Horizons 2017 April/May

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

Your RAC magazine April / May 2017

WIN!

an Upper Murraylands river cruise in South Australia See page 28

Coastal encounters New things to do at Ningaloo

Backyard beauties

WA’s secret car collections

Island life

Escape to the remote Mackerel Islands and Onslow

Hot property

The strange things stolen from our homes

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Horizons

Inside

WIN!

Your RAC magazine April / May 2017

an Upper Murraylands cruise in South Australia

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Managing Editor Lucy Siebert Publisher Christine Dixon

See page 28

Design Glenn Moffatt Advertising Des McNamara (WA only) tel: 08 9388 7844 des@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane tel: 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com.au

36 Beyond

Horizons is published for The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc)

by Hardie Grant Media Building 1, 658 Church Street Richmond VIC 3121 Australia hardiegrant.com.au

the reef

Swim with humpbacks at Ningaloo, then venture further afield

CAB audited as at March 2016 is 532,542 Cover image: Getty Images / Migration Media – Underwater Imaging Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285.

The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.

Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser.

No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash.

Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

19 Left or right?

Find out when you have to move into the lefthand lane or when its fine to stay in the right.

21

30

On the move

Hot property

Does the Segway and other e-transport devices have a place in commuting?

When it comes to burglars, nothing is off bounds – even the most unlikely home items are at risk.

4 Horizons April / May 2017

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Inside

49 Pets on board How to travel safely with the whole family – including the four-legged ones.

your Horizons 64 Member Lounge

24

52

43

56

WA’s secret car collections

Experience a bygone era on South Australia’s Murray River

The Mackerel Islands and Onslow

67

New cars on the road

Regulars

Travel

Move

7 President’s message

17 What’s on

19 Road rules

Events around the state.

When to stay in the left lane.

36 Beyond the reef

21 Personal transporters

The power of membership.

8 Mailbox Members’ letters.

9 Exchange

Swim with humpback whales.

Segways, e-scooters and more.

41 Travel brief

24 Hidden motoring gems

Sharing your views.

News from RAC Travel.

WA’s backyard car collections.

12 Snapshot

43 Island life

61 What’s new

News from RAC.

The Pilbara’s Mackerel Islands.

The latest news in motoring.

82 The 10 best

52 A trip back in time

63 Car doctor

A paddlewheeler cruise.

Your questions answered.

Historic military sites.

Driving fatigue tips, save with exclusive fuel discounts, get your car Easter road-trip ready, our classic car insurance winner and win a Hema Navigator GPS system.

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

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

April / May 2017 Horizons 5

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We know every home is With our free in-home consultation, we’ll find the right security fit for you

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13/12/2016 10:00 AM 8/03/2017 1:17 PM

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 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 SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. 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 Midland: Shop 100, Midland Gate Shopping Centre, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah: Shop SP037 Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Wy. tel: 6150 6456 Morley: Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth: 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830 Deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au RAC contact numbers Roadside Assistance 13 11 11 Battery Services 13 11 11 Membership 13 17 03 Motoring Advice 13 17 03 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 797 078 Insurance 13 17 03 Finance 13 17 03 Travel 13 17 03 Touring 13 17 03 13 17 03 Security Services RAC Auto Services 1300 135 667 Corporate Enquiries 9436 4111

The power of membership In the past year, members have saved almost $40 million through the member benefits and discounts RAC provides.

More recently, new benefits have been introduced including a member saving of four cents per litre on fuel at 67 participating Puma Energy, Gull and Peak service stations across WA. Members simply show their RAC membership card.

In a state like ours, which covers an area of 2.5 million square kilometres, our members are often driving long distances and a four cents per litre discount can add up to a substantial saving and assistance in keeping the cost of motoring down.

Improving access to travel and tourism across WA is another key focus and our family of five holiday parks – RAC Busselton Holiday Park, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, Ningaloo Reef Resort, RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and RAC Cervantes Holiday Park – demonstrate our commitment to helping members explore our beautiful state and its natural wonders.

Extensive renovations to the Cervantes site means members can enjoy new modern facilities. Park improvements were, in part, assisted by feedback received from members and guests who asked for newer and more family friendly facilities.

While families have long enjoyed the park in its pristine location north of Perth, a short drive from the Pinnacles and Lake Thetis, the new swimming pool, activity centre and recreation room, as well as 11 brand new, self-contained villas, make a stay even more enjoyable.

The upgrade of the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is part of our plan to provide a range of quality accommodation options for our members and encourage Western Australians to holiday in their own backyard.

In addition, RAC is providing young Western Australians with road safety information and member benefits through two free child and youth membership programs – RAC Little Legends Club and the Road Ready program.

Road Ready, RAC’s newest membership, will provide 12 to 21 year olds with information about learning to drive, buying their first car and being safe on and around WA roads.

RAC’s focus is to build a better, brighter future for its members. We will achieve this by continuing to deliver new and improved services and benefits to assist our members every day.

RAC’s focus is to build a better, brighter future with its members … to deliver new and improved services and benefits.

Tony Evans RAC President

Your RAC Council Club Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia President Tony Evans Senior Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi Vice President Ross Dowling Members of Council Dennis Banks, Esme Bowen, Freda Crucitti, Jill Darby, Dalton Gooding, Alden Halse, Murray Lampard, 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 Our winning letter

Rethinking car connections

Vicki Woodage with her 1977 Honda N360.

Speeds for overtaking It’s quite common for heavy vehicles to travel at the top regulated speed on a flat road, but when ascending a hill they slow down, so it’s best to overtake when an overtaking lane appears.

This may occur on a flat stretch of road when the vehicle is travelling at the top nominated speed.

I have watched some drivers try overtaking at the same speed as the vehicle being overtaken, but not making much progress. If I am at the head of the queue I try to overtake in the shortest possible time to allow other drivers the chance to also overtake. Being a courteous driver, in doing this, I am also putting my licence in jeopardy, so what’s the answer?

Name and address provided

RAC Response: The Road Traffic Code 2000 specifies that drivers should not drive at a speed exceeding that indicated by the speed zone sign. This means drivers should not overtake unless they can do so safely and stay within the speed limit.

In short, overtaking in the

I was really encouraged to read the recent article on car sharing (Horizons December/ January). Initiatives like this are a great starting point for dealing with climate change and resource consumption.

A friend of mine actually began a car-sharing initiative

“shortest possible time” could put your licence in jeopardy even though you may be courteous to fellow drivers.

Early car sharing In the 1960s university students used a car sharing system. In those days we would fill up the empty seats with fellow students, who would pay a small fee to cover the fuel, such that my three passengers would pay enough to cover my whole petrol bill for the week, thus saving me money. Others decided to alternate which car would be used each day among their group of passengers. We needed to schedule our arrivals and departures to accommodate the first and last classes that our group were studying, but that allowed more time for study and/or socialising.

John H Kelmar

WIN free roadside assistance for one year

Sweet memories I have often thought that the mention of my first car would elicit a sneer from the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, but it was with some pride that I read your little article about it in Horizons (February/ March). My N360 (Honey) was purchased in 1977 for $1000 (a lot of money then, especially as a second-year student nurse’s wage was only $24 a week). It valiantly tackled the notorious Bulli Pass to take me home to Wollongong on my days off; managed mostly by following in the slipstream of huge semi-trailers. It was extremely economical to run and easy to repair. My friend borrowed Honey once and dented the passenger side door; my then-boyfriend (now husband) fixed it by sitting in the driver’s side and pushing his feet against the other door ... dent gone! Thank you for bringing to mind those happy memories.

in Fremantle some years ago, but, unfortunately, he was ahead of his time. A key attitudinal shift is needed to make car sharing viable, and that’s moving away from seeing cars as status objects that are about identity, to seeing them as tools that serve a purpose – movement.

We need to detach our sense of ourselves from our cars so we can feel less precious about sharing them – that’s challenging because advertising has been so successful at connecting cars to personal status. But we are better than that and the economic and environmental milieu faced by Gen Y (to which I belong) is forcing us to rethink this connection. Let’s return cars to their proper place as use-objects. If we already share our homes, we can surely share our cars.

Vicki Woodage

Megan Sheard

Each issue, the author of the best letter will win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance that 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 81.

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

8 Horizons April / May 2017

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Exchange Feedback, opinion and fast facts RAC ONLINE POLL RESULT

INCOMES AND TRAVEL TIMES

Are you interested in owning an electric vehicle?

Average Australian commuting times by income

Yes 71% No 19% Unsure 10%

36 26

minutes for those earning more than $150,000

minutes for those earning between $20,000–$30,000

Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, 2016

1811

OLD TOLL

… the year Australia’s first toll road was built. It was between Sydney and Parramatta.

Economic Contribution of Australia’s Toll Roads, KPMG 2015

facebook.com/racwa

RAC ONLINE POLL

Tell us …

Do you support the idea of driver refresher training being compulsory after a certain period for people who already hold a driver’s licence?

Take our poll at rac.com.au/exchange Poll closes 17 April 2017

twitter.com/racwa

Exchange your views by email: editor@rac.com.au April / May 2017

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Horizons 9

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The tour also includes visits to Launceston, Port Arthur, ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ at Derwent Bridge, Woolnorth wind farm and Cape Grim. Spend 3 nights in Hobart and enjoy a host of attractions including the award winning Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise, historical Hobart walking tour, Tahune Airwalk, Mount Wellington and more!

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Discover Lawn Hill and the Riversleigh Fossil Fields. Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise in the Gulf at Karumba.

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Enjoy a 2-hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre North and South and view the unique ‘Painted Hills’. Visit Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Warburton Creek. Discover Coober Pedy and learn about the rocket test range at Woomera. Explore the Flinders Ranges and spend 2 nights in Wilpena Pound before a visit to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Take a stunning 4WD Ridge Top tour before enjoying an amazing intergalactic experience from Arkaroola’s fully equipped observatory.

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

Snapshot News in brief from the RAC & beyond

Perth’s top 10 breakdown hotspots RAC’s Roadside Assistance Patrols have revealed the 20 most common suburbs they rescued stranded drivers from in 2016.

Perth CBD came out at the top of the list, followed by Canning Vale, Morley, Joondalup and Dianella.

Almost half of the breakdowns RAC is called out to are due to drivers not maintaining their cars, according to RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol Cameron Dargan.

“In our latest RAC Patrol Survey, we found 47 per cent of the jobs we are called out to could have been avoided if the driver had their car serviced regularly,” Mr Dargan said.

“Another 43 per cent could have been avoided had the driver performed basic maintenance on the car, such as

Perth’s top 10 suburbs for breakdowns in 2016

checking oil, water and tyre pressure.

“Looking after your car will help you avoid getting stuck. Make sure you get it serviced regularly, and pop the bonnet every once in a while to check your oil and water.

“If you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking at when you’re under the bonnet, the owner’s manual in your glove box is a handy and useful guide.”

RAC Roadside Assistance rescues someone every minute across Western Australia.

Perth Canning Vale Morley Joondalup Dianella Thornlie South Perth Fremantle Baldivis Como

!

Free Easter treats for road trippers Heading to the South West this Easter?

Take a break and enjoy free refreshments at RAC’s Easter Pit-stop along the Forrest Highway.

The pit-stop will be operating at the Forrest Highway Dorsett Road rest stop in Waroona, just south of Mandurah, on Thursday 13 April from 9.30am–4pm.

Free barista-made coffee will be available along with ice-cold soft drinks and special

treats for the kids from the Easter Bunny.

RAC Roadside Assistance patrols will also be onsite to provide free mechanical advice and breakdown assistance to members.

RAC encourages all drivers to take regular rest breaks during their holiday road trip and stay focused on the road when behind the wheel. In 2015, 18 per cent of fatal crashes in Western Australia were fatigue or inattention related.

12 Horizons April / May 2017

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Snapshot

Experience an RAC Rescue helicopter mission On a country road, an adrenalin-filled scene is unfolding. In front of you, emergency crews work to rescue a casualty. The roof of one car has been cut off to retrieve the stillconscious survivor who has been trapped inside and is in urgent need of medical attention.

As the injured man is stretchered away, behind you the blades of an RAC Rescue helicopter cut the air, rising to an urgent roar as it lifts off for the journey to the rooftop helipad of Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Now you can experience this scene for yourself. Using virtual reality, the RAC Rescue Experience will take you to the sky on a full rescue mission to get a unique insight into the work of the two RAC Rescue helicopters – WA’s only 24/7 emergency helicopter service.

Inside a real Bell helicopter and, via virtual-reality goggles, you’ll be ‘flown’ to the scene of a car crash, with 360 degree views of the busy operation happening all around you.

It’s a familiar scene to those who crew the two RAC Rescue helicopters.

More than 70 per cent of missions flown by the two RAC Rescue helicopters are to road trauma incidents. The virtual reality scene you’ll experience is a common sight for the RAC Rescue crew and an important reminder of how fragile we all are on the road.

The RAC Rescue Experience will be at a number of events throughout 2017. For more information visit rac.com.au/racrescue.

Funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and sponsored by RAC, the two RAC Rescue helicopters cover more than 95 per cent of WA’s population.

% 20 discount

RAC history part of a vibrant new museum expansion A 1981 RAC Ford Escort patrol van with its original tools and equipment on board is part of a display in a new exhibition building at the Motor Museum of WA within Whiteman Park.

The RAC display also includes one of the earliest RAC Patrol vehicles – a 1939 BSA motorcycle, along with a collection of other historical RAC items, including badges, a patrol uniform and an extensive collection of photographs.

RAC’s 112-year story is an integral part of WA’s motoring history and a dedicated museum space has allowed a comprehensive collection of memorabilia to be made available to visitors to view.

for RAC members

The RAC Learning Hub, a room that is part of the new purpose-built exhibition building, will also be available to schools for education sessions and car clubs for meetings.

In addition, an important archive of RAC historical materials will be developed and maintained within the museum. RAC provided support for the establishment of the RAC Learning Hub as part of the new building.

RAC members receive a 20 per cent discount on admission to the Motor Museum of WA and 20 per cent off museum-produced merchandise.

128,005 100,234 New cars bought by Western Australians in

2012

New cars bought by Western Australians in

2016

In 2016 we bought 5954 fewer new cars than in 2015 – that’s a 5.6 per cent drop in car sales.

