Horizons 2016 February/March

What’s on in WA + Member Benefits + 10 of the best

Your RAC magazine February / March 2016

Win the ultimate Coral Coast adventure see page 36

Deadly drugs Keeping illegal substances off our roads

Time travel

Remembering Perth’s public transport past

High stakes

Improving the odds for motorcyclists

Discover our Coral Coast

Explore the world-class attractions of this magnificent region PLUS

Win a BMW i3 electric car!

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Horizons Editor-in-Chief Will Golsby Editor Lucy Siebert Deputy Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Publisher Christine Dixon Design Dallas Budde Advertising Ben Treasure (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 ben@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com.au

Inside

Your RAC magazine February / March 2016

The Coral Coast

The RAC is making it even easier to visit this stunning region.

Win a trip to the Coral Coast, plus car hire and activities see page 36

30

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 hardiegrant.com.au Managing Director Jeff Trounce jefftrounce@hardiegrant.com.au

Win this car!

CAB audited as at March 2015 is 518,527

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;RACâ&#x20AC;?) 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.

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BMW electric car

Snapshot

Enter the competition to win a brand-new BMW i3 electric vehicle.

Inattentional blindness, plus new kinds of spare tyres.

26

Motorcycle safety What we can all do to help reduce fatality rates.

4 Horizons February / March 2016

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Inside

Ahoy!

Make sure you check out the next issue of Horizons, featuring an article on P&O Pacific Eden and what it is like to cruise with her.

19

Driving and drugs.

your Horizons 56 Member Lounge Bicycle theft is on the rise; all about insuring school bag valuables; discounts to the RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show; beware fake home alarms; the importance of regular car maintenance; and your WA touring experts.

22 43 48

Perth’s public transport.

48 61

How to chooseCar your cruise. reviews.

Car reviews.

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message

17 What’s on

19 Deadly drugs on our roads

Protecting our most vulnerable road users.

8 Mailbox Members’ letters.

9 Exchange Sharing your views.

12 Snapshot

Events around the state.

30 WA’s Coral Coast Low-cost holidays and lots of natural wonders.

39 Travel brief News from RAC Travel.

News from the RAC.

43 There’s a cruise for you

82 The 10 best

Australians love cruising holidays – what you need to know before you book.

Coral Coast attractions.

Member Benefits Show your card and save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.

Illicit substances prove fatal.

22 Trams and trolley buses Our public transport history.

48 Test drive New cars on the market.

53 What’s new The latest news in motoring.

55 Car doctor

Download our free Member Benefits app to discover where you can save with exclusive member offers.

Log on today and make the most of your RAC membership rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Your questions answered.

February / March 2016 Horizons 5

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Explore the wild and wonderful Coral Coast » RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort » RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park » Ningaloo Reef Resort » Pinnacles Holiday Park

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au

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Parks & Resorts

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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 Applecross: Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St, tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel: Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup: Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre (external), Shop E24, 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 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 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 DTEC 6189 4646 Corporate Enquiries 9436 4111

Looking after our vulnerable road users Over the decades, RAC has evolved into an advocate for the rights of all those who interact with our road and transport networks using all forms of mobility, including some of our most vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

We believe all Western Australians have a right to safe, easier and more sustainable transport options and protecting our most vulnerable and at-risk road user groups is a vital part of our work.

Motorcycle fatalities and injuries are a significant road safety issue in WA and a high-risk sector that is in a growth phase.

In 2014, almost one in four fatalities in WA was a motorcycle rider or passenger and in metropolitan Perth one in three fatalities was a motorcycle rider or passenger.

Yet motorcycles typically travel relatively short distances in comparison to motor vehicles.

RAC continues to raise awareness of motorcycle crash statistics and to investigate key issues related to motorcycle safety.

In addition, our commitment to cyclists and cycling safety issues remains a key mobility safety issue for RAC. In 2015, our WA Cycling Survey received more than 5500 responses, demonstrating the importance of cycling to the community. It also highlighted that cycling, as a safe and convenient mode of transport, has some significant barriers, with 51 per cent of respondents saying they felt either moderately or extremely unsafe when sharing the road with vehicles.

RAC will use the community feedback from this survey to advocate for improved cycling infrastructure and legislative changes that will deliver an increased level of safety for all cyclists.

One of our most vulnerable road user groups, pedestrians, was also the focus of a significant community survey last year.

In October 2015, RAC launched its first walking survey to explore what it’s like to be a pedestrian in WA. We asked the community to help us identify issues facing pedestrians, including their key safety concerns.

The survey findings will help inform RAC’s advocacy work to ensure all Western Australians are able to choose walking as often as possible as a way of moving around their community.

RAC will continue to assess, provide feedback and lobby for the provision of a full range of mobility options that meet the needs of everyone across our state.

It is only with this holistic approach that we will be able to achieve our vision of a better world of mobility for all Western Australians, from the most able to the most vulnerable.

Esme Bowen RAC President

Your RAC Council

Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia President Esme Bowen Senior Vice President Tony Evans Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Members of Council Dennis Banks, Allan Blagaich, Freda Crucitti, Jill Darby, Ross Dowling, Dalton Gooding, Alden Halse, Stephanie Proud, Elizabeth Re, Emmerson Richardson, Tim Shanahan, Julie Wadley.

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Contact the editor

Mailbox

Email editor@rac.com.au or write to The Editor, RAC Horizons Magazine, GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839.

Join the discussion about the RAC and the magazine Sharing paths

Our winning letter

Fuel price transparecy One weekend I went shopping in Halls Head and the price of petrol there was $1.40ltr. At the Mandurah Forum it was $1.16ltr and in Silver Sands it was $1.21ltr and they were all less than a 10km radius of each other.

Why the price difference?

It can’t be transport costs!

What would help to keep them honest is if all reports on TV and in newspapers, as well as publishing the price of crude oil, published the spot benchmark price of fuel. That more accurately reflects the real cost.

Richard Clough

Top-notch transport I travelled for six weeks in Malaysia and Turkey. In both countries there is a heavy reliance on public transport to move the masses. Kuala Lumpur has a rapid train from the airport, monorail around the city, internal train

options and, of course, buses.

This city of 15 million people generally flows without too many hiccups. Turkey has the most amazing bus transport for moving people all over the country – well designed, comfortable buses leave and arrive on time, plus a network of trains, trams and ferries move a city of over 20 million people. The ferry system moves tens of thousands of people every day. We should have more ferries on the river bringing people down from Midland, Fremantle and the Canning area into the city.

Paul Nolan

Indicator confusion In response to Brian Bell’s letter ‘Risky use of indicators’ (Horizons, December/ January), I fully support his comments. I drive many a country mile and lots of truck drivers do this (indicate when it is safe to overtake) as a perceived courtesy.

One day I got the fright of my life when a truck driver indicated and I thought it was for me to pass. He was actually indicating that he was turning right. The brakes went on very quickly. You can imagine the situation

that confronted me – the cab of the truck looming up quickly in my windscreen.

I will never again overtake a truck that is indicating.

That time could easily have been my last.

Rodger Bryant

Larger parking bays In your article on shopping centre collisions (Horizons, December/January) you didn’t mention the great deal of damage done to car body panels by people letting shopping trollies run or bang into parked cars and those who let their car doors slam into the car parked next to them, sometimes causing expensive repairs. This is a major problem in shopping centre car parks. Some of the reasons for it, if you discount inattentiveness or a ‘just don’t care’ attitude are small parking bay sizes. The local council are upgrading the car park at our local recreation centre and have reduced the parking bay size from 2.8m to 2.4m. As you say in your article, patience, courteously and a little thought will help.

Name provided

Daryl Fowler

RAC response: The regulation of speed on shared paths largely relies on common sense and courtesy by path users, whether they are pedestrians or cyclists.

E-bikes are subject to the same speed regulation as traditional bikes. The Road Traffic Code requires riders on shared paths to give way to pedestrians, keep left and ride in single file, unless overtaking.

You can be a winner

Each issue, the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance, which 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 80.

Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Photography Getty Images

More ferries could easily transport more people from Midland, Fremantle and the Canning area.

Your article about electric bicycles (Horizons, October/ November) stated that they may be ridden on shared paths. I recently saw an electric bicycle ridden at a ridiculous speed through Deep Water Point. Cyclists normally slow down through this area. At the time there were dozens of families there and small children were playing on the playground equipment immediately adjacent to the cycleway.

As these electric bicycles are quite solid compared with normal bicycles they could severely injure or kill a pedestrian. Surely there must be some regulations to control their use on shared cycle paths?

8 Horizons February / March 2016

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Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts RIDER RISK FACTOR

Approximately

80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury compared with 20% of vehicle crashes.

71%

of surveyed Perth businesses reported staff were finishing work later due to traffic congestion.

State of the Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Motorcycle safety CARRS Q 2012

2015 RAC BusinessWise-CCI Congestion Survey

RAC ONLINE POLL RESULT

rac online poll

Would you consider using an electric bicycle to replace some journeys made in your car?

Yes 88% facebook.com/racwa

Tell us ...

When buying fuel for your car, what MOST influences where you buy?

Running low on fuel?

Location?

Price?

or

Photography Getty Images

WORKING LATE

Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange

twitter.com/racwa

Exchange your views by email: editor@rac.com.au February / March 2016 Horizons 9

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Win a BMW i3 electric vehicle To celebrate the launch of the Australian-first RAC Electric Highway®, we’re giving you the chance to win a BMW i3 electric vehicle—awarded World Car Design of the Year 2014 and World Green Car 2014.

10 Horizons February / March 2016

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e

T

he RAC Electric Highway® is a series of publicly accessible, electric vehicle fast-charging stations in Perth and throughout the South West, which opens the road down south to electric vehicles.

BMW i3

Vehicle specifications:

Driving into the future

Max output: 125kW (170hp)

In June 2015, RAC launched Australia’s first Electric Highway®, connecting Perth with Western Australia’s South West through a series of electric vehicle fast-charging stations.

Power consumption: 12.9kWh/100km Overall range in everyday use: 130–160km Torque: 250Nm from a standing start Charging: 30 mins – at a suitable station, e.g. along the RAC Electric Highway®; or 3–6hrs – with the BMW i Wallbox for your home.

In addition, the winner will also receive: • A five-night holiday for two along the RAC Electric Highway® thanks to RAC Travel • 12 months’ registration • 12 months’ RAC Comprehensive Car Insurance • 12 months’ RAC Classic Roadside Assistance membership • Driver-enhancement Course with RAC DTEC.

Four runner-up prizes: • A two-night getaway for two people along the RAC Electric Highway® including the loan of a BMW i3 for the weekend.

To enter, visit:

racelectrichighway.com.au/win

See page 80 for terms and conditions. By entering this competition you will be added to the RAC Travel eNews and RAC Member Benefits eNews subscription lists so we can keep you informed of member benefits and travel and tourism offers. You may unsubscribe from the eNews’ at any time.

All entries must be received by 30 April 2016.

The RAC Electric Highway® is a landmark project that lays the foundations for what will be a new way of moving around our state.

It is also part of RAC’s commitment to more sustainable motoring.

The RAC has a long history of championing new transport and mobility technologies from our very beginnings in 1905 as an advocate for motorists at a time when it was rare to see a motor vehicle on the streets.

Today, the RAC Electric Highway® is another step into the future as we move into the exciting era of electric vehicle technologies.

As part of our work to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, the RAC and BMW are offering members the chance to own an award-winning BMW electric vehicle.

It is our vision to ensure all Western Australians have access to a range of transport options to enable them to move safely, easily and more sustainably around their communities.

Electric vehicles will be an important part of that future and this is your chance to come along for the ride.

February / March 2016 Horizons 11

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

Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond

Mature-age women and drink driving

There is a well-known experiment where an observer counts the number of times a basketball is passed between players.

During the experiment a gorilla walks through the scene and is not noticed by the observer.

This phenomenon is known as inattentional blindness. For drivers, it is a possible explanation for some ‘look but fail to see’ crashes typically associated with cyclists and motorcyclists.

These crash types may in part be explained by our need to apply a certain level of attention to the task of looking in order to actually ‘see’.

It may also be that, rather than focusing on every detail in a scene, we concentrate on the important objects and let our brains fill in the rest of the detail from what we know ‘should’ be present. This is a highly economical way of viewing and allows us to focus on things that are most important.

Research into inattentional blindness was presented at an Australian road safety conference held late last year in Queensland.

The research suggested there was an optimal balance between focusing on one key task while also keeping the cognitive resources needed to deal with other events ready for action.

In 2013, RAC launched the world’s first Attention Powered Car (APC) in order to test the attention of drivers. The APC features a neuro headset that connects brain activity to the car’s engine via customised software. When the driver’s attention lapses, the car safely slows down, alerting the driver.

The APC was developed in order to better understand issues related to driver attention and common scenarios where awareness could be adversely affected.

The study looked at respondent’s beliefs about alcohol and their drink driving history.

The alcohol belief that was most strongly linked to drink driving among mature-age women was viewing alcohol as a form of self-medication, including drinking to numb emotional pain and drinking when stressed.

Women who drank to harmful levels for reasons of stress relief and self-medication were more likely to drink drive than women who used alcohol for other reasons.

Changing the belief that alcohol can provide relief from anxiety and stress may be an effective way to change drink driving behaviours in this group of drivers.

Photography Alamy

Failing to see the gorilla

A recent study investigated drink driving specifically among mature-age women in response to an increase in the percentage of drink drivers who are women.

12 Horizons February / March 2016

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Snapshot Download our free Horizons app now to discover where you can save on everything from vehicle maintenance to groceries, entertainment and travel.

Where’s the spare tyre?

New cars are increasingly being equipped with alternatives to a full-size spare tyre.

Photography Alamy

A space-saver tyre is a spare that is smaller than the standard tyres fitted to the vehicle.

Vehicles that come equipped with what are known as run-flat tyres have no spare at all, as the car’s run-flat tyres contain a stiff rubber sidewall that allow it to be driven while a tyre is deflated.

Some vehicles may only be equipped with a tyre inflator kit that can be used to temporarily repair small punctures. Generally, inflator kits will be of no use with larger punctures or where there is more significant tyre damage. Where a tyre can be temporarily repaired with this type of kit, it may need to be completely replaced afterwards due to the sealant that is pumped into the tyre.

