via public transport. Among adults quizzed in the same survey, 38 per cent said tech could be deployed to further improve the environmental credentials of transport, while robots, renewables and artificial intelligence were also important among those adults surveyed. Hyundai said the study was done to understand how adults and children perceive mobility solutions such as electric cars and flying taxis.
Large electric vehicles like trucks and buses may be a challenge to operate over long distances, but for high density urban areas and shorter trips, the game changes somewhat. In urban areas where there is more stop/start traffic, there’s an increased opportunity for charging through regenerative braking. Further, converting a diesel bus to electric is one way to reduce manufacturing emissions, because it makes use of existing buses by converting them to zero tailpipe emissions vehicles rather than building whole new ones. The UK-based business Kleanbus claims it can turn any diesel bus into a zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle. But arguably the most compelling part of the idea is the proposition that repowered electric buses could cost one fifth of a new electric bus with a third of the operating costs of diesel buses, according to Kleanbus.
By a comfortable margin, twincab utes are the most popular type of vehicle among new car buyers in Australia.
TOP: Isuzu has priced its range-topping D-Max X-Terrain at $5500 cheaper than the lower-spec LS-U+; LEFT: The D-Max and BT-50 share Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine; ABOVE: Both the Isuzu and the Mazda received 5-star ANCAP safety ratings under the 2022 ANCAP test protocols.
Nationally, twin-cab utes made up 21 per cent of new car sales in the first half of 2022. Here in WA, utes made up a whopping 25 per cent of sales. So, it follows that smart manufacturers are constantly listening to what buyers want so they can identify market niches which could give them an edge over their rivals.
Among the more recent Isuzu D-Max variants is the LS-U+, which sits just below the top-of-the-range X-Terrain. The LS-U+ offers most of the luxuries of the X-Terrain but without its extraverted styling. It’s a package that could well appeal to those who want to enjoy some extra comforts with an understated exterior.
The Mazda BT-50 SP is also one variant down from the range-topping BT-50 Thunder, and it too forgoes the showy exterior while keeping it comfortable and fully featured inside.
The D-Max and the BT-50 share the same engine, gearbox, suspension, and infotainment system. The LS-U+ and the BT-50 SP sit in similar positions in their model ranges, however more than $3500 separates their prices of $70,568 and $74,374 respectively.
But there’s more to the value story than that. In an unusual discounting offer, Isuzu has priced its range-topping D-Max X-Terrain at $5500 cheaper than the lower-spec LS-U+. So you can get the top-of-the-range X-Terrain for $64,990, but if you want the lower-spec LS-U+, you’ll need to pay $70,570. Which means the range-topping BT-50 will cost over $10,000 more than the price of the equivalent top-of-the-range D-Max.
The warranty for the D-Max is six years compared to five for the Mazda, however Isuzu has a distance limit of 150,000km whereas Mazda’s warranty is for unlimited kilometres.
It’s little surprise that with such similar underpinnings, they drive similarly.
As of October 2020, the D-Max and BT-50 share Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which makes 140kW and 450Nm. That power plant was an upgrade from the previous Isuzu engine’s 130kW/430Nm.
We did note that the Mazda, in this SP variant, is nearly 100kg heavier than the Isuzu LS-U+, and this is likely to play a part in the Isuzu having a slightly heavier payload allowance of 988kg, compared to the Mazda’s 892kg payload capacity. Some drivers may appreciate the lightness of the steering in these two, but it’s also quite vague. The lane-keeping system is also lacking in refinement and subtlety. The unladen ride in both these utes is reasonable.
With both the Isuzu and BT-50 being young in their life cycles, they do have up-to-date safety features, and both deservedly received 5-star ANCAP safety ratings under the 2022 ANCAP test protocols. However, those protocols will become stricter from 2023, so these utes will soon not be leaping the highest safety hurdle.
On the BT-50, the manually operated roller cover over the tray is great for locking away smaller items, but the box containing the cover takes up some of the tray’s length.
