What’s on in WA + Win a Sabah trip + The 10 best
Your RAC magazine April / May 2014
Win a new car! Your chance to win a brand new Subaru Forester 2.5i see page 52
Walking with giants Deep in WA’s Southern Forests At the drive-in WA’s golden age of outdoor cinema
Diary of a car crash The professionals dealing with the trauma on our roads
Commuter crunch time How the daily trip is impacting our lives
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Horizons
Inside
Your RAC magazine April / May 2014
Editor-in-Chief Will Golsby
Win a holiday
in tropical Sabah
Editor Justine Costigan
turn to page 24
Deputy Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Publisher Sarah Harris Design Glenn Moffatt Advertising Jamie Uren tel: 08 9388 7844 jamie@mediatonic.com.au
Horizons is published for The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) by Hardie Grant Media Ground Level, Building 1 658 Church Street, Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia www.hardiegrant.com.au Managing director Jeff Trounce jefftrounce@hardiegrant.com.au
28
Going to the ‘drives’ Horizons takes a look at the way we used to go to the movies
CAB audited as at September 2013 is 499,831 Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285. The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. Our cover image: Pine forest, Nannup by WA photographer Christian Fletcher.
4 Horizons April / May 2014
32 Diary of a car crash
38 Commuter crunch time
42 Car concierge
Meet the people dealing with the trauma on our roads.
It’s time to get serious about the effect of the daily commute.
RAC Go is designed to make driving and car maintenance easier.
Inside
52
Win one of Australia’s best cars The RAC is giving members the chance to win a new Subaru Forester 2.5i valued at around $36,000.
your Horizons 54 Member Lounge
20
44
16
Taking fire safety seriously, off-road adventure tips, free St John Ambulance online first-aid course, tips for renters, and two great competitions: Your chance to win a Southern Forests holiday; and tickets to X-Men: Days of Future Past.
59 Member Benefits
Regulars
Travel
Move
7 President’s message
14 What’s on
44 Test drive
Budgeting now for our state’s future.
Events around the state.
The newest cars on the market.
8 Mailbox Members’ letters.
9 Exchange
16 Europe on two wheels Exploring Europe’s stunning scenery is as easy as riding a bike.
Show your card and save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.
48 Car news The latest news in motoring.
Download our free Member Benefits app to discover where you can save with exclusive member offers.
Sharing your views.
20 Walking with giants
51 Car doctor
12 Snapshot News from the RAC.
Visit the Southern Forests and discover the region’s great natural beauty.
Your questions answered by our experts.
82 The 10 Best
26 Travel brief
Scenic lookouts.
News from RAC Travel.
Log on today and make the most of your RAC membership rac.com.au/memberbenefits
April / May 2014 Horizons 5
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President’s message
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth. GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839. tel: 13 17 03 www.rac.com.au RAC Member Service Centres Metropolitan Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. West Perth (Head Office): 832 Wellington St. Regional Albany: 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury: Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton: Shop 29, Centro Northgate Shopping Centre, Chapman Rd. Kalgoorlie: 51-53 Hannan St. Mandurah: Shop 112, Centro Mandurah Shopping Centre, Pinjarra Rd. RAC Travel Centres Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre (external), Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Mandurah: Shop 112, Centro Shopping Centre, 330 Pinjarra Rd. tel: 9512 8200 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Hearing impaired members Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number only 0434 182 877 Roadside Assistance 24 hours, 7 days TTY: 9303 8470 RAC contact numbers Roadside Assistance 13 11 11 Battery Services 13 11 11 Membership 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 13 17 03 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 797 078 Insurance 13 17 03 Finance 13 17 03 Travel 13 17 03 Touring 13 17 03 Security Services 13 17 03 RAC Auto Services 1300 135 667 RAC Driving Centre 9479 5754
Budgeting today to build for tomorrow The state and Australian governments will hand down their respective budgets in May, signalling their future priorities, and painting a picture of how they will manage their finances in the years ahead. But the canvases they are working with are not the same. The state government’s budget provides the opportunity to deliver certainty for vital infrastructure projects and road safety initiatives in WA. Based on the Mid-Year Review handed down in December 2013, there is concern that the government’s focus is on restoring a AAA credit rating, by shrinking, deferring, or shelving its infrastructure commitments to Western Australia. Much has been made of the downgrading of the prized AAA credit rating, its impact and the government’s determination to get it back. However, the facts don’t sustain the argument. At the time of the downgrade, forecasts indicated that the cost would be around $23 million in interest payments across the forward estimates. This is to be compared with, and is well below, congestion-related costs of an additional $75 million in 2013, that affected the state’s hip pocket last year. The Australian Government has put, at the centre of its work, a commitment to build for the future with an “infrastructure prime minister” as the centrepiece. It could start by increasing investment in WA to well above the 36c our state receives back from Canberra for every $1 collected from WA motorists. The RAC is also concerned about the Australian Government’s current position of not funding public transport. The RAC will continue to advocate for this position to change, as public transport is a critical part of managing congestion in our state. Congestion is a cost to business, affects
productivity and revenue, and is a weight on the economy that can’t be ignored. Perth’s congestion is taking its toll on commuters and families who need better alternatives. A survey of nearly 700 RAC members revealed congestion results in less time spent with family (46 per cent). ABS figures indicate Perth’s population will overtake Brisbane just before 2030. These figures, combined with estimates that congestion will cost the economy $2.1 billion annually by 2020, and an additional one million motorised vehicles forecast by the RAC to be in WA by the very same year, all paint the picture of budgets, state and federal, that must build for the future. Both governments must also deliver budgets that recognise the impact of road trauma on our state, by investing in roads and road safety initiatives. In 2013, Western Australia’s road-fatality rate continued to be above the national average and we experienced, on average, a road fatality nearly every two days. Now is not the time to be complacent. On behalf of the RAC’s 800,000 members, we are delivering budget submissions to both governments, providing a sensible pathway forward, to prepare for the state’s challenges. We are calling on both governments to be bold. Now is the time to build for the future. O
Esme Bowen RAC President
Your RAC Council Club Patron His Excellency Mr Malcolm McCusker AC, CVO, QC, Governor of Western Australia President Esme Bowen Senior Vice President Tony Evans Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Members of Council Tim Shanahan, Dennis Banks, Allan Blagaich, Freda Crucitti, Jill Darby, Ross Dowling, Dalton Gooding, Alden Halse, Colin O’Sullivan, Elizabeth Re, Julie Wadley and Emmerson Richardson April / May 2014 Horizons 7
Contact the editor Email editor@rac.com.au or write to The Editor, RAC Horizons Magazine, GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839
Mailbox
Join the discussion about the RAC and the magazine road users to have to use guess work to negotiate roundabouts. When will they ever learn?
Our winning letter
Bryan Lillis, Ardross
Ticked off by tailgating
Check your wheel nuts Last year my wife and I set out on a three-month caravan trip from Denmark to Broome. I had both the car and caravan serviced before we left. Just north of Perth we had a casing separation on the caravan. I pulled onto the shoulder and commenced fitting the spare. No joy. The wheel nuts were so tight that even with an extension pipe all I succeeded in doing was bending the brace. In due course a fellow caravaner from Victoria stopped to help. With a large socket, bar and extension plus his weight jumping on it, we completed the task. My purpose in writing is to alert motorists to the potential hazards of getting caught in a remote or difficult location with a flat tyre and being unable to get the wheel off. Remember to check your wheel nuts before you set out. J Hardwick, via email
Happy days with a Kombi Thank you for Glenn Butler’s excellent article on Kombis (Horizons February/March). Glenn’s article brought back so many memories of trips and camping in the UK and Europe made possible by the two Kombis we owned: Walking in the freezing snow on the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and having hot soup afterwards in the van; camping in a field above Chamonix with a stunning view of the Mer de Glace; a Van Gogh cornfield just 8 Horizons April / May 2014
over the fence of a campsite outside Fréjus; driving into a major intersection on the Rue du Mont Blanc in Geneva in rush hour, the children becoming obstreperous in the back and my wife going to calm them and setting off the dry chemical fire extinguisher. The result? An instant Alpine whiteout inside the Kombi! And happy days camping in Brittany in the ‘60s in number two Kombi with our two children, Julie and Donald (pictured above), now both married with children of their own. Colin Latchem, via email
Booze buses should be random I read your very good article on the booze bus (Horizons, December/January). It would be great if the Booze Bus was deployed at more random places. We go to one destination every week around the same time. The standing question when we get in the car is whether we will meet the guys in the booze bus, as it seems to be in the same place regularly. I have been breath tested several times for which I have no complaint but I have also seen people doing U-turns, parking their cars and then
walking in the opposite direction. It is not hard to say “no” when offered alcohol. If drivers are scared of the booze bus then they know they drink and drive. Pete Silverton, via email
Birthday bonus On our way to our grandson’s 21st we stopped to buy ice cream cakes. My husband, who normally doesn’t drive my car, put the keys down in the boot whilst putting the ice cream in the Esky and of course forgot and shut the boot. We waited only 10 minutes for RAC and while we were waiting a very nice young man went into the shop and came out with two bottles of water for us. Gee, there are some great people out there. Marlene Helliar, via email
Roundabout risk Safe traffic flow through roundabouts relies on drivers being able to clearly see the indicator signals being made by drivers of other vehicles. Why then do local councils and Main Roads persist with planting vegetation or decorative objects in the middle of the roundabouts? Of course non-signalling drivers still cause other
Beware of tailgaters who push you to go faster. [An incident with a tailgater] cost me two demerit points and $150. It was my fault as I should have immediately slowed down to 40km per hour and let the driver pay for the damages he might have caused by shunting into the back of my car. But this inconsiderate person might not have been adequately insured and the result might have cost me much more money. In any case, you need to consider the medical consequences of such an unfortunate incident. I appeal to anyone who might get frustrated with the vehicle in front to think before behaving like this. Dennis Arnold, via email
We had a great reaction to our story on Kombis in the last issue of Horizons and many readers were keen to share their memories and photographs. To read more of your Kombi stories visit the rac blog at blog.rac.com.au/kombi
You can be a winner Each issue the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance. Classic Roadside Assistance gives motorists additional peace of mind by offering a range of extended benefits. For assistance or more information
call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 79. Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.
Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts
CRASH FACT
RAC ONLINE POLL RESULT
Hitting a vehicle or an object at
Do tailgating drivers ever pressure you into increasing your speed?
50km/h is equivalent to dropping a car from a three-storey building.
Tell us ... @ What is the maximum amount of time you’d be prepared to commute to work one-way? Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange CONGESTION
$1.517 billion
That’s how much congestion is estimated to cost WA in 2014
facebook.com/racwa
twitter.com/racwa
53
%
of motorists said
yes The closer they get, the slower I go.
You feel like you’re doing the wrong thing by going too slow.
I call them ‘angry’ cars.
The fear of getting hit from behind often causes me to speed up a little. I feel it is a form of bullying. I drive my car, not theirs. Tailgating distracts drivers and is dangerous.
Exchange your views by email: editor@rac.com.au April / May 2014 Horizons 9
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“...these hearing aids have given us our lives backâ€? I read farmer Lindsay Olman’s story in the paper and thought he was right about choosing the audiologist before the hearing aid. I’ve experienced what seems to be a common story, with my hearing aids sitting in the proverbial top drawer for the last couple of years. Communication was diďŹƒcult. I couldn’t wear them, they were just too uncomfortable, like a brick in my ear, and they didn’t help me hear well anyway. But now I’m proudly wearing new hearing aids prescribed by Brad and it’s a very dierent story. Both my wife Jean and I feel these hearing aids have given us our lives back. My history isn’t much dierent from a lot of people with industrial hearing loss. I worked as an engineer in a noisy factory, and was a drummer in a band in my youth. We knew nothing about protecting our hearing from the inevitable outcome of hearing loss. I enjoyed my work and loved my music and didn’t realise this could impact so much on my later life.
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be able to hear and pronounce minute sound variations well. I also belong to a meditation group and was very surprised to hear for the first time the sounds of running water from a fountain in the established courtyard - it’s probably been there making that soft trickling noise since I joined. Best of all for me, two days after being fitted with my new hearing aids, I attended a West Australian Symphony Orchestra concert and was so impressed with my new ability to hear the full and rich sounds of the music, I turned my aids on and off a few times just to hear the difference. It was amazing. I’m very happy to have met Brad and his Staff and it’s fantastic to be hearing well again. I can’t recommend this hearing centre highly enough to anyone wanting a fresh start with their hearing. Peter Wyder
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Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond
State Election Report Card The anniversary of WA’s state election is another test to determine whether the reelected Barnett Government will deliver on its key election commitments on roads, road safety and public transport. One year on, the RAC‘s State Election Report Card tracks and assesses the state government’s performance to-date on RAC priorities. At the time the RAC welcomed the commitments made to each of our top five priorities: O Any increases in motoring costs and charges to be kept at or below the rate of inflation; O Tackling congestion through an integrated and funded strategy of road, public transport and cycling projects; O The use of Royalties for Regions’ funding to improve the safety of dangerous country roads; O A renewed commitment to efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries on WA roads; O A new rescue helicopter based in the South West. Despite the announcement of a record $5.7 billion for transport infrastructure in the 2013-14 state budget, we have now seen projects delayed or shelved and costs to motorists increase. These projects and policies are essential to meet the increasing demands on our road and public transport systems. We are concerned that the upcoming budget will see the government further delay or shelve projects, resulting in further increases to costs for WA motorists. The RAC’s Election Campaign, Give:Me:Time, delivered on behalf of members and the community resulted in transport issues being front and centre in the ‘congestion election’. The RAC will continue to hold the government to account for its promises to deliver better transport and road safety outcomes for all Western Australians. O 12 Horizons April / May 2014
EASTER PIT-STOP If you’re travelling along Forrest Highway this Easter make sure you drop into the RAC Easter Pit-stop for a free barista-made coffee, ice-cold soft drinks and a special treat for the kids from the Easter Bunny. Taking a regular break while driving is essential. Driver fatigue contributes to approximately 12 per cent of regional crashes in Western Australia and each year the RAC issues advice to road users about the dangers of driving while tired and reminds drivers to take regular breaks during the journey. This year we’re taking it a step further and providing travellers heading south from Perth with incentives to take a break. Make sure you visit the RAC Easter Pit-stop operating at the Forrest Highway Dorsett Road rest stop in Waroona, just south of Mandurah, during the afternoon on April 17. RAC Roadside Assistance patrols will also be onsite to provide free mechanical advice and breakdown assistance to members. O
Locking out repeat drink drivers The RAC has welcomed the state government’s announcement of alcohol interlock devices for repeat drink drivers and drivers found with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 and above. An interlock is an alcohol breath testing device that stops a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said an alcohol interlock program for WA has been on the agenda since 2003. “Last year, alcohol was the single biggest cause of road fatalities in WA, accounting for 23 per cent of deaths,” Mr Golsby said. “Many Australian states and territories have been using the devices for a number of years with some positive results. It’s encouraging to see this legislation coming into Western Australia.” According to a recent RAC survey, more than nine in 10 RAC members said they felt drink driving was an issue of high priority in WA and 62 per cent believed the penalties for drink driving were not severe enough. The state government estimates the alcohol interlocks program will affect thousands of offenders in WA. O
Snapshot Download our free Horizons app now to discover where you can save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.
Rebuilding after the fires Immediately following the devastating Stoneville bushfires in January, RAC’s Insurance Claims established a dedicated local team to deal directly with those affected. At the time of writing some 81 claims had been lodged with $2.1 million already settled. RAC Claims Manager Glen Walker said being able to mobilise local staff quickly, even as the disaster was still unfolding, was essential. “It was important to quickly provide our affected members with some certainty about their cover and also to take at least some of the burden away by helping them through the claims process as much as possible. Our dedicated bushfire claims team have been widely praised by members for the great support they provided.” O To learn more about preparing your home for bushfires visit rac.com.au/bushfires. To check your level of cover use our insurance calculators at rac.com.au/calculators.
Your chance to name WA’s risky roads The RAC is calling on WA road users to nominate unsafe roads in our state. Nominations can include any roads, from local streets to major regional highways.
Kate Whitworth and Angela Dalgarno from RAC’s home-assessing team at the bushfire evacuation centre.
RAC General Manager of Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said the Risky Roads campaign is about listening to the concerns of Western Australian road users and putting those concerns about road safety directly to government and road authorities. “No one knows WA roads better than our members, and Risky Roads provides the opportunity for them to nominate the unsafe roads they travel on.”
“The RAC has particular concerns about roads in regional WA and we encourage our regional members to make a submission.” The easiest way to take part is to make your nomination at riskyroads.com.au or you can complete the Risky Roads nomination form included with this issue of Horizons. O Nominations close 22 May, 2014.