A space-saver tyre, a deflated run-flat tyre and repairs made with inflator kits can limit the speed at which a vehicle can travel and how far it can travel. The vehicle’s braking and handling will also be affected.

In each of these instances the vehicle should only be used temporarily to get to a location where the damaged tyre can be repaired or replaced.

RAC recommends new car buyers inquire about the type of spare tyre supplied with a vehicle before purchase to ensure they are prepared in the event of a flat tyre, especially those who drive long distances outside the metropolitan area.

Donate life for WA Western Australia’s organ and tissue donation agency, DonateLife WA, reports that only a small percentage of Australians are registered as organ and tissue donors, despite there being about 1600 desperately ill people at any time waiting for an organ transplant.

Because only about one per cent of us die under the correct circumstances for donation, DonateLife recommends everyone 16 years of age or older considers registering.

Age and health may not be barriers to registering.

Hospital medical staff will decide at the time if you are a suitable donor.

While it’s no longer possible to register via your motor vehicle licence renewal, you can register during a visit to a Medicare Service Centre, by calling 1800 777 203 or by visiting humanservices.gov.au/ organdonor.

Disarm your rod holders Fishing enthusiasts should exercise caution when fitting rod holders to the outside of their vehicles.

Some anglers attach rod holders to the bull bars on their vehicles that, in the event of a crash with a pedestrian, could pose an additional injury risk if the rod holders protrude forwards or have sharp edges.

Rod holders should be removed while the vehicle is on the road or they should be fitted so they don’t protrude forward of the front of the bull bar they’re fitted to.

February / March 2016 Horizons 13

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Snapshot right: RAC President Esme Bowen and Dr Ken Michael.

Stay bushfire ready Even if you don’t live immediately near bushland, you could still be at risk of bushfire. Areas of scrub and grassland found in both metropolitan and regional areas present a bushfire risk during the dry months.

Regular gutter cleaning and maintainence can help to prevent ember attacks.

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Of particular risk is ember attack, where small embers are carried by the wind and can find their way into your home via gaps in roof spaces and eaves. Ember attack is the most common way homes are lost during a bushfire.

Preparing for bushfires is a shared responsibility and everyone needs to play their part.

To ensure your family’s safety, be aware of the level of risk you face and have a bushfire survival plan that outlines what you will do if a bushfire threatens your area. This will help you take action and avoid making last-minute decisions that could prove deadly.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommends your plan takes into account Fire Danger Ratings and includes what your trigger will be to leave for a safer place.

Ensure your plan is flexible to account for changes, such as family members not being at home or having roads cut off.

If you decide to stay and actively defend your property you will need an independent water supply of at least 20,000 litres, a generator and pressure pump.

Y HI

Fire Danger Ratings

Preparing for bushfires is a shared responsibility and everyone needs to play their part.

Also think about what you will do with pets and livestock in the event of a bushfire.

For more information about how to prepare and respond to bushfires, visit areyouready.wa.gov.au.

In recognition of Dr Ken Michael’s distinguished professional career, including Commissioner of Main Roads WA, Chairman of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, Member of the Economic Regulation Authority and Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, RAC is proud to induct Dr Michael into the RAC Walk of Fame.

Dr Michael began his career as a bridge design engineer with the Main Roads Department.

In 1976 he was transferred to Geraldton to work as a divisional engineer and later returned to Perth to again work on bridge design, as well as road design, construction and management.

In 1991 he was appointed Commissioner of Main Roads and during this time was also Australia’s First Delegate to the Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (World Road Association).

In 2006 Dr Michael became a Companion in the Order of Australia for a range of community services, including the development and management of road transport systems, and engineering.

In January 2006, Dr Michael became the 30th Governor of Western Australia and was RAC’s Club Patron from 2006–2011.

Dr Michael’s induction into the RAC Walk of Fame is marked by an inscription in the pavement outside RAC’s West Perth office.

The Walk of Fame recognises the achievements of some of WA’s most celebrated figures in the motoring and transport industry.

Photography iStockphoto

Dr Ken Michael inducted into RAC’s Walk of Fame

14 Horizons February / March 2016

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Retired Engineer, Peter Wyder with Audiologist Brad Hutchinson (BSc PGradDipAud MAudSA(CC))

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CONCERTS IN MARCH & APRIL

MORNING SYMPHONY SERIES

ORGAN SYMPHONY THURS 10 MAR 11AM

Perth Concert Hall There are few more grandly romantic works in the entire repertory than Saint-Saëns’ famous Organ Symphony which will showcase the Perth Concert Hall’s 3000-pipe organ.

Tickets from $28* ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES

ORGAN SYMPHONY FRI 11 & SAT 12 MAR 7.30PM

Perth Concert Hall Ning Feng performs Paganini’s virtuosic First Violin Concerto on his 1721 Stradivarius violin. Saint-Saëns’ famous Organ Symphony will showcase the Perth Concert Hall’s 3000-pipe organ.

Tickets from $30* Brent Grapes, Principal Trumpet MACA LIMITED CLASSICS SERIES

STRAUSS – ZARATHUSTRA

ALCOHOL.THINK AGAIN MASTERS SERIES

RESURRECTION FRI 1 & SAT 2 APR 7.30PM

FRI 18 & SAT 19 MAR 7.30PM

Perth Concert Hall

Perth Concert Hall

Join Principal Conductor Asher Fisch, a combined chorus of over 150 and two soloists for the unforgettable musical journey of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony.

Tickets from $45*

Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra became a hit thanks to Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Its ‘Sunrise’ fanfare is one of the most recognisable in orchestral music. Tickets from $30* BAROQUE SERIES

MACA LIMITED CLASSICS SERIES

WEDS 23 MAR 7.30PM

FRI 22 & SAT 23 APR 7.30PM

BACH’S ST JOHN PASSION

MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

Perth Concert Hall

Perth Concert Hall

Principal Conductor Asher Fisch directs an exceptional cast of soloists, the St George’s Cathedral Consort and WASO in a rare Perth performance of this extraordinary work. Tickets from $45*

WASO’s new Concertmaster Laurence Jackson debuts with the audience favourite, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto - an eloquent work with heart-melting melodies. Tickets from $30*

Call 9326 0000 quoting 1500

Visit waso.com.au WASO-075

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Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. *Transaction fees may apply.

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What’s on A taste of the country at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival.

 Events around the state in February and March

February

March

Five By Night: Ballet at the Quarry

The Augusta River Festival

5 to 27 February The WA Ballet will start its 2016 season with two works by renowned British choreographer David Dawson. On the Nature of Daylight is a breathtaking pas de deux to the music of Max Richter; while 5 is an intricate work based on the Wedding Pas de Cinq from his version of Giselle.

5 to 6 March This event features waterand land-based activities and entertainment for the whole family, including a fireworks display set against the Blackwood River.

For more information, go to waballet.com.au.

Annual Perth to Armadale Commemorative Run

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival 18 to 21 February

Proudly supported by RAC Community Sponsorships, WA’s renowned country music event, the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, will see more than 150 artists performing over four big days, as well as a street carnival, ute and truck muster and bush poets’ breakfast.

For more information, go to countrymusicwa.com.au.

7 February The Veteran Car Club of WA’s Perth to Armadale Commemorative Run features cars and motorcycles manufactured before December 1918 and commemorates the first organised vehicle run to Armadale.

For more information, go to veterancarclubofwa.asn.au.

Perth International Arts Festival 11 February to 6 March The 64th Perth International Arts Festival will bring the work of contemporary artists from around the world to Western Australia. This premier cultural event features a program of world-class dance, theatre, film, music and visual arts.

For more information, visit perthfestival.com.au.

Perth International Dozens of telescopes at Astrofest.

WASO-075

Astrofest 2016 12 March This celebration of astronomy and space science each year attracts more than 4000 visitors, who get the chance to look through dozens of telescopes and see the Moon, Southern Cross, Jupiter and more. The event also features guest speakers.

For more information, go to astronomywa.net.au.

For more information, go to perthinternational.com.

Aerofest 2016 6 March This family-friendly event in Yalyalup features flying machines, vintage cars and other machinery.

The role of emergency service aircraft and helicopters will be highlighted.

For more information, go to busseltonaeroclub.com.au.

York Community Spirit Concert and Picnic in the Park 6 March Enjoy the sounds of musicians while having a picnic under the stars. This event is supported by the RAC Community Sponsorships program.

For more information, visit yorkcrc.net.au.

Brookton Old Time Motor Show 19 March This is a unique family-friendly community event, supported by the RAC Community Sponsorships program.

A variety of restored vintage vehicles and machinery in full working order will be on display.

For more information, visit otms.org.au.

Perth Upmarket 20 March This premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares features more than 150 talented artists, designers, crafters and gourmets at the University of Western Australia’s Winthrop Hall.

For more information, visit perthupmarket.com.au.

February / March 2016 Horizons 17

rs Arts. y apply.

12:26 pm

25 to 28 February The Perth International will return to Lake Karrinyup Country Club in February, after three years of having taken place in October. Some of the world’s best golfers have competed in the past, including Dustin Johnson, Victor Dubuisson, Charl Schwartzel, Jason Dufner and Geoff Ogilvy.

For more information, go to augustariverfestival.com.

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7/01/16 9:51 AM

Image AAP images

Motoring

Ice cold

the deadly drugs on our roads With a growing awareness of drug use in our community, what needs to be done to keep drug drivers off our roads?

e

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Motoring

above: The RAC would like to see more roadside drug and alcohol testing, to bring WA in line with other states.

Drug driving: one of five big risks RAC Research Analyst Andrew Plunkett says the findings catapult

drug driving to the same realm of seriousness as alcohol, speeding and inattention as major risks on WA roads.

“This is the first opportunity we’ve had to look at a big long-term data set and get some comprehensive figures on drugs involved in serious crashes and it elevates drugs to one of the big five risks,” he says.

“We’re alarmed that nearly half deceased drivers had drugs in their system or a BAC [blood alcohol concentration] above .05.

Mr Plunkett says the statistics show the serious impact of THC (cannabis) is underrated. It was the most detected drug in drug-related fatalities and has been proven to reduce driver co-ordination, causing confusion and slowing information processing and reaction time.

Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a psychostimulant that speeds up messages between the brain and the body. Like MDMA (or ecstasy) it can cause attention lapses, increase risk-taking and decrease reaction times.

THC, methamphetamine and MDMA are the three main illicit drugs police commonly test for and it is mainly done randomly at ‘drug bus’ stops, using oral swabs to sample saliva.

Legal drugs and driving Some drivers may be surprised to know they will be charged with a drug driving offence if they are impaired by prescription drugs or drugs sold over-the-counter.

The law doesn’t differentiate between legal and illegal drugs in this respect.

The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety have compared the driving impairment caused by some common medications with the levels of blood alcohol concentration that would cause an equal impairment.

Some common antihistamines, antidepressants, hypnotics like temazepam and tranquillisers score .05 plus, exceeding equivalent legal levels of alcohol.

These can cause sleepiness, impair co-ordination and reduce reaction time and the ability to judge speed and distance.

Always ask the doctor or pharmacist about the medication’s impact on driving and be particularly vigilant when using new medications.

Image AAP images

A

study by the CurtinMonash Accident Research Centre investigated the tragic deaths of 1375 drivers or riders killed in crashes between 2000 and 2012 on Western Australian roads. It found a staggering 47 per cent of fatally injured drivers were potentially impaired by drugs or alcohol or a combination of both.

One or more illegal drugs was detected in nearly 23 per cent of those killed, with THC (cannabis) the most common at nearly 65 per cent followed by methamphetamine (meth, speed, base, ice) (26.6 per cent) and MDMA (ecstasy) (six per cent).

The majority of drivers and riders were positive for only one drug; however, some had a cocktail of up to three illegal drugs in their system.

The report also found drivers and riders killed on metropolitan roads were more likely to test positive for an illicit substance than those who die on rural roads.

20 Horizons February / March 2016

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Motoring

By the numbers …

Image AAP images

More roadside testing required Despite its effectiveness as a drug driving deterrent, Mr Plunkett says WA’s rate of drug testing per licensed driver is well below other states. It is estimated fewer than 11,000 drivers were given preliminary drug tests in WA in 2014.

“Victoria and New South Wales are aiming at 100,000 tests per year, which is many times more than WA,” Mr Plunkett says.

“South Australia is another example where they do many more tests on a smaller population, so you would have to argue we are well behind.”

Police State Traffic Operations acting commander Michael Peters explains the roadside oral swab is one of two main ways police test for drugs.

“If they test positive, we do a secondary test. And if that is positive it goes to the ChemCentre to analyse the results,” Cdr Peters says.

However, there’s an important distinction according to the law, between a driver having the drug in their system and being impaired by drugs in their system.

“When charged with a roadside offence, the law is saying you are driving with the drug in your system,” he says.

“There’s a second part of the legislation that talks about impairment.

“For example if an officer sees someone driving erratically, they can stop them and if they blow negative to alcohol but there is enough evidence of impairment, they can take the driver for a blood test and that can prove a level of impairment. That’s a separate charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Fatally injured drivers in WA involving substances

23%

tested positive for illicit substances.

65%

cannabis is most commonly detected illicit drug.

24 % vs 17 % illicit drugs in fatally injured males vs females Source: Illicit drugs and driving: An investigation of fatalities and traffic offences in Western Australia; Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre

“Penalties for being impaired either under the influence of drugs or alcohol are the same penalties,” says Cdr Peters.

A first offence attracts a mandatory minimum 10-month loss of licence and a minimum fine of $900.

Failing a roadside oral fluid test attracts a lesser penalty; a $500 fine for a first offence and a loss of three demerit points.

More robust testing needed Cdr Peters says drug testing is comparatively expensive and takes more time for staff to complete, compared with alcohol testing.

The cost of the initial oral swab is estimated at $10 and $600 for a ChemCentre analysis.

The RAC believes enforcement is a core road safety initiative and police, as the agency responsible for enforcing WA’s traffic laws and regulations, are therefore a principal and unique driver of road safety outcomes. Enforcement activities influence community attitudes and, most importantly, driver behaviour.

With regard to alcohol testing, for example, RAC supports an increased rate of 1.5 breath tests per licensed driver per year (or an extra one million tests).

From the start of the financial year to the end of August, WA Police doubled its number of drug tests to 7400 compared with the same period the previous year.

There has also been an investment in new drug-testing machines, rolled out into regional WA giving police a regional drug-testing presence they didn’t previously have.

