Horizons Autumn 2026

Op shops of the Wheatbelt

Make the trip to uncover some rare gems

WA’s cheapest cars to own and run

We’ve done the sums on your motoring costs

The future of RAC insurance

What’s proposed and what it means for members

The

RAC PARKS & RESORTS LIFT TOURING TO A NEW LEVEL

11:30am thursday. sipping in silence.

One sip says it all – you two are inseparable. When he heard you were heading out to do some work at Dôme, he was already packing his favourite Mario comic so he could be with you. He promised to read quietly, if he got to share your chocolate milkshake. That’s the beauty of time spent together - anything can happen. For getting a silent taste of togetherness, there’s no place like Dôme.

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EDITOR Vanessa Pogorelic

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Learning to live with semi-autonomous cars

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From the President

Stronger governance for a better WA

I am proud and humbled to have been elected as President of RAC. It is an honour to represent our members and continue the important work of shaping a better Western Australia.

RAC will shortly implement bestpractice governance standards to ensure your Club continues to be successful for the decades ahead.

Supported by members attending the Special General Meeting and Annual General Meeting, these governance changes were introduced to strengthen transparency, improve accountability, and ensure RAC remains fit for the future.

At the Special General Meeting in June 2025 members supported several changes to the Club’s Rules to reflect that on 1 July 2026 the size of RAC Council will reduce from 15 to a maximum of nine members comprising member elected and appointed Councillors who have undergone a skills-based selection process. Further, the maximum tenure of Councillors has been reduced from 12 to nine years.

In addition, member approval was received at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting to change the legal structure of the Club from an Incorporated Association under State based legislation, to a company limited by guarantee, regulated by the

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), which will occur on or about 1 July 2026.

In practical terms, these changes modernise our governance framework and enhance reporting and decision-making processes. This will help RAC remain agile and responsive in a rapidly changing environment. Implementation will occur progressively over the coming months.

Importantly, members’ access to products and services, including member benefits, do not change and members are still able to nominate and vote for elected directors to the Board.

RAC remains a member-owned organisation committed to making WA a safer, more sustainable and connected place to live. These governance improvements are another step towards ensuring we deliver on that promise.

Thank you to all members who participated and supported these important decisions. Together, we are building a stronger RAC –and a better WA.

I look forward to working for you, and with you, over my term as RAC President.

John Driscoll

Young adults leading the way

As part of our new RAC Ignite youth membership, 30 members took part in a special leadership program at the end of 2025.

Through a series of ‘design thinking’ masterclasses in Perth and a retreat in Margaret River, the members gained valuable insights from RAC staff, government, and industry changemakers. After learning practical skills and gaining realworld insights, they teamed up to pitch creative ideas to make it easier for people in WA to get around and stay connected.

From the ideas presented, three teams were then chosen to present their big pitch to over 150 industry leaders and peers at RAC Arena.

The winning concept is called RAC GEAR and is a program that teaches new drivers practical car maintenance and road safety skills and supports them in applying these abilities during the driver’s licence process.

The RAC Ignite programs support young people to step out of their comfort zone, develop new skills and shape a better future. We’re proud to back WA’s next generation of leaders.

HARNESSING OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FREMANTLE DOCKERS TO DRIVE ROAD SAFETY

RAC is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of West Australians, and we are excited to be strengthening our partnership with the Fremantle Dockers to deliver essential road safety messages.

Building on seven years of collaboration, RAC has become the Club’s Official Road Safety Partner, elevating the partnership and deepening our focus on raising road safety awareness across Western Australia’s football community.

With the number of road deaths in WA tragically rising in recent years, the urgency to address road safety has never been greater. Through the partnership, we will be leveraging the power of football to reach and inspire more people with life-saving messages so everyone can get home safely.

A key aspect of this renewed partnership is a stronger emphasis on community programs. RAC’s work with the Purple Hands Foundation on the Kimberley Connected program will help deliver road safety education to youth in regional Kimberley communities, reflecting a commitment to making a real difference where it’s needed most.

Together, RAC and the Fremantle Dockers will enhance the game day experience by integrating road safety messaging into events, activations and throughout the stadium, ensuring fans and members are reminded of the importance of road safety.

RAC Group CEO Rob Slocombe said RAC and the Fremantle Dockers are united in their vision to make road safety an ingrained part of football and the broader community. RAC remains excited to empower communities and create a culture of safety that stretches from the field to every road in WA. 

A NEW ARTWORK CAPTURES OUR JOURNEYS AND CONNECTIONS IN WA

RAC is thrilled to have partnered with Aboriginal-owned and led agency Nani Creative to develop an artwork that captures what makes RAC a uniquely Western Australian organisation.

The artwork titled Uthudu Wajjoo Wilu was created by Nhanda-Wajarri artist Ree Couzens – and means land, road, and sea in Nhanda language.

Ree took inspiration for the work from the ideas generated during a workshop where people from RAC and Nani came together to share their thoughts on RAC’s place in the WA community.

Uthudu Wajjoo Wilu reflects our journey as an organisation and celebrates the stories, connections and landscapes of WA, including journey lines that characterise road trips between WA communities, representations of people and Country, and Ree’s personal connection to RAC.

Over the coming months the artwork will be integrated into RAC’s communications and promotional materials, which will be used in various formats to continue to highlight those community connections.

RAC Rescue Bunbury celebrates 10 years of life-saving service

2026 marks a decade since the RAC Rescue helicopter, stationed at Bunbury Airport, began providing rapid emergency care across regional and southern WA. Since the second RAC Rescue helicopter began operations in 2016, the service has dramatically increased its reach, improved response times and access to life-saving support for WA communities.

The Bunbury crew’s first patient transfer - a multi-vehicle road crash on 6 February - set the tone for a service that has since become vital to the region. In its first year alone, the number of missions in the South West soared by 148 per cent - reinforcing the need for the Bunbury base. Since its launch, the Bunbury-based helicopter has flown more than 2600 missions.

In March 2025, the Bunbury service introduced the new state-of-the-art Leonardo AW139s helicopters, which

are 39 per cent faster and can travel 75 per cent further than previous models, helping crews reach scenes to begin lifesaving treatment sooner.

Today, the RAC Rescue helicopters respond to a wide range of emergencies, with over 50 per cent of missions being to vehicle crashes, on and off the road. They also provide vital search, rescue and critical care medical services, both on land and at sea.

Together with the original Jandakot base, RAC Rescue now covers over 90 per cent of Western Australians, with crews airborne in under 15 minutes after a call. Funded by the State Government, managed by DFES, and sponsored by RAC, this service is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to public safety. 

For more information about this life-saving service visit racrescue.wa.gov.au

Snapshot

Drivers warned against misreading truck overtake signals

A decades-old practice of truck drivers signalling to those travelling behind them when it is safe to overtake is being discouraged.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA), the peak body for the Australian trucking industry, is campaigning to stop heavy vehicle drivers from using their right-turn indicators to signal that the road is clear for vehicles behind them to overtake.

The practice is believed to date back to the 1950s and has been used as an ‘unofficial’ signal that the road ahead is clear to overtake, especially on remote and regional roads. Use of vehicle indicators for anything other than signalling a turn, an intention to overtake,

or to move left or right, is unlawful. Drivers should not respond to right-turn signals on trucks and other heavy vehicles as being anything other than a signal of that vehicle’s movements.

If a right-turn indicator is misread as a signal to overtake, the vehicle following could risk colliding with the truck as it turns or moves to the right. Those with a UHF radio in their vehicle should use this as the preferred and safer method of communicating with other road users around them on the appropriate channels.

REPORTING ABANDONED VEHICLES

If you believe that a vehicle has been abandoned on public land or part of your own property, you should contact your local council to make a report.

The process for dealing with abandoned vehicles may vary between councils, however vehicles that are reported as abandoned are usually attended by a council ranger.

The ranger will place a sticker on the vehicle to mark that it has been reported and request that the owner move it to private property within a set period of time, which is usually 24 hours.

If the vehicle is not removed in time, the council will search for the owner’s details and attempt to contact the owner. In the event that the owner cannot be contacted or does not respond, the vehicle may be impounded and towed from the site.

Generally, abandoned vehicles are taken to an impounding facility or automotive auction site where they may eventually be sold by public tender.

Vehicle owners whose vehicles are identified as abandoned will likely be required to pay a fee to have the vehicle released and pay any relevant parking fines.

REPLACING LOST CAR KEYS AND KEY FOBS

New vehicles typically come with two master keys or key fobs. An older-style car remote has a physical key that can open the doors, boot and start the engine even if the remote is damaged or its battery is flat. These sometimes have the remote mounted on the end of the key itself or as a separate fob that is kept with the key, and are the least expensive electronic keys to replace.

If you have a vehicle with push-button or keyless ignition, you won’t need the metal key every day, and therefore the key is often hidden inside the fob. The metal key is there for situations such as when the remote’s battery goes flat or fails for some other reason.

WHEN A MOTORCYCLIST RIDES TO THE FRONT OF A TRAFFIC QUEUE

In WA, motorcyclists are permitted in most circumstances to ride between lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles, but they must not exceed 30km/h while passing other vehicles. Known as lane filtering, it allows motorcyclists to legally position themselves at the front of the queue of traffic at intersections, if it’s safe to do so, provided they stay behind the stop line.

When the light turns green, all vehicles — including any motorcycles — must proceed safely and follow the road markings in their own lanes.

It’s important to note that a motorcyclist positioned alongside a car at a traffic light does not have an automatic right of way when the light turns green. However, other drivers must keep a safe distance from the motorcycle.

Because motorcyclists are in a vulnerable position when they are positioned between lanes of traffic, it’s generally safer and more courteous to allow them to proceed first so that they can rejoin a line of traffic.

Lane splitting, where a motorcyclist rides between a lane of moving or stationary traffic at more than 30km/h, is not permitted in WA.

A further advancement is proximity keys, which can open the doors and boot when a person touches the door handle or boot button while the key is on them.

With any electronic keys, if you lose one, generally a new key can be cloned from the spare. This can be done by the manufacturer dealership or an automotive locksmith – shop around to get the best deal. But bear in mind that while an automotive locksmith will probably be cheaper, their replacement key is likely to be an aftermarket item rather than a genuine part.

If both keys are lost, your car’s computer system will need to be reprogrammed and this can be expensive, depending on the vehicle make and model. 

RAC’s proposed insurance partnership

RAC GROUP CEO ROB SLOCOMBE EXPLAINS WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU –OUR MEMBERS.

Tougher regulations, more frequent natural disasters and the rising cost of reinsurance – which is effectively insurance for insurers – are reshaping the way insurers operate; and increasing the risk and cost of providing cover. These challenges are significant for RAC’s insurance business, which operates solely in Western Australia, meaning the organisation has fewer options than those with a larger and more diverse footprint.

That’s why last year RAC proposed a 20-year general insurance partnership with IAG, Australia’s largest general insurance company, aimed at keeping RAC insurance sustainable, competitive and focused on members for the long haul. As part of the transaction, IAG will acquire and manage 100 per cent of RAC’s insurance underwriting business.