Major road-safety event for regional students Regional students in WA will be given the chance to participate in the award-winning youth road safety event, RAC bstreetsmart, later this year. RAC bstreetsmart gives students in years 10 to 12 a unique insight into the devastating impact of road trauma through a live re-enactment of a crash scene in controlled conditions. Students will also hear stories from individuals who have been personally affected
by road trauma. The first regional RAC bstreetsmart event will be held during the Country Senior High Schools Carnival in July. The annual regional high school carnival, organised by School Sport WA, is held in Perth, with more than 40 regional schools participating. Regional RAC bstreetsmart will take place on the evening of 1 July with approximately 3000 students expected to attend. O April / May 2014 Horizons 13
D
What’s on
Events around the state in April and May
Staircase to the Moon
SwanSongs
Until October
11 May
The stunning natural phenomenon known as the staircase to the moon occurs between March and October along the coastline at Broome, Onslow, Dampier, Cossack, Point Samson Peninsula, Hearson Cove, and Port Hedland. In Broome, market stalls offering food, crafts and entertainment, complement the visual display.
SwanSongs returns to the Perth Town Hall for a series of concerts featuring pianist David Wickham and guest artists. In her only WA performance for 2014, soprano Lisa Gasteen OA presents a Mothers’ Day concert featuring Romantic masterpieces by Strauss, Wolf, Brahms and Wagner with concerts featuring Alexander Lewis and Lisa Harper-Brown to follow in August.
For Staircase to the Moon dates and times visit australiasnorthwest.com
For more information and to book visit davidwickham.me
Guy Grey-Smith: Art as Life Until 14 July
Western Australian artist Guy Grey-Smith’s paintings of the WA landscape secured his position as an artist of national importance. Featuring more than 100 works, this Art Gallery of Western Australia exhibition is the first full retrospective of his work since his death in 1981, and gives a new insight into his remarkable achievements. For more information visit artgallery.wa.gov.au
Fremantle Street Arts Festival 19 to 21 April
Some of the world’s best street, outdoor theatre, comedy, circus and cabaret performers will converge on Fremantle over the Easter long weekend, bringing entertainment to the city’s streets. With the exception of ticketed evening performances, artists will pass the hat to gauge their audiences’ enjoyment.
1 to 18 May
Created from first hand accounts, this inspiring and moving Sydney Theatre Company and Australian Defence Force co-production includes performances by servicemen and women alongside professional actors, and reflects on the ADF’s experiences on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.
25 April
Rise early for the Dawn Service at the Desert Corps Memorial followed by a Gunfire Breakfast at the Albany Entertainment Centre. The Anzac Parade starts at 10am and there will be a Memorial Service at the Anzac Peace Park at 10.30am. For more information call the Albany Visitor Centre on 9841 9290. For details of local Anzac Day events visit rsl.org.au 14 Horizons April / May 2014
This year’s readers and writers festival celebrates the theme of journeys, from the physical and imaginative to the spiritual, professional and emotional. Special guest authors include Joan London, Peter Goldsworthy and Graeme Simsion. For more information and to book tickets visit artsmargaretriver.com
Jazz by the Bay Perth International Comedy Festival
11 and 12 April
Anzac Day
16 to 18 May
For more information visit fremantle.wa.gov.au
The Long Way Home
For more information visit hismajestystheatre.com.au
Margaret River readers and writers festival
Join The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen, The Project’s Tom Gleeson, Frank Woodley, and Sammy J and Randy as well as international comedians for a festival of laughs at the Perth International Comedy Festival. The festival kicks off in style on 30 April with the annual Comedy Festival Gala at the iconic Astor Theatre. Don’t miss the stunning natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon.
For more information and to buy tickets visit perthcomedyfest.com.au
Taste of Perth 2 to 4 May
The inaugural Taste of Perth event, Taste celebrates Perth’s diverse and exciting restaurant scene, with opportunities to sample the best from WA’s finest chefs and producers. Now in its 10th year, the festival has grown from one city to 18 cities throughout the UK, Europe and Australasia. For more information visit tasteofperth.com.au
30 May to 1 June
Missed the Perth International Jazz Festival? Why not head to Dunsborough for Jazz By The Bay, featuring a great line-up of musicians, singers and jazz bands performing throughout the city. For a full program of events visit geographebay.com
COMING UP IN 2014
23rd Australian National Model A Ford Meet 21 to 27 September The RAC is proud to be the major sponsor of the 23rd Australian National Model A Ford meet. Model A Ford lovers from all over Australia will head to the South West for this week-long event. For more information visit modelafordclub.com.au
Anzac Albany 30 October to 2 November Commemorative and community events will mark 100 years since the first convoy of ships departed Albany carrying thousands of Australian and New Zealand troops to the First World War. For more information visit anzacalbany.com.au
WEST AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Classical Highlights at Perth Concert Hall ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES
Stravinsky’s Petrushka Friday 30 & Sat 31 May 7.30pm An energetic and entertaining orchestra showcase*
Rossini’s Stabat Mater Friday 6 & Sat 7 June 7.30pm The sacred and the operatic in sublime harmony ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES
Asher Fisch Conducts Mahler 9 Friday 13 & Sat 14 June 7.30pm Heartbreakingly beautiful and darkly reflective
BOOK NOW
Call 9326
* See Member Benefit section for special offer!
0000 quoting 1042
Visit waso.com.au or ticketek.com.au
Magical family concert
#
Sat 26 Apr, 2pm & 6.30pm Crown Theatre Packed with jazz, dance and Latin rhythms!
BOOK NOW
Call Ticketek 1300 795 012 Visit ticketek.com.au
200 musicians perform Howard Shore’s award-winning score live as the entire film plays on the big screen.
Ravishingly romantic and full of lush melodies.
Fri 20 & Sat 21 June, 7.30pm Fri 4 & Sat 5 April, 7.30pm Perth Concert Hall
BOOK NOW
Call 9326
Fri 2 & Sat 3 May, 7.30pm
Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Perth Concert Hall
0000
BOOK NOW
Call 9326
0000
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Principal Conductor Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. Karen Gomyo appears courtesy of Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd.
*Transaction fees may apply. Presentation licensed by Disney Concert Library © Disney/Pixar.
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Travel
Words Leanne Tolra Images Corbis
Europe on two wheels Whether you’re attempting to scale the peaks of the French Alps or planning a more leisurely ride, there’s no better way to explore Europe than on a bike, writes Leanne Tolra.
T
elevised sweeping panoramas of the bucolic French landscape and close-up views of its majestic mountains are inspiring cyclists from all over the world to tackle Europe’s highest peaks. And Australians, with their growing love of carbon fibre and Lycra, inspired by SBS coverage of the Tour de France and other international cycling events, and of course Cadel Evans’ 2011 Tour victory, comprise a hefty portion of them. Cycling across the countryside affords an intimate appreciation of France’s man-made and natural beauty. Sweeping landscapes of verdant vineyard-blessed paddocks and rugged mountain ranges cradling ribbons of rivers rapidly give way to story-book villages connected by ancient cobbled laneways. Accommodation in France is as varied as the landscape: consider a graciously ageing boutique hotel in Provence’s historic Nyons as a base for a journey to Mont Ventoux, or a riverside pension overlooking the Lot River in the majestic Cahors wine region. A pilgrimage to the religious city of Lourdes and its crowded and often kitsch accommodation alternatives is an experience to savour, while in Paris, the choice between everything from fivestar hotels to art-house rooftop apartments is extraordinary and often bewildering. Many Australian-based tour companies specialise in organised
16 Horizons April / May 2014
Top 5 Bike-friendly European destinations City cycling has its place, but the true majesty of the European landscape is to be found in its hills and valleys. Adventure World Travel’s Eddie Steinmann says tour companies such as Exodus and Headwater offer comprehensive cycling tours to a selection of destinations.
France: The Loire Valley – spectacular chateaus and breathtaking scenery. Easy terrain, moderate fitness required.
cycling tours of France and to other parts of Europe and beyond. The benefits of joining an organised tour group are both practical and social. Assistance with accommodation, bicycle transportation, maintenance, repairs and food and water supplies are not to be underestimated, and it’s comforting to know you have back up in case of injury. Joining a tour group creates an instant social and moral support network and can take some of the guesswork out of choosing where to spend the night. Our posse – aged between late 20s and early 70s – shared a love of cycling, fresh air, exercise, fine food, fabulous views and adventure. A wellorganised tour will allow plenty of time for experiences beyond the bike – shopping, pampering, dining,
Croatia: The Dalmation Coast – tiny mediaeval towns, lovely pebble bays and architectural wonders. Varied terrain, some hill climbing, moderate fitness required. Tuscany: Siena and Chianti – olive groves, vineyards, ancient hill-top towns and classic Renaissance cities. Quiet roads, moderate fitness required. Turkey: Aegean Coast and Lakes – towering peaks, glistening lakes, lush countryside and cultural heritage. Varied terrain, moderate fitness required. Germany and Austria: The Danube from Passau to Vienna – follow the bends of Europe’s famous river past steep-sided valleys and densely wooded slopes through historic towns. Varied terrain, moderate fitness required. Steinmann says Exodus cycling holidays increased in popularity by 32 per cent in 2013 and the company has a dedicated cycling booking team. “The dramatic growth is in cultural road tours to Cuba, Vietnam, India, Jordan and Croatia,” he says. Self-guided tours are popular as Australians like a feeling of independence. “But our Drop Bar trips are on the rise, as serious cyclists seek something out of the norm. Exodus groups competed in the Tour of Flanders, Dead2Read and L’Étape du Tour cyclosportive events in 2013,” says Steinmann.
Travel
... rugged mountain ranges cradling ribbons of rivers rapidly give way to story-book villages
PIcturesque villages cling to the hills around Mont Ventoux, France. April April // May May 2014 2014 Horizons 17
Travel Getting there Find out more about cycling tours in Europe. Contact your local RAC Travel Centre, call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travel.
top to bottom: Bridge over the Eygues River in Nyon, France. Gently rolling landscape around Siena, Italy. Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast.
sightseeing and meeting locals. You will generally be provided with a bike when you join a tour but bringing your own bike is also an option on many organised tours, and some companies are able to arrange hire of top-quality road bikes with gearing suitable for hill climbing. My determination to BYO bike, and the journey that it and I made from Australia to Toulouse, via Paris, often bordered on the comical. I still have flashbacks of traipsing it up escalators to glean platform departure information; heading to lifts to get it back down again only to find them inoperable. Thankfully, many a young, chivalrous Frenchman stepped in to prevent a potential accident and, in the end, I was pleased to have my own trusty vélo. Training for any type of cycling tour, from leisurely to challenging, is critical for maximum enjoyment – being saddle sore can really spoil a holiday. If you plan to tackle some of the more arduous climbs in Europe, hill training is highly recommended, as is descending practise. It’s difficult enough to avoid happy drunks, pampered pets and energetic children when you’re climbing uphill, but even tougher to stay in control when you are gripping the brakes and trying to dodge disaster on the way down. But as seriously as myself and my other Lycra-clad, road-bike wielding companions took the experience, we were often put to shame by locals on rusty old numbers in hats and thongs (even a young woman in a bikini and a cowboy hat) who made their
Tackling the Tour
Fast facts When to go June to September
Cycling basics Cycling fitness, simple bike repairs, climbing and descending skills
Local laws In France, right is right; courtesy wins friends. For other countries, be sure to check the local cycling laws.
Don’t miss Stunning views, dining with the locals and visiting vineyards. Ancient winding streets in towns and villages; spectacular vistas from the tops of mountains; castles by the roadside and fields full of flowers.
way up some of the bigger climbs. Riding on the opposite side of the road presents challenges, too. “Right is right” was the mantra of our guides. Yet l managed to begin a descent on the wrong side of the road, to the horror of our support driver leaning on her car horn on the summit. As for other road rules in France – there don’t seem to be many. Hand signals are rare, but driver tolerance is admirable and a friendly wave works wonders. Choose a tour that sounds right for you and be honest about your cycling ability. Ask questions about the amount of cycling and sightseeing involved and be sure it’s the mix you are after. Follow recommended training guidelines and brush up on your language skills. O
When to go Tour de France - July
Even professional athletes struggle to get up the 21 gruelling twists and turns of France’s legendary Alpe d’Huez. My athletically gifted 17-year-old son looked at an image of one of the peaks I was planning on climbing during the 2013 Tour de France, and said: “You can’t get up that.” Fourteen days into my 17day cycling tour of France I took a “selfie” at the summit 18 Horizons April / May 2014
of that famous climb and sent it to my son – with a note to let him know I had reached the top, non-stop.
When to book
My tour group had cycled tougher climbs in 40-degree heat, arriving straight out of an Australian winter. We faced the unrelenting slopes of the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d’Aubisque and battled our way to the top of the punishing Mont Ventoux in the south of France.
Between eight and 17, depending on your tour
Several months in advance
No of days cycling
Tour De France highlights The music and dancing on Dutch Corner at Alp d’Huez; flashing past the roadside queue for The Tour on Bastille Day; the caravan that makes its way through the crowd distributing freebies; and high fives from the spectators lining the road.
EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
Commencing 28th May 2014. Explore the world onboard one of the youngest eets. Fly from Melbourne and Perth via Doha, your gateway to journeys as rewarding as the places you visit. To book special fares and for more information, contact your Qatar Airways sales representative. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Melbourne>Doha Doha>Edinburgh Edinburgh>Doha Doha>Melbourne
Flight No
Departure
Arrival
QR905 QR027 QR028 QR904
22:55 08:00 14:45 00:55
06:10 13:15 23:40 21:25
Perth>Doha Doha>Edinburgh Edinburgh>Doha Doha>Perth
Flight No
Departure
Arrival
QR901 QR027 QR028 QR902
23:00 08:00 14:45 01:50
05:20 13:15 23:40 17:55
World’s 5-star airline.
1300 655 179 Carousel 9365 4700
rac.com.au/travel Joondalup 9308 1600
Visit your local RAC Travel Centre
Mandurah 9512 8200
Morley 6466 2300
West Perth 9436 4830
Licence No. 9TA1
Astor returns summer 2014-2015
Sail Date
Itinerary
Nights From
05 Nov 2014 London (UK), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), Tenerife, (Canary Island), Porto Grande, (Cape Verde), Georgetown, (Ascension Island), Jamestown (South Africa), Cape Town, (South Africa), Mossel Bay (South Africa), Durban (South Africa), Pointe des Galets (Reunion), Port Louis (Mauritius), Fremantle 15 Dec 2014 Fremantle, Esperence, Albany, Fremantle 20 Dec 2014 Fremantle, Bali (Indonesia), Fremantle 30 Dec 2014 Fremantle, at sea, Fremantle 02 Jan 2015 Fremantle, at sea, Fremantle 05 Jan 2015 Fremantle, Bali (Indonesia), Fremantle 19 Jan 2015 Fremantle, Esperence, Albany, Fremantle 24 Jan 2015 Fremantle, at sea, Fremantle 27 Jan 2015 Fremantle, Esperence, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Bali (Indonesia), Port Headland, Exmouth, Fremantle 01 Mar 2015 Fremantle, Esperence, Albany, Fremantle 07 Mar 2015 Fremantle, Esperence, Albany, Fremantle 16 Mar 2015 Fremantle, Port Louis (Mauritius), Pointe des Galets (Reunion), Durban (South Africa), Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay, (Namibia) Luanda (Angola), Sao Tome & Principle, Cotonou (Benin), Lome (Ghana), Takoradi (Ghana), Freetown (Sierra Banjul), Banjul (Gambia), Daker (Senegal), Casablanca (Morocco), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK)
38
$5,129*
5 10 3 3 10 5 3 33
$869* $1,669* $829* $749* $1,669* $869* $829* $5,049*
5 5 46
$869* $869* $5,938*
* Prices are cruise only per person based on twin share in Australian Dollars and include port taxes and gratuities and government charges (including GST where applicable). Visa fees are an additional charge where applicable. Visa fees, transfers and on-shore excursions are not included. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Saver fares are available for sale on selected departures and cabin categories until 30 June 2014 or until sold out or withdrawn and governed by terms and conditions listed in the current brochure. Extra bed fares are only applicable when travelling in the same cabin as 2 full twin fare paying passengers and are not applicable to category 2 four berth fares where each paying passenger pays brochure rate or single fares. Cabins subject to availability.
1300 655 898 Carousel 9365 4700
rac.com.au/cruise
Joondalup 9308 1600
3 night cruises Fremantle/Fremantle 16 Jan 2015 from $609* 13 Mar 2015 from $729*
In Port Events Fremantle Passenger Terminal 13 Dec 2014 from $179* 14 Dec 2014 from $179* 06 Mar 2015 from $179* 12 Mar 2015 from $179* Lic No. 2TA001284
Visit your local RAC Travel Centre
Mandurah 9512 8200
Morley 6466 2300
West Perth 9436 4830
Licence No. 9TA1
April / May 2014 Horizons 19
Kerry Faulkner takes the slow road to a region filled with good food, wine, and extraordinary natural beauty.