Also, Mazda’s own excellent in-house infotainment system would have been the more user-friendly one to use than the D-Max-sourced one in the BT-50.
Where only these two variants – the D-Max LS-U+ and the Mazda BT-50 SP –are compared, it’s hard to ignore the extra value of the D-Max given the LS-U+ is over $3000 cheaper.
ENGINE 3.0-litre turbo diesel POWER 140kW @ 3600rpm
TORQUE 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm
CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.0L/100km* PRICE from $74,374 drive away
SAFETY
ENGINE 3.0-litre turbo diesel POWER 140kW @ 3600rpm
TORQUE 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm
CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.0L/100km* PRICE from $70,570 drive away
SAFETY
In 2020, the petrol XC40 was the second-best selling luxury small SUV after the Audi Q3, outselling the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1.
The arrival of plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40 in late 2020 and then the first pure electric XC40 in mid-2021 kept its popularity percolating for a similar sales position in 2021. Then, over the first six months of 2022, the XC40 became Australia’s best-selling small luxury SUV.
Petrol versions of the XC40 start at $60,390 drive away, but pure electric XC40s start at $79,790 for the single motor, while the dual motor one (known as the Recharge Twin) will require $86,740.
Like many Volvos before it, the electron-powered Volvo prioritises safety and has features such as rear collision warning and rear AEB (as well as forward collision warning and AEB). The petrol XC40 received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating in 2018, and electrified versions were later included in the rating.
The XC40 Recharge’s seats are adjustable over a wide range and will be able to accommodate most body shapes and sizes – especially welcome for the open road.
However, those drives may be shorter than you expected. On the highway with the XC40 Recharge Twin, we found the remaining kilometres displayed on the battery gauge went down notably quicker than the actual kilometres being covered.
It’s a common issue with EVs, though on a Perth-Bunbury trip the RAC fast charger in Bunbury refilled the XC40’s battery in quick time.
Highway driving is not the forte of most pure electric cars, because there are few opportunities to benefit from regenerative braking.
The XC40 makes up for this in the city though, with quiet but brisk acceleration that is incongruent with its rather upright SUV proportions. Stay in urban areas and you’ll get closer to the claimed 418km range.
The three letters W-R-X typically elicit an excited response among those who like to drive, but this new one is for more than just enthusiasts.
A small wagon now wears the WRX badge, and although Subaru has recently sold a WRX-engined wagon as the Levorg, only now do we have a WRXbadged wagon officially back in the ranks.
This new WRX Sportswagon is comfortable, well-finished inside, and safe and easy to live with. It’s also a practical everyday car that can adapt to the driving mood you’re in.
It can be tame and easy to manage when you need it to be, such as in heavy traffic or when you just want to cruise, and that wasn’t necessarily true of WRXs of the past.
Both the sedan and the Sportswagon are available in standard WRX trim only – the extra high performance STI version has been discontinued.
Compared to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the last model, the new one can access lower gearing, which translates to sharper acceleration.
There’s an eight-speed manual mode for when drivers want to take more control of the gear shifting, and the shifts are now faster. The six-speed manual, which is only available in the sedan, is from the previous model.
The larger 2.4-litre engine is in the same ‘flat four’ cylinder configuration as its 2.0-litre predecessor, but it’s 5kW more powerful at 202kW. Torque output is the same at 350kW, but it arrives lower in the rev range. It also uses slightly less fuel.
It’s a more tractable engine compared to the old 2.0-litre unit, and the sixspeed manual feels robust and at its best when used with decisiveness.
Meanwhile, the CVT remains one of the best, so your choice comes down to personal preference – you won’t go wrong with either.
ENGINE 2.5-litre turbo petrol POWER 202kW @ 5600rpm
350Nm @ 2000-5200rpm
FUEL ECONOMY 8.5L/100km PRICE: $55,490 drive away*
Q For my MG ZS, the recommended tyre pressures are 34psi front and rear, and 60 psi for the spare. But a tyre seller has told me higher pressures are better. One drawback is a harsher ride, but I believe this may be compensated for by better tyre longevity. Is this true and why 60psi for the spare?