Under the proposal, members with RAC insurance products would continue to deal with local RAC staff and the RAC brand that they know and trust. IAG would take on the insurance risk and underwriting, and claims

handling - which, importantly, would retain a significant local presence.

In December, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it would oppose the arrangement, raising questions about competition in WA’s insurance market.

So what does this mean for RAC, and for members who rely on RAC insurance every day? RAC Group CEO Rob Slocombe explains the thinking behind the proposal, the challenges facing insurance today, and what comes next.

What was the rationale for the proposed arrangement with IAG?

RAC has been in insurance since 1947, when we first introduced our motor insurance product, followed by our home insurance product in 1970, and we have had tremendous support from our Western Australian members over that time.

But in the past 10 to 15 years things have been changing.

The insurance market has become more complex — everything from the technology needed to support insurance systems, through to the regulatory environment in which we operate.

We are seeing the impacts of climate change — an increase in the extreme weather events that lead to higher claims — and we are also facing greater reinsurance costs, where we go to market and take out our own insurance to cover the risks we have.

At RAC, we realise we have to make decisions about how we manage those changes now and for the future, and that’s why the partnership with IAG makes sense.

Can you explain why having IAG as RAC’s insurance underwriter would help?

We have nearly $270 billion worth of risks that we insure, in both home insurance and motor insurance, and the simple reality is we are seeing both the number and value of claims and costs increase.

We would continue to sell insurance under the RAC brand, but whereas we currently design, underwrite and sell the policies ourselves, we would do this in partnership with IAG.

RAC only insures in WA, and most of our insured members are in Perth. That creates a risk around geographic concentration. A bad storm, a bushfire, or any natural disaster can have a serious impact on a large proportion of our insured members.

In the case of a larger national insurer like IAG, however, a storm affecting customers in Brisbane won’t also affect

customers in Melbourne. It allows them to balance their risk more effectively across the nation.

We have spent a lot of time fine tuning our business, but we believe it’s now in our members’ best interests to partner with a larger group.

Will RAC lose its strong Western Australian presence?

We understand how important it is to our members that they have a local insurer.

We are immensely proud of our track record in working with members when they need us — going door to door, at times, after a disaster to check people have everything they need.

The partnership with IAG would see this local focus continue, so if you call the RAC call centre, you speak with someone in Joondalup or West Perth, or if you drop into a branch, you are still seeing our people. IAG would also continue to maintain a significant claims handling presence here in Western Australia.

We are not getting out of insurance, we are simply changing the way it is delivered.

We would continue to sell insurance under the RAC brand, but whereas we currently design, underwrite and sell the policies ourselves, we would do this in partnership with IAG.

What would it mean for RAC more broadly?

RAC has existed since 1905 and for the first 21 years we were an advocacy organisation only, we did not offer member services. Then in 1926, 100 years ago this year, we started the roadside assistance business we are most famous for.

We started in insurance in 1947 but since then we have diversified to deliver more things that matter to our members.

We were the first licensed travel agency in Western Australia, we have a finance company, a security business, a broader motoring business, and parks and resorts from Broome down to Esperance. We

also have an innovation business under the Betterlabs brand, and our St Ives retirement business.

If the partnership with IAG proceeds, we expect to be able to free up capital to allow us to invest in new and expanded products and services for the benefit of our members.

We are not getting out of insurance, we are simply changing the way it is delivered.

One thing that won’t change is our core purpose – to make life better for all Western Australians. Our road safety focus, our work with local communities, our advocacy for a better WA – it all continues.

The ACCC announced in December that it would oppose the partnership. Where to from here?

The ACCC plays an important part of decision making under merger and acquisition rules in Australia. We respect the ACCC and have worked to try to provide the information they have required about the proposal.

It’s important to note that at the end of 2025, a significant change occurred to the regime under which the ACCC makes merger decisions.

The ACCC’s decision on our proposed partnership was made under the previous rules, which ceased at the end of December. The new regime, which has some additional procedural features that impact the way it considers proposals, allows a new application to be made –and this is the current focus.

We continue to work towards this partnership, which we strongly believe is the best possible pathway forward for our organisation and our members. 

Driven to distraction

LEARNING TO LIVE WITH SEMI-AUTONOMOUS CARS

By Ruth Callaghan

The promise of self-driving vehicles has a long history, but the reality has been a bit slow off the brakes.

Tesla’s Elon Musk has been promising self-driving cars since at least 2013, and it’s been seven years since Waymo’s first ‘driverless’ service was launched in the US — with a backup driver on board just in case.

But the gap between a robot chauffeur and reality has been quietly filled with a range of semi-autonomous technologies that have made Australian vehicles safer — even if we still need to grasp the wheel.

From lane detection cameras to automated braking and parking, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are increasingly allowing drivers to rely more on technology to tackle complex or risky environments.

Now, though, manufacturers are ready for the next step, and we can soon expect to share the road with vehicles where drivers take a back seat and let the car drive itself.

It’s a transition that will be complex for regulators.

Understanding the levels of autonomy

There are six levels of vehicle autonomy, numbered zero to five, and so far we are only just scratching the surface of what is possible.

Australia uses the Society of Automotive Engineers’ international standards to describe the level of automation available at each level and uses the system to define where the responsibility for safety lies between the ‘driver’ and autonomous vehicle manufacturer.

Level 0 is the most basic, with no automation at all, but still allowing for ADAS such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and lane departure warning.

Level 1 introduces some additional support for drivers, with the car able to take on activities such as either steering or braking in certain circumstances, keeping the car within a lane or employing adaptive cruise control to drop your speed if you near another vehicle.

Level 2 is the most sophisticated automation

currently available on our roads and is sometimes split between Level 2 and Level 2+.

At the lower level, the car can undertake steering and braking/accelerating at the same time, such as taking over parallel parking or reversing into a car bay, with the driver keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.

Level 2+ is described as hands-off, eyes-on driving, although authorities agree that the human is still considered to be the one doing the driving and is ultimately responsible if something goes wrong.

But it is when the vehicle crosses the threshold from Level 2 to Level 3 that things get interesting.

Level 3 is not yet permitted on Australian roads, except in trials specifically approved by authorities. That’s because the shift from semi-autonomous to autonomous vehicles is still being assessed for safety in Australian conditions and alignment with our road safety regulations.

Tesla’s recent roll-out of automation for some of its vehicles in Australia,

Harrystock.adobe.com

THERE ARE SIX LEVELS OF VEHICLE AUTONOMY, NUMBERED ZERO TO FIVE, AND SO FAR WE ARE ONLY JUST SCRATCHING THE SURFACE OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE.

called Full Self Driving (Supervised), is described by the manufacturer as Level 2, although as drivers barely need to touch the wheel, there have been questions over whether its capabilities extend into Level 3 territory.

At Level 3 and above, even if a human is in the driver’s seat, you are not considered to be driving when automated features are engaged, although the vehicle can require you to take over. Instead, it is the manufacturer who has liability in a crash, at least in theory.

Level 3 moves from hands-off, eyes-on driving to hands-off, eyes-off for limited conditions. As an example, Level 3 traffic

jam assistance combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring, so that a driver stuck in heavy traffic can reduce their attention, take their hands off the wheel, and let the vehicle navigate the stop-start conditions.

But with greater automation comes greater risk, and manufacturers working on Level 3 features tend to build in safeguards, such as eye cameras, to ensure the driver is still watching the road environment, even if the car is doing the work.

If the driver’s attention wanders, the vehicle can force the issue by requiring the driver to put their hands back

on the wheel or refocus on the road if they want autonomous functions to continue.

It is only at Level 4 and Level 5 that autonomous vehicles become truly self-driving, either in some conditions (such as Waymo and its city-based driverless taxis) or across all possible terrain. For Australia, both options are some distance away.

The challenge of riding with robots

It’s not just cars changing with new technology, drivers have to adapt too — and some of the uncertainty around autonomous vehicle risk lies in how the driver and other road users respond.

Director of Monash University Accident Research Centre, Stuart Newstead, says many people have experienced low-level or semi-autonomous technology with radar cruise control and lane trace, and these are relatively well adopted.

Although they help the driver manage on the road, they don’t offer so much assistance that the driver starts to let their awareness slide.

“The evaluation evidence on these technologies shows they’re good because they’re still requiring the driver to be in control. They’re not saying don’t pay attention or have a rest for a while,” he says. 

“IF YOU ARE INJURED BY AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE FAILURE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR INPUT, YOU’D BE FAR LESS ACCEPTING OF THAT THAN IF YOU HAD A CRASH YOURSELF.”

“They are basically a safety net for people in their regular driving task.

“That said, some people don’t trust the technology, or they find it annoying, particularly lane keep assist, and they seem to get upset by the intervention.

“The strength of intervention can vary quite a lot between different vehicles, and some people find that intimidating.”

As the degree of automation increases, the response of drivers matters more. For all but the highest levels of autonomous vehicles, the driver should be available to take over control at a moment’s notice.

But studies have shown that the more distracted the driver is when the vehicle is in charge, the longer it takes them to re-engage.

It can take time for the driver to reassess the road environment, check their

mirrors, resume the wheel, and understand the hazard that has required them to get involved.

In simulations conducted for the Department of Transport in the UK, in which drivers engaged in tasks ranging from eating popcorn to watching a film, many struggled to regain situational awareness or control of the vehicle when required to do so.

The median ‘time to take over’ from reading a magazine or viewing a mobile phone was about 5 seconds, and in one case, 24 seconds — far from ideal.

But if something does go wrong, Newstead believes many people will blame the tech.

“The strange thing about people handing control away to a device or even another person is that they are far less accepting of failure in those circumstances,” he says.

“It puts the onus on the system for public acceptability to make those systems work at a really high level.

“If you are injured by an autonomous vehicle failure that has nothing to do with your input, you’d be far less accepting of that than if you had a crash yourself.”

Interaction with other road users is also largely untested, and Stuart Newstead says a road with half the vehicles running autonomously and half under human control could lead to chaos.

“Will the people who don’t have the technology understand that you can game the system, and change lanes in front of autonomous cars knowing they will throw on the brakes and create a gap?” he asks.

“All those questions remain completely unanswered.”

Swinburne University Professor of Future Mobility

IT’S NOT JUST CARS CHANGING WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY, DRIVERS HAVE TO ADAPT TOO.

Hussein Dia says too little is known about the real-world performance of cars at Level 3 or above and whether they will respond as humans would in different situations.

“Imagine a driver going down a suburban road and they see a soccer ball coming across the road,” he says.

“A mature driver might not only slow down but might also think that there could be a child following that soccer ball.

But perhaps the driverless car might recognise the ball and say, it’s passed me, so I’ll speed through.

“It doesn’t have the same level of thinking that a human does about whether there is something else happening that it needs to anticipate.”

Professor Dia says Australia’s cautious and conservative approach has been the right one while national guidelines and regulations for autonomous vehicles are developed.

“What we’re seeing in the US, especially with Tesla, is that we’re having a lot of injuries, in some cases, even fatalities,” he says.

“One injury and one fatality is too many.”

Safe driving is the autonomous vision

While safety remains a key reason for the go-slow on autonomous vehicles, that may not always be the case.