WALKING WITH GIANTS The Gloucester Tree near Pemberton was a 61 metre-high former fire lookout. 20 Horizons April / May 2014
Travel
T
he thrill of driving the Southern Forests’ sunlight-dappled country roads, with overhanging branches still dripping with morning dew, is all in the journey; maybe an art gallery here, a winery there, or a pub lunch followed by a gentle walk on a winding trail through pristine forest so lush you imagine you can hear the forest growing as you pass. The most picturesque and direct route to the Southern Forests from Perth is the South Western Highway, a pretty drive through inland country towns nestled on river banks. Alternatively, you could take a more leisurely journey via the iconic Margaret River Wine Region on the Bussell Highway coastal route through Bunbury and Busselton. From Margaret River’s neatly fenced pastures, the bitumen wanders through gently sloping valleys thick with karri trees bursting from lush lime-green undergrowth. It’s against this idyllic backdrop that Manjimup, Pemberton, Quinninup, Northcliffe and Walpole emerge. These peaceful woods haven’t always been so tranquil. In the mid-1990s conservationists clashed with loggers – one group committed to preserving the trees, the other equally as determined to protect their industry. Jane Block, a stand of virgin forest just outside Northcliffe, was the scene of the fiercest battle of the era but standing at the base of the towering karris, some more than 100-years-old, it is hard to imagine this stunning, quiet forest was once the site of conflict. Logging of old-growth forest was eventually reduced and these extraordinary natural treasures are now one of the region’s most important tourist attractions. Northcliffe’s ‘Understory’ is a celebration of the enduring spirit of the forest here – a 1.2 kilometre stroll through the forest understory
following a route around an eclectic collection of sculptures and other artwork. An interesting audio accompaniment tells the stories of the artworks. Windy Harbour is a curious coastal settlement just 27 kilometres south of Northcliffe in D’Entrecasteaux National Park. It began as a seaside retreat for the region’s hard working farmers who built their fishing shacks here. Today a campground is nestled among the brightly painted weekenders, it too brimming with early-rising die-hard fishermen eager to cast a line. A boardwalk along the dunes ends at Tookulup Lookout with stunning views across the wild and beautiful beaches bordering the vast Southern Ocean.
Zahra Shirazee
Words Kerry Faulkner
New growth As timber mills gradually fall silent, the burgeoning industries in the south are increasingly those that showcase its sublime natural beauty – the forests, conservation parks, estuaries, rivers, lakes and coastal cliffs – breathing new life into old villages such as Quinninup, a historic former mill town, where Karri Lake mirrors spectacular sunsets and the tavern’s Sunday lunches are a local institution thanks to hearty homestyle cooking. It’s easy for travellers to immerse themselves in nature; boardwalks stretch along river banks at pretty Fernbrook Falls and trails have been carved to cater for everything from mountain biking to horse-riding and canoeing. Fishing and cruising along the local rivers such as the Donnelly River are also very popular. The locals warmly welcome travellers and visitor centres provide them with excellent information. Holiday-makers have a vast selection of accommodation choices too, including the Old Picture Theatre (Pemberton), a converted 1950s tobacco kiln (Watermark Kilns between Pemberton and Northcliffe), bush camping in a forest
conservation park (Shannon and Fernbrook Falls - signposted on the South Western Highway), a caravan park on a pristine inlet (Coalminers Beach, Walpole), a family resort experience (Karri Valley Resort) and plentiful choice of farm-stays. Some accommodation caters specifically for walkers on the Bibbulmun Track and hikers and cyclists on the Munda Biddi Trail, two of the state’s peak nature paths that cut their way through the forest. The region is also highly regarded for its gourmet produce, ranging from fruit and vegetables to meat and dairy, along with wineries and breweries, which may surprise many first-time visitors. Pemberton’s Silkwood and Salitage are examples of the region’s top-notch
above: Beach access at D’Entrecasteaux National Park near Windy Harbour. The Salitage vineyard may surprise first-time visitors to the region.
April / May 2014 Horizons 21
Travel Getting there To find out more about the Southern Forests region contact the local visitor centres, go online to rac.com.au/southernforests or call the RAC Touring team on 9436 4840.
kilometres. They are slowly blowing inland at a rate of approximately four metres each year swallowing some sections of forest as they go. The southern forests have jarrah, tingle and karri trees, the latter easily identifiable for their sentinel-straight trunks. The most famous is the Gloucester Tree near Pemberton, a former 61-metre-tall fire lookout reached by scaling 153 terrifyingly thin pegs driven into the trunk. It’s not for everyone; the 2013 Taste Master of Western Australia, Englishman Rich Keam, says he made it 15 metres up the trunk twice before finally calling it quits and climbing safely back to ground, commenting afterwards that he’d rather jump out of plane than attempt to climb it again. Nevertheless loads of people do make the climb, determined to win the jewel in the crown, an expansive view across a sea of magnificent forest.
High on the view offerings, in addition to their luxury accommodation. Manjimup has assumed a lead role in building the region to be the state’s premier ‘food bowl’. Foodies come to sample locally produced apples, truffles, trout and beef and the local cooking school, Pemberton’s Foragers Field Kitchen and Cooking School, is also highly regarded. Big Brook Dam, just 30 kilometres north of Pemberton, is a stunning scenic picnic spot surrounded by tall karri trees bordering a sandy beach. Campgrounds near the arboretum attract visitors who prefer to be oneon-one with nature rather than in the town’s caravan park. Twenty kilometres south-west of Pemberton are the Yeagarup Dunes – the largest land-locked mobile dune system in the southern hemisphere. The massive dunes rise high above the surrounding landscape and stretch for several 22 Horizons April / May 2014
above: Big Brook Dam is a scenic picnic spot 30 km from Pemberton. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole hovers 40 metres above the forest floor.
A considerably more accessible view is from the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole – the ‘celebrity’ of the region’s tourism experiences. The steel walkway hovers 40 metres above the tingle forest floor and the view is inspiring. A guided walk on ground level tells the tale of the forest in finer detail and you can even take the opportunity to stand in a tree trunk big enough for two. The beauty of the inlet, with mist rising from the water, is so sublime an early morning paddle is a near ‘spiritual’ experience. Non-paddlers rave about Gary Muir’s two-and-ahalf-hour inlet wilderness eco-cruise, not just because of his extraordinary expertise in the area’s ecology but because he’s a wonderful, entertaining guide. Gary serves his legendary tingle cake at morning tea on the tour: It’s his mother’s recipe, named in honour of the tingle trees that are the heart of the southern forests region. O
Fast facts Where is it The Southern Forests region lies between Manjimup and Walpole in WA’s South West. The route from Perth via the South West Highway to Walpole, including Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Windy Harbour and Quinninup, stretches approximately 530 kilometres one way. Alternatively, if you are travelling from the Margaret River region, continue south on the Bussell Highway turning east at Karridale to Walpole via Pemberton. Once you’ve arrived set aside four or five full days to really relax and explore the area.
When to go Summers are warm and dry, ideal for hiking and canoeing. Autumns and winters are milder and wetter, perfect for sightseeing, restaurant and winery tours and long, cosy fireside conversation and tasting the fine local wines. Wildflowers add a sprinkling of colour to the forest floor in spring.
Truffle Kerfuffle
Don’t miss Manjimup’s annual Truffle Kerfuffle from 27 to 29 June at Fonty’s Pool features a farmers’ market, wine tasting and master classes by the state’s best chefs. Add stunning sixcourse dinners and an opportunity to pull on the gum boots and join the dogs on a truffle hunt and you’ve got a Southern Forest outing that’s not to be missed.
RAC members save 15% on maps and guides. You can buy them online at rac.com.au/onlineshop or contact the RAC Touring team on 9436 4840.
R13435
Antarctica
All inclusive packages
expedition cruise packages 2014 - 2015
12 nights » Antarctica voyage onboard Akademik Sergey Vavilov Embark on an adventure of a life time on a complete cruise, air & land package. Inclusions » Return economy class airfares from Perth » hotel transfers » 2 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires » 1 night accommodation in Ushuaia » Tierra del Fuego National Park tour » Antarctica Expedition Cruise » 1 night in Buenos Aires including city tour » dinner and tango show » internal flights
Free Antarctica information sessions Tue 13 May RAC Travel Carousel 6pm Wed 14 May RAC Travel Mandurah 6pm Thurs 15 May RAC Travel West Perth 6pm Secure your spot today by calling 1300 655 179 from
Book your Antarctica cruise and receive a free photography session with The West Travel Editor, Stephen Scourfield.
12,973
$
*
per person triple share
Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/cruise Licence no. 9TA1 Terms and Conditions: Prices are correct as of 11 February 2014. Prices my be subject to change due to availability and currency fluctuations. All prices shown are in AUD. A non-refundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking. Full payment due 90 days prior to departure. A credit card surcharge of up to 2.5% may apply.
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April / May 2014 Horizons 23
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru’s pool
Win a trip to tropical Sabah flying business class with Malaysia Airlines
We’re giving RAC members the chance to win a trip for two people to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, thanks to Malaysia Airlines, Shangri-La Resorts, Asia Escape Holidays and Tourism Malaysia.
Total prize package valued at over
$15,000
You’ll stay in luxury on the beachfront at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa and the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort. You’ll also experience unsurpassed luxury in the air with two return business class airfares, flying Malaysia Airlines. Kota Kinabalu’s Shangri-La Resorts offer luxurious award-winning accommodation with a multitude of recreational facilities and culinary options in a stunning tropical paradise.
24 Horizons April / May 2014
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru’s Sunset Bar
Experience a new way to fly, in business class comfort on Malaysia Airlines. Be entertained by your personal 10.4-inch LCD touch screen monitor, showcasing the latest blockbusters, TV shows, and a selection of music. Dine from an exquisite menu of 25 dishes by renowned chefs, which can be pre-booked before departure. Each seat is also equipped with USB port and laptop-charging facilities. Travelling business class, you will have access to Malaysia Airline’s Golden Lounges before you depart. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Gazebo
Your prize includes 2 return business class airfares from Perth to Kota Kinabalu + 3 nights’ accommodation at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu + 3 nights’ accommodation at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu To enter visit rac.com.au/luxurysabah and complete the online entry form, or send your name, phone number and membership number to Horizons/Sabah competition, GPO Box 2944 Perth WA 6800 All entries must be received by 28 May, 2014. See page 79 for terms and conditions.
April / May 2014 Horizons 25
Travel brief D Holland Track member event Experience one of Western Australia’s true outback adventure drives with a group of fellow four-wheel-drive adventurers. The RAC and our expert outback touring guides, Global Gypsies, have organised a special journey along the Holland Track from 22 to 26 May. You’ll experience the natural wonders of the track from Hyden, home of WA’s famous Wave Rock, to Coolgardie, our original gold rush town, in the safety of a small group on a five-day guided and fully-catered adventure. As part of the trip members will receive four-wheel drive practice and guidance and have all meals along the journey catered for, including a ‘thousand star’ farewell dinner. Secure your place in this great four-wheel drive convoy. O For more information visit rac.com.au/memberevents.
A safe home while you’re away Home security should be an important part of your travel plans. When travelling, always try to give the impression your home is still occupied. O Suspend newspaper deliveries and ask someone to collect your mail regularly. O Use timers to switch lamps on and off at night. O Turn down the ring volume on your telephone. O Arrange to have your lawn mowed at regular intervals. O Tell a trusted neighbour or friend your travel plans so they can contact you in the event of an emergency. O Avoid discussing your travel plans on social media.
26 Horizons April / May 2014
If you have a monitored home alarm remember to tell the monitoring company when you’ll be away. If your alarm is not monitored consider setting this up before you go. Service your alarm regularly to check batteries, sensors and communications and to avoid malfunctions while you’re away. Just a few simple precautions will ensure you can relax and focus on your holiday. O For more information about products to secure your home, contact RAC Security on 1300 360 504 or visit rac.com.au/security. RAC members receive a range of security discounts.
News and information for travellers
Free global SIM for travellers With so many stories of overseas travellers stung by excessive mobile phone bills many people are unsure whether to even use their mobile phone outside Australia. One of the safest options is to use a global SIM and RAC Travel along with Cover-More is offering a free global SIM with every Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy. The Cover-More Global SIM lets you use your mobile phone to send text messages, check social media, use apps and navigate your way through your destination with confidence. Plus, you’ll have the added safety of being connected to home and emergency services should something go wrong. There are no hidden charges or activation fees and the card is prepaid so you’ll have complete control of how much you spend. The SIM works in most recent mobile phone and tablet devices and can be topped up in more than 180 countries. O To find out more about RAC Comprehensive Travel Insurance call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance.
Remembrance Day 2014 and Anzac Day 2015 The Anzac Centenary is of special significance for all Australians and this November marks 100 years since our soldiers departed the harbour in Albany for Gallipoli and the Western Front in 1914. To honour and respect those who have and are serving our nation, a program of events and activities will be held around the nation, with many key events in Albany, including a commemorative service in the presence of naval ships from the Royal Australian Navy and the New Zealand Navy and the grand opening of the National Anzac Centre. With numerous community events, services and concerts planned, Remembrance Day 2014 and Anzac Day 2015 will be two historical milestones not to be missed. The RAC will also be involved in Anzac Centenary events. To get the most up-to-date information about RAC events, subscribe to the RAC Travel eNews at rac.com.au/travelenews O
R13356
Murray River Cruise
save
up to 25% + RAC members save an additional 10%
3 nights from
* was $899
674 $ 922 $ 1,387 $
per person twin share
4 nights from
* was $1,229
per person twin share
Discover the hauntingly beautiful & dramatic South Australian outback, its unique flora & fauna, the legacy of old riverside ports & indigenous culture aboard the paddle wheeler Murray Princess.
7 nights from
* was $1,849
per person twin share
Travelling solo? sole occupancy cabins are priced at just 25% surcharge on twin share
Inclusions All meals » side tours » guides nature walks & eco excursions » spa, sauna & gym » captains dinner & cocktail party » live entertainment » 24 hour self-service tea & coffee » transfers ex Adelaide
Call 1300 655 898 or visit rac.com.au/cruise Licence No. 9TA1 *Valid for travel June - August 2014. Prices are based on inside cabin. Prices may be subject to change and availability. A selected number of cabins have been allocated for this promotion, once sold normal brochure prices apply. Valid for new bookings only. Fares do not include drinks, additional tours and services. A non-refundable deposit is due 7 days at the time of booking. Full payment due 90 days prior to departure. A credit card surcharge of up to 2.5% may apply.
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R13433
Gold savings
save
up to $440pp All inclusive – meals, beverages & off-train excursions
for Single Service guests on the Indian Pacific With no single supplements and massive discounts for Gold Service guests, you’re in for the single greatest trip of your life. Concession fares available on all sectors.
Perth to Sydney or vv
Perth to Adelaide or vv
Adelaide to Sydney or vv
» Gold single fare
» Gold single fare
» Gold single fare
1,799
$
*
normally $2,239 save $440*
1,249
$
*
619
$
normally $1,599 save $350*
*
normally $779 save $160*
Book now. Only a limited number of discounted fares are available for travel from 1 June to 31 October 2014.
Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travel Licence No. 9TA1 *Save up to $440pp price based on the Adult every day Gold Service fare on the Indian Pacific, Perth to Sydney or vv. For new bookings from 1 April 2014 to 31 May 2014, for travel from 1 June 2014 to 31 October 2014. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Blackout dates may apply. Full payment is required at time of booking. Not available with any other offer except Accompanied Motorail 50% discount for Platinum and Adult every day Gold Service guests. A credit card surcharge of up to 2.5% may apply.
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Motoring
Words Dave Hoskin Images Corbis
Going to the ‘drives’ No place in the world took to drive-ins as enthusiastically as Western Australia. Cinephile Dave Hoskin recalls WA’s golden age of outdoor cinema.
28 Horizons April / May 2014
Motoring
I
t was a different age. In 1955 Western Australians couldn’t vote until they were twenty-one. The pubs shut promptly at 6pm, and there was no television of any kind. The English cricket team wouldn’t set foot on the WACA Ground for another 15 years and young people still talked about “courting”. But aside from the local dances, there was precious little for them to do once the pubs closed. But on 13 October, 1955 something new came to Perth. Motorists drove to a six-hectare block in Bentley and parked in front of a massive cinema screen. The experience was so different it was thought necessary to screen a short film to explain how everything would work. Then, sufficiently prepared, everyone sat back in their cars and watched The Greatest Show on Earth. Bentley’s Highway DriveIn sparked an entertainment revolution. Over the next 20 years more than a hundred drive-ins opened in Western Australia - the highest number per capita in the world. Today there are few surviors of that boom, but one of the last is the Busselton Drive-In, run by Ron Jones. “I’ve always loved drive-ins,” says Mr Jones, who first began working for his father’s chain of cinemas in Manjimup, Kojonup and Margaret River as a teenager. “I was running Margaret River, that was my baby,” he explains. “I kept that going up till 2000.” Mr Jones says the
key to drive-ins’ success was their emphasis on populist, mainstream entertainment. “Basically that hasn’t changed, only [the film prints] were a lot older then,” he laughs. “Everything happens straight away now, whereas in those days of course it would have been months or even years before [new releases] came to the drive-ins.” For towns like Margaret River, drive-ins were more than just a source of entertainment. “They were terribly important for the social[ising],” says Gerry Kennedy, president of the Cinema and Theatrical Historical Society. “Around the back bar [of the drivein], people would congregate. “G’day Fred, haven’t seen you, how’s the farm going?” Great social interactive points. But also important because families could have a night out. Put the kids in the pyjamas and cart them to the drivein, feed them a hamburger – [it was a] cheap night out.”