April / May 2017 Horizons 13

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I

Snapshot

Celebrating our regional volunteers

New program shaping our future road users A new free RAC teen road safety membership is giving young people the tools, knowledge and inspiration to become safer drivers.

RAC Road Ready is a membership program for teenagers and provides information about road safety, learning to drive and the licensing process. Members can also access discounts and special member benefits.

Road Ready complements RAC’s Little

Legends program developed for children in Years 1-6 to raise awareness of road safety, including bicycle and pedestrian safety, through interactive games.

RAC Little Legends, which is aligned to the Western Australian curriculum, also offers a range of benefits and discounts.

These two programs are part of a suite of youth road safety initiatives RAC has developed to help our young people make informed choices and develop positive behaviour as they start to become regular road users and drivers.

For more information, visit littlelegends. rac.com.au or rac.com.au/roadready.

Recognising an urgent need for support services for men dealing with depression, family violence issues and homelessness in regional WA, Busselton resident Robert Reekie established the Mates Men’s Support Group in 2003.

Today the 24-hour service provides accommodation and support programs for 120 men each year.

It takes some $80,000 annually to keep the charity operational and Mr Reekie works tirelessly to raise the funds needed to keep the doors open on a vital service that has helped many men turn their lives around.

In 2016 Mr Reekie was awarded for his outstanding work, winning the RAC Volunteering Award as part of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards. The awards celebrate the work of individuals, communities and businesses making a significant contribution to regional and rural Western Australia.

Nominations for the 2017 awards open in May with judging taking place in August.

If you know of an individual, organisation or community making an important contribution to life in regional and rural WA, make your nomination at rac.com.au/volunteer.

Australia’s Best Cars 2016 The results of the 2016 Australia’s Best Cars program are available at australiasbestcars.com.au.

Australia’s Best Cars magazine is also available at RAC Member Service Centres.

Young driver workshops Keys for Life: A workshop for parents and young people was developed to motivate young people and their parents to work as partners in the learning-to-drive process while accumulating extensive hours of supervised driving practice.

This free workshop covers the graduated driver training and licensing system, how to organise practice sessions and what to

expect in the practical driving assessment.

Each family receives a free pack providing essential information, checklists and a free set of L-plates.

Bookings are essential To register, call RAC Community Education on 9436 4471 or visit rac.com.au/learntodrive.

The next workshop 3 May at RAC Head Office, West Perth, 6.15pm to 7.15pm Free parking will be available.

The workshops are conducted in partnership with School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) and are funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account. Workshops are presented

by RAC in the metropolitan area and SDERA Consultants in regional areas.

14 Horizons April / May 2017

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I’m su w co p o co ar A em at ab n p sa in w b ar Bu to in n sp an au d o

I’m not happy with second best I’m pretty much retired now yet am suffering the consequences of working long-term in the noisy construction industry. In days past, hearing protection wasn’t on the agenda for me or my co-workers, so many of us are now paying the price.

As a plastering contractor, I employed up to 60 people at any one time, and it was about 20 years ago that I noticed I was having to get people to repeat what they’d said. This was most noticeable in work discussions or meetings where there was a lot of the clatter bang of the building game going on around us.

But prior to those times, I guess I need to own up to the fact that as a young teenager, I was the lead singer in a rock-and-roll band in the UK. It seems ridiculous now with technology so advanced that at that time the speakers for the band were behind the band members, and blasted sound past us all before reaching the audience. So the bass, lead and rhythm guitars and the drummer, who were all behind me, copped the full force of the deluge which would undoubtedly have impacted their hearing too. I don’t think that musicians’ earplugs existed at that time either.

So the family has had to

HEARING AIDS STARTING FROM $1300 EACH

put up with a principal breadwinner whose occupations have ensured an industrial hearing loss. At home I needed the television up much louder than my wife Lisa and kids, and I used to get the odd complaint about it. For me, even the extra amplification didn’t solve the problem of missing parts of the dialogue. With some urging, I went and got fitted with hearing aids that weren’t really effective.

And I wasn’t impressed with the service either. But it was at this time that I also started wearing hearing protection, better late than never. Eventually I went to see Brad and was fitted with decent hearing aids.

When Brad was no longer working at that same hearing company, I tracked him down because I’m not happy with second best, I want to have access to the exemplary level of service that his company offers. I am now fitted with the Rolls Royce of hearing aids, and am looked after by people I regard as the best in the business, and I can’t sing their praises too highly.

Can I recommend that if you want the best hearing services on offer, that you give the staff at Brad Hutchinson Hearing a call and make an appointment. I know how important it is to get the right help for hearing loss.

Mick Brazier

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Stars of Australia’s screen and stage bring a modern and audacious take on all-time swing classics from Sinatra to Bublé, and well-swung interpretations of Oasis, John Farnham and The Proclaimers. Starring Michael Falzon, Luke Kennedy, Rob Mills and Ben Mingay.

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Award-winning British composer and music educator Paul Rissmann joins WASO for an interactive musical adventure based on the book Stan and Mabel by Jason Chapman.

An exciting mix of music, illustrated projections and audience participation.

BOOK NOW 16 Horizons April / May 2016

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Louis Lo

HARRY POTTER & THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONETM IN CONCERT

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World renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman returns to WASO with his charismatic Trio to perform Beethoven’s delightful Triple Concerto. As a special treat, Zukerman will also perform Berg’s nostalgic Violin Concerto.

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Experience the artistry of one of the world’s most poetic pianists, French-Canadian Louis Lortie. Lortie performs with subtlety, sophistication and spontaneity - perfect qualities for Chopin’s First Piano Concerto.

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Asher Fisch appears courtesy of Wesfarmers Arts. HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s16). This performance contains subtitles on the screen. *A one-off handling fee of $5.50 per transaction applies to all purchases on our website. A fee of $6.60 applies to phone and mail bookings. An additional fee of $4.40 per transaction applies for delivery via Registered Post.

1/3/17 3:19 pm 7/03/2017 4:37 PM

What’s on

 Events around the state in April and May

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Images courtesy Taste Great Southern

IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon and the SunSmart Kids Triathlon for seven to 15 year olds.

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busseltonfestivaloftriathlon.com.au

Carnarvon TropiCOOL Festival 5–7 May Carnarvon TropiCOOL Festival features a program of the best music, markets, food and entertainment in Western Australia’s food bowl.

Taste Great Southern 23 March–9 April South West

For three weeks the tastes of the South West are celebrated across a series of regional events. Leading a line-up of dozens of chefs making appearances this year are Sydneybased celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Miguel Maestre. tastegreatsouthern.com.au

The Karijini Experience 11–15 April Now in its fifth year, this event delivers an intimate and authentic experience for visitors to the traditional lands of the Banjima people in the spectacular inland Pilbara. karijiniexperience.com

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Australian Heritage Festival

28 April–7 May Local artists and crafters will be celebrated over two weekends.

The main exhibition is in the Dardanup Town Hall and the new Collie Art Gallery will display works on the second weekend. dardanupartspectacular.com.au

18 April–21 May Celebrate Australia’s fascinating natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage. Australia’s National Trusts are holding the nation’s largest heritage event. In towns across WA there will be performances, tours, exhibitions and family events.

Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster

australianheritagefestival.org.au

ordvalleymuster.com.au

19–28 May The breathtaking Kimberley is the backdrop for this 10-day event, featuring 30 culinary, musical and entertainment events, including performances by the likes of Jimmy Barnes.

Perth’s Longest Lunch

Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge.

Perth International Comedy Festival 26 April–21 May The Perth Comedy Festival is the largest comedy event in the state, bringing together the best in Australian and international performers. perthcomedyfestival.com

Paw Patrol Live!

28–29 April Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Based on the Nickelodeon TV series, this show incorporates innovative costumes that bring the pups to the stage on an important rescue mission.

19 May Crown Ballroom This annual lunch raises funds for older people in residential care, individuals living with Huntington’s Disease and people with disabilities. perthslongestlunch.com.au

Elvis Live 26 May Perth Arena This immersive concert harnesses technology to “beam” Elvis down on state-of-the-art video screens accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra on stage.

The concert comes to Australia directly from Graceland. elvislive.com.au

lifeliketouring.com/ paw-patrol-live

First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim 6 May Situated 75km from Kununurra, Lake Argyle is 21 times greater in size than Sydney Harbour and makes for a spectacular swimming venue. lakeargyleswim.com

Sunsmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon 5–7 May Three days of endurance includes the Busselton

The Perth International Jazz Festival 26–28 May Back for one weekend, the festival will present a range of jazz performances, including free community events and ticketed performances by local and international musicians, at numerous venues across the city. perthinternationaljazz festival.com.au April / May 2017 Horizons 17

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The 2017 Dardanup Art Spectacular Exhibition and Art Trail

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7/03/2017 4:37 PM

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18 Horizons April / May 2017

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Road rules

When do I have to ‘keep left’?

We have more relaxed ‘keep left’ rules in WA and Australia than many than many other countries. As a general courtesy, where possible, drivers should use left-hand lanes in preference to right-hand lanes. There are some situations, however, where the keep left rules are specified in the WA Road Traffic Code.

You must keep left

You must keep left

On roads with “keep left unless overtaking” signs.

On multi-lane roads where the posted speed limit is 90km or above.

Exceptions to these rules ■ The right lane may be used when the driver is turning right, making a U-turn, overtaking or avoiding an obstruction.

■ Drivers may also use the right lane where it is a special lane for their type of vehicle or the left lane is a compulsory turn lane and they are not turning.

■ Under the rules, marked lanes do not include lanes set aside exclusively for vehicles turning left or right, special purpose lanes or a slow vehicle turn-out lane.

April / May 2017 Horizons 19

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7/03/2017 4:51 PM

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24/02/2017 11:21:16 AM

I joined up in 1943… the salute had to have three quivers.

Betty, 92 years old.

Every pair of hands tells a life story that matters.

At St Ives Home Care, we never forget the inspiring privilege of hearing about lives well lived. So when older hands need a little help to remain living independently, our trusted and caring staff are there to value and respect

every client’s unique life experience. Our wide ranging, in-home support services are delivered by a professional team focused on happy, healthy living at home. Talk to us about how we can help you.

www.stiveshomecare.com.au Call: 1300 20 20 03 To see stories from Betty and others, visit our YouTube channel. Search ‘St Ives Home Care’.

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Mobility

Words Wendy Caccetta

❱❱❱❱❱❱❱❱❱ On the move

Electric personal transporters, such as Segways and electric scooters, are gaining popularity as a quick and easy way for people to move around – but where can they be ridden and what laws apply to their use? We take a closer look.

A suited commuter rides to the train station on his electric scooter, sets it down next to him as he travels on the train to the city and then jumps back on at the other end to ‘scoot’ to his office.

From Segways to motorised micro scooters and even electric skateboards, electric personal transporters (EPTs) are

shaping up to be a viable, convenient and environmentally friendly travel option in their own right, able to complement both public transport use and service local trips.

While they offer many benefits, road safety law makers around the world are grappling with what rules should apply to these transport options.

The picture in Western Australia The use of EPTs in Western Australia is governed by the Road Traffic Code 2000. Currently, EPTs can only be ridden on public roads or shared paths where the device is supplied and supervised by a commercial tour operator within a declared EPT use area. Local governments April / May 2017 Horizons 21

Mobility

The e-skateboard, is moving out of the hipster domain.

may also place their own restrictions on operation within these areas.

Riders in WA must be older than 12 years of age and the speed EPTs are able to travel is limited to no more than 10km/h – the equivalent of a mediumpaced run – in public areas.

Gaining ground But with e-transporters becoming more available, cheaper and more technologically mature, support to relax restrictions seems likely to grow.

There is opposition to the rise of these types of mobility devices, though. One group opposed to any moves to legalise Segways and e-skateboards on paths is the Pedestrian Council of Australia.

“It would just move the traffic congestion from the roads onto the footpaths,” says organisation chairman Harold Scruby.

But, in a poll of more than 500 RAC members this year, 65 per cent said Segways should be allowed on shareduse paths and 55 per cent, on footpaths – a relatively even split for and against.

Getting on board Anne Still, RAC General Manager Public Policy says, “The battery technology that powers these devices is improving all the time and this means they are capable of travelling further on a single battery charge.”

“New models are also quickly being developed which means more choice,” Ms Still says.

At present, Segways can travel approximately 30–40km on a full battery charge with recharging taking about eight hours. The batteries last around seven years before they need replacing.

Owen Williams was one of the first to introduce Segways to WA. He also operates a Segway tour company in Perth, Fremantle and on Rottnest Island.

“Back in 2004 I was in the US and I came across a Segway tour,” he says. “I got hooked and decided to bring them to WA.” Apart from a fun day out, Segways have other uses, too, says Mr Williams. In WA they are used by workers in warehouses, on vineyards, for security patrols at shopping centres and by prospectors on mining tenements.

Mr Williams believes it won’t be long before legislative changes allow the city’s shared paths and footpaths to be opened up to Segway riders, benefitting commuters.

In Australia, only Queensland, the

NT and soon the ACT allow Segways to be ridden in public, outside of a tourist operator setting.

But Ms Still points out that “safety remains an important consideration, particularly where riders are interacting with others and where devices are capable of excessive speeds”.

The picture overseas In the UK, riding Segways on public thoroughfares is illegal. In the US, 45 states allow EPTs on sidewalks, bicycle paths and some roads. In Europe the rules are as varied as the cities.

Segways may seem like a new innovation, but it’s been 15 years since they went into production and were launched into the world.

The original manufacturer predicted the device would be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy, but in 2009 Time magazine declared it a failure, citing cost and road rules as deterring mass use.

Despite this, the Segway has kept coming, with this formerly American enterprise being bought by Chinese

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Mobility

... proponents say today’s electric personal transporters (EPTs) are shaping up to be a viable, convenient and environmentally friendly travel option in their own right, able to complement public transport use and service local trips.

scooter company Ninebot last year.

There have been safety warnings along the way though. British entrepreneur Jimi Heselden had bought the business earlier in 2009 but tragically fell to his death nine months later reversing a Segway while out for a ride near cliffs in the UK.

Makes and models There’s a plethora of e-scooters on the market from models that fold up to no bigger than a briefcase to some with seats.

In Australia, cheaper, throttle-control e-scooters are capable of travelling at a speed of 24km/h and can be bought from discount retail chains for about $400.