Waymo markets itself as ‘the world’s most experienced driver’, given its technology is responsible for travelling more than 96 million miles, or 150 million kilometres.

Across that distance, it says its vehicles are engaged in far fewer crashes that cause injury and have less impact on vulnerable road users.

In crashes involving pedestrians, for example, Waymo says it has 92 per cent fewer crashes compared to human-driver

benchmarks, translating to 35 fewer injured pedestrians over the distance driven.

It’s an example of the benefits autonomous vehicles could offer human drivers and other road users, but Stuart Newstead says it must be balanced by good governance, transparency and regulation.

“If it’s done well, autonomous driving could have major benefits, because we know that even the semiautonomous tech we’re seeing now is having significant benefits in supporting people’s driving capabilities,” he says.

“People make mistakes, and the tech helps support people when they do make legitimate errors, not to suffer consequences.

“Greater autonomy in a welldeveloped space has great potential for road safety — but it also has the potential to be an unmitigated disaster if you do don’t do it well.”

The cheapest cars to own and run in WA

RAC’S 2025 CAR RUNNING COSTS SURVEY TESTED 53 POPULAR CARS ACROSS 9 CATEGORIES TO FIND WHICH WERE THE CHEAPEST TO OWN AND RUN IN WA

By Alex Forrest

More affordable electric cars, falling fuel prices and lower interest rates all contributed to cars costing slightly less to own and run in 2025 compared to 2024.

With many consumers experiencing cost increases in other areas of their lives, such as groceries, utilities and health care, the average cost of running a car fell by approximately $34 to $341.32 per week. That equates to a reduction, on average, of $1791.40 over a year.

Among the biggest influencing factors in overall lower prices this year was the increased availability of affordable electrified vehicles, and lower average petrol and diesel prices.

But there were also significant increases in certain vehicle categories which consumers will need to consider, especially in relation to purchase price. For example, in 2024 in the 4x4 ute category, a Ford

Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 cost $78,306, but by 2025 it had risen to $86,689 drive away. By comparison, in the small car category, the introduction of the electric BYD

Dolphin Essential in January 2025 at a drive away price of $32,600 helped it to a win among small cars. Pricing was a big factor, but so was its cheap charging cost.

In a sign of the times, the Dolphin led small car stalwarts, including the Hyundai i30 (2nd place), the Toyota Corolla Ascent (3rd place) and the Mazda3 (4th place).

Across the board, annual incremental cost increases in registration, compulsory third-party insurance and electricity for electric vehicle charging took the edge off cost reductions in other areas.

For those who have the option to lease a vehicle through their work, the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for fully electric vehicles further enhances the possible savings of a lease arrangement, which includes repayments using pre-tax dollars.

But those in the market will have noted that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) such as the BYD Shark 6 became ineligible for the FBT exemption from 1 April 2025.

Depreciation remains a major expense for new vehicle buyers, and one that is typically not felt until owners consider selling their vehicle.

In a change that will be surprising for some, certain Chinese-built vehicles this year displayed significantly improved retained value.

But Toyota was still at or near the pointy end for resale value across the board, with the Landcruiser 300 Series GX topping the whole survey, retaining 67 per cent of its new price after five years.

out of life. With fantastic locations across Perth, St Ives gives you the space, security and freedom to ensure your next move is the best one yet. Why not take your first step today and book a Village tour at

RAC’s Best Drives 2025

WE ROAD TESTED MORE THAN 50 NEW CARS IN 2025. HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS.

By Alex Forrest

There was one shift across Australia’s new car market in 2025 that’s set to go down as a major turning point.

It wasn’t the introduction of strict new low vehicle emissions rules. Neither was it the lowest average fuel prices in three years, nor the shift from vehicle supply shortages to oversupply and discounting. The change was linked to those trends though, and it was of course the huge increase in sales of cars made in China.

For the 11 months to November 2025, sales of Chinese-made cars were up 24 per cent compared to the same time frame in 2024, while imports from Japan, Korea and Thailand were all down.

The timing of the New Vehicle Emissions Scheme (NVES) was good for several Chinese brands and models, and the results can be seen on our roads.

Vehicles like the $60,000 BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid, for example, are now plentiful. Then in April 2025, the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV arrived. It was priced at $57,500 drive away at a time when a Ford Ranger PHEV cost $81,200 for the base model.

Other affordable arrivals included the Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10 medium SUVs, while previously released budget-priced small EVs like the GWM Ora and MG4 continued to find buyers.

Light SUV

HYUNDAI INSTER

PRICE (drive away from)

$39,990

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE Hatch

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 143Wh/km; electric

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION Electric motor; N/A

When the tiny, electric Hyundai Inster was first launched in Australia in April 2025, its appeal wasn’t, well, instant. Its starting price of around $45,000 was the issue, however by October that had dropped to $39,990, and suddenly the Inster was a viable contender against the likes of the BYD Dolphin and MG4. The Inster’s infotainment system is proven and has some decent development behind it. Now, as a more affordable small EV from an established brand with a wide dealer network, the Inster is in the sweet spot.

Established manufacturers have been busy though. Toyota is preparing to launch a fully electric version of the HiLux, plus a new plug-in hybrid RAV4 in 2026.

Nissan launched its long-awaited Ayria medium SUV in September, and Mazda’s fully electric 6e mid-sized sedan will arrive in mid-2026.

While 2025 also saw the arrival of the large, six-figure-priced electric SUVs like the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, it’s the other end of the market that stands to play a much bigger role in stepping up EV uptake.

In 2025, BYD launched a tiny hatchback called the Atto 1, which is priced from $26,140 drive away. The Geely EX2 will offer some competition this year, while the slightly pricier Honda Super-One will be among the other funky affordable EVs hitting city streets, joining the Hyundai Inster that arrived in 2025.

That all said, the roles of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles remain, with sales of largely liquid-fuelled utes going strong at the end of 2025, and the arrival of the vastly improved Subaru Forester Hybrid really bringing the fight to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. For now, let’s look back at the best cars we drove in 2025.

Small Car BYD DOLPHIN

PRICE (drive away from) $29,990

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE Hatch

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 126Wh/km; electric

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION Electric motor; N/A

Aggressively low pricing of some Chinese-built electric vehicles is nothing new, but finally this year, there’s a difference. Whereas cut-price cars have previously been associated with very poor build quality and worrying safety levels, recent arrivals like the electric BYD Dolphin – which has a surprisingly solid build and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating – are set to change perceptions significantly. Especially given that a very accessible price point makes the Dolphin close to an ideal small city car.

Medium Car

TOYOTA CAMRY

PRICE (drive away from) $44,900

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE Sedan

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 4.0L/100km/premium 95

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION CVT

The medium-sized car segment has been thinned out in recent years, but one of the oldest name badges in it remains the segment’s sales leader and the cheapest to own and run, according to RAC’s 2025 Car Running Costs survey (see page 18). Released in late 2024, the current model Camry remains an economical yet luxurious and reliable high-tech product of Toyota’s decades-long development of its hybrid system.

Small SUV

KIA EV3

PRICE $49,990

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE SUV

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 149Wh/km; electric

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION Electric motor; N/A

In 2025, Kia was one of several manufacturers that introduced several small, more affordable EVs with far broader consumer appeal than the huge, six-figure priced electric SUVs that arrived in previous years. At just under $50,000 drive away, the EV3 isn’t the cheapest EV, but it does come with Kia’s smooth, proven infotainment system (lesser EVs often have glitchy user interfaces). Ergonomics are good and of course, there’s also Kia’s seven-year warranty and broad dealer network.

Sports Car Under $80,000

TOYOTA GR YARIS

PRICE (drive away from)

$64,590

ANCAP SAFETY RATING Not rated

BODY TYPE Hatchback

ENERGY CONSUMPTION 9.1L/100km (auto); premium 98

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 1.6L three cyl; 8-speed auto

Draping a three-cylinder, turbocharged all-wheel drive rally-inspired drivetrain in the pumped-up bodywork of a tiny hatchback and calling it the GR Yaris caused a sensation when Toyota did exactly that in 2021. But it was only available as a manual. That didn’t affect sales to its largely enthusiast audience, but why not offer an auto to those who prefer it in what remains the most hilariously hyperactive little car on the market? That’s what we thought.

Medium SUV

SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID

PRICE (drive away from) $52,770

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE SUV

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.2L/100km; unleaded 91

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid; CVT

The new 2025 Subaru Forester made some giant leaps forward from its very much underdone hybrid predecessor of 2020. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the new hybrid drivetrain in the Forester is over 31 per cent more powerful than in the first attempt, and yet about 7.5 per cent more economical. As well as a new body design, the new Forester gets important inclusions as standard, such as wireless phone charging, while retaining permanent all-wheel drive. Highly recommended. 

Large SUV Under $85,000

MAZDA CX-80 PHEV

PRICE (drive away from)

$70,990

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE SUV

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 2.7L/100km; unleaded 95

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid; 8-speed auto

Believe it or not, the choices among big, premium-feeling electrified SUVs have increased in the past year, especially electric-only large SUVs. But given its target market of busy families, a plug-in hybrid is sometimes the more practical option. The Mazda CX-80 is a luxuriously finished seven-seater PHEV, which is much more affordable than some European alternatives and is still a strong performer with a smooth and quiet 241kW and 500Nm on hand to move you about. That fuel figure mightn’t be realistic though.

TOYOTA PRADO

PRICE (drive away from)

$80,397 (VX)

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE SUV

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 7.6L/100km; diesel

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.8L turbo diesel; 8-speed auto

The Prado copped more than its share of criticism when it first hit the market in 2024, but after being around for well over a year, that hasn’t affected demand one bit. The Prado was WA’s most popular large SUV in 2025, selling twice as many compared to 2024 when the old one was still around. With its 48-volt electric motor/generator-assisted drivetrain, the Prado benefits from a smoother-running stop-start system and a little extra shove on acceleration. Initial drives of the Prado in 2024 saw it take a Best Drives gong last year, and having driven it again in 2025, it’s also the best all-terrain vehicle we drove in 2025.

Large

SUV $85,000 - $150,000

HYUNDAI PALISADE

PRICE (drive away from) $99,600

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE SUV

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 6.8L/100km; unleaded 91

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 2.5L 4cyl petrol/electric hybrid; 6-speed auto

The new Hyundai Palisade launched in Australia in September 2025 and brought with it some major improvements over its immediate predecessor. Most notable is the addition of a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor hybrid system, replacing the diesel and petrol V6 engines in the previous models. The new hybrid Palisade not only has more power and torque than before, but it’s also significantly lighter on fuel, using just 6.8L/100km. It’s available in one high-spec Calligraphy model that really challenges its Euro rivals on value.