A youth magnet Most legendarily however, drive-ins were a magnet for young people. “Cinema was important to youth,” says Mr Kennedy. Ron Jones says the main difference between audiences then and now is the shift towards a family demographic. “Most people park towards the front these days because they’re families and there’s nobody up the back. Whereas in the old days it was mainly up the back because there were more young people going.”
Most of Australia’s drive-ins have now succumbed to home entertainment, real estate prices and the expense of converting to digital projection. April / May 2014 Horizons 29
Motoring
As well as a popular meeting place for romantically-inclined teenagers, there was another regular customer at the drive-in. These days Alan Vane is a historian for the RAC, but in the 1970s, as an RAC Patrolman, he was out on the streets helping stranded motorists. On slow nights Mr Vane would go to the Metro Drive-In and park in the back until he got a call. “They all knew us, and we’d just wave to them as we went through,” he says. “We were considered knights of the road in those days, very well respected, and we’d sneak in the back, trying not to be too conspicuous.” Sometimes his next call would come from the Metro itself. Drive-ins usually had a crop of cars with flat batteries after every show, and the RAC’s number was always in every address book.
the few remaining drive-in theatres in the state, and has icon status in Perth. But for many parts of WA, a Saturday night at the drive-in is just a memory. Most of Australia’s drive-ins have now succumbed to home entertainment, real estate prices and the expense of converting to digital projection. However the gap in the marketplace has been partially filled by the popularity of outdoor cinemas – screens set up in parks, rooftops or even back alleys. Tony Bective, the Marketing Promotions Manager of the Luna Palace Cinemas, explains that they’ve been operating outdoor cinemas for over twenty years, but points out the concept itself isn’t new. The Cygnet Cinema, for example, originally had both an
indoor auditorium and an outdoor picture garden, but it’s only relatively recently that the idea has gained serious traction. “Cinema is basically alive and well in many respects,” says Mr Bective. “I think outdoor is a kind of phenomena that’s just sprouting.”
A new way to go to the movies
Busselton Drive-in: one of the last iconic WA driveins is set to close at the end of April.
Perth’s drive-in icon Perth’s Galaxy Drive-In Theatre recently celebrated its 40th birthday and is showing no signs of slowing down. Showing its faith in the future of the drive-in experience, the owners decided to invest in digital projection three years ago, enabling the cinema to continue to screen latest release films. And a spokesperson for the company confirms this Perth icon is still a very popular family outing, especially in the summer months. The Galaxy’s confidence in the future may lie in the fact it is one of 30 Horizons April / May 2014
... the gap in the marketplace has been partially filled by the popularity of outdoor cinemas – screens set up in parks, rooftops or even back alleys.
The fascinating thing about outdoor cinemas is that no two are alike. For instance, the Luna Outdoor Cinemas are a different kind of animal to the screenings held at the Perth International Arts Festival, to say nothing of the various suburban and pop-up cinemas that have blossomed all over the state. Even if one leaves aside the virtues of their unique locations, each distinguishes itself by their own style of food, atmosphere, seating (some favour deckchairs, while others plump for beanbags), and programming choices. “I think people are cottoning on to something that is part of WA,” says Mr Bective. For Ron Jones though, the end is in sight. After 30 April he will no longer be able to get hold of film prints and once the prints are gone, he wistfully explains, Busselton Drive-In will close. Memories of this unique era in WA social and film history will remain long after the last drive-in closes its gates. When asked what makes the drive-in experience so special Mr Jones thinks for a moment and then replies. “It’s outdoors,” he says simply. He talks about how customers arrive in utes, their trays full of deckchairs. He talks about the playground right beneath the screen. He even talks about the kangaroo that insisted on entering one night, something that you’d never get down at the multiplex. “It’s a different atmosphere, [a] different experience.” he concludes. “Experience, that’s the word.” O
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April / May 2014 Horizons 31
Motoring
Words Jane Hammond
Diary of a
car crash Behind every major road crash is a team of highly trained professionals working to save the lives of the injured, clear the roads and identify the cause of the carnage. Jane Hammond meets the people dealing with the trauma on our roads. 32 Horizons April / May 2014
Motoring
D H O S P I T C C T P O O T R A U M A I R S N T S
A L S M F B O L I C R E
R E H A B
Police
Within a few minutes of receiving a triple-zero call alerting emergency services to a major crash, a team of up to 50 people from a range of services will be mobilised to the crash site, or involved in some way with the consequences of the collision over the following 24 hours. First on the scene Police, ambulance and fire officers are deployed to get medical help to the injured as soon as possible. Police often arrive first, quickly followed by St John Ambulance officers and fire units. Meanwhile, Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) prepares for the arrival of critically injured patients. Each emergency service has its role to play in lessening the toll of the crash.
When an emergency call is received by the police communications centre, uniformed officers are immediately dispatched to the scene. While they are on their way, the police major crash unit is informed of the event and prepares for what will likely be an extended time at the scene. Officer in charge of the unit, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Geoff Buck, says the first priority is always the injured. If police officers are first on the scene they do what they can to help the injured until the paramedics arrive. Forensic officers join other uniformed and plainclothes specialists to assess the damage and work out who or what might have been responsible. The major crash unit has 30 officers and includes a reconstruction team that attempts to rebuild the scene and work out what may have happened to cause the crash. Police set up a protected forensic area covering the crash site and investigators try to establish causal factors, interviewing witnesses soon after the injured have been taken to hospital. “We treat every major road crash as a crime scene,” says Det Sgt Buck. “It is not just a crash to us, it may have been a deliberate act. There have been incidents where people [deliberately] cause a crash. Until we work out what has happened we treat it as a crime.” In most cases the major crash unit will spend around four hours at the scene gathering evidence. April / May 2014 Horizons 33
Motoring
In some instances the vehicle will be transferred to the vehicle investigations unit for further forensic analysis. Det Sgt Buck says the hardest crashes to deal with are always those involving young people. “Sometimes the police chaplain will come to the scene. If there have been multiple deaths or a scene involving children, the chaplains make themselves available to police officers and anyone else who might have witnessed the crash or is involved. People who drive past just see a crash but there is a lot that goes on around it, behind it and continues on with it, right through to court,” he says. When the investigation is concluded tow truck drivers contracted to WA police remove the debris from the roadway and clean up the site.
Ambulance Ambulance officers are dispatched to a major crash as soon as they receive the call and generally get to the scene within a few minutes of being notified. Once the ambulance officers arrive at the site they make a quick appraisal of how much back up they need and assess the patients using a triage system. St John Ambulance area manager Greg Crellin says major car crashes generally involve more than one injured person and so more than one ambulance is usually needed at each crash site. Additional officers can also be called in to assist with the clinical management of the injured. “Motor vehicle accidents produce a combination of trauma, but the lasting injuries tend to be head injuries or spinal injuries,” he says. The impact of a crash on the family
Prevention is key High school students gain a unique insight into the impact of a major crash through bstreetsmart, a free event presented by the RAC in conjunction with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, WA Police and Royal Perth Hospital. A key part of the event is a live re-enactment of a major crash. Students also hear real-life stories from people impacted by road trauma from survivors to ambulance officers and the families of those who have died on the roads. By watching the crash re-enactment students gain an greater understanding of the extent of the involvement of the emergency services in dealing with the event and its aftermath. Head of the trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital Dr Sudhakar Rao is involved in the bstreetsmart event and says students take most notice when the parents of young drivers who have died in a crash describe their feelings of loss.
The impact of a crash on the family and friends of the deceased or on other innocent parties is often the hardest thing paramedics have to deal with.
34 Horizons April / May 2014
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby says bstreetsmart is about getting a strong message of road safety through to high school students so they can see the ripple effect of a major crash. “We want students to walk away understanding that the decisions they make can have a far-reaching impact not only on themselves but their friends, family and the community,” he says. The RAC is holding two bstreetsmart events this year, with the aim of reaching more than 7000 students. It plans, for the first time, to bring the message to regional students by organising one of the events to coincide with the annual Country Week sports festival attended by regional students in Perth during July.
Motoring
and friends of the deceased or on other innocent parties is often the hardest thing paramedics have to deal with. “I remember going to an accident where a group of friends had been on a big night out and the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle, had to watch as his friend next to him died. Keeping him calm was very difficult,” recalls Mr Crellin. Injured passengers are transferred to the ambulance and taken to the nearest hospital. If they have significant trauma injuries they are taken to RPH. En route the ambulance crew stay in contact with the hospital, updating the status of the patient and the estimated time of arrival. Hospital staff meet the ambulance at the emergency arrival area and a verbal hand-over process begins, continuing as the patient is placed on the trauma table. A written handover is completed once the patient is with hospital staff. The ambulance crew then clean and restock the ambulance in preparation for the next emergency. Mr Crellin says throughout his 12 years as a paramedic he has seen car safety improve but stupidity on the roads increase. “The technology we have in terms of car safety has really improved over the past 30 years. We still have a long way to go in motor vehicle safety but one of the biggest killers is speed and then a sudden stop.”
162
The number of fatalities on WA roads – an overall fatality rate of 6.3 per 100,000 persons. The national fatality rate was 5.2 fatalities per 100,000 persons. The regional WA fatality rate remains relatively high at 14.2 fatalities per 100,000 persons while the metropolitan rate is 4.9.
of Fire and Emergency Services Peter Jones says additional specialist appliances, such as larger vehicles that can deal with trucks, are sent in if needed. “Site safety is number one, followed by first-aid. St John Ambulance is usually there fairly quickly [but] we also do initial stabilisation of casualties if we are first on the scene as our officers are trained in first-aid and we have oxygen and first-aid kits on our appliances,” he says. “When St John officers arrive we hand over to them and they guide us as to who we need to move first.” Fire officers tend to do the “lift and assist” and are often called on to use the Jaws of Life to get trapped and injured people out of the wreckage. Fire officers see “far too many car crashes. Our officers are exposed to a lot and the ripple effect of seeing some things can last for many years. Families involved in car crashes and young people are the worst.”
At the hospital Royal Perth Hospital’s emergency trauma unit swings into action the minute they receive the call that a major crash has occurred. Up to 30 people are readied for the arrival
of casualties, including nursing staff, doctors and specialists. Director of trauma at Royal Perth Hospital Dr Sudhakar Rao says the emergency services are ready to respond within minutes. “We have an incredible response to trauma. When we get notification of a major crash 20 to 30 people, from the blood bank to the x-ray department, will be poised and ready to treat a single patient coming in with trauma injuries.” Dr Rao says the state’s vast geography means the emergency response to major crash events in remote areas can be limited. But in the metropolitan area the quick response time is helping to save lives. When patients arrive they are assessed and treated in emergency and can be in surgery within 10 minutes of arrival. “On average about 10 per cent of people who reach a hospital with major trauma die,” he says. “Most of those who survive will have disabilities to remind them of their injury forever. They will have chronic pain or some other reminder. People think that a hospital will patch them up and they will be all right, but they forget there is always a disability.”
Fire officers At least two fire units and eight fire officers are sent to major crashes and usually arrive within eight minutes of a call-out. Fire officers are responsible for making the site of a crash safe and assisting in the rescue. Hazards, such as fuel and debris, are cleared and as soon as the scene is safe, work begins on freeing any trapped passengers, with the most seriously injured given top priority. Officer in charge of special operations response for the Department April / May 2014 Horizons 35
Motoring Rob Pike (below) was the only survivor of a horror crash.
I tell students about choices that they make in life and what they can do to prevent [bad] things happening.
The survivor’s story Rob Pike is the human face of WA’s major crash statistics. At 17 he lost his best friend and two other mates in a horrific crash that also cost him his legs. He was the only survivor. The driver of the car died in the crash and was believed to have been travelling at or just above the speed limit when he lost control in the wet conditions and smashed into a tree. Mr Pike was left with permanent injuries but counts himself lucky to have survived the impact. He lives with ongoing back pain and relies on prosthetics to walk. He uses his experiences to teach others about
road safety and how to make the most of whatever life throws at them. “I tell students about choices that they make in life and what they can do to prevent [bad] things happening. I tell them about road safety, not drinking and driving and always having a plan,” Mr Pike says. He also takes off his prosthetic legs to show the students and passes them around the room. “I want them to take home the message that their actions have consequences,” he says.
The ripple effect The human toll of a major crash is felt well beyond the family and friends of those killed or injured. Emergency services workers regularly witness road carnage and the trauma can have a lasting effect. RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby says deaths on Western Australian roads in 2013 were once again above the national rate and drivers need to take more care.
“We don’t want complacency to set in. In 2013 nearly one person died on Western Australian roads on average nearly every two days,” he says. “Inattention is a major factor. A recent survey revealed that nearly 20 per cent of young people check their social media while behind the wheel. In some regions of the state people still don’t wear their seatbelts. We need to continue to strongly advocate the importance of road safety.” Det Sgt Buck says knocking on the door of the family of someone killed in a road crash is always difficult. He says drivers need to think about what they are doing on the roads. “Being on the road is a privilege, not a right. People have got to be mindful that driving a vehicle is dangerous. A car can be a killer. It just takes a split second and you may cause somebody else’s death or serious injury, or [even] your own.” O Learn more about what you should do after a car crash. Download our fact sheet rac.com.au/crash.
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April / May 2014 Horizons 37
Motoring
Words Connor Stephenson Image Corbis
Commuter crunch time As the pressure on our roads and public transport system grows, the daily trip to work is also adding strain to our lifestyles, writes Connor Stephenson.
38 Horizons April / May 2014
Motoring
T
hink about the last time you were stuck in a traffic jam: That sense of boiling frustration, the feeling that elements beyond your control are keeping you from your kids’ bed time. The corroding stress of it all. Well, the bad news is the situation is only going to get worse. Much worse. The RAC is forecasting another million vehicles on WA roads by 2020. According to a study by Michael Flood and Claire Barbato, Off to Work - Commuting in Australia, lengthy and unpredictable commuting journeys take a toll on individuals both physically and emotionally. Employees whose journeys are longer “show greater levels of bodily stress and perceived stress. Commuting strain is associated with feelings of nervousness and tension, physical pain and stiffness, irritability and fatigue”. The same report found that more than 10 per cent of parents in paid employment spend more time commuting each week than they do with their children. Recent German research also found that the longer people spend in traffic, the greater the risk that they will suffer a heart attack. Road commuters were up to two or three times more likely to suffer cardiac arrest, regardless of whether they drove themselves or took a bus. While Perth may be a long way behind Germany in terms of commuter suffering, local residents are increasingly feeling the pain of congestion, and are reconsidering their work choices as a result. The RAC BusinessWise-CCI Congestion Survey 2013 found that employers were worried that traffic stress was becoming a factor in staff recruitment and making their workplaces less attractive to employees.
Liz Carey, Senior Manager RAC External Relations, says an alarming 52 per cent of businesses say they’ve had to turn away new work because of congestion, while 78 per cent of those surveyed complained about a loss of productivity due to traffic. “That was mainly about their ability to move about the city during the day, [and] being less productive because of congestion,” she says. “Some 68 per cent of businesses also reported a reduction in staff punctuality. One business went further, saying it was unable to employ staff who lived north of the river because of the congestion issues.
“It’s clear that people really are considering their commute when looking at jobs. Day in and day out, people are getting grumpy about their commute, but really any time spent in traffic is seen as excessive and a waste of time,” says Ms Carey. So how does the West compare with the rest? In 2010, IBM surveyed 1500 commuters from Australia’s five biggest cities. The survey recorded the economic and emotional toll on commuters and was used to compile IBM’s Commuter Pain Index (CPI). The cities were awarded a number between 1 and 100, with 100 being the most “painful” for commuters. Sydney has a CPI of 40,
Cavemen commuted too It might feel like we’ve made a comfortable, air-conditioned rod for our backs by inventing the car, and the network of roads that we all drive on, but it turns out humans have always been commuters. In fact, it seems that we’ve always organised our lives around it, and still do, no matter how advanced a society we live in. Back in 1994, an Italian physicist Cesare Marchetti theorised that throughout history, the average amount of time people spent travelling each day is roughly one hour - a figure now known as Marchetti’s constant. His thinking was that even our neolithic forefathers would have spent an hour a day travelling to and from the cave, or roaming the savannah.