A Tyre pressure recommendations from car makers are based on achieving the best compromise of ride comfort, handling, and fuel economy for the average buyer of the vehicle. Adding around 5psi more pressure may make the steering feel sharper but may also cause a slightly harsher ride. This is unlikely to cause extra tyre wear. Space saver spare tyres typically have higher recommended pressures due to their smaller size having to bear the load of a larger tyre.
Q When last refuelling my car, when the nozzle clicked, I pulled it out a little bit and squeezed until the next click. I did this several times. A man filling up nearby said this is a waste because those last bits of fuel will be too close to the top and therefore evaporate. Is he correct?
A
It’s important to stop filling the tank when you feel that first click of the bowser handle, signaling that your tank is full. Modern cars have a system designed to trap fuel vapours left at the top of a full tank, inside a carbon canister. When you overfill your tank, liquid fuel (instead of fuel vapour) may get into the canister. Aside from potentially damaging the canister, overfilling can also cause fuel to spill onto you and the ground, creating a safety hazard.
Q We have always driven manual cars but as we approach our senior years the topic of changing to automatic comes up frequently among our peers. Is it time to consider an auto?
A With the good fuel economy offered by modern autos and no need to change gears, we would suggest you consider an automatic vehicle. Also, apart from sports cars and utes, today’s manual transmission cars are usually only available in the base model variants, with the remaining higher specification cars only available with automatics. So you’ll have more choice, too.
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.
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.
With the warmer weather here, it’s important to keep fire safety top of mind to protect your family and home.
Across the summer of 2021/22, RAC received a significant number of fire claims resulting in more than $4.3 million in damage.
House fires can occur at any time of year, but air conditioners, barbecues and Christmas light displays can cause unexpected, devasting damage. This summer remember to:
Test your smoke alarms and change the batteries once a year.
The summer months are generally the highest for burglary-related insurance claims as we start to spend more time outdoors, often leaving doors and windows open to catch a fresh breeze, or taking a holiday, leaving our homes vacant.
Across the summer months of 2021/22 (December to February) there was a steady increase in theft claims to RAC, and a total increase of nine per cent over the previous three months. WA Police figures for home burglaries over the same period showed a similar increase.
If you’re going away during the holiday period, it’s important to do a security check around your home and identify any areas of risk.
A monitored home alarm system can give your home 24-hour protection and security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on what’s going on around your home when you’re not there.
To discuss the range of security system options with a home security consultant, call RAC's Security team on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security.
Be extra careful with open flames. Don’t leave food to cook on the barbecue unattended.
Turn off and unplug Christmas lights overnight or while you’re not home.
Have your air conditioner serviced regularly.
For those in bushfire prone areas, including within the Perth metropolitan area, we also recommend maintaining a minimum twometre gap between trees, shrubs, and your home, and pruning overhanging branches. Keep grass short and clear your gutters of leaf litter and other debris.
In the year to June 2022, there were 4553 bushfires across WA which burnt through more than two million hectares with 41 homes destroyed.
Those in bushfire prone areas should also prepare a bushfire plan, to identify risks and prepare themselves and their property in the event of a fire. For more information, visit dfes.wa.gov.au
It’s also wise to review your building and contents insurance. Having the right level of cover will give you peace of mind should you need to replace your contents or rebuild your home after a fire.
Call 13 17 03 or log in to MyRAC to manage your insurance policy.
Source: RAC Insurance lodged home contents claims data, Western Australia July-June 2021/22.
Keeping your car’s cooling system in good shape is never more important than in hot weather.
To help prevent your engine from overheating, check your coolant levels regularly. High and low levels will be marked on the reservoir.
If you need to top it up, only use coolant recommended for your car - check your owner’s manual and remember to wait until the engine is cold. Also check that other fluid levels are topped up, including engine, transmission and brake fluids. Extreme heat may shorten the life expectancy of your battery. To help prolong its life, clean any build-up on the terminals and, if your battery is more than three years old, be aware of the
signs that it may be about to fail. This can include the engine cranking slowly when starting and headlights dimming when idling but brightening when the engine is revved.