The average cost, for a lightweight, foldup scooter that will travel on average about 25 to 30kms on one charge, is between $800 and $1200. Some are capable of a speed of up to 50km/h.

Batteries take between four to 10 hours to recharge and will last about five years before needing to be replaced at a cost of about $180 to $350.

Meanwhile, the e-skateboard, is moving out of the hipster domain.

Action sports retailer, Action Sports WA owner Darren Marshall says early e-skateboards were weighed down by heavy lead batteries, but with today’s lightweight lithium batteries the new models, which range in price from about $1000 up to $2000, are more practical.

E-skateboards can reach speeds of up to 40km/h. A rider can travel a distance of up to 50km on a single battery charge.

The batteries take about five hours to fully recharge. And they usually have a life span of about two and a half years and cost about $450 to replace.

For more widespread use to occur, traffic laws, device designers and infrastructure providers need to come together to ensure the use of EPTs is workable and safe. Ms Still says, “In addressing some of the transport challenges in the WA, like congestion, we need to be creative in finding solutions.

Just how much potential there is for EPTs as a commuting option is anyone’s guess, but there is a certain level of freedom and independence that personal transporters bring and that’s appealing to those who are open to trying something a little different.”

The revolution may already be happening. l

Know the rules RAC advises those considering purchasing an electric personal transporter to always check the laws beforehand.

Under the Road Traffic Code e-scooters (which must be less than 200w and not capable of travelling more than 10km/h on flat ground) are allowed on public paths, except for the pedestrian section of a separated path or on paths that prohibit their use. They are not allowed on carriageways with more than one marked lane, carriageways with a dividing line or median strip or a carriageway with a speed limit of 50km/h or more. They can’t be used at night or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and helmets must be worn at all times.

Riders must also keep left and not travel alongside another pedestrian or vehicle.

Segways can only be used in set public areas as part of authorised tours by people over 12 years of age wearing helmets. Pedestrians and cyclists have right of way.

The Road Safety Commission says e-skateboards are illegal in public. A skateboard is defined in the Road Traffic Code as “a wheeled recreational device which is propelled by human power or gravity”, where an e-skateboard is a skateboard powered by an electric motor.

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Motoring

Words Jane Hammond Photography Sarah Hewer

HIDDEN MOTORING GEMS A peek into the homes of Perth’s passionate car collectors reveals some fascinating vintage finds – we uncover three extensive collections.

Hidden in suburban garages and old sheds across Western Australia are priceless motoring treasures. From classic Fords to once top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benzes these gems tell the stories of bygone eras.

But not all have been forgotten; many are already in the hands of enthusiasts and private collectors who are working to preserve our automotive history.

Fords first

Retired businessman Tony Pernechele (69) has the nation’s biggest private collection of Ford motorcars housed on his property

in Gidgegannup, north-east of Perth.

Mr Pernechele has been collecting cars for more than 40 years and has an impressive and valuable collection that includes early model T Fords to late model Falcons.

His prized collection is open to car clubs, with all monies raised from visits to his private museum going to the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.

And with more than 740 car clubs in WA, Mr Pernechele’s museum is kept busy entertaining and educating car enthusiasts. In just over 12 years the collection has helped raise more than $100,000 for the hospital. It is a way he

says he can give back to the community.

“It does cost me a lot of money but that doesn’t really matter, its only money.

I have a few volunteers who help out,” Mr Pernechele says.

Mr Pernechele’s passion for cars goes a long way back. At age 17 he was badly injured in a car accident that left him walking on crutches. With the help of expert medical staff and rehabilitation he regained full use of his limbs and after a few months was back at work as a motor mechanic’s apprentice at Barbagallo’s. He qualified and went on to run a series of successful automotive and wrecking businesses.

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Motoring

When retirement came, at age 57, he threw himself into his car collection.

He restores some vehicles but leaves others to rest as “barn finds” using his mechanical know-how to get them running but leaving their bodywork in original condition.

Mr Pernechele says he collects Fords “because he can” and adds that he also has a few Holdens on hand as well as a range of other car brands.

His favourite car is a 1948 Ford Pilot that he bought restored.

“The first car that Barbagallo’s let me work on was a race car and it was a Pilot

so I wanted to find the best Pilot I could.

I went to England but I couldn’t find a quality one and eventually I found this one in Sydney. The guy who had it had spent 19 years restoring it.

“He wanted a new Mazda MX5 so I bought him one and he gave me his Pilot.

“The Pilots were assembled in 1947 and that’s the year of my birth and another reason that I favour the Pilots. I just love the car.”

Among Mr Pernechele’s collection are rare production models, the millionth Ford Falcon made in Australia and one of the last Fords ever made here – a GT Falcon

numbered 498 out of the 500 that rolled off the final assembly line last year.

The millionth Falcon runs but its bodywork is patchy and that’s the way Mr Pernechele likes it.

“I’m not going to restore it. It’s never the same if you restore it. I believe there is more value in leaving them as they are, so long as it starts and drives.

“I’ve got close to 90 Fords but I have other things as well – Mercedes and Porsches…they’re in my back shed,” Mr Pernechele says. His non-Ford collection includes a 1913 Speedster and a rare 2008 Carroll Shelby Black Snake Ford.

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Visitors to Tony Pernechele ‘s collection of Ford cars – the largest in Australia – have helped to raise more than $100,00 for the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.

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Motoring top to bottom: Bruce Denniss is a lifelong Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, culminating in him having to buy a farm to house his collection.

“It was a 190SL Mercedes, a red one and I only used it twice – I was at boarding school and I got it confiscated and I never saw it again.”

Mr Denniss explains his passion for collecting old cars as a form of obsessivecompulsive behaviour. If he sees an old car for sale he finds it difficult not to buy.

He has a special interest in Mercedes W123s, which have been described as the most reliable car of the 20th century.

“They call them indestructible. If someone said to me you can only have one car then that’s the car I would choose,” says Mr Denniss.

“Any Mercedes-Benz built before 1990, one can fix one’s self and for people like us who like to maintain them that’s good.

We have one built in 1994 and it’s a beautiful car but no one can fix it.

“We have always driven old cars. I’d sooner build up assets in property than spend on cars. New cars are a waste of money and I’d sooner buy a car that I can fix. I find collecting cars great fun.”

His most interesting non-Mercedes cars includes a Meyers Manx SR beach buggy, which cost him six cars, and a 1961 Borgward that he swapped for a Mark 10 Jaguar and a 190 Mercedes.

Among the cars in one old tin shed on the farm is a Mercedes with a note jammed into the steering wheel warning of damage to its fuel line. Mr Denniss explains that this is in the event of his death so that anyone moving the car will be forewarned that petrol will spill out of the vehicle. It is the sort of planning common among car collectors who share a view that their cars will out live them and that they are merely custodians of the vehicles.

Must-have Mercedes A few kilometres down the road, real estate agent Bruce Denniss (67) has an impressive collection of about 25 cars on his farm. His preference is for MercedesBenz of all types and styles – he even uses an old battered and unregistered Mercedes as a farm vehicle to run around the property and feed his sheep.

For years Mr Denniss kept the size and scale of his collection secret from his wife Kerry but when it finally became too big to hide he bought a farm that the couple joke was primarily for the cars.

“I didn’t realize how many cars he actually had!” Mrs Denniss says.

She learnt the extent of her husband’s collection at a Mercedes-Benz Club dinner in 2001 when the club president inadvertently let it slip. “I just about murdered Bruce. But I have got a lot of mileage out of that one,” Mrs Denniss says.

Prior to getting the farm, Mr Denniss housed his growing collection in friends’ sheds, old warehouses and a storage facility.

Many of the cars are kept like “barn finds” sitting unrestored in dusty tin sheds.

“Some of these cars, you could buy them a few decades ago for very little.

We have a lot of cars,” says Mr Denniss.

“I don’t like to waste anything, I can’t stand seeing waste.”

Mr Denniss’ love for Mercedes goes back to when he was just seven years old and was given a pull-along MercedesBenz toy car by his grandmother.

New cars are a waste of money and I’d sooner buy a car that I can fix.

I find collecting cars great fun.

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Motoring below: Reg (pictured) and Coral Blewitt lovingly tend to their collection of 23 cars together and recently completed a trip to Alice Springs in a 1933 Dodge truck.

Nothing new Retired RAC patrolman Reg Blewitt (79) has an unusual collection of around 23 cars in his suburban Perth property.

The collection has grown to such an extent over the years that he bought the property behind his own so that the collection could spill out of the yard and into a second large block.

Mr Blewitt’s wife Coral is also keen on the collection and works alongside her husband to restore the vehicles.

Her specialisation is in upholstery and she studied the subject at night school to learn the necessary skills and help her husband in his quest to restore classic cars and trucks.

The pair says their labour of love has kept them young. They regularly take their cars on runs across Australia on car rallies.

Among their recent trips was a rally to Alice Springs in a 1933 Dodge truck they had lovingly restored.

Mr Blewitt collects just about everything and even still has the first birthday present he ever received. He knows exactly where

to find it in his cluttered but orderly back shed.

“I hang onto to everything,” he said.

“They all reckon I’m mad.”

Among his treasures are his first bicycle and thousands of number plates rescued from tips and disused mine shafts. He has also kept an example of every uniform he ever wore while working for the RAC as a patrolman for 20 years to 2003.

“Come and see what I’ve got and you can see what sort of a lunatic I am,”

Mr Blewitt says as he proudly shows his collection to Horizons.

His cars include old family vehicles from the 1950s and ’60s he has driven for years and classic cars and trucks from the 1920s and 1930s. His restored cars and trucks have even been used in movies and TV series including Cloudstreet.

“This is a 1932 V8 sports car,” he says pointing to a stunningly restored car with a greyhound mascot on the bonnet. “This is the type of car Bonnie and Clyde had.

Most of these have been chopped up and turned into hot rods but this is an original.

“I’ve never owned a new car in my life.

I prefer old cars,” he says.

Some of Mr Blewitt’s restorations have been built from pieces that had spent years stored in old tin drums. He sees beauty in old wrecks and has the patience and skill to bring classic cars back to life.

Despite differences in what breed of vehicle they treasure and their views on restoration, WA’s car collectors like Mr Pernechele, Mr Denniss and the Blewitts are playing a vital role in preserving our shared motoring heritage. l

This is the type of car Bonnie and Clyde had. Most of these have been chopped up and turned into hot rods but this is an original.

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WIN

a seven night Upper Murraylands Cruise aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess Thanks to Captain Cook Cruises, you have the chance to win a seven-night cruise along the mighty Murray River in South Australia onboard the charming PS Murray Princess.

This new itinerary explores the breathtaking Upper Murraylands whilst cruising through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and historic ports, vineyards and nature trails.

During the seven nights, you’ll cruise between Mannum and Morgan and experience the sights and sounds of river life with the beauty of the ever-changing landscape.

Your prize for two includes l Return economy flights l One night pre-cruise accommodation in central Adelaide l Seven night Upper Murraylands Cruise on the PS Murray Princess including: ★ Accommodation in outside twin-share cabin ★ All meals on board and 24-hour self-service tea and coffee bar ★ Use of all onboard facilities including spa, sauna and gym, onboard entertainment ★ Guided riverbank walks and presentations ★ Courtesy transfers from Adelaide or free car parking at Mannum Valid for departures in June, August or September 2017 or January and February 2018 28 Horizons April / May 2017

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Highlights include: l See the towering sandstone cliffs at Big Bend l Get up close to the river birdlife on board

the ‘Dragon-Fly’ flat-bottomed boat l Cruise through Lock #1 at Blanchetown

and visit the picturesque town of Waikerie l Enjoy a buffet lunch and wine tasting at

Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre l Explore the gardens and orchards, and visit

the cellar door at Caudo Vineyard l Take a guided walking tour of the Morgan and

l l l l l

Swan Reach townships and visit their historical museums (gold coin donation at entry) Tour the vineyard and enjoy a cellar door tasting at Burk Salter Boutique Winery Watch the Sunnydale Woolshed Show and visit the Native Wildlife Shelter Enjoy a delicious riverside Aussie barbecue Learn about the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve archaeological site with an expert local guide Delight in a scenic tender boat ride

To enter

Visit rac.com.au/murray and complete the online entry form, or send your name, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Rivercruise GPO Box 2943 Perth WA 6800 See page 81 for terms and conditions.

With the character and charm of yesteryear, the PS Murray Princess is an authentic paddlewheeler built for the Murray River. As the largest inland paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere, it is propelled by its massive stern wheel, which you can see in action through the two-storey viewing window in the lounge. Catering for just 120 passengers, the onboard atmosphere is relaxed and informal, bringing the unique advantages of small-ship cruising to the remarkable setting of Australia’s outback. Read about the experience on page 52.

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Home

Words Jayne D’Arcy

Hot property Think burglars only tend to nab jewellery and gadgets?

In fact, many things both in and outside your home are at risk – find out how to keep all your precious items safe.

Going through your morning routine of putting on your make-up, you’d never consider that it might be one of the items stolen during a burglary. Make-up? Yes, and, believe it or not, taxidermy items can be hot property for thieves, too.

“We have make-up being stolen; clothes, food. Along with valuable items, [criminals] take everything, including everyday items

like scissors, combs and shoes,” says RAC Senior Sales Consultant, Security, Nick Rossi.

Other unusual items commonly stolen include copper pipework, which is removed from the exterior walls of older homes and typically sold for scrap metal. “RAC has had instances of the pipework being replaced, only to be stolen again,” says Mr Rossi.

Everything from a stuffed mongoose to a partner’s ashes has been on the hit-list. “[An RAC member] had been waiting to scatter the ashes and kept them in a shopping bag in his wardrobe. They took everything in the wardrobe, including the ashes,” says Mr Rossi.

Like the mongoose, they’re yet to be recovered.

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Home

Lifestyle factors WA’s lifestyle is partly to blame for the kinds of thefts that occur, with open doors sometimes leading to unwanted guests, says RAC Home Claims Manager Glen Walker. “We enjoy the outdoors,” says Mr Walker, “and, particularly in the summer months, we’re entertaining in our backyards and don’t think to do simple things like locking the security door at the front once all the guests have arrived.

“Opportunistic thieves can just reach in and very quickly grab a handbag, and/or car keys, while you’re at home entertaining out the back.”