Frankly, that hour was probably one of the easier ones in their day, compared to trying to kill big old bison with sharp sticks. Some researchers at MIT, in Cambridge, USA, recently managed to prove Marchetti’s constant, using mobilephone data from around the world. The scientists used the location information recorded by mobiles in countries around the world, from Portugal to the Ivory Coast and their own Boston. They found that commuting patterns around the world are remarkably similar, regardless of the distances involved or whether commuters walk, drive or use public transport. The results were the same in Europe, Africa and the US - all up, the average roundtrip was an hour a day.
April / May 2014 Horizons 39
Motoring Only 11 per cent of Perth’s population use public transport to get to work or study.
ahead of Brisbane (34), Melbourne (32), Adelaide (22) and Perth (19). In world terms, Australian traffic barely raises blood pressure, with Beijing and Mexico City both scoring 99, and Johannesburg 97. A staggering 31 per cent of those surveyed worldwide said that traffic was often so bad that they simply turned around and went home. In Beijing, that figure was 69 per cent.
Tyranny of distance The average one-way commuting time by road worldwide is 38 minutes, which compares to Sydney, Australia’s highest, at 34 minutes, while Perth is at 27 minutes, and also has the highest average commuting speed (47km/h, against 34km/h in Sydney). Where Perth loses out is in the distances that its residents have to travel to get to work. The city has the lowest proportion of residents living within 10km of their workplaces of any Australian centre. Anne Still, RAC Senior Manager Policy and Research, says the city faces some unique challenges, which add to its commuting woes. “We are a coastal city, around 120km long and only 50 to 70km wide. We have a central freeway artery that carries a great deal of the traffic, and our CBD - which also 40 Horizons April / May 2014
... it comes down to strategy; you have to be able to accommodate the growth you’re going to get. contains most of our jobs - is in the middle of that,” she explains. “Another challenge is our public transport. We’ve got some gaps in our rail network, and those gaps force more people onto our roads. It’s predicted that our population will grow to 3.5 million by 2050, so we really need to step up what we’re doing in terms of public transport.” Perth’s population is 1.8m, and only around 11 per cent of residents use public transport to get to work or study, which is one of the lowest proportions in Australia. The figure for Sydney is 26 per cent. But public transport isn’t the only challenge for Perth. “It also comes back to land use, and how we plan our city,” says Ms Still. “At the moment public transport is very well used by people moving into the city in the morning, but the level of patronage on trains coming back is much lower, and that’s partly because
we don’t have enough employment centres outside of the CBD. “We’re no Tokyo and we’re not London, but we are experiencing population growth and it comes down to strategy; you have to be able to accommodate the growth you’re going to get.” The RAC recently published an Employment Self Sufficiency (ESS) Health Check document, which examined how the State Government’s plans for ESS were progressing. The idea is basically to de-centralise the labour market in Perth, providing people with more options to work closer to where they live, and thus reducing the need for long commutes. The government set ESS targets for the six sub-regions of Perth in 2010 and is also planning to move some of its workforce out of the CBD. Unfortunately, the Health Check found that, with the exception of the North East region, the ESS goals look unlikely to be met by their 2031 target dates. Ms Still says not all jobs are suited to locations outside the CBD and it will always remain the city’s major employment hub. But employers need to be able to operate in a manner that responds to the travel needs of their staff and that might mean having the option to locate in activity centres. The RAC believes it is vital that more be done, urgently, to avoid further deleterious effects on local business and communities. As part of this, the state government also needs to quickly finalise the Public Transport and WA Bike Plans and release the Draft Moving People Plan. “We need to take action now, because the things we’re talking about have long lead times - changes to land use planning and improving public transport. We want to see Perth evolve into a more compact, consolidated and connected city, and what we do in the next five to 10 years will be absolutely crucial." O
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Motoring
Report Helen Shield
Car concierge The RAC Go app is designed to make many aspects of driving and car maintenance easier. It might just make you a better driver, too. Helen Shield investigates the benefits. Yarra Valley Mornington Peninsula Geelong Sunbury Macedon Ranges Other
I
s there a driver who hasn’t experienced the frustration and mortification of the tedious search for a misplaced vehicle in a high-rise car park? Why hasn’t someone invented an app for that? Well, they have. And it’s getting pretty close to being released in WA. Late last year, 700 RAC members started road testing RAC Go, an iPhone app that counts parking buddy, designed to reunite you and your car, among its many features. Parking buddy helps vague, busy and even directionally challenged drivers work out where they left
their cars and find them later. For the truly overloaded, it incorporates a reminder feature, setting off an alarm that should allow users to avoid overstaying their welcome in a metered bay. RAC’s Executive General Manager Pat Walker says RAC is leading the charge to make the technology available to RAC members. “It’s likely RAC Go will become part of the RAC’s suite of member benefits,” he says. “At this stage the results from the trial are still being evaluated. We’ll keep members informed about the app and when it may be likely to become available.”
! Eyes on the road The RAC reminds motorists not to use a mobile phone while driving. Information provided by the RAC Go app is intended for use before and after a journey.
Nifty features
The future
Safer drivers
Parking buddy is one of nine features of the base-level RAC Go, which works on Apple iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s and 5c smartphones. (An Android version of the app is also under development and will be available soon.) RAC Go incorporates each of the RAC membership benefit alerts in the existing Member Benefits app and adds a click-tocall function for Roadside Assistance; a fuel-price guide for outlets close to you; places to park your car within a three kilometre radius; a here-to-there travel time estimator; travel information (including accommodation); car service reminders; and My Trips, a road trip travel diary including comments and photographs. RAC Go users can upload the diary to Facebook to keep family and friends abreast of travel triumphs and disasters. Mr Walker emphasises that the app’s functions have been designed to be used pre- and post-trip only, not while driving. “Using your mobile phone while driving is a dangerous distraction. The RAC Go app has been specifically designed for planning your journey and for information about your car once you’ve completed your journey.”
For futurists and those with a keen interest in telematics, or the electronic technology used in our cars, it is the next level of RAC Go that has the potential to really change the way we drive. This stepped-up component of RAC Go works in tandem with a matchbox-sized device plugged into a port near the car steering wheel. The on-board diagnostic device allows the app and the car to speak to each other and for drivers to analyse the information stored inside their vehicles. This conversation between the app and the car starts to make futuristic concepts about vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and crash prevention appear a lot closer to reality on WA roads.
The frank heart to heart between car and app has the potential to give RAC Go users useful money and lifesaving information. It tells drivers how often they brake suddenly and accelerate quickly. It can monitor fuel consumption and alert drivers to mechanical defects, making roadside diagnosis and assistance faster and more efficient. The RAC believes unlocking this information has the potential to encourage drivers to re-evaluate how they drive – particularly if it will cut a fuel bill or reduce vehicle wear and tear. Or it could become a pivotal conversation starter, encouraging RAC’s 800,000 members to talk to each other about driver behaviour. Because mobile phone and car technology is evolving at such a rapid rate, RAC hopes its app users will get access to exciting new developments before other motorists. “We hope that having this information will encourage app users to become safer drivers,” Mr Walker says. “Twenty years ago WA had one of the lowest fatality rates of any Australian state, now it is consistently the highest. In 2013 we were again above the national rate.”
42 Horizons April / May 2014
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Built for Adventure
Test drive Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars on our roads.
Volkswagen Golf VII GTI
A
nyone who knows anything about the 39-year tradition of the Volkswagen Golf GTI won’t be at all shocked when they drive this latest Golf VII GTI for the first time. Their expectations will already be high and for the most part, they’ll be met. Sure, this seventh generation VW Golf GTI is based on a new platform, has a new body and a completely overhauled engine, but there’s plenty of familiarity there. In fact, given it has an all new body, VW have done a very good job of making it look like the old one. There are, however, some important new additions to the Golf GTI range, and some omissions. One of those omissions 44 Horizons April / May 2014
is the lack of a three-door Golf VII GTI, which means the entry level price for the GTI is $46,456 drive away for the five-door manual, $2500 more than the previous three-door version. The DSG auto we tested costs $49,255 drive away. So, it’s a bit more expensive, but let’s have a look at what you get for that extra outlay. Firstly, VW have given its familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine a completely redesigned cylinder head, which has helped raise its outputs to 162kW and 350Nm, representing power and torque increases of 7kW and a whopping 70Nm. Of equal significance is the considerable weight savings the new GTI brings. The
DSG-equipped GTI is 56kg lighter, which not only makes its handling even sweeter, it also helps maximise the GTI’s efficiency. Stop-start technology also helps keep fuel consumption down, contributing to an overall 18 per cent improvement in efficiency for the DSG version, and 19 per cent for the manual. Of particular note is VW’s brilliant new progressive steering system, which
debuted in this new GTI. Basically, the steering response quickens as you turn in to a corner, lowering the required steering input angles on twisty roads and generally adding to the GTI’s already enormous fun factor. As a five-door hatchback that can tackle the serious role of safe, practical and efficient motoring, you won’t find one that’s more fun than the Golf GTI. O
Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Price driveaway (as tested) Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy Kerb weight
$49,255 2.0-litre, turbo petrol 162kW @ 4500-6200rpm 350Nm @ 1500-4400rpm 6.6 litres/100km 1,324kg
Test drive The 500’s two-cylinder engine is just 0.9 litres in capacity, making it the smallest non-hybrid car engine on the Australian market.
Fiat 500 Lounge
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uying a new turbocharged Italian convertible for the cost of a small car sounds impossible. It’s not. Meet the Fiat 500 Lounge. It has a retractable roof, a two-cylinder turbocharged engine and sells for $25,330 drive away. In fact, the 500 range starts at $14,000 drive away, making it the cheapest European car in Australia. Clearly, the new Fiat 500 is a retro car, unmistakably recalling the styling of the original Fiat 500 dating from 1957. Like its ancestor, the 500C has just two cylinders, although that’s about the only mechanical similarity. The 500’s two-cylinder engine is just 0.9 litres in capacity, making it the smallest
non-hybrid car engine on the Australian market. It’s called the Twin Air, and gets a boost from a single turbocharger. Peak power and torque outputs are 62kW and 145Nm respectively. That doesn’t sound like much, but the car only weighs 970kg so progress can be surprisingly brisk. Fixed-roof variants of the 500 are available with 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre non-turbo engines, and the options of five or six-speed manual gearboxes or the Dualogic automated manual. Convertible 500s are only available with the latter. The 500 handles very sharply, with its tiny, 2,300mm wheelbase and light weight helping it get around corners with the agility of a go-kart.
Fiat 500 Lounge Price driveaway (as tested) Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy Kerb weight
That handling combined with the comical putt-putt sound of its two hard-working cylinders make it difficult not to grin when you’re behind the wheel. It does have its drawbacks though. Some of those downsides stem from this simply being a tiny car, such as the minimal shoulder and head room in the front seats, and a boot that can only fit about four shoeboxes. The Dualogic automatic gearbox takes some getting
$25,330 0.9-litre, two-cylinder turbo petrol 62kW @ 5,500rpm 145Nm @ 2,000rpm 3.9 litres/100km 930kg
used to as well. It’s really a manual ‘box with an automated single clutch, so there are big pauses in the power delivery when the automated clutch engages and disengages. It improves as you adjust your driving style, but there’s no hurrying it. If you must have the convertible, then you’ll have to put up with that. The hard top is just as cool though, and more fun to drive with the conventional manual gearbox. O April / May 2014 Horizons 45
Test drive
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L
I
f there was an award for the vehicle with the most changes from its previous iteration, the new Nissan Pathfinder would win hands down. It has a new body based on a ‘monocoque’ construction, there’s a redesigned interior and its 3.5-litre petrol V6, which is new to the range. The new Pathfinder is a softer, more family-focused crossover vehicle compared to its tougher, Navara-based predecessor. Without the previous Pathfinder’s separate chassis and transfer case, it loses some off-roading ability but the gains in other areas are significant. For a start, the refinement and ride of the new Pathfinder are excellent, and far better than in the old one. The big
46 Horizons April / May 2014
petrol V6 is smooth, quiet and amply powerful for hauling the Pathfinder’s two tonnes. At highway speeds, we found it used around 11 litres per 100km, though this went up to around 14L/100km around town. While that’s not especially thrifty, it does require only 91-octane unleaded. Furthermore, the instant and lag-free response of this decent-sized, naturally aspirated petrol powerplant does have rewards that some small diesels struggle to deliver. In fact, the new Pathfinder doesn’t have a diesel engine option at all, which will be missed in Australia given their popularity in SUVs here. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol drives
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L Price driveaway (as tested) Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy Kerb weight
through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which in turn drives an on-demand four-wheel drive system. When in ‘auto’, the system sends drive to the rear wheels as required. It’s not a serious off-roader, but the trade-off is a far better on-road ride and better handling than the older model. The Pathfinder’s interior really impresses. There is ample leg room for passengers in the second row of seats, even
$60,605 3.5-litre V6 petrol 190kW @ 6,400rpm 325Nm@ 4,400rpm 10.2 litres/100km 2,025kg
behind a 190cm-tall driver. And the two seats in the third row could comfortably fit a 175cm-tall adult. There are also clever storage spots including ten cup holders and six bottle holders, air vents for the third-row passengers and the sliding second row of seats. The Pathfinder’s pricing starts at $44,230 drive away for the ST two-wheel drive, though the one we tested was the fourwheel drive in mid-spec ST-L, which is $60,605. O
Test drive ... it’s refreshing that the new Octavia shares the benefits of the excellent VW Golf VII platform.
Skoda Octavia
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or the first time in Australia, we finally have a Skoda model line that’s based on the same platform as the current Volkswagen models. Previously, Skodas have been a generation behind the current VW models, so it’s refreshing that the new Octavia now shares the benefits of the excellent VW Golf VII platform. The other major plus is the aggressive pricing, which means you get a mid-sized car that costs the same as a small car. For example, the entry level Octavia Ambition costs $22,990 – well below the majority of its mid-sized competitors, although this is for the manual. A DSG auto gearbox will cost an extra $2300, while the wagon will be
an extra $1300. The Octavia also comes with capped price servicing, which is a big plus. There are three model grades in the new Octavia range, starting with the aforementioned entry-level Ambition, followed by the mid-spec Ambition Plus (from $26,790) and the range-topping Elegance (from $35,490). There are also three engine choices available. These comprise two turbocharged petrol engines with 103kW or 132kW, and the familiar VW Group 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 110kW and 320Nm. All three of these engines are more efficient than their predecessors. In the petrol engines, this is thanks in part to an exhaust manifold integrated
in to the cylinder head for fast warm-up and variable exhaust valve timing. The diesel gets start-stop technology. Modern Skodas have traditionally had cheaper, harder interior materials compared with their VWbadged equivalents, but the cost-cutting is much less evident in this one. There are polished metal finishes on the insides of the doors and quality plastic surrounds on the centre console.
It’s a very comfortable, quiet place to be, although the road noise can build up at higher speeds. Handling is excellent. The Octavia feels light on its feet through twisty roads and nimbly changes direction when asked. In terms of sales, the Octavia is Skoda’s most successful model of all time. This one is set to keep it that way. In fact, it now represents a serious threat to the mainstream mid-sized cars from Japan and Korea. O
Skoda Octavia Price driveaway (as tested) Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy Kerb weight
$29,090 1.4-litre, turbo petrol 103kW @ 5,000rpm 250Nm @ 1,500–3,500rpm 5.2 litres/100km 1302kg April / May 2014 Horizons 47
What’s new
The latest news from the motoring world
Five-star cars on the rise
Ford Mustang turns 50
T
he famous Ford Mustang was released in April 1964, and immediately began breaking sales records with dealers taking 22,000 orders on the first day it went on sale. Based on the mechanicals of the then-current Ford Falcon, the Mustang had crisp, sleek new styling and instantly appealed to the public. Initial projected sales were 100,000 in the first year. In reality, 417,000 were sold in the first year. After two years, one million had been sold, and after 50 years, more than nine million Mustangs have “galloped” into the garages of enthusiastic owners.
Toyota’s pedestrian dodger Toyota has taken pedestrian-detection technology to a new level, revealing a system that can not only automatically detect and brake for pedestrians, but can also autonomously steer the vehicle around them. Toyota says the system will help prevent collisions in cases where automatic braking alone is insufficient, such as when the vehicle is moving too fast, or a pedestrian suddenly steps into its path. If the system detects that a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone, and there is sufficient room for avoidance, it automatically steers the vehicle away from the pedestrian. The technology, called Pedestrianavoidance Steer Assist, is expected by Toyota to be available on its customer vehicles after 2015. O 48 Horizons April / May 2014
Sales of new cars in Western Australia were down in 2013 compared with the year before, but there were some upsides. Overall, there has been an increase in the proportion of new vehicles sold with five-star ANCAP safety ratings, with approximately 76 per cent of new vehicles sold carrying the optimal rating. This is a positive reflection of consumers’ awareness of the importance of vehicle safety features, and manufacturers’ willingness to make affordable five-star cars. However, only approximately 36 per cent of light commercial vehicles sold had five stars, showing there is still plenty of opportunity to improve the safety of work and recreational vehicles. O
Barina beefs up A cheap run-around is the way most people would describe the Holden Barina, but there’s now a beefed-up sporty version called the RS that’s set to make the run to the shops a little more spirited. Launched late last year, the Barina RS brings with it a feisty 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with 103kW and 200Nm. With that perkier engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and RS branding throughout, the RS is a sportier Barina in looks and performance. In keeping with the Barina tradition, it’s still very affordable given its fun factor. Pricing starts at $24,130 for the manual, which sounds like a lot for a car this size, but you do get a seven-inch colour touchscreen, auto headlights, rear-parking sensors and heated leather seats. O
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Ask the car doctor
Our experts answer your questions
Tricky temperature
Q
Can you please tell me how the ambient temperature shown on the dashboard of modern cars works. Is it affected by hot road or car park surfaces? And where is the sensor located on the vehicle? Does hot or cold air flow over the sensors? Does vehicle movement affect it? Does parking the vehicle in the shade affect the reading?