Your tyres should be checked regularly for signs of wear on the tread and bulges on the tyre wall. The legal
minimum tread depth is 1.5mm but having at least 3mm could mean the difference between keeping you safe in an emergency or not being able to stop in time.
You can lengthen the life of your tyres by always having them inflated to the recommended pressure levels.
Keeping up with regular car servicing is especially important if you’re planning to go on a summer road trip. At RAC's Auto Services all car services include a comprehensive safety check and report to ensure your car is in good driving condition. To book, visit rac.com.au/carservice
Today more than ever, travel insurance is an absolute necessity before you go away, even for domestic trips, and COVID-19 cover is an essential part of your travel insurance.
RAC's Travel Insurance now includes limited COVD-19 cover for all types of travel, including cruising.
Our comprehensive policy provides limited cover if you were to change or cancel your travel plans due to COVID-19.
You get access to assistance 24-hours a day, seven days a week, plus limited cover for children and grandchildren with no additional charge, and RAC members save 15 per cent on policies.
To purchase travel insurance online, visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance or see your local RAC Travel Centre.
Market Determination before making a decision about this product.
Discover the natural beauty of WA with 50% * off digital national park passes. Available for purchase from the RAC online shop.
Get discounted tickets on fun outdoor activities such as Perth’s Outback Splash, Adventure World, Rottnest Island and Caversham Wildlife park. Tickets available through the RAC online shop.
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As well as beating any competitor’s price, we’ll give you an extra 5% discount with your RAC membership card!
If you find a lower advertised price within 60 days of purchasing a Retravision product, we’ll refund 120% of the difference!
Access easy and affordable finance options with interest-free repayments. It’s the stress-free way to shop at Retravision.
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Whilst we have grown and evolved over the years, we are still famous for traditional fish ‘n’ chips. On any visit you can also enjoy a selection of fried or grilled delicacies, including fresh local fish that is hand cut onsite, local lobster, crabs, prawns and even abalone. A Cicerello’s experience is so much more than fish ‘n’ chips, our Fremantle location is home to WA’s largest private free aquariums which we invite you to explore.
are pleased to partner with another local WA icon, RAC WA.
Cicerello’s has been an iconic Fremantle destination since its founding in 1903. Today, nearly 120 years later, we are still a local family owned business.
There is no worse feeling than getting in your car only to find out your battery is flat. Specialists in lithium technology and West Australian company iTechworld have developed the ultimate tool to fight against flat batteries. The JS80 is iTechworld’s newest flagship lithium-powered jump starter.
Designed to jumpstart any vehicle with a flat battery with ease, the JS80 will jumpstart your vehicle at the press of a button.
With a massive 3000 starting amps, the JS80 will start any vehicle, no matter how big or small. With seven inbuilt safety features, jump starting is safer than ever before. With the JS80, you no longer have to rely on clumsy jumper cables or other vehicles, allowing you to explore
further with peace of mind. The JS80 will jumpstart a vehicle up to 40 times from one charge and hold its charge for six months all while siting happily in a glove box awaiting use.
Once your vehicle is started, the JS80 will continue to be your friend on the road and will run 12V fridges and charge mobile devices with ease.
Purchased my JS80 3 months ago and was almost pleased when my wife called me to say her battery was flat and the 2.8L Turbo Diesel, Holden Colorado wouldn’t start. I pulled out the JS80, connected it to the battery and it started the first time, just like it had a new battery in it. We needed to use the JS80 again at the end of the day to get her home again and it started first try again. Would highly recommend the JS80 for peace of mind knowing it will start virtually any vehicle.
Brett RFor more information, visit www.iTechworld.com.au or call 08 9472 7200
RAC Members receive a further 5% off the JS80
Enjoy your life with improved hearing, you will be able to hear family, friends, TV, telephone & in groups clearer with this new 2023 technology.