Thieves stealing your car keys from inside your house and driving off with your car can be quite common, says Mr Walker.

So where should we keep the keys?

“Somewhere where they’re secure and not visible. Generally the car keys will go on a hook next to the front door, which is very accessible,” he adds.

When you’re in the backyard remember to lock the security door at the front. Thieves can reach in and very quickly grab a handbag or car keys while you’re at home entertaining out the back.

Dont keep your jewellery in the bedroom. If you’ve got jewellery and you’re really worried about it, the only safe place is in a safe.

Sentimental items An average contents claim is about $5000, says Mr Walker. But it’s not just about the money. “The problem is, as much as your insurance might be able to replace the items, what it can’t do is replace the sentiment that’s attached to those items,” he says.

Jewellery, in particular, often has sentimental meaning. It also occupies the top spot for items stolen.

Mr Rossi says that burglars have a modus operandi, honing in on the small, valuable items. “We often see entry through a minor bedroom or rear alfresco area, and then a beeline for the main bedroom where thieves think people keep their valuables. We see that time and time again,” says Mr Rossi.

So don’t keep your jewellery in your bedroom? “If you’ve got jewellery and you’re really worried about it, the only safe place is in a safe. Install an underfloor safe.”

Bike theft on the up After jewellery and electrical equipment (laptops, tablets and phones – but not TVs, which are now generally too big for a thief to handle), come bicycles.

According to Mr Walker, there’s been a huge jump in the number of Western Australians losing their bikes to thieves.

“Over the past three years we’ve actually seen a 70 per cent increase in the number of bikes that have been stolen,” says Mr Walker. “It’s a significant increase, and there’s also been an

Don’t advertise you’re going away on social media... who else can see what you post? increase in the average cost of a bicycle claim as well: it’s around $1800, up from around $1100 three years ago.

“People leave their bike in the carport, where it can be seen from the street. If you’ve got a good quality bike, don’t leave it out in the backyard; leave it indoors.

Keep it locked up inside,” recommends Mr Walker.

Holiday-savvy security Of course it’s not all opportunistic, front-door-left-open, or bike-left-outside burglaries. People often go away on holidays, only to come home to find the house and shed has been burgled.

Mr Walker has one big tip for homeowners heading away: “Don’t advertise you’re going away on social media. We all tend to do that: we live a lot

70%

increase in the number of bikes that have been stolen over the past three years.

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Home

“People create beautiful gardens that provide protection against heat and sun ... but they’re providing a curtain of coverage for a burglar to spend time to get into the window.” more of our lives on social media. Those people on Facebook who are your friends, well, are they all really your friends? Who else can see what you post?” he asks.

Lock up and be aware Mr Walker and Mr Rossi have similar tips on preventing burglary: Lock up and don’t make it easy for thieves. Start by putting locks on gates and assessing your surroundings.

Mr Rossi says beautifying your home can actually make it easier for burglars.

“People create beautiful gardens that provide protection against heat and sun on their windows, but they’re providing a curtain of coverage for a burglar to

spend time to get into the window.”

Once in, it doesn’t take long for a burglar to finish the job. “If they feel that they’re really protected, they can have up to 20–25 minutes in a home.

To open up all the cupboards and doors and have a good look only takes between 5–12 minutes.”

Garden sheds can be easy targets and often contain valuable items, so keep yours padlocked.

And consider installing a security system. It may take your home off the hit-list where there are homes nearby without security systems.

What do you do if you do get burgled? “Call the police straight away,” says Mr Rossi. “The police will advise you not to disturb the scene if possible.

If your door’s been kicked in you may need to secure that, but be very careful about disturbing anything that might be used as evidence, such as DNA.” l

Garden sheds can be easy targets and often contain valuable items, so keep yours padlocked.

Be alarmed!

Security systems vary from motiononly systems to perimeter detection systems which can be used for extra security while you’re in the home.

RAC Security can custom design a system once your security requirements are known.

Perimeter systems include shock and vibration sensors that are fitted to external windows, along with door-open sensors.

“When a perimeter device is breached or activated it initiates an alarm while the burglar is still outside the house,” says Mr Rossi.

“Having this level of security means the householder can set their system so that all the perimeter devices are active, but they can still freely move around their home or go to sleep.

Then when they go out they can set their alarm system to ‘away’ mode, where all motion and perimeter devices are activated.”

Mr Rossi says that the highest form of monitoring is control-room monitoring. “An alarm system is connected back to a 24/7 control room that will notify the owner or the police immediately.”

“When you complement an alarm system with a closed circuit television (CCTV) system then the alarm system will do the protection, and the CCTV will do the confirmation. It also provides really good evidence to police,” says Mr Rossi.

These days there’s also no need to worry about pets setting off alarms.

“RAC’s standard device has pet tolerance, so built-in smarts that can discount animals up to a certain mass (about 23 kilograms),” says Mr Rossi.

32 Horizons April / May 2017

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April / May 2017 Horizons 33

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Australian tours for the young at heart Easy paced great-value holidays, exclusively created for the 60+ traveller.

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Widen your horizons exploring the vast, treeless and mesmerising Nullarbor Plain. It’s one of Australia’s greatest road trips. This journey is not to be missed.

Highlights Half day Island tour » Island culture tour » Island progressive dinner » Island fish fry » Night as a Convict » Breakfast bushwalk » Pitcairn Settlers Village » Wonderland by night » Convict Settlement tour » Coral reef viewing.

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8/03/2017 12:21 7/03/2017 3:44:51 PMPM

Travel

Ningaloo Live / Jacob Hill

Words Louise Southerden The swimming with humpback whales experience will again be available this year.

BEYOND THE REEF Ningaloo’s natural wonders

Coral Bay and Exmouth make ideal base camps from which to explore the Ningaloo Coast, including the chance to experience the thrill of swimming with majestic humpback whales.

The boat slowed to a stop. Five swimmers, with masks and snorkels on, slid into the water and looked down. From out of the deep a shape appeared. “We heard the whale before we saw it, then another one came and they both just stopped, right next to us, barely three metres away,” says Heidi Wainwright, Manager of RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.

“When I jumped back on the boat, I was speechless.”

Ningaloo Reef has long been known as one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Now it’s one of the few places globally (including Tonga, the Dominican Republic and Queensland’s

Sunshine Coast) where you can experience another kind of unforgettable wildlife encounter – swimming with humpback whales.

Last year’s trial, initiated by the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife, will continue between August and November 2017. If it becomes a regular attraction, the Western Australian coastline, which has more than 30,000 humpbacks migrating along it each year, could become a peak viewing area.

Whales vs whale sharks How do humpback and whale shark swims compare? Ms Wainwright has

done both and says they’re very different experiences. “Whale sharks just swim past, they don’t usually change course; they can dive down, but that’s about it.

With humpbacks, they can breach and do tail-slaps, they’re playful, they all have personalities. You never know what they’re going to do.”

That unpredictability can make swimming with humpbacks tricky, and safety guidelines can also reduce your chances of an encounter: you’re not allowed to swim with mothers and calves, or with whales doing anything boisterous such as breaching or slapping their pectoral fins or tails on the surface.

36 Horizons April / May 2017

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Tourism Western Australia

Snorkelling near Coral Bay

Tourism Western Australia

Travel

Diving with whale sharks, Ningaloo Marine Park.

skim the sea, wingtips to waves, beside us. It’s more like a mini-expedition than a tour.

What’s so special about Ningaloo?

Hugging the coastline between North West Cape and Red Bluff, a distance of almost 300km, Ningaloo Reef – part of Ningaloo Marine Park, within Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area – is the longest fringing reef in Australia.

It’s also one of the healthiest coral reefs in the world, thanks to its remote desert location south of the cyclone belt (little

Shothole Canyon, Cape Range National Park

Tourism Western Australia

Australia’s Coral Coast

Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park

rain and sandy soil means minimal run-off).

Plus it’s a hotspot for the “big three” of marine creatures – humpbacks, whale sharks and manta rays – as well as more than 250 species of coral and 500 kinds of fish.

Best of all, it’s one of the world’s most accessible coral reefs, averaging just 2km from shore. Within 15 minutes of leaving the jetty at Coral Bay on our second day, this time with Ningaloo Marine Interactions, we’re snorkelling around coral bombies with loggerhead turtles and grey nurse sharks. ▼

On our day trip with Coral Bay Ecotours, one of two operators licensed to offer the new humpback swims, my friends and I try to swim with a couple of whales; each time they swim away or dive, disappearing into the blue.

But it would be impossible to call any day out on Ningaloo Reef disappointing.

We see more than a dozen whales from the boat, some at close range, and snorkel in the North West’s famously turquoise water with green turtles and rays. When we’re on the move, dolphins torpedo around the boat and brown shearwaters

April / May 2017 Horizons 37

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Travel

From submarines to satellites Exmouth’s secret history

Coral Bay Ecotours

Strict safety guidelines apply to swimming with the humpbacks at Ningaloo Marine Park.

The first Europeans, from the Dutch ship Mauritius, set foot on North West Cape in 1618 and Captain Phillip Parker King named the inlet between it and the mainland Exmouth Gulf in 1818, but Exmouth’s maritime and military connections didn’t end there.

During World War II, it had a US Navy submarine base codenamed “Operation Potshot” and an airfield that later became a military base and is now RAAF Learmonth, also the area’s main airport.

All at sea

Tourism Western Australia

The town of Exmouth was created in 1967 to support the Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station (as it was later called), also run by the US Navy, at the tip of North West Cape. Until 1992, when the Royal Australian Navy took over the station, Exmouth was a “little America” with left-hand-drive vehicles, a baseball field, and even US dollars in circulation. Today Exmouth has the largest ‘very low frequency’ (VLF) antenna array in the world, able to communicate with submerged submarines in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and, as of last year, a 60-tonne Space Surveillance Telescope relocated from the US to keep an eye on space debris.

What’s new at Ningaloo When Exmouth’s new $32 million Ningaloo Centre opens in April, it will have a new, expanded visitor centre as well as state-of-the-art museum displays showcasing the area’s unique history and natural wonders (including WA’s largest aquarium outside Perth), the first marine research centre between Perth and Darwin, and galleries, performance spaces and a library.

For updates and more information, see exmouth.wa.gov.au.

“We see more than a dozen whales from the boat, some at close range ...”

Coral Bay is one of two settlements that make ideal base camps from which to explore the reef (the other is Exmouth).

Everything about this sleepy seaside hamlet revolves around the reef, its never-ending white-sand beach and the protected lagoon in between.

You can snorkel right off the beach, take a glass-bottom boat cruise or guided sea kayaking tour of the lagoon, or swim with some of Coral Bay’s 800 resident manta rays, which are there year-round (manta swims operate from Exmouth only between June and October).

You can even enjoy the reef without getting (too) wet. Stand in the shallows at Bill’s Bay in front of Ningaloo Reef Resort on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday afternoon and you’ll see a local handfeeding dozens of spangled emperor.

And sunset from the top of a sand dune is a must; there’s one beside Ningaloo Reef Resort with a purpose-built viewing platform and a bench (get there early for a good spot).

From reef to range Drive 155km north of Coral Bay along a rifle-straight road and you’ll find yourself

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*Late checkout subject to availability. **Discount varies according to season. 20% low season, 15% mid season and 10% high season.

North West Cape

How to get there

Horizons was hosted at Ningaloo Reef Resort and Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.

Charles Knife Canyon

Stunning sunsets

Fast facts

Remember to look out too, at the big views in every direction: up and down the untouched coast and beyond the left-hand surf break below to where humpbacks cruise past and the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Final proof, that there’s more to Ningaloo than its famous reef. l

On our last afternoon, we drive to the end of North West Cape to watch the sunset from Vlamingh Head lighthouse. Named after the Dutch sailor who mapped this headland in 1696, it has a cliff-top lookout where signboards offer a snapshot of the cape’s history from Dreamtime snake Kaljura to its World Heritage values.

Tourism Western Australia

at Exmouth, on the north-east coast of North West Cape. Exmouth offers all the marine activities available in Coral Bay – it’s also closer to Turquoise Bay, one of Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches – with added terrestrial delights.

The town features cafés and quirky restaurants such as the Cadillac Bar & Grill (across the road from the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park) and a fascinating military past (see breakout ); the Potshot Memorial is worth a stop to learn about Exmouth’s involvement in the Pacific War. But its main land-based attraction is Cape Range National Park, just south of town. Driving in on Charles Knife or Shothole Canyon roads, both named after limestone gorges in the park, takes you far from the greens and blues of Ningaloo Reef, particularly during wildflower season, July to October.

That’s also the ideal time to do a few short walks. These range from the 100-metre Mangrove Bay Bird Hide Walk to the 8km Badjirrajirra Walk, best tackled early in the day when you’re most likely to see a black-footed rock wallaby or two.

There are also boat trips along Yardie Creek, to really immerse yourself in the park’s rugged karst landscape.

Tourism Western Australia

20%

Travel

Members save up to 20 per cent off* room rates and sites plus get a free late checkout** at the four RAC Parks and Resorts along the Coral Coast: RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, Ningaloo Reef Resort and RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. The offer is also available at RAC Busselton Holiday Park. For details and bookings visit parksandresorts.rac.com.au.

Tourism Western Australia

Save up to

What’s on Two big festivals this year are the Festival of the Reef in Coral Bay (21–22 May) and the annual Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival (25–29 May). See gascoyneinmay.com.au and ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com for more information.

Where to stay

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, just Exmouth is 1270km north of Perth.

10 minutes walk from town, has cabins Qantas flies daily from Perth to Exmouth’s and holiday units that sleep two to six Learmonth airport. From there, pick up people, as well as powered and unpowered a rental car or take a shuttle bus to campsites, dormitories for backpackers Exmouth (37km north) or Coral Bay or solo travellers and even “ensuite sites” (116km south). See visitningaloo.com.au for travellers with their own vans and for more information. motorhomes. There’s an outdoor pool, free wi-fi, bike rental and possibly the When to go There’s no wet season and the weather is best coffee in town (see next column).

See racparksandresorts.com.au for more. warm all year but the heat is less intense Ningaloo Reef Resort is a low-rise, familyApril–October. Whale shark season is friendly resort at Coral Bay, right on the roughly March–August, humpbacks are beach (there’s also a swimming pool) with a around June-November and Coral Bay’s good restaurant (and a public bar) featuring manta rays can be seen all year.