You can be a winner If your question is published you will receive a copy of the new UBD Gregory’s 2014 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.
Peter Chapman
See page 79 for terms and conditions of entry.
A: The ambient outside
temperature sensor is mounted behind the front bumper but in front of the radiator. In the same way the readings of a regular household-temperature gauge can be affected by placing it outside in different locations, a car’s ambient air thermometer can be affected by hot road surfaces, and parking the vehicle in the sun. Although the accuracy of these gauges is improving, the temperature shown on the instrument panel should only be used as a guide due to the many external variations the sensor is exposed to.
Dealership loyalty
Q
I have been getting my car regularly serviced with the dealer from which it was purchased. However last time I tried my local mechanic and it worked out a bit cheaper. Is it better to continue going through the dealership for my car servicing? Julie Colquhoun, Cloverdale
Send your questions to: The Car Doctor RAC Horizons GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839 or email: editor@rac.com.au
A: Providing a licensed
independent vehicle workshop is able to carry out the servicing for your vehicle as outlined in the service logbook, you do not have to have your car serviced at a dealer to maintain its factory warranty.
Clutch controversy
Q
My son’s driving instructor has taught him to place his foot over the clutch whilst the car is moving. My husband thinks that if he keeps placing his foot on the clutch, it will wear it out prematurely. Your thoughts? Carol Gurney, Willetton.
A: If a driver rests their
foot on the clutch pedal while driving, this will cause
premature wear on the clutch and increase fuel consumption. Placing your foot over the clutch pedal without touching it will obviously not cause the clutch to wear prematurely, and is often required when the gear changes are regular, such as driving in heavy traffic. However this may cause the driver’s foot to become sore during long trips, and affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. When the driver’s left foot is not operating the clutch regularly, such as during highway driving, it is recommended that the driver rests their foot on the footrest or ‘dead pedal’ if there is one, or to the left of the clutch pedal.
Please include your full name, address and day-time telephone number with your query. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for the delivery of your prize.
Contact
US If you have a motoring question, don’t forget that RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line.
Call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm, to speak to one of our experts. April / May 2014 Horizons 51
Win! one of Australia’s best cars RAC’s Member Benefits program is giving members the chance to win a brand new Subaru Forester 2.5i – one of the winners of the 2013 Australia’s Best Cars Awards.
Awarded the Best SUV under $45,000, the Subaru Forester 2.5i is a 2.5-litre, 4 cylinder, 6 speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), all-wheel drive with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, valued around $36,000.
52 Horizons April / May 2014
1st prize
Subaru Forester 2.5i valued around $36,000
First prize includes + 12 months’ registration + 12 months’ free RAC Comprehensive Car Insurance + 12 months’ free RAC Ultimate Plus Roadside Assistance membership or upgrade.
Enter now to win! Visit rac.com.au/winacar and fill out your details. By entering this competition you will be added to the RAC Member Benefits eNews subscription list so we can keep you informed of regular RAC member benefits and special offers*. Current Member Benefits eNews subscribers may also enter via the same online form. All entries must be received by 30 June 2014.
2nd prize
3rd prize
$5000
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RAC Travel voucher
WISH Gift Card
See page 79 for terms and conditions. * You may unsubscribe from the eNews at any time but must be subscribed to be eligible for the prizes.
April / May 2014 Horizons 53
Member Lounge People, places, prizes and RAC news Half an hour to save a life St John Ambulance has urged parents to encourage their teenagers to take a free online first aid course which takes just 30 minutes to complete. The clicktosave course, developed by St John, teaches the skills and knowledge to deliver basic first aid before the arrival of an ambulance at a crash scene.
Top three RAC roadside callouts Have you ever locked your keys inside your car? Even with central locking, a surprising number of our members still do. While enjoying a weekend away in Margaret River RAC members Diana and George locked their keys in the boot of their car, along with their mobile phone. Luckily, with help from another motorist, they contacted the RAC and happily report that a Patrol arrived “in a jiffy”. And they weren’t the only ones. During the same trip, they came across a mum and daughter who had done exactly the same thing and had also called on the RAC to help. Out of an average of almost 450,000 breakdowns per year, car lockouts are one of the top three problems attended by RAC Roadside Assistance Patrols. Approximately 30,000 callouts are for keys locked in cars with almost the same amount again for flat tyres. The most common problem is flat batteries with RAC Patrols attending an average of 110,000 battery callouts each year. Other common breakdowns involve electrical systems, suspension, ignition and cooling systems. Whether it’s mechanical, electrical, poor battery maintenance, or just being forgetful there are many reasons motorists find themselves stranded throughout the year. O Check that your Roadside cover best suits the way you use your car, at rac.com.au/upgrade. 54 Horizons April / May 2014
In 2013, St John relaunched the online course, which specifically aims to reduce road crash deaths, as part of its commitment to first aid training and community safety.
DO CAR BATTERIES HAVE A ‘SHELF LIFE’? Every car battery starts its life in a fully charged state however, if the battery is not installed and sits on a shelf for months, the charge will slowly dissipate. The result is a battery that’s not in the best condition when purchased.
Research shows that up to 15 per cent of road crash deaths can be prevented by administering basic first aid at the scene before emergency services arrive. For more information or to take the course visit clicktosave.com.au.
If you choose to install your own battery remember to check the battery date before you carry out the installation. Anything more than six months old will most likely require a recharge. RAC Batteries follows a strict stock rotation policy to ensure our batteries are no more than 90 days old when fitted to your vehicle. This ensures the battery we fit is in the best possible condition, so you get the longest possible life from it. O
Member Lounge Download our free Horizons app now to discover where you can save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.
Don’t fool around with fire safety It can take as little as four minutes for a small fire to spread across an entire room and the only warning you may have is a working smoke alarm. This and every April Fool’s day, 1 April, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) urges all householders to change their smoke alarm batteries. There are legislative requirements for homes to be fitted with a specified number of alarms depending on the type of home, and requirements for those selling or renting out a property. Alarms fitted with a battery are allowed in some circumstances however DFES
Win a Southern Forests escape
Enter now to win
recommends a mains-powered photoelectric smoke alarm with a battery backup. RAC Security Executive Manager, Grant Scott, advises members to also consider having smoke detectors installed on their security systems and having them monitored for maximum protection while home and away. “As RAC smoke detectors can be linked to home alarms, in the event of a fire, your alarm system will activate, which is more likely to attract the attention of neighbours if you’re out. Plus, when your smoke detectors are monitored by RAC Security, both you and the fire department will be notified of a possible fire,” Mr Scott said. Find out more about household fire prevention at dfes.wa.gov.au O To ask about smoke alarm monitoring and smoke detector requirements call RAC Security on 1300 360 504 or visit rac.com.au/security.
We’re giving you the chance to win a five-day self-drive holiday for two people to WA’s beautiful Southern Forests region. You’ll stay four nights in a lakeside room at Karri Valley Resort, surrounded by majestic Karri forest on the edge of Lake Beedelup in Pemberton. Your prize includes
A wilderness Eco Cruise with WOW Wilderness Cruises A Donnelly River Cruise O Truffle hunt plus a Wine and Truffle Company Gourmet Hamper O Lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant at Silkwood Winery O A $250 fuel voucher from RAC Travel O O
To enter Tell us why you’d like to visit the Southern Forests region. Send your reason for wanting to visit, along with your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Southern Forests Escape GPO Box 2943, Perth 6800 For terms and conditions, see page 79.
April / May 2014 Horizons 55
Member Lounge Download our free Horizons app now to discover where you can save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.
Renters overlook risks The thought of packing up everything you own to move to a new rental property can be daunting but it’s a timely reminder of just how many things you can accumulate wherever you live.
Keith’s off-road adventure tips
Imagine having to replace it all or even just your most valued belongings such as your laptop or jewellery? An estimated two in three renters in WA don’t have contents insurance compared with only seven per cent of home owners. If you’re renting a home and don’t have renters’ insurance, your personal belongings would not be covered in the event of a fire or theft. If you are a renter with contents insurance you should also assess if your cover has kept up with your purchases, such as a new TV. Eight in 10 renters and home owners are underinsured, according to a survey by the Insurance Council of Australia. O To find out more about RAC Renters Insurance and to get a quote, visit rac.com.au/renters. To check if your current level of cover is enough use our insurance calculators at rac.com.au/calculators.
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Before your next outback driving adventure, consider these tips from four-wheel drive trainer Keith Harraway from the RAC Driving Centre.
O Know your vehicle – is it a four-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive? O For all terrain ensure four-wheel drive is engaged and hubs locked. O Don’t drive through water that exceeds the middle of your wheels unless your vehicle is specially prepared. O At water crossings if you’re unsure of the depth inspect it carefully first, using a stick to check for depth and obstacles. O To drive on sand or mud, deflate your tyres until you see a bulge in the tyre walls and a lengthened tyre footprint.
Keith has been training off-road adventurers for more than 30 years and is a trainer for the RAC’s Recreational Four-Wheel Drive Course as well as corporate courses for workers driving in harsh conditions. The Recreational Four-wheel Drive Course puts you and your vehicle to the test using real scenarios. Remember, these tips are just a guide and every four-wheel drive owner should become familiar with their own vehicle’s handling before going off road. O RAC members receive 10 per cent off the course. For more information visit rac.com.au/4wd.
Win tickets to X-Men: Days of Future Past In cinemas 22 May, 2014
Thanks to 20th Century Fox we’re giving away 20 double in-season passes to see X-Men: Days of Future Past. The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for survival of the species across two time periods. The beloved characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from X-Men: First Class in an epic battle that must change the past, to save the future.
To enter Visit rac.com.au/xmen or send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/X-Men, GPO Box 2946 Perth 6800 For terms and conditions, see page 79
56 Horizons April / May 2014
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&YDMVTJWF 3"$ NFNCFS T PGGFS
2 nights in Sandakan at 4* Four Points by Sheraton with breakfast daily
t *ODMVEFT EJTDPVOU t 'SFF VQHSBEF UP OFYU SPPN DBUFHPSZ t &BSMZ DIFDL JO XJUI CSFBLGBTU PO EBZ PG BSSJWBM t -BUF DIFDL PVU t *O SPPN JOUFSOFU BDDFTT
THE MAGELLAN SUTERA RESORT 5*
Bonus - FREE room upgrade
2 night Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari at Sukau Rainforest Lodge With breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner from
$1279pp $1769pp
&YDMVTJWF 3"$ NFNCFS T PGGFS
t *ODMVEFT GSFF OJHIU t $IPPTF GSPN POF PG UIF GPMMPXJOH 'SFF ##2 %JOOFS BU "M 'SFTDP " TFU EJOOFS BU #SFF[F 3FTUBVSBOU )PMFT PG (PMG BU (SBIBN .BSTI EFTJHOFE DPVSTF BU 4VUFSB )BSCPVS (PMG $PVOUSZ $MVC
World class ecotourism destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sir David Attenborough likes to stay at this rainforest lodge!
2 nights in Kota Kinabalu at 5* The Magellen Sutera Resort with breakfast daily Safari Highlights t 7JTJU 4FQJMPL 0SBOHVUBO 3FIBCJMJUBUJPO $FOUSF UP WJFX B NPSOJOH GFFEJOH TFTTJPO t 3JWFS DSVJTF UP TFBSDI GPS QZHNZ FMFQIBOUT PSBOHVUBOT BOE QSPCPTDJT NPOLFZT t 7JTJU UIF 3BJOGPSFTU %JTDPWFSZ $FOUSF UIF 4BOEBLBO 8BS .FNPSJBM
Terms & Conditions: Prices are from, per person based on twin share accommodation. Return economy airfares (incl taxes) ex Perth with Malaysia Airlines based on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; class, direct service MH120 PERBKI & MH121 BKIPER. Valid for travel 25 Apr - 26 Jun 14 & 10 Oct - 10 Nov inclusive. Conditions apply to bonus offers. All prices are subject to availability & can change without notice. Cancellation & change fees apply. Booking maybe subject to compulsory credit card fees and service charges imposed by the agent. Other conditions apply. Lic 9TA 1121
1300 655 179 Carousel 9365 4700
rac.com.au/travel Joondalup 9308 1600
Visit your local RAC Travel Centre
Mandurah 9512 8200
Morley 6466 2300
West Perth 9436 4830
Licence No. 9TA1
RAC high season savers types, FER on all accommodation OF 2 y Pa 3 y Sta ial ec sp r SAVE with ou $1180 accommodation and up to ted ten on 25 $2 VE SA ! ed available Mon-W sed on room type) on our luxury Eco Villas (ba Or stay longer and save even more with our Stay 7 Pay 5 OFFER on all accommodation types, any day! SAVE between $550 - $2,360 (based on your chosen room type)
lateralaspect.ed6480
2014 Wedding Savings RAC members save up to 15% when you book an exclusiveuse wedding at Eco Beach.
Special Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bookings Include â&#x20AC;¢ Complimentary morning yoga classes daily â&#x20AC;¢ 1 x free fishing rod and tackle hire â&#x20AC;¢ Your choice of either one hour stand up paddle board hire or one hour kayak hire subject to availability â&#x20AC;¢ $50 off day spa voucher redeemable against one hour treatment
www.ecobeach.com.au/rac 08 broome wa
9193 8015 2011 Winner Bronze
See website for full terms and conditions
April / May 2014 Horizons 57
Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier for anyone to save the planet Own a lower emissions car and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give you great rewards, like up to 25% off Comprehensive Car Insurance
To find out more visit rac.com.au/LEM or call 1300 138 983 RAC Insurance Pty Ltd issues this product. Cover is subject to underwriting criteria. Check PDS to see if the policy is right for you. The insurance discount offer applies to cars recognised as having lower emissions by RAC. The discount varies from up to 5% to up to 25% depending on vehicle age. The discount will automatically be included in the premium. Visit rac.com.au/LEM for full terms and conditions for all offers, which may change without notice.
MemberBenefits For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Start saving! Download our
free app
Enjoy discounts at WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best restaurants
Save! on WASO and Grease tickets
available online now
Entertainment
For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Show your RAC membership card and start saving now
Make the most of your membership by following these simple steps:
As an RAC member you get access to discounts at over a 100 retail and travel partners. Check out these latest offers.
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2. Sign-up to our Member Benefits eNewsletter for more competitions, deals and exclusive member shopping events
Mem ber Num
60 Entertainment MS
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62 Home & Garden MS
73 Shopping & Lifestyle 75 Automotive
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3. Download our free app and find the latest offers near you
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76 Travel & Holidays
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The No.1 party musical
Grease is coming to Perth
Join WASO for Stravinskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Petrushka May 30 & 31 at 7:30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Perth Concert Hall
RAC members save $30 on all A Reserve tickets to Wednesday and Thursday performances during the season.
A vivid depiction of three fair ground puppets and their fantastic adventures. RAC members can buy one standard A reserve ticket and get one free. Book through WASO on 9326 0000 or waso.com.au and quote code STRAVINSKY2014
rac.com.au/grease
rac.com.au/waso
60 Horizons April / May 2014
Show your RAC membership card and start saving
Entertainment
R13444
RAC Membership
Perth and WA’s best restaurant discounts An exclusive special for our valued members RAC and OZeating have teamed up to bring members the ultimate Western Australian dining program with the new – VIP card. RAC members pay only $64, that’s 15% off. Taste the best that Perth and WA has to offer and save 10-20% off the bill at your favourite resturants, each and every time you visit.
Get your card today at rac.com.au/ozeating February April / March / May 2014 Horizons 61
Home & Garden
For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Offer available to RAC members only. Not valid with any other offer.
SAVE 10%* WITH OPTEON DEPRECIATION SCHEDULES If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a depreciation schedule on your investment property youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably missing out on thousands of dollars a year. What we do: Prepare Depreciation Schedules for all types of commercial and residential properties.
THE PRIMARY BENEFIT IS TAX CLAIM MAXIMISATION Call Jeremy McGrade at Opteon Depreciation Schedules today.
Call 08 9488 4870 or email us for more info jeremy.mcgrade@opteonproperty.com.au *Offer available to RAC members only. Not valid with any other offer.
