Journeys April/May 2017 by ract-journeys

THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE RACT

APRIL / MAY 2017

Luxury on the road

IN OUR COMMUNITY Real-time petrol prices are here

LIFE ON THE MOVE Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Cars in detail

TRAVEL Experience Fiji in full luxury

THANK YOU, TASMANIA As insurance companies, we know that our customers are often turning to us in a time of need. Whether it be the dayto-day support of protecting their most valuable assets or in the centre of a deep crisis, we want our customers to feel informed, supported and, most importantly, that we care. That’s why the annual Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards are so important to our businesses. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best in service, from the moment they inquire about joining us right through their darkest hours when they need our support the most.

RACT Ins with cu urance CEO T stomer service rent Sayers pic agent Je tu ss Dusk red e

Reflecting the experiences of some 50,000 consumers across the country, the Roy Morgan awards are an important benchmark of where we stand – and we are proud that our businesses have been classed as the best in the country. Last month, RACT Insurance was named General Insurer of the Year, while St Lukes Health took home the award for top Private Health Insurer. Together we have almost 125,000 Tasmanian members, and our focus on local knowledge, experience and our presence in the state are the keys to our success.

h CEO s Healt St Luke

illiams Chris W

We continually measure the delivery of our customer service programs and provide training to our teams, as well as collecting feedback from our customers to ensure we are following through on our promise. We have branches across the state to encourage face-to-face interaction with our customers, and our contact centre staff are all based in Tasmania to provide first-hand local knowledge. We are proud of all of our staff and their commitment to providing customers with personal, friendly and informative service. So thank you, Tasmania, for your continued support. We look forward to continuing to work with you.

Trent Sayers CEO RACT Insurance

In branch | Online | 13 27 22 |    

Chris Williams CEO St Lukes Health

INSURANCE by

IN OUR COMMUNITY In this issue we launch our partnership with the free fuel price comparison app GasBuddy – and you can reap the benefits; we take a look at the evolution of Targa Tasmania from motorsport to touring; and we talk to race organiser and RACT member Mark Perry about the event’s future in the state.

ON THE COVER Our editor Paula Sward travelled the ‘old coast road’ between Ulverstone and Penguin (now known as Penguin Rd) as part of her Apollo motorhome tour of the state’s North-West. Read more Pages 17-19.

BE ROYALLY REWARDED Get set for Easter with some great offers from our Royal Rewards partners; plus, if you haven’t had your battery checked recently, now is the right time before winter kicks in.

LIFE ON THE MOVE Tasmanian journalist Julian Burgess takes the new Renault Koleos for a spin in our Sunday Drive feature; we take a look at the winners of Australia’s Best Cars for 2016; and we talk to two men who are making a difference in young people’s lives while restoring old motorcycles at Antisocial Engineering (pictured).

IN TASMANIA TODAY

Artist Henrietta Manning shares the story of how her works are created (even some through the windscreen of her car!); we have a selection of magnificent images sent in by readers; and the latest in events for the autumn months ahead.

WANDERLUST Far from being a grey nomad, Journeys editor Paula Sward sets out on a motorhome trip to Tasmania’s North-West, taking her children back to where she spent her childhood summers.

the Touring issue

TRAVEL NEWS Linda Smith travels back to Fiji 10 years after her honeymoon to experience the island destination in luxury; plus all of the latest in news and offers from our travel partners across Australia and all over the globe.

HOW TO CONTACT US RACT branch network All RACT branches are open Monday to Friday from 8.45am – 5pm Our Cruise Travel Centre at 110 Collins St, Hobart is also open on Saturdays from 10am – 1pm Roadside Assist Call 13 11 11 anytime

RACT Customer Service Call Centre Call 13 27 22 Monday to Friday from 8am – 8pm Saturday 9am – 2pm Please give us your feedback – visit www.ract.com.au and log on to the Member Hub, and keep up to date via our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY t the start of this calendar year, the RACT called on the Federal A From the President Government to allocate more than

$1.4 billion for Tasmanian infrastructure and road improvements. The works identified were: • Bass Highway intersections at Wynyard: Rationalise the number of intersections and upgrade one to become the primary access/crossing point ($15 million). • Midland Highway: Duplicate the carriageway from Perth to Breadalbane and upgrade Breadalbane Junction and safety improvements package on various sections as outlined in the 10-Year Midland Highway Action Plan ($500m). • Eastern Hobart approach: Increase capacity and improve traffic flow on the eastern approach to the CBD ($300m). • Bridgewater Bridge: Construct four-lane Bridgewater Bridge and associated new junctions ($600m). While putting these works on the Federal Government’s agenda is important, it is equally important that we look at the country’s growing road toll and the strategies to address it. No progress has been made on

Kathryn Westwood

reducing the road toll since all Australian governments signed off on the National Road Safety Strategy in 2011. The strategy targeted a 30% reduction in road deaths by 2020. In 2016, 1300 Australians were killed on our roads, 95 more than the previous year; and 38 people died on Tasmanian roads in the 12 months to December 2016 compared to 34 deaths in the same period in 2015. Road crashes now kill 25 Australians every week and one Australian is hospitalised as a result of a crash every 12 minutes. At a time when vehicles and roads are as safe as they have ever been, these figures are clearly unacceptable. The numbers are even more frightening from a global perspective – every day 3500 people die in car crashes. In March, the Federational Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), our peak international body, launched the first worldwide outdoor campaign

on road safety, aiming to raise awareness and prompt all road users to adopt simple, easily applicable and efficient rules. The #3500LIVES campaign underlines the role that each and every one of us has to play to make our roads safer for every road user. I encourage members to join the campaign via fia.com/3500lives. Driver behaviour is clearly an important consideration. I urge drivers to do the right thing, be attentive, rest if tired, avoid alcohol and drugs and be patient on the roads. Distraction and inattention are two of our primary safety concerns. A recent AAA survey found that 79% of those surveyed found that being distracted by mobile phones contributed to the rise in Australia’s road toll. The RACT participates in many road safety initiatives throughout the year, including National Road Safety Week. See page 9 for details of this year’s activities.

We’re proud to announce that we have been voted the NUMBER ONE Private Health Insurer for customer satisfaction AUSTRALIA WIDE for 2016!* Experience award-winning customer service in-store, online or over the phone with your friendly, local St.LukesHealth team. Talk to us today. It’s easy! stlukes.com.au

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St.LukesHealth

SPECIAL OFFER To celebrate, we’ll waive the 2, 3 and 6 month waiting periods on Extras cover^ when you *#1 Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards: Private Health Insurer of the Year - 2016. ^Offer expires 30 April 2017, see website for terms and conditions. St.LukesHealth ABN 81 009 479 618

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APRIL / MAY 2017

170168

Join or Switch to Hospital and Extras cover by 30 April 2017.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Fuel price board win

asmanian motorists are set to benefit from changes to the way fuel prices are T displayed at petrol stations around the state.

Fuelling

FREEDOM asmanians now have access to real-time fuel prices via their mobile T device thanks to a partnership between the

RACT and GasBuddy. GasBuddy is a free mobile app that provides public access to petrol station prices sourced from consumer-submitted data. ‘Its introduction will allow motorists to find the cheapest fuel across Tasmania, day or night, at no cost,’ RACT Group Chief Executive Harvey Lennon said. ‘It will also allow motorists to make informed purchasing decisions, reward retailers that discount prices and promote greater price competition.’ The Tasmanian Government has provided a one-off grant of $60,000 to the RACT to support the app. By using GasBuddy, Tasmanian motorists will easily be able to find timely and accurate fuel prices in their area. They can also get involved, by submitting fuel prices themselves via the introduction of the app. ‘GasBuddy congratulates the RACT and

the Tasmanian Government on providing the state’s motorists with the power of fuel price information in the palm of their hand,’ said Nic Moulis, GasBuddy Country Manager. ‘By uploading and confirming prices, motorists will be supporting each other to find the cheapest fuel prices across Tasmania.’ Another exciting opportunity GasBuddy provides is ‘Tank Takeovers’, where motorists will be alerted via the app to an opportunity to get $20 free fuel at a nominated petrol station. To celebrate the new partnership, the RACT and GasBuddy will be running some Tank Takeovers in April. All you have to do is download the app, register as a user and look out for the notification. Other Tank Takeovers will be run throughout the year. For more details, visit ract.com.au/gasbuddy

The State Government has announced it will work with the TCCI and RACT on a Code of Practice to ensure only undiscounted petrol prices are displayed on petrol price boards. This will make it easier for motorists to compare like-with-like on petrol pricing. The RACT has lobbied the State Government on this issue for several years. ‘The RACT will work closely with the government to ensure the final outcome provides the sort of transparency Tasmanian motorists need when buying fuel,’ Group CEO Harvey Lennon said.

Members reap rewards

he RACT celebrated the first year of its partnership with United Petroleum T in March, with members reaping almost

$3.3 million in savings. ‘We are thrilled with the success of our partnership with United. In the first year, 52% of members have used their card to save on fuel at United sites statewide,’ RACT Group CEO Harvey Lennon said. ‘This is undoubtedly the most successful membership rewards offer we have had to date. ‘The price of fuel remains a bone of contention for Tasmanians, and the fact that this positive relationship has enabled us to achieve discounted fuel for our members year-round is outstanding.’ For more details, visit ract.com.au/united

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR RACT PRESIDENT Kathryn Westwood VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Dixon Alison Flakemore BOARD Peter Joyce Josephine Archer Phil Jones Jude Franks Jenny Self Sue Smith Stuart Slade Risden Knightley GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE Harvey Lennon HEAD OFFICE/HOBART BRANCH 179-191 Murray Street, Hobart Ph: (03) 6232 6300 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 OTHER BRANCHES Hobart, 1/110 Collins Street (03) 6222 9222 Launceston, Cnr York & George Streets (03) 6335 5633 Devonport, 119 Rooke Street Mall (03) 6421 1933 Ulverstone, 38 Reibey Street (03) 6490 8350 Burnie, 24 North Terrace (03) 6434 2933 Rosny Park, 2 Bayfield Street (03) 6212 6755 Glenorchy, Cnr Main Road & Terry Street (03) 6212 9588 Kingston, Shop 60 Channel Court (03) 6242 3200 EDITOR Paula Sward GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001 Email: journeys@ract.com.au Ph: (03) 6236 4350 Fax: (03) 6234 8784 ADVERTISING Paula Sward PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited ABN 62 009 475 861 Every effort is made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements including product testing where practicable. However, publication of an advertisement does not imply that the product or service carries the recommendation of RACT. If you wish to stop receiving Journeys, please contact the RACT on 6236 4350 or email journeys@ract.com.au. *Competition terms and conditions: www.ract.com.au/journeys-magazine No part of Journeys may be reproduced without permission. Copyright 2017 RACT DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Digital Ink PRINTING: Hannanprint Victoria MAILHOUSE: D&D Mailing Services Distribution: Australia Post 170060 ISSN 0818-5549 6

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APRIL / MAY 2017

From the Group CEO Harvey Lennon

ur members consistently tell us that high petrol prices are a key concern for them – we receive multiple calls about the issue every day. It is one of the reasons we are so O pleased that the Tasmanian Government has recently announced two important petrol price

transparency measures that will help motorists when buying their petrol. The RACT has received a one-off $60,000 grant from the government to work with GasBuddy (launched in Australia last year) on its fuel pricing app for Tasmania. The RACT has been working with GasBuddy to provide real-time fuel prices in Tasmania, allowing motorists to find the cheapest fuel across Tasmania, day or night. The second measure will see changes introduced so that only undiscounted petrol prices can be displayed on petrol price boards. Readers of Journeys will appreciate that the RACT has been concerned about this issue for some time. We wrote to the government about petrol price boards in 2014, and have been in formal discussions since last year, seeking a review. We are extremely pleased to see the government take such a proactive response to the issue, and we strongly support the actions it is taking.

he RACT also welcomed an announcement by the Tasmanian and Federal governments that the biggest stage of the Midland Highway upgrade – the Perth Link Roads project – T would be brought forward by two years.

The work is an integral part of the Midland Highway 10-Year Action Plan. The RACT continues to be strongly supportive of the joint commitment to make the Midland Highway safer. The RACT recently referenced the need to secure future funding for the remainder of the Midland Highway upgrade in its State and Federal Budget submissions, given the highway’s obvious importance for freight, business, domestic and tourist traffic.

congestion continues to be a problem, particularly in Hobart in the lead-up to and during peak periods. TTheraffic Tasmanian Government must take a leadership role to find a solution.

While I note that the Minister for Infrastructure, Rene Hidding, has written to Hobart’s Lord Mayor, Sue Hickey, about traffic congestion matters, the State Government still has a major role to play in addressing congestion. This is because most gridlocked commuters on council-owned Macquarie and Davey streets do not vote in Hobart City Council elections. While the RACT says some immediate solutions are necessary to fix the problem in the short term, longer-term strategies to deal with congestion are also needed. In our 2017/18 State Budget submission provided to the Tasmanian Government, we wrote that congestion continues to cause concerns for commuters, both in Hobart and Launceston. In Launceston, the relocation of the University of Tasmania campus from Newnham to Inveresk will place significant pressure on traffic movements in the Launceston CBD, our submission says. Further compounding this is the City of Launceston’s efforts to move vehicles outside the city centre and onto the surrounding connectors. Reconfiguring one-way streets to travel in both directions could also slow traffic movements. he Spirit of Tasmania carried a company record of more than 79,000 passengers in January 2017. Hotel room bookings at Strahan Village on the West Coast increased by nearly 20% T in January this year compared to January 2016.

The decisions to refurbish the Spirit of Tasmania vessels and operate additional day sailings were sensible. We are definitely seeing benefits as a result, and look forward to continued strong visitation at our properties. Importantly, visitors to the West Coast are discovering the wide range of activities and natural environment that is unique to the region. Our investments at Strahan, and the flow-on effects, are particularly important on the West Coast, given its increasing reliance on the local tourism industry.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Mobile concern

ACT Insurance research, conducted in December 2016, has found people aged R 18-29 are more likely than any other age

Charles-Alexandre Lesueur (1778 - 1846) Emu (Dromaius) watercolour and pencil on vellum. Collection: Museum d’histoire naturelle, Le Havre.

The ART of EXPLORATION

xquisite illustrations by French artists, made during Nicolas Baudin’s E exploration of Australia, will be on display

at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery from April as part of a national tour. The Art of Science: Baudin’s Voyagers 1800-1804 showcases stunning original watercolours and drawings by expedition artists Charles-Alexandre Lesueur and Nicolas-Martin Petit during the voyage of 1800-1804. Many of the artworks are returning to Australia for the first time since they were painted. The exhibition at TMAG is being supported by the RACT and Freycinet Lodge. Lesueur and Petit created their paintings and drawings on the shores and off the coasts of Australia – including Tasmania’s East Coast and the Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island in particular – and captured some of the first European views of Australian animals and landscapes and some of the first portraits of Aboriginal people. Showcasing these exquisite original works alongside Aboriginal cultural material and zoological specimens held by TMAG will offer Tasmanian audiences the unique opportunity to interpret the French expedition from a Tasmanian perspective.

group to drive above the speed limit and get distracted by items in the car such as the radio, GPS or mobile phones. The research, which is conducted annually, shows 18% of young people admit to regularly using their phones when it’s not on hands-free, up from 13% in 2015. The latest report also shows 18% of 18 to 29-year-olds admit to checking their messages or emails on their phones while driving, an increase of 6% from 2015. RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said younger drivers were at greatest risk as they had not yet developed the skills necessary to handle complex traffic environments or judge risky situations properly. ‘When you pair inexperienced drivers with driver distraction such as attempting to read a text message, sending a Snapchat, or checking social media, you’ve got a recipe for disaster,’ he said. Last month the Road Safety Advisory Council launched a new advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone when driving. ‘We want to change a dangerous driving behaviour. But many people think driving while texting or using the phone isn’t dangerous,’ Council chair Jim Cox said.

Member survey

months, we completed a survey almost 7000 members around the Istate.nofrecent Your answers give us insight into

above:

Charles-Alexandre Lesueur (1778 - 1846) Porcupine fish (Diodon) watercolour and ink on paper. Collection: Museum d’histoire naturelle, Le Havre.

TMAG director Janet Carding said that the illustrations provided an opportunity to tell many of the stories associated with the interactions between the French explorers and the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. ‘Baudin’s expedition represents a significant part of Tasmania’s history, and these illustrations provide unique insights into the lives of Tasmanian Aboriginal people pre-colonisation,’ Ms Carding said. The Art of Science: Baudin’s Voyagers 1800-1804 will be on display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery from Friday 7 April to Sunday 9 July 2017. The exhibition will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

a range of areas, what you believe we’re doing well and where we can improve. Below are some of the highlights of the results: More than 52% of respondents have more than one Journeys reader in their household, while more than 38% had one reader. Areas of interest in Journeys were almost even across the board, with In our Community being the most popular section, closely followed by In Tasmania Today and Travel. More than 40% of respondents took advantage of automotive offers in the magazine, followed by retail (27%) and travel (23%). More than 66% of respondents had used Royal Rewards member benefits. More than 40% of respondents supported a system that charges motorists based on how much they use the road, rather than a similar fee for all users. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Hosts with the most

Hosts Norma, left, and Bruce Harrison, right, with homestay students Jisoo Han and Chloe Huang.

very year, students from around the world choose to travel to our island state to study. Most live in homestay E accommodation with Tasmanian families, giving them the

opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange. RACT member Bruce Harrison can attest to the benefits of homestay for his family, the local community and the whole of Tasmania. ‘Initially we began hosting when my children’s school put the call out for hosts for students visiting from China,’ he said. ‘It was an extremely positive experience and down the track we expressed interest in hosting long-term, thinking it would assist our children in developing greater global awareness. ‘As a parent, I imagine it must be a hugely daunting step for these families to take – a massive leap of faith – so we’re happy to assist in providing a safe, supportive home environment for these students. Our own family enjoys experiencing other cultures, along with developing relationships with overseas families. ‘Some of our favourite memories include travelling to Korea and Japan to meet up with students that lived in our home – they were so keen to show us their homes and cities and introduce us to their families.’ Hosting students significantly benefits the local community. Generally, international students have a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed – and this has a direct impact on the students around them. The flow-on effect is invaluable, as students become ambassadors for our state, encouraging family, friends and others to visit and study in Tasmania. For more information about becoming a host, email homestay@geti.tas.gov.au or call 6165 5727.

Customer service awards

embers have again given RACT Insurance the thumbs-up when it comes to customer service, with the insurer M winning the Roy Morgan General Insurer of the Year award for

the second year in a row. The annual Customer Satisfaction Awards reflect the experiences of some 50,000 consumers. ‘From an insurance perspective, we sell a promise when we take out an insurance policy,’ RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said. ‘And when the moment of truth comes along, we need to execute on that promise to ensure our team delivers on that promise for our members. ‘With 18 major players in the general insurer category, differentiating our product for our members and through the way in which we service them is most critical.’

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APRIL / MAY 2017

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Members to benefit from upgraded hotel

ACT members now have access to renewed facilities when staying in R Hobart with the $10.6 million upgrade of

the RACT/RACV Hobart Apartment Hotel being officially opened. The 14-month project included building a new lounge, fully renovating the hotel restaurant, adding a gymnasium and creating a hotel entry directly off Collins St. The adjacent heritage-listed Cascade House was also restored and connected to the 125-room hotel. Internally, the sandstone building was remodelled to incorporate an exclusive lounge upstairs and a bar at street level. The upgrade followed a $1.3 million refurbishment of bathrooms in 2014. RACT Group Chief Executive Harvey Lennon said nearly $13 million had been spent on the hotel since it had been acquired in partnership with the RACV. ‘We are confident that the improved

facilities will make the hotel even more popular with members,’ Mr Lennon said. RACT members get 25% off at the RACT/ RACV Hobart Apartment Hotel; simply provide your member number when booking. For more details visit ract.com.au/Pages/ RACT-Hobart-apartment-hotel.aspx

Drive so others survive asmanians will see crashed cars throughout the state in May as a T reminder of what can happen when we

don’t drive safely. An Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) display will be on show at Agfest from 4-6 May. Sponsored by ANCAP, the RACT and the Road Safety Advisory Council (RSAC), the display will provide information about the importance of driving a car that has a high safety rating. In addition, about four car wrecks will be on major roads as part of Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week from 7-14 May. Speeding is the focus of this year’s Road Safety Week, an initiative of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (sarahgroup.org) to raise awareness about the importance of road safety. The RACT, RSAC, Tasmania Police and Southern Cross Television are again partnering to deliver a range of awareness-raising activities. The dangers of driving while texting will be highlighted by the RACT, as well as the need to slow down around roadside workers – including RACT roadside assistance workers – will also be a focus. To mark Road Safety Week, landmarks will be lit in yellow, including the Launceston Town Hall, Burnie Makers’ Workshop and the Hobart railway roundabout. For more details visit rsac.tas.gov.au. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by road trauma and would like help, please contact Road Trauma Support Tasmania on 0427 487 251.