Vlamingh Head lighthouse

local seafood such as Exmouth prawns and Shark Bay crabs. The 34 spacious, self-contained apartments have tiled floors and verandahs, air conditioning, beach views and in-house movies.

See ningalooreefresort.com.au for more.

Don’t miss The Short Order coffee truck parked outside the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, has great espresso coffee and freshly baked treats. Open from 6.30am daily and from 5.30pm on Wednesdays for “curry night”.

What to pack Sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, seasickness medication (it can get rough outside the reef) and shopping bags; Exmouth and Coral Bay are proudly “plastic bag free”.

More information visitningaloo.com.au coralbayecotours.com.au mantaraycoralbay.com.au

April / May 2017 Horizons 39

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News and information for travellers

Travel brief

Adventure travel can be a risky business Flamenco dancing in Spain wouldn’t normally be considered a risky travel activity – unless, that is, there’s a chance you could re-inflame a previous injury on the dance floor. In contrast, ostrich riding in South Africa carries some very obvious risks.

No matter what kind of travel adventure you’re considering, before you go on holiday, take some time to think about all the risks and make sure you’re going to be appropriately covered by your travel insurance.

Ways to save on your next WA holiday When planning your next holiday in WA remember to check the range of RAC member discounts to see where you can save.

Members can access discounts on accommodation, tours and attractions as well as food outlets around the state.

For the full range of discounts and benefits visit rac.com.au/mb where you can follow the link to download our member benefits app for iPhone and Android.

To receive your discount just show your RAC membership card in-store, or quote your member number when making a booking.

Most standard travel insurance policies cover a wide range of adventure and sporting activities, but there are some special conditions and extra premiums you should be aware of.

Before you head off, let your travel consultant know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or if you’re pregnant – in most cases, you’ll still be covered while you are away.

RAC travel insurance expert, Wendy Jones, always recommends completing an online medical assessment before choosing your travel insurance policy, or calling to discuss your situation with a consultant. “You might think you can’t get cover, when in actual fact, you can,” says Ms Jones, citing a recent situation where she organised cover for a 92-year-old who was going on a cruise.

Trying something new while you’re on holiday can be fun, but before you hop on that ostrich make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected. RAC Travel Insurance automatically covers up to 56 adventure activities.

For more details, see rac.com.au/adventure.

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5:10 AM

Travel The reefs of the Mackerel Islands make for superb diving and snorkelling.

Words Kerry Faulkner Photography Mackerel Islands

Island life Escape to the Pilbara’s remote Mackerel Islands and the beachside town of Onslow for a truly immersive coastal experience.

T

urtles are legendary for being slow but watching the tiny hatchlings on Thevenard Island scurry to the water’s edge using their little flippers to push themselves through the course sand, I am amazed at just how fast they move.

Once they hit the water, they dart away into the foam, safe from the crabs and seagulls lurking on the beach to eat them.

Thevenard Island, along with Direction Island, are two of the 10 atolls off the Pilbara coast that make up the Mackerel Islands and I am right in the middle of ‘the turtle highway’ on the west beach, where

later a tangerine sunset will illuminate the sky and sea.

This stretch of coast is a safe nesting ground for huge sea turtles. On the other side of the island, on the main beach right outside the guests’ cabins, the big females are digging nests in the dunes to lay their eggs before dragging themselves back to the ocean.

Get away from it all These hatchlings are early; they normally emerge between December and March but as the staff here will tell you, anything is possible on the islands.

One excited couple on the beach even tell me they saw a whale this morning just a couple of hundred metres offshore even though the whale migration ended months ago. From June to September the humpback whales’ route north-south takes them so close to the islands you can hear them as they surface and they can often be seen from the beachfront cabins.

Island manager Jade Skotniczny, who has been based on Thevenard for the past five years, is as excited about this year’s hatchlings as if it was her first season.

Jade often rises early in the morning on rescue patrol to free any hatchlings stuck April / May 2017 Horizons 43

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in the clumps of grass on the dunes.

“I love the wildlife and lifestyle,” she says. “Remote living is so rewarding.

I don’t need crowds or big city lights and it’s nice to be able to share it with people who don’t often get to experience it.

Having been here a while, it becomes easy to point things out that guests wouldn’t normally notice.”

Jade says visitors mostly come here for the fishing, diving and to get away – in that order.

Beyond the resort, Thevenard Island is one big nature reserve where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the beaches and wildlife. Apart from the turtles; green, hawksbill and flatbacks, there are dolphins, whales, dugongs and a plethora of birdlife including ospreys with their enormous twiggy nests. There are loads of curious Ta Ta Lizards too (they appear to wave goodbye with their feet) but, happily, no snakes.

Throwing in a line from the jetty on Thevenard Island is almost guaranteed to snare a quality eating fish such as a snapper for dinner.

Fishing, diving, snorkelling That the islands draw fishing clubs from across the nation is testimony to the area’s legendary angling status. Throwing in a line from the jetty on Thevenard Island is almost guaranteed to snare a quality eating fish such as a mangrove jack for dinner, just as my travelling companion from RAC Travel, Courtney Bowen, proved.

Fishing with an island staffer who is expert in the pursuit, courtesy of years of dedicated practice, is just one of a range of daily activities on offer for guests.

Try paddle-boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball or the walking trail around the entire island that takes between two and three hours.

Serious anglers can take charters or hire boats to jag red emperor or coral trout along with many other prized species. Occasionally, from the beach, you can hear the triumphant cheers from boaties out beyond the reef, snagging the first big fish for the day.

The reefs themselves make for superb diving and snorkelling and the main one is so close to shore that you can just about walk right up to it at low tide.

Kerry Faulkner

top to bottom: Flatback turtles use the “turtle highway” at this family friendly destination; discover an unspoilt underwater wonderland; Direction Island, where you can enjoy a whole island to yourself.

An eco-tourism history The Mackerel Islands’ dedication to eco-tourism goes much deeper than its natural attractions. Powering Thevenard Island is a state-of-the-art 1080 panel solar field that can light up the entire settlement with KVA (power) to spare, a desalination plant and an environmentally-friendly

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sewage treatment system, making this community entirely self-sufficient.

To understand how these high-tech systems came to be at the heart of this remote little atoll, is to understand the islands unusual history.

Pilbara locals have been visiting regularly for decades, ever since local Onslow policeman and fishing charter operator Ian Blair and mate Adrian Day secured a lease from the government in 1964.

The current lease owner, Graham Shields, was among a bunch of farming folk who bought the lease sight unseen in 1973. At the time, it was no more than a few shacks. WA Petroleum went on to discover oil and gas just offshore in the early ’80s and developed its big North West Shelf Project. The project was expected to last five years and ran for 28 years.

In that time the Mackerel Islands team maintained a collaborative working relationship with the miners, which included developing solar power generators, fresh and waste-water treatment plants, an airstrip and boat transfer services. These developments benefitted tourism operations and were also necessary for accommodating the teams working on the North West Shelf

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Thevenard Island.

From Onslow to the islands Onslow is about a 1400km drive (or two hours flying time) north of Perth or a 300km drive south-west of Karratha and is the jumping-off point for the Mackerel Islands.

The Onslow Beach Resort and Beach Club is the buzzing social hub of the town, popular for meals, coffees, drinks, and, of course, accommodation.

It is right on Beadon Bay with views that reveal stunning sunrises across the ocean. The resort offers secure parking for Mackerel Islands visitors.

Alternative accommodation is available at the caravan park or the Beadon Bay Hotel.

From Onslow the ferry takes about 45 minutes to Thevenard Island where guests are met by an all-terrain vehicle transfer to their cabin just a short distance away. The island also has an airstrip.

Accommodation here includes 12 self-contained beachfront cabins or Club Thevenard with 30 rooms, a common kitchen, pool and barbeque

Onslow Beach Resort.

area – ideal for thrifty travellers.

Thevenard Island has a small shop selling a few groceries and beverages.

The resort can supply prepare-yourown food packages for guests as part of the booking or travellers can do a shop in Onslow and take it across on the boat with them.

Direction Island (11km off Onslow) has a big, single rustic cabin ideal for groups of up to eight or for couples who may just want an entire island to themselves.

The island has become popular all year round. In summer, it’s mainly the Pilbara locals, who are accustomed to the heat. In the winter months it’s often holidaymakers looking to shake off the winter blues, with the high season being early April to late October.

Here you can pack light – there’s no dressing for dinner. You’ll spend most of your time in bathers and thongs but throw in a cardigan for breezy nights and something a little bit dressier for the Onslow Beach Resort.

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Project on the adjacent lease area. This early infrastructure laid the foundation for the island to develop into the resort it is today.

When mining finished, the fledgling settlement was forced to become selfsufficient, offering its residents the opportunity to develop these facilities with a focused ecotourism approach. And the future is looking good.

In 2017 it will have a new casual beachside bar and dining area overlooking the main beach. The remaining mining plant, including the three storage tanks (a familiar landmark for navigators), will also be dismantled.

Little-known gem Perhaps this slow-burn history from miners’ settlement to eco-resort is the reason few really know much about the chilled-out Mackerel Islands, including those who have lived in the Pilbara for years.

Onslow, as the main jumping off point for island exploration, is a unique coastal town, with about 800 permanent residents and several thousand resource industry workers residing about 12km from town, who come and go from Onslow to partake in the town’s expanding offerings.

Tourist information centre staffer Tanith McCaw says the Wheatstone mine runs public tours in the main visitor season from May to October, however these will end once the mine is out of “construction phase” so be sure to check at the centre for details.

Tanith also revealed a special spot that most locals prefer to keep to themselves – the pretty campsites along the Ashburton River, just out of town.

The river is wide and full, its banks lined with shady gums and native grasses that fat cattle from nearby stations love to graze (mining billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s cattle station Minderoo is one of them). It’s like a scene from a Frederick McCubbin painting.

“Spend a day out at the Ashburton River; take a fishing rod and have a barbecue lunch and if you have a four-wheel drive make sure you go out the river mouth,” Tanith says.

Continue down this road and you’ll come to the remnants of the original Onslow town – referred to as Old Onslow. The gaol is among the few buildings that survived, with its brutal broken-glass-topped walls.

Clear waters at Thevenard Island; (below) chartering a boat is a great option for serious anglers.

Exploring further afield Built in 1885, the settlement was moved to its current coastal location in 1925 after a variety of weather and environmental conditions continued to disrupt the transportation of cargo (livestock and wool) to and from ships off the coast. If you visit Old Onslow, take a break at the Welcome Rest Stop facility. It has a shaded picnic table with laser-cut Aboriginal artwork casting shadows during the day, solar-powered lighting at night, toilets and a free wi-fi hotspot.

With this excellent mix of wildlife, fishing, outdoor activities and history, this little-known spot in WA is sure to grow in popularity with visitors from right across the state. l Horizons travelled courtesy of Mackerel Islands.

Round out the ocean part of your trip with some outback adventure. Popular Karijini National Park (453km east of Onslow via Nanutarra) and Millstream Chichester National Park (430km north-east via Pannawonica) both offer beautifully rugged landscapes and abundant camping facilities. The three-day Pannawonica Robe River Rodeo takes place in early September.

Onslow tourist bureau’s Tanith McCaw says visitors increasingly want an Indigenous experience and she recommends Clinton Walker’s Aboriginal Cultural Tours to Millstream and Gregory’s Gorge. He can also guide visitors through the Burrup Peninsula’s phenomenal rock art collection (near Karratha) – the largest concentration of rock art in the world.

Continuing north, Cossack (about 50km north-east of Karratha) is famous for its well-preserved port and pearling industry historical buildings, art gallery and rich art awards both of which feature many local Indigenous artists.

46 Horizons April / May 2017

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Words Vanessa Mulquiney

Choosing the right restraint Booster seats Dogs love to see what’s going on outside the window and a booster seat allows smaller dogs to sit a little higher. If you choose a booster, be sure to also use a harness that will keep your dog safely anchored, so they won’t projectile should you have to brake quickly.

Barriers If you have a large dog (such as a retriever or labrador), and own a sedan or fourwheel drive, temporary or permanent barriers are an excellent option. Your dog will have plenty of room to stretch out in the back of the car, especially on longer trips. Get the barrier measured correctly and securely fixed in place.

Pets on board They’re part of the family so why not take them on family holidays? We look at how to make your next road trip with your furry best friend a happy and safe one.

Across Australia, each state imposes varied rules and regulations regarding dog car travel. In Western Australia it is illegal for a dog to travel on the lap of the driver. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act states that if a pet is injured in a car as a result of being unrestrained, owners can expect fines of up to $5500 and up to six months in jail.

Regardless of the fines that might be imposed, pets that are left to roam in a car (or on a driver’s lap) are at risk of causing the driver to lose control, potentially threatening passengers in the car, other motorists and pedestrians, and the pet itself. The lesson? Always keep your dog and cat safe by restraining them.

Seatbelts and harnesses If your dog is a happy car traveller, sitting upright on the back seat using a harness with seat-belt attachment or a specialised car harness is the safest option. NRMA tested six harnesses and only two passed testing – Petlife Roadie and Sleepypod’s Clickit. They both restrained the dummy dog when the car propelled forward.

Transport carriers/crates Carriers and crates work best for smaller dogs that, by nature, are anxious and especially so in unpredictable environments such as a moving vehicle.

The carrier should be securely fitted with the seatbelt. If you have a long journey ahead, be sure to let your dog out for toilet stops and to stretch their legs.

▼

A road trip without taking every member of your family – including the four-legged ones – just isn’t much of a holiday. And accommodation providers are increasingly catering to holidaying pets, but it’s important to ensure your pets are always safe and secure when travelling in the car.

As a general rule, dogs make better car travellers than cats, but all animals need to be safe and secure while travelling in the car or campervan. Window surfing pups – dogs that hang their head out the car window – can be amusing, but it’s a highly unsafe practice. A recent NRMA report states: if you’re driving 60km per hour with an unrestrained 20kg dog in your car and it gets thrown onto you, the impact is the same as if it had hit you from a third-floor balcony. Why take the risk?