RECEIVE A 10%* DISCOUNT ON ALL PARTS EDEN ROC GARAGE DOORS Garage Door Needing Attention? We install, repair and service all makes and models of doors and motors. WE ALSO HAVE A FULLY STOCKED PARTS SHOP WHICH SUPPLIES ALL BRANDS OF s 3FNPUFT s 4QSJOHT )JOHFT s %*: .PUPST 1BSUT
Call 9303 9334 6OJU 2VBOUVN MJOL 8BOHBSB 8" 0OMJOF QBSUT BOE TQBSFT 'BTU 8" %FMJWFSZ www.edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *When you show your RAC card at time of booking.
SAVE UP TO 45% ON SELECTED PRODUCTS VISION DECOR
We specialise in all interior blinds, outdoor blinds, curtains, padded pelmets, swags and tails, laminate flooring and tinting. FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE PLEASE
We Have Moved... 2/19 Exhibition Drive Malaga WA 6090
Call 9248 6160
UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE FOR YOUR HOME
GET A FREE APPLIANCE PACKAGE VALUED AT OVER $5,000* WHEN YOU ORDER A NEW KITCHEN
RAC member exclusive offer
CALL 1300 279 198
For a FREE no-obligation kitchen design and quote
* oï¬&#x20AC;er is for a limited time only.
Ask us about our great Solar & Double Glazing specials! 62 Horizons April / May 2014
www.glhi.com.au
e: info@glhi.com.au
Show your RAC membership card and start saving
Home & Garden
Save up to
$300 on RRP*
April / May 2014 Horizons 63
Home & Garden
For Formore moreways waysto tosave savevisit visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Protect your home & family this summer
RAC MEMBERS RECEIVE A FREE REMOTE UPGRADE* ON NU STYLE ROLLER SHUTTERS Nu Style Roller Shutters come with a 10 warranty and are guaranteed to reduce the heat through summer time whilst keeping your home and family safe. Nu Style Roller Shutters are admired for their stylish look and renowned for their function and durability. A quality product that provides superior defenses against burglary, an effective deterrent against vandalism and a significant reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Install Nu Style Roller Shutters to your home and benefit from: s s s s
Enhanced security Reduced heat Noise Reduction Blocked out light
s s s s
Increased privacy Weather protection Save on energy costs 10 year warranty
CALL 1300 798 776
or email info@nustyleshutters.com.au For a free measure and quote all areas Unit 1/39 Enterprise crescent, Malaga
www.nustyleshutters.com.au 64 Horizons April / May 2014
*Conditions apply
Show your RAC membership card and start saving
Home & Garden
The CSRIO recommends annual termite inspections
Save
$165 Plus, 15% off all other services*
RAC Members Exclusive Offer only $190* (Normally $355) Offer only available once per household
*RAC member discounts and offers are not applicable to warranty renewal contracts or other Termico offers. Offer only applicable in metro and selected country areas (Bunbury and Busselton). Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspection. Offer available once per household.** To approved customers only.
April / May 2014 Horizons 65
Home & Garden
For Formore moreways waysto tosave savevisit visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
PROUDLY WESTERN AUSTRALIAN OWNED FOR OVER 30 YEARS PERTH’S BIGGEST RANGE! 100 BBQ’S ON DISPLAY ALL AT BARGAIN PRICES! RAC MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 30%. WOOD HEATERS RAC price
RAC price
RAC price
$1899
$1599
$2699
Kent Evolution 8
Sunco SH3000
Kent Sommerset
Fan forced. Heats 250 sq. metres. Including flue.
Heats 180 sq. metres. Including flue.
RAC price
$1899
RAC price
RAC price
$2699
$2699
Clean Air Kent Evolution 4 inbuilt
Heats 250 sq. metres. Exclusive heat exchanger tubes for maximum heat output. Including flue.
Heats 150 sq. metres. 3-speed fan. Including flue.
Heats 300 sq. metres. 3-speed fan. Including flue.
Kent Evolution 8 Inbuilt Heats 280 sq. metres. Including flue. 35 speed fan.
GAS HEATERS RAC price
$299 WAS $499
RAC price
$4299
Archer Inbuilt Heats 180 sq. metres. 5.7 star rating. Optional remote.
66 Horizons April / May 2014
$4299
Limited Stock
Companion Natural Heats 60 sq. metres. Convection heater.
BARBECUEBAZAAR OPEN MON – FRI 9-5PM SAT 9-4PM SUN 11-2PM www.barbecuebazaar.com.au
RAC price
Coonara Grange Inbuilt Heats 200 sq. metres. 5.1 star rating. Remote controlled. Including flue.
Balcatta
Cannington
Midland
30 Erindale Rd Telephone: 9240 7188
1399 Albany hwy Telephone: 9458 5724
141 Great Eastern hwy Telephone: 9274 3334
Home & Garden
Show your RAC membership card and start saving
RAC members save
$
500 on RRP
April / May 2014 Horizons 67
Home & Garden
For Formore moreways waysto tosave savevisit visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Enjoy your outdoor living area this summer in style
10%* OFF ROLLER SCREENS FOR RAC MEMBERS External Roller Screens are an effective way to give your home the lifestyle and comfort you deserve. Conveniently operated from anywhere in the home at the touch of a button, Nu Style Roller Screens allow you to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation with complete privacy without sacrificing your view.
Your NuStyle Roller Screens can be functional all year around. Keeping your alfresco warm in winter and even cooler in summer. By fully closing the screen you will benefit from up to 85% light control and shade cover, with an outstanding up to 95% heat control and UV block. It not only drastically reduces the harsh summer heat but also reduces your cooling and energy costs.
CALL 1300 798 776
or email info@nustyleshutters.com.au For a free measure and quote all areas Unit 1/39 Enterprise crescent, Malaga
www.nustyleshutters.com.au 68 Horizons April / May 2014
*Conditions apply
Show Showyour yourRAC RACmembership membershipcard cardand andstart startsaving saving
Home & Garden
RAC Members save
10% On RRP up to $700
April / May 2014 Horizons 69
Home & Garden
For Formore moreways waysto tosave savevisit visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
COSY UP YOUR HOME WITH PAINT PLACE
Whether you need expert advice on colour, trends, paint or accessories, your local Paint Place can help you get your home ready for autumn.
Save
$10 on 10L
Save
$5 on 4L
Exclusive member discounts.*
08 9721 9880 08 9921 7644 08 9271 2088 08 9249 6911 08 9757 2011 08 9274 2111
Rockingham Osborne Park Kelmscott Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Mandurah
08 9527 9744 08 9446 2609 08 9495 1164 08 9337 0700 08 9581 2623
*With proof of RAC membership $5 off the RRP of 4L and $10 off the RRP of 10L Paint. Offer limited to New Look Interior, Taubmans Living Proof Silk, Taubmans Endure Interior, Solver Maxi Wash, Wattyl Solagard and Wattyl ID only, at participating WA Paint Place Stores. Not all brands available at all stores. Offer Ends 31 July 2014. Discounted price not available with any other offer.
70 Horizons April / May 2014
PP016-LDRY-RACAUT
Bunbury Geraldton Inglewood Malaga Margaret River Midland
Home & Garden
Show Showyour yourRAC RACmembership membershipcard cardand andstart startsaving saving
Simply Elegant... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the tiling finishes that make all the difference
30% DISCOUNT OFF THE MARKED RETAIL PRICE* Our attitude to business is simply good customer service with a strong focus toward achieving ultimate customer satisfaction. Through past experience and having a close relationship with the market place and market trends, we at Prestige Tile Gallery have put together a showroom facility which displays an exciting new range of ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, marble and granite tiles that would be the envy of any builder or home owner. Tiling is one of the most important finishing elements of a home. Used correctly it creates memorable impressions that last, giving your home or commercial project its own distinctive individuality. Whatever your project, from commercial tiles to residential tiles, from indoor tiles to
outdoor tiles, from the bathroom to the bedroom - We have a versatile selection of quality tiles suitable for any environment. Choose any style from our extensive range and rely on our team of specialists to guide you through your options.
EXTENSIVE RANGE LATEST DESIGNS QUALITY IMPORTED TILES LARGE FORMAT TILES OWNER BUILDER DISCOUNTS INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE
Call: 08 9244 1700 www.prestigetile.com.au *Conditions apply
April / May 2014 Horizons 71
Home & Garden
For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
SAVE 10% OFF ALL SERVICES* WITH SOLAR REPAIRS Solar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Electrical â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Repairs *Quote this advertisement and show your RAC membership card.
METRO AREA
Call 1300 555 274 PL6817
RECEIVE A 10%* DISCOUNT ELITE POOL COVERS Visit our showroom Elite... WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling pool covers s 4UPQT FWBQPSBUJPO s ,FFQT ZPVS QPPM DMFBOFS s )FBUT ZPVS QPPM CZ VQ UP Â&#x153;$ Call now and do your bit to help save our precious water. $POUBDU &MJUF XJUI ZPVS QPPM TJ[F BOE UBLF BEWBOUBHF PG UIF EJTDPVOU QIPOF DPVOUFS RVPUFT POMZ
Call 9240 2262
SHOW YOUR RAC MEMBERSHIP CARD AND
SAVE
(Country call: 1300 136 696) PS WJTJU PVS GBDUPSZ TIPXSPPN BU $SFTTBMM 3PBE #BMDBUUB 0Å&#x2021;FS BWBJMBCMF VOUJM .BZ 'BDUPSZ EJSFDU TBMFT POMZ /PU WBMJE XJUI BOZ PUIFS PÅ&#x2021;FS PS JG &MJUF IBT UP NFBTVSF QPPM
RAC MEMBERS SAVE 15% OFF CALL OUT FEE North Perth Plumbing s #MPDLFE %SBJOT s %SBJO 3FQBJST s 3PPU 3FNPWBM 5SFBUNFOU s )JHI 1SFTTVSF +FUUJOH s $POTUSVDUJPOBM #MPDLBHFT s 4BOE $FNFOU $PODSFUF 3FNPWBM s "MM (FOFSBM 1MVNCJOH 8F BMTP EP #BDLGMPX 5FTUJOH GPS $PNNFSDJBM &OUFSQSJTFT *G :PVS %SBJOT "SF #FJOH /BVHIUZ
Call 1300 14 40 40 8BMDPUU 4U $PPMCJOJB
72 Horizons April / May 2014
rac RAC members Members receive receive
off 15% 15% off regular prices prices regular Or Or5% 5%off off discounted discounted prices
prices
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing what a little snooze can do. snooze.com.au
For more information visit rac.com.au/snooze
Home & Garden
Shopping & Lifestyle
SAVE 35% FLOREAT PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS
SAVE 10%* AT MISS MAUD SWEDISH RESTAURANT
If purchasing or selling your home or rural property, Floreat Settlements will provide a 35%* discount on the scaled settlement fee to RAC members.
Come and enjoy 10% off our irresistible Smörgåsbord
*Applies to all metropolitan and country areas.
Breakfast or lunch – Monday to Saturday Smörgåsbord Dinner – Sunday to Thursday Please present your valid RAC Card to receive the discount for your entire group.
RAC MEMBERS, WE’LL MATCH ANY WRITTEN QUOTE.
Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential.
Call 9245 4822 or email admin@floreatsettlements.com.au www.floreatsettlements.com.au
97 MURRAY STREET PERTH
Call 9325 3900 or email restaurant@missmaud.com.au *Excluding 20 April (Easter Sunday) and 25 April (ANZAC Day). Excluding special events. Not valid with any other offer. Valid 1 April – 31 May 2014.
SAVE $390 WITH GARDEN WATER BORES
Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs
Receive $150 off installation and a FREE 3/4” tap and pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores.
Call 1300 734 300 or 0411 511 611 Also bore and reticulation service and maintenance
SAVE $30* WITH SKYDIVE THE BEACH AND BEYOND Call 1300 663 634 www.skydive.com.au *One per person, direct bookings only, not valid with any other discount.
Premium Quality Electric Bikes Award Winning Folding Bikes The secret’s out @ebikesrus
10%* OFF TOTAL BILL AT ANY WA JUS BURGERS LOCATION Boutique restaurant specialising in gourmet burgers. Leederville 743 Newcastle St (08) 9228 2230 Northbridge 189 William St Northbridge (08) 9227 0668 Subiaco 1 Rokeby Rd (rear) Cnr Roberts & Rokeby (08) 9381 1895 Fremantle 74 South Terrace, Fremantle Markets (08) 9335 5433
www.jusburgers.com.au *When you show your RAC member card in store
RACWA Members SAVE at Drummond Golf 10%* OFF ALL
UP Up TO to
- Bags, Buggies (excludes motorised buggies), Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, Secondhand Equipment and “other” branded golf clubs.
10% %**
10 Off OFF Electric Bike Specialists
ServJDJOH NBEF FBTZ s Fully integrated Wiring Harness & components ELECTRIC BIKES 5 MODELS s AustrBMJBO EJstributPS fPS tPQ wPSME DMBsT NPEFMT s GuarantFFE CBDkup on selected s bikes for RAC members s AHFOtT FORVJrFT wFMDPNF s /P QFUrPM /P QPMMVUJPO /P QBSLJOH /P QrPCMFNT s *1 WFBUIFrprPPGJOH rating CALL: (08) 9430 5500 or Operating for seven years at: Shop 76, E-Shed, John 0448 406 407 &#*,ESRUS .FNCFST of UIF Caravan BOE CBNQJOH "sTPDJBUJPO www.e-bikesrus.com.au Victoria Quay, Fremantle WA
10%
5%* OFF ALL Balls, Motorised Buggies, Package Deals and all Golf Clubs for the following brands: Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Mizuno, Odyssey, Ping, Scotty Cameron, Srixon, TaylorMade and Titleist.
all your golfing equipment from Australia’s Leading Golf Retailer Drummond Golf Store Locations:
CANNINGTON Unit 2, 1264 Albany Hwy (08) 9311 7200 MANDURAH Unit 1A Harvey Norman Centre, 9 Gordon Rd (08) 9583 3422 OSBORNE PARK 15 King Edward Rd (08) 9204 6900
*Excludes voucher purchases, sale items and markdowns. Not available in conjunction with other offers.
www.drummondgolf.com
April / May 2014 Horizons 73
Shopping & Lifestyle
For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Àia Ì À Õ} ÊSaÛin}s n LaÌisÌÊ Save Tec l }ÞÊHeaÀin}Ê ids $500* On each new hearing aid
Now start at only ea
1,495
$
After discount
A brand new breakthrough in hearing aid technology is now available in Perth from Hearing Loss Specialists Clinics, and money back the it’s virtually invisible. guarantee** This new hearing aid needs no physical If you’re not completely adjustments – it automatically adjusts satisfied with your to different sounds by using an advanced hearing aid digital computer. It’s so easy to use because it’s fully automatic, so you can relax and enjoy the sounds you want to hear. Don't settle for second best when you can now have the next generation of digital hearing aids without side effects such as overwhelming background noise.
30 Day
This new miniature hearing aid is not suitable for all types of hearing loss. A Hearing Assesment is Required.
ÝV ÕÃ ÛiÊ"fviÀÊv ÀÊ, Ê i LiÀÃ\ You will be eligible for $500 off the regular price on each hearing aid. $1,000 discount for both ears.
All Clinics 9350 6311 www° i>À } Ãð iÌ°>Õ *Not valid with any other promotion
**Conditions apply 74 Horizons April / May 2014
Main Clinic: 12 Pattie Street, Cannington UÊ > V>ÌÌ>ÊUÊ > }Ì Ê UÊ, V } > ÊUÊWi L iÞ
Show your RAC membership card and start saving Shopping & Lifestyle
Automotive
LIBERTY PORTABLE MOBILITY WHEELCHAIR SCOOTER FREE DELIVERY
Dell recommends Windows.
A new twist on work and play.
Save up to 15%^ Off selected Dell products
Easy rider 17 Km range Wide seat & retractable arm rest
Quick getaway! No tools OFFEFE Dell XPS 12 2-in-1 Ultrabookâ&#x201E;˘.
Foldable s "JSQPSU GSJFOEMZ s PS XIFFM NPEFMT s #BUUFSZ QBDL FBTJMZ EFUBDIFE
Save up to 15%^ off a wide range of products, including the Dell XPS Ultrabookâ&#x201E;˘ series. Selected systems are available with 4th gen IntelÂŽ Coreâ&#x201E;˘ i7 processors.
