wheels
1966 Valiant VC Regal Orange local Gary Rout has owned his pride and joy for 15 years now, Gary and his son both own it. The vehicle is completely original bar its re-spray which was done 15 years ago. “It was one of my favourite cars growing up which is why I brought it. We do a few shows, about three or four around Orange. She doesn’t travel too far since I’ve had it, *laughs* just around town basically.”
5 MINUTES WITH.... Daniel Wishart of Wisharts Automotive Services
So you’re now the third generation of your family to work in the business? Yeah it has been going for a bit over 40 years. My grandfather fired it up and then my mum and dad (Craig & Margaret) bought it and changed the name to Wisharts automotive services. I completed my apprenticeship with GBR Motors (Canobolas Holden) and continued developing my skills there for many years until 2014 when I joined the team a Wisharts automotive. What type of services do you offer customers out of your workshop? We do everything here from all
your servicing and mechanical repairs, all your four-wheel-drive needs, ECU remapping/diesel tuning, rego inspections, wheel alignments, auto electrical, suspension, we service fleet companies, mining companies. we also do a few smaller trucks, and busses. We see everything here, private or commercial we do it all! with our team we have over 100years industry experience, now that’s a lot! We also have a full spare parts side of the company as well, so anything you need for your car, we can go and get it. Is there any particular area people may not know you specialize in? The diesel tuning side of things. We are a Roo Systems dealer, we are the only one in the area. they
are Australia’s biggest diesel ECU remapping company and we are proud to be a part of that. We have our own Dyno, so we do full Dyno tuning and diagnostics, which is probably one of the biggest things and one we haven’t really promoted yet. Any maintenance advice for car owners, or common maintenance errors that you see in cars coming through your workshop? Every car is unique so each has its own individual issues. Just keeping on top of your servicing is really a good way to keep your car in great condition. When issues arise, you may not be able to afford to just dump a heap of cash into your car, but if you can work out what is important and prioritise the ‘to do’ list, that’s a good way to start.
MAY 3–9, 2018
51
wheels ROADTRIP
WORDS BY JONATHAN ROE
— g in n n u t s s i a m a i Kand just a few hours away by car WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, STUNNING COASTLINE AND PICTURESQUE DAIRY COUNTRY, KIAMA MAKES FOR A PERFECT GETAWAY IN ANY SEASON.
Kiama is of course best known for the blowhole — one of the largest in the world. In the right conditions the blowhole cavern spouts seawater 20 metres into the air making for a remarkable sight. First sighted by British explorer George Bass in 1797, today the blowhole draws hundreds
52
MAY 3–9, 2018
of thousands of visitors to Kiama each year. The blowhole is surrounded by an easily accessible viewing area that offers terrific views of the seas and surrounding headlands. It is lit until 1am, so the spectacle can be enjoyed day and night.
Often overlooked is the ‘Little Blowhole’ just a few kilometres south of the town centre. As you’d guess by the name, the ‘Little Blowhole’ is smaller, but can put on more consistent displays than the famous blowhole. The striking sea cliffs and beaches surrounding Kiama can be explored
by a number coastal trails known as the Kiama Coast Walk. From the Lighthouse and Kiama Harbour you can walk north to the mouth of the Minnamurra River past Jones Beach and the distinctive Cathedral Rocks and Bombo headland. The walk to the south, takes you past Storm Bay, Surf Beach, Kendalls Beach and Love Bay to Kiama Height. From here you can continue on along the cliff tops to the charming surfing town of Gerringong. The walk takes a couple of hours, if you don’t stop for too many photos along the way, but the stunning vistas make it well worth the effort and you can even catch a train back to Kiama after coffee and cake in Gerringong. For those who prefer two wheels to two legs, the hills surrounding Kiama offer plenty to challenge riders of all levels. There is plenty of information on cycle tracks to be found online or stop by Kiama Cycles for real local knowledge of the area. Golfers will also love the beautiful, well-kept courses and postcard views of the region’s three golf clubs. The Gerringong course in particular is considered one of the South Coast’s best and its setting is stunning enough to entice non-golfers to pick up a stick and play a round. Take a short drive from Kiama into the green hinterland and there are countless sights and attractions worth
a visit. Saddleback Mountain Lookout offers panoramic views up and down the coast or you can explore the pristine rainforest and waterfalls of Budderoo National Park. Nearby, the village of Jamberoo is also worth a visit and a great place to stop for a bite or a beer at the Jamberoo Pub. The giant water slides of the Jamberoo Action Park are also a big hit with families in the warmer months. For wine lovers, there are exceptional vineyards to explore along the Shoalhaven Coast. There’s the historic Coolangatta Estate with its restored, convict-built village and awardwinning wines, while the hill-top cellar door at Two Figs offers a great drop with stunning views of the Shoalhaven River. Kiama is just four-and-a-half hours from Orange by car and has plenty of great accommodation options to suit all budgets. Just remember that the seaside town’s relatively close proximity to Sydney and accessibility by rail also makes it a popular very choice for citysiders. The population can triple during the peak summer season, so it is always advisable to plan and book ahead. But Kiama and the surrounding region has so much to offer that no matter when you choose to go, you will be glad you went.
wheels
HEADER BYLINE
DECK
aaa aaa
MAY 3–9, 2018
53