April / May 2017 Horizons 49

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Motoring

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Dog-friendly RAC Parks and Resorts

Pet-friendly holiday options in WA SOUTH WEST Busselton Marina B&B Located just 500m from Geographe dog beach, Busselton Marina B&B is a short walk away from most amenities, most notably a dog-friendly café, Sensations, is a seven-minute walk away from the beach. Self-contained two-bedroom suites with private entrance, free wi-fi and parking, air con and flat screen TV with cable channel access and DVD. Dogs are welcome inside the apartments and dog beds are provided; there’s no pet bond or extra fees required. Devonshire tea is also provided upon arrival – a lovely touch for tired travellers. busseltonmarinabednbreakfast.com.au

COAST Winter Sun Caravan Park

RAC’s Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Cervantes Holiday Park are all dogfriendly resorts. Restrictions and conditions apply – for more information, go to parksandresorts. rac.com.au/pet-guidelines.

A popular accommodation with TripAdvisor fans (it nabbed the top spot three years running), Wintersun Caravan and Tourist Park in Carnarvon boasts spacious caravan and camping sites, as well as self-contained chalet accommodation, with pets welcome at all caravan and camping sites and selected chalets and cabins. Pets are permitted inside but not on the furniture or bedding and dogs must have their own bedding.

There is also a children’s playground, free wi-fi and laundry facilities. For four-legged guests, there’s an off-leash exercise area, free doggy bags and a designated washing machine for pet bedding. wintersuncaravanpark.com.au

GREAT SOUTHERN Emu Beach Chalets Located in Albany, Emu Beach Chalets offers guests well maintained, practical amenities including laundry facilities, ample space for boats and free wi-fi.

The area itself is perfect for nature lovers: clean swimming beaches, whale watching, harbour cruises and walking and cycling trails. Pets are well looked after, too – dog beds and bowls are provided free of charge and there are plenty of areas where dogs and humans can enjoy exploring. emubeachchalets.com.au

Travel checklist n Do an online search for dog-friendly beaches and parks and plan stops where they can be exercised. n According to the Department of Parks and Wildlife (dpaw.wa.gov. au), pets are not allowed in national parks and fines can be applied. There are some areas of state forest, water catchments and reserves where dogs can be walked on lead but it’s best to check the website before travelling. n Fox and feral cat baiting also takes place from time to time in state forests. For their own safety, dogs should be kept on lead. Again, check the website before planning your trip.

50 Horizons April / May 2017

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Words Lucy Siebert Photography South Australia Tourism Commission

A TRIP BACK IN TIME A week-long meander along the Murray River on a paddlewheeler is a treat for history buffs and wildlife lovers alike.

S

ummer afternoons on the mighty Murray River take on a sedate pace. The South Australian sun beats down as flocks of corellas soar and squawk overhead.

The rhythmic rumble of the PS Murray Princess’s paddlewheel that is powering our journey is a reminder of times gone by when hundreds of paddlewheelers plied these waters.

That era is long gone – now a busy day on the river is spotting a few fishermen pottering along in tinnies in the shallows.

Humans may be few and far between, but the wildlife is everywhere. Keen bird-watchers are spoilt for choice and I spot a kangaroo and two joeys splashing their way through flooded plains – in late 2016 the river is higher than it has been for years and many caravan parks and riverside parking areas are under water.

The water level, however, is nothing like the great flood of 1956, as we learn from the many markers along the route from Loxton to Mannum on this seven-day river adventure. This special trip has daily stops at towns and attractions, many of which also feature in the standard three- and four-night itineraries.

As the PS Murray Princess meanders along, we spot rows of houseboats moored near towns – a reminder that come school holidays, the river will once again be busy, as families and watersports enthusiasts take to the water.

For now, however, gloriously, the Murray is all ours. When on board I’m at my happiest on the sun deck, where guests get a front-row seat of navigating the locks and bridges along the way. Some of these manoeuvres are tricky, with the PS Murray Princess being the largest inland

paddlewheeler in the southern hemisphere.

From the sun deck I take in the view of the iconic sandstone cliffs. The cliffs glow differently as the light changes through the day – early risers are rewarded with sparkling dawn reflections, while at sunset the golden limestone is tinged with pink from the glowing setting sun. And what sunsets we are blessed with – day after day the skies are slashed with reds, pinks and oranges.

It’s easy to adjust to the sedate pace of paddlewheel travel – guests chug between the dining room, and the lounge, sun deck, library or their cabins. On-board entertainment ranges from trivia, bingo and sing-alongs. Evening entertainment is livelier, with the likes of the ‘Murray River Cup’ race and after-dinner dancing. Wi-fi in public areas means guests can stay in touch with loved ones – even at times when there isn’t any mobile phone coverage.

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Travel top to bottom: Loxton’s Hut stands at the Historic Loxton Village, which brings the region’s German heritage to life; meet the friendly locals along the way and take in the view at the panoramic lookout point in Morgan.

Morgan Another historical highlight is the town of Morgan, which in the late 1800s was a busy transit point for the paddlewheeler industry. It had the busiest railway line in South Australia, with six trains a day departing for Adelaide.

Some of the wharf, which was constructed from red gum and blue gum, and was extended three times between 1877 and 1912, remains. Another highlight is Landseer’s Warehouse, which opened ahead of the railway in 1878 and now houses the Morgan Museum.

Carmine’s Antiques is also well worth a visit – the shop is a treasure trove of goodies from a bygone time.

Wandering along the Morgan Heritage Walk on a hot afternoon, I pass just one or two locals. The bustling days of times gone by feel like a long time ago indeed. Before heading back on board I join some other PS Murray Princess guests at the Terminus Hotel – not to be confused with the Commercial Hotel – the two historic pubs face each other on opposite street corners.

Overland Hotel

Heading onto dry land Despite the relaxing pace of travel, there are daily opportunities to spring into action and explore some of the Riverland’s most fascinating towns and attractions.

Loxton At the Historic Loxton Village we explore typical Riverland life during the late-1800s.

The village includes a collection of original buildings from the region that highlight the area’s strong German Lutheran influences.

The story of the 1956 flood is brought to life through an exhibition but the highlight is Loxton’s Hut, the original dwelling of William Charles Loxton, which stands proudly in its original site. The building, made of native tree trunks, limestone and a mix of straw and mud, remarkably stands strong, despite the passage of time.

Guests also have time to explore present-day Loxton’s boutiques, cafés and beautifully maintained gardens – the town is known as the ‘Garden Town of the Riverland’.

An equally historic attraction and one that is even further off the beaten track is the Overland Corner Hotel near Overland Corner, one of PS Murray Princess’s overnight mooring spots. Founded in 1859, the building is the oldest in the Riverland and was an important resting point for overlanders and drovers travelling between NSW and Adelaide.

Here you’ll hear tales about the bushranger Captain Moonlite (or Andrew George Scott) and it is well worth spending

some time in the small museum and examining the original photos throughout the building that tell the stories of the hotel’s many characters over the years.

Ngaut Ngaut A few days later, we learn more about the area’s Indigenous history at the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.

Here local guides greet us and share the long history of the stunningly beautiful site, which is also Australia’s first official archaeological dig from 1927. Researchers discovered from the charcoal layers left by fires within the limestone that the site has been continually occupied for more than 8000 years. We learn about the meanings behind the site’s rock art and take the wooden walkway up to the lookout point, although there are burial sites there, so it’s essential that all visitors stick to the paths.

Caudo Winery While the trip offers plenty for history buffs, there are also lots of other activities to keep everyone occupied.

A morning stop at the pretty Caudo Winery is a chance to taste local beers, wines and cheeses among manicured gardens while learning more about wine production in the Riverland. It’s an idyllic spot to sit back and soak up some sun and the river views.

Farming life During the trip, life on a traditional Aussie farm is also brought to life by local auctioneer, sheep shearer, farmer, tourist guide and owner of Big Bend Adventures, Dave, who is a big hit with guests.

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Transport

Captain Cook Cruises

top to bottom: Visit Riverland wineries and taste local wines onboard; fun at the sheep races at Big Bend.

Go wild on KI

A great add-on to any visit to Adelaide and South Australia is Kangaroo Island – a paradise for wildlife lovers and foodies alike.

The native wildlife are the true star of the show on Australia’s third largest island. Opt for a guided 4x4 tour to get up close and personal to the likes of kangaroos, koalas and penguins.

Be sure to sample KI oysters – with more than 540km of spectacular coastline, this is some of the freshest seafood around.

Other must-try treats include sheep’s cheese and organic honey, and with more than nine cellar doors, a designated driver is a must.

Get there on daily ferries from Cape Jervis (crossings take 45 minutes) or a Rex-operated flight from Adelaide.

Self-drive holidays or guided coach tours are available – contact your RAC Travel consultant for more.

At one point I find myself pondering: “do I really need this sheep?” You need to be a quick-thinker during a frenetic sheep auction in the South Australian bush and another bidder snaps up Sue the sheep.

Luckily for me, it turns out Sue is not a fast-moving ewe and she comes in last in the highly competitive sheep race that follows the auction.

Despite already expending his efforts by shearing a massive merino, followed by the auction, Dave isn’t finished yet – he goes on to put on an impressive demonstration of his whip skills – knocking a $20 note out of a willing, but terrified, guest’s hand. Happily, she walks away with both hands intact.

It’s then time for a barbecue on the riverbank. It’s the perfect setting for cold beverages and sizzling lamb chops, sausages, kangaroo steaks and a selection of salads. The revelry goes on after dinner, with the crew leading campfire games and guests joining in the fun to share poetry and some harmonica music.

Returning to the cabins and brushing off the red dust from my shoes is all the more sweet knowing that more fun will follow tomorrow at the bush tucker breakfast.

Dave returns to collect a small group in his wagon contraption and we bounce our way along the dirt track back to the location of the sheep auction. Today, there’s not a farm animal in sight – perfectly placed Champagne flutes await us on top of a crumbling, ancient Morris Minor, alongside bottles of cold bubbles and orange juice.

First up is kangaroo sausage, scrambled eggs seasoned with bush herbs, award-winning bacon from the Barossa, samphire (a tasty native succulent) and grilled tomatoes. That’s followed by wattleseed toast and lashings of homemade lemon myrtle butter, quandong jam and wild lime marmalade. Finally we finish with fluffy wattleseed pancakes with desert passion syrup and billy tea.

Sitting alongside the red gum trees, dwarfed by golden cliffs, the Murray flowing gently by and the corellas and cockatoos swirling above – it’s the perfect spot to ponder all of South Australia’s characters and pioneers that came before us. l Horizons travelled courtesy of Captain Cook Cruises

Fast facts What to expect The ship

Travel on the PS Murray Princess is comfortable. State rooms offer more space and include tea and coffee making facilities. All cabins have a nightly turndown service.

Dining

Breakfast is a buffet with a daily special, while lunches and dinners vary from three-set courses to buffets, with the seafood buffet on the final night being a highlight. Passengers are allocated tables for dinners for the cruise duration.

Who’s it for?

The relaxed pace and double cabins means it is best for older couples or singles. For passengers with mobility issues, there is a lift, although embarking and disembarking along the scrubby areas can be tricky, especially when the water is high.

What to wear?

Mostly casual attire. Take a light raincoat and something warm, even in summer.

What’s not included?

Drinks, speciality coffees and the bushtucker breakfast.

What to pack Insect repellent, wide-brimmed hat and sensible walking shoes. Hair dyers aren’t provided in cabins but can be borrowed.

A state room

Captain Cook Cruises operates weekly three, four and seven-night Murray River cruises. Two special sevennight cruises will operate in December 2017 between Mannum and Renmark, one of which is a Christmas cruise. The Loxton to Mannum cruise will return in November 2018. For more information contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179.

54 Horizons April / May 2017

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Southbound Voyage

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*Fares shown are cruise only lead in interior or ocean view accommodation twin share per person, in AUD and include port and government charges. (including GST when applicable) Gratuities not included and are payable on board. 'On Buy One Get One Free Offer', 1st Passenger pays full price, 2nd Passenger cruises for free. Offer is valid until 30 June 2017 or until sold out and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Both 1st and 2nd passenger must be booked together and travel in the same cabin to be eligible for this offer. Cabins are subject to availability at time of booking. Cabins on a guarantee basis will not be assigned until closer to the cruise departure date. Single passenger must pay a single supplement. This offer is not applicable with any other discounts or offers. Prices are governed by the terms and conditions listed in the current CMV brochure December 2016. Cancellation fees and conditions apply. Agents may charge service fees and /or fees for card payments which vary.

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Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about this insurance.

This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Its managing agent, Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 69 004 488 455 (TMMA) is authorised to act on behalf of Tokio Marine & Nichido to issue its policies and handle and settle claims in relation to those policies, subject to the terms of the authority. ^Children & Grandchildren are covered at no extra cost, provided they do not require a medical assessment.

April / May 2017 Horizons 55

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

Infiniti Q30

F

or a newcomer, muscling in on what has been a shrinking market for premium small cars will be a tall order.

To play on this turf, it would need to seriously threaten the established occupants of the category such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and MercedesBenz A-Class.

This is what the Infiniti Q30 has to contend with. While that may sound ambitious, the Q30 does have some tricks up its sleeve.

The Q30 gets something of a head start given it shares the same platform as the MercedesBenz A-Class, which itself has enjoyed deserved popularity.

As well as a common chassis and engines, the Q30 shares other items with the A-Class,

including the steering wheel, ignition key, window switches and other interior styling elements.

So the Q30 does have credible underpinnings, but it also has its own distinct character.

Infiniti said it invested heavily in the Q30’s body design.

It shows, with aggressively hiked-up hind quarters, multiple creases in the front quarter panels and a double-arched front grille.

It stands out on the road, especially in Western Australia, where Infiniti vehicles are thin on the ground. When we road tested it, it was obvious other drivers were wondering what it was.

Infiniti describes the Q30 as a ‘compact crossover’ implying

Infiniti Q30 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

it has a level of off road ability, but don’t let that fool you – all variants in the Q30 range come in front-wheel drive only. Slightly more off-road ability comes with the all-wheel drive QX30.

Under the bonnet, the Q30 has the options of two turbo petrol engines (a 1.6-litre with 115kW and a 2.0-litre with 155kW) and one 2.2-litre turbo diesel that makes 125kW and 350Nm.

from $43,250 drive away 1.6-litre turbo petrol 115kW @ 5300rpm 250Nm @ 1250rpm 6.0L/100km 139g/km ★★★★★

The Q30’s interior is well finished and has a suitably premium feel, enhanced by the curvaceous dash design and materials such as dinamica, which Infiniti says is an Italian suede-like material used in the high-fashion industry.