4x4 Twin Cab Ute

GWM CANNON ALPHA PHEV

PRICE (drive away from)

$51,490

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

BODY TYPE Dual-cab ute

FUEL ECONOMY/FUEL TYPE 1.7L/100km; unleaded 91

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION 1.5L 4 cyl petrol; 9-speed auto

More than any other ute released in 2025, the GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid has clearly demonstrated just how many features and tech can be crammed into a large dual cab ute for well under $60,000. The BYD Shark isn’t far behind it, but even that is pricier and rated to tow less. The Cannon Alpha’s extras include a dual barn door/folding tailgate on the Ultra variant and a sunroof and massaging seats. Warranty is six years. The 1.7L/100km fuel consumption isn’t indicative of real-world use but charge it often and you’ll get close – maybe. 

RED CENTRE SPECTACULAR

• 3 nights aboard The Legendary Ghan, travelling from Adelaide to

• All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages

• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines

• Off Train Experiences in an iconic South Australian Wine Region, Flinders Ranges, Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine

• A special dinner experience showcasing South Australia’s exceptional produce and fine wines

• Venture into the Flinders Ranges ancient landscape where rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and outcrops tell stories millions of years in the making

• Enjoy a spectacular outback sunrise at Marla, the gateway to the legendary Oodnadatta Track

• 3 nights aboard The Ghan Expedition, Darwin to Adelaide including all meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Manguri and Coober Pedy

• 7 nights of intimate small-group Red Centre touring with Outback Spirit, including accommodation, meals, beverages and guided touring

• Visit Kings Canyon, and journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges, visiting Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge

• Explore the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Walpa Gorge

• Visit World Heritage-listed Uluru and enjoy a guided base tour

• Admire the internationally acclaimed ‘Field of Light’ display at Uluru and watch as it illuminates the desert night

Everything here...

Paddock-to-plate experiences you can enjoy close to Perth

EATING FRESH, LOCAL, AND SUSTAINABLE IS GETTING EASIER, WITH THESE PADDOCK-TO-PLATE OPTIONS WITHIN A TWO-HOUR DRIVE FROM PERTH.

By Fleur Bainger

The Kermit green spring peas, star-shaped borage flowers and dill fronds garnishing a dish of sliced rare beef have travelled all of 200m at The Good Paddock, a new paddock-to-plate restaurant on Perth’s periphery. Forrestdale isn’t exactly the country, yet homegrown produce, low food mile ingredients, and sustainable dining is possible close to the big smoke. Sourcing direct from farmers or growing it in restaurant gardens isn’t just something you find in WA’s foodie-focused South West and beyond anymore. Instead, supporting the resilience of local producers and communities – and accessing the freshest food - is doable within a two-hour drive or less from Perth.

The Good Paddock, 11 Acre Farm Forrestdale

The idea that farming can give more than it takes is at the heart of The Good Paddock, a paddock-to-plate restaurant that sits beside the family-friendly Cubby Kiosk, on 11 Acre Farm.

Once horse agistment grounds, the property was bought by the Erceg family in 2020, keen to create the closest thing they could to a working farm. Now, a collection of rescue animals – from former cage chickens to weed-nibbling goats, bug-beating ducks and manureproducing sheep – share space with a

playground of cubby houses made from upcycled materials and repurposed goods; there’s even a flat-tyred tractor.

The casual restaurant of sophisticated Asian-European fare is supplied by the farm’s permaculture-inspired market garden and orchard, with local growers making up the balance. Dine on chicken liver pate with farm mulberries, beef tataki with spring peas, and wine-braised shellfish mopped up with sourdough – with a citrus gin from Damaged Goods, the Swan Valley’s (nearly) zerowaste distillery. Then visit the animals ($5 single entry/ $20 family) or join a behind-the-scenes farm tour. 

 thegoodpaddock.au

Millbrook Winery Jarrahdale

No Waste Mondays at Millbrook Winery have earned a cult following. Each dish is created from the week’s leftovers before the restaurant’s Tuesday and Wednesday closure. Different tables eat different dishes, as homegrown ingredients are cleverly used up. The $50pp Monday menu, and the restaurant’s usual a la carte, are supplied by a thriving market garden, egg-laying chickens, Berkshire pigs and a century-old orchard rich with stone fruit.

Millbrook was built on the Fogarty family property in the 1990s - Lee Fogarty still manages the roses, whose scent wafts over the front decking. “For the bosses it’s about the wine but for me it’s the vegetables,” says Guy Jeffries, who started as the winery’s chef-gardener in 2010 and is now its ambassador. “We save 60 per cent of the seeds from the heirloom varieties and replant them –we have six different types of eggplant alone, plus a local Jarrahdale pumpkin and Richmond green apple cucumbers,” he says. Guy runs a new Monday garden tour and preservation class ($95pp) that finishes right in time for the included fourcourse lunch.

 millbrook.wine

Coogee Common Coogee

The terraced market garden at Coogee Common is bigger than the restaurant itself – at least that’s how it seems as you wander between rescued olive trees, figs, and saltbushes before diving into freshly plucked produce on the plate.

Resident bees pollinate botanicals used in cocktails, while heirloom tomatoes, rhubarb, radicchio and more find their way onto the seasonal menu. Anything not farmed on the rehabilitated land is sourced from local growers. The restaurant is housed in the restored Coogee Hotel, which was originally built in 1894 near Coogee Beach (Coogee means ‘body of water’ in Noongar). The meeting place became an orphanage before lying dormant for decades.

Today, the menu is dictated by what’s ready for harvest. It might be garden herbs decorating honey-drizzled ricotta, zucchini elevated with black garlic and fennel, or market fish with broad beans and rainbow chard.

 coogeecommon.com.au

Core Cider

Pickering Brook

An 80-year-old orchard is at the heart of Core Cider, a working farm and

artisanal cidery that hosts the Orchard Bistro. The 16-hectare property is run by the fourth generation of the Della Franca family, with at least nine apple varieties budding, blossoming and fruiting throughout the year.

Sustainability anchors everything, with treated wastewater feeding the orchard, solar panels on the Apple Shed roof supplying natural energy, and nitratefree, composted waste apple pulp used as orchard fertiliser. It’s a similar spirit at the restaurant: at least 70 per cent of the produce on the menu is locally grown and sourced. The cider itself is made on site, allowing for a fizzingly fresh orchard-toglass experience.

Try salt and pepper squid tostada teamed with homegrown pear and herb chimichurri, native rosemary and saltbush lamb shoulder, or apple and mixed berry crumble.

 corecider.com.au

Brugan Brewery Wokalup

About two hours’ drive, or 140km south of Perth is Brugan Brewery, hidden behind The Wokalup Pub. The name is an amalgamation of the ownercouple, Bruce Hathway and Megan Hardwick, east-coasters who hit the reset button with a move to WA.

After taking over the country pub, they built the brewery, which uses locally grown hops and malt. Some 40 per cent of the menu is locally sourced, often direct from farmers in the Harvey region. In Wokalup, family-owned Halls Dairy supplies its lauded suzette cheese, while other cheeses and seasonal vegetables come from a cheese maker and farm in Brunswick called Melville Park. Olive oil is delivered by Delle Donne Produce from nearby Leschenault, meats come from Dardanup, and lemongrass, chervil, chives and coriander are plucked from the brewery garden.

Food scraps go to a local pig farmer, in keeping with a minimal-waste ethos. Order the pan-fried olive and herb gnocchi or togarashi pork fillet with udon noodles to maximise your paddock-to-plate experience.

 brugan.com.au

Avocados Café

Kelmscott

Sprawling on the edge of the Canning River, this rural retreat, restaurant and bar taps its own orchard for kitchen supplies. As you’d expect, there are dozens of avocado trees on the property, making the Avocados Avo brekky dish - poached eggs and feta with dehydrated miso sprinkle - the obvious go-to. Beyond the world’s most popular green fruit, ingredients like persimmon, lime, mango, apricot and pomegranate are plucked from onsite, chemical-free trees as seasons shift (and strawberries make their way into cocktails).

Chefs have fun creating special dishes to use the produce, such as Indian spiced apricot chicken or honey prawns, with the sweet elixir harvested from farm hives. Beyond the fence line, the surrounding Perth Hills provide much of the fruit and vegetables, such as Roleystone cherries and free-range eggs from a nearby farm. What a way to reduce food miles and support local producers. 

 avocadoscafebar.com.au

The rise of the holiday park

By Fleur Bainger

The traditional caravan park is going through a renaissance. Powered sites with ensuite-adorned slabs are being joined by umbrella-edged pools, dog-friendly cabins (with fenced turf), and mini golf, as camping and caravanning shifts up a level.

As a state, we can’t get enough of camping. Just look at the most recent figures: Western Australians set out on 1.6 million local trips in 2024. That’s an increase of 150,000 trips compared to 2022 data, according to peak body, Caravan & Camping Western Australia. Recreational vehicle registrations are also on the rise, with 113,953 registrations recorded in WA in 2024 – a jump of 21 per cent since 2021. We’re travelling to various corners of the state in search of space, simplicity and serenity. And while we want calm, it seems we also want creature comforts, heralding a significant change in what caravan parks look like.

No more is a simple powered or unpowered square of grass under trees enough. We want water parks, BMX tracks, and mini golf. We look for SUP boards, in-house cafes, and dawn yoga. Hunger is rife for huge, stainless steel rangehoods over multiple-burner stoves in vast communal kitchens, cushy cabins with designer touches, and even high-end private retreats. Roughing it has been exchanged for hotel-level polish with entertainment on the side.

A swing away from traditional tents is also being observed. Nationally, the occupancy rate for cabins in caravan parks sits at 61 per cent, compared to 49 per cent for powered sites, and 22 per cent for unpowered. Operators are taking notice and responding.

It’s a trend RAC has been a part of ever since 2013, when it adopted a strategy to invest in caravan parks and resorts.

“We conducted a lot of surveys to get the feel from our members,” says Dean Massie, general manager of operations for RAC Parks & Resorts.

“Members gave the feedback that they wanted something with travel and a holiday experience in WA. The plan was to buy up caravan parks and resorts in iconic locations, bring them up to an excellent standard, and provide our members with a generous discount and a great holiday experience.”

Since that time, RAC has acquired 10 existing properties across WA, reimagining them from basic 1950s idylls to slick holiday parks and resorts with pools and playgrounds.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park was the very first to be purchased, while last year the long-held goal of an Albany property was achieved with the purchase of Acclaim Rose Garden Beachside Holiday Park. Meanwhile, some $70M has been put into a significant expansion of RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort, which is due to open late 2026.

“Every time we build something, we learn something and we make improvements again,” says Dean. “Things have been really well received. We’ve had more

than 250,000 people staying in our holiday parks in the past 12 months.”

A widened footprint is within the organisation’s sights, following a refreshed round of membership surveys. “The general feel we’re getting back reiterates that people do want quality and they’re willing to pay for it,” says Dean. “We see that in our occupancies.”

Dean is adamant that you get what you pay for. “We think it’s value for money. We’re providing a higher quality and we’re reinvesting that money back into our assets. We put 10 per cent of our total revenue into our capital investment program. The industry standard is about three per cent.”

So what hotspots are next on the cards? “We’re looking to further invest in the South West and Mid West of WA,” he says, with a confident forecast that demand will only rise. “Since COVID, when people had to discover what was in their own backyard, things have really taken off in the WA tourism sector,” he says. “We didn’t know if it was just that

time, and people would just go back to travelling overseas again, but the growth has continued. People love exploring WA. It’s affordability, reliability and less risk.”