Cdr Peters says in the most recent figures, methamphetamine is the drug most detected – 60/40 compared to other drugs – reflecting the trend where WA’s use of the drug is estimated at close to double the national average.

He says research revealing drugs as a significant factor in the number of drivers killed or injured in road crashes indicates they can impair driving skills.

“Anything that a person takes to change their ability to make sound decisions is a problem for road safety and the community.”

The challenge for road safety authorities, parents and friends is to get the message through that alcohol, THC, methamphetamine and MDMA all alter the chemistry of the brain and can be lethal. l February / March 2016 Horizons 21

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Public transport

By Jane Hammond Photography Revolutions Transport Museum (Whiteman Park)

Trains, trolley buses and trams From trams rattling through Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suburbs to the green MTT buses with their leather bell cables, Jane Hammond looks at how Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public transport system has changed and developed.

22 Horizons February / March 2016

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Public transport

clockwise from left: A Scarborough Bus, the ‘Swift’ in the mid-1950s; trolley buses along Barrack Street; the Metropolitan Transport Trust (MTT) bus; buses and trams trundling through Perth.

In the 1960s the buses all had conductors with leather satchels and when you wanted to get off you pulled a leather cord.

N

edlands resident Janice May remembers catching trams in Como as a young girl in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

“I must have been four or five when my mother would put me on the tram alone and I would go off to school,” Ms May says.

“It wasn’t that unusual for littlies to travel alone. The tram driver knew all the kids and where they lived and would stop and make sure we got off near our houses.”

It was a time before the Narrows Bridge and the Kwinana Freeway and Ms May recalls riding the trams home from the beach at Como.

“My father would hail the tram and we would all jump on the back and ride on the running boards and then jump off near our house,” she says.

Trams first began rumbling along Perth streets in 1899 when operations commenced along Hay Street from East Perth to Milligan Street, with services later extended to a number of suburbs.

Three decades later electric trolley bus services were added.

Curator of the Revolutions Transport Museum at Whiteman Park, Val Humphrey, says electric trolley buses were the first government-operated buses. They began running in the 1930s and at the time were hailed as a more modern alternative to trams.

“They ran on rubber tyres and had quiet motors. They were regarded as the absolute in luxury transport. Their seats were upholstered, unlike most of the tram seats,” Ms Humphrey says.

“Motor buses were introduced after that because they were cheaper to run.

Meanwhile, you started to see a lot of

private bus companies start up during the 1920s.

“Anyone with a Chevy truck or a T-model Ford could convert it to a bus and start to ferry passengers. Some of the companies were very successful.”

Public transport was very well used in Perth during World War II. Ms Humphrey says that despite the increased patronage it was difficult for the private bus companies to get parts, tyres and petrol during the war years and they struggled to remain viable.

“Some of the private buses tried to operate off charcoal burners as petrol was in such short supply, but the burners weren’t very successful,” she says.

“Following the war, Perth’s suburbs were growing rapidly but the bus companies were going broke because their fleets had fallen into disrepair during the war years.

February / March 2016 Horizons 23

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Public transport

“By 1958 the government had taken over almost all the buses and closed the tramways. They kept the trolley buses going for another 11 years because the trolley buses were the newest and best vehicles in the fleet.”

Perth resident Margaret Morris recalls the trolley buses in the 1960s.

“We lived in Wembley and used to take the trolley bus into the city in the ‘60s. They made an unusual noise and sometimes when they went around a corner the two things that connected the bus to the electric cables would come off and the driver would have to get out and fix it,” Ms Morris says.

Anne Smith was a primary school student in the 1960s and remembers catching the pea-green MTT buses to and from school in Mosman Park.

“In the 1960s the buses all had conductors with leather satchels and when you wanted to get off you pulled a leather cord that ran above the windows on the bus and rang a bell,” Ms Smith says.

WA’s first railway line was the Fremantle line, which commenced passenger services in 1881. It ran from Fremantle to Guildford, incorporating what we now know as the Midland Line.

The Armadale line was opened in 1893, followed by a number of new railway stations including Kelmscott and Cannington.

For the next 100 years Perth’s rail network remained largely unchanged until the 1990s when the network was electrified and the Joondalup line was opened.

Soon after, work started on the Mandurah line, which opened in 2007.

But Perth’s passenger rail network nearly came to an end in 1979 when the State Government closed the Fremantle line due to spiralling costs and falling patronage.

Public pressure forced the government to rethink its plans to turn the railway into a bus lane and it eventually reopened the line in 1983.

Perth:

on the move over the years.

1880s WA’s first railway line (Fremantle) starts passenger services in 1881.

above: A day in Roe Street, along which trams ran, in 1954.

Ms Morris was a resident of Cottesloe at the time and remembers the public outcry at the closure of the line.

“We all took a late night train into the city, the last one before the closure. It was a protest ride and eventually the trains were brought back,” Ms Morris says.

The beginnings of Perth’s public transport system In the early days of the Swan River Colony the river was the main form of transport and so development clustered around access points on the river.

1890s

1920s

Trams start running along Hay Street from East Perth to Milligan Street in 1899.

1930s

The Armadale railway line opens in 1893.

Private motor bus companies start up.

Electric trolley buses begin running as an alternative to trams.

Later it was rail and then tramways that dictated the way commercial hubs developed outside the city’s central business district.

By the 1880s, when the colony was just over 40 years old, the first railway – a privately owned timber carrier was established in the south-west. In 1881 the first passenger services started on the Fremantle to Guildford rail line.

Ms Humphrey says that when Europeans first came to WA, the colony struggled to survive and it wasn’t until gold was discovered in the 1890s that it had the wealth to invest in transport systems.

“From the 1890s to the 1930s a huge amount of rail infrastructure was built in WA. But almost as soon as the infrastructure was finished we had the Great Depression and World War II and as soon as all that was over, transport had moved on and it was the era of the motor car,” Ms Humphrey says.

“People were crying out for trams in the city in the late 1890s but the government was too busy building rail infrastructure, so the trams were built by local government in partnership with private industry.

24 Horizons February / March 2016

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Public transport

1950s

The state government closes tramways and takes over running buses.

1960s

Trolley buses cease running in 1969.

1970s

1990s

1980s

2000s

State government closes Fremantle line in 1979 and plans to turn it into a bus lane.

The Fremantle line reopens in 1983 after public pressure.

It wasn’t that unusual for littlies to travel alone.

The tram driver knew all the kids and where they lived and would stop and make sure we got off near our houses.

“In 1913 the Premier wanted to nationalise the tram system and so the state took over the local government tramways and brought them into the government railways.”

It is still possible to catch a tram in Perth but only for recreation.

Whiteman Park, 18km north-east of Perth, has a restored tram taking tourists on a 4km round trip through the park village, including a stop at the transport museum.

The state’s public transport history is being preserved at Whiteman Park by the Revolutions Transport Museum and also by volunteer community groups who are working to preserve our old trams, buses and trains and to keep their role in the development of Perth alive.

Visit whitemanpark.com.au/attractions. l

Rail network is electrified and Joondalup line opens.

Today

The RAC supports light-rail plus bus rapid transit services on major routes serving surburban areas.

The Mandurah rail line opens in 2007.

Perth’s future public transport needs Today, our city still benefits greatly from the development of a rail system conceived more than a century ago and public transport continues to be one of the best ways we can prevent our roads from becoming too congested.

Perth’s urban footprint now covers more than 6000sq km and the sprawling nature of our city has meant our roads are becoming increasingly clogged with cars.

A recent Infrastructure Australia Audit Report paints a worrying picture for the future, predicting that congestion could cost WA a record $16 billion in lost productivity by 2031 and our roads and rail systems will buckle under the pressure of too many users.

The audit found that by 2031 seven of the nation’s 10 most congested roads (including the top four) will be in Perth.

RAC’s Senior Manager Policy and Research, Anne Still says, “Great cities need good public transport and just like in days gone by, it’s essential that our state prepares, funds and releases a robust plan that will provide a clear direction for our transport system.”

Public transport, particularly the introduction of light rail to Perth, is one of RAC’s priorities.

“Light rail is transformational and would add a new dimension to our public transport system, encouraging increased patronage and creating opportunities for more sustainable land use development in the central northern corridor and through the city,” Ms Still says.

“We would also like to see expansion of the heavy rail network, including extension of the Thornlie line to Cockburn Central via Canning Vale and a range of other connections to address gaps in the network.”

RAC sees a role for the federal government in starting to fund rail projects in WA, believing the nation will benefit in the long run through more productive cities.

Ms Still says RAC also supports bus rapid transit services on major routes serving suburban activity centres.

She adds that light rail is a modern take on the trams of the past, providing a viable, cost effective and flexible means of transport, critical for keeping us all on the move well into the future.

February / March 2016 Horizons 25

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Motoring

Motoring

By Peta Tomlinson

Risky business

T

hree-to-one odds may seem a fair enough bet when only money is at risk. You win some; you lose some. On the road, however, the stakes are higher and these odds that relate to motorcyclists make for grim reading.

For every kilometre travelled on Western Australian roads, motorcycle riders and/or their pillion passengers are between 26 and 32 times more likely to die in a crash

than those travelling in a car. They’ll overwhelmingly be male (92 per cent), and will often come to grief on a weekend trip away from the city.

And while roads outside the state’s metropolitan limits allow for travel at up to 110km/h, a crash at nearly half that speed (60km/h) is considered “not survivable” on two wheels.

Motorcycle registrations are on the rise in Western Australia to now make up 5.9 per cent of the licensed vehicle fleet on the state’s roads, or

just less than 130,000 motorcycles in total.

Over the past decade, the number of motor vehicle occupant fatalities has been trending downward, but the same result is not reflected in motorcyclist fatalities over the same period. “We are making the roads safer for motor vehicle drivers and passengers,” observes RAC’s Senior Manager Policy and Research, Anne Still, “but we are not succeeding in the same way for motorcyclists.”

Image iStockphoto

Motorcycles are a popular but increasingly risky way to travel on our roads. So what is being done to improve the awareness and safety of motorcyclists?

26 Horizons February / March 2016

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Motoring

Male riders; weekend crashes The frequency of crashes on weekend afternoons, often on scenic rural roads, suggests a propensity for some riders to indulge in the purchase of a motorcycle for recreational riding – perhaps driven by the nostalgia of their youth, or the niggle of a bucket list.

“We are used to seeing fatalities being overrepresented in young drivers, but that doesn’t hold true for motorcyclists,” Ms Still says. Motorcyclist fatalities tracked over a five-year data set show that 60 per cent were aged in their 30s, 40s or 50s.

There’s no doubting that special feeling of being “in the moment” on a motorcycle: the thrill of the wind rushing past you, of leaning into corners, and shifting gears onto an open road. Mobile phones cannot invade – it’s just you and your machine. For many, the primary purpose of a bike is not to get you from A to B, but to enjoy the journey.

Yet, whatever their age or motivation, the statistics seem clear: simply by virtue of being on a road on two wheels, motorcyclists are at risk.

On Western Australian roads, motorcycle riders and/or their pillion passengers are between 26 and 32 times more likely to die in a crash than those travelling in a car.

of the licensed vehicle fleet and don’t travel very far – half of them travel less than 1430km per year, compared to less than 10,000km travelled by 50 per cent of cars,” Ms Still says.

Speed is a stand-out factor in fatalities involving motorcyclists, Ms Still’s research shows, and long-term data reveals almost half (47 per cent) of crashes are single vehicle, run off the road incidents. But crash investigations also assert that 26 per cent are a result of another vehicle turning in front of the rider.

According to one group of riders, who launched their own awareness campaign a couple of years ago, “sorry mate I didn’t see you” is an oft-heard response from car drivers following an incident. It’s true that because of their much smaller size, bikes would be harder to spot. And their manoeuvrability, which at times may enable the rider to get out of harm’s way, could equally mean they “suddenly” appear in a place the motorist does not anticipate.

Awareness drive – for everyone Speed is a factor in fatalities

Motorists can help keep everyone safe by being extra-vigilant and courteous to riders, recognising the instability and braking difficulty of two wheels compared with four.

Infrastructure providers – like governments and councils – can play

On WA roads in 2014, 45 riders or pillion passengers were killed on our roads.

“In metropolitan Perth (which includes the city outskirts), riders accounted for one in three road fatalities, even though motorcyclists only represent five per cent

Polytechnic West

Safety tips for motorists

Image iStockphoto

Motorists can help keep everyone safe by watching for motorcycles, especially when turning, changing lanes, or approaching intersections.

Cars have blind spots that may obscure your view: look carefully before making a move of any kind.

Motorcyclists should be followed as you would any other vehicle, at a safe distance.

Proposed Mirrabooka light rail Proposed light Cottonwood Crescent rail station Proposed light rail terminus Be mindful that When Using your Morley Drive Remember North parked, Morley Drive motorcycles look for lights in poor motorcyclists Dianella can accelerate motorcycle visibility will can take up quickly. and bicycle help motorcycle Woodrow an entire lane, Avenue riders before riders see and might ride opening the you. two abreast.

Wordsworth door.Avenue ECU Mount Lawley

Woodville North PerthPolytechnic West

February / March 2016 Horizons 27

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Proposed Robertson Park light rail Aberdeen Street Proposed light rail station Proposed light

Mirrabooka

Perth Arena Cottonwood Crescent City Square

7/01/16 10:01 AM

Motoring

60 per cent of motorcycle fatalities were people aged in their 30s, 40s or 50s.

In a crash:

7 out of 10 riders sustain injuries that may have been reduced or prevented by wearing the proper gear.

To find out more about motorcycle safety gear and protective accessories, visit rac.com.au/motorcyclesafety.

their part by keeping the physical environment well maintained. Road surface issues have a greater impact on motorcyclists, whose risk is heightened by obstructions to visibility, loose surface material, and poor road conditions in general.

But riders also should be taking measures to keep themselves as safe as possible on the road – beginning with the golden rule of being adequately protected before you set out. No matter whether your two wheels are under a leisurely scooter or a highpowered Harley, investing in good gear

can be the difference between a nasty tumble and life-threatening injuries.

The outer layer is a rider’s best defence against cuts, gravel rash and friction burns in the event of a spill and this means covering your whole body – ideally with impact protectors over the joints and abrasion-resistant material in vulnerable areas. All fastenings should be secure and any potential tear or snag points, such as external pockets or straps, minimised. One study found that riders who wore protective clothing spent seven days less in hospital, and were 40 per cent less likely to have

Whatever their age ...the statistics seem clear: simply by virtue of being on a road on two wheels, motorcyclists are at risk. permanent physical injuries after a crash.