A major omission from the entry-level Q30 models is a rear camera, which is standard only on the top-ofthe-range model. l

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Test drive Mazda turned its thinking towards … an engine with diesel-like torque and economy, but with petrol-like smoothness and quietness.

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

Mazda CX-9

M

azda knew it had to do something radical with the CX-9.

Before the launch of the completely new one in July 2016, the CX-9 was the only vehicle in Mazda’s range that wasn’t pulling its weight.

Disregarding minor cosmetic changes, the previous CX-9 had been around since 2007, complete with its thrusty, if thirsty, 3.7-litre petrol V6. It was the oldest model in the segment.

In devising its new large SUV for the second decade of the 21st century, Mazda turned its thinking towards a power plant with the best of both worlds: an engine with diesel-like torque and economy, but with petrollike smoothness and quietness.

Could it really be done?

Mazda’s engineers focused on the development of a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. At the same time, there was a focus on weight saving.

The engine was tuned to develop decent torque at low revs, without being short on power in the higher rev ranges. It was also made to be much lighter on fuel than its V6 predecessor.

Then, with nearly 100kg safely taken out of the vehicle, engineers could afford to add extra sound-deadening material to make the new CX-9 much quieter.

The result is that it has gone from thirstiest large SUV in the category to the thriftiest – at least among the petrol-powered ones. Its interior refinement is also excellent.

Mazda CX-9 specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

from $47,425 drive away 2.5-litre turbo petrol 170kW @ 5000rpm 420Nm @ 2000rpm 8.4L/100km (FWD) 197g/km (FWD) ★★★★★

In the ADR test, the all-wheel drive CX-9 uses 8.8 litres per 100km, though around town we used 11.0L/100km. That’s still excellent for a petrol SUV with this amount of interior space and weighing nearly two tonnes.

The CX-9 also excels in its safety equipment. Most notable that autonomous braking is standard no matter which variant you buy – a genuine milestone for the category.

The new CX-9 isn’t perfect though – an issue for Western Australian buyers in particular is the lack of air vents for the third row occupants.

We also found the rear hatch could have opened higher so lankier folk over 185cm tall don’t have to stoop to get under it.

Overall though, the new CX-9 is not an evolution of the last model – it’s a giant leap and a new benchmark for the class.l April / May 2017 Horizons 57

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Test drive

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

W

hat do you do if you need a new seven-seat SUV with real off-road ability but don’t want to spend more than $60,000 on a large four-wheel drive?

Well, a twin-cab ute-based wagon is one option. The past two years have seen this segment suddenly populated by the likes of the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and this, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The Pajero Sport is based on the same platform as the Triton twin-cab ute, and replaced the Challenger, which was also based on the Triton of the time.

However, the Pajero Sport is a markedly better vehicle than the Challenger, most notably in the way it functions as a substitute for a passenger vehicle.

Compared with the Challenger, the Pajero Sport’s build quality, refinement and ride quality are significantly improved. A big contributor to the latter is the Pajero Sport’s three-link coil spring rear suspension, which replaces the leaf springs that were in the Challenger and are still in the Triton.

The Pajero Sport variant we tested was the GLS, which is the mid-spec model, sitting below the top-of-the-range Exceed and above the entry-level GLX. What really surprised us was the quality of the interior, which is a marked improvement over the Challenger and on par with its rivals.

Like other vehicles in this class, the Pajero Sport has selectable drive modes for

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

different terrains, which make use of low-range gearing, a locking centre differential, high ground clearances and good wheel articulation.

However, these features can also compromise its handling on sealed roads, so consumers will need to weigh up their priorities.

The 2.3-litre turbo diesel makes 133kW and 430Nm. The bigger news is the new eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps

$51,000 drive away (GLS 7-seater) 2.4-litre turbo petrol 133kW @ 3500rpm 430Nm @ 2500rpm 8.0L/100km 212g/km ★★★★★

keep fuel consumption down to 8.0L/100km.

The third row seats are handy for those seeking some extra seating, but folding them up and down is an involved experience.

Safety equipment in the Pajero Sport is right up to expectations, scoring five stars from ANCAP. Overall, the Pajero Sport is a rugged, reasonably affordable family off roader – just remember: it’s happiest when the going gets tough. l

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Test drive We strongly recommend waiting until the safety of the updated Mustang is assessed and basing any purchasing decision on this.

Alex Forrest

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

Ford Mustang GT

T

he current Ford Mustang GT was on sale in Australia for just over a year before it was discovered the car has one potentially fatal flaw: its two-star ANCAP vehicle safety rating.

The arrival in December 2015 of the first Ford factory-built right-hand drive Mustangs to be sold in Australia in over 50 years was hotly anticipated, with demand far-outstripping supply.

Waiting lists in Western Australia stretched to six months, and nationally the car out-sold the next most popular sports car by a factor of almost three.

However, when the Mustang was crash-tested by EuroNCAP, the European affiliate of ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program),

it was found to be seriously lacking in three critical areas of vehicle safety.

These comprised its ability to protect adult occupants, child occupants and the ability to avoid a crash.

Despite its appeal, the fact it provides marginal occupant protection in a crash and does not offer safety assist systems such as autonomous braking, rear seatbelt reminders or lane departure warning systems, should raise alarms to potential buyers.

In January 2017, Ford said a revised Mustang would have added safety assist features, but this vehicle is yet to be assessed

by ANCAP or its affiliates. In 2016, more than 6200 of the two-star rated Mustangs were sold Australia-wide.

Ford Mustang GT specifications Price Engine Power Torque Claimed fuel economy CO 2 emissions ANCAP safety rating

The car itself is the definitive modern interpretation of the classic muscle car. It’s not outrageously priced, it’s fast enough and its proportions make no compromises for practicality or packaging.

The driving position accentuates the low window line and long bonnet, enhancing the classic muscle carexperience in what is a new car.

Unfortunately, it’s the tremendous appeal of the

$66,550 plus on roads 5.0-litre V8 petrol 306kW @ 6500rpm 530Nm @ 4250rpm 12.6L/100km 293g/km ★★

Mustang that makes its two-star ANCAP safety rating so concerning – thousands of Australians have already purchased one.

We strongly recommend waiting until the safety of the updated Mustang is assessed and basing any purchasing decision on this.

Prices start at $51,300 drive away for the 2.3-litre four cylinder manual version, ranging up to $74,500 for the V8 auto convertible. The V8 auto coupe we tested costs $66,550. l April / May 2017 Horizons 59

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60 Horizons April / May 2017

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What’s new

The latest news from the motoring world

Female rallying first Subaru driver Molly Taylor has become the first female to win the Australian Rally Championship. Ms Taylor clinched the title in the final two stages of the last rally round of the 2016 season, which was held near Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.

Her co-driver, Bill Hayes, also won the co-drivers’ championship. They were in a Subaru WRX STI NR4.

“Talk about taking it down to the wire!”

Ms Taylor said. “We knew we had to give it everything on those last two stages after a really consistent run all weekend and we pushed so hard.” The first round of the 2017 ARC takes place near Busselton and Nannup from 21 April.

Plug-in cat Once known as an upholder of vehicle tradition, Jaguar’s transformation in recent years into a keen automotive innovator has continued with the introduction of its electricpowered SUV concept named the I-Pace. Jaguar has said the purely electric vehicle will have a range of about 500km, meaning most owners will only have to recharge it once a week. The battery will be located under the floor and between the wheels, keeping the centre of gravity low.

The production version is set to be unveiled later this year.

Ferrari’s hybrid future Ferrari has announced it could be making only hybrid vehicles from 2019. The revelation came after the company said it may increase its annual production to more than 10,000 vehicles, which would place it under stricter emissions requirements.

That may be a blow to purists concerned the great brand will soon be producing Prius-like vehicles, but they need not worry too much. Currently, Ferrari only makes one hybrid, the LaFerrari, which produces 708kW, or the equivalent of about seven Priuses.

Graduate milestone The classic 1960s movie The Graduate turns five decades old this year. Apart from kick-starting Dustin Hoffman’s acting career, challenging some taboos and breaking box-office records, the movie also struck a chord with car lovers. The main reason for that was the gorgeous Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider driven somewhat erratically on screen by Hoffman. Three Alfa Spiders were used in the making of the film, and according to the US Alfa club, two survive.

April / May 2017 Horizons 61

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Need new tyres?

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Book your stay at any RAC property 30 days or more in advance and save 10%

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au *T&Cs apply. For travel until 01/04/18. Book 30 days or more in advance and save 10% off your booking.

Available to select accommodation types only. All offers are subject to availability and only limited allocations of product, and product types are offered on sale rate, available until sold out. See full details on website.

62 Horizons April / May 2017

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Ask the car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

A: There is no definitive

timeframe for when a car reaches the end of its useful life. More likely than any significant mechanical signs is you will reach a point where the vehicle increasingly requires maintenance and then major repairs in order to keep it running and roadworthy.

For most people, the deciding factor will be balancing the cost of those repairs against the vehicle’s market value.

That tipping point may be well beyond 200,000km. Many vehicles can travel more than 200,000km with only regular maintenance and minor repairs, and this milestone doesn’t always mean the vehicle’s time is up.

Q Q

I bought a new Honda Jazz in 2009 and had it serviced at a registered dealer at the correct intervals. As I do not drive much, the 40,000km service was performed when my four-year-old car had almost reached 20,000km and it was just 6000km since the previous (supposed 30,000km) service. The cost of the 40,000km service was $780, which we thought was excessive. My question is, for a car that is not used often, what sort of service maintenance does it require?

Doreen

A: Yes, vehicle servicing

can be expensive, particularly at intervals where major work is required. While this can seem excessive where only low kilometres are covered, servicing typically covers

items that are susceptible to both usage and age, and the manufacturer’s servicing recommendations should be adhered to. However, you are not obliged to service your vehicle at a dealer and more affordable servicing may be available from qualified independent workshops that can carry out the work as recommended by the manufacturer.

Q

I have a 2000 Toyota Echo with 175,000km travelled. It is serviced regularly and is running just fine. What symptoms would be expected from a car approaching its end of life?

Are there guidelines, and what are these? Someone told me that mileage of 200,000km is pretty much it.

Novy, Nollamara

I have noticed that many cars appear to have a common problem with patchy paint on their roof and bonnet and boot. I would guess this is caused by the sun. It is starting to develop on my ’96 Mazda, which is usually parked under cover at home and out in the open at work. Is there any remedy to prevent it from spreading?

Allan, Ferndale

A: Due to the age of the

vehicle this would suggest the paint and its protection are starting to break down. There is no guarantee further fading won’t occur, however it can be slowed. Ensure you wash your vehicle at least once a month and keep treating the paintwork with a good brand of UV-resistant wax and polish.

Keep the vehicle under cover and away from UV light and weather extremes as much as possible. Do not park vehicles under trees that produce sap or plants that attract a lot of birds. Also, if the vehicle is exposed to salt water, salt air, mud or red dirt, wash and polish the vehicle as soon as you can.

You can be a winner If your question is published you will receive a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2017 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory from RAC Travel, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

See page 81 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 daytime 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.

April / May 2017 Horizons 63

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Member Lounge People, places, prizes and RAC news

Our classic winner

Microsleeps fatal for fatigued drivers It is estimated a driver who has been awake for 21 hours has a driving ability similar to someone with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 – three times the legal limit.

Microsleeps, where a driver falls asleep at the wheel for a few seconds, can be fatal and are the main cause of fatiguerelated crashes where a driver runs off the road.

Vehicle safety technology is going some way towards minimising the risk of fatiguerelated crashes. The most common driver fatigue detection systems monitor how the car is ‘behaving’. Any erratic movements activate the system and the driver is ‘woken up’ via an audible alert.

There are also a number of systems, mostly used in industrial settings such as mining that, measure eye and head movements to determine if fatigue is an issue.

Ashleigh Taylor, who is the proud owner of an MGB Roadster Convertible, was the winner of the RAC Insurance ‘My Classic Car Story’ competition. Ashleigh’s classic car is now covered by RAC Classic Car Insurance for 12 months.

“This is my 1978 MGB Roadster Convertible. I bought it from a lovely old gentleman who used to be a mechanic and spent a large portion of his time fixing it. It now runs beautifully.

“My car gets compliments wherever I go and I always make sure it’s beautifully polished and looking its best.

“There’s something special about the (very loud) purr of the engine and the unique character it has. I’m looking forward to many balmy summer nights driving it up the coast with the wind in my hair,” says Ashleigh.

To find out more about RAC Classic Car Insurance, visit rac.com.au/classiccar.

If you’re heading away this Easter or school holidays the best prevention against driver fatigue is always getting plenty of rest and, if possible, sharing long road trips with another driver.

Planning your trip in advance and taking rest breaks along the way is also important. Short breaks help you refocus once you’re back behind the wheel.

To ensure you can always share the driving on long trips no matter who you travel with, RAC’s Comprehensive Car Insurance includes Open Driver Cover which means any other licensed driver can drive your car without affecting your cover. Open Driver Cover conditions apply. To find out more, visit rac.com.au/insurance.

64 Horizons April / May 2017

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Member Lounge RAC members get 10% off tyres Visit rac.com.au/ tyres

Simple car checks for your Easter road trip Carrying out some easy car maintenance checks before you hit the road this Easter break can help your holiday stay on track.

Before you leave, check your car’s fluid levels including engine oil, water and coolant to ensure they are clean and topped up. Make sure your battery is in good condition and tyres are correctly inflated, including the spare.

During a long trip a dangerous buildup of heat can occur in under-inflated tyres. Check the tread depth as worn tyres can be even more dangerous when travelling at high speeds. We recommend changing your tyres when the tread depth reaches 3mm.

If towing a caravan or trailer, check your car’s manual for maximum

RAC Auto Services can check your car to make sure you stay safe this Easter. All services include a comprehensive safety check along with battery and tyre checks.

towing capacity and make sure you don’t exceed it by overloading the trailer.

To ensure you’re covered for a breakdown a long way from home consider upgrading to a different level of roadside assistance. RAC’s Ultimate Plus Roadside Assistance is well suited to motorists driving long distances and includes up to 300km round-trip towing in regional areas.

To get your car ready for your next road trip call 13 17 03.