RSAC17994

Don’t be a goose. Leave your phone alone. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Touring is all

CLASS OLDINA

IRISHTOWN

Stanley

EDITH CREEK Smithton

GEORGE TOWN

RIANA

MORIARTY

Wynyard

KAYENA

PALOONA

Burnie

MONTUMANA

Devonport

Ulverstone

MOORINA

George Town

Beaconsfield Lilydale

HELLYER GORGE

Sheffield

LAUNCESTON THE SIDELING

Westbury

Deloraine

Rossarden

Bracknell

SHEFFIELD

Tullah

St Marys

Perth

Mole Creek

CETHANA

HIGH PLAINS

MT BLACK

Campbell Town

Swansea

TARRALEAH

Oatlands

Tarraleah

QUEENSTOWN

Bothwell

MT ARROWSMITH

Ouse

Melton Mobray

Hamilton

MOLESWORTH

Campania

Richmond Sorell Dunalley

HOBART Huonville

TARGA STAGE KEY Targa Stage

Margate

PELVERATA

LEG 1 - 24 April

CYGNET

Cygnet

LEG 2 - 25 April

Snug

Woodbridge Middleton

LEG 3 - 26 April

GARDNERS BAY

LEG 4 - 27 April LEG 5 - 28 April LEG 6 - 29 April LUNCHBREAKS Leg 1 - St Helens Leg 2 - George Town Leg 3 - Railton Leg 4 - Stanley Leg 5 - New Norfolk

APRIL / MAY 2017

Triabunna

GRASSTREE HILL

Getna

New Norfolk

LONGLEY

Levendale

Colebrook

Bushy Park

Journeys

ROSSARDEN

Derwent Bridge

STRAHAN

ELEPHANT PASS

Ross

Queenstown

Fingal

Avoca

Zeehan

STRAHAN

PYENGANA

St Helens

Railton

CASTRA

Rosebery

Pyengana

Ringarooma

B71

GUNNS PLAINS

ROSEBERY

WELDBOROUGH PASS

Scottsdale

TINDERBOX OYSTER COVE

hings are on the move in Targa Tasmania. Slowly but surely, there is a shift away from racing and more interest – and entrants – in the touring class.

‘We’ve seen huge growth in numbers in the touring class,’ Targa Tasmania event director Mark Perry said. ‘This is due in part to drivers being more risk-averse, and wanting to slow down and enjoy the Tasmanian scenery. ‘After all, this is the reason most people want to come to Tasmania in the first place.’ Perry says there is a big attraction for vehicle manufacturers to drive on Tasmania’s winding, picturesque roads when they are closed to all other traffic. ‘Porsche create their own group through the manufacturer, which is about 60 cars, as a customer experience,’ he said. ‘This has created huge growth in the touring class. They can have a touring holiday in a safe, controlled

IN OUR COMMUNITY

environment with other like-minded owners.’ Perry said the touring class had grown from 50 to 150 in just three years. ‘In 5-10 years I can see it [Targa] becoming more of a lifestyle/ destination event than a rallying event.’ This year, there are 120 entrants in the touring class, 40 in speed-limited (where the vehicles are GPS-tracked and penalised for exceeding 130km/h) and 140 in competition. Ferrari is bringing 20 vehicles into the state to celebrate its 70th anniversary, and they’ll tour alongside the likes of Lotus and, of course, Porsche. ‘Targa is a fabulous opportunity for Porsche owners to spend a week enjoying Tasmania’s spectacular roads, fine food and warm reception from the locals,’ said Toni Andreevski, director of marketing for Porsche Cars Australia. ‘Porsche keeps coming back because our Porsche customers demand we do and they love the unique nature of the closedroad touring stages. It’s a great testament to what Tasmania has to offer.’ In the past two years the event has brought a total of $19 million to the Tasmanian economy. Last year the State Government announced it would provide funding through Events Tasmania to support the event from 2017-2021.

clockwise from left:

Porsche drivers enjoy the touring section of last year’s Targa Tasmania.

What you need to know: Dates: 24-29 April 2017. Locations: Throughout the state (see map). Recommended viewing locations (chosen due to ease of access in and out, especially for people with young families): George Town Super Street Stage, 25 April. Hellyer Gorge Bridge, 27 April. Longley Hotel, 29 April. Vehicles on show: Silverdome Expo: 23 April, 6-9pm. Launceston Targafest (George St): 24 April, 6-8pm. George Town (Regent Square): 25 April, 12-4pm. Burnie Targafest (Marine Terrace Carpark): 26 April, 6-9pm. Hobart Targafest (Princes Wharf 1): 28 April, 6-9pm. targa.com.au APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Need for

SPEED t’s clear that Mark Perry has a passion for fast cars. When I arrive to take photos for this story, he’s parked beside the ILongley Hotel, looking anything but incognito in his bright red

2008 Shelby Mustang GT500KR. The Targa Tasmania event director, and long-time RACT member, has been involved with the event since its inception. ‘My house is on the hill just above the Longley stage, so for the first couple of years I watched it at the bottom of my street just near the hotel,’ he said. ‘In 1997 I competed for the first time and I was hooked.’ Perry competed for five years with former Lactos chief Russell Paterson before switching to a co-drive with Greg Garwood, finishing fourth in 2003. A serious crash in 2004 saw him put the brakes on his competition aspirations. In 2006 he was appointed event director of Targa Tasmania for then-owners Octagon Australia, overseeing many changes

WHERE SIMPLE PLEASURES BECOME SIMPLY MORE PLEASURABLE

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APRIL / MAY 2017

in the event’s development including the introduction of Targa Wrest Point and Targa High Country. After two years working with V8 Supercars, he returned home to the event he loves and oversaw more change, including the introduction of Targa North-West and the growth of the event’s touring sector. ‘I had to leave for a while to see how bloody good it is here in Tasmania,’ he said. ‘It’s amazing how much the event has changed since I started running it in 2006. With the advent of technology, we can track every car on every stage all of the time – the command centre is just phenomenal. ‘The growth in the touring class has been really interesting. I can see that it will continue in the coming years. ‘We now have funding for Targa Tasmania and Targa High Country at least until 2021, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and change into the future.’

IN OUR COMMUNITY

RACT Community Fund recipients on show

Winter safety checks he RACT will conduct its annual Winter Safety Checks again this year T at locations around the state.

Phil Hallam

RACT community advisor Ali Tope at the Koonya Garlic Festival.

Koonya Garlic Festival is a unique Tasmanian experience that celebrates the joy of the food it flavours and the music and arts that it inspires. TInhegarlic, a recent RACT Community Fund round, we had the pleasure of being able to support

the festival by providing funds to produce reusable water bottles, as well as being part of the day by handing them out to thirsty festival-goers. The festival encourages people to bring their own water bottles, but by providing a reusable bottle for free to those who forgot, it assisted the event to continue caring for the environment. he Devonport Lapidary Club acts as a focal point in the local community and conducts fun and interactive workshops for families and individuals, primary, secondary and special needs students on a regular basis. The club brings people from all walks of life together through a common interest in rocks, gems and minerals. Cold-water panning for gold and gems is very chilling, but extremely popular. Thanks to the assistance of an RACT Community Fund grant, the club has now been able to install an efficient heating system that will maximise the availability of the club’s workshops and increase involvement with schools, social groups and the wider community.

The Community Fund will re-open for applications in October 2017. Visit ract.com.au/Pages/Community-funding.aspx for more details.

Last year 160 vehicles were checked, with 378 faults found. Particularly concerning was the number of child restraints needing adjustment. ‘Keeping an eye on the basics in your vehicle can lead to large cost-savings on future maintenance,’ acting RACT general manager, Member Assist, Craig Millington said. ‘It also increases the safety not only of drivers, but of other passengers in the vehicle, particularly children.’ This year’s checks will be held at the following locations: Tuesday 30 May: Devonport (location to be confirmed). Wednesday 31 May: Woolworths Launceston (36-40 Wellington St, Launceston). Tuesday 6 June: Northgate Shopping Centre, Glenorchy. Wednesday 7 June: Eastlands Shopping Centre, Rosny. Thursday 8 June: Channel Court Shopping Centre, Kingston. For details, including session times, visit ract.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Join the conversation facebook.com/ractofficial

People are having their say on the issues that matter to them most via our Facebook page. Below are some comments from recent weeks. RACT The State Government is trialling a free bus service in the south to help traffic congestion. Will you utilise this free service? Gab Morrison Not a lot of people starting work before 7! Be better utilised for all people before 9! I would have thought not a lot of congestion before 7 as well. Great idea but times need to be fine-tuned. Jan Dunsby Not a response that will assist as there is no congestion before 7am. If it said 9am, I would then believe it to be a genuine attempt to assist the traffic woes. Teena Triffett From 7am til 9am and yes I would use it, but not before 7am as I don’t want to be getting my daughter into before school care before 7am. Too long a day for her. Daimeon Horne How many services actually run before 7am? If you are driving into the city before 7 you not only get a dream run but you score free parking with no problems. Targeting the wrong group. How about half price before 8? Gabrielle Coombe Before 7am seriously, who are you targeting, nurses? What are people who work in retail or businesses to do, freeze in the cold for an hour and half, until their workplaces open? David Frost Most people who start work before 7am will take car to work because there aren’t too many buses running before 7am. Also traffic is not heavy at that time and parking is still available one way or another. Make it 7-9am you might get more people. Alison Smith Take a leaf out of Launceston’s book... they have a free bus in the morning from Aurora Stadium car park and runs back in the afternoon.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Your views In defence of P-platers

Roadworks signage concern

hoon factor, but let’s not forget our younger days. I think we could all say we may have done a little bit of hooning ourselves – me being one to admit it. In defence of P-plate drivers I think that the fully licenced drivers could be guilty of creating situations regarding these young inexperienced drivers themselves. Let me give you an example. My daughter is a P-plate displaying driver. She had booked her car in for a service and asked me to deliver it to the workshop for the service. I forgot to remove her P-plates. In the distance of approximately 2km, three supposedly experienced drivers found it necessary to pull out in front of me, possibly due to the fact of the P-plates still being displayed, causing me to brake three times to allow these people to be in front of the ‘impending doom’ of a P-plate driver. Goodness gracious, you wouldn’t want to caught behind a P-plate driver in a 50km/h zone would you? And I might add the people amazingly seemed to be pulling away from me in a 50km/h zone in which I was doing 50km/h. Maybe we should remember they are still learning, still inexperienced and may need for us to show a little courtesy and let them have their space in traffic, and be wary of them when they are hooning.

motorists of the importance of obeying speed limits and traffic management around roadwork sites becomes farcical when it is the roadworkers themselves who need to be brought into line to provide motorists with ‘End of roadworks’ signage. How often do motorists drive through roadworks to be left wondering if they can return to the prior speed limit yet, or if there are more roadworks ahead? As the parent of a learner driver, my concern is that the theory to practice gap regarding roadworkers placing ‘Temporary warning signs’ at the end of roadworks should not have to be explained, as this oversight should never happen.

n regards to Andrew Cooke’s comment n response to ‘Roadworkers – just doing about P-platers (Journeys, December/ I their job’ (Journeys, December/January): IJanuary). Yes I agree they can be a bit of a the recent awareness campaign to remind

Kevin Cowley, Kingston

A fine line

ordantly amusing to read this in ‘Priorities . . . black spot funding’ M (Journeys, December/January): ‘Some of

these roads have no line markings’ as if that were unusual. Wouldn’t it have been far more accurate as ‘Some of these roads, like most in Tasmania, have almost no line markings at all’? How about DIER buys megalitres of full-strength road paint, rather than the wussy ‘lite’ stuff they currently use, which wears away to invisibility after a month or two? Now (in the ridiculous cliché bureaucrats and politicians so often use) that would really be ‘addressing the issue’. Leonard Colquhoun, Invermay

Linda Williamson, Turners Beach

A word of thanks…

would like to say thank you to Chris and Nick from the Cimitiere St AutoServe Icentre, who went out of their way to collect my wife’s Great Wall 4x4 from Launceston Hospital to service the vehicle and returned the car once serviced. This was requested as my wife was in hospital with our eight-month-old baby. I had to surrender my licence due to early onset frontal temporal dementia. God bless to you all. John Bartninkaitis, Poatina

Merging madness

hy can’t drivers merge properly? On any afternoon (Fridays in particular), W cars start queuing in the right-hand

lane approaching the Hobart Airport roundabout on the Tasman Highway. I have seen them queued back for nearly a kilometre on occasions. This is madness. The merge point is where the left-hand lane finishes at the ‘Form 1 Lane’ sign. It occurs elsewhere as well (the Brooker Highway approaching Granton) and at roadworks where there is a lane closed. There are two lanes provided so cars should use them and merge at the end of them. I noticed that on the mainland now they are replacing the ‘Form 1 Lane’ signs with a ‘Merge Point’ sign. Perhaps the same should be done here. Chris Allan, Margate

IN OUR COMMUNITY

GIVING WAY

to pedestrians when turning If a driver is turning left or right at an intersection, the driver must give way to any pedestrian crossing the road the driver is entering. This applies to intersections with or without traffic lights. However, this rule does not apply at roundabouts. For their own safety, pedestrians should always check their surroundings before crossing the road.

Make room for large vehicles s the driver of a small sedan, I am writing to suggest car parks have designated areas for the larger vehicles that are now very A prevalent on our roads.

I recently parked my car and returned to find a huge tank of a vehicle parked on my passenger side, and completely blocking my view of traffic coming down the car park ramp. I couldn’t see through it or round it. After a worrying few minutes I figured out I had to watch the ramp above and count the cars coming down to know when I could reverse out. It was a hairy moment as I edged my vehicle out, praying a car didn’t whiz round the corner. It’s happening more and more lately, and I’m sure I’m not the only driver who’s had this happen. Spaces, too, in car parks still cater for average-sized vehicles, meaning sometimes it’s a squeeze getting in and out of a car.

We welcome letters on any motoring or travelrelated topic. Keep them brief – we reserve the right to edit. Email journeys@ract.com.au and please include your full name, member number and address, including suburb.

Elspeth Lovell, Leslie Vale

Who knows the rules?

ather interestingly, in the February/March 2017 issue of Journeys, a reminder for pedestrians was included advising a R Tasmanian Road Rule requirement to walk on the same side as and facing oncoming traffic, where no safer walkway is provided. Why, therefore, are pedestrians required to walk on the left on a dual-use path with their backs to upcoming vehicles, i.e. bicycles, travelling in the same direction; hence not facing the more often than not (much) faster than walking pace travelling oncoming vehicles/bicycles? John James Seaton, Prospect Vale

he information in the February/March edition of Journeys on pedestrians is interesting, but why would pedestrians ever T read the Tasmanian Road Rules when most Tasmanian vehicle

drivers are unaware of the contents in these rules, which include ‘Hook Turns and Trams’, along with other mysteries not applicable to Tasmania? Frank Deane, Evandale APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

RACT TRAVEL MEMBER BENEFITS 5% OFF*

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FOR THE FULL RANGE OF MEMBER BENEFITS SEE PAGES 51-74

OUR LOW PRICE PROMISE

Conditions: Our Low Price Promise is more than a marketing promise, it’s our promise to you our RACT member that at the time of booking (valid for new bookings only), subject to normal holiday availability and based on Australian registered businesses and websites and for travel departing from an Australian Port, we promise to beat any valid available holiday quote presented in writing for the same airline, cruiseline, tour operator and departure date in the same cabin/grade/fare type/share basis/ booking class/code. Available means that the other quote is current, confirmed in writing, genuine and available to be booked at the time you present it to us. If the quoted holiday content is not available, we will offer you the best available alternative that will suit your requirements. Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed user group, including time share membership offers, are excluded. In the unlikely event that we cannot match a quoted price on your international holiday we will pay for you (RACT Member) to fly free to Sydney or Melbourne to meet your flight.

a member of

For further information contact your nearest branch 1300 368 111 or www.ract.com.au/travel Rosny 6212 6777 Burnie 6434 2955 Ulverstone 6425 8050 Devonport 6421 1977 Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 CRUISE TRAVEL CENTRE 6222 9222 - Hobart Kingston 6242 3211 Launceston 6335 5655

Conditions Apply: *You must be an RACT Member and present a current Membership card, see referenced page for more details and full terms and conditions. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

WANDERLUST

Luxury on the

ROAD Paula Sward

asmania’s North-West Coast has been the punchline of too many jokes for far too long. As anyone who has been there during the past 10 years will attest, the area’s natural beauty and gourmet delights are difficult to surpass.

main image:

Near-deserted Freers Beach at Port Sorell. The motorhome by the old coast road between Ulverstone and Penguin. inset:

Growing up on the Coast, we often spent our summer holidays at some of the area’s most idyllic spots – Port Sorell and Boat Harbour come first to mind in my fond memories of sunny days and cooling sea breezes. We also spent a lot of time around Wynyard and Stanley, dropping a fishing line into the water in the hopes of getting a big catch. When I was offered the opportunity to take a trip in an Apollo motorhome in summer in Tasmania, I could think of no better place to take my kids to than the North-West. When planning our trip, there were several visits to the Apollo website, along with an extended phone call to Sylvie from the Hobart branch, to reassure myself that we wouldn’t be ‘roughing it’. In fact, when we picked up the motorhome, I realised that this truly was a home away from home. Everything we could possibly need was included and as we set off I knew these comforts would help ease my anxiety around the camping experience. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a princess, but I do like my creature comforts. With the Apollo Euro Deluxe even the fussiest creature is catered for with three double beds, two dining areas, oven and stovetop, fridge, shower, toilet, air con and TV/DVD player. However, fitting in these extras creates a slight challenge – the van is 7.7m long and 2.3m wide – which led to the other source of anxiety before the trip. Having driven a lot on Tasmanian roads during the past 20+ years, I know how a lot of locals feel about APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

WANDERLUST

above from left:

Fishing at Wynyard wharf (catch and release of course); Penguin Island at low and mid-tide.