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Mini golf, two pools and a playground crown this sprawling beachfront resort, taken over by RAC in 2015. It sits in a prime position along the shallows where Parks and Wildlife rangers introduce visitors to Monkey Mia’s famous bottlenose dolphins. It’s also an easy drive to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay’s sights, such as Little Lagoon’s placid waters, 60kmlong Shell Beach and the Hamelin Pool stromatolites. The resort combines 120 camping and caravanning sites with 12 villas, 84 hotel-style rooms, and 16 budget rooms, catering to multiple price brackets. A general store supplies basic needs, while the beer garden is a popular evening get-together space and the restaurant offers a refined night off from cooking.

A tour desk helps with travel plans, and airport transfers are available (extra fee). 

RAC Karri Valley Resort

Nature play is at the heart of this karri treelined resort facing the reflective waters of Lake Beedelup. Acquired in 2017, it has been expanded beyond the 30 renovated, self-contained log cabins and 32 standard lakeside rooms to include 72 caravan and camping sites just off Vasse Highway. Everyone has access to the tennis court, BMX track, mini golf, animal farm, and archery field, as well as canoeing, SUPing, and lake trout fishing. Bush walking trails fan out from the restaurant and bar, which delivers arresting views over water. Order a marron dish to embrace local produce and book a truffle hunt on a nearby farm (May-August). Winter brings rushing cascades at nearby Beedelup Falls, while the forest-smothering Yeagarup Dunes need to be seen to be believed.

RAC Busselton Holiday Park

Staying a 300m walk from the beach on the Dunsborough side of Busselton is one drawcard, while two swimming pools, pedal kart hire, and a jumping pillow are others. Purchased in 2016, this holiday park also has a wildlife lake for picnics, a nature play zone for kids, 9-hole mini golf, outdoor table tennis, and a games room. There are 20 studio-style rooms, 18 cabins, and 154 camping and caravanning sites – including some pet-friendly powered sites. There’s also a camp kitchen, free-use barbeques, and a fish cleaning station. Visit Busselton Jetty and its underwater observatory, the Busselton foreshore playground, a nearby archery course, and the Ludlow Tuart Forest’s treetop zipline.

RAC Margaret River Nature Park

This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it nature park is only 2km from Margaret River, found down a dirt road flanked by tall trees inside Wooditjup National Park. Known to mountain bike riders and keen campers, it teams an eco-lodge with a handful of cabins and safari tents, woven through plenty of shaded, powered and unpowered campsites. Bought by RAC in 2018, there’s a communal camp kitchen and barbeques, along with a covered area hosting table tennis, a nature playground, kiosk, seasonal campfire pits, and multiple bush walking trails.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

The crayfishing hotspot of Cervantes –and gateway to the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park – has transformed from sleepy seaside town to holiday magnet since RAC took over its caravan park in 2013. A significant revamp has seen polished new facilities added to the mix, with a resort-style, heated swimming pool framed by poolside villas, studios, and campsites. Opposite the ocean, the grounds include a recreation room with pool table, movie projector and table tennis, a nature playground, fancy camp kitchen, and café.

RAC Esperance Holiday Park

A $9.5M expansion, with brand-new villas, studios and facilities, earned this holiday park a silver medal in the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards. Joining the RAC stable in 2019, its biggest drawcard is the huge, heated swimming pool. But the lure of Blue Haven Beach, Twilight Bay, and Cape le Grand National Park’s Lucky Bay ensures plenty of exploration happens, too. In all, there are 21 villas, 14 studios and one renovated heritage luxury lodge, as well as 176 camping and caravan sites. There are accessible villas and an accessible ensuite campsite, while pet-friendly cabins have an enclosed veranda and lawn for fur babies - plus a dog wash. A nature playground, rec room, and free barbeques join two flash camp kitchens. It faces the beach, and the town centre is only a three-minute walk away.

RAC Cable Beach

Holiday Park

Staying right on Cable Beach is usually reserved for the well-heeled and deep-pocketed. Acquired in 2018, this property opens access to Broome’s famous stretch of beach for all budgets. A saltwater pool centres the park, with a tropical mini golf course just beyond. It’s beside a café and general store selling pre-made meals, for nights off in the camp kitchen. The park has selfcontained cabins, studio rooms and camping sites – including pet-friendly sites - and is a seven-minute drive from central Broome town. 

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

Within walking distance of Town Beach, this is the perfect base for accessing the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast, where whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles converge. It joined RAC’s accommodation collection in 2015. Some 314 camp and caravan sites spread out around two pools, 21 basic cabins, and 22 motel rooms. Some sites have ensuites, meaning a freestanding bathroom adjoins a concrete slab; some are also pet-friendly. The camp kitchen is a highlight, plus there’s a recreation room, pedal cars, and a tour desk for arranging adventures to Yardie Creek Gorge and Cape Range National Park. 

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RAC NINGALOO REEF RESORT’S GRAND OPENING

Coral Bay is about to be transformed, as a $70M project creating RAC’s newest resort prepares to open. Within a short stroll of the world-famous reef, RAC Ningaloo Reef Resort will replace the Ningaloo Reef Resort, bought in 2015 with facilities that were more than 50 years old. After a major redevelopment - while barely increasing the property footprint

- the resort will accommodate an additional 170 people, from its original capacity of 100 people.

Its horseshoe-shaped design will deliver ocean views to the 90 studios, units, and villas, linked to a clubhouse combining a restaurant, beer garden, and social areas. RAC’s Dean Massie says there should be no fears of an overcrowded Coral Bay. “The resort’s 34 original rooms meant people had limited stays. There’ll be additional people visiting the new resort, but they’ll have longer stays, we envisage.”

life for a moment

Devices untouched and core memories made. Choose from a range of quality accommodation options in iconic locations across WA. RAC members enjoy exclusive discounts.

RAC Parks & Resorts

WA travel brief

Exmouth Adventure Co

A trip to the Ningaloo Coast is about so much more than just the coast. A visit to Cape Range National Park is also a must to experience the incredible contrast of rust-red gorges where they meet the aquamarine ocean and dazzling white sands.

Local tour operators Exmouth Adventure Co have recently launched a multi-day ‘Essence of Ningaloo Tour’ designed to showcase the remarkable beauty

of Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef.

Over three days and two nights, you’ll be taken on guided gorge walks, snorkelling adventures and enjoy fascinating cultural insights. By night, unwind in the comfort of Exmouth Adventure Co’s well-equipped base camp beneath a canopy of stars.

For more details about the Essence of Ningaloo Tour, visit exmouthadventureco.com.au

DWELLINGUP ADVENTURE TRAILS

Just over an hour’s drive from Perth, Dwellingup has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s premier adventure destinations, thanks to the Dwellingup Adventure Trails Project. The project has delivered 40 kilometres of new mountain bike trails near Lane Poole Reserve and 68 kilometres of trails around Dwellingup.

Walkers haven’t been forgotten, either. New additions include the ‘Nyingarn Bidi’, a two-night Bibbulmun Track loop, and upgrades to the 18-kilometre King Jarrah Walk Trail, which now also features a shorter option for casual hikers. The expanded trail network has also helped the small town attract major events, including the Dwellingup 100 Mountain Bike Race and the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships.

There’s a trail for everyone in Dwellingup – from first-timers to elite racers, making it the perfect nature-based day trip for both families and seasoned riders.

If you’re new to mountain biking, you can hire a bike from Dwellingup Adventures and test out the trails before you commit to your next big hobby.

TRY A CHOCOLATEMAKING CLASS

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a chocolatier, The Margaret River Chocolate Company is now making that dream deliciously achievable. The beloved chocolate destination is now offering handson chocolate making classes, designed for kids and adults to enjoy together, where creativity and indulgence go hand in hand.

Available at the Swan Valley and Metricup venues, the one-hour sessions invite participants to craft their own chocolate treats under the guidance of the company’s industry-leading Head Chocolatier.

Find out more at chocolatefactory.com.au

What’s on in WA

MARCH

Lighting the Sound

13-15, 20-22 and 27-29 March

Albany

The signature event of the Albany 2026 bicentenary celebrations, Lighting the Sound, is an Australian exclusive, that will see Albany’s coastline and landmarks illuminated by one of the largest lighting installations ever constructed. albany2026.com.au

Sculpture by the Sea

6-23 March

Cottesloe Beach

The 21st Sculpture by the Sea will once again bring an array of striking sculptural artworks to the waterside at Cottesloe, on display from the seawall, north along the sands, and up into the grassed areas at Cottesloe Beach. sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe

XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship

27-29 March

Dunsborough

Billed as the biggest off-road event in the Asia-Pacific region, XTERRA brings triathlons, trail runs, and youth racing to the stunning Dunsborough coast. A packed program will challenge swimmers, runners and riders across a range of distances and terrain. xterraplanet.com

APRIL

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival

3-6 April

Fremantle

Street performers from around the world will be on the loose around Fremantle, showing off their skills and entertaining crowds at this free annual event. Catch the action at a number of different locations and venues, and just out and about around our port city. streetartsfestival.com.au

Northam Motorsport Festival 25-26 April

Minson Avenue, Northam

This classic car event will see the streets of Northam turned into a race circuit with classic race cars taking part in time trials, along with the annual Hillclimb at Mount Ommanney and Northam Flying 50 events. vintagesportscarclubofwainc.wildapricot.org

The Karijini Experience 10-13 April

Karijini National Park

Celebrating the culture and homeland of the Banjima people, The Karijini Experience features a diverse range of cultural, arts, and culinary events in beautiful Karijini National Park. karijiniexperience.com.au

MAY

Bickley Harvest Festival 2-3 May

Bickley Valley

Set among the hills and orchards of the Bickley Valley, the Harvest Festival is a chance to savour the huge amount of seasonal produce, local wines and ciders, and artisan wares this small but diverse community has to offer. bickleyharvestfestival.com

Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival 15-17 May

Margaret River Region

Hear from novelists, journalists, academics and storytellers at WA’s biggest regional literary event, held in various locations from Busselton to Margaret River. mrrwfestival.com

Mullewa Muster and Rodeo 30 May

Mullewa

A celebration of true WA country life, the Mullewa Muster and Rodeo features a full-day rodeo, a country music festival, great community vibes, and plenty of wide, open spaces. mullewamuster.com.au

Event dates correct at time of publication.

FIND OUT MORE

For more on these WA events and others, visit rac.com.au/whats-on

Camping + caravanning

How to level a caravan

Getting your caravan level on site isn’t just important for a good night’s sleep, it’s also essential for certain appliances and features in your caravan to operate correctly.

Refrigerators may not work if the van is on a tilt, and your sink won’t drain. Vans with slide-outs also need to be level.

Levelling ramps – one for each axle – are the most basic gear you’ll need to get things level at camp. A spirit level is also a must. You can fit one to your drawbar or just pack a small one from a hardware store. There are also spirit level

apps for your phone. Or you can scale up to a ‘smart level’ to get more accurate detail on exactly which corners need adjustments.