Since most crash impacts are to the front or sides of a helmet, with some 16 per cent to the chin area, a full-face helmet is recommended for safety.

Contrary to the argument that a fullface helmet may increase the risk of base skull fractures, recent studies have found that this type of injury is more likely related to the weight of the helmet (greater than 1.5km) than its design. The newer range of composite helmets made from advanced materials such as Kevlar and carbon fibre are generally lighter and may absorb impacts better than polycarbonate or all-fibreglass helmets.

Riders should also be aware that car drivers often fail to see motorcyclists and that the speed of approaching motorcycles can be difficult for them to judge.

Wearing high-visibility clothing, maintaining awareness at all times, and avoiding riding in a motorist’s blind spot can help.

New riders regardless of age have a higher risk of being involved in a crash, most likely due to their inexperience.

Rider training courses can help build skills and experience.

Our vast state, with its scenic roads and favourable climate, makes a road trip on either two or four wheels one of life’s great pleasures and both motorcyclists and motorists have an equal right to enjoy the ride and to arrive safely at their destination. l

28 Horizons February / March 2016

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below: Stand-up paddleboarding in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Images courtesy Tourism WA and Tourism Australia

bottom: Shell Beach; stromatolites at Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve; Cape Peron.

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Travel

Words Rae Farr

W

Images courtesy Tourism WA and Tourism Australia

Coral Coast

Wild and wonderful If you’re searching for a piece of natural paradise, there’s no place like our very own Coral Coast, the jewel in the crown of Western Australia’s vast coastline.

ith a coastline that stretches a whopping 20,781km, Western Australia offers unparalleled opportunities for seaside adventures. While much of it is beautiful, the 1100km that makes up the Coral Coast is some of the most stunning, with deserted white beaches, coral reefs, marine wonders, dramatic gorges, renowned fishing and surf breaks, and a maritime history that is as fascinating as it is dramatic.

All these natural wonders make for a fantastic low-cost family holiday and now your choice of quality accommodation is more affordable too.

With the RAC having recently acquired Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Reef Resort, in addition to Pinnacles Holiday Park in Cervantes (purchased in 2014), members are able to explore the natural wonders of this remarkable region while staying in quality and affordable accommodation.

Whether you love to hit the open road or would rather fly directly, the Coral Coast is easy to reach from Perth – the only dilemma is choosing which picture-perfect setting to visit. Start by considering how many days your getaway will last. Here are some ideas to get you started...

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Travel clockwise from below: The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park; sandboarding near Lancelin; four-wheel beach driving between Lancelin and Cervantes; Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort’s Boughshed Restaurant.

Cervantes /Jurien Bay > 220km (400km > return) from Perth Those looking for a weekend getaway will find Cervantes ticks all the boxes. The region’s star attraction is the captivating Pinnacles Desert, situated within Nambung National Park. Formed more than 25,000 years ago, the dramatic limestone structures, measuring up to four metres, form an almost alien landscape. Visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre for fascinating insights into the park’s flora and fauna.

Afterwards, pull into the Lobster Shack to see an operational

lobster-processing factory, then feast on fresh, locally caught lobster and seafood.

Further north you’ll find the delightful township of Jurien Bay. Discover its marine life by fishing off the jetty, floating over the permanent interpretive snorkelling trail or meeting sea lions on an interactive ocean cruise. There are also safe swimming spots, like Dynamite Bay, while at Stockyard Gully National Park you can walk through Drovers Cave. Two-wheel drives can access the cave via a well-compacted unsealed road but only up to a certain point.

It’s recommended to follow the remaining sandy trail for one

RAC Parks and Resorts The RAC’s Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Reef Resort, plus the Pinnacles Holiday Park in Cervantes, offer easy access to an abundance of world-class natural attractions along WA’s Coral Coast.

Dean Massie, General Manager Operations, RAC Parks and Resorts says, “One of the deciding factors the

kilometre on foot. On the return trip, hit the sand dunes of Lancelin for some sandboarding fun and four-wheel beach driving. Sand boards can be hired in the town.

HOW TO GET HERE: Driving

along the Indian Ocean Drive is a breeze or take the inland route via Brand Highway.

Stay At: Pinnacles Holiday Park offers direct beach access and accommodation choices such as cabins and powered and unpowered sites. There’s also a playground, Seashells Cafe, barbecues, campers’ kitchens, laundry and bathroom facilities.

RAC considered when property Polytechnic will West undergo purchasing these redevelopment to offer properties was the fact a high standard of family Proposed Mirrabooka they were accommodation, while lightallrailsituated in iconic tourist destinations. retaining an affordable Proposed They have these light holiday experience unique Crescent rail station drawcards, but the RAC to eachCottonwood location. wantedProposed to make light their “Plans are already properties destinations in underway for the Monkey rail terminus NorthDolphin Resort, and their own right, allowingMorley Drive Mia Morley Drive visitors to explore the RAC plans to Dianella investigate regions for extended the redevelopment stays, rather than just opportunities at the Woodrow Avenue overnight visits. The Coral other two properties, Coast’s fantastic climate taking into account what Wordsworth Avenue makes for a great yearbest suits the market round holiday location.” and our members,” Mr Massie says.

In the future, each ECU Mount Lawley

32 Horizons February / March 2016

Images Alamy; courtesy Tourism WA and Tourism Australia

1– 3 days

Woodville North Perth

Robertson Park

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Travel clockwise from right: Marine life abounds in the region; feeding dolphins at Monkey Mia; Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park; iconic landscapes at Francois Peron National Park.

3–6 days

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia > 850km (1700km > return) from Perth If you have more than three days, enjoy the charms of Monkey Mia and its most famous residents, the pod of dolphins who visit the beach daily. You’re just as likely to spot turtles, manta rays, whales and dugongs, or join a boat cruise to get even closer to the wildlife.

The rich marine life is just one of the many outstanding features of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Western Australia’s first world heritage listing, as outlined at the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre. The area is also worldrenowned for its diversity of ancient stromatolites in Hamelin Pool.

Shell Beach, with its carpet of white shells, stretches for 120km.

Just as photogenic is Francois Peron National Park, where red sand dunes

meet white beaches before falling into turquoise ocean, and the historic Peron Homestead, which has a visitor centre.

Families can learn about the area’s agricultural past and bathe in the homestead hot baths, which are fed from an artesian bore. Access to the homestead is via an unsealed but wellcompacted dirt road, which is suitable for two-wheel drives.

Department of Parks and Wildlife fees apply to this national park.

Not far away is Ocean Park Aquarium where you can watch shark feedings every hour and see stonefish, sea turtles and sea snakes.

2016 will be a special year to visit this remarkable region, as celebrations will be held to mark the 400th anniversary of the first European, Dutchman Dirk Hartog, making landfall in Shark Bay.

How to get here: This is a

long 10-hour drive from Perth via North West Hwy to Monkey Mia. While it’s possible to complete in a day it’s recommended you take two days, stopping overnight in Geraldton.

Otherwise fly direct from Perth with Skippers Aviation.

Stay at: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is the only accommodation situated at the famous dolphin beach.

It caters to all holidaymakers, with camping and caravanning facilities and backpackers’ motel-style units through to family cabins and deluxe rooms situated on the beach. Activities include camel rides and kayaking. There is a restaurant and bar on site, a resort mini mart and swimming pool. Prices start from $16 per night for camping to $370 for a Superior Beach View room.

Images Alamy; courtesy Tourism WA and Tourism Australia

Photogenic Francois Peron National Park is where red sand dunes meet white beaches before falling into turquoise ocean.

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Travel

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

7 – 10 days

Coral Bay and Exmouth > 1250km (2500km > return) from Perth

Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area

Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Ningaloo Reef Resort CORAL BAY

CARNARVON

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort MONKEY MIA

FRANCOIS PERON national park

KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK

KALBARRI

GERALDTON

Pinnacles Holiday Park JURIEN BAY CERVANTES NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK LANCELIN

The Coral Coast

PERTH

LEGEND Cervantes/Jurien Bay return from Perth (1–3 DAYS)

Shark Bay and Monkey Mia return from Perth (3–6 DAYS)

Coral Bay and Exmouth return from Perth (7–10 DAYS)

Travellers with a week or more can discover the majesty of the Coral Bay region and its famed Ningaloo Marine Park. This is WA’s world-renowned snorkelling and diving hot spot and is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef (270km). In Coral Bay you can snorkel straight off the beach into coral gardens and watch the mass spawning of coral in March.

If you’re keen to swim with whale sharks, Exmouth, which is 152km north of Coral Bay, is the place to go, with most tour companies departing from there.

You can also swim with manta rays and spot dugongs and sea turtles all year round. Not surprisingly, this remarkable region has been awarded a World Heritage listing.

In addition, the area offers safe swimming beaches, surfing, glass-bottom boat trips and some of the country’s best game fishing.

Combined with Cape Range National Park, which has breathtaking gorges and canyons that can be explored by foot or by cruise boat, there’s no shortage of spectacular experiences in both Coral Bay and Exmouth.

How to get here: It’s possible

to do the 13-hour drive via the North West Hwy to Coral Bay in a day but a stop is recommended. Ideally take two days, stopping overnight in Kalbarri. Alternatively, fly from Perth with Qantas to Learmonth Airport. An airport transfer bus operates from Coral Bay. Car hire is available with Europcar (RAC can book these domestic services). Car hire from Perth is also an option, as is campervan hire with Apollo and members save 10 per cent.

Stay at: Ningaloo Reef Resort is in Coral Bay within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, 140km south of Exmouth. Its 34 rooms are on the north-facing beach on Ningaloo Reef, with the majority being studios or apartments ($219–$299 per night). There is also a penthouse ($399 per night) and a family style room ($385 per night). Facilities include a pool, café, barbecues, WiFi and laundry.

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park is in the northwest coastal town of Exmouth within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. The park is predominately a caravan park with a mix of modern oneand two-bedroom cabins, along with backpacker accommodation.

Prices start from $49 per night for a powered site to $236 for deluxe family cabins (prices vary according to season). Facilities include a pool, kitchen, barbecues, free WiFi and playground.

above (from top): There are endless opportunities for snorkelling near Coral Bay; Ningaloo Marine Park is teaming with marine life, including whale sharks; untouched nature at Cape Range National Park.

Images courtesy Tourism WA and Greg Snell

EXMOUTH CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK

34 Horizons February / March 2016

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Win

the ultimate Coral Coast adventure valued at $7000!

Thanks to RAC Parks and Resorts and Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coral Coast you could win a trip for four people to explore this stunning region.

Images courtesy Tourism WA and Grahame Kelaher

Cape Range National Park.

36 Horizons February / March 2016

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We’ll give you a Thrifty hire car for the trip and accommodation all along the Coral Coast from Cervantes to Exmouth, allowing you to discover the wonderful sites along the way.

Experience WA’s iconic Pinnacles, Geraldton’s Abrolhos Islands, Kalbarri’s sheer coastal cliffs and the two World Heritage marine parks of Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, just to name a few.

Discover local Aboriginal culture.

Nambung National Park.

Your prize includes:

+ 10 days Thrifty hire car + $500 fuel voucher (or less) + One night at the Pinnacles Holiday Park in Cervantes

+ One night at the Dongara Tourist Park + One night at the Best Western in Geraldton + One night at the Kalbarri Edge Resort Ningaloo Reef.

Encounter whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.

in Kalbarri

+ Two nights at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in Shark Bay

+ Two nights at Luxury Canal Home

in Carnarvon + Two nights at Ningaloo Reef Resort in Coral Bay.

PLUS a tour pack:

+ Guided Lobster Shack tour, including lunch

Images courtesy Tourism WA and Grahame Kelaher

+ Abrolhos Islands flyover tour by

To enter, visit rac.com.au/coralcoast and complete the online entry form, or send your name, phone number and membership number to Horizons/Coral Coast, GPO Box 2943 Perth WA 6800 See page 80 for terms and conditions.

All entries must be received by 31 March 2016.

Shine Aviation + Morning canoe tour and breakfast with Kalbarri Outback Adventures + A Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour in Shark Bay by Wula Guda Nyinda Eco Adventures + Entry to the Shark Bay Discovery Centre + Whale shark tour by Ocean Eco Adventures in Exmouth. * Accommodation is for four adults or a family of four. Tours are based on four persons.

To find out more about the world-class attractions along this remarkable stretch of WA’s coast, visit australiascoralcoast.com.au.

February / March 2016 Horizons 37

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9/12/2015 10:14:35 AM

7/01/16 10:14 AM

Travel brief

News and information for travellers

Think you don’t need cover for  local travel?

If you travel anywhere more than once a year, having an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy will save you time and money and protect you and your valuables.

Secret Singapore Singapore’s world-famous tourist sites and experiences are hard to ignore on a trip to the Lion City but it also boasts many exciting hidden treasures. Here are six to keep in mind: Haji Lane is a narrow laneway located in the Arab Quarter that in recent times has become a fashion mecca. This bustling retail stretch is lined with hip independent fashion boutiques and fashion accessory stores.

Holland Village is an expatriate enclave famous for its unique bohemian character. It is filled with renowned art studios, restaurants and bars and has a laid-back atmosphere.

Dempsey Hill is a lush and tranquil hideaway just a few minutes from Orchard Road. The little hill boasts gourmet grocers, art galleries, antique shops, acclaimed restaurants, cafés and wine bars.

IMM outlet mall is Singapore’s largest outlet mall with close to 60 outlet stores.

IMM offers discounts of up to 60 per cent all year round.

Wing Seong Fatty’s Restaurant is a no-frills taste of authentic Singaporean Chinese cuisine. This iconic restaurant is a must for anyone who wants to experience genuine local dishes. There are many restaurants with the same name but this one has been around since 1926 and is at 175 Bencoolen Street, Singapore.

Pulau Ubin is a small island north of Singapore city. It’s a peaceful location with natural jungle and is a great place to explore on a bicycle. Pulau Ubin island is just a five-minute ferry ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Last chance for AAA guides RAC has always provided members with quality touring information through our free AAA guides. The most up-to-date accommodation and tourist park information from these guides will now be available exclusively online for even easier access at rac.com.au/ accommodation.