‘tourists in campervans’, and it’s not positive. So, what would we encounter during our journey – a polite wave as drivers passed us on an overtaking lane, or tailgating, swerving and dangerous behaviour as motorists tried to pass us in the wrong locations? The outcome was somewhat surprising. For starters, the motorhome was not that sluggish on the open road and we managed to maintain the speed limit (or close to) in most areas. Second, we only encountered a couple of concerning drivers. Perhaps it’s the sharp increase in the number of caravans and campervans on our roads (according to the most recent Tasmanian Visitor Survey, rental campervan/motorhomes are up 13.1% and own campervan/ motorhomes are up 26.2%) that have made our drivers a little more understanding. Whatever the reason, we certainly appreciated the consideration shown and it made for a comfortable trip north. There is some contention as to where the ‘true’ North-West really starts, but for me it is when the first scenes of rich-red earth and paddocks lush with crops assail my eyes. I often forget how beautiful the farmland along the Coast can be, particularly with a backdrop of bright blue sky and sunshine. The

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

scenery is such a stark contrast to the yellowing paddocks of the Midlands that you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve jumped into another land. This rich growing region has inspired some of the state’s best gourmet businesses along the drive, which have joined forces to form the Cradle Coast Tasting Trail – a great initiative to get both locals and tourists alike to experience the flavours of the area. But our destination awaits, and our young charges are too excited to delay the trip, so on we travel to Port Sorell – by far one of the prettiest seaside towns in the region. The area has changed a lot from my teenage memories of 25 years ago. Many small shacks have made way for larger houses, reflecting the increasing trend of working in the city and living a holiday lifestyle after hours. The Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park is located along the water where the Rubicon River meets Freers Beach and Bass Strait beyond. Our check-in was straightforward and our site easily found, the set-up as simple as plugging into the power, making up the beds and cracking open a bottle of wine. While the caravan park facilities were slightly ageing, the toilets

WANDERLUST

The picturesque farmland of the North-West Coast; Indoor games room at Leisure Ville, Wynyard.

and showers were clean and well kept – quite a feat considering we’d arrived on Australia Day eve and the park was full to overflowing with people ready to celebrate. We chose a slightly more subdued day, with our own barbecue, a walk to the near-deserted Freers Beach and a paddle in the water. It was here that I was able to tick off one of the things on my ‘to do’ list from the past. I’d always wanted to walk from the beach across to Penguin Island, which during high tide is surrounded by turquoise waters, but at low tide is merely an extension of the rest of the beach surrounding it. The water was so low even our five-year-old could easily manage to cross it, and it made for a relaxing wander to the island’s edge and back – including watching kite-surfers tackle the stiff sea breeze that comes with living on the coast. One fantastic thing about staying at Port Sorell is the conveniences. The area is very flat, and with a fish and chip shop and pizza place just down the road, and the Shearwater Resort Tavern a short bike ride away, you don’t have to lift a finger in the kitchen. Navigating a 7.7m campervan around a small town is quite a challenge. Fortunately, both Port Sorell and Wynyard (our next destination) market themselves as ‘RV-friendly’ towns and we found that indeed they were, with easy parking near the supermarket and other essential conveniences. Wynyard is another picturesque coastal town that has changed a lot since I was a teenager. There are some fantastic new places to stay

and great places to eat – a callout on Facebook saw recommendations for Wynyard Wharf Seafoods, Bruce’s Café, Umami, the ‘Top Pub’, Annie’s Place at the RSL and the burger bar at the ‘Middle Pub’. We settled for fish and chips on the wharf (my Mum and Dad’s favourite) and a slightly more upmarket lunch at Bruce’s Café, which was at the entrance to our caravan park. Both of these meals were delicious, the food fresh and the service friendly. Our home away from home nestled neatly into the powered site at Leisure Ville, located on the picturesque scenic coastal drive to Wynyard. I’d driven past the caravan park many times in my youth and always wondered what it was like – now I wonder no more. With excellent, clean facilities, an on-site indoor pool, tennis and basketball courts and indoor games room, the children were kept entertained for hours. Our only disappointment was the lack of flexibility being in a motorhome offered. Once we’d set up camp, I was reluctant to pack everything away again to make a day trip – even if the tantalising shores of Boat Harbour were only a 15-minute drive away. This has definitely been put at the top of the list for next time. Motorhome supplied by Apollo Motorhome Holidays apollocamper.com RACT members get great deals when they rent with Apollo. For more details, see Page 52.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE

A touch of

CLASS Julian Burgess

Julian Burgess

rench carmaker Renault has clearly set its sights on winning a significant slice of the SUV market in Australia with its secondgeneration Koleos. main:

Bigger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, the all-new Koleos is based on the well-proven mechanicals of the Nissan X-Trail, thanks to Renault’s alliance with Nissan. However, that is where any similarities end. The Koleos is all about French design flair with the latest developments in motoring technology. It is being pitched at the mid-sector of the SUV market and comes with an almost bewildering range of features. All three models – Life 4X2, Zen 4X2 and 4X4, and Intens – share the 2.5 litre engine, CVT automatic transmission, keyless entry, push-button starting and climate-control air conditioning. Features like easy park assist, forward collision and lane departure warning are reserved for the top-of-the-range Intens, but there’s plenty of driver assistance technology in the Life and Zen versions. The model we took on our Sunday drive was the Zen, with leather-like seats and standard features such as ABS, electronic stability control, emergency braking assist and hill start assist. And there’s lots of chrome to glam up the very elegant interior and smart exterior. 20

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Renault’s Koleos at Clarendon House and Woolmers (inset).

My wife Jill and I decided on a trip to the weekly Evandale Market, on to stately Clarendon House and then to the World Heritagelisted Woolmers Estate for lunch. All are within an easy drive from Launceston. Leaving town we found the Koleos to be smooth and responsive, and quiet and fuel-efficient on the highway. I particularly liked the ability to switch between 4x4, 2x4 or 4x4 Auto mode (which favours front-wheel drive) at any time. The 4x4 Auto mode is selected on startup and you can see the amount of rear-wheel drive used on the clear and informative dashboard. The 4x2 mode is a fuel-saver on the open road, where the cruise control was easy to use and very responsive. It was impossible not to compare the Koleos with our own SUV, a current model but three-year-old Subaru Forester, which is also a great car. All I can say is that it’s amazing how quickly motoring technology is advancing and how enjoyable it can be driving a brand new car. Arriving at the long-established Evandale Market, we found the usual large crowd and enjoyed an hour or so browsing the many

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

Julian Burgess

above:

stalls. Next stop was one of Australia’s very early grand homes, the National Trust property Clarendon at the Nile. Built with convict labour in the very early days of Van Diemen’s Land, it provides a fascinating glimpse of early colonial life. A bonus of our tour of the house was a small exhibition of paintings to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of famous landscape artist John Glover. Next stop was the equally historic Woolmers Estate near Longford, where we enjoyed a very nice and reasonably priced light lunch and Devonshire tea in the Servants’ Kitchen café, located in the main home. This was followed by a very informative tour with Woolmers Estate events co-ordinator Sue-Ellen Groer. Woolmers Estate dates from 1817 when the first Thomas Archer, a colonial civil servant, took up a land grant and, again with the help of convict labour, built a huge farming enterprise with a small village of its own to house workers and the family. The main house was extended several times and decorated with custom-made furniture from England and numerous paintings of the Archer’s home in Hertfordshire. Following the 1994 death of the sixth-generation Thomas Archer, who was unmarried, ownership of the property passed to the Archer Historical Foundation, now the Woolmers Foundation Inc. The National Rose Garden was added to the grounds in 2001 and the property was put to the World Heritage list in 2010 because of its significance to the Australian convict system. This year Woolmers Estate will celebrate two major events. The first is the bicentenary of its founding and the second is the opening of a new $5.3 million visitor centre. The new building has been ‘buried’ in the Woolmers grounds, designed to merge with the beautiful gardens and pastures surrounding the Estate. The visitor centre looks small from the outside but is enormous inside. It comprises a spacious reception area and a

The scenic views of Woolmers Estate.

large restaurant, cavernous gallery spaces plus storage rooms for the vast collection of Archer family historical material and objects. Ms Groer said an exciting program of exhibitions and displays was planned for the new spaces, which will add considerably to what is already an important and extensive visitor experience at Woolmers. We headed home via Longford, which was a mecca for Australian motorsport fans in the 1950s and 1960s. The Australian Grand Prix was raced there in 1959 and 1965 on the 7km racetrack that went through the town. From 1953 until it closed in 1969, the Longford road circuit hosted most of the country’s top motorcycle and car racers as well as many famous international names including Bruce McLaren, Jack Brabham, Arnold Glass, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart, Denny Hulme and Graham Hill. Most of the race circuit has now disappeared under subsequent roadworks, but the Flying Mile is still there and I always try to do the ‘ton’ (in kilometres, of course!) down this famous stretch of road. There’s still a notoriously sharp corner at the river end of the Flying Mile, but these days it leads to a gentle and relaxing drive along the oak tree-lined Pateena Road back towards Launceston. Vehicle supplied courtesy of Neil Buckby Renault in Launceston.

THE VERDICT: The Renault Koleos boasts the latest in SUV design and engineering technology with enough driver aids to satisfy the most demanding owner. It is refined and responsive and we’re going to be seeing a lot more of them on our roads. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

Sleek new Renault showroom now open in Launceston. N

eil Buckby Motors have just opened Renault Australia’s newest Renault showroom in Margaret Street, Launceston. In May 2015 Neil Buckby Motors became the local dealer for Renault cars and vans. When discussing the new showroom, Ben Newman, General Manager of Neil Buckby Motors said, “When we took on the Renault franchise we had limited space, and now with the new showroom we can display up to 14 new vehicles.”

significantly. According to Ben, “There have been national fleets including Australia Post running Renaults in Tasmania, this has helped create awareness for the vans.”

The Renault range has a vehicle to suit most drivers. The Clio is the small hatch in the range, with European styling and sophisticated design. The Captur is a small SUV that appeals to those looking for low prices and high specs. The Megane is the sporty hatch oozing quality and style, which is also available in a wagon. The all new Koleos, a popular SUV that suits Tasmanian conditions.

A long time coming

It’s not just Renault cars that have a new space, Renault vans are also catered for. Renault commercial vehicles have become popular in the market, with options available from the smaller Kangoo van to the large Master van and Master bus. The interest in the Renault van range has recently increased

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Aside from Renault sales, Neil Buckby Renault also offer a fully specialised service centre including Renault Parts. They also have a Renault Finance Manager, who can tailor finance and insurance to your needs.

The Renault brand was a long time coming to Northern Tasmania. The first Renault was produced in Paris by Louis Renault back in 1898. Over 100 years later, in 1999, the Renault became available in Australia. Another 16 years on and the quality of Renault cars made its way to Northern Tasmania thanks to Neil Buckby Motors. Now in 2017, this European styled range of vehicles are on display in an exciting new showroom located in Margaret Street, Launceston. With the new showroom now in operation, you can expect to see even more Renaults on the roads in Northern Tasmania.

The Buckby footprint continues to grow Back in 1997, Neil Buckby Motors was started by the late Neil Buckby. The original showroom which still operates is located in St John Street, Launceston. The history of this dealership and yard goes well beyond this date however, formerly running as Webster Cars in the 80’s and early 90’s. The current owners of Neil Buckby Motors, Crichton Lewis, Ben Newman and Elise D’Orazio have expanded the Neil Buckby Motors footprint over the past decade, adding Renault, Jaguar, Great Wall, JMC, RAM, and Foton to the existing brands Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, and Land Rover. Now with multiple yards in St John Street and Margaret Street, Neil Buckby Motors will continue to be Launceston’s number one choice for new cars.

389 Hobart Rd, Youngtown 03 6343 7287 Sales, Service, Parts & More Your one stop shop for all your caravanning needs! State distributor for New Age Caravans & Eco-Go Bikes Find us on Facebook and Instagram: newagecaravanstasmania

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Glamping Brendan Batty, Australian Caravan+RV magazine

under tow

New Age Big Red BR22CL Tare: 2720kg ATM: 3120kg

ith all-new designs and construction, the latest New Age caravans are better than ever.

New Age Caravans is currently one of the most exciting caravan manufacturers in the Australian market. Amongst a throng of floral upholstery and naff timber veneer, New Age firmly established its place in the market by building caravans that actually looked good, outside and in, using modern design techniques and focusing on function. Since those not-so-humble beginnings, New Age has continued to grow and boasts a list of achievements, even in just the past 24 months, that are nearly as long as its caravan features list. Most notable is the recent investment of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group (builders of HSV, Aussie spec RAM trucks, importers of Tata utes and owners of a Supercar team), which bought nearly half of the company. Its latest release, a comprehensive update of the Big Red, gives a clear indication of the direction the company is heading, even beyond the all-new body construction. Spending a night away in the 22-foot club lounge model makes us really appreciate how far caravan comfort has come. The Big Red BR22CL is a large, luxurious caravan. The rear-door model features a massive, wraparound leather lounge at the back, which opens up into the kitchen. This part of the floor plan really lends itself to openness, so there’s no shuffling around while cooking dinner or even entertaining guests. The kitchen is fitted with a very generous 184-litre two-door fridge that’s run on electricity or gas, depending on where you’re camped. Opposite is a four-burner stove and grill, rangehood and stainless steel sink. It’s also got really great lighting and a microwave in the overhead cupboards. Storage around the kitchen is excellent, with a full-height pantry an excellent inclusion. While most caravans fit an ensuite shower and toilet to the rear of the van, New Age has moved it to the centre. With doors closed, it very effectively divides the living and sleeping areas, so late risers needn’t be disturbed while early risers make them coffee

Ball Weight: 230kg Features: 184-litre fridge, full-width ensuite, frontloader washing machine, 28" smart TV, leather upholstery, independent suspension, island bed, LED lights, modern interior design. Priced from $80,990

and cook them breakfast (hint, hint). Complete with a separate shower cubicle, wall-mounted front-loader washing machine and a good-sized vanity unit, the space is very luxurious. The bedroom must be a highlight, though. With a large bed you can walk around on both sides, hanging space and bedside storage, surrounded by large windows, it’s a very comfortable place to lay your head, and you are almost guaranteed to wake up to an excellent view of nature. The 22-footer is a big van, so a big 4WD is the best choice for towing it. I used a Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series ute and found the van very stable on the open road. With a galvanised, steel chassis and the optional, independent rubber suspension under the Big Red, it’s built strong and capably. Electric brakes are standard, as are 15″ alloy wheels with 235/75 R15 light truck tyres. Available in a variety of lengths and configurations between 17 and 23 feet, the range is well-equipped and good-looking, and a great choice for caravanners seeking good value and comfortable camping adventures. For all the latest caravan or motorhome reviews and inspiring Australian travel ideas, grab a subscription to Australian Caravan+RV magazine. Save $5 on a subscription just by using the code ‘RACT/MEMBER’. Head to acrvmag.com.au/subscribe or call 1300 782 312.

For safe-towing tips, visit ract.com.au/vehicle-safety APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE

REPAIRER APPROVED by

of KING the ROAD Tim Cox

think we were last together on the occasion of my country jaunt with RACT driver trainer Kat. You know, with the little yellow ISuzuki having its first crack at herding sheep? Yes, then.

It turns out I’m Kat’s one and only pupil. I’m not sure if that’s an indication of how taxing it is to ride shotgun when I’m behind the wheel, or something else entirely (it’s something else entirely, she tells me). But Kat and I haven’t seen each other for a while. For quite a long while, in fact. To be honest we haven’t seen each other this year. I’ve been flat out working and Kat’s had school holidays and it’s just possible I’ve somehow lost a little of my nerve. I can’t pinpoint when it happened or really explain why but… I’ve just stopped driving. I can pretty much convince myself it’s because my wife Barb has been away for work a lot that I haven’t had much chance to at home. And I can definitely convince myself that Kat had a break after Christmas but, really, it’s almost Easter and I reckon that excuse reached its use-by date somewhere around Australia Day. So I have booked a road trip (well, one night away) in Launceston with me doing the driving – all the driving – and I’ve booked to get back to it with Kat. I reckon she’ll be stirring me about needing the ‘emergency entrance’ at Driver Training: can’t wait. I have been riding my scooter all along and went perilously close to a high-speed calamity a couple of weeks ago. I was riding home from a meeting on a beautiful, late summer evening and was travelling just under the maximum speed limit (80km/h – avanti, Vespa!) when I noticed long drips of something shiny in my lane. Now, they teach you to sit out of the centre of the lane, as it’s where cars drop oil, but this was all over the lane and, before I could remember the words to Abide With Me, I was losing my rear wheel. Here’s the thing: I remembered what I’d learnt and what Kat had told me and I didn’t panic and I didn’t try to overcorrect or move out of the lane suddenly – I slowed down and found a line that was oil-free. And then I exhaled when I got home. I may even unclench before my next lesson…

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Long-time Tasmanian media personality Tim Cox is learning to drive, with the help of RACT Driver Training. For more details on our Driver Training program visit ract.com.au/driving-lessons 26

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

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AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS | LIFE ON THE MOVE

The BEST of the

BEST

asmanian motorists can get a better picture of new cars on the market and how they compare with other cars in their class with the announcement of the Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2016. The awards judge cars against a range of criteria including Value for Money, Design and Function and On the Road. Judges represent Auto Clubs across Australia, including RACT’s general manager, Member Assist, Darren Moody. ‘The winning vehicles have performed the best in their respective categories against tough competition,’ he said. The awards aim to challenge new car-makers to continually improve in terms of 2017-03-01T17:34:51+11:00 safety, performance and affordability. 1465Kia_1-3Page ‘The list of winners will assist motorists to work through the often difficult process of selecting what vehicle to buy’.

ABC judges with the winning vehicles.

The judges, with combined motoring experience of more than 200 years, assess each volume-selling vehicle on the market across 21 individual criteria to assist potential purchasers of new vehicles to make a more informed purchasing decision. The list of 45 finalists was reduced to 15 winners across 15 categories in final testing late last year. With SUVs set to account for more than half of all vehicle sales during the next year, the awards feature four categories dedicated to those vehicles. See overleaf for an overview of the winners in each category. For further details, see the full judges’ comments in our Member Hub via ract.com.au

KIA WINS 3 ‘AUSTRALIA’S BEST CAR’ AWARDS

FIN NA N C E

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15-19 Warwick Street Anth Anthony Hardstaff | 0418 138 709 Justin Grice | 0417 730 558 Justi

S MODEL•MANUAL OR AUTO• HATCH OR SEDAN•SENSATIONAL CAR FOR ALL AGES

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WINNER Family Wagon

SLI WAGON•V6 PETROL OR 2.2L TURBO DIESEL•SATNAV• ELECTRONIC POWER SLIDING DOORS•8 SEAT CAPACITY• LEATHER ASSENTED SEATS

1429

S MODEL•GREAT SMALL CAR• ECONOMICAL AUTO - 5.3L PER 100KM•COMBINED 6 SRS AIR BAGS•GREAT CAR FOR AROUND TOWN

WINNER Small car under $35k

LMCT3380

WINNER Micro category

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE | AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS

K ia Picanto Si second:

Mitsubishi Mirage ES

third:

Holden Spark LS

he Kia Picanto Si five-door hatchback epitomises just what this class is all about. It is small, affordable to own and operate, very easy to drive and, most importantly, has a T five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Picanto gets the jump on its competitors in the value for money stakes with an attractive drive-away price of $14,990, low insurance costs and a class-leading list of standard features. The combination of Kia’s 1.2L four-cylinder engine and a conventional four-speed automatic transmission delivers a pleasing mix of relatively nippy performance and economical fuel consumption that is well-suited to the everyday requirements for this type of city-centric car. And even on the open road at 100km/h, it is a competent enough performer, given the small capacity engine’s modest power and torque output.

2016 BEST MICRO CAR

OVERALL SCORE

1st 754

2nd 712 3rd 668

Suzuki Baleno GL second:

Kia Rio S

third:

Mazda2 Neo

ith an equal class-leading drive-away price of $16,990 for the basic manual model, while the more popular automatic version is a modest $1000 more, Baleno is still W significantly cheaper than most of its main rivals and backs this up with economical fuel consumption and affordable servicing and repair costs. One of the roomiest cabins in the class and judiciously chosen standard equipment add to the driving ease. The interior layout is simple and functional, with a number of driver assistance features that you don’t expect to find in entry-level models at this low price-point. The performance and on-road ability of the GL model is solid rather than spectacular. And the engine’s power and torque figures are around average for the class. OVERALL SCORE

1st 726

2016 BEST LIGHT CAR

2nd 718 3rd 702

K ia Cerato S

2016 BEST SMALL CAR UNDER $35K

Volvo V40 T4 Inscription

Ford Focus Trend

OVERALL SCORE

BMW 125i Sport Line second:

second:

third:

Mazda3 Maxx

here is no denying that the drive-away price of the Cerato S had a strong bearing on results. However, there is more to this story and that’s Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped-price servicing. Cerato S comes with a 2.0L engine that uses regular unleaded fuel, has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km and provides drive through a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Cerato efficiently tackles urban commuting but is also flexible enough for longer highway journeys. Reasonable power is available with 112kW backed up by 192Nm of torque, and for most driving situations Cerato gets around without any fuss thanks to a very smooth and precise-shifting automatic transmission. For those drivers who like to be more involved in the experience, the S model has the option of the six-speed manual.

third:

1st 762

2nd 754 3rd 750

Mercedes-Benz A 180

he evolution of the BMW 1 Series has helped keep it at the top of the class for driver appeal. BMW has also proven in various vehicles that it can make cars with T benchmark ergonomics, and the 125i Sport Line is no exception. The 125i is the most expensive non-electric vehicle in the category. However, while it did suffer a penalty here, its depreciation score was slightly above average for the category, indicating buyers in the second-hand market still rate the 1 Series highly. In addition to all of this car’s traits as a driver’s car, and an environmentally sound one at that, the 125i also has strong safety credentials. The 125i’s interior, while intimate, still conveys the message that this is a luxury car, albeit downsized into a sporty hatchback. OVERALL SCORE 28

Journeys

1st 858 2nd 848 3rd 810

APRIL / MAY 2017

2016 BEST SMALL CAR OVER $35K

AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS | LIFE ON THE MOVE

M azda6 Touring second:

Subaru Liberty 2.5i Premium

third:

Kia Optima GT

hen you combine Mazda’s build quality, reliability and drivability, you start to get the makings of a true winner. Mazda6 scored admirably under each of the three W scoring sections, either leading or matching virtually all other cars overall.

It’s on the road that Mazda6 really shines. Mazda has upped the handling ante with its G-Vectoring Control system (GVC), further stabilising vehicle behaviour and body roll. In the petrol version, Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy allows the 2.5L engine to generate a useful 138kW and 250Nm, and it returns an official 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle. Overall, the Australia’s Best Cars judges were so impressed with the Mazda6 Touring that they have named it their Judges’ Choice vehicle this year, as having brought more to its particular category than any of the other winners.