Some jockey wheels have two adjustments points, which can aid in fine-tuning your levelling efforts.

The stabiliser legs that come fitted to your van should only be used to stabilise things once level, but some heavy-duty aftermarket stabilisers can also be used to aid your levelling efforts.

If you just want to get the job done with the least effort, consider an auto-levelling system to do it perfectly for you.

To find out how to get your caravan level, watch our video guide.

SCAM CARAVAN SELLERS

Caravans and camper trailers are a hefty investment, so it’s understandable that buyers are on the lookout for a bargain.

Unfortunately, caravan scams are rife in Australia, with quite a number of fake websites offering caravan and camper trailers at ‘bargain’ prices. But as always, if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The government’s WA Scamnet website provides details of known scam caravan sales websites.

As a buyer, you should be cautious of caravan sales websites that you’re

not familiar with. A business that has no physical address is a red flag.

A complicating factor in identifying scam caravan websites is the fact that scammers sometimes create copycat sites that appear identical to legitimate online businesses. It’s always safer to contact the real business by phone if you’re not sure.

Treat any websites or sellers asking for insecure payment methods, such as direct bank transfer or wire transfer, with suspicion.

To find out more about the fake caravan sales websites you should steer clear of, visit scamnet.wa.gov.au and search for ‘Fake caravan websites.’

STICKYBEAK INSIDE CHELSEA

AND BRYCE’S CARAVAN

It was 2020, with WA’s interstate border firmly shut, that Chelsea and Bryce began their West Aussie caravan adventure, along with many other adventure-seeking WA locals. But unlike many other COVID road trippers, they’re still going.

Travelling in their Network RV 9’6 Terrain Tuff caravan, they’ve managed to get things pretty comfy, even adding an air fryer into their kitchen kit-out.

The couple says the off-grid ability of Network RV gives them the freedom to go where they want when they want. Chelsea and Bryce also prefer to chase the seasons, so they always have good weather on their side.

Along with their dog Juice, they’ve been travelling fulltime for almost six years, and have extended their travels to take in the rest of the country, with many more adventures still to come.

To have a stickybeak through Chelsea and Bryce’s caravan, watch the video walkthrough by scanning the QR code.

New van? You’ll need to do a ‘shakedown’

Taking delivery of a brand-new or pre-loved caravan is an exciting time, and you’ve probably already planned out some of your first adventures.

But whether you’re a first-time caravan owner or a seasoned pro, ideally your very first outing in any new van should be one with a very functional purpose. It’s a trip commonly called the ‘shakedown’.

Consider it a type of dress rehearsal, where the aim is to prep and pack your caravan, do your pre-trip caravan and vehicle safety checks, and then head somewhere not too far away for a short time – possibly just over a weekend. This gives you time to get used to towing your new van, to learn more about how it handles behind your tow vehicle, and possibly identify any small niggles during the setup and use of the caravan.

Doing this on a trip close to home with a focus on getting to know your new caravan is far safer than being a long way from home and possibly help, should something not go to plan.

Packing your caravan to correctly distribute weight is essential, and it’s not until you’ve had your first stab at this that you’ll begin to understand how all your gear needs to be placed. 

To help you out on your shakedown, and future trips, we’ve created a handy pre-trip checklist that you can download from rac.com.au/caravan-checklist

From the cobbled streets of Paris to Milan, this journey dives into Europe’s automotive soul, celebrating Bugatti, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Pagani and Ferrari, a tribute to engineering excellence driving. 9 NIGHTS $12,320 PP, TWIN

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• Visit the Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse, home to 500 vintage cars and the world’s largest Bugatti collection.

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Small town spotlight

Unearthing Collie

By Myke Bartlett

Between the tall trees, winding trails and tranquil lakes, an interesting transition is taking place.

Once known only as a mining town, Collie is in a period of transition, with tree-changers and arty folk now also seeking a better life here.

If you’re planning a visit, start with a look into the past at the Underground Coal Mine Experience. Located at the Collie Visitor Centre, it provides a glimpse of what life was like for miners back in the 1950s. Guided tours are available, meaning an ex-miner will be on hand to take you below ground and share some personal stories of working down the pit.

Embracing the future

One thing that might come across during your tour is that, however fondly they might talk about the past, many people in Collie seem keen to embrace their future. The town centre reflects this move away from industry, with three shops particularly standing out as representatives of the new guard.

The first is Collie Providore, which has one of the finest selections of cheeses and artisan wares you’ll find in the region — including granola, oil, pickles, lavosh crackers, and

chocolate-coated sandalwood nuts (highly recommended). Everything on its shelves has been sourced within 200km of Collie and there are coffees and toasties available, made using the ingredients in store, which can be eaten in the rear courtyard.

Retro Respection occupies a middle ground between past and present, selling an eclectic mix of genuine vintage items, reproductions and various novelty products that piqued the owners’ interests. There are rusty bits of old farming equipment and tools, general bric-a-brac, bits of mid-century furniture, second-hand books and vinyl, crockery, toys, soap and much more.

Tucked away in a shed at the edge of the central heritage district, Collie Artists’ Den is proof of the town’s burgeoning arts community. Featuring the work of around 30 local artists, the shop features jewellery, pottery, sculpture, paintings, photography and all manner of handicrafts. Owner Karen says she has been overwhelmed by the response from Collie artists and puts the high quality of the ever-changing stock down to the inspiring nature of the surrounding country.

Adventure outdoors Rich with forests and lakes, Collie is ideal for exploration by car, foot or mountain bike. If you haven’t brought your own wheels, bikes can be hired from the Kiosk at the Dam, situated at the car park beside Wellington Dam. Collie

is proud to be a “trails town”, with approximately 100km of mountain bike trails either maintained or planned in the area. Download the Wambenger Trails app to find a trail suitable for your biking skills.

To get out on the water, head to Minningup Pool. This peaceful spot is equipped with a picnic area after a recent upgrade making it an ideal place to settle in for a day of swimming, fishing or kayaking, with kayaks available to hire from Adventure Connections.

For a longer stay, Honeymoon Pool is a shady campground in Wellington National Park, built on a nook in the Collie River.

With its gleaming azure waters, it’s not surprising

that Black Diamond Lake has become a popular place for influencers to take a photo or three. The twist, of course, is that the lake owes its fantastical blue colouring to being an abandoned mine, decommissioned in the 1950s and subsequently filled with water.

Visitors might be put off by the danger signs that line the shore. Perils come in the shape of submerged objects, deep waters, amoebic meningitis and acidic waters that can trouble sensitive skin. Still — it looks beautiful!

The Collie Mural Trail

To end the day, it’s worth circling back to Wellington Dam and watching the sun set across the Collie River

Valley (access to the dam closes at 5pm, so make sure you’re on the right side of the valley by then). It isn’t just the view from the dam that impresses, but the dam itself, which is decorated with a giant mural by artist Guido Van Helten. Inspired by stories and photographs from the town’s past and present, the mural is believed to be the world’s largest of its kind.

It’s part of the Collie Mural Trail, an outdoor gallery of 45 works from more than 30 Australian artists, many of them born and bred in the region.

There are plenty of food options in the town centre, but Barn-Zeez Burgers is a local fave for lunch. Everything

on the hot menu is made inhouse, including their sauces. The most popular item is the Paddy Burger, but those with larger appetites are challenged to attempt the Big Dog, a monster of a burger usually accompanied by loaded fries. Dinner can be found on the other side of the tracks at the Crown Hotel, which has had a funky overhaul in recent years. There’s a fine selection of local wines, cocktails, craft beers, and a menu that aims far above the usual pub fare. It’s a great spot to people watch, as you’ll find every side of this changing town represented at the tables, from miners still smeared with coal dust to gourmands sipping their cocktails. 

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• Step into the 3

• Taste the fruits of Italy’s Prosecco region, with a vineyard visit and tasting

• Stay 3 nights in Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc

• Enjoy the vibrant Swiss countryside on the panoramic GoldenPass train

Arnhem Land

Venture into one of Australia’s most remote and culturally rich regions on a 13-day journey through Arnhem Land. Visit sacred sites, cruise the pristine waters of the Arafura Swamp and Cobourg Peninsula, and take in the vast, ancient landscapes that define this extraordinary part of the country. Along the way, stay in exclusive safari camps and wilderness lodges, including the iconic Seven Spirit Bay.

Highlights & Inclusions

• Included flights from Cairns to Nhulunbuy and Seven Spirit Bay to Darwin

• All accommodation, meals and select beverages throughout the tour

• Travel aboard a custom 4WD Mercedes-Benz with a Tour Driver/Guide

• Enjoy a special ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony in Nhulunbuy

• Explore the vast and sacred Arafura Swamp by boat and open-back 4WD

• Experience authentic cultural activities with local Indigenous guides

• Visit award-winning art centres and enjoy a bush medicine demonstration

• View ancient cultural art sites and cruise the incredible wetlands at Mount

Op shops of the Wheatbelt

MORE THAN JUST HOTSPOTS FOR LOCAL BARGAINS, COUNTRY OP SHOPS ARE IMPORTANT CONNECTION POINTS FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES.

By Myke Bartlett

The streetfront of the Goomalling Community Op Shop might be unprepossessing, but inside is a treasure trove, and on the morning we visit, it’s busy.

They’re not all locals inside either. It’s not unusual to meet someone who has made the journey from Northam or even Perth. At least one of the happy shoppers this morning has driven across from Dowerin for “the best op shop in the Wheatbelt”.

That title might prove contentious, but the shop’s obvious popularity speaks to the importance of such places to regional towns. For many across the Wheatbelt, op shops aren’t just a place to snag a bargain but an important point of connection and a way to give back to their communities.

This op shop’s CEO, Kerry Travers, says there has never been a shortage of volunteers to stock the shelves or run the till.

“We started off at two days a week when I first got here three years ago and we’re now doing six days a week.”

There’s no age limit to volunteering, either, with young locals proving just as keen to help out as treechange retirees.

Goomalling’s op shop is unusual in being open most days (the plan is to soon recruit enough staff to be open Monday to Sunday), but the reasons for working there are echoed by volunteers across the Wheatbelt. Some are grateful for the social hub that these community shops provide, while others enjoy the sense of purpose

they gain, knowing all funds raised are put towards a good cause. Kerry says that her shop, which is run by the shire council, recently donated $20,000 to the town’s first ever arts festival.

Not all good works come at such a large scale, of course.

Diane, a volunteer at York’s RSPCA Op Shop, appreciates that both animals and their two-legged friends benefit from her efforts.

“A few years ago, we had a man whose house burned down, so we got him and his children to come in, and we clothed them all,” Diane says. “It’s the same with the Balladong Nursing Home down the road, if someone comes in without anything, there’s a lady there who will come here and get clothes for them.”

Affordable access to essentials such as clothing and footwear has become increasingly important in rural areas where many are facing financial hardship. Further down the York high street, Cobwebs op shop caters to some of the most vulnerable members of the local community.

“We see a lot of Indigenous people come through,” says Yvonne, who has worked at Cobwebs for 25 years (as well as running the town’s longstanding medieval festival).

“Anyone can come in and fill a bag with clothing for $3.”