Your multi-trip policy will cover you for travel more than 250km from home, which means it could apply to a trip within WA, as well as other Australian locations.

If you don’t think you need travel insurance within your own country, consider the cost of medical evacuation if you’re injured in a remote area or if your belongings are lost or stolen and not covered by other insurance when used away from home.

Multi-trip policies start from $1.40 per day and can include annual cover for an unlimited number of trips, a maximum stay of 37 days for any one trip, unlimited medical expenses, unlimited cancellation and luggage protection. RAC members save 10 per cent on travel insurance.

To find out more contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance.

The guides are out of print but the last of the free printed accommodation and tourist park guides are available for members until March 31, 2016.

To secure these printed guides before they run out, visit our online shop rac.com.au/onlineshop or an RAC Travel centre rac.com.au/findabranch.

February / March 2016 Horizons 39

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Travel

Words Lucy Siebert and Rod Eime

There’s a cruise for you Australians are among the biggest fans of cruising in the world and more ships are visiting Fremantle than ever before. Here’s what you need to know before booking your first cruise holiday.

Image Getty Images

A

ustralians have always loved to travel, but even as a nation of keen explorers, the enthusiasm with which Aussies have embraced cruising both here and abroad has astounded even the most seasoned cruise CEOs, who have scrambled to deploy more and more ships to our waters each year.

In 2014 more than one million Australians took a cruise holiday, making us the world’s biggest cruisers by population.

North Americans remain the keenest cruisers worldwide, but according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Australians represent 18.9 per cent of the total cruise market worldwide – staggering considering in 2004 just 158,000 Aussies cruised.

Being at sea on a state-of-the-art vessel is an experience in its own February / March 2016 Horizons 43

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Travel

Cruise simply offers great value, without having to fly anywhere.

Ship categories define the style of a cruise: Contemporary: feature-rich cruise lines such as P&O, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Great for first-time cruisers.

Premium: many amenities, refined service and space. Holland America, Princess Celebrity and Cunard are in this category.

Deluxe: service and facilities of a premium line with the intimacy of a luxury line. Oceania and Azamara are leaders in this category.

Luxury: highly personalised service, sumptuous facilities and exotic itineraries. Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn are in this league.

Specialty: a specialised environment often featuring a specific destination or sailing style. Windstar is one example.

Expedition: think Antarctica, Arctic or remote islands like PNG. APT, Ponant and Coral Expeditions are in this category, as is Western Australia’s luxury expedition cruise ship, True North, which specialises in the Kimberley.

right, however, Australians have recognised that cruising also offers amazing value for money.

“Cruise simply offers great value, without having to fly anywhere,” says Brett Jardine, Commercial Director of cruise industry body, Cruise Lines International Association (Australasia) (CLIA).

Plus, there’s no need to tackle airport security or to unpack multiple times and you wake up each morning in a new destination.

Over recent decades cruise lines have focused on designing new styles of ships to attract new people to cruising.

The CLIA 2014 Cruise Industry Source Market Report for Australia shows that there is no one type of cruiser, with passengers being evenly spread across most age groups. Mr Jardine believes that families, in particular, are increasingly discovering cruising, thanks to ships that feature familyfriendly activities.

When it comes to destinations, CLIA’s report shows that the majority of Australians take voyages close to home, with Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific collectively

accounting for 67 per cent of total passenger numbers in 2014.

Cruising from Fremantle Western Australians have more choice than ever with some 15 different ships offering cruises from Fremantle in 2016.

Three lines – Princess Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) and P&O Australia – have based ships in Fremantle for the 2015/16 season. CMV’s Astor is enjoying her third season at the port, while P&O’s latest ship, Pacific Eden, will be based here from April to July. Meanwhile Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess is operating from November 2015 to May 2016, while Dawn Princess will sail from Fremantle throughout winter and spring, from May to September 2016.

“Western Australians have really responded to having a ship home-ported [here]. Passengers are able to get their cruise holiday fix easily and close to home,” says Mr Jardine.

When cruising from Fremantle, each line offers a different experience, says Jordan Fransz, RAC Cruise Product Coordinator.

above, clockwise from left: P&O’s Pacific Eden will be coming to Fremantle soon; cruising offers a variety of onboard dining options, including specialty restaurants; family fun in the pool.

Images Alamy; Getty Images; courtesy P&O

What are ship categories?

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Travel

Our RAC cruise specialist’s

Images Alamy; Getty Images; courtesy P&O

top tips

Astor is primarily aimed at the more mature market, as well as couples.

“We have a very high percentage of bookings on Astor each season,” says Mr Fransz.

Astor does operate short “taster” voyages around key dates such as New Year, which tend to attract a younger demographic.

Princess and P&O’s ships are designed to appeal to a wide market, including families.

With P&O’s Pacific Eden, Western Australians will be able to experience one of the best cruise ships in Australia.

Mr Fransz believes the “modern and contemporary” ship will be particularly appealing to people who have never cruised before.

“The entertainment, the multiple dining options and the onboard facilities are really appealing. P&O Edge offers activities like zip-lining, pool activities, Titanic Moments, a kids club adventure program and a daily aerial show from Pacific Cirque.”

If this sounds like it might be up your street, also look out for Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which will make its first Australian

port call in Fremantle during the 2016/17 season.

Royal Caribbean is known for innovation and designing spectacular family-friendly ships and Ovation of the Seas will be no different. “[Royal Caribbean’s] Quantum Class vessels are the most technologically advanced ships built. I’ve cruised on Anthem of the Seas and it was amazing – three days onboard was not enough!

Australians should be very excited about what is coming,” says Mr Fransz.

Value-for-money holiday Despite a cruise holiday offering spectacular experiences, it doesn’t necessarily have to come with an outrageous price tag.

“Cruising is a very economical holiday,” says Mr Fransz. “If you look at your cruise fare and compare it to a land or resort holiday, you can see that you get your accommodation, your transport, all your main meals and entertainment and, within Australia, with a line like P&O, no tipping is required.”

Onboard items that are not

Ask your agent what additional benefits you can get, such as onboard credits.

X

If you are worried about seasickness, go for a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck.

X

Ensure you try a specialty restaurant.

usually included in a fare are drinks, specialty dining and shore excursions. Beverages packages are common across all brands and very affordable.

While it may attract an extra charge, Mr Fransz recommends that first-time cruisers sample a specialty restaurant onboard.

“If you are celebrating a special milestone birthday or an anniversary, you can have a dining experience that is a fraction of what it would be at a fine-dining restaurant in Perth,” he says.

When booking a cruise, check what currency is charged onboard, as that can make a significant difference to your final bill. Mr Fransz February / March 2016 Horizons 45

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Travel

A great reason to use a specialist CLIA agent is that they can help navigate the cabin types available. There are four basic cabins: Inside: the smallest cabin, with no window to the outside.

Outside: has a window or porthole with an outside view. Can sometimes be called ‘oceanview’.

Balcony: has a private veranda and are generally very popular.

Suite: a bigger, more luxurious cabin, featuring a variety of extra perks.

There are many variations on these basic types, including interconnecting ones that are great for a whole family or friends travelling together.

Watch out for terms like ‘promenade’ where your cabin faces the public walkway around the ship or ‘obstructed view’ meaning instead of ocean, you might see the back end of a lifeboat.

Then choose your deck or level: forward, amidships or aft. If noise is a concern, cabins near pools and entertainment areas can get rowdy, while lower aft is near the engines.

Solo travellers will want to find out if the line charges differently for the sole use of a cabin, compared to a standard ‘twin share’ package.

highlights that in Australian waters, P&O and Princess Cruises operate in Australian dollars, which he describes as a “major selling point”.

“Most other international lines are all in US dollars onboard.

Having local currency onboard is a massive advantage at the moment,” he says.

“P&O Pacific Eden will be doing a few sailings from Fremantle to Singapore and those cruises out of Singapore waters are also going to be in Australian dollars. That is a real highlight for Australian clientele, particularly those who aren’t accustomed to travelling overseas or are first-time cruisers,” says Mr Fransz.

It is worth noting that most lines charge for shore excursions, which can be pre-booked or booked onboard.

Getting the most value from a cruise will usually involve a discussion with your specialist cruise agent about onboard credits. Ask your agent what deals are out there and try to get the best value available, says Mr Fransz.

Booking with a specialist Booking a cruise yourself can be overwhelming, so going through an accredited CLIA cruise specialist is recommended.

That way, you’ll get the best deals on a ship that suits your personal cruising style and budget.

Selecting the correct ship for a

Shorter cruise options Taking a cruise used to mean circumnavigating the globe over many months but many lines now offer short introductory cruises.

According to the CLIA report, the average cruise length in 2014 was 10 days, down from 10.5 days in 2013.

According to CLIA, in 2014, 12.5 per cent of the total cruise market in Australia took a cruise of less than four days. Cruises of between eight and 14 days remained most popular, attracting 54 per cent of the market.

Other cruise options If ocean cruising doesn’t appeal, there are other options available.

Expedition cruising takes travellers into remote regions that they would be unlikely to visit otherwise, including Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands.

And river cruising sees small ships plying European and Asian river ways that are steeped in history and culture, such as the Danube, Rhine, Yangtze and Mekong. River cruises will typically make multiple stops a day, allowing passengers to disembark and explore towns, attractions and monuments at their leisure.

With such a variety of cruises available, isn’t it time for you to discover the cruising experience? l

Images courtesy P&O

Cabin types and decks

above, left to right: Balcony cabins include a private veranda and are a popular choice; entertainment can feature everything from games rooms to live performances.

first-time client is particularly vital and is one area where a specialist is particularly useful, says Mr Fransz.

“Certified CLIA cruise agents will qualify a first-time cruiser and book them on the right ship. An agent will qualify each client by finding out what type of holiday they usually take on land, how active they are and whether a themed cruise would be suitable.”

A specialist agent will also be able to answer all your questions about different ships, cabin styles, onboard excursions and dining options.

46 Horizons February / March 2016

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7/01/16 12:15 PM

Test drive Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars on our roads.

Toyota Hilux 4x4 twin cab

T

his is the most important new vehicle Toyota has launched in Australia in the past decade.

When it was finally discontinued last September, the 10-year old model was still maintaining market share, but only just. This new one was well overdue.

Significantly for many Hilux customers, the new diesel engine is smaller in capacity, down from 3.0 litres to 2.8 litres.

There’s also a new 2.4-litre diesel, with 110kW and 400Nm. The 2.7-litre petrol has slightly improved power and torque and the 4.0-litre V6 petrol Hilux is more efficient thanks to a new six-speed auto.

The new 2.8-litre diesel unit makes 130kW and 450Nm in

the automatic models – that’s 4kW and a whopping 107Nm more than the previous 3.0-litre engine. The manuals have their torque capped at 420Nm. Fuel consumption and emissions are down. The 2.8’s new variablevane turbocharger is a factor here.

Though it’s worth noting that while the new engine has significantly more torque, it peaks slightly higher in the rev range than the old 3.0-litre.

That said, the 2.8 auto feels like it is making more torque at the same revs where the old one peaked (1400rpm). So low-speed grunt is still strong, which we confirmed when we drove the new Hilux through a section of the powerlines track in the Perth hills.

This exercise also highlighted the Hilux’s improved rear wheel

Toyota Hilux 4x4 twin cab specifications Price

from $52,550 drive away (SR 4x4 Double-Cab manual)

Engine Power Torque

2.8-litre turbo diesel 130kW @ 3400rpm 450Nm @ 1600rpm (auto) 420Nm @ 1400rpm (man)

Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

articulation. When the full extent of that was reached, the rear differential lock ensured the rear wheel with traction kept delivering forward motion.

The rear cart springs have been made 100mm longer (now 1400mm), and they are further apart across the axle. This has contributed to one of the Hilux’s best assets – its improved ride.

This was noticeable on the dirt roads in the Mundaring area.

8.5L/100km 193g/km ★★★★★

A rear camera is standard across the range – an excellent addition. However, active cruise control and autonomous braking aren’t available on any Hilux. The Ford Ranger comes with both.

The interior has had a major overall improvement. Our favourite features are the cupholders, which support a coffee cup, but can convert to hold a 600ml choc milk carton. l

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Test drive The Sorento’s refinement bring it right alongside its continental compatriots.

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Kia Sorento Platinum

W

ith its new Sorento, Kia has joined the big players in the seven-seater SUV market.

It’s bigger inside and out, chock full of features and value, and is noticeably more refined.

That’s just as well, because one third of the vehicles sold in Australia are SUVs. As a vehicle manufacturer, having the right one in your range is a huge deal.

It’s safe to say Kia has a lot riding on this.

The new Sorento shares the same platform as the current Carnival people mover, not the older Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. This means the Sorento’s underpinnings are a later design than those of the

current Santa Fe. So for now at least, these two Korean SUVs are no longer twins under the skin.

Pricing starts from $45,750 drive away for the two-wheel drive petrol Si, ranging up to $62,920 for the rangetopping four-wheel drive diesel Platinum.

Drivetrain options comprise a 3.3-litre, 199kW/318Nm petrol V6 available in the front-wheel drive models.

Four-wheel drive versions come with the 2.2-litre diesel, which has 147kW and 441Nm. The most significant changes made to the Sorento, which was launched in June 2015, have been improvements to the vehicle’s overall refinement.

Kia Sorento Platinum specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

Generally speaking, in this area Korean vehicles (particularly diesels) have been a step behind European models, however the improvements in the Sorento’s refinement bring it right alongside its continental counterparts.

The new Sorento also gets improved safety kit, including a rear view camera as standard across the range. All model grades have six airbags

From $45,750 drive away 2.2-litre turbo diesel 147kW @ 3800rpm 441Nm @ 1750rpm 7.8L/100km 205g/km ★★★★★

(including front to rear curtains), ESC, hill start assist and brake assist. There are also seat belt reminders for all seats.

On the range-topping Sorento Platinum (the biggest-selling Sorento variant), additional safety systems include lane departure warning, active cruise control, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Auto braking isn’t available, but it does have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. l February / March 2016 Horizons 49

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Test drive

Hyundai Tucson

H

yundai has changed its mind a couple of times with the Tucson.

It first arrived on the market here in 2004 and continued until 2010, when Hyundai’s small SUV was renamed the ix35.

Now, the ix35 badge has been dropped and the Tucson badge has come back for an encore.