2016 BEST MEDIUM CAR UNDER $50K

OVERALL SCORE

1st 772 2nd 724 3rd 722

BMW 330i Luxury Line second:

Mercedes-Benz C 200

third:

Jaguar Xe 20T Prestige

MWs are famous for their dynamics so it’s not surprising that the 330i topped the class for performance and handling. The 185kW/350Nm 2.0L twin-turbo four-cylinder B petrol engine is fantastic and works seamlessly with the intuitive eight-speed auto.

The 330i claims 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds, but despite this commanding performance it’s an extremely frugal power plant, using just 5.8L/100km – second only to the hybrid Lexus IS 300h. The judges were particularly impressed with how BMW had created a good balance between ride and handling. The 330i outshone its rivals in design and function with class-leading space, practicality and ergonomics. Safety levels are usually high in this class and the BMW scored a perfect 10. And, of course, the level of fit and finish in the car is very high. OVERALL SCORE

1st 876

2nd 868 3rd 822

2016 BEST MEDIUM CAR OVER $50K

H yundai Genesis

2016 LARGE CAR UNDER $70K

Kia Carnival SLi second:

Honda Odyssey VTi-L

third:

second:

Holden Commodore SV6 Black Edition

third:

Lexus Es 300H Luxury

here might have been only 16 points in it but don’t be fooled: Hyundai Genesis’ victory for the second year in succession was no lucky win. Simply put, Genesis was too strong right across the board. Although some $20,000 costlier than Commodore, a generous five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and lifetime capped-price servicing plan enhance its value-for-money equation. It matched the Holden for seating comfort and space. The build and finish, judges agreed, was the class-leading equal of the third-placed ES 300h Luxury. The Hyundai topped the critical area of safety, but it was on the road where Genesis really powered home. Judges considered the Hyundai to be superior to its five category rivals by way of supple ride quality, strong braking performance and high level of smoothness and quietness. OVERALL SCORE

1st 858 2nd 842 3rd 828

Kia Sorento SLi

he Carnival is a well-presented, purpose-built, family-friendly wagon, designed specifically to carry up to eight people in relative comfort. Almost car-like driving T characteristics make it easy to live with, and there is a level of quality and refinement

which most others in the class struggle to match. Thanks to some important improvements in its safety credentials, Carnival has now achieved an excellent five-star ANCAP rating. The SLi grade comes well-dressed with leather trim, practically positioned controls and instrumentation and a sensible range of standard features, including an excellent infotainment, navigation and connectivity package. The Carnival’s build quality is very good, while the value and peace of mind that Kia’s excellent seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven-year capped-price servicing program provide should not be ignored in the buying proposition. OVERALL SCORE

1st 850 2nd 840 3rd 828

2016 BEST FAMILY WAGON APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE | AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS

F ord Focus ST second:

Ford Fiesta ST

third:

Renault Clio RS 200 CUP

or the second year running, Ford Focus ST has taken out this class, which is no mean feat given this is a highly competitive segment that carries a varied line-up of F affordable hot hatches, sedans and coupés.

With a 38-point gap between the Focus and the second-placed Ford Fiesta ST, there was no denying the Focus offered the best bang for your buck. The Focus is a clear winner in the area of design and function, helped in part by boasting the best seats in the class. Ford’s clever Sync2 system, combined with the eight-inch touch screen that incorporates satellite navigation, saw the Focus also voted the class-leader for ergonomics. For less than $50,000, the ST offers a lot at a reasonable price, and back-to-back wins further cement its credibility as a hot hatch in this extremely competitive market. 2016 SPORTS CARS UNDER $50K

OVERALL SCORE

1st 662 2nd 624 3rd 620

BMW M240i Sport Line second:

Mercedes-AMG A 45

third:

Ford Focus RS

uyers in this premium segment expect something special for their sports car dollars, and the BMW M240i certainly delivers. Replacing the M235i, which was the B runner-up last year, the updated 2 Series’ flagship model comes to market $3500 cheaper,

plus it sports extra standard equipment and features. All judges enthused over the 3.0L turbo in-line six-cylinder engine’s muscular performance through the rev range and its eager throttle response. The gearbox received the judges’ universal praise for its greased-lightning-fast, intuitive gear changes. The powertrain’s smoothness and power delivery is sublime. All-in-all, it’s an experience to savour. The M240i also won compliments for its ride and handling finesse. Steering is light and responsive. And underpinning its sporting handling credentials is the purity of BMW’s classic rear-wheel-drive agility, fine dynamic balance and a communicative chassis. OVERALL SCORE

1st 746 2nd 738 3rd 658

2016 SPORTS CARS $50K-$100K

M azda CX-3 MAXX second:

2016 SMALL 2WD SUVS UNDER $35K

Honda HR-V VTi-S

third:

Nissan Qashqai ST

t’s back-to-back wins for Mazda CX-3 which, when it was launched in 2015, introduced a new concept to this growing cohort of city-centric SUVs: brilliant build and finish quality in an affordable and great-driving small vehicle. CX-3’s winning attributes are still relevant and remain unchallenged. Although it’s a sprightly performer, CX-3’s fuel consumption doesn’t come back to bite you, using only 6.1L/100km. That puts CX-3 near the top of the category for fuel economy and contributed to the considerable overall points gap between it and the second-placed Honda HR-V. CX-3 is comfortably the best-handling baby SUV in this year’s awards. Its steering is pleasingly accurate and the suspension has been specifically designed to optimise these characteristics. The 2.0L engine and an intuitive six-speed auto combine to give CX-3 a nimbleness unrivalled in the category. OVERALL SCORE

1st 780

2nd 742 3rd 698

Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium second:

Kia Sportage Platinum Premium

third:

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport

or the second year in a row, Subaru Outback has won this category by a mighty slim margin. The final scores for it and Kia Sportage were so close that either could have F trumped the other with an extra point in any one criterion. Although Sportage is the better value-for-money proposition, it is Outback’s better overall design and function that really gives it the win, with a combination of space and practicality that’s best in the class. Although Outback isn’t the quickest in the class, the way the 2.5L boxer engine delivers its power keeps the vehicle humming along. Its CVT is one of the best versions on offer and allows seamless delivery of the power with far less characteristic engine flare inherent to many of these transmissions. OVERALL SCORE 30

Journeys

1st 882 2nd 870 3rd 808

APRIL / MAY 2017

2016 BEST AWD SUVS UNDER $50K

AUSTRALIA’S BEST CARS | LIFE ON THE MOVE

L and Rover Discovery Sport TD4 150 SE second:

Kia Sorento Platinum

third:

Hyundai Santa FE Highlander CRDi

he Discovery Sport received a new power plant in 2016, with the 2.2L turbo-diesel replaced by a 2.0L engine that delivers identical power of 110kW. It does drop 40Nm T of torque, although the output is still a healthy 380Nm from 1750rpm. The positives of

the new power unit are the virtual elimination of turbo lag, considerably improved fuel economy – a meagre 5.3L/100km on the official combined test cycle – and significant noise, vibration and harshness refinements. On the road, the Discovery Sport puts daylight between itself and its rival. It has more communicative steering, less body roll and a firmer but compliant ride that’s able to absorb significant potholes while handling gravel corrugations without complaint. Discovery Sport’s off-road performance was well above anything the other finalists could produce. It also delivers in convenience, connectivity and safety.

2016 BEST AWD SUVS $50K-$65K

OVERALL SCORE

1st 884 2nd 872 3rd 868

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250D second:

Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription

third:

Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport 30D

ew to market in 2016 as a replacement for the GLK, the GLC utilises the W205 C-Class sedan’s accomplished platform and drivetrains. Stretched to suit its SUV N design brief, the GLC gives rear seat passengers 60mm more space overall. Depending on how many seats are folded down, cargo space is a generous 500 to 1600 litres. The ride is rather firm, not surprisingly given the taut suspension and tall 20-inch alloys, particularly over corrugations and expansion joins. This can be eased considerably with an optional ($2490) Airmatic suspension system. But a firm ride usually equates to sharper handling and, although not quite as dynamic as the F-Pace, the Merc feels agile and athletic on a twisty back road, turning in smartly while offering plenty of reassuring grip and traction. OVERALL SCORE

1st 1026 2nd 996 3rd 974

2016 BEST AWD SUVS $65K-$125K

F ord Ranger XLT 3.2

2016 BEST 4X4 DUAL CAB UTES

second:

Toyota Hilux SR5

third:

Holden Colorado LTZ

he list of standard features in Ranger is the benchmark in this market. A rear-view camera and reversing sensors have become standard across most of the line-up, and the XLT also has front parking sensors as standard. The update also saw the XLT receive Ford’s new SYNC 3 in-vehicle communications and entertainment platform that has faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, smartphone-like touch screen and an improved graphics interface. Ranger was equal best in class for space, and outside tray space was equal to or better than any of the other contenders. The cabin is relatively quieter but it’s still not as good as the HiLux. Even loaded with three judges in the cabin and half a tonne in the tray, Ranger easily lugged its way up a steep 4WD test track. OVERALL SCORE

Magazine out now

The Australia’s Best Cars magazine is now officially on sale at newsagents and online. A limited number of copies are also available at RACT branches.

1st 1082 2nd 1052 3rd 1008

MAZDA CX-3T 2016 6 MODEL RUNOUT

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LMCT3381

RACT members can purchase the magazine, which features comprehensive details on each of the finalists, for the special price of $9.95 via iSubscribe by using this URL: https:// www.isubscribe.com.au/Australias-Best-Cars.cfm?pub=1.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE

FIAT stars in safety test

ACT Community Manager Will Oakley attended an ANCAP star rating test in Victoria recently to see what vehicle safety testing is really all about. Buying a safe car is as important now as it has ever been. Thankfully, this has become a key consideration for many people when making a purchase. During the past 10 years, advancements in vehicle technology have really accelerated, pardon the pun, and the amount of information available to a prospective buyer is extensive. Most vehicles driven in Australia have undergone strict safety testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, or ANCAP as it is better known. This is the organisation that determines the safety star rating of your car. But what does this actually mean? How do they assign these stars and does it actually make much difference? Well, to put it bluntly, you have twice the chance of being killed or seriously injured in a 3-star rated vehicle than one with a 5-star rating. This is worth taking seriously. Star ratings are assigned to vehicles after a series of crash tests and the analysis of massive amounts of data. New vehicles undergo the following tests:

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APRIL / MAY 2017

–– Frontal offset tests: Simulate a crash with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. Vehicles are crashed into a stationary object at a speed of 64km/h. This doesn’t sound that fast but the impact at this speed is quite startling. –– Side impact tests: Involve a 950kg trolley being propelled into the side of the vehicle at 50km/h. –– Pole tests: Crash a vehicle into a narrow pole with the impact being on the driver’s door. There are crash test dummies in all of these vehicles worth upwards of an astonishing $150,000. The reason they cost so much is that they capture much of the data needed to provide a detailed analysis. ANCAP also conducts pedestrian and whiplash testing as part of the process. The data captured by the dummies, measurements within the vehicle and analysis of video footage are all parts of the star-assigning process, and there is a huge amount of time and detail dedicated to every component. It sometimes takes a month of analysis before a rating can be proposed. The RACT was lucky enough to attend the crash testing of a Fiat 500X, and we were amazed by the precision and level of detail that goes into assigning a star rating to a vehicle in Australia. Some vehicles are simply safer than others, and you can trust that ANCAP has the means to tell us exactly which ones they are. The RACT encourages you to buy the safest car you can afford. Ideally, this will be a 5-star rated vehicle. However, whatever your budget, if you are buying a new or used car, please make the star rating your first consideration. To search individual crash test results visit ancap.com.au.

Check your battery before winter

s the colder months approach, demands on vehicle electrical systems increase, causing batteries to work harder, and A ever-increasing demands on your electrical system are put to the

ultimate test. If you require a vehicle that you can rely on, ensure your battery and electrical system are in peak condition before you need to put them to the test of winter. RACT has recently updated the testing equipment used by our patrols to assist our members to get the best life out of their battery. Our Midtronics MDC – 5500 tester is now equipped to perform a Full Member Test, which checks the vehicle electrical system and battery condition at the same time. This helps us to understand the condition of your battery and verify the condition of your electrical system, so we can recommend the correct solution to get you back on the road. The tester will ask certain questions to help our patrol make a very well-informed diagnosis and will print out a condition report and recommendation for you to refer to. If you notice any changes to the sound your car makes when you are starting or it’s a bit sluggish to turn over, call RACT on 13 11 11 to arrange a Full Member Test and get it before it gets you! Members get great deals on batteries – see Page 46 For more information, visit our website ract.com.au/ Pages/Batteries.aspx

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Life in the

SLOW LANE Alice Hansen

Marcos Ambrose is enjoying his time back home in Tasmania, including at Thousand Lakes Lodge (above left).

ormer racecar champion Marcos Ambrose led a life of private jets, race tracks, fast cars and movie premieres. The North F American racing circuit was a long way from the Tasmania of his childhood. But in 2014, after a stellar career, Marcos turned home. ‘When I retired from racing, we could have lived anywhere. Sydney, North Carolina, Paris, but we chose Tasmania. It’s such a great way of life here,’ says Ambrose. ‘I’m a proud Tasmanian. The longer I was away from here, the more I romanced about returning and bringing my kids home.’ Ambrose is one of five investors behind Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge in the Central Highlands, formerly an Antarctic training base known as Bernacchi Lodge. The challenge was to transform the dilapidated lodging into an inviting alpine retreat. ‘When the opportunity came across my desk, it fitted nicely with what I was wanting in my own personal life,’ explains Ambrose. ‘I was ready to shift back a gear and reconnect with myself and my family. It was time to get back to basics, back to nature. It was also an opportunity to do something good for the Central Plateau and for Tasmania.’

Ambrose has been away since 1996, racing in Europe and Australia as well as spending nine years in the United States. Based in North Carolina, the former Australian V8 Supercar champion went on to be the first Australian to win at NASCAR’s highest level. His lengthy career began at age 10, racing karts in Launceston. At 39, Ambrose decided that he could not travel 330km/h forever. It was time to retire from professional racing. He thought of no better place to slow down than in Tasmania with his wife and two young children, aged 9 and 11. ‘I had a great ride. I loved racing but it was time to hang up the helmet. Don’t they say, the older you get the better you were? ‘I’m enjoying getting out in the back country of Tasmania with the kids. I love it up there. I’ve seen the world, but the Central Plateau and the Western Lakes where the lodge is – that’s an area that inspires me and challenges me like nowhere else.’ Ambrose is delighted with life outside the fast lane, tinkering away renovating his Launceston home and visiting the highlands lodge when he can. A new suite of electric bikes ensures Ambrose still gets around at considerable pace in his racing retirement. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE

A leisurely

journey Clive Attwater

above:

hen heading to the Australian Electric Vehicle Association’s national conference in Adelaide last year, Clive Attwater set himself a challenge – to drive his EV from Bellerive to Adelaide. Here is his journey.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Clive Attwater recharges at a caravan park.

he 2012 Nissan Leaf is a highway-capable car with an advertised range of 160km, but for practical purposes closer to 120-140 in the city and 80-120 T at highway speeds. When test-driving the car the Nissan dealer said, ‘It’s not

the sort of car you would ever use to go to Launceston’. At the time I agreed it was not a likely prospect. In October 2016, I wondered about this and set myself a challenge. The Australian Electric Vehicle Association’s national conference and AGM was in Adelaide last year and, as the Tasmanian branch is hosting the event this year, encouraging members to bring their electric vehicles to Tasmania seemed to be an exciting prospect. To take 50 EVs for a rally to Cradle Mountain would be amazing. Many EVs now have a greater range than my Leaf, so if I could take the journey from Bellerive to Adelaide, then there would be no reason why members from all parts of Tasmania and interstate couldn’t do it in reverse. There is hardly any EV recharging infrastructure in Australia and even less fast charging is available. To travel long distances you mostly have to charge where you can, from 10 amp or 15 amp (A) powerpoints. Powered sites at caravan parks provide the most widely available opportunity. With this in mind, I plotted all the caravan parks from Bellerive to Adelaide, with spacing of 60-90km to avoid ‘range anxiety’. Charging at 15A can take two to four hours, and 45-90 minutes driving at normal speed required two stops per day and an overnight recharge. That’s a lot of stops and a lot of time spent in small towns. Driving slowly uses less energy, so you don’t have to charge as long. Taking an extra half hour driving at 50-60km/h compared to 90-100km/h can save an hour of charging time. With only slow-charging available, driving slowly actually shortens the overall trip time. Slow driving is only practical and safe on quiet back roads

LIFE ON THE MOVE

or on major roads during quiet periods. Moving over and making way for other traffic is essential. I had budgeted for the time required so did not feel any time pressure and had ample places to charge. Driving slowly and seeing far more of the countryside than usual is a very enjoyable experience. Exploring a dozen or more small towns and meeting the locals that I otherwise would never have seen: the delights of Nhill Swamp (seriously), discovering the free-range snail farm in Coonalpyn, meeting caravan park owners that help homeless people in their communities, and learning that Bordertown, South Australia, was Bob Hawke’s birthplace and residence for six years. With today’s infrastructure, a short-range EV is not the fastest way to get across long distances by car – the roughly 2000km round trip took 11 days of travel time compared to about four to six in an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. It does require an acknowledgement of ‘it’s the journey that is important, not the destination’. I enjoyed my slow travel like some enjoy slow food. The journey was enhanced by conversations with many people as I travelled along, waving my banner. Many thanks go to caravan park owners and councils/communities that assisted with understanding and interest in the concept. With fast chargers along the route in the right places, the trip would have taken only 3-4 hours more than an ICE, albeit with more stops. With a long-range EV and fast chargers, the trip time would be the same as for an ICE vehicle. But think of what you would miss…

from top: Ross Bridge from the caravan park; Chinese Garden at Avoca Victoria; 24 EVs on display in Adelaide on the banks of the Torrens; Nhill Swamp in Victoria.

Clive Attwater is an advocate for electric vehicles and a member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. For more information visit aeva.asn.au APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

LIFE ON THE MOVE

heavy METAL

Eva Cripps

N clockwise from top left: A restored Honda 1975 CB 500T; bikes lined up for some TLC; Adrian works on a firepot design; some unique pieces of art. inset: Adrian Phillips and Jim McCarthy at the workshop.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

estled in the hills behind Margate in Tasmania’s south, two men are working to make a difference in young people’s lives.

Every so often a community initiative comes along that has the perfect blend of uniqueness, passion and practicality. Antisocial Engineering is just that: specialists in motorcycle repairs and customisation, along with ‘upcycling’ junk into functional art, gadgets, knick-knacks, outdoor firepots, and more. As the name suggests, it’s a little wild, definitely original, and engineers a vast range of products for the lover of all things weird and wonderful. But that isn’t all. It has a deeper and more important purpose. The brainchild of mechanic, former teacher and soldier Jim McCarthy, the venture began as a way to provide support and an alternative approach for young people who are at risk of becoming disaffected youth. Joined by good friend Adrian Phillips, both men understand the pressures facing young people who don’t quite fit in. Phillips, a highly skilled boat builder, and McCarthy both struggled with conventional schooling, yet excelled when given the opportunity to try something different. Antisocial Engineering is designed to be that ‘something different’ to develop the confidence of a new generation of young people through constructive and meaningful projects. Based just out of Margate, tucked away on the side of a hill and surrounded by rugged bush and pasture, the workshop is busy, messy, full of rusty frames, greasy, oil-stained crankcases and boxes of bolts, brackets and steel. Yet out of the cold, metal disorder rises life.