For those on – or below –the breadline, community op shops are becoming ever more important as the larger franchises close their doors, making it harder to find budget options.

“Places like Good Sammy’s and Vinnies have closed

down all through the country,” Kerry says. “I guess if they’re not making a certain amount of dollars, it’s not profitable for them.”

“There’s a real need,” Yvonne says. “Years ago, people cringed if you went to op shops. Now they’ve finally got it through their heads that it’s not just saving money but saving the planet. There’s so much waste out there – I’m a born-again recycler.”

A peek into country life

Beyond sustainability, an undeniable appeal of the country community op shop is the surprises they contain. Unlike most of the big franchises, which have centralised depots for donations, the goods on the shelves in these community stores tend to come from the communities they serve. As such, you can stumble across little glimpses of lives lived in these Wheatbelt towns, as well as precious heirlooms the next generation has passed on.

Kerry says she often has genuine treasures arrive at her door, but she is keen to balance their value against the inherently thrifty ethos of an op shop.

“The unfortunate part of this job is that there are a lot of deceased estates coming in and you get things that the kids just don’t want. I do lots of research – Google’s my favourite friend – and I’ll find out a ballpark figure, but my mantra is always to charge a quarter of the value, so people have still got room to move with whatever they buy.”

Given the promise of stumbling on something priceless, it’s hardly surprising Goomalling sees regular visits from people happy to travel half a day or more to peruse its shelves. Staff from op shops across the Wheatbelt, from Bindoon to Beverley, say their stores have become a key reason for travellers to park on the main street.

“Word has got around,” says Geoff, one of the newer volunteers at the Beverley Op Shop. “We have people 

come here from everywhere. People come here to get bargains, and we do our best to only put out the best of the best.”

Back in Goomalling, Kerry says she loves hearing how far people have travelled to browse her shelves.

“We’re always getting families who tell us how much they enjoy getting out of the city op shops. We get them daily now. It’s those compliments that you get that make it all worthwhile. They make you feel good, and you know that you’re doing something for the community.”

Op shops to explore in the

Wheatbelt

Beverley Op Shop

138 Vincent Street, Beverley Fridays 11am-2.30pm (check before coming)

Housed in a corner of Beverley’s beautiful art deco town hall, this community op shop has two rooms of high-quality clothing, homewares, bric-a-brac and desirable books. Run by the Beverley Hospital Auxiliary, the shop puts all profits back towards the health of the townsfolk, supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a retirement village and more than one hospital. The staff are friendly and – given the town’s small size – tend to be involved in numerous community committees, including the Beverley Arts Centre, so they can point you

in the direction of other local highlights. One such highlight is the “Beverley Tip Shop” (allegedly open on Saturdays), where rescued items of furniture are put up for sale.

RSPCA Op Shop

76 Avon Terrace, York Most days 10am-2pm

Run by three volunteers, this small shop is chock-ablock with household goods, clothing and a vast library of DVDs. As such, it’s very popular with caravanners needing new kitchen implements and evening entertainment for life on the road. There are crowded racks of colourful shirts and dresses, with other clothes neatly sorted by size into plastic boxes, and shelves upon shelves of mugs, glasses and other crockery. It’s also a great place to pick up a tub of locally made honey. The shop used to be closed on Tuesdays but has expanded to seven days to meet demand.

Salvation Army

Jumble Sale

71 Avon Terrace, York Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays 8.30am-12pm

Just across the road at the Salvation Army chapel, this op shop has a more slender selection of clothes and books, but everything is clean and tidily arranged. It’s probably more a place to pick up some cheap essentials than discover hidden treasures, but worth a visit if the door is open. Sunday services are apparently conducted in this space. As one parishioner put it: “We worship in the op shop.” Amen to that.

Cobwebs

174 Avon Terrace, York Thursdays-Saturdays 10am-1.30pm

‘Tidy’ doesn’t really describe this op shop, run by the York Friendship Club – a society of older women doing good for the community for more than 25 years. Crammed inside an old house, the sprawling goods on offer do look more like a hoarder’s lair than a second-hand boutique. (There is a selection of weatherworn furniture out the back.) As such, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but those in need will find cheap clothes and homewares within. Armed with enough patience, the seasoned treasure hunter will also likely root out a bargain or two.

Barclay Books

151 Avon Terrace, York Thursdays-Sundays 9am-5pm

Although not strictly an op shop, this delightful bookshop has an extensive range of secondhand titles mixed in among the new, with a pile of super cheap volumes by the front door to tempt in foot traffic. Housed in the old fire station, it’s a cool and charming place to lose an hour or two browsing.

Toodyay Op Shop

121 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay Mondays-Saturdays 9am-2pm

Established in the 1970s, this community-run op shop has outlasted its Vinnie’s rival from down the road. Donations come from local residents and regular contributors who drive out from Perth to both shop and support. The clothing options range from Kmart

purchases to more high-end pieces – we came away with a beautiful silk scarf and a new pair of kids’ Converse shoes. And a porcelain beer stein from Hamburg.

Goomalling

Community Op Shop

29 Railway Terrace, Goomalling

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am-2.30pm

Tuesdays and Saturdays 9am-12pm

Run by the local council, this op shop is a treat. There was a time Goomalling was known only for its domed silos and silver possums, but this store appears to be the town’s new chief selling point. There’s a great selection of clothes and books and eclectic trinkets to be found within, but even the most precious items are priced to reward the faithful who have made the drive out.

Bella Corella Collectables

9 Forrest Street, Goomalling Thursdays-Saturdays

Again, not strictly an op shop, but if you’ve gone the distance to Goomalling, it’s worth checking out this second-hand boutique with its appealing range of retro wares.

Northam Second-hand

232 Fitzgerald Street East, Northam

Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-4pm

Sundays-Tuesdays 10am-2pm

Second-hand boutiques don’t come much larger than this, with its three vast rooms

containing a staggering amount of vintage goods of every shape, size and colour. Whether you’re after 80s toys, ancient farming implements or collectable comics, chances are you’ll find something here – just don’t expect op shop prices.

Good Finds

Boutique Op Shop

140 Fitzgerald Street East, Northam

Mondays-Fridays 10am-4pm

Saturdays 9am-1pm

When the last franchise op shop left the Northam high street, local woman Rebekah was determined to keep clothing affordable for the local community. Good Finds is the result. Having inherited the location from Good

Sammy’s, it maintains the tradition of quality secondhand goods at bargain prices. Profits go towards mental health support and community wellbeing. Expect books, shoes, clothes, board games, jigsaws and a few surprises (we managed to resist a working 1970s typewriter).

ADRA Op Shop

6159 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon Weekdays and Sundays 9am-12pm

This op shop wasn’t open when we visited but comes highly recommended for super cheap clothes, brica-brac and kitchen utensils. ADRA op shops fund a range of community projects, including youth interventions, drug and alcohol counselling and women’s refuges. 

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In my garage

THE LITTLE-KNOWN FRENCH SPORTS CAR BRINGING THE RIVIERA TO WA

Tucked between decades’ worth of motoring memorabilia in Robin’s garage sits a two-tone blue sports car that represents true French glamour, his exquisitely restored 1964 Renault Caravelle – or as it was known in the UK and Europe, the Floride. And like many icons of 1960s France, this Caravelle has a name: Brigitte. Robin chose the name in honour of Brigitte Bardot, actress, icon and fittingly, the Caravelle’s most famous ambassador. During the model’s heyday, Bardot was photographed with her Renault on the shores of the Riviera.

But Brigitte didn’t arrive on Aussie shores with this same elegance. When Robin purchased the car from South Africa, he admits his first thought was that he perhaps shouldn’t have. The Caravelle was tired, worn and hiding more than a few problems. Originally white, she came with a dash full of holes, fibreglass panels moulded over chicken wire, and various non-original repairs that had seen better days.

Robin sourced factory or factory-equivalent replacements for many parts. Some missing items simply didn’t exist anymore, so he made them himself. Caravelles were never offered in Arctic Blue, let alone in two-tone, but Robin’s vision has seen the Caravelle straddle French elegance and a bit of American excess, to form the quintessential 60s car. Finding leather in the exact shade he needed took 18 months, but the result is seamless.

The wire wheels, while not original, are a nod to Queen Elizabeth II’s Renault Dauphine, the model on which the original Floride was based. Under the rear deck, the engine has been completely rebuilt, and although the transmission is still awaiting Robin’s freshly self-built replacement, Brigitte is already running beautifully. Robin’s passion for French motoring runs deep. He remembers seeing Caravelles as a child, owned a Citroën DS23 Cabriolet years later, and recalls the moment he saw one parked outside the Louvre.

His garage reflects that lifelong love: Le Mans clippings from the year he was born and tools arranged with the care of someone who values every story they hold.

For Robin, Brigitte isn’t just a restoration. She’s an era brought back to life, an ode to French glamour that now gets to soak up the beautiful WA sun. 

Test drive

 WATCH CAR REVIEW

Watch Alex’s full review of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

is sharply priced with all-wheel drive and

options;

Offering a CX-60 in the $40,000 range broadens its appeal significantly; ABOVE: The Outlander’s interior in range-topping models will surprise some with its refinement.

MID-SIZED PETROL SUVS GO BACK-TO-BACK

We compare the Mazda CX-60 with the Mitsubishi Outlander

By Alex Forrest

Right now, as car makers race to put tech, electrification, and safety equipment into new cars, prices are of course heading upwards. That’s put family vehicles like mainstreambranded, medium-sized SUVs out of reach for some.

That’s created a market for buyers who still want the latest safety and convenience tech in their cars but prefer established brands and are willing to go with straightforward petrol engines to get into them.

Mazda and Mitsubishi have noticed this and are now offering nonelectrified, non-turbocharged, 2.5-litre petrol engines in their popular CX-60 and Outlander models.

They’re relatively affordable and reliable with no required charging, and they still have modern features like 360-degree view monitors and wireless phone mirroring.

The Mazda CX-60 and Mitsubishi Outlander cost $48,990 and $39,990 respectively for their entry-level, two-wheel drive petrol models.

Let’s find out how these two stack up against the electrified but lesserknown brands – and each other.

Value for money

The true value of both the Outlander and CX-60 is in their well-developed infotainment systems, their proven engines and transmissions, and their widespread dealer networks. Combine that with strong safety credentials as standard, and the fact that reliability tends to be more important to buyers of used cars than new car buyers, and both the CX-60 and the Outlander provide good peace of mind given their potential to hold their value as used cars.

Some buyers may prefer the Mazda’s rear-wheel drive over the Mitsubishi’s front-drive system in its entry-level model, but pay about $6000 more and you’ll get all-wheel drive in the Outlander ES, which is still less than the rear drive only Mazda. But the Mazda’s interior is more polished with some more convenience features.

Behind the wheel

As non-electrified, non-turbo 2.5-litre mid-sized SUVs, driving thrills are not

the forte of either of these, but there are other important driving-related factors to know about them.

While they both claim to have eightspeed transmissions, the one in the Mitsubishi is a stepped continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Mazda’s is a true eight-speeder. At certain moments in traffic, the Mazda seemed to take some time to find the right gear, while the CVT in the Mitsubishi was quicker to adjust to the right ratio for the vehicle’s speed and throttle position.