To Hyundai, it’s important people make the connection that the Tucson is the ix35 replacement, because among Western Australians, the ix35 was the biggest-selling small SUV – and by a long way.

However, the Tucson is longer and wider than the ix35, enough for it now to be classed as a mid-sized SUV.

This move brings the Tuscon into competition with the heavy hitters of the mid-size sales race, such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.

The Tucson is well equipped for the stoush too, offering autonomous braking on the top variant and Apple Carplay on the top two models.

The latter is an iPhone mirroring function that allows the features of an iPhone to be displayed on the vehicle’s touchscreen. Hyundai has said a similar functionality for Android phones is expected soon.

There are four models in the range: the entry-level Active, Active X, Elite and Highlander.

There is also no shortage

Hyundai Tucson specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

of drivetrain options. Four different engines are available, comprising a 2.0-litre, 114kW petrol, a 2.0-litre petrol with 121kW, a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 130kW and 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 136kW and 400Nm. As with almost every Hyundai, the Tucson has Australiaspecific suspension tuning. In fact, Hyundai evaluated 104 separate suspension combinations before settling on the setup for our market.

From $31,048 drive away 2.0-litre petrol 114kW @ 6200rpm 192Nm @ 4000 rpm 7.9L/100km (diesel) 184g/km ★★★★ (2WD petrols only)

It handles well and is notably pointier than the ix35 but retains a pleasingly supple ride.

The Tucson’s external appearance is a knockout, and although its interior is more conservative, it’s attractive and logical to use.

At the time of writing, the Tucson had been given a 4-star ANCAP rating, but so critical is the 5-star rating, Hyundai is working to fix that quick smart. l

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Test drive The XE is stylish and emotive in a way its competitors just aren’t.

For more car reviews, visit rac.com.au/carreviews

Jaguar XE

W

hen the Indian vehicle manufacturing giant Tata took over Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, major changes followed.

The ensuing years saw a raft of new Jaguars launched, including the XJ, F-Type and now, the XE. The new F-Pace SUV is also due to arrive in Australia in July.

For now, XE is Jaguar’s latest weapon for taking back a piece of the market it has been missing from since the lacklustre X-Type was discontinued in 2010.

It’s a mid-sized sedan that competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and the Lexus IS.

To take a piece of the pie from that mob, the XE had to be a car for people who love driving – and it is. The XE is a properly sorted driver’s car.

For a start, it has the ideal sports sedan drivetrain layout of front engine and rear-wheel drive. The electric power steering feels sharp, alive and responsive, quite unlike any other electric system we’ve driven.

The top-of-the-range model ($104,200 plus on roads) gets the 250kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that has been known to nestle under the bonnets of the F-Type, XJ and the Land Rover Discovery.

It revs willingly, but befitting the XE it’s also more subdued and has none of the manic

Jaguar XE specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

blare and crackle it has in F-Type guise. Outputs are 250kW and 450Nm, so it can hustle if asked, but it does so with discretion.

The entry-level XE costs $60,400 plus on roads, which gets you the 20t Prestige. This has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 147kW and 280Nm, which still provides sprightly performance around town.

As it has with its other recent

From $60,400 drive away 2.0-litre turbo petrol 147kW @ 5500 rpm 280Nm @ 1750 rpm 7.5L/100km 179g/km ★★★★★

models, Jaguar has nailed the front end styling, though the rear end is a little less resolved.

The interior is well-built but not up to their C-Class’s level of fit and finish.

Still, the XE is stylish and emotive in a way its competitors just aren’t. It’s another example of how right now, Jaguar is more Jaguar than it has been in decades, and without the oil leaks. l February / March 2016 Horizons 51

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7/01/16 10:32 AM

What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

WA SUVs surge

Western Australians are continuing to snap up small and medium-sized SUVs like they’re going out of fashion, which it appears they most certainly are not. Although overall new car sales in WA have been falling, small and medium SUVs continue to see increased sales volumes, growing 11.1 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively in the 11 months to November 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The release of competitive new product in the market and more motorists downsizing are among the explanations behind WA’s SUV sales surge.

Miura is 50

I

ntroduced in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura is regarded by many as the most beautiful car ever made. With its powerful V12 engine mounted transversely behind the cabin, the Miura also redefined the meaning of the term “supercar” and established the basic formula for high-performance, road-going sports cars, which continues to this day. The one shown here is the only roadster version ever made. Just 764 Miuras were built and if you’d like one, you’ll need about $1.5 million.

Land Rover’s depth gauge When taking a dip, the Land Rover Discovery Sport can effectively tell whether it’s out of its depth. Ultrasonic sensors under the door mirrors measure the distance from the mirror to the water surface when wading.

The “wade sensing control unit” then calculates the depth of the water, taking into account any forward or backward tilt of the vehicle, before displaying the depth on the touch screen.

Of course, we’d still strongly recommend checking the depth on foot before tackling a water crossing in a vehicle.

French Cactus Citroen has made a foray into the small SUV segment and curiously, it’s called the Cactus. The little soft roader is due to arrive in Australia as this edition of Horizons rolls off the press, and in keeping with its name, its pricing is quite sharp, starting at $26,990.

That price, plus on-road costs, will get you the

manual version with an 81kW, 205Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Cactus’s most novel feature is a number of soft, air-filled bumps in the door panels, which are designed to minimise door damage in carparks. However, there might be a problem if it brushes past an actual cactus.

February / March 2016 Horizons 53

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Ask the car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

left: While additional headlights were previously required to be fitted in pairs only, LED light bars can now be exempt, provided they are fitted according to certain conditions.

Image Fairfax Syndication

Q

Q

I have an old Hyundai Elantra. The internal fan for the aircon/heater only works after I have gone over a few bumps. I assume this is an electrical problem. Do I have to book into an auto electrician or will a standard mechanic be able to attend to this sort of issue?

Emma Devenish, Balcatta

A:

This does sound like an electrical issue. Among the potential causes are loose wires, a faulty fan switch or a faulty fuse. In the first instance, the RAC will be able to assist at no cost to you. As an RAC member you are entitled to one free fault diagnosis per year at any of our nine RAC Auto Service Centres. From there, you will be able to receive advice on whether a specialist auto electrician is required.

Q

What is the law regarding spotlight/bar light placement on vehicles? I was under the impression lights had to be in pairs and at a certain height. Nowadays they seem to be fitted anywhere and in multiple numbers on cars, four-wheel drives and trucks.

Peter Brennan, Clackline

A:

The WA Department of Transport issued a Vehicle Safety and Standards Information Bulletin in August 2015 regarding the use of LED light bars as additional driving lamps. The Australian Design Rules (ADR) 13/00 previously required that additional headlights be fitted in pairs only.

This inadvertently prohibited the fitment and use of LED light bars when this later technology became available. Provided they are fitted according to a number of conditions, LED light bars can now be exempted from the original ADR requirement.

These conditions and more information is available by searching online using the bulletin’s identification code, IB-132A.

At traffic lights I switch off my automatic transmission car. When the green signal comes on I immediately start the car and put the gear shift lever in drive mode and take off. The time taken from restarting the car to engaging the gear lever could be a maximum of a couple of seconds. Will this harm the auto transmission?

Must I wait for the engine to reach a stable rpm before engaging the auto transmission? Should there be time lag between gear engagement and when I start pressing the acceleration?

Vishnu Kadekodi, Canning Vale

A:

It is important to note that it is illegal to switch your car off while in traffic. Start stop vehicles are exempt to this due to the safety systems involved, ensuring that the vehicle will be able to restart and will do so immediately as you take your foot off the brake. Automatic cars are designed to be able to sit at idle and in gear. This ensures the transmission’s oil system is at full operation pressure and allows for instant movement when you need to accelerate. It’s advisable to let the engine revs on automatic cars stabilise before and after engaging another gear, prior to accelerating. If you are turning the car on and immediately changing gears, you are likely to prematurely wear your transmission.

You can be a winner If your question is published you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2016 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

See page 80 for terms and conditions of entry.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor RAC Horizons GPO Box C140 Perth WA 6839 or email: editor@rac.com.au 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 delivery.

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 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

February / March 2016 Horizons 55

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Member Lounge People, places, prizes and RAC news To find out more about RAC Bicycle Insurance and to get a quote visit rac.com.au/ bikeinsurance.

Bicycle theft warning As cycling participation continues to grow in Western Australia, RAC Insurance is advising cyclists to take necessary precautions to prevent bicycle theft.

In the 12 months to October 2015, RAC Insurance received 310 bicycle theft claims – an average of 25 bicycle theft claims a month.

There are about 591,000 cyclists taking to Western Australian streets and paths every week, meaning WA has a much higher proportion of cyclists than the Australian average.

Thieves are often opportunistic, selecting bicycles that are easy to steal and sell quickly for cash. They often target areas where large numbers of bicycles are being held and look for bikes with no, or inadequate, security.

The latest in caravanning and camping Western Australia’s vast coastline and unique landscapes have fostered a healthy caravanning and camping culture in our state, with caravanning continuing to grow as a recreational activity.

To keep your bicycle safe:

Invest in a quality lock, such as a D-lock, and ensure it is tightly fitted to prevent tools being used to remove it.

Secure your bicycle to a fixed object that can’t be lifted or removed.

Consider engraving your driver’s licence

number on the frame so that if it is stolen and recovered it can be identified and returned.

Take photos of your bicycle and keep a copy of your receipt with the purchase date, price, model and serial number.

RAC now has bicycle insurance that covers your bicycle for theft, accidental damage, fire or vandalism from as little as $3 a week.

For those wanting a fun and affordable family holiday and to explore more of our remarkable state, the RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show will showcase some of the latest equipment, services and destinations.

There are also exclusive specials available only at the show.

The RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show is WA’s premier caravan and camping

exhibition, with more than 420 caravans and 130 camper trailers on display.

RAC members receive a 10 per cent discount on admission and children under 16 get in for free.

If you purchase your tickets online, public transport is also included.

The RAC Perth Caravan and Camping Show is on from 16–20 March at Claremont Showground.

56 Horizons February / March 2016

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7/01/16 10:38 AM

Member Lounge

Life on the road

We talk to RAC Patrol Cameron Dargan

!

School bag security School students of all ages often carry many valuable electronic devices, such as tablets, mobile phones or even gaming devices, in their school bags.

What’s the most common breakdown call-out that you attend?

Mainly battery-related issues, such as faulty batteries and poor connections, or members leaving their headlights on.

What’s the best part of your job?

Images Shutterstock; iStockphoto

Meeting and talking to new people, assisting members and giving them a positive experience, which in return gives me a great deal of job satisfaction.

What’s the least favourite part of your job?

Battling the weather and, of course, trying to locate a public toilet.

What’s the most unusual car you’ve attended?

A 1927 Whippet that had run out of petrol.

For those who are mechanically inclined, this car had a vacuum fuel pump that gravity fed into the carburettor. It was a beautiful old car.

What’s your dream car?

A red 1983 Holden VH Commodore SS.

Do family and friends call you when they have car problems?

Yep, and I’ve made sure they’re all members!

Any advice for a wannabe Patrol?

Work hard and go for it. It’s the best career move I have made.

Any advice for members going on a road trip?

Be prepared – a well-planned road trip is going to be a much more relaxing experience.

Most standard contents insurance policies don’t cover valuables outside the home, so your child’s devices may not be covered. Personal valuables insurance will ensure they will be covered for loss or damage, even when being used outside the home.

Parents should also remind children not to leave their bags unattended and, where possible, to always apply password protection to devices. It’s advisable to take photos of all valuables used away from home and to keep a copy of the receipts in case proof of purchase is needed in the event of a claim.

You should also consider downloading a location app to suitable devices, to assist in tracking them if they are stolen.

RAC Personal Valuables Insurance will cover your child’s devices for loss or damage anywhere in Australia.

To find out more, visit rac.com.au/ insurance.

February / March 2016 Horizons 57

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Member Lounge

Your road trip specialists

By the time your car shows obvious signs of some type of fault, it may mean a costly repair is just around the corner.

There are a number of systems that need regular checking and a variety of parts and protective fluids that should be replaced regularly to ensure your car doesn’t develop mechanical problems. l Air filter – a blocked or dirty air filter will result in poor vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, increased engine wear and more exhaust emissions. l Engine

oil – engine oil slowly becomes contaminated and can deteriorate over time.

Contaminants and deterioration lessen the oil’s ability to protect your engine from premature wear, so it needs to be checked and changed regularly.

l Oil

filter – the oil filter prevents damaging particles from entering the engine via the oil. It will eventually become blocked and need replacing.

Changing the oil filter with each oil change is recommended, so any contaminants trapped in it don’t affect the clean oil. l Brake

pads – regular brake component checks ensure the items critical to your safety are in good shape. Brake pads (and shoes in cars with drum brakes) wear with use and should be checked at every service.

l Other

fluids – apart from engine oil, there are a number of other fluids that need to be regularly checked and topped up to protect moving parts in your vehicle, including radiator coolant, power steering, brake and clutch fluid and transmission fluid.

If it’s been a while since your last service, find out more about the car servicing options offered

by RAC Auto Services.

Book online at rac.com.au/autoservices or call 1300 134 642.

Visit our West Perth branch at 832 Wellington Street, email perthtouring@rac.com.au or call 9436 4840 to speak to an RAC tourism consultant.

Fake home security doesn’t fool your average burglar Home alarm systems are a significant deterrent to burglars, but only if the alarm is real and armed, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology’s report, The oldest tricks in the book don’t work.

Where an attempt was made to only give the appearance of an alarm or home surveillance system being in place, the report found that active burglars were able to identify fake alarm systems along with fake CCTV cameras.

Real working alarms, however, were identified by 49 per cent of active burglars in the report as an effective theft deterrent.

The ability to identify the difference between a legitimate security system and a fake is a reminder that the skills employed by some active burglars to find ways into your home should not be underestimated.

To ensure your home is fitted with a quality working alarm that effectively covers all entry points into your home, contact RAC Security for a free in-home consultation.

Visit rac.com.au/security or call 1300 132 735

Images Shutterstock; iStockphoto

Why your car needs regular care

RAC has a long history of providing members with quality touring information, starting with the first road map of the South West, produced by RAC in 1911.

It’s a tradition we continue today with WA touring recommendations from our expert team, along with fuel stop information and an extensive range of maps and guides. The dedicated tourism consultants at our West Perth branch are always willing to assist. They can build a WA travel itinerary for you and help with booking accommodation, travel insurance, flights and car hire. Plus, being an RAC member you’ll receive great travel discounts.