LIFE ON THE MOVE

Wonderfully shiny and polished pipes lie nestled in cloth, It is a haven for those of all ages who are drawn to the raw beauty tucked away out of sight while they wait for a motorcycle to call of the custom retro motorcycle. Passionate riders can rebuild their home. Intricate ornaments rise from the benchtop, glistening own machines, soaking in nostalgia and times gone by. and glowing under the sparkling light from New riders can fulfil their dreams of owning the aptly named ‘Desklamp, umm, Octopus/ a bike, one they can be fully proud of as they Cthulu, Predator?’ Fully fledged motorcycles have lovingly worked on it themselves. The grow from naked shells hoisted in the centre collector, enthusiast and opportunist has a place It is a haven for those of the room. to cart that old shed-find, covered in rust, barely of all ages who are It’s evident from the time and care that both recognisable as a motorcycle and restore it to drawn to the raw McCarthy and Phillips put into Antisocial its former glory with the help of McCarthy and Engineering that they are the real deal. Phillips. beauty of the custom Covered in grease up to the elbows, McCarthy And for those who have a fetish for the bold, retro motorcycle. is warm yet gruff, with a genuine disposition the wild and the fancy, Antisocial Engineering that comes from a man with his fair share of has created a whole range of one-off must-haves, life experience. Phillips commands attention with a toughness from Carbie Lights, Piston Desklamps, the strange yet mesmerising that is equally matched by infinite patience and generosity. The Octopus/Cthulu Lamp, Scorpion ornament and Spring Bee. Made combined skills, talents and personalities of McCarthy and to order and personalised, McCarthy and Phillips have limitless Phillips are perfectly matched to provide guidance, support and imagination for ‘upcycle’ projects. help to those wanting to tinker around in the workshop and Antisocial Engineering is also Tasmania’s only mobile Motorcycle make the most of what Antisocial Engineering has to offer. Inspection Station accredited to do Roadworthy Inspections. And it has a lot to offer. The appeal crosses all boundaries. For more information visit antisocialengineering.com.au It is a welcoming place for young people to learn new skills for life, and a new craft, providing those who may not otherwise or find them on Facebook and Instagram. have the opportunity with a chance to get hands-on, dirty and fully involved in creating unique and interesting things. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN TASMANIA TODAY

doing TIME Henrietta Manning working out of her car.

leeping alone in a 180-year-old sandstone gaoler’s residence, in the very room inhabited by the gaoler and his family, is not S everyone’s idea of fun. However, for artist Henrietta Manning it’s

The Broken Window Acrylic on Masonite 59x57cm

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

all in a day’s work – and she loves it. As Tasmania’s Oatlands Gaol Artist in Residence these were her digs and, at night, the whole building was hers alone. Despite the ghost stories and even a ghost tour that passes through the gaol, Henrietta thrived on the atmosphere and all that history. ‘People have asked was I ever scared. The building does talk to you, especially in the wind, and I wasn’t keen on the power cuts in the night that triggered an ear-piercing alarm, but for me I felt secure and protected within its solid thick walls,’ she said. ‘It is thrilling to be standing on the very flagstones or floorboards where so many have stood before. You can literally touch the past.’ A regular visitor for several days at a time for more than a year, the Huon Valley artist has developed a large body of work to be exhibited at the Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart in May. Working from life in acrylic on masonite, the series started with interiors inside the heritage buildings in the care of the Southern Midlands Council – the Gaol, Supreme Law Court, Commissariat Store and Callington Mill. Then, as Henrietta got to know the residents of Oatlands, she gained access to private historic homes. The still, quiet and empty interiors of dust and stone with peeling paint and wallpaper contrasted strongly with those from the still atmospheric, but often busy and vibrant, living homes. When it was just too cold, wet or windy to work out in the elements, Henrietta improvised, turning her car into a mobile studio using the glove compartment lid, strips of timber and Blu Tack. The dimensions of these long, narrow landscapes were determined by the space between the window and steering wheel. Her car, repeatedly parked at odd angles, was the subject of

IN TASMANIA TODAY

Supreme Court House I

Supreme Court House III

Acrylic on Masonite 70x50cm

Mahers Cottage (detail) Acrylic on Masonite 19x87cm

curiosity and even concern, with friendly locals frequently offering help, thinking she had broken down. Fears of ill-intentions, with her number plate reported to police, were allayed, and even gifts of bantam eggs for breakfast were passed through the window! A Contemporary Realist, Manning’s work is a reaction to and exploration of the contemporary world around her. In her previous residencies, Manning has focused on communities that choose to live in challenging locations exploring how today’s lives build upon and coexist with the past. The subject matter and experience available to her through the Oatlands Residency enabled her to continue and extend this earlier work. ‘Drawn to historical sites, I am interested in the passage of time and our attitude to the history encapsulated in old buildings, why some are preserved and others abandoned, and how we live with and make our homes amongst that history today,’ she said. ‘Oatlands has been an amazing residency opportunity. There are just so many layers of history here, yet while it has its ‘preserved’ buildings it is still very much a vital, living, working town today.’

Doing Time, Oatlands Gaol Residency solo exhibition by Henrietta Manning, 3-8 May, 10am-5pm Sidespace Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre. Represented by Colville Gallery, Hobart, a further exhibition of Henrietta’s work can also be seen at Colville from 5 May. Her piece Lifestyle, Nesting Series is touring in Tasmania as part of Material Girl presented by Tasmania Regional Arts, Tasmania’s premier art award for women, 12 May-25 June, Burnie Regional Gallery; 30 June-16 July, Rosyn School House Gallery Hobart. Henrietta was also a finalist in the 2017 Glover Prize. For details salarts.org.au colvillegallery.com.au artcase.wikifoundry.com APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN TASMANIA TODAY

THR

UGH READERS’ EYES

Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, Rodway Range, Mt Field National Park Rebecca Brogan

Strahan Village Tyler Weller

Seaport Launceston

Sunset from the Gannet Track in the Tarkine

Sue Saunders

Tina Crellin

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

IN TASMANIA TODAY

Sunrise over Ransons Beach Greg Tarver

Early morning over the Huon River Gary White

Musk lorikeet, Cadbury, Claremont Rebecca Brogan

Mt Wellington with Moon

Low Head lighthouse from East Beach

Pete Willows

Janet McMullen

Cradle Mountain Maryanne McTurk

Do you have a stunning image of our island state? Share it with us via Instagram by tagging @ractofficial or email to journeys@ract.com.au and it could be included in the magazine. Hobart Waterfront

Huon River

Michael Lawler

Margie Murray

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeysâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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IN TASMANIA TODAY

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IN TASMANIA TODAY

Anzac Day concerts

Upcoming

EVENTS

22 April, Launceston 25 April, Hobart Choral Productions Tasmania Inc will present two Anzac Day concerts in Launceston and Hobart, featuring The Lincoln Singers, The Southern Voices and Men in Black, conducted by Margot Lampkin. Special guests also include Nicole SimmsFarrow, Scott Farrow and Emily Wynhoven. The Launceston concert will be held at the Salvation Army Auditorium at 2pm and also include special guests Freddie Todman and Georgie Todman. Tickets are available from Barratt’s Music in George St or via www.trybooking.com/OQQV. Door sales from 1.30pm if not sold out. The Hobart concert will be held at CityWide Convention Centre in Mornington at 2.30pm and include the Clarence City Band, conducted by Andrew Maclean. Tickets available from Lindisfarne Newsagency, Bellerive Newsagency or Bertoz Jewellers, Kingston, or via www.trybooking.com/OQRB. Door sales from 2pm if not sold out. For more information call (03) 6244 5344

Tony Lomas

Devonport Jazz Festival 27-30 July, Devonport Tasmania’s premier annual jazz festival, Devonport Jazz, returns for its 16th year. A collection of Australia’s best jazz musicians will descend on Devonport with the sultry sounds of blues, the toe-tapping of trad and the tempo of swing. The event will feature The Idea of North, Australia’s foremost contemporary vocal ensemble and two-time Aria Award-winning a capella group. To hear and see this group live is an unforgettable experience. Energetic, charismatic Sydney-based jazz singer Monica Trapaga will wow the audience with her musical diversity alongside the Bachelor Pad. Featuring concerts, film, dance and workshops, Devonport Jazz is sure to be an uplifting experience. devonportjazz.com.au

Steel Vignettes

The documentation of Mattila at work saw Gelston make 50 visits to the workshop and capture thousands of images that have been sorted, selected and edited into a cohesive body of work for public display. The artworks have been printed on aluminium composite panels, allowing the grain of metal to shine through in the prints, giving a tactile link between the printed image and subject matter. The exhibition is on show until 7 May 2017, at QVMAG. Admission is free. qvmag.tas.gov.au

Hadley’s Art Prize Contemporary Australian landscape artists are being encouraged to enter the new Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart, which will celebrate the state’s rich history with art. Offering a huge $100,000 for the winning entry, the competition is open to both emerging and established artists. ‘An award of this stature is a big coup for Tasmania and will inspire both artists, and an art-loving public, as they participate in this exciting event,’ curator Dr Amy Jackett said. ‘The Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart, promotes and celebrates the work of contemporary Australian landscape artists and will generate great interest right across the nation’s arts community.’ A panel of three national art specialists – Dr Julie Gough, Roger Butler AM and Lisa Slade – will judge the artworks. To mark the launch of the award, Hadley’s Orient Hotel has recently purchased an Eldershaw watercolour – Under a Hill – to add to its permanent collection.

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Until 7 May Award-winning photographer Scott Gelston captures the work of internationally renowned artisan blacksmith Pete Mattila at work in the QVMAG’s historic Blacksmith Shop, covering the period in which Mattila constructed Transience, a 5m x 6m firebreathing sculpture.

Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart, curator Dr Amy Jackett with the new Eldershaw watercolour Under a Hill.

Entries in the Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart, close on 30 April and the winner will be announced on 14 July. hadleysartprize.com.au

Members: get involved Hobart Chargers

City2Casino

National basketball returns to the Derwent Entertainment Centre with the Hobart Chargers bidding for another SEABL title in 2017.

Entries are now open for the RACT City to Casino, which will be held on 21 May. It features 11km, 7km and 2.7km running/ walking events, which all finish at the iconic Wrest Point casino in Sandy Bay.

The RACT is proud to support the Hobart Chargers men’s team in their quest for success. RACT members receive 10% off all Hobart Chargers men’s game tickets. For more details visit ract.com.au/hobart-chargers

Join us for the second-oldest fun run in Australia and the largest in Tasmania. RACT members get $5 off their entry fee. For more details visit ract.com.au/city-to-casino-2017 APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

IN TASMANIA TODAY

On the

SHELF

STAGE Mr Stink

Tailored Tasmania 2 Alice Hansen, RRP $34.95 ailored Tasmania 2 is the second in Alice Hansen’s series of guides to our island state. Written for locals and visitors alike, the book features well-known destinations as well as divulging local ‘secrets’ and tips for making the most of travelling in Tasmania. Split into various regions and including the best places to eat, visit, shop and stay, Tailored Tasmania 2 is a comprehensive guide to some of the state’s finest features.

Badges of the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Adrian B Patterson, RRP $28.50 ince it was established in 1923, the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) has changed significantly, and this book of auto club badges reflects our evolution from a motoring organisation to a key part of the Tasmanian community. Author Adrian Patterson is the custodian of the Autobadge Collection, as well as an avid collector of Australian and New Zealand automobile club badges and paraphernalia. This is his sixth book and encompasses not only the badges of the RACT throughout history, but also other motoring clubs and associations that were formed in Tasmania that are now obsolete. A limited number of these books are available for purchase through the RACT. To order, call Abby Doyle on (03) 6236 4352 or email aj.doyle@ract.com.au

For your chance to win one of our reviewed books, email journeyscomps@ract.com.au with the title of the book you wish to win in the subject line, along with your name, address and phone number. Entries close 12 May. For competition terms and conditions and a list of winners from last issue, visit ract.com.au/journeys-magazine.

Theatre Royal 19 April at 5.30pm; 20 April at 10am, 2pm and 5.30pm avid Walliams’ award-winning book comes to life on stage for children 6-12 years, and their adults! ‘Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…’ It all starts when Chloe, just about the loneliest girl in the world, makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Sure he smells a bit, but he’s the only person who’s ever been nice to her. So, when Mr Stink needs a place to stay, Chloe decides to hide him in the garden shed. This great family story is proudly supported by RACT. Members can purchase discounted tickets via: http://purchase.theatreroyal.com.au/deeplink. aspx?token=Mrstink or at the box office in person or over the phone. Visit ract.com.au/mr-stink-hotoffer for further details.

We have two family passes (2 adults, 2 children) to Mr Stink on 19 April at 5.30pm to give away as part of our Black Crown competition. To enter, email journeyscomps@ract.com.au or post to GPO Box 1292, Hobart 7001, with your name, address, contact number and member number, along with ‘Black Crown competition’ in the subject line. You must also include the page number of the black crown hidden somewhere inside this issue of Journeys magazine. Winners will be drawn on 13 April and notified by phone. T&Cs apply – see ract.com.au/journeys-magazine.

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EVENING DINING WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 6PM Bookings (03) 6332 1000 1 Bridge Road, Launceston www.pennyroyallaunceston.com.au 44

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EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF THE CLIFF WALK AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY ACROSS A DOZEN ROPE BRIDGES SUSPENDED ABOVE THE PENNY ROYAL - GREAT FOR ALL AGES WITH OPTIONAL CLIFF JUMP AND ZIP LINES HARNESS UP AND TAKE IN THE MAGNIFICENT VIEWS

IMPORTANT NEW COIN RELEASE Fully layered with

APRIL 2017 The first-ever coin to Th feat four profiles of feature

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Certificate of Authenticity When Her Majesty the Queen acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952, no-one could have predicted she would surpass Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Yet she is poised to make history on 9 September 2015 when, at the age of 89, she will break her great-great grandmother’s record of 63 years and 217 days of reign and become the longest reigning monarch in British history. This remarkable accolade earns Queen Elizabeth II a unique place in history. Not only is her longevity to be celebrated, but her popularity too, which has remained constant throughout her long reign - both in Britain and overseas, where her dedication to duty, dignity and quiet resolve have been long admired.

LONG TO REIGN OVER US G O LD EN C ROW N CO I N

This commemorative golden proof coin, limited to just 29,999, features all four portraits of Her Majesty used on circulating coins of her reign, together on one coin for the first time. These four overlapping busts are set against a printed background of the Union flag and laurel wreath. The obverse bears the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The ‘ERII’ cypher is T acc accented in one of the wo world’s most valuable

Issuing authority Tristan da Cunha, approved by Buckingham Palace

Celebrate Her Majesty becoming Britain’s longest reigning

Reverse The four portraits of Queen Elizabeth II in overelapping style, together for the first time on one coin Obverse Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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KEY DETAILS EVENT: In September 2015 Her Majesty became Britain’s longest reigning monarch! LIMITED RELEASE ALLOCATION: The worldwide edition limit of this coin is 29,999. Fewer than 1 in every 273 Australian households will be able to own one. HIGH SPECIFICATION: Intended as a collectors’ item, the coin is fully layered with pure 24-carat gold and the ‘ERII’ cypher is accented in rhodium-platinum, one of the world’s most valuable precious metals. Part of the design is featured in full colour. AUTHENTICATION: Each coin comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. YOURS FOR ONLY $29.99 (plus $9.99 p&h): a saving of $50.00. An informative Certificate of Authenticity is also included.

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BRITAIN’S S LONGEST REIGNING MONARCH: In 2015 Queen Elizabeth II reached reac the incredible milestone off becoming Britain’s longest reigning monarch - eclipsing even her great-great grandmother greatQueen Victoria! This is a cause for major national celebration and in honour of this special event, a golden crown coin has been released. Struck to a very high specification it is fully layered with pure 24-carat gold and part of the design is accented in one of the world’s most valuable precious metals, rhodium-platinum. The coin is the first-ever to feature four profiles and celebrates those used on Her Majesty’s British coinage dating back to the very beginning of her history-making reign. Only 29,999 have been minted of The Long To Reign Over Us Golden Crown which means fewer than 1 in every 273 Australian households can own one. Applications are now being accepted. Apply now and it may be yours for $29.99 (plus $9.99 postage and handling), a saving of $50.00. This offer is likely to attract considerable interest, and not just from collectors.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS 1. You may apply now to secure the Long to Reign Over Us for just $29.99 (plus $9.99 p&h). An informative complimentary Certificate of Authenticity is included. 2. Apply now: Applications will be approved in strict order of receipt. If your application is successful you will be notified in writing within 7 days. Offer is limited to one coin per household. 3. Successful applicants will qualify to view the next coin in The Crowning Moments of Queen Elizabeth II Crown Collection, a series of gold layered crowns celebrating key moments in the life and reign of Her Majesty, a prized heirloom collection. These further crowns, which may be yours for only $79.99 (plus $9.99 p&h) each will be sent at monthly intervals after your Long to Reign Over Us Golden Crown. The next coin in the collection is the “Royal Four Generation Crown”. 4. To apply now, send the coupon below. For priority, call now on 1300 725 103. Lines open 8am-5pm Monday-Friday AEST.

FORMAL APPLICATION

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I do not need to send any money now. If my application is successful I will be notified in writing within 7 days. I understand I can apply for only one coin, and that my application should be made within 7 days. I may return the coin within 14 days if I am not satisfied. I confirm I am aged 18 years or over. Applications are only open to Australian households and is limited to one per household. 426-COM15.19 ©2017 The Bradford Exchange Ltd. A.B.N. 13 003 159 617

Promotion Code:

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Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. ❑

ract.com.au/royalrewards

Be Royally Rewarded this Easter. Being an RACT member gives you even more with our Royal Rewards member benefits program. With Easter just around the corner, Royal Rewards has activities and delicious treats to keep you going through the Easter break – all you need to do is show your RACT membership card.

We have you covered from automotive to home and garden, retail, dining, health and fitness, entertainment and lifestyle. Find out more at ract.com.au/royalrewards or download the app.

LIPSCOMBE LARDER Easter is fast approaching and Lipscombe Larder has all your Easter essentials covered. From freshly made meals, baked goods and those all-important Easter eggs, Lipscombe Larder is offering RACT members 10% off a 6-pack of Easter buns or buy 3 packs and get 1 pack free, plus 10% off a dozen oysters, this April only. Find out more at ract.com.au/royalrewards or download the app.

THE ESSENTIAL BATTERY Brought to you by RACT Batteries. There’s nothing worse than jumping in the car, turning the key in the ignition and… nothing. Now is the time to check your car battery to make sure you don’t get caught out coming into the colder months. There a few things that affect how well your car battery lasts: proper installation, the climate in which the car operates, how often the car is used and how regularly the battery and car are maintained. If your car battery sounds a little different, or is more than three years old, we recommend getting a battery check. All RACT patrols carry batteries on-board and are able to fit one for you on the spot. RACT Batteries not only offer free delivery and 24/7 installation^ to all customers, RACT members get $30 off* the RRP of their car battery. Find out more at ract.com.au/batteries

BE ROYALLY REWARDED

WIN A $100 VOUCHER Save at the cinema this Easter. To celebrate this Easter, Royal Rewards is giving one lucky family a $100 Village Cinemas voucher, plus some Easter goodies! To enter, head to ract.com.au/chocolatemovies Entries close 13 April 2017. Did you know RACT members can be Royally Rewarded with discounted tickets at cinemas across the state? Simply head in to your local RACT branch and purchase tickets for the State Cinema, Village Cinemas, CMAX Cinemas and Metro Cinemas to save on your next movie night. Find out more at ract.com.au/royalrewards or download the app.

EXPERIENCE OZ

WOOLWORTHS

Looking for something fun for your next getaway?

Save on your everyday needs from groceries to petrol and more with discounted Woolworths WISH Gift Cards.

RACT members save up to 10% off* the regular price on more than 2000 attractions and tours throughout Australia and New Zealand with ExperienceOz.

RACT members can pre-purchase and save 5%* on WISH Gift Cards from any RACT branch.

NORTH WEST BAY GOLF CLUB Tee off with a spectacular view. Established in 1965, the North West Bay Golf Club is located in Margate, southern Tasmania. With the idyllic backdrop of Bruny Island and the Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Entrecasteaux Channel, this leafy course will challenge even the most experienced golfers with its hilly landscape. RACT members receive 25% off* green fees and $10 off* golf cart hire. Find out more at ract.com.au/royalrewards or download the app. To celebrate the new partnership, we have one membership to give away to the North West Bay Golf Club. To enter, visit ract.com.au/NWBGCcomp. Entries close 28 April 2017. *Terms and conditions apply. See website for full details.

ract.com.au/royalrewards

Show your RACT card and be Royally Rewarded On one pair of glasses with standard single vision lenses from the $149 range or above

Including standard single vision lenses Book an eye test online Price complete with standard single vision lenses with scratch resistant coating. 25% off when you select 1 pair of glasses from the $149 range or above. Discount includes lenses and lens options. Not to be used in conjunction with the 2 pairs for 1 low price. Valid Auto Club card must be presented at time of purchase.

LOW RATES

RACT members receive a 1% p.a discount off the standard base rate for used car.

FAST APPROVAL FINANCE BY RACT

RACV Finance is subject to RACV lending criteria. Conditions, fees and charges apply. Discount not available through finance brokers, third parties or intermediaries. R.A.C.V. Finance Limited ABN 82 004 292 291 Australian Credit Licence No. 391488

SAVERO SUV Ultra High Performance - SUV *SIZE TESTED: 225/60R17

RACT Members

SAVE 10% on GT Radial tyres

Buy tyres online or buy in-store:

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*Conditions apply. See website for details.