This New Invisible Hearing Aid is virtually undetectable!
No one will know that you are wearing a hearing aid
Introducing our brand-new 2023 hearing aid technology that was designed in Europe and is made for your exact ear size and hearing loss. It’s so small it can fit deep inside your ear canal, it begins where other hearing aids end. This makes it virtually invisible to anyone else.
Not sure if you require a hearing aid or which one is right for you? Want to know how they look and feel? Why not request an appointment for a FREE hearing test and hearing aid consultation with an in-clinic demonstration? You will instantly be able to hear clearly. If appropriate, our hearing aid specialist can offer you a home hearing aid trial.
Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use in one transaction at any Puma Energy location Australia-wide. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/ January 2023 Horizons must claim their prize by 4 January 2023. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.
Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $195. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize.
Entrants published in December/January 2023 Horizons must claim their prize by 4 January 2023. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC)
832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 T: 13 17 03 W: rac.com.au
CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway
DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade
MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way
WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street
ALBANY 110 Albany Highway
BUNBURY Primewest Centrepoint SC, 60 Blair Street
GERALDTON Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford Street
KALGOORLIE 51-53 Hannan Street
APPLECROSS
Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley Street T: 6150 6459
CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway T: 6150 6454
DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade T: 6150 6455
JOONDALUP Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive T: 6150 6477
MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way T: 6150 6456
WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street T: 9436 4830
@RACWA editor@rac.com.au
If you have the legs, these trails just outside Collie will wear them out. Rolling terrain brings classic old-school mountain biking with more log rides off the side than anywhere in the state. A blast down Dead Cats is a local favourite and crossing the road onto Rays Trail gives you a tight twisty network that ensures you’re never dozing off.
These trails are located right next to Collie township. A tight network next to the lovely river, it’s a fun place for riders of all ages and abilities. Go with the family and pick and choose which short, sharp trails you want to tackle.
The vertical drop from the top to the bottom here is actually the greatest in the Collie area. Potters Gorge also has a pump track that’s great for kids to play on, while across the valley is the extensive Pile Road Mountain Bike Trails.
Close to Dwellingup is the Marrinup network. Being in a tight loop it’s a good intermediate trail to loop out on and there’s even a shortcut that makes it great for kids. You can also link onto the Munda Biddi Trail to ride back into town.
The trails here are networked, allowing the gravity riders to do ‘shuttle runs’ (where a car takes riders to the top of the hill). Trails like Inzamia and Karrackatoa
have some of the best flow in the state, giving riders the feeling of surfing through the bush. Other trails here have proved to be tough on riders with some kicky jumps.
A decade ago, this was a favourite destination for riders, with a 10km loop delivering an amazing selection of jumps and high-speed corners. It’s a bit out of the way but worth it. Tiny Turner is just next to the main network and being a short (1km) tight network, it’s great fun to ride with kids.
WA is known for its pea gravel, which is marble-shaped gravel that can humble the most experienced mountain biker. Langford Park in Jarrahdale has the best pea gravel near Perth which makes it a great destination after some rain, allowing for grippier trails, but a lot more challenging in summer so take care.
This area is the closest to the Perth CBD but is often overlooked by riders. Its open paddocks receive a lot of sun in the summer months. It’s steep, mean and abrupt. But if you know the place and
spend time learning the trails it’s a lot of fun. If you like getting your bike airborne, this is the place for you
This area is easily accessible for all ages with a gentle roll up Eastern Line giving you access to a bunch of fun but gentle descents. For the young and timid, trails like Hula, Stewies and Towies are great, and for the more experienced riders Shakes ’n’ Ladders has lots of structures to play off.
It would be wrong not to include WA’s largest and busiest network of trails in this list. There is something for everyone in Kalamunda, and with one-way trails that are well signposted, the network soaks up a staggering number of riders, week in, week out. There are even shuttle runs allowing riders to jump on a bus at the bottom of the hill and push their skills going down the hill.
Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au