Easy as an umbrella click 1-2-3 s 1VMM BQBSU s -JHIU XFJHIU s )FBWJFTU QBSU POMZ LH
Shop Now Visit Dell.com.au/rac or call 1300 302 379 ^
Dell coupon terms and conditions apply and are available at Dell.com.au/rac Trademarks: XPS is a trademark of Dell Inc. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Copyright Š 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Call 1300 657 818 www.libertymobilityaids.com.au
Offer ends 30 June 2014.
save up to
10% off on selected products
$50* off The new Scotchtint Black A car ďŹ lm that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fade or bubble - guaranteed
2!# MEMBERS SAVE OFF THE RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE ON FULL VEHICLE TINTING BeneďŹ ts of Window Film include: s 2EDUCES HEAT s 2EDUCES GLARE s 0ROTECTS UPHOLSTERY s &ULLY GUARANTEED INCLUDING lLM AND LABOUR s 56 LIGHT BLOCKED Main OfďŹ ce: DMS Tinting and Graphics /SBORNE 0ARK Other Locations: Coolcar -OBILE 3ERVICE GTS Window Tinting .ORTHERN 3UBURBS
DMSTINTING COM AU
April / May 2014 Horizons 75
Automotive
Travel & Holidays
SAVE 10% OFF CARAVAN ACCESSORIES KEN PEACHEY CARAVAN REPAIRS
RAC members receive
Insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.
Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 Campbell Street Belmont WA 6104
SAVE 10% AT MOBILE PAINT COSMETICS Respray Bumpers and Plastic Parts, touch up work on Body Panels. RAC Members receive 10% discount.
Call 0408 093 023 North 0418 928 902 South
Licence No.MRB2714, MRB2397
Licensed repairer MRB1167
Cabin Accommodation
DISCOUNT*
RRP
s .PCMJF QBJOU DPTNFUJDT s 3FQBJS SFTQSBZ CVNQFST s 5PVDI VQ DIJQT BOE TDSBUDIFT s #VÅ&#x2021; QPMJTI
GET YOUR FREE $50 VOUCHER* WITH ASHMORE PALMS HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Gold Coast Affordable Family
10% Off
WHATEVER YOU DRIVE YOU OUGHT TO GET A
Quiet location, Set on 15 acres
GET 10% OFF NATIONWIDE Whether you drive a classic, a not so classic, something sporty or something just to get you from A to B, it is a great time to drive into Repco. As an RAC member youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get 10% off a wide range of parts, accessories and lubricants. And if some Repco Know How is what you need, our friendly, expert staff are always ready to share their knowledge to help you get the job done. Repco has over 90 years of motoring Know How supplying parts, accessories and advice to millions of Australian drivers and motoring professionals. So if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to change your oil Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget or give your car a little extra care to show your get into Repco.
www.repco.com.au GOLD COAST
AUSTRALIA
Check Prices & Availability Now at -
card & save.
* Excludes discounted and catalogue lines, motor vehicle & marine batteries, transmissions, engines & cylinder heads, satellite navigation equipment, gift cards combo deals and trade purchases. Store stock only.
AshmorePalms.com.au/RAC-WAVoucher or
Call 1300 303 912
*Conditions Apply
RESORT APARTMENTS
BEACH RESORT
South Perth, Western Australia
Busselton, Western Australia
15% DISCOUNT TO ALL RAC MEMBERS DIRECT BOOKING WITH NINGALOO BLUE CHARTERS M A R I N E R R E S O RT Geraldton, Western Australia
Join Exmouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whale Shark Specialists for an adventure of a lifetime; swimming on the magical Ningaloo Reef with the mighty Whale Shark! Tours depart daily April to mid July 2013 and are all inclusive. Age is no limit to this wonderful experience.
Call 1800 811 338 or 08 9949 1119 or email: tours@ningalooblue.com.au www.ningalooblue.com.au
76 Horizons April February / May/ March 2014 2014
Travel & Holidays
Show Showyour yourRAC RACmembership membershipcard cardand andstart startsaving saving
Members save I0% on travel insurance R13305
Unlimited overseas medical cover Choose your own excess Money back guarantee Free Global SIM card^
Call 1300 655 179, or go to rac.com.au/travelinsurance Licence No. 9TA1 Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. RAC Travel Services Pty Ltd (ABN 17 009 164 176, ARN. 228577) is an authorised representative of Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138) who issues insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC, trading as Great Lakes Australia (ARBN 127 740 532, ABN 18 964 580 576, AFSL 318603). This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please review your own needs and the combined Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide available from rac.com.au or by phoning 1300 655 179, before deciding to buy this insurance. ^Covermore Global SIM card is eligible when you purchase RAC Comprehensive travel insurance policy. Global SIM is a prepaid service. Network coverage is not available in all areas and rates may change at any time. Terms and conditions are available at covermore.com.au/sim. Services are provided by United Lifestyle Group Networks Pty Ltd (ABN 35 139 763 830). Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited is not the provider of any Global SIM products or services.
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April / May 2014 Horizons 77
Travel & Holidays
For Formore moreways waysto tosave savevisit visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits
Thrifty has your car rental needs covered to ensure you can hit the road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anywhere, anytime! Servicing over 240 locations across Australia and New Zealand with a great range of vehicles and exclusive Member specials delivered with award-winning service, Thrifty is surely driving the best value: ) ! # "! ' " !" " " ' ) '! ) ! "
1300 655 179 Carousel 9365 4700
rac.com.au/travel Joondalup 9308 1600
Visit your local RAC Travel Centre
Mandurah 9512 8200
Morley 6466 2300
West Perth 9436 4830
Licence No. 9TA1
* Terms & conditions apply. Offers valid for completed rentals before 31 October 2014. 4% discount on best rate of the day. Free days offer include: Rent 7 days, pay for 6 (promo code AAA001); Rent 12 days, pay for 10 (promo code AAA003) - offers are based on time and kilometre charges only. Only 1 free seat hire per rental period. Must quote RAC Membership number at time of booking and show a valid RAC Membership card at time of vehicle collection. Offers are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. :ee \Zk k^gmZel fnlm f^^m ma^ lmZg]Zk] Z`^% ]kbo^k l eb\^gl^ Zg] \k^]bm k^jnbk^f^gml h_ Makb_mr' :ee \Zk k^gmZel Zk^ ln[c^\m mh ma^ m^kfl Zg] \hg]bmbhgl h_ ma^ K^gmZe :`k^^f^gm' H__^kl :oZbeZ[e^ Zm Thrifty locations in Australia and New Zealand only. For full terms and conditions go to rac.com.au/travel, call 1300 655 179 or visit your nearest RAC Travel Centre #RAC Price promise available until the 31 October 2014 and must be a like for like comparison between the Thrifty RAC member rate & the online retail rate of Hertz, Europcar, Budget or Avis available for immediate booking. Only one claim per quote available. Offer excludes trucks and utes and corporate contracted rates. All claims must be placed through RAC Travel. To make a claim, download the Application from www.rac.com.au/thrifty & email the completed form with accompanying documentation to pricepromise@rac.com.au. For full terms and conditions go to www.rac.com.au/thrifty
78 Horizons April / May 2014
Winning Letter page 8 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 $155. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their current 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 with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in April/May Horizons must claim their prize by 21 May, 2014. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or the RAC cannot make contact with 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 policy. RAC Luxury Sabah Promotion page 24 The competition begins on 25 March, 2014 at 9.00am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 28 May, 2014 at 11.59pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to one entrant may each be awarded only one prize as follows: 2 return Business Class airfares from Perth to Kota Kinabalu, 3 nights’ accommodation at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu, 3 nights’ accommodation at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu. Prize must be booked 4 months prior to departure The prize is only valid for travel on Malaysia Airlines International services MH120/121, to Kota Kinabalu, as specified on direct services or as otherwise notified by Malaysia Airlines. Malaysia Airlines reserves the right to alter the routing of the ticket. Tickets will be on firm basis, but are subject to embargo periods as set out by Malaysia Airlines and seat availability in the applicable class. No changes are allowed once flights are confirmed. Any costs associated with extended layover are at the expense of the prize-winner. Frequent Flyer points cannot be accrued for travel undertaken as part of this prize. Prize valid from 1 June to 31 December, 2014. All sectors of this prize are subject to their own terms. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be drawn on 11 June, 2014 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 31 June, 2014. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a
photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy. Car Doctor page 51 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winner/s) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2014 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $34.95. The prize is not transferrable 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 with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in April/May Horizons must claim their prize by 21 May, 2014. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or the 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 policy. RAC Win a Car Promotion page 52 The competition begins on 16 March, 2014 at 9.00am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 30 June, 2014 at 11.59pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to 3 entrants may each be awarded only one prize as follows: First prize: 1x Subaru Forester 2.5i, 2.5 litre, 4 cyl, CVT, AWD $36,805 (Indicative Drive Away), includes 12 months Ultimate Plus Roadside Assistance (valid from the date of handover) and 12 months comprehensive motor vehicle insurance (up to a maximum premium of $700). Second prize: 1x $5000 RAC travel voucher; Third prize: 1x $1000 WISH Gift Card. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner/s will be drawn on 2 July, 2014 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 4 August, 2014. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy. RAC Travel Southern Forests Promotion page 55 The competition begins 19 March, 2014 and ends on 14 June, 2014 at 5:00pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to one entrant will be awarded only one prize as follows: Four nights in a Lakeside room at Karri Valley Resort, a wilderness Eco Cruise with WOW
Wilderness Cruises, a Donnelly River Cruise, Truffle Hunt plus a Wine and Truffle Company Gourmet Hamper (can only be redeemed during truffle season by August 2014. Tours will be run every weekend starting Saturday 31 May, 2014 and finishing Sunday 31 August, 2014), lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant at Silkwood Winery to the value of $100, a $250 fuel voucher. This prize is subject to availability and not valid during peak periods, public holiday long weekends and school holidays. Prizes are nontransferable or redeemable for cash and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Prize must be taken and completed by 24 January, 2015. The prize is limited to the inclusions stated, any other incidental costs such as meals and other travelling expenses are not included in the prize. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be drawn on 18 June, 2014 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 30 June, 2014. Prizes must be claimed in person, unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy. RAC WA X-Men Promotion page 56 The competition begins 25 March, 2014 and ends on 1 May, 2014 at 11:59pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to 20 entrants may each be awarded only one prize as follows: 1 x double in-season pass to see X-men: Days of Future Past. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be drawn on 2 May, 2014 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 22 May, 2014. Prizes must be claimed in person, unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.
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What’s onVillages at our
Find out what the L GEN® are doing. Join us for these free activities and tours. BUSSELTON 16 Leeuwin Blvd – 9752 6703 1 May
Morning Tea with Lyn and Linda at 10.30am -12.30pm
15 May
Morning Tea with Lyn and Linda at 10.30am -12.30pm
VIBE OYSTER HARBOUR – ALBANY 20 Alison Pde – 9866 7800 11 April Morning Tea from 10.30am - 12.30pm 9 May
Morning Tea and See from 10.30am - 12.30pm
VIBE BALDIVIS 124 Sixty Eight Rd – 9524 4403 10 April Wine and Cheese 3.00pm – 4.30pm 3 May
Morning Tea and see from 10.00am - 12.00pm
BRIDGEWATER – MANDURAH 106 Oakleigh Dr, Erskine – 9550 4880 5 April
Bridgewater Information Seminar from 9.00am
4 May
Morning Tea at Bridgewater from 10.30am - 12.00pm
TUART LAKES – ROCKINGHAM 831 Mandurah Rd – 9523 5000 TBA
Clubhouse Opening
Dates and times are subject to change. RSVPs essential. To find out more call 1300 45 55 65 or visit nlv.com.au/events
More info For full terms and conditions go to rac.com.au/t&c. For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners.
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April / May 2014 Horizons 79
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www.factorydirectwa.com.au *Terms and Conditions apply. Free Installation Metro area only. Unless otherwise stipulated, optional extras on all products include but not restricted to, shire plans and speciямБcations, building permit fees, planning approval fees, water corporation fees, delivery, installation, concrete ямВoors, skylights, in-ямБlls, freestanding units, lattice, windows and personal access doors. All colorbond garages and workshops have zinc roof as standard.
SEE & HEAR Ned Kelly burst through the doors every hour to the
SOUND OF REAL GUNFIRE!
W
ith a gu ggunn at tthe hhee rready, eeaaddyy Ne NNedd KKe Kelly ellllyy kn kknew new w hhis is ttime is im me ha hadd ccome. Steeled by a lifetime of harassment, he took aim at the police and realised his life would never be the same again… Now, this epic moment in Australian history has been masterfully recreated with the “Ned Kelly Cuckoo Clock,” a quality timepiece only from The Bradford Exchange.
Authentic details make Ned Kelly the man of the hour! Dramatically styled, the clock showcases a powerful portrait of the Kelly Gang during their infamous shoot out with the police at Stringy Bark Creek by award-winning artist Michael Wilkin. The wood grain-finished case is crowned by a sculpture of Kelly’s iconic helmet and the clock face depicts a photograph of Kelly along with ‘Such is life,’ the last words he ever spoke. A precision quartz movement powers the clock, while decorative weights and a gleaming pendulum accented with another portrait of Kelly in his armour, add to the rich period detail. At the start of each hour, miniature doors decorated with the Eureka Flag swing open and a hand-crafted sculpture of Ned Kelly emerges to the sound of authentic gunfire!
Strictly limited Edition. Act now or miss out. Strong demand is forecast for this edition, which is limited to just 1,880 issues. So act now to acquire your “Ned Kelly Cuckoo Clock” at the $299.95 issue price, payable in five interest-free instalments of $59.99, plus $19.99 postage and handling, backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee. Just return the coupon or go online today at www.bradford.com.au/nedkelly
Earliest reservations will receive the lowest edition numbers. Measures an impressive
61cm high including pendulum.
For quickest delivery, order online:
www.bradford.com.au/nedkelly Quoting promotion code:
THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE
72269
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The 1D best
If you have an idea for The 10 best let us know what you’d like to see featured. Send your suggestion to editor@rac.com.au.
D Point D’Entrecasteaux Experience some of the South West’s most striking coastal views at Point D’Entrecasteaux. From Tookalup recreational site take a leisurely 30-minute walk to Point D’Entrecasteaux for some of the best views of this region’s impressive coastal cliffs. The viewing platform is around 100 metres above the ocean. It’s one of several spectacular lookout points in the area.
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Castle Rock Skywalk This spectacular suspended walkway winds its way up and around Castle Rock in the Porongurup Range north of Albany. To reach the highest vantage point requires a reasonable fitness level, however there are great views over the Porongurups and surrounding countryside at various levels along the skywalk. Start out from the picnic area at Castle Rock Road.
Shelley Beach Lookout The Shelley Beach lookout in West Cape Howe National Park is located at one of WA’s premier hang-gliding sites so along with coastal views you can also watch the hang-gliders gracefully hovering above the beach. There are views over Shelley Beach and to Torbay Head, the southernmost point in WA.
Hawks Head lookout The Hawks Head lookout in Kalbarri National Park has views over the Kalbarri gorges and the Murchison River. There is also a picnic area at the lookout. The spot was named after a rock formation, visible from the lookout, that resembles a hawk’s head. It’s just a 30 minute drive from Kalbarri.
D Padre White Lookout The Padre White Lookout is on top of Mt Clarence in Albany with sweeping views of Princess Royal Harbour out to King George Sound and glimpses of Oyster Harbour. Temporary access has been via the car park at the base of the Desert Corps Memorial via the Granite Trail but it will be directly accessible from the Desert Corps Memorial from ANZAC Day, 25 April 2014. 82 Horizons April / May 2014
D Oxer Lookout The Oxer Lookout is at the junction of four spectacular gorges in Karijini National Park: Hancock, Weano, Joffre and Red gorges. The viewing platform here provides one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the North West.
D Reabold Hill Summit The Reabold Hill Summit Lookout is at the very top of Raebold Hill in Bold Park, City Beach. At 85 metres above sea level it’s the highest natural point on the Swan Coastal plain in the metropolitan area with views of the Perth CBD, Kings Park and up and down the coast.
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Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree near Pemberton was first pegged as a climbing tree as part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations. Although there are several tree lookouts in the area used for bushfire surveillance, the approximately 75-metre-tall Dave Evans Tree was pegged specifically for climbing and as a scenic lookout and offers incredible 360-degree views of the old-growth Karri forest.
DNA Tower The DNA Tower is the highest point in Kings Park with a 360-degree view of Perth city and surrounds. The iconic structure was so named because it resembles a DNA double-helix molecule. The tower is 15 metres high with 101 steps. Climb it on a clear day and you may even be able to see all the way to the coast. Thanks to RAC member Judy Meagher for suggesting this 10-best theme.
Castle Rock photographed by Andrew Halsall. Supplied by the City of Albany.
Scenic lookouts
Castle Rock in the Porongurup Range north of Albany.
John Rate Lookout Turn off the South West Highway just five kilometres from Walpole and head for the John Rate Lookout for a bird’s-eye view of the Walpole region. You can see right across the Nornalup and Walpole inlets and in ideal viewing conditions you may even see all the way to the Southern Ocean.
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*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (PP) twin share. Prices are correct as at 18 February 2014 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Book by 15 April 2014, unless sold out prior. Prices based on EUMC15: 12 November 2015 (Cat. E) and EURC15: 5 November 2015 (Cat. E). Prices include port charges, gratuities and sundries. 1st non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days. 2nd deposit of $2,000 pp is due by 31 October 2014. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Valid on selected itineraries and suites only. ^Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 APT150
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