BE ROYALLY REWARDED

15% OFF *

STOREWIDE

*Excludes gift card purchases, sale items, K&D Bricks Pavers & Modina Kitchens. Offer ends 30/04/17 7.5% member discount applies after April.

THIS APRIL ONLY!

Show your RACT member card in-store during the month of April to receive 15%* discount off our normal retail prices

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10% OFF * AT REPCO EVERY DAY! As an RACT member you’ll get 10% off* a wide range of parts, accessories and lubricants. And if some Repco Know How is what you need, our friendly, expert staff are always ready to share their knowledge to help you get the job done. Repco has over 90 years of motoring Know How supplying parts, accessories and advice to millions of Australian drivers and motoring professionals. So if it’s time to change your oil or give your car a little extra care get into Repco. www.repco.com.au

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*Excludes discounted and catalogue lines, automotive, marine & deep cycle batteries, transmissions, engines & cylinder heads, satellite navigation equipment, gift cards, combo deals and trade purchases. Excludes purchases from the Repco Authorised Service network.

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OUR PARTNERS Be royally rewarded.

We know you enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an RACT member. In our recent member survey, you told us you wanted even more. Our rejuvenated Royal Rewards program brings you new categories and a greater range. You can access your rewards simply by showing your RACT membership card at our partner businesses. LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Experience OZ Gift It Now Frogmore Creek Vineyard Tahune AirWalk West Coast Heritage Centre Visit Vineyards DINING Breadd Zambrero HOME AND GARDEN K&D Warehouse Store-it-safe ENTERTAINMENT AMF Bowling CMAX Cinemas Hobart Hurricanes Metro Cinemas State Cinema Village Cinemas

RETAIL Launceston Sport & Surf Les Lees Lipscombe Larder Petals Florist Snooze Specsavers Staples Woolworths WISH Gift Cards HEALTH AND FITNESS All Aerobics F45 Training Launceston North West Bay Golf Club Onsport Stomp Fitness AUTOMOTIVE Beaurepaires Better Performance Car Care Carswell Auto Electrical Jackman’s Garage Ken Vance Motors

Launceston Tyre and Brake Lindisfarne Service Centre Murfett’s Auto Electrical Performance Automobiles RACT AutoServe RACT Auto Glass RACT Batteries RACT Child Restraints RACT Finance Repco Tyreright United Petroleum TRAVEL Apollo Cradle Mountain Hotel Freycinet Lodge RACT/RACV Hobart Apartment Hotel RACV Resorts Strahan Village Thrifty Car Rental

Access your rewards on the go. Keep up-to-date, access Royal Rewards benefits and exclusive hot offers and locate the partners nearest you. Find all your member benefits in one easy and central place on your phone. Download the Royal Rewards app today. Available on iOS and Android. Find out more at ract.com.au/royalrewards

YOUR TRAVEL NEWS

APRIL / MAY 2017

AUSTRALIA | NEW ZEALAND | ASIA | CANADA | EUROPE

Image of Rome Colosseum courtesy of Globus

Italian tapestry

Field of lights Uluru

Rail journeys of the Andes

TRAVEL by RACT

How to plan your family’s first

motorhome holiday Your home on wheels provides flexible holiday options.

ustralians show no signs of losing their love for road trips. Not just for grey nomads, motorhome holidays are a rite of A passage, and by far one of the most fun and family friendly ways to holiday. On a motorhome holiday, the journey really is the destination – making it possible to see more and do more, often for less money than traditional fly/drive or drive-cations. Each year, Apollo helps thousands of travellers achieve their road trip holiday dreams. Apollo has grown into a multi-national company and well-recognised international brand with its own fleet of custom 2-berth, 4-berth and 6-berth campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers.

So, ready to head off in your ‘cubbyhouse on wheels’? Before you start your journey, check out these top 10 planning tips. • Choose the right motorhome. Use the ‘Day/Night’ layout view online to see the storage, bed configurations and kitchen space available in campervans and motorhomes before you choose your rental vehicle. • Make a travel plan. Consider your drive times from one stop to another and if you will need a rest stop in between. Book campsites in advance. This is especially important if you are travelling during school holidays. • Plan your itinerary around places that are a must-see for your family. Talk about where you are going and what activities you might do. • Plan your stay. Depending on the number and age of your children, you may want to stay in each place for a minimum of two nights or more to really relax. • Make lists of food, clothing and ‘miscellaneous’ items to save time when it comes to packing. • Start with a shorter holiday to see how you manage and enjoy sharing space on the road as a family. • Allow time during your rental pick-up to have a proper orientation of your motorhome, and use Apollo’s handy ‘Be my guest’ YouTube videos to troubleshoot on the road. • Include some rainy-day activities such as board games, card games, books, DVDs and projects you can do inside. • Get the kids involved in the planning. Get them to tell you where they might like to go or what they might like to see. • Visit local information centres at each location to talk to locals and discover nearby destinations and activities.

For more information visit your nearest RACT Travel branch or call 1300 368 111.

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE 10%

Explore Australia, New Zealand & the USA with Apollo Mororhome Holidays & receive 10% member’s discount! With 10% discount on the best rate of the day for RACT members now is the perfect time to book your next self-drive adventure! PLUS the RACT member’s 10% discount applies on top of great specials throughout the year! Book your next campervan, motorhome or 4WD trip today! *For bookings, more information and terms and conditions visit www.ract.com.au/apollo

Contact your local store below or call 1300 368 111 Burnie 6434 2955 Devonport 6421 1977 Launceston 6335 5655

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Ulverstone 6425 8050 Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 Kingston 6242 3211

Rosny 6212 6777 CRUISE TRAVEL CENTRE 6222 9222 - Hobart

www.ract.com.au/travel

TRAVEL by RACT

When in

Rome…

Explore Roman ruins.

ooking your next trip to Italy has never been easier. Globus tours are perfectly planned by travel experts who know the B ins and outs, the to-do’s, the not-to-do’s, the best times to go, the

best places to see and the best ways to explore Europe. Globus puts your experience first to ensure you get the most out of your holiday. Expect nothing less than: • Superior hotels with breakfast daily, often located within mere steps from the sites you want to see most. • First-class private coaches with air conditioning, extra leg room and free Wi-Fi. • Professional Tour Directors that bring destinations to life with unforgettable details about colourful historic characters

and must-see landmarks. • A variety of transportation including superior cruising vessels, high-speed train travel between cities plus the Eurostar in both directions on Multi-Country tours between London and the continent. • Many meals including three-course dinners with a choice of menus and wine, welcome and farewell dinners, special lunches and traditional meals plus food and wine tastings. • Guided sightseeing with inside visits to all the major attractions, plus skip the lines with VIP entry, saving hours of your precious holiday time. • Going behind the scenes to experience Europe like an insider with exclusive Local Favourites such as a visit to an original Sicilian farm to watch the making of fresh ricotta, followed by an exclusive dinner with local specialities and wine (available on the Highlights of Sicily and Southern Italy tour). Leave no stone unturned this year. Hop on board your Globus tour and discover Europe with us. Explore the best of Italy or see it all on the European Panorama tour and save 5% when you book before 25 April 2017. • Italian Tapestry – spend nine days exploring the most spectacular sights of Italy, including Venice Island, Florence, Siena, Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento. Priced from $3779 per person twin share*. • Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy – turn the spotlight on the beauty of Italy’s south including Sorrento, Alberobello, Reggio Calabria, Taormina Riviera and Palermo. 14 days from $3939 per person twin share*. * Pricing does not include discounts. Terms & Conditions apply.

For more information visit your nearest RACT Travel branch or call 1300 368 111.

Discover hidden gems

ITALY

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE $200 per couple on Italy tours*

IT’S TIME TO TOUR. As the gold standard in first-class escorted travel for 89 years, Globus introduces you to the stories behind Italy’s most awe-inspiring places. Enjoy unmatched value, VIP access to major sights, and experience hidden gems with Local Favourites.

*Terms & Conditions apply: RACT MEMBER BONUS: Save an additional $200 per couple ($100 pp) on new Italy bookings only. Book by 31 July 2017 to receive member discount. Standard Globus book conditions apply. Visit globus.com.au for details. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City 12 Days From PP Twin Share

$3,995*

Angkor Wat

Siem Reap 2 Cambodia 7

RV La Marguerite

Tan Chau

Prek K’dam Vietnam My Tho

PER COUPLE#

FLY FREE*

+ TWO FREE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION*

VTM12

Kampong Chhnang Koh Chen Phnom Penh

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE $200

Ho Chi 2 Minh City

Cai Be (Saigon) Sa Dec

With the perfect balance of comprehensive inclusions, key sightseeing and more free time, Travelmarvel offers premium journeys through Vietnam & Cambodia at truly exceptional value.

More Value • More Inclusions • More Choice ü Included – All internal flights within Vietnam & Cambodia, tipping, transfers, onboard meals, and port charges ü Included – Tour Director and small group shore excursions with local guides ü Included – Cruising on the boutique RV La Marguerite, with exceptional onboard facilities ü Included – Travelmarvel’s Insider Experiences offering unique sightseeing, special stays and memorable meals throughout your holiday ü Experience authentic Asia with an Australian owned and operated company

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp), twin share and include port charges. Prices are correct as at 12 January 2017, but may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates. Price based on VTM12: 30 July 2017 (Cat. C). ALL OFFERS: Limited suites on set departures are available and are subject to availability. DEPOSITS: A first non-refundable deposit of $2,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. FLY FREE: Flights must be booked by Travelmarvel. Flights are with Singapore Airlines or another airline of Travelmarvel’s choosing. Flights are subject to booking class availability and are valid from selected Australian cities. Offer is inclusive of air taxes up to the value of $600 pp for Vietnam & Cambodia. Deposits are considered as a guarantee of the invoiced flight arrangements and once deposit is received, flights will be ticketed. Once air tickets are issued, airline amendment and/or cancellation fees apply and, in some cases, are non-refundable. If you wish to depart earlier than your tour departure, or make variations to airline routing, surcharges may apply. Airline schedules are subject to change without notice and Travelmarvel is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline schedule changes once booked. BONUS 2 FREE NIGHTS: Applicable on pre or post tour accommodation offered in conjunction with a VTM12. Accommodation must be directly before or after tour. Can be used as either 2 pre or post nights or 1 pre and post night. Subject to hotel availability. Not applicable with tours combined with China or Myanmar tours. #RACT MEMBER BONUS: Save an additional $200 per couple ($100 pp) on new bookings only for the advertised package featured within this ad only. Book by 30 May 2017 to receive member discount. A limited number of member discounts available. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. TM3400

TRAVEL by RACT

A world of

discovery Experience local culture.

ruise along Asia’s unique waterways and beyond and discover a world full of incredible experiences and cultural delights. In C 2017/18, Travelmarvel brings you all the wonders of Vietnam &

Cambodia and more. Glide along the mighty Mekong River in sophisticated style aboard the RV La Marguerite. An intimate, premium floating hotel, your river ship marries rich dark wood furnishings in French colonial style with exceptional amenities, dining and service. On-board you won’t have to lift a finger as you relax on the ship’s spacious sundeck or by the pool. Enjoy the convenience of the on-board spa and Fitness Centre or indulge in delicious regional and international dining experiences in the air-conditioned Mekong Restaurant. Throughout your cruise, our outstanding staff members take care of everything. From the very start your expert Tour and Cruise Directors are on-hand to ensure everything runs smoothly for you. A dedicated captain and crew effortlessly transports you from one dream destination to the next, while intuitive on-board staff members are on-hand to cheerfully assist you whenever required. On-shore expert local guides will meet you along the way, skillfully revealing each region’s sightseeing highlights and secrets.

Stateroom.

Mekong restaurant.

Many local insights, memorable meals and special stays are offered to you as part of our all-inclusive range of Insider Experiences. Especially tailored to enhance your discovery of authentic Asia, they will immerse you in local culture at no extra cost. In Vietnam, discover the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Cambodia brings you Khmer classical dancing and incredible explorations of Angkor Archaeological Park and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. A world of discovery waits with Travelmarvel, with special touches and comprehensive inclusions to give you added value and the freedom to explore. Choose Travelmarvel now and travel more.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

Discover in stunning NZ spring or autumn

The dramatic colours of New Zealand in autumn.

he uncrowded, green and peaceful country of New Zealand is perfect for the ultimate escape. Visit in the vibrant and uplifting T months of spring or opt for autumn, where you will discover the

dramatic yellow, gold and red colours of this incredible season. Your New Zealand holiday is not complete without a visit to one of the most stunning locations on earth – Milford Sound. Springtime, which lasts from September to November, is New Zealand’s ‘waterfall season’ – meaning the country’s falls multiply with magnificent effect. Described as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, this is the best time to see the magnificent fjord that was carved in the ice ages. Spring is also the time when the new flowers and leaves start appearing. Visit the Hobbiton Film Set and see the charming bluebells and Middle-earth gardens in flower. In the South Island of New Zealand, the garden city of Christchurch is full of remarkable gardens and parks bursting with colour and is the starting point for the world-famous TranzAlpine, which traverses the mighty Southern Alps through a sequence of alpine gorges, taking your breath away at every turn. In contrast, autumn in New Zealand is a time of spectacular changes in colours, which come alive during April and May, a fantastic time of the year to travel. This is especially the case in Queenstown, set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and the Otago region. Deciduous trees turn brilliant hues of yellow, gold and hot orange, and it’s all set against a sky that seems far too blue to be true. At this particular time of year Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-see. The contrast of seasons with the snowy mountains behind the orange fields combined with the lakes dotted with trees will amaze you. There is no better way to visit New Zealand than on a coach holiday.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch. 8 DAYS EX HOBART & LAUNCESTON PP, TWIN SHARE FROM

2939*

INCLUDES

RETURN AIRFARES

>> UNBEATABLE VALUE FOR MONEY!

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE UP TO $800 PER COUPLE + FREE NZ TRAVEL GUIDE**

New Zealand Affordable Coach Tours E njoy an unbeatable value for money experience which includes a wide range of attractions that set these tours apart. Choose from four fully inclusive packages that feature the ‘must do’ icons of New Zealand without breaking the budget.

8 Day Taste of the North Is 9 Day Taste of the South Is

14 Day NZ Panorama 16 Day Highlights Tour

4 ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR OPTIONS Includes airfares, taxes, modern coach travel, hotel accommodation, most meals, sightseeing & attractions. *Conditions apply. Price based on 8 Day Taste of the North Island valid for travel ex HBA/LST and includes prepaid taxes of $170 (subject to change). Price shown is for a cash payment - credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. **Travel on selected Affordable departures in Sep, Oct 2017 and April, May 2018 and save between $250 - $400 per person depending on itinerary. $250 saving has been deducted from the 8 day price. All other departures will save $125 per person. Travel Guide is per household. No other special offers or discounts apply. Special offers apply to new bookings only until 31 May 2017. Availability is limited. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Offers can be withdrawn at any time without notice. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470. ABN 45 144 538 803.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

TRAVEL by RACT

Time to go

ome of the most amazing holiday experiences happen when you’re travelling on your own, so why let the lack of a travel S partner stop you from following your dreams? See New Zealand,

a tangible wonderland offering one of the most varied and spectacular series of landscapes in the world, and make life-long friendships along the way. Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist, invites you to experience the best of this stunning destination on a fun-filled tour specifically designed for those who find themselves travelling alone, for whatever reason, but want the comfort, ease and companionship of group travel. Travel on the special RACT Travel 17 Day Solo Travellers Tour, which offers a memorable journey of both the North and South Islands by modern coach. Departing 24 October 2017, highlights include seeing the cascading waters of the Milford Sound, a fjord carved by glaciers during the ice ages. You’ll also enjoy the stunning views on one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys, the TranzAlpine. Another unforgettable

solo

highlight is witnessing the skyrocketing geysers of Rotorua and having an encounter with New Zealand’s rich and dynamic Maori culture. A Tour Guide will accompany the group, helping to break the ice with your fellow travellers from day one. Their professional approach will ensure the group bonds and they will also act as a valuable source of facts and knowledge. All tours comprise of a few extra special touches, including an introductory dinner and complimentary welcome drink on the first night of the journey. There is also reserved seating at all restaurants for breakfast and dinner, to ensure you will never dine by yourself. Unlike many other tours, the Solo Traveller holidays include a guaranteed single room. For those looking to save even more, there is the option to share a room with a person of the same gender and save $1430*. Travelling solo with Grand Pacific Tours is fun! Join us today for the holiday of a lifetime.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch. EX HOBART & LAUNCESTON, GUARANTEED SINGLE ROOM FROM

7054*

>> SHARE A ROOM & SAVE $1430^

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE $200

INCLUDES

RETURN

PER PERSON + FREE NZ TRAVEL GUIDE**

AIRFARES

17 Day New Zealand Solo Travellers Highlights SPECIAL DEPARTURE 24 October 2017

o travel partner? No worries! Fully escorted tour designed for those who travel solo, but want the convenience, company and value of travelling in a group. Highlights include TranzAlpine rail journey and scenic Milford Sound.

ALL INCLUSIVE Fully escorted tour includes airfares, taxes, modern coach travel, GUARANTEED SINGLE ROOM HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, most meals, sightseeing & attractions. *Conditions apply. Price valid for travel ex HBA/LST and includes prepaid taxes of $215 (subject to change). Price shown is for a cash payment - credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. ^Twin share option available, share with a solo traveller of the same gender and save $1430 off the above tour price. **Saving is per person which has been deducted from advertised price. Travel Guide is per person. No other special offers or discounts apply. Special offers apply to new bookings only until 31 May 2017. Availability is limited. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Offers can be withdrawn at any time without notice. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ATAS No. A11470. ABN 45 144 538 803.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

made easy

Mediterranean

or your next holiday, enjoy the stress-free ease of this stunning Mediterranean fly, land and cruise package with MSC Cruises. The great thing about a total package is how easy everything is. Just one conversation and your flights are booked, you have a stunning cruise and all with the ability to enjoy a flexible return flight so you can do your own thing as well. The other great thing is that you will be travelling with others who, like you, just want a stress-free trip, so you are meeting friends even before you step on the plane. The joy of the Mediterranean is not just the history and culture that abounds, it is also the scenery and people you meet as you enjoy this Around the Boot fly-cruise package. Starting in the beautiful city of Genoa, your pre-night accommodation gives you the chance to walk the cobbled steps of the city or stroll around the beautiful port before you board your ship for your cruise adventure. Then cruise to France and the historic city of Marseille before the next day discovering the unique island of Mahon in the Spanish Balearic Islands. Then the main port on the idyllic island of Sardinia awaits. Cagliari is a combination of stunning water views, with architectural monuments and history that you can

from top left:

Marseille; Capri.

explore in the hilltop medieval forts and walls as you take in the stunning views below. From the beauty of Sardinia you then take in the charm of Valletta in Malta, the coastal beauty of Messina with a chance to visit Mt Etna, before celebrating the home of pizza in Naples and returning for a day of pleasure once again in Genoa, or why not stay on-board and have a spa treatment whilst others explore. From here we commence the journey around the boot of Italy, taking time to shop in the island port of Corfu, Greece, then delighting in the uniqueness of Kotor, Montenegro, and the final day of beauty strolling the city of Split in Croatia before we sail up the Dalmatian coast to arrive in the early morning romance of the city of Venice. This journey of a lifetime departs from Sydney on 27 October 2017 and allows you to cruise this stunning area without the busy crowds. MSC Cruises’ Fly, Land & Cruise packages offer return flights, pre-cruise accommodation and transfers all included, so a simple call to RACT Travel and you are ready to holiday in one go. Book before 30 May 2017 and, as an RACT member, receive $100*per person on-board credit to use on this amazing Around the Boot package.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

AROUND THE BOOT

Italy, France, Spain, Malta, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia

15 NIGHTS FROM AUD$3,799

pp*

INCLUDES 13 NIGHT CRUISE ABOARD MSC ARMONIA VENICE

GENOA (Portofino)

France

Croatia SPLIT

MARSEILLE

Italy

MEMBERS BONUS $100 ONBOARD CREDIT++

2017

MAHON (Balearic Is.)