58 Horizons February / March 2016

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R14702

Adelaide, Murray River and Kangaroo Island

9 days » departs Wednesdays from 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017 from

1,610

$

*

per person twin share

10 days from $1,898pp* 13 days from $2,433pp*

Inclusions » 4 nights at Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide » City & sightseeing tour » 3 night Discovery cruise onboard the PS Murray River Princess including all meals, entertainment and onshore tours » 2 day Best of Kangaroo Island tour with SeaLink

Call 1300 655 179, go to rac.com.au/travel or visit your local RAC Travel Centre Prices advertised are per person, twin share (twin beds) In an Inside Cabin and includes 5% member discount. Upgrades to Outside Cabin or Stateroom available for an additional price .Packages are land only, airfares additional. Single supplements apply. Murray Princess not available 24/06/16-07/07/16 & 09/12/16-22/12/16. Triple share available on request. Package not suitable for children.

Bookings subject to availability of all components. Adelaide, Murray River and Kangaroo Island package Referral Code: AMP3KI98W. Subject to Sealink’s standard terms & conditions, for details visit www.sealink.com.au. Credit card fees up to 2.5% may apply.

Applecross 1300 657 681 » Carousel 9365 4700 » Joondalup 9308 1600 » Mandurah 9512 8200 » Morley 6466 2300 » West Perth 9436 4830

14702 - Travel_Sealink Horizons HPFC AD.indd 1

Southbound Voyage to Australia

30/10/2015 8:54:23 AM

16 Oct 2016 → 09 Dec 2016 • 54 nights

ASTOR 2016

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE

SOUTHBOUND

Voyage via

Panama Canal

Departing London, Tilbury

1st Person Interior from Oceanview from

2nd Person

$10,699

*

$12,959*

FREE FREE

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

Images Shutterstock; iStockphoto

*Fare shown is cruise only inside or outside accommodation twin share per person, in Australian Dollars and include port taxes and Government charges (including GST where applicable). Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Prices are governed by terms and conditions listed in the current CMV Australia brochure February 2015. Fare is “ Buy one get one free’, valid to 30 June 2016 or until sold out or withdrawn. Cabins booked on guarantee basis.

Cabins subject to availability, not applicable with any other discount or offer. Valid for new bookings only. Capacity controlled. Conditions apply.

56-59_Members-Lounge.indd 59

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M

$1000 TRADE-IN OFFER

RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF $1000 TRADE-IN VALUE IF YOU UPGRADE TO A NEW SCOOTER, POWERCHAIR, WA-MADE LIFT & RECLINE CHAIR OR WA-MADE ADJUSTABLE BED

F

Bluesky Healthcare offers a wide range of quality made mobility equipment.

Call us now for a free demonstration and quote or go online to find out more about our products!

P: 9242 7333 E: info@blueskyhealthcare.com.au W: blueskyhealthcare.com.au

Change a life Become a foster carer As a foster carer you’ll receive a tax free allowance, 24/7 support and ongoing training opportunities.

If you’ve been thinking about fostering and you have a spare bedroom, talk to us today and start a journey you’ll never forget.

1800 WE CARE iwanttofoster.com.au

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MemberBenefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Save up to 24% on Adventure World day passes see page 63

WIN

5 nights

in Yallingup see page 62

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7/01/16 10:41 AM

Member benefits

For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Show your RAC membership card and start saving now As an RAC member you get access to discounts at over a 100 retail and travel partners.

Check out these latest offers.

MS

69 Automotive 69 Home & Garden 69 Entertainment

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N IZE CIT 67-8 345 01-2

1. Check out the latest offers in this issue

red

ber Mem e Sinc

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64 Shopping & Lifestyle

MJ

Make the most of your membership by following these simple steps:

Mem ber Num

MS

nze bro

N IZE 67-8 CIT 45 1-23 ber 0

MJ

MJ

N IZE 67-8 CIT 345 01-2

MJ

N IZE 67-8 CIT 345 01-2

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2. Get the most from your membership everyday with the Membership Calendar, visit rac.com.au/calendar

ber Mem e Sinc

er silv ber Mem e Sinc

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3. Download our free app and find the latest offers near you

ber Mem ber Num

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4. Visit rac.com.au/mb to stay up to date with all the latest news, offers and benefits

ber Mem ber Num

79 Travel

R14812

R14692

Save 5%

Win 5 nights at Sea Shells Yallingup

on your next purchase

Purchase any blind or shutter from Nu-Style Shutters for your chance to win a 5 night getaway in Yallingup including tours, a fuel voucher, a spa voucher and more!*

RAC members now save 5% on pre-purchased eGift Cards to spend at Rebel stores and online.

Rebel is Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular destination for sporting goods, with a large range of the latest products at competitive prices.

rac.com.au/onlineshop *Terms and conditions apply. Cards will have minimum 6 months expiry. On completion of purchase, your eGift Card(s) will be sent via email to the nominated email address within 10-30 minutes. For full terms and conditions visit product page in RAC Online Shop.

62 Horizons February / March 2016

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62-79_mbenefits.indd 62

Find out more rac.com.au/nustyle *Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/nustyle for details.

29/10/2015 1:41:12 PM

7/01/16 4:58 PM

Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Member benefits

R14813

Cool off at Adventure World RAC members can save up to 24% on day passes to Adventure World.

Adventure World is home to over 30 unique attractions including water rides, water slides and thrill rides.

Find out more at rac.com.au/adventureworld *Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/adventureworld for details.

14813 - Membership_Adventure World Horizons Ad MB FPFC.indd 1

18/12/2015 3:02:31 PM

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Premium Quality Electric Bikes Outsanding German Built Tricycles No petrol – parking – pollution

The Secret’s Out

@ebikesrus

Electric Bike Specialists • Servicing made easy • Fully integrated wiring harness Electric Bikes - 5 Models Electric Tricycles - 3 Models • Exclusive Australian distributorship • Guaranteed backup • Agents enquires welcome

Free

installation for RAC members Call: (08) 9430 5500 Or John 0448 406 407 www.e-bikesrus.com.au www.facebook.com/ ebikesrusfremantle

RAC members receive

10% off

First aid essentials for your next getaway.

When you’re travelling and help may be some time away, what would you do if someone became seriously sick or injured?

Be prepared with a fully stocked first aid kit, and make sure that you and your family are first aid trained.

St John Ambulance offers first aid courses from $49 and a range of first aid kits that are perfect for your next car, caravan or camping adventure.

Call 9334 1233 or visit stjohnambulance.com.au

Off Road Kit

only .50 $

93

Medium Leisure Kit

only .4 5 $

76

Discount is off all first aid courses and kits when you quote your RAC member number.

64 Horizons February / March 2016

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

RAC Members Pay Only

$17 9kg Gas Refills

Buy One Chair Get the

Second HALF PRICE

Save

50%

RAC Members can purchase any chair at it’s regular retail price and get 50% DiSCOUNT Off the purchase of a 2nd chair*

off the 2nd Chair Purchase

*Discount is off the chair that is equal or lesser value than the highest priced chair.

12v Air Compressor • 12v Premium 4WD compressor • 72L/min max air flow • 2 year extended warranty

RRP $239

RAC & CLUB GETAWAY MEMBER?

PAY ONLY $119

Not a Club Member?

Easy and FREE to join in-store

RAC Members Pay Only

$139

RAC Members Receive

20%

Tackle includes line, braid, sinkers, hooks, swivels, nets, tackleboxes, gaff’s and lures** **Excludes all rods and reels

RAC Members Receive

25% Fishing Tackle

Tonic Sunglasses

Offers valid to RAC Members only on presentation of card in-store. One transaction per RAC membership. These offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31st March 2016.

BALCATTA

BUNBURY

BENTLEY

2/49-67 Armadale Rd T 9417 4344

Cnr of Amelia St 390 Wanneroo Rd T 9344 7343 1163 Albany Hwy T 9356 5177

39 Strickland St T 9791 2828

COCKBURN

GERALDTON

Homemaker Ctr 208 NW Coastal Highway T 9965 3766

KELMSCOTT

2936 Albany Hwy T 9495 4444

MANDURAH

65 Reserve Dr T 9581 8877

www.getawayoutdoors.com.au

A PROUDLY WEST AUSTRALIAN OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS

February / March 2016 Horizons 65

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

o ff e r va l i d u n t i l 3 1 s t M a rc h 2 0 1 6

66 Horizons February / March 2016

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

A revolutionary new hearing aid that’s so small it’s… INVISIBLE! Now start at only

1,495ea

$

after discount

30 Day

money back guarantee** if you’re not completely satisfied with your hearing aid

IT’S TRUE! If you’ve got a hearing difficulty and have put off doing something about it because you think the only answer is a big bulky hearing aid that everyone would see – think again! Thanks to the very latest technology, the incredibly tiny IIC actually fits inside the ear canal! Completely invisible, it’s both easy to take in and out and very comfortable to wear.

This new miniature hearing aid is not suitable for all types of hearing loss.

A hearing assessment is required.

SMALL SIZE. BIG SOUND. The IIC may be tiny but its performance is anything but. Even if you’re currently wearing an average behind the ear or in the ear hearing aid you’ll be amazed at the clarity and quality of sound even in noisy situations.

Exclusive Offer for RAC Members: You will be eligible for $500* off the regular price on each hearing aid. $1,000 discount for both ears.

30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH NATURAL SOUND

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SENIORS & PENSIONERS & FREE HEARING TESTS

SPECIAL MODELS FOR SEVERE HEARING LOSS

MODELS FOR BOTH MEN & WOMEN

Trust the Hearing Aid Specialists with 30+ years experience in Perth.

All Clinics 9350 6311 Main Clinic: 12 Pattie Street, Cannington Balcatta Cannington Rockingham Subiaco

www.hearingloss.net.au

*Not valid with any other promotion **Conditions apply

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R14311

KIMBO

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a buzz

RAC Members can now enjoy a 10% discount on all prepared drinks which includes coffees, milkshakes, frappes and more!

There are 41 drive-thru coffee locations across Western Australia

Find out more rac.com.au/muzzbuzz *Terms and conditions apply.

68 Horizons February / March 2016

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

R14287

Come and enjoy off * at Save 10% MiSS 10% Maud our irresistible smörgåsbord SwediSh ReStauRant Breakfast or lunch – monday to saturday December: Breakfast & dinner festive smörgåsbord Mon – thur only Smörgåsbord Dinner – sunday to thursday January: Breakfast, Lunch or dinner smörgåsbord Mon – Fri. Your Please present your valid raC Card on arrival to receive the entire group receives 10% discount on presentation of your valid RaC discount for your entire group. Only one payment per table. card. Only one payment per table. Reservations are essential. reservations are essential.

97 MuRRaY StReet PeRth 97 murray street Perth

Call 9325 9325 3900 3900 Call or email restaurant@missmaud.com.au or email restaurant@missmaud.com.au *excluding 24, 25 & 31 december

not valid with any other offer valid 1 decspecial 2013 – events.

24 January 2014with any other offer. *Excluding Not valid discount only on Smörgåsbord only.

Valid 1 Febon - 31smörgåsbord Mar 2015. Discount

As an RAC member, you have access to discounted cinema tickets.

Adult tickets from just $9.50^.

SAVE 10% off CArAVAn ACCESSoriES Ken Peachey caravan rePairs 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 Save$390 $390with with Garden GardenWater WaterBores Bores

“May the savings be with you”

Licensed repairer MRB1167

Metro-wide retic and bore installation and repairs

receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4˝ tap and receive $150 off installation and a Free 3/4” tap and pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores. pressure release valve worth $240 with all new bores.

Visit rac.com.au/movies

Call 734300 300oror 0411 Call 1300 1300 734 0411 511511 611611

^Terms and conditions apply

also alsobore boreand andreticulation reticulationservice serviceand andmaintenance maintenance

20% OFF THIS FEBRUARY *

87 - Membership_Horizons QPFC_Discountsx5.indd 1

As an RAC member this February you’ll get 20% 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.

RAC members receive Repco has over 90 years of motoring 20% Know How supplying parts, * off accessories and advice to millions RRP of Australian drivers and motoring professionals. So if it’s time to change your oil or give your car a little extra care get into Repco. www.repco.com.au

22/04/2015 10:05:50 AM

Don’t forget to show your card & save.

R498933

*Offer valid 1-29 February 2016 only. Excludes discounted and catalogue lines, automotive, marine & deep cycle batteries, transmissions, engines & cylinder heads, satellite navigation equipment, gift cards, combo deals and trade purchases. Store stock only.

February / March 2016 Horizons 69

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

R14307

RECEIVE A 10%* DISCOUNT ELITE POOL COVERS Visit our showroom

Elite... WA’s best-selling pool covers • Stops evaporation • Keeps your pool cleaner • Heats your pool by up to 10°C Call now and do your bit to help save our precious water.

Contact Elite with your pool size and take advantage of the 10% discount (phone/counter quotes only).

Call 9240 2262

(Country call: 1300 136 696)

Members save 10% off 1000s of hotels worldwide

or visit our factory showroom, at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta

*Offer available until 31 March 2016. Factory direct sales only. Not valid with any other offer or if Elite has to measure pool.

SAVE UP TO 45%* ON ALL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR BLINDS AND CURTAINS wITh VISION DECOR

we specialise in all types of interior and exterior blinds & curtains all custom made to measure in our factory in malaga.

Contact our friendly staff for a quote today!

Book at rac.com.au/travel or call 1300 655 179

FOR A FREE mEASURE AND qUOTE PLEASE

Call 9248 6160

*Conditions apply. Valid for hotels booked online at rac.com.au/travel. 2.5% credit card fee applies.

*Terms and conditions apply

07 - Travel_Horizons Ad Qtr Page MB_NoDrop.indd 1

2/19 Exhibition Drive malaga wA 6090 www.visiondecor.com.au

4/05/2015 2:33:08 PM

RAC Members receive

15% off

regular prices Or 5% off discounted prices

It’s amazing what a little snooze can do. snooze.com.au

For more information visit rac.com.au/snooze *15% saving applicable to the regular retail prices of all products for RAC members or a 5% discount may be applied to already discounted items when you show your RAC member card at the point of purchase.