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To enter Send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/HEMA HX-1 GPO Box 2944 Perth WA 6800 See page 81 for terms and conditions

RAC members save $100 on the HX-1 Navigator

WIN

a Pets on Holiday guidebook Pets on Holiday answers questions all travel-loving pet owners have: where can I take my pet on holiday, and what can I do with them once we’re there?

This 435-page curated guide to Australia’s most pet-inclusive destinations features 650 holiday listings in every state and territory.

Covering a swathe of options – from caravan parks to luxury cottages, this guide is packed with useful info about pet policies and perks, outlined in easy to understand icons. Plus, the book features great pet-friendly places to eat, walk and play while you’re on holiday.

To enter For your chance to win a copy of Pets on Holiday visit rac.com.au/ petsholiday and complete the online entry form, or send your name, address, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Pets on Holiday GPO Box 2949 Perth WA 6800 Visit rac.com.au/hx1 or call 9436 4840.

Member price $595 (RRP $699).

New fuel discount offer at Puma Energy As an RAC member you can enjoy four cents per litre off the pump price of fuel at more than 67 participating Puma Energy, Gull and Peak Service Stations by simply showing your RAC membership card.

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

See page 81 for terms and conditions.

To find out more about travelling with your pet, see page 49.

Other new member discounts In 2016 we also introduced member discounts at Magic Hand Carwash, Shofer, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Bikemore, Mobistorage and more.

To find out where you can save, visit rac.com.au/mb.

April / May 2017 Horizons 65

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Win a year's worth of car washes RAC members save 10% off all wash and detailing services at Australia’s number one carwash – Magic Hand Carwash.

During the months of April and May, get your car washed or detailed at any of Magic's locations in WA and you could win a year's worth of washes and a Mini Detail.

For more details visit rac.com.au/carwash Member benefit terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/carwash for more details.

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WIN A CAR Get Road Ready with RAC’s road safety program for teens and be in with the chance to win a 2016 Mazda2 Maxx!

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April / May 2017 Horizons 69

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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME & SAVE ENJOY 10% OFF FULL-PRICED ITEMS* AND 5% OFF CLEARANCE ITEMS* on a premium selection of furniture, lighting, bedding, tableware, gifts, kitchenware and much more from four iconic brands

Present your RAC member card in store at 635 Hay Street Mall, Perth or shop online at rac.com.au/mb

*Discount applies to full-priced items online or in Perth store locations only. Extra 5% off clearance applies only to prices ending in $0.95. Full-priced electrical appliances at Williams-Sonoma are entitled to a 5% discount only. Offer not valid for limited-time sale items, gift cards, gift wrap, delivery charges or previous purchases. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers, promotion codes or discounts (including New Mover and Trade programs). For full Terms & Conditions, visit rac.com.au/mb.

Comfort is what LA-Z-BOY does best, after all we’ve been doing it since 1927.

But, perhaps you may not have realized the vast range of designs now available at LA-Z-BOY Furniture Galleries. Choose from our extensive range of designs, fabric or leather coverings and recliner action mechanisms. The one thing we can promise is, the entire range delivers unrivalled comfort.

RAC W.A. Members - Exclusive offer for LA-Z-BOY Furniture Gallery customers:

Receive 20% off when you present your RAC membership card*.

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METRO STORES Osborne Park 2/425 Scarborough Bch Rd (Cnr Hutton) Rockingham Cnr Goddard & Council Ave Cannington Cnr Albany Hwy & Nicholson Rd Joondalup Joondalup Dve (opposite Bunnings) Melville Shop 15, 276 Leach Hwy (Prime West Centre) Midland 147 Gt Eastern Hwy 70 Horizons April / May 2017

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A New Hearing Aid For People Who Don’t Want to Wear A Hearing Aid Now start at only

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Packs a Punch Despite its miniature size, the processor inside some of our models is so fast it supports the most sophisticated advances in digital hearing technology to date. The microprocessor is so fast, that it samples the listening environment 20,000 times per second and makes automatic adjustments to the sound it delivers to your ear.

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Hearing Loss Specialists Hearing Clinics Are offering complimentary hearing consultations to RAC members to determine whether you are a candidate to wear the Invisible-InCanal hearing aids. We invite you to call today for an appointment.

Your visit will include a hearing test (with otoscopic examination), a personalised consultation to determine the correct level of technology for your individual hearing loss and social requirement.

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April / May 2017 Horizons 71

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SAVE Save$390 $390with with Garden GardenWater WaterBores Bores

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.

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SkylightsWA

SKYLIGHTSWA & PERTH DAYLIGHTING Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road (cnr Geddes Street), Balcatta 72 Horizons April / May 2017

Skylights & Roof Ventilation Solutions for all regions of WA Showrooms at Balcatta, Bunbury & Albany Call 9240 4045 Bunbury ext 7013

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*

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April / May 2017 Horizons 73

Member benefits

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The CSIRO recommends annual termite inspections

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$165

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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.

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74 Horizons April / May 2017

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nustyleshutters.com.au 179 Beringarra Avenue, Malaga, 6090 * T&Cs apply offer ends 31st of May 2017 Visit our web page for more info. ^Free upgrade to remote operation with every new electric roller blinds purchase. Security Agents License no.20818

April / May 2017 Horizons 75

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76 Horizons April / May 2017

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Get blockbuster savings on movie tickets That’s the power of membership

Member benefits

10% DISCOUNT ELITE POOL COVERS · Cut Water Evaporation by nearly 100% · Save on Water Bills · Swim longer in a warmer pool · Save Water Don’t buy until you have seen Elite Triple Cell Solar Pool Blanket

Call 9240 2262

(Country call: 1300 136 696) or visit our factory showroom, at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta

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RECEIVE 10% OFF WITH HAZARD EARTHMOVING WA • Site cleans • Excavation services • Limestone Retaining walls • Block clearing

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or email us for more info dom@hemwa.com.au www.hmwa.com.au

• Concrete preps • Lawn removal • Rubbish removal • Sand & Stone delivery

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April / May 2017 Horizons 77

Member benefits

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

Garage Door Needing Attention?

If purchasing or selling your home or rural property, Floreat Settlements offers RAC Members $600 settlement fees for Sellers and $880 settlement fees for Buyers plus govt fees and disbursements.

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

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on Apollo Motorhome Hire

Apollo has a vehicle to suit every kind of self drive holiday from cars and 4WD campervans to family-sized motorhomes.

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Applecross 6150 6459 Mandurah 6150 6456 Carousel 6150 6454 Morley 6466 2300 Joondalup 9308 1600 West Perth 9436 4830

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Game for a break?

15%

RAC members enjoy OFF the best rate of the day with Thrifty Car Rental in Australia & New Zealand.

Whether its cheering your team live or taking that road trip up the coast, Thrifty will get you to the action - Game On!

Thrifty is RAC’s exclusive car rental partner Terms & conditions apply. All offers are valid for commenced and completed rentals until 31 October 2017 unless otherwise stated. Must quote RAC membership number at time of booking and present a valid membership card upon time of collection. 15% discount on best rate of the day, available at Thrifty locations in Australia and New Zealand only. For full terms and conditions go to rac.com.au/thrifty.

April / May 2017 Horizons 79

R15459

Save 4 cents per litre at Puma Energy That’s the power of membership

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Terms & conditions

More info Full terms and conditions for each competition are available at rac.com.au/competitions.

For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners.

Murray River Princess cruise

page 28 The competition begins on Wednesday 22 March 2017 at 9am and ends on 31 May 2017 at 12pm (Australian Western Standard Time) Up to one entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: 8 night holiday for two people including return economy flights from Perth to Adelaide flying either Qantas or Virgin Australia, one night pre-cruise four-star accommodation in central Adelaide, seven night cruise onboard the PS Murray Princess including accommodation in outside twin share cabin, all meals onboard and 24-hour self-service tea and coffee bar, use of all onboard facilities including spa, sauna and gym, onboard entertainment, guided riverbank walks and presentations, courtesy transfers from Adelaide or free car parking at Mannum (if winner chooses to hire a car at own cost).

Valid for cruise departures in June, August or September 2017 or January and February 2018. Travel is subject to cabin and cruise availability, not valid for special event cruises.

The prize cannot be used to upgrade any other packages. Unused cruise prize voucher cannot be refunded, exchanged, sold or redeemed for cash. All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of the Passenger Cruise Contract and/or Conditions of Carriage. The winner must be over 18 years of age. The following costs are to be borne by the passenger: drinks and optional tours and services, travel insurance, additional accommodation and meals outside specified in-prize inclusions, excess baggage and any other travel-related expenses. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 9 June 2017 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. 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 its prize on or before 16 June 2017. 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.

Pets on Holiday guidebook

page 65 The competition begins on 22 March 2017 at 9am and ends on 17 May 2017 at 11:59pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to five entrants (winners) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: a Pets on Holiday guidebook. The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 22 May 2017 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

REGAIN YOUR INDEPEN DENCE

select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 29 May 2017. 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.

Hema HX-1 Navigator

page 65 The Competition begins on 22 March 2017 at 9am and ends on 2 May 2017 at 5pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to 1 entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: HEMA HX-1 Navigator. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 5 May 2017and 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 its prize on or before 19 May 2017. 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 63 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2017 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 details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in April/May Horizons must claim their prize by 17 May 2017. 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 $174. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in April/May Horizons must claim their prize by 17 May 2017. 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 the Horizons magazine.

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

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April / May 2017 Horizons 81

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R15600

Contact

US

The 1 best

Do you have an idea for The 10 best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au.

US Naval Patrol Wing, Matilda Bay The US Navy’s Patrol Wing 10 was based at Matilda Bay from 1942. A number of the Wing’s Catalina flying boats had been lost in bombing raids on Broome and Darwin before the base was relocated to Perth. Melville Water was frequently used for flying boat training.

WWII tunnels, Mosman Park

Rottnest Island During World War I Rottnest was used as an internment and Prisoner of War camp, and during World War II defence infrastructure was established there to defend Fremantle Port in the event of an attack.

Today visitors can take the train from the Settlement station to Oliver Hill to see military remnants and tour the underground tunnels.

King George Sound, Albany

US submarine base, Fremantle

On 1 November 1914, 36 naval vessels carrying more than 40,000 servicemen and women left Albany’s King George Sound bound for Egypt before the Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beaches of Gallipoli, making King George Sound a significant site in Australia’s ANZAC history.

Fremantle was an important base for US, British and Dutch submarines during World War II and became the largest submarine base in the Southern Hemisphere during that time. The remains of submarine support structures can still be seen on the north and south moles.

HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Geraldton

Flying boat wrecks, Broome

This is one of the nation’s most significant military memorials and was dedicated in 2001 – seven years before the HMAS Sydney was finally found off the coast of Shark Bay. The ship was sunk by the German raider the Kormoran in 1941. The stunning memorial site comprises a number of elements including the Dome of Souls and a pool of remembrance.

On 3 March 1942, a Japanese air raid on Broome saw a number of flying boats sunk in Roebuck Bay. During very low tides the wreckage of the World War II flying boats can still be seen by walking out about 1km off shore.

For tidal information and the best viewing times, see the Broome Tourist Bureau.

Military training camp, Northam In 1939, the existing Northam Army Camp was further developed and became an important World War II military training camp. Later, Italian Prisoners of War were housed there and at the end of the war, while waiting to be returned home, the POWs engaged in various construction projects at the site. The camp is still used for military training.

Artillery and munitions storage, Merredin Merredin has a number of remnants from World War II, including 46 igloolike concrete structures that housed artillery and munitions.

Another interesting World War II remnant is a structure known as the Radar Hut. The Merredin Military Museum’s war history collection includes military armoury, tanks and other vehicles.

Army vehicle storage, Nungarin In Nungarin, north of Merredin, a massive wooden shed once housed a World War II army vehicle workshop.

More than 4000 military vehicles were serviced there during the war. It is now home to the Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum.

North of the town, firewalls that were built to protect buildings in the town during the war are still standing.

Image courtesy Rottnest Island Authority

War history sites

Oliver Hill, Rottnest Island

At the top of Buckland Hill in Mosman Park, the Leighton Battery Heritage site has gun emplacements and a maze of underground tunnels that were an important part of the defence strategy to protect Fremantle during World War II. Buckland Hill was also a military observation point during World War I. Guided tours of the site, including the tunnels, are conducted each Sunday.

82 Horizons April / May 2017

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15600-12

R15600

Indian Pacific Extraordinary Food and Wine Train One time only departure RAC Travel and the Indian Pacific invite you to a very special all-inclusive foodie adventure across the Nullarbor. From the moment you step on board, prepare yourself for a culinary explosion of flavours.

Includes 2 nights Gold Service twin cabin from Perth to Adelaide » Off train excursions in Kalgoorlie and Rawlinna » All meals and beverages onboard » Exclusive Barossa food and wine touring Highlights Degustation dining at its finest » Fun, interactive culinary sessions » Tastings and masterclasses featuring Australia’s top drops » Meet and mingle with some of Australia’s best guest chefs, foodies and beverage experts RAC special member offer

3 days » 4 June 2017 from

2,199

$

*

per person twin share

Hurry, places are strictly limited

Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/gsr *Terms & conditions apply. Pricing is per person based on twin share of a Gold Service Twin Cabin on the Food and Wine Train departing Perth to Adelaide on 04 June 2017. Offer is subject to availability.

A booking deposit of $50 per person must be received within 14 days of the booking date. The balance of payment will be due at 45 days prior to the date of travel. For bookings made at 45 days or less prior to travel, full payment will be required at the time of booking. A single supplement will be applied when a guest occupies a twin or double room on their own. Booking and credit card fees may apply.

Not available with any other offer. For general terms, booking and travel conditions please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. Credit card fees of up to 2.5% may apply.

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Protect your valuables anywhere in Australia

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RAC Personal Valuables Insurance covers you for accidental loss, destruction or damage anywhere in Australia, which means your jewellery, laptop, camera and other valuables don’t need to stay at home.

You can choose to add it to your existing RAC Home and Contents Insurance or take it out as a stand-alone policy, it’s up to you! Plus, you’ll receive member benefits like discounts on entertainment, shopping and more—that’s the power of membership.

Call 1300 736 143 to get a quote This product is issued by RAC Insurance Pty Ltd. Check the PDS at rac.com.au for details.

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