CIVITAVECCHIA (Rome)

KOTOR Montenegro NAPLES (Pompeii)

CAGLIARI Mediterranean Sea

Greece CORFU

MESSINA (Taormina) VALLETTA

Mediterranean Sea

Malta

INSIDE

OCEAN VIEW

BALCONY

from $3,799pp*

from $4,079pp*

from $4,839pp*

*Conditions apply. Valid new bookings only. Prices are in AU$ and based on twin share per person ex Sydney. Not valid with any other offer excluding MSC Voyage Club membership on cruise only. Departure from Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth may incur surcharges and may require additional nights at passengers expense. ++ RACT Bonus offer is for AU$100 pp onboard credit, AU$50pp per cruise and is available for the first 2 adults on the booking & not combinable or transferable. Quote code AP50RA at time of booking to receive. Onboard credit is subject to exchange rate changes at time of cruise. Prices shown are for cash payment, credit card fees will apply. Return flight is flexible, however a surcharge may apply. All inclusions, itineraries, details, pricing and maps are correct as at 30Jan17 and subject to availability and/or change or withdrawal at any time without prior notice. Please contact your nearest RACT Travel agent for full terms & conditions. E&OE MSC Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General Sales Agent for MSC Cruises S.A | ATAS Accredited No. A10954. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. A11470.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

TRAVEL by RACT

Discover the heart of Australia Uluru sunset.

xploring the vibrant landscape of the Red Centre is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Among desert plains and E rocky gorges you’ll discover many of Aboriginal Australia’s most

sacred sites. Be mesmerised by the changing colours of Uluru, dine under a blanket of twinkling stars and walk through some of the largest ancient domes in the area. Rich in Aboriginal culture and exciting experiences, once visiting the Red Centre you’ll leave feeling completely inspired. Embark on one of AAT Kings’ Inspiring Journeys and our experienced and down-to-earth Driver Guides will bring Australia’s Red Centre to life. With their local knowledge, native insights and captivating stories, you can sit back and relax while they do all the driving for you.

With this small group exclusive experience we’ve made it easy for you by including all the must-see sites and lesser-known mind-blowing hidden treasures of the Red Centre in one incredible trip. On AAT Kings’ 5-day Outback Australia – The Colour of Red Inspiring Journey, you’ll explore awe-inspiring Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), meet the locals in Alice Springs and hike to the top of Kings Canyon for spectacular views of Watarrka National Park. Watch a stunning sunrise over Kata Tjuta and Uluru, hear timeless stories from an Indigenous guide and see ancient Aboriginal rock art. Enjoy a Field of Light Sunrise Tour to witness Bruce Munro’s spectacular art installation. The Field of Light, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku (looking at lots of beautiful lights) in local Pitjantjatjara, is Bruce Munro’s largest Field of Light installation to date, comprising 50,000 solar-powered stems all put together by hand, and is truly mesmerising. Immerse yourself into the culture and traditions of the traditional land-owners of the region, the Anangu people, and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of what makes the Red Centre so unique and special. All of this coupled with exclusive first-class dining experiences and complimentary refreshments along the way makes for a trip to remember. Priced from $2276* per person, twin share (land only, including savings). Selected departures are available from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. RACT members can save up to $246* per couple on the 5-day Outback Australia – The Colour of Red Inspiring Journey when booked and deposited before 31 December 2017. RACT members can also save 5%* off all AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

Experience Field of Light at Uluru Outback Australia – The Colour of Red Ayers Rock to Alice Springs

6 Day Inspiring Journey from • Experience Bruce Munro’s Field of Light art installation

$2668*

per person, twin share

• Explore fascinating Standley Chasm

• Explore the domes of Kata Tjuta

• Dine ‘Under a Desert Moon’ at Kings Canyon Resort

• Toast an Uluru sunset with gourmet canapés and wine

• Hike to the top of Kings Canyon for magnificent views

• Discover Aboriginal rock art at Uluru

• Take a dip in Ellery Creek Big Hole • Most meals included • 1 night pre-tour accommodation • Luxury small group travel with less than 20 people

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE UP TO

$248‡ per couple

Field of Light, Uluru, Bruce Munro 2016 Photo by: Mark Pickthall

*Conditions: Prices is per person, twin share based on low season departures and includes CRUA, 1 night pre-tour accommodation at Sails in the Desert and FOL Day Tour. RACT member discount of 5% applicable to Inspiring Journey only and has been deducted from the price. Valid for travel on selected departures from 1 April 2017 – 31 December 2017. Blackout departure dates may apply. Subject to availability and seasonal surcharge. ‡Members save 5% on AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays. Valid for new bookings only. Blackout departure dates may apply. AAT Kings booking conditions apply. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS No. A11470 11897a

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

EXCITING holiday destinations

FIVE FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS^

USD$75 ONBOARD CREDIT^

MELBOURNE TO SOUTHAMPTON From

$8,949*

per person, twin share

(cruise only) Itinerary: Melbourne > Perth (Fremantle) > Singapore > Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) > Phuket > Colombo > Male > Dubai > Abu Dhabi > Khasab > Muscat > Aqaba > Suez Canal > Heraklion > Messina > Rome (Civitavecchia) > Genoa > Marseilles > Barcelona > Cadiz > Lisbon > Vigo > Southampton Includes: • 50 night cruise onboard MSC MAGNIFICA from Melbourne to Southampton • Main meals~ and entertainment onboard • Port taxes and government fees • Mealtime beverage package# • 30% discount on laundry. Cruise Departs: 22 March 2019

a member of

SOUTH PACIFIC

From

$1,419*

per person, twin share

(cruise only)

Itinerary: Sydney > Mystery Island > Noumea > Sydney Includes: • 8 night cruise onboard OVATION OF THE SEAS from Sydney return • Main meals~ and entertainment onboard • Port taxes and government fees. Cruise Departs: 18 February 2018

1 FREE NIGHT

2 FREE NIGHTS

BROADBEACH, QUEENSLAND BROADBEACH From $855

per adult

* family share

From

LUXURY BALI

(land only)

$179*per child (2-12 yrs),

Includes: • 7 nights accommodation at Bel Air on Broadbeach in a 2 Bedroom Apartment • Return airport transfers • Unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World and Wet N Wild for 7 consecutive days^ • 7 Day Theme park transfer ticket. Travel: 19 Apr - 17 May, 22 May - 29 Jun, 4 Jul - 14 Sep, 9 Oct - 21 Dec 17

From

$925

person, * per twin share (land only)

Includes: • 7 nights accommodation at InterContinental Bali Resort in a Resort Room • Full breakfast daily • Return airport transfers • 1 FREE buffet dinner for two • SAVE up to 10% on regular room rates+ • SAVE up to 20% on spa treatments. Travel: 1 - 30 Jun, 01 Sep - 23 Dec 17, 6 Jan - 31 Mar 18

3 FREE NIGHTS

FREE WIFI

NEW YORK

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND From

$975*

per person, twin share (land only)

Includes: • 7 nights accommodation at Melati Beach Resort and Spa in a Grand Deluxe Room • Full breakfast daily • Return airport transfers • FREE Koh Samui Privileges card with discounts at restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping~ Honeymoon Bonus: FREE sparkling wine, fruit basket and flowers.

From

$999

person, * per twin share (land only)

Includes: • 4 nights accommodation at Hotel Beacon in a Standard Room • Downtown Tour including entry to One World Observatory • Return airport transfers to/from John F. Kennedy Airport Travel: 1 Jul – 31 Aug 17

FREE 30 MINUTE MASSAGE

p - 15 Jul, J , 1 Sepp - 23 Dec 17 Travel: 30 Apr

DAILY YOGA CLASS†

5-STAR HAWAI‘I From

$1,469

FABULOUS FIJI

person, * per twin share (land only)

From

$1,939

person, * per twin share

Includes: • 5 nights accommodation at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in a Historic Banyan Room# • Return airport transfers • WiFi access • Complimentary one day rental of Go Pro Camera±• Unlimited local, toll free, long distance and international telephone calls • Sea Life Park - Buy 1 get 1 FREE entrance.

Includes: • 7 nights accommodation at Lomani Island Resort in a Deluxe Suite • Full breakfast daily • Return coach/launch airport transfers • FREE 3-course romantic beach dinner for two.

Travel: 19 Apr - 9 Jun, 18-27 Jul, 16 Aug - 19 Dec 17

Travel: 1 May 17 - 31 Mar 18

(land only)

Conditions Apply: *All prices correct as at 25Jan17 but may flfluctuate uctuate if surcharges, surcharges fees, fees taxes or currency change and is subject sub to availability. ailability All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) are included in the advertised price. price The prices shown are for a cash payment. paymen Credit card fees of up to 2% will apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside these offers service fees may apply. Please ask at time of booking. All offers valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer. Airfares are not included in the advertised price. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. Limited availability. Other departure dates are available and prices are on application. A limited number of cabins are available at the prices shown and once these have sold out pricing may be withdrawn and/or may increase. Single supplements may be extra. All savings and bonus nights (if applicable) included in the advertised price. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing may vary until full payment is received. Cancellation fees may apply. Vaccinations, visas and travel insurance not included. Further restrictions may apply. For specific offer and terms & conditions, please contact your nearest RACT Travel office. Melbourne to Southampton: Price is based on an Inside Stateroom, Category I1. Offer ends 31 May 2017. ~Specialty restaurants may incur a surcharge. ^Set shore excursions cannot be change or amended. #Includes unlimited drinks by the glass from dedicated selection of wine, mineral water, draft beer and soft drink for lunch & dinner in the main restaurant. South Pacific: Price is based on an Inside Stateroom, Category V4. Offer ends 31 May 2017. ~Specialty restaurants may incur a surcharge. Onboard credit is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or used in the Casino or Medical Centre. Broadbeach Queensland:Ân additional entry fee applies for access to the water park area in Sea World. Luxury Bali:+10% saving based on bookings at least 60 days prior to arrival. Koh Samui, Thailand: ~Maximum one privilege card per booking. Fabulous Fiji: FREE 30 minute tropical massage for two 5-Star Hawaii: †Daily Ki Kilo Yoga Classes. #Price includes a compulsory resort fee of AUD45 (USD31.41) per room, per day. This fee is payable direct to hotel upon check in. ±One per stay per room. These prices should be used as a guide only. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant at time of or before booking. All Qantas Holidays package offers end 31May17. The CRUISE TEAM, Qantas Holidays and Helloworld booking terms and conditions apply, refer to www.helloworld.com.au. Offers must be requested at time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

TRAVEL by RACT

Celebrate Canada in the heart of the Rockies Cheers to the Rocky Mountaineer.

ocky Mountaineer is known to many as a must-do holiday thanks to the awe-inspiring vistas that showcase nature’s R most beautiful aspects of sparkling lakes, snowy mountains, and

local wildlife at every turn. With Canada celebrating its 150th anniversary and being named Lonely Planet’s top destination this year, 2017 is the perfect time to experience the vast, untouched beauty that makes this country famous. The train takes you on a journey alongside rivers, through quaint mountain towns and within arm’s reach of stunning, snowcapped mountains. Along the way, the exceptional hosts share fascinating facts and historical details about the regions the train courses through. While nature’s wonders unfold out the windows, you are given the opportunity to truly unwind. With classic Canadian breakfasts and three-course lunches, the culinary service gives you a taste of the unique flavours of the passing regions, while the fresh mountain air on the outdoor vestibule lets you unplug and relax fully into your surroundings. At either end of your train journey, spend a few nights in cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver and Seattle and idyllic Canadian gems such as Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. With more than 65 holiday packages to choose from, you can create a journey to suit your interests. From scenery to unique excursions, there is no limit to creating your perfect experience through the Canadian Rockies. Celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary with a memorable trip through the Canadian Rockies and book now to take advantage our free hotel offer to enhance your adventure. Book a Rocky Mountaineer holiday of four nights or more in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service to add a complimentary extra hotel night to your stay, providing more opportunities to explore some of Canada’s most charming cities.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

AN UNFORGETTABLE CANADIAN ROCKIES ADVENTURE MEMBER’S BONUS† LUXURY CAR TRANSFER

BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE A FREE HOTEL NIGHT* Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with a wonderous trip through the Canadian Rockies by rail. As a gift, we are giving you a free additional hotel night in Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, or Calgary on Rocky Mountaineer packages of 5 days or more. Hurry and book a qualifying package by June 2, 2017.

Terms & Conditions: *Offer valid on new 2017 bookings made between 02Apr-02Jun2017. This offer is applicable to any Rocky Mountaineer holiday of five or more days booked in GoldLeaf Deluxe, GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service from the 2017 Rocky Mountaineer brochure on selected dates only. Deposits are required at the time of booking. Travel during the 2017 Rocky Mountaineer season between April and October on selected dates. Offer must be requested at the time of booking and will not be automatically allocated or retrospectively added. Free Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, or Calgary accommodation matches the accommodation grade of the package booked. Free Vancouver, Victoria or Calgary accommodation can only be added to a Rocky Mountaineer package starting or ending in Vancouver or Calgary. Free Seattle accommodation can only be added to a Rocky Mountaineer package including Coastal Passage starting or ending in Seattle. The free additional hotel night cannot be booked as a stand-alone one night booking. Rocky Mountaineer reserves the right to amend the hotels included in the package in order to secure consecutive nights stay. Subject to availability: hotel properties will be allocated based on available inventory Offer is not applicable to 2 or 3-day rail only bookings, Group Tour bookings or child prices. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer has no cash value and is non-transferable. Offer is capacity controlled and may be modified, withdrawn or amended without prior notice. Change fees apply to any amendment as per our Change Fee Policy. Additional conditions apply please check with your nearest RACT Travel office. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

TRAVEL by RACT

Cruise with

Australia’s best

Celebrity Solstice wine tower.

s soon as you step on-board Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice, it’s clear you’re cruising on Australia’s Best Cruise Ship. From A spacious, architecturally designed staterooms, to mouth-watering

cuisine, intuitive service and premium inclusions, you’ll soon discover that a modern luxury cruise holiday with Celebrity Cruises is astonishingly good value. In late 2016, Celebrity Solstice undertook a multi-million dollar makeover. Some of the exciting features you can now experience are a new authentic Japanese restaurant called Sushi on Five, new alcove-style cabanas on the Lawn Club and the new A Taste of Film experience. The Taste of Film experience is exclusive to Celebrity Cruises and is a new favourite among guests. On the Lawn Club, relax under the stars in the comfort of Solstice’s new alcove-style cabanas while you enjoy cuisine that is expertly paired with the specific cultural or destination experience of the film you are watching. On-board there is an abundance of world-class dining options, handmade with the freshest of ingredients. From Asian cuisine, to French, Italian and more, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Plus, with the largest wine collection at sea, your holiday will be filled with extraordinary culinary delights. There’s plenty to do on-board, too. Listen to live music on a luscious bed of grass while sailing the Pacific; watch barmen pour more than 10 martinis at once at the ice-topped martini bar; or be awe-struck watching the New Zealand fjords from the tranquil heated-tile lounges in our Persian Garden. You’ll only find these unique experiences, and more, on a Celebrity Cruises holiday. Celebrity Solstice was voted Australia’s Best Cruise Ship at The Afta National Travel Industry Awards 2015.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

FREE BEVERAGE* PACKAGE

SOUTH PACIFIC

NEW ZEALAND

SOUTH PACIFIC

DEPARTS - 22 Oct 2017

DEPARTS - 9 Dec 2017

DEPARTS - 14 Jan 2018

8 NIGHTS ON CELEBRITY SOLSTICE L O YA LT Y ISLANDS

12 NIGHTS ON CELEBRITY SOLSTICE AUSTR ALIA

Lifou Noumea

Sydney

L O YA LT Y ISLANDS

Sydney

NEW CALEDONIA

Melbourne

Lifou Noumea

Bay of Islands

Auckland

Isle of Pines

AUSTR ALIA

8 NIGHTS ON CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

Isle of Pines

Tauranga Wellington NEW ZEALAND Milford, Doubtful, Dusky Sound

AUSTR ALIA

NEW CALEDONIA

Akaroa Dunedin

Sydney

*Conditions apply. Free Classic Beverage Package is available for Oceanview and above only. Credit card fees and service fees may apply. Please check all conditions with your nearest RACT Travel consultant. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

Experience

Looking across to Queenstown.

o one does winter better in the Southern Hemisphere than New Zealand and spending a winter holiday in a place that N embraces the great outdoors and nature is truly inspiring. The South Island’s alpine scenery in winter is truly breathtaking – the Southern Alps are covered in snow and the sunny days will soon make you forget that you are on a winter holiday. This 9-day Winter Wonderland escorted touring holiday rivals the very best offered in Europe and is your chance to experience a mid-winter Christmas in a spectacular alpine resort, complete with open fire, mulled wine and traditional Christmas fare. Stay in the World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park and enjoy stargazing in some of the darkest skies on the planet. On your free days, why not try some of the great outdoor activities available like skiing on one of the legendary ski slopes of Queenstown or dog sledding near Wanaka. You may even like to try jetboating on the famous Shotover River or simply stroll around the village, discovering the many

a mid-winter Christmas An open fire at Amisfield Winery.

cafes and galleries on offer. After visiting the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Amisfield Winery & Bistro. Overlooking Lake Hayes and backdropped by the Remarkables Mountain Range, experience their signature ‘Trust the Chef ’ menu and savour gourmet cuisine. From the premier resort towns of Queenstown & Wanaka, travel to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef where, after a winter’s day outdoors, you can soak in the thermal waters of the Franz Josef Hot Pools. No journey to the South Island is complete without the inclusion of one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine. This coast-to-coast rail adventure through the Southern Alps is all the more beautiful in winter as remarkable landscapes unfold before you. Call the experts at RACT Travel for more information and to book your New Zealand Winter Wonderland holiday.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

9 Day Mid Winter Christmas Wonderland Departs 30th July 2017 from

3,369

per person, twin share

Save $150 Per Person

Includes: + 8 nights premium hotel accommodation + Travel by 5 star luxury touring coach + Full breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 6 dinners + Amisfield Winery Lunch + Traditional Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner + World famous TranzAlpine train + Skyline Gondola & Dinner, Queenstown + Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre + Big Sky Star Gazing Experience + Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

*Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are based on a twin share accommodation, single room supplement applies. Price include all accommodation, meals, sightseeing entrance fees and excursions as shown in the Kirra 2017/18 New Zealand Escorted Coach Tours brochure. ^Member Bonus: Saving of $150 per person on brochure price is valid for all new bookings made by 30 May 2017. Not valid in conjunction with any other off ers. Price excludes airfares, taxes, visas, and travel insurance. The price shown is for a cash payment, credit card fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking for full details and conditions. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

TRAVEL by RACT iscover the beauty of the Murray River and secrets of Australian history on Captain Cook Cruises’ three, four D and seven-night cruises on-board the modern romantic paddle

Cruise the Outback

river highway

Cruising the Murray River.

wheeler, the PS Murray Princess. The historic cruise starts with the ship itself. Finished with polished wood and gold trimmings and featuring a winding staircase, full-length windows and a paddle-wheel encased in glass, these elements help replicate the paddle-wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800s. The Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century-old stone causeways. The high water levels have seen a return of Australian wildlife and birdlife to the river in abundance. Swans, swamp hens, wood ducks and their young, dragonflies and frogs have all returned and plant life is also thriving. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, eco-tours and learn about the thriving ecology of the river. Each day features exciting day-trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter. There’s a food and wine trail that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank. All cruises depart from Mannum. Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or on-site car parking and all on-board facilities including use of two spas, two saunas, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, singlesitting dining saloon and entertainment.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

Discover the PS Murray Princess Save 25% on 3, 4 and 7 night cruises in June, July and August* Discover the spectacular and awe-inspiring South Australian outback, its unique flora and fauna, the rich legacy of old riverside ports and indigenous culture aboard the PS Murray Princess. 3 night cruises from $709 per person, twin share*

MEMBER’S BONUS SAVE $472* PER COUPLE

*Conditions apply. Valid for sale from 01Apr–31May2017 and travel from 01Jun–31Aug2017. Excludes Special Event Music Cruise ‘Hot August Night’ departing Friday 25Aug2017. Subject to SeaLink’s standard terms and conditions. Cancellation fees may apply. Prices are per person, twin share and include GST. Limited availability – a select number of cabins have been set aside for this promotion. Cabin types: discount only applicable for inside and outside cabins. Savings apply to cruise fares only - they do not apply to other fees/charges including onshore tours, pre/post accommodation and on board services. The price shown is for a cash payment, credit card fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking for full details and conditions. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

Return

renewed

The Diamond Princess outdoor tub at Izumi.

rom the moment you step aboard the Diamond Princess, F you feel welcomed and right at home. Diamond Princess is a treasure trove of exceptional delights waiting to be discovered.