70 Horizons February / March 2016

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

HOME & LIFESTYLE

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR RAC MEMBERS

“Where the grass really is greener on the other side”

RAC members save

500

$

on RRP

For more member savings visit rac.com.au/ 62-79_mbenefits.indd 71

February / March 2016 Horizons 71

s

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Save 10%* on your Tax DepreciaTion ScheDule

Garage Door Needing Attention?

if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a depreciation schedule on your investment property, then you could be missing out on thousands of dollars each year.

Opteon Property Group prepare depreciation schedules for all types of commercial and residential properties. The primary benefit is tax claim maximisation.

NEW NEW DOORS DOORS REPLACEMENTS REPLACEMENTS SERVICES SERVICES SPARE SPARE PARTS PARTS

Call 08 9488 4870

or email jeremy.mcgrade@opg.net *offer available to rac members only. not valid with any other offer.

RAC Members receive

Save on Settlement feeS with floreat SettlementS

10% o

SELLING PROPERTY: $550* BUYING PROPERTY: $880*

parts*

*including GSt for a standard settlement. additional government charges and disbursements apply.

limited time only. reGiSter now.

9303 9334 Unit1/5 Quantum link Wangara WA 6065

Call 9245 4822 or email admin@floreatsettlements.com.au www.floreatsettlements.com.au

We install, repair and service all makes and models of doors & motors

www.edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *Must show or quote your member number atDiscount time of booking.

Discount applies to door garageparts door parts *Show RAC card atRAC time of booking. applies to garage onlyonly.

Skylights & Roof Ventilation Systems

Showrooms at Balcatta, Bunbury & albany RAC members receive a

8%

discount off selected products with

Perth Daylighting

Beat the heat this summer

Remove the heat trapped in your roof!

Low profile solar powered extraction.

Perth DayLighting servicing all regions in Wa Units 5 & 6/1 halley road (cnr geddes road), Balcatta

Call 9240 4045 Bunbury ext 7013

www.perthdaylighting.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ www.skylightswa.com.au

72 Horizons February / March 2016

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

Start cutting your energy bill TODAY! INSTALL A SOLAR GENERATION PV SYSTEM TODAY AND RECEIVE UP TO

26

% RETURN ON YOUR* PA INVESTMENT

*

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better return on your money than bank interest!

*26% PA return on your investment is calculated on the following: i). Energy values from the Clean Energy Council for a 1.6 kW system installed on a northerly facing roof. ii). The Synergy A1 Tariff kWh rate as at February 2013. iii). All kWh generated by the system utilized within the household with no excess energy generated being fed back into the grid.

PV Solar Systems

RAC Members special

Reduce your energy bills significantly ONE CALL TO US AND

5KW system only

$4999 *Conditions apply

Quality service guaranteed Systems installed by fully qualified installers Experienced and friendly consultants - no high pressure tactics **To approved customers only.

Offer applicable to metro and selected country areas.

WE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING

SOLAR GENERATION WESTERN AUSTRALIA

member

MEMBER

NO DEPOSIT PAYMENT TERMS AVAILABLE**

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE

9443 9590 solargeneration.net.au

Part of the Termico Group | A trusted West Australian company since 1996 February / March 2016 Horizons 73

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

Enjoy your alfresco living in style this summer

RAC Members go in the draw to

win 5 nights away! with every purchase^

40% OFF ELECTRIC ROLLER SCREENS*

RAC members receive a free remote control upgrade with every electric roller screen purchase 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 ^For full terms and conditions visit rac.com.au/nustyle *Offer ends 31st of March 2016. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info.

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

BUILDING RENOVATING REPLACING

oom thr Ba hen c Kit ndr y Lau

EXPERT ADVICE / EASY-TO-VIEW SHOWROOMS / EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE / MASSIVE RANGE RAC Members receive

10% off* RRP

*Excludes Some Products & Specials

OUR FRIENDLY STAFF WILL HELP YOU TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU RENOVATION Kitchens

Bathrooms

Laundries

OPEN: Mon to Fri: 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat: 9.00am to 4.00pm BALDIVIS

P: 9590 2520

MANDURAH P: 9583 3900

BUNBURY P: 9792 4224

OSBORNE PARK SUPER STORE

MIDVALE

P: 9274 8677

P: 9244 4486

CANNING VALE

MYAREE

P: 9456 2299

P: 9330 1500

GOSNELLS P: 6396 5090

WANGARA P: 9302 4533

www.sinkwarehouse.com.au February / March 2016 Horizons 75

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

The CSIRO 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.

For more member savings visit rac.com.au/memberbenefit s

76 Horizons February / March 2016

70

08.13

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Show your RAC membership card and start saving

40

% 0ff

RAC Members go in the draw to

win 5 nights away!

CALL NOW and take advantage of our super summer savings. We are offering a massive 40% off on every electric roller shutter purchased. Aluminium roller shutters are the perfect product for your home if you are looking to reduce heat, enhance security, save energy, block out light and minimise noise. Give yourself control over the harsh West Australian summer sun with Nu Style Shutters, backed up with a 10 year warrantee and free installation.

Now is the time to buy.

with every purchase^ RAC Members receive

FREE

remote control upgrade with every electric roller shutter purchased

*Offer ends 31st of March 2016. T&Cs apply. Visit our webpage for more info. ^For full terms and conditions visit rac.com.au/nustyle

February / March 2016 Horizons 77

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For more ways to save visit rac.com.au/memberbenefits

KInG oF KITCHenS RRP $2799

RRP $6790

RAC price

RRP $10900

RAC price

$2399

RAC price

$5690

$7499

Sunco SC32

Everdure Brighton Kitchen

The Metro

High Quality Stainless Steel Grill and Hotplate. Rear burner for succulent rotisserie cooking. Limited 5 year warranty.

The 6 burner barbecue Island Module has everything needed for the ultimate alfresco kitchen setup. Cooler module to chill drinks.

Granite bench tops, Aluminium composite cabinets, Soft close doors, 2 Door 0° Fridge, 6 Burner BBQ with Rear Burner. Custom options available.

RAC price

RRP $6890

$6990*

RAC price

$6800*

Dome

Gasmate Platinum

Marble bench tops and single door glass fridge, 4 burner BBQ of your choice and mixer tap and sink. *No charge for delivery and assembly (Value $500)

Full 304 Grade Stainless Steel 6 Burner Modular Kitchen with Rear Burner for rotisserie work and wok burner. each modular unit is full 304 Grade Stainless Steel with Granite tops. Sink unit, Drawer unit, Bench unit, Corner unit with Stainless top, and fridge unit double or single. *BBQ, sink and 2 door fridge combo

RRP $5499

RRP $11,800

RRP $7890

RAC price

RAC price

RAC price

$3999*

5% off

Artisan by Beefeater

Sunco Outdoor kitchen

The Ultimate outdoor kitchen with a 4 Burner BBQ on a rendered stone finish.

With granite top. *As displayed, including delivery and assembly

6 Burner alfresco kitchen with wok burner and stylish granite tops. 2 door fridge and draw module. 304 grade stainless steel and classy mixer tap and sink. *BBQ, sink, Wok, Fridge Combo

BARBECUEBAzAAR oPen MON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FRI 9-5PM SAT 9-4PM SUN 11-2PM www.barbecuebazaar.com.au

Balcatta 30 erindale Rd Telephone: 9240 7188

$7350*

Platinum Stone 6 Burner BBQ kitchen with granite tops and a spray stone finish. Generous storage space with 304 Grade stainless steel. *BBQ, sink and 2 door fridge combo

Cannington

Midland

1399 Albany hwy Telephone: 9458 5724

141 Great eastern hwy Telephone: 9274 3334

78 Horizons February / March 2016

62-79_mbenefits.indd 78

8/01/16 11:04 AM

Show your RAC membership card and start 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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Terms & conditions

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.

Win an electric car page 10 The competition begins on 20 January 2016 at 9:00am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 30 April 2016 at 11:59pm. Only one entry may be received per entrant. Up to five entrants (winner/s) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: First prize – 1 x BMW i3 electric vehicle valued approximately $79,000 including 12 months registration and installation of home charging facilities, 12 months RAC Classic Roadside Assistance valid from the date of handover, 12 months RAC Comprehensive Car Insurance, subject to underwriting criteria, up to a maximum premium of $750, five nights’ accommodation for two adults in South West WA (valued around $2000).

Prize also includes breakfast daily and a customised itinerary to explore the best of the local region. Driver Enhancement Course with RAC DTEC. Four runner-up prizes: two nights’ accommodation for two adults based around RACEH locations, including the loan of a BMW i3 for the weekend. Prize includes breakfast daily, one highlight lunch or dinner and customised itinerary to explore the best of the local region. Conditions applicable to all prize winners: the winners are requested to write and deliver a daily travel diary of their holiday for potential use by RAC. Driver of the electric vehicle must be over 18 years of age and provide evidence of current driver’s licence. Prizes are self-drive itineraries and winners are subject to adhere to all RAC Electric Car terms and conditions. All properties are star rated 3.5 stars or above. Accommodation type can be any of the following; resorts, hotels, motels, chalets, holiday units and will be defined upon collection of prize.

Prize subject to availability. Blackout periods apply. Travel must be completed on the specified dates if defined. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner/s will be drawn on 8 February, 8 March, 4 April and 26 April 2016 (runner up prizes) and 4 July 2016 (major prize) and notified by phone or writing. When the winner/s are notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before within two days of the

prize draw date. 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.

Ultimate Coral Coast Adventure page 36 The competition begins on 20 January 2016 at 9:00am (Australian Western Standard Time) and ends on 31 March 2016 at 11:59pm. Entrants must not submit more than one entry. Up to one entrant (winner) may be awarded only one prize as follows: Holiday for four people up to a maximum of four adults. Ten days Thrifty car hire with pick up and drop off in Perth, $500 fuel voucher, 10 nights’ accommodation including one night at the Pinnacles Holiday Park, Cervantes, one night at the Dongara Tourist Park, one night at the Best Western Geraldton, one night at Kalbarri Edge resort, two nights at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, two nights at the Luxury Canal Home in Carnarvon, two nights at the Ningaloo Reef Resort, plus touring including a guided Lobster Shack Tour and lunch Cervantes, an Abrolhos Islands Flyover Geraldton, Kalbarri morning canoe tour with breakfast by Kalbarri Outback Adventures, Didgeridoo Dreaming tour of Shark Bay by Wula Guda Nyinda Eco Adventures, entry into the Shark Bay discovery centre and a whale shark tour

by Ocean Eco Exmouth. This prize is a self-drive itinerary and the winner is subject to all Thrifty car hire terms and conditions.

Accommodation rooming configurations will be suitable for four adults. Prize components are all subject to availability.

Blackout periods apply. Travel must be completed by 30 September 2016. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 4 April 2016 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. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim their prize on or before 11 April 2016. 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 55 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2016 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $39.95. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in February/March Horizons must claim their prize by 16 March 2016. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

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 $164. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in February/March Horizons must claim their prize by 16 March 2016. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

80 Horizons February / March 2016

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(below) Snorkelling in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area; (right) the Carnarvon blow holes.

bright with the reintroduction of the island’s rare mammals underway as part of the “Return to 1616” initiative.

Shell Beach This pristine white beach located in the Shark Bay World Heritage area is 100km long and made up of millions of cockle shells, which at some points are layered up to 10m deep. The shells were once used in limestone blocks and can still be seen in the walls of some buildings in the region.

Hamelin Pool stromatolites Stromatolites are known as ‘living fossils’ and occur in only three locations worldwide and Shark Bay’s stromatolites are some of the world’s most famous.

You can view Hamelin Pool’s stromatolites from a purposebuilt walkway. Hamelin Pool is approximately a 30-minute drive from Denham.

Zuytdorp Cliffs Zuytdorp Cliffs at the western edge of the Shark Bay World Heritage area make up the longest fault

scarp in Australia and are a spectacular site, towering up to 200m above sea level.

The best viewing spot is at Steep Point – the westernmost point in WA. The cliffs stretch all the way from Steep Point to Kalbarri.

Ningaloo Reef WA’s world-renowned Ningaloo Reef, which stretches more than 300km from the Exmouth Gulf to Red Bluff north of Carnarvon, is Australia’s largest and most easily accessible fringing reef. There is a mindboggling array of corals and fish species to see, along with the likes of whale sharks, turtles, dugongs, dolphins and also humpback whales during their annual migration.

Pinnacles of Nambung National Park The Pinnacles is one of WA’s most famous and fascinating natural wonders. Thousands of ancient rock pillars make up this almost alien

landscape, some reaching a height of more than 3m.

Drive along the one-way track through the Pinnacles and stop at parking spots along the way to walk among the rocks.

Carnarvon blow holes Along a rocky area of coast 75km north of Carnarvon a series of blow holes send massive spouts of water high into the air as waves crash against the rocks. The water is forced up from sea caves through narrow holes in the rocks. While you’re there it’s worth a visit to the coral-filled lagoon just 1km south.

Dirk Hartog Island Dirk Hartog Island is the site of one of the first recorded landings on Australian soil by Europeans and the 400-year anniversary of this event will be marked in October 2016. The island is home to 81 different species of birds, some considered rare or endangered. The future looks

Wildflower trails You can see wildflowers in the Coral Coast region all year round but from July to November the landscape is really alive with colour.

As well as a dazzling array of wildflower species, this region boasts an incredible number of wildflower hotspots including Coalseam Conservation Park, Lesueur National Park, which is home to almost 900 species, Cape Range National Park and Kalbarri National Park.

Island Rock and Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge and Island Rock are striking rock formations that have been carved from the rugged coastal cliffs of Kalbarri National Park by the pounding surf. Viewing enclosures overlook both, with a path connecting them.

A car park is close to the Natural Bridge lookout. l

1 Pe

Photography Tourism WA; Alamy

Coral Coast natural wonders

Dongara-Port Denison sand dunes The twin towns DongaraPort Denison are home to ice-cream-like white sand dunes that dot the landscape, framing the relaxing seaside towns.

The dunes are perfect for a ride on a sand-board – a great activity for the kids.

82 Horizons February / March 2016

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Every week 100 bikes disappear in WA We’ll protect yours with cover from just $3 a week We know how much you love your ride. That’s why we’ve created insurance for bikes.

We’ll give you cover for fire, theft and accidental damage, as well as personal liability cover up to $1 million. Because we’re determined to make WA a better place for cyclists.

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