This ship is designed for pure relaxation, whether it be in the Lotus Spa, The Sanctuary or Izumi Baths, there are endless options for guests to come back renewed. Indulge your appetite whenever you wish with unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship, from endless buffet choices at Horizon Court, gourmet Pizza at Prego, Trident grill for burgers, chips and hotdogs through to five different a la carte dining rooms, not to mention 24-hour room service, it’s almost impossible to feel hungry. For speciality dining why not try Kai Sushi, Sterling Steakhouse or Sabitini’s – they are among the best at sea using the freshest ingredients and the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. As the Diamond typically is based in Japan from April through to November it is the only ship in the fleet to have Izumi baths, the largest Japanese bath of its kind at sea. Modelled after a traditional Japanese bath, or ‘Onsen’, featuring indoor and outdoor Japanese bathing experiences, it includes steam rooms, saunas and a range of hot tubs with spectacular views. There are separate facilities for men and women, except for one outdoor tub where bathing suits are required. In Japan it is tradition that you go nude, however while the ship is outside of Japan it offers different times for Japanese traditional nude bathing as well as swimsuit bathing time, so the choice is up to you. Entrance fee is $15 for 120 minutes – well worth every dollar. The Diamond Princess will be coming back to Australia to cruise out of Sydney from this November through to March. In April 2017 it will have a refurbishment so will be looking nice and fresh for when it hits our shores. There truly is something happening around every corner when you cruise on the Diamond Princess – luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all!

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

*Fares are per person, in AUD, in lead-in complete twin staterooms as specified, available at time of publication. Price subject to change without notice. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. †Air credit is per stateroom, on selected itineraries only and Princess EZair bookings only. Amounts vary per voyage length and not combinable with any other offer. Offer is available for passengers to join and/or return home from your cruise on the day of embarkation and/or disembarkation on a carrier nominated by Princess Cruises. Discount only applies in conjunction with your cruise booking and applies towards flights departing up to 42 days before and/ or after your cruise. Airfare offer is not transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for cash. Airfare cannot be taken separately to cruise. Any fees charged by the airline for cancellations, excess baggage and other additional charges must be paid by the passenger. Accommodation prior to embark and after disembarking and all transfers are at passengers expense. To be read in conjunction with the Booking and Passage Conditions available at princess.com/legal/passage_contract which passengers will be bound by. Price listed is for cash payment, credit card fees will apply. Please contact your nearest RACT Travel office for all conditions and details. Carnival plc trading as Princess Cruises. RACT Travel Pty Ltd ABN 45 144 538 803. A11470.

Contact your local store below or call 1300 368 111 Burnie 6434 2955 Devonport 6421 1977 Launceston 6335 5655

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

Ulverstone 6425 8050 Hobart - Murray St 6232 6455 Kingston 6242 3211

Rosny 6212 6777 CRUISE TRAVEL CENTRE 6222 9222 - Hobart

www.ract.com.au/travel

TRAVEL by RACT

Shutterstock.com

A walk to remember

Shutterstock.com

Take in the stunning scenery.

Follow in the footsteps of worshippers.

setting off down a narrow dirt track as far as the eye can see, surrounded by ever-changing scenery laid out in front Iof magine you and people from all walks of life, each with their own story

to tell. This is one of the great walks of the world. The Camino de Santiago, otherwise known as The Way of Saint James, is a beautiful route through the north of Spain and one of the world’s most famous Christian pilgrimages. At 800km long it can be hard to comprehend the desire to walk for 10 hours straight, but the relationships created with the people you meet, often there for spiritual or healing reasons, make this a journey of discovery, of slowing down, and of reconnecting with humanity.

The Way of Saint James has been walked by worshippers for a thousand years, who would leave their homes to make the journey relying on the small towns along the way. Nowadays the towns rely on the tourists to support them – they do this by offering amazing tapas for breakfast. It is also a common joke that while the Spanish locals are extremely friendly and endeavour to help travellers who are looking lost along the path, their sense of direction is rather terrible. Though you end up walking in circles at the hands of sweet old ladies, this is one of the true Camino experiences. Uncover this incredible journey with Tempo Holidays. For a traditional walking experience Camino de Santiago is a seven-day independent self-guided walk that covers the last 100km and concludes at the Santiago de Compostela. Prices start from $870 per person. For those travellers who prefer a less taxing experience, Tempo also offer packages by train and coach that visit the historical sites along the route. Contact the specialist team at Tempo Holidays for more information on the best travel style that suits you and book an unforgettable experience.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

UNCOVER

SPAIN CAMINO DE SANTIAGO MEMBER’S BONUS FREE WALKING STICK#

7 DAYS | FROM

870*

per person, twin share

SARRIA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA STYLE: INDEPENDENT SELF-GUIDED WALK Follow in the footsteps of centuries of Pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago • 6 breakfasts • Luggage transfers between the stages • Pilgrim passport • Extensive route notes, maps and city maps • Phone assistance 24 hours a day • Witness the incredible pilgrims mass at Santiago Cathedral

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, twin share and correct as at 27 Jan 17 but may change depending on surcharges, fees, taxes and/or currency changes. See www.tempoholidays.com for full terms and conditions. #RACT MEMBER BONUS: Offer available on all new bookings for Camino de Santiago package deposited by 31 May 2017. Bonus offer provided with final travel documents and a limited number available. The price shown is for a cash payment – Credit card fees may apply. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please ask at the time of booking. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

In the exhilirating Holden SS-V Redline.

Experience the last Australian made V8 for yourself!

Avaliable for rent now!

Member favourite - Mitsubishi ASX

RACT Members enjoy 15% off the best rate of the day in Australia and New Zealand plus $5 off per day on protection options.

ract.com.au/thrifty

1300 368 111

visit your nearest RACT office

Thrifty is RACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred car rental partner *Terms & conditions apply. All offers are valid for commenced and completed rentals until 31 October 2017 unless otherwise stated. Must quote RACT Membership number at time of booking and present a valid Membership card upon reservation & time of collection.15% discount on best rate of the day, available at Thrifty locations in Australia and New Zealand only. Damage Waiver Premium Protection available at a discounted price of $22/day or Ultimate Protection at $28/day, both options discounted by $5/day, available in Australia only. Ultimate Protection is capped at 10 days per 30 day rental. New Zealand Protection Options include Total Protection Package & Accident Excess Reduction, both options discounted by $5/day. For more information on damage waiver products in Australia & New Zealand please speak to a consultant. Vehicles are subject to availability. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. All car rentals must meet the standard age, driver licence and credit requirements of Thrifty. All rentals are subject to the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. For full terms and conditions go to ract.com.au/thrifty or speak to a RACT Travel consultant. RACT Travel Pty Ltd. ATAS No. A11470 ABN 45 144 538 803.

TRAVEL by RACT

Holiday in style

with Thrifty

The Mercedes GLE250d has been added to the fleet.

ACT members can now enjoy the latest addition to Thrifty’s fleet in Australia – the new Mercedes Benz range. The new R arrivals include both sedan and SUV options to suit your driving preference and needs. The Mercedes Benz C200 (sedan) is a mix of intelligent design and innovative technology, featuring Mercedes Benz Intelligent Drive that fuses comfort and safety. The GLA 180 is the first compact SUV from Mercedes Benz featuring Mercedes’ unique styling and cutting-edge technology that merges sports car with an SUV. The GLE 250d combines both coupe and SUV elements with performance and agility. Style, comfort and safety are now only a rental away with Thrifty. If you have a taste for adventure, why not try another new member of our Australian fleet, the Holden Commodore SSV Redline. Combining elements of safety, comfort, performance and entertainment, enjoy every moment of the drive with this distinctively popular vehicle from Thrifty’s diverse range on-fleet. The perfect holiday vehicle is not complete without the perfect destination. From Melbourne, explore Australia’s vast mainland and many of its historical and culturally rich destinations. Drive yourself happy in these new luxurious performance vehicles as you

travel to either the south or east coast in style and comfort. The journey to Queensland via the Pacific Highway is a perfect opportunity to tour in style as you wind your way along the east coast on your way to Brisbane. With many great stops along the way, including the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Hinterland and Great Dividing Range regions, experience and enjoy all that Australia’s east coast has to offer with Thrifty. Rule the Great Ocean Road as you weave your way through South Australia and its beautiful coastline in grace and luxury. The 12 Apostles and many more historical limestone formations are sure to amaze as you carve your way through the Great Australian Bight. The Alpine road through Melbourne is one of Victoria’s great touring routes and is sure to be that much more enjoyable with you at the helm of one of Thrifty’s new and luxurious vehicles. If you have ever wanted to own a Mercedes or SSV, this would be the perfect opportunity to experience all the great features and stunning performance these vehicle ranges have to offer along one of Australia’s most popular cruising locations. Thrifty Car Rental is RACT’s exclusive car hire partner and offers savings to RACT members in Australia and New Zealand.

To find out more about all the exclusive benefits Thrifty offers RACT members or to make a booking, go to www.ract.com.au/thrifty or call RACT on 1300 368 111. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

HERE, THERE... The freedom of self-drive

There is so much freedom to be had from hiring a car and letting wide open highways or narrow country roads guide us around our chosen holiday destination, helping us find the unexpected. The world is full of iconic places that appear to be created with the selfdriver in mind such as Highway 1 – California’s amazing coast road, our own Great Ocean Road, Icefields Parkway – Canada, Garden Route – South Africa, the famous Ring Road – Iceland, and the whole of New Zealand, it would seem! For us, the UK is our choice for self-drive holidays. Yes the volume of traffic has increased rapidly over the years we have been visiting but if you do your planning and stick to the minor roads, you can mostly avoid the 6 lane motorways where the only sightseeing will be a mini cooper on one side and an eastern European truck on the other! My best tip is to not rush and try to see it all. Make a plan of what you want to see, research how long you will spend there and how long it is to drive there. Allow for the unexpected and then start including in your plan for places to stay along the way. B&Bs and budget motels are done particularly well in the UK. Pre-booking and prepaying as much as we can in advance suits us and our budget the best. However there are excellent tourist information centres throughout the UK that will help you book one or two nights ahead for full flexibility. But beware, if there is a holiday or a festival on, you may have to travel many miles out of your way to find accommodation. Oh, and I highly recommend getting a GPS for your driving holiday. If you would like any suggestions on hiring and driving in the UK, please feel free to contact me. Christine Benbow, Travel Sales Manager

Ovation of the Seas visits Hobart RACT Travel consultants welcome Ovation of the Seas to Hobart.

Damian Bidgood

above:

Ovation of the Seas in Hobart. Sophie and Ebony (Launceston branch), Nina (Kingston branch), Eleni (Murray St branch), Jess (Rosny branch) and Lonnie and Marg (Cruise Travel Centre) in the state-of-the-art 270 lounge. left:

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

TRAVEL by RACT

& EVERYWHERE Meet the team at Cruise Travel Centre

Regent Seven Seas Voyager in Burnie RACT Travel hosted VIP clients on-board Regent Seven Seas Voyager when it visited Burnie in January.

Lonnie Bevis I first went to Italy when I was 16 years old and my travel bug was activated the day I stood outside the Colosseum and knew that I had thousands of years of history standing right in front of me. From that day, travelling became my passion and I knew I had to keep travelling until I saw every continent! Q: How long have you worked in the travel industry? I have been working in the industry for more than five years. Q: What do you like best about working at Cruise Travel Centre? The relationship you form with your clients and teammates and helping clients book their holidays brings me complete joy. I am able to talk about travel all day and create memories for my clients that will last them for a lifetime. I create something special for them, whilst they bring back amazing stories for us all to learn from. No challenge is too hard or ever the same, which is why I love being a travel advisor. Q: What is your favourite destination and why? Picking a favourite destination is hard. I love the amazing history of Europe, but I will never forget visiting the thermal pools in Iceland. Q: What is the best cruise you have done and why? I recently sailed the Bahamas with Royal Caribbean and it was amazing, but I would have to say witnessing the amazing sunsets in Croatia is by far the best cruise experience I have had. Q: Where are you travelling to next? I have just cruised along the Mekong Delta from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in February. I expect it will be Scotland next! Q: Do you have a specialty destination you are an expert in? I spent five weeks in America and Mexico. This was the second time I have travelled to the US and I am sure I will go again.

VIP clients on-board for lunch hosted by Jane Cutts, Travel Team Leader, Ulverstone branch.

Q: What is your best travel tip? My biggest tip would be – make sure you meet the locals. They know their towns and I always find you experience something different; something you wouldn’t usually get to see if it was not for their local knowledge. You will create a friend and lasting memories for everyone. Lonnie Bevis is a full-time travel adviser in our Cruise Travel Centre. She is ticking off those continents and has travelled extensively in Europe and the US, driven around Australia, spent time in Asia and done many cruises. Call Lonnie today to make your travel dreams come true. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

With age comes

EXPERIENCE T Linda Smith and her husband Bryan soak up luxury in Fiji.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

asmanian journalist Linda Smith enjoyed a blissful budget honeymoon in Fiji. Ten years on, she and her husband returned to the island paradise to celebrate in high-end style.

I’m lying face-down on a fold-up massage table with a fluffy white towel draped across my lower back, listening to soft waves lapping at the shore just metres away as the gentle breeze tickles my sun-kissed skin. A barefoot Fijian massage therapist, with a seashell necklace hanging around his neck, hovers above me, expertly melting away months of pre-holiday tension, with all thoughts of work, bills and household chores firmly freed from my mind. And it’s then, as I dreamily open my eyes to take in the postcard-perfect seascape stretching before me, that I realise just how far I’ve come in the past decade. I am, after all, enjoying this massage from the comfort of a secluded sandbar in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – a private strip of white sand, surrounded by the clearest sparkling water I have ever seen, with only the birds, my personal masseuse and my husband (who is snorkelling in the shallows) for company. We were whizzed to this paradise by speedboat from nearby Tadrai Island Resort, an exclusive, adults-only haven where the luxury waterfront villas have private decks and plunge pools, an on-call butler and a wine fridge that never runs dry – making it the perfect location for celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in style. With gourmet menus customised daily by the chef, a maximum of 10 guests staying at once, and a raft of staff to cater for our every whim, the resort is quite a departure from our previous trip to Fiji, a decade earlier, for our honeymoon. Which, although enjoyable, was certainly not as glamorous as this.

TRAVEL by RACT

Ten years later – older, wiser and distinctly more cashed up – we decided to explore Fiji from a more high-end perspective.

Back then we were 23. We had a newly acquired mortgage, we were just beginning our careers and had drained most of our savings paying for a traditional white wedding with 60 guests. But somehow we managed to fund a tropical honeymoon and headed off in loved-up bliss, one day after our nuptials, for our first overseas trip together at budget resorts on Fiji’s Plantation Island and Coral Coast. We swam in the ocean, enjoyed romantic walks on the beach, drank cheap rum cocktails, wore freshly picked frangipanis behind our ears and were showered with free fruit baskets and bottles of champagne (which Fijian resorts love handing out to newlyweds). We enjoyed our two-week getaway, and vowed to one day return. Ten years later – older, wiser and distinctly more cashed up – we decided to explore Fiji from a more high-end perspective. And what a contrast! There were still fruit platters and bottles of champagne, but this time we were sipping

Moët and dining from picnic baskets brimming with strawberries and soft cheese, gourmet salads and lobster tails. And rather than riding with the masses on crowded ferries, we were making transfers between luxury resorts on helicopters and small boats, chartered especially for us. During our five nights at Tadrai we lazed by the infinity pool, indulged our senses with Pure Fiji bath products in our open-air bathroom, sipped pina coladas made from coconuts cut straight from the tree and were chauffeured not only to our private sandbar, but also to uninhabited Monuriki Island, where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway. We also spent five nights of five-star luxury at Vomo – an all-inclusive island resort where hiking, spying colourful fish on daily snorkelling trips, visiting the resort’s turtle sanctuary, downing delicious pineapple mojitos and indulging in a couple’s picnic on a private island were all part of the itinerary. And we couldn’t revisit Fiji without a few nights at Lomani Island Resort – a

couples-only resort on Malolo Lailai Island (Plantation Island) – the same island where we honeymooned. It was surreal going back to where it all began. The comparison between our luxury resort and the budget, kid-friendly resort further along the beach was not lost on us. On our final night here we enjoyed a sunset dinner, on a table for two by the beach, dining on the tasty, beer-battered catch-of-the-day I’d hooked only a few hours earlier during a handline fishing trip (my envious husband failed to catch anything, but that’s a whole other story). As the sky glowed pink, we were treated to a live soundtrack by guitar-wielding locals who serenaded us with a string of classic love songs, with lines like ‘I will always love you’, ‘when you say nothing at all’ and ‘all you need is love’ floating into the night. Of course all those sayings are true – my husband and I will always love each other, regardless of how full our wallets are, but a little bit of luxury here and there sure doesn’t hurt, either.

Want to know more about travelling to Fiji? Call RACT Travel today on 1300 368 111 or visit your nearest branch. APRIL / MAY 2017

Journeys

TRAVEL by RACT

Discover the

amazing Andes Tren Crucero at Chimborazo slopes.

he Andes mountain range is filled with natural and cultural wonders – snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins and bustling T markets offer something for everyone.

A new rail tour presented by South America Tourism Offices allows visitors to experience the layers of Indigenous and colonial architecture in cities like Quito in Ecuador; the chance to see a condor at Colca Canyon in Peru; and the opportunity to stroll the ruins of Machu Picchu, all from the comfort of rail journeys including South America’s first luxury sleeper train – The Belmond Andean Explorer. The 21-day/20-night tour, Rail Journeys of the Andes, begins on the coast of Ecuador in the city of Guayaquil, where guests will

board Tren Crucero and ascend 3600m into the Andes. The train journey takes guests through the climate zones of Ecuador – starting in the fertile coastal jungle travelling through the cloud forests to the Andean highlands. It stops at Andean towns like Bucay, Riobamba and Urbina to allow guests to experience indigenous and conquistador history, while the mythical Devil’s Nose pass is a heart-pumping trip amongst some of the Andes’ most awe-inspiring natural scenery. The train then travels through the Avenue of Volcanoes before arriving in Quito, one UNESCO’s first World Cultural Heritage Sites, and then on to Otavalo in the Northern Andes to experience Quichua culture, skills and traditions and enjoy lunch amongst the rose gardens of a traditional hacienda. In Peru guests can explore the Peruvian Andes on-board one of the world’s highest train routes. From the volcano-framed city of Arequipa, the luxury sleeper train Belmond Andean Explorer travels to Colca Canyon in search of condors and allows visitors to experience the marvel of the floating islands of Lake Titicaca before immersing guests in indigenous and Spanish culture in the ancient city of Cuzco. Guests can then experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu by travelling on both the Vistadome train and the deluxe Hiram Bingham service. Departing from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, guests head along the Urubamba River and through the Sacred Valley to mystical heights of Machu Picchu. Beginning in May 2017 these rail journeys are a unique way to experience ancient Incan cities, indigenous villages, colourful markets, colonial architecture, exquisite Andean-inspired cuisine and the natural beauty that forms one the world’s longest mountain ranges.

For more details, contact RACT Travel on 1300 368 111 or visit your local branch.

MEMBER BONUS $400 DISCOUNT PER PERSON#

RAIL JOURNEYS OF THE ANDES

21 DAY ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR FROM $11,541* pp (Twin Share)

A sublime rail journey aboard the most luxurious train exploring Ecuador and the Belmond Andean Explorer the first luxury sleeper train crossing the Altiplano of Peru. This is a journey of extreme contrast, from the Pacific coast to the majestic Andes, exploring ancient Inca kingdoms, indigenous villages and colourful markets. HIGHLIGHTS: • Tren Crucero Ecuador • Lake Titicaca • Belmond Andean Explorer luxury sleeper train • Cuzco • Machu Picchu • Luxury Hiram Bingham train

TOUR INCLUSIONS: • All International & Internal flights • First Class Accommodation • Daily breakfast & selected meals • 4D/3N ‘Tren Crucero’ train in Ecuador • 3D/2N ‘Belmond Andean Explorer’ Sleeper train in Peru • One way luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cuzco and much more. DEPARTURE DATES: 23 June & 27 October 2017 This tour can also operate as an independent tour departing every Friday, from May 2017.

*Conditions Apply. Prices are correct as at 15 Feb 2017 and are per person, twin share and includes the Member Bonus discount. Valid for sale until 30 May 2017. Booking form and $500p.p deposit required at time of booking. Enquire for single or triple traveller cost. Price excludes taxes & surcharges. Air taxes are approx. $950.00 p.p. The prices shown are for a cash payment. A credit card surcharge will apply when paying by credit card. For any additional travel arrangements outside this offer service fees may apply. Please check all details with your consultant at time of booking. RACT Travel. Pty Ltd. ABN 45 144 538 803. ATAS A11470.

Journeys

APRIL / MAY 2017

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