The 2.5-litre petrol in the Outlander makes 135kW, while the Mazda has 138kW. But the Mitsubishi’s key advantage is that it’s almost 200kg lighter than the Mazda, meaning it feels a little brisker on acceleration.

Safety and practicality

The Mazda was rated by ANCAP in 2022, whereas the Mitsubishi was rated in 2025. Credentials of both are okay but the Mitsubishi was rated against more recent protocols.

Five-seater Outlanders get a fullsized spare tyre, which is lacking in the Mazda. If you splash out an extra $5260 over the base model Outlander ES you can get seven seats, but only a space saver tyre. However, the seven-seat Outlander ES still costs less than the cheapest Mazda CX-60. In this entry level CX-60, the infotainment screen is only controlled by the toggle on the centre console and isn’t a touchscreen, which can aid in reducing distraction.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-60 received an important update to its suspension and transmission settings in mid2025, which did improve its driving experience. Plus, this much more affordable 2.5-litre petrol model certainly does broaden its appeal. And the Mazda’s interior does have a distinctly premium feel. But the Mitsubishi Outlander has supersharp pricing, a seven-seat option and a transmission that’s still better matched to the vehicle than the Mazda’s. That and the Outlander’s conditional 10-year warranty all make it the winner by a nose. 

ABOVE: The CX-60’s premium-feeling interior continues give little away to its pricier siblings.

ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol POWER 135kW @ 6000rpm TORQUE 244Nm @ 3600rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 7.5L/100km

from $39,990 drive away

ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol POWER 138kW @ 6000rpm

TORQUE 250Nm @ 3000rpm

CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 7.5L/100km

PRICE from $48,990 drive away

WATCH CAR REVIEW

ENGINE 1.5-litre petrol

POWER 76kW @ 6000rpm

TORQUE 137Nm @ 4400rpm

CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 4.9L/100km

PRICE $31,790 drive away

ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

SUZUKI FRONX HYBRID

Sure, its name may sound like one of the Muppets, but the Suzuki Fronx’s name is a casual abbreviation by Suzuki’s marketing professionals of ‘Frontier Crossover’.

With the arrival of the Fronx in July 2025, aspiring frontiersmen and frontierswomen now have three Suzuki models to choose from in the light SUV category (others being the Jimny and Ignis).

While conquering distant frontiers may be pushing it for a small frontwheel drive SUV with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and 16-inch wheels with no spare, it’s early sales since launch were strong. However, those sales took place before ANCAP released a very concerning onestar safety rating for the Fronx in December 2025.

It means the Fronx is currently the only vehicle on the new car market to currently carry a one-star ANCAP safety rating, which was applied because of the Fronx’s poor protection for adults and children in a crash. Concerningly, in the full-width frontal test, the Fronx’s rear passenger seatbelt retractor also failed.

Similarly priced, but 5-star alternatives include the Chery Tiggo 4, GWM Haval Jolion or BYD Atto 1.

The Fronx’s 1.5-litre engine gets a small electric boost from the car’s mild hybrid system, which consists of a 12-volt lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator (ISG), which replaces the alternator.

The ISG makes for much smoother engine starting when the stop/ start system operates. Then, when working as a generator, the ISG charges the 12-volt lithium battery. The energy in the battery is then used to assist in acceleration and restarting the engine.

The electric assistance feels quite mild, though. The six-speed transmission is smooth, but the revvy engine disrupts the serenity somewhat.

The Fronx only needs 91 RON petrol to achieve its mandated test result of 4.9L/100km, but we saw an average of 6.9L/100km in mostly urban driving.

In any case, with only one-star for safety, we’d advise steering clear of the Fronx and going for a safer option.

NISSAN ARIYA

After launching in North America in 2022, the Nissan Ariya finally landed in Australia fashionably late in September 2025.

Priced at $62,160 for the entrylevel Engage variant, the Aryia is a medium-sized, fully electric SUV that competes with EV rivals such as the Kia EV5 and BYD Sealion 7.

Vehicles in this category are very well equipped but still sharply priced. That’s imperative, because three of the top five selling EVs in Australia are the Aryia’s direct rivals, being the two above, with the other being the Tesla Model Y.

The Ariya’s $62,160 starting price isn’t cheap for many buyers, so to have a chance against the big-selling EVs, it needed to offer even more.

Four different Ariya variants are available, and there are two battery sizes available, being a 63kWh battery in the Engage and Advance, and an 87kWh unit in the Advance+ and e-4orce Evolve models.

Battery range is quoted at 385km for the smaller battery variants, while the Advance+ is reckoned to go up to 504km. The performance-

oriented, dual motor e-4orce Evolve is estimated at 487km.

Around town, the Ariya gets quite close to its rated range, but hit the open road and these projected ranges go down significantly.

The Ariya’s interior is well appointed and – unlike some other EVs – is easy to operate thanks to Nissan’s decision to continue to utilise mostly physical buttons rather than the touch screen. Also, the screen interface is familiar due to its similarity to those used in other Nissan models.

The base model Ariya’s 63kWh battery is smaller than the Tesla Model Y’s (75kWh), and the Ariya is also a little less energy efficient, both of which help explain the Model Y’s longer range.

To make Android Auto work in the Ariya, the phone needs to be plugged in, though Apple CarPlay is wireless. 

Engage variant

More choice, same savings

Car doctor

Q I own a 2016 Toyota Landcruiser 200 series. I see a lot of 4WDs with lots of modifications and upgrades. What is one upgrade that you would recommend the most to extend the life or efficiency of the motor?

Priya, Sorrento

A The most appropriate upgrade to maximise engine life will depend on how you’re using it, but a common modification to minimise engine wear is an upgraded air filter and intake. This is because the stock system is known to let in fine dust particles. But for the most part, the best way to ensure the longest life for your engine while maintaining economy is to have the vehicle serviced according to Toyota’s requirements and minimising modifications.

QWhen my car is serviced, mechanics recommend an additive to the oil to clean out sludge and carbon and other build up. Cost is $55. I did not think this was a regular requirement. Is it worthwhile for the average car?

Richard, Hillarys

A If you have been servicing the vehicle on time and the vehicle is relatively new (less than five years old), it’s unlikely to be seriously affected by oil sludge and carbon etc. However, for older vehicles and especially those with sporadic or unknown service histories, an engine oil flush may be beneficial. With regards your specific vehicle, we’d recommend seeking a second opinion for peace of mind.

QI’ve been hearing about diesel performance chips. Are they worth fitting?

Mark, Wellard

AWhile changing the engine management system for more power and torque will have some obvious and immediate advantages, there may be trade-offs down the track that could impact fuel consumption, emissions, and the service life of the engine and transmission. Some may regard this somewhat calculated risk as worthwhile, but for the vehicle’s longevity, we’d recommend caution. 

RAC members can take advantage of our Auto Advice Line.

If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.

WIN FREE FUEL

Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma and Caltex locations Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits.

Send your questions to editor@rac.com.au or post to The Car Doctor, Horizons, GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839

Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question.

If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

Member lounge

Tour Europe’s premier car museums

For motoring enthusiasts, this European tour is undoubtedly the trip of a lifetime.

Motoring Masterpieces is an RAC-hosted small group tour of Europe’s most renowned car museums.

Highlights include a visit to the Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse, France, home to over 500 vintage cars, including the world’s largest Bugatti collection. You’ll also explore the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, spread across nine floors, and see rare beauties at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Milan, along with many other famous car museums.

Your tour group will be accompanied by a dedicated tour director along with an RAC host, while at each stop, local guides will take you through the museum exhibits.

You’ll get up close to everything from classics to cutting-edge concept cars, all while visiting some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

The tour departs on 12 September 2026 and includes a credit up to the value of $2500pp for your international flights, in addition to an extensive itinerary of activities, premium accommodation, and most meals.

To find out more, scan the QR code or visit rac.com.au/CarLovers

Consider all costs when comparing personal loans

When you’re comparing lenders for a personal loan, it’s important to always compare the total cost, not just the rate, and choose a loan that matches your financial situation, goals and comfort level.

For a full comparison and to understand exactly what you’ll be repaying, you need to take all of the following into account:

> Interest rate

> Fees

> Loan term

> Balloon payment (lump sum payment at the end of loan period)

> Flexibility

> Early payout costs

A slightly higher rate with fewer fees could end up being cheaper overall.

To help you get started finding the right loan, contact RAC’s local finance team on 1300 045 197.

CARAVAN FIRES ARE MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK

Lightweight construction and the presence of heat-generating appliances in a confined space, make caravans and campers an environment where fires can easily take hold. And WA has its fair share of caravan fires.

In the last five years, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has responded to 119 caravan fires, with 34 in the 12 months to September 2025.

Fire safety is paramount for caravan owners, that includes turning off gas when not in use, keeping open fires outside

the van well away from it, and ensuring that 230-volt electrical work is carried out by a licensed professional - consider the same for 12 or 24-volt projects.

Most new caravans are fitted with a smoke alarm, but if yours doesn’t have one, ensure you fit a sealed, photoelectric smoke alarm with at least 10 years' battery life.

To find out more about the risks and how to keep your caravan safe, visit rac.com.au/caravan-fires

For more details about RAC Caravan Insurance, visit rac.com.au/caravan

THE CCTV SYSTEM THAT ACTUALLY WARDS OFF INTRUDERS

Traditionally, CCTV cameras have only been able to record security incidents around your home, and while that can be of immense value, it won’t stop an intruder from getting into your home.

However, RAC Security’s HiLook CCTV cameras have a camera model with builtin features that can actively deter burglars. One key feature is Active Colour Deterrence, where integrated red and blue strobe lights, combined with a pre-

recorded message, such as “Warning, you are entering a restricted area”, can be triggered by motion events, helping deter intruders before a crime occurs.

The AI-enabled cameras can also specifically detect a human intruder, reducing false notifications.

In addition to this, the system also offers two-way audio via the HiLookVision app, which allows real-time communication through the built-in microphone and

speaker. This enables you to broadcast custom audio messages outside your home or trigger alarms on demand via the app. 

To find out more about RAC Security’s HiLook CCTV range, call 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security

Turn $3 into $60,000 with the MSWA Multi-Choice Ra e

Drive off in a stylish new hybrid Toyota Kluger GX, adventure across Japan and South Korea or pocket $60,000 in cash.

Plus, every ticket sold helps support West Aussies living with a neurological condition. Now that’s a win-win!

Hurry, tickets selling fast!

Make the most of the great everyday savings you get as an RAC member. Whether it’s discounts on travel, fuel, gas for your home, pharmacy, groceries, entertainment, dining or RAC products and services – RAC members save every day.

Show your RAC member card and start saving today

Download the app today for tasty savings, plus save 5% at Busselton Jetty.

Your member benefits just got delicious

Download the new MemberBites app, exclusively for RAC members, and unlock tasty discounts at restaurants, cafes and takeaways across Australia.*

Download MemberBites from your app store today

*Terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/memberbites for details

Season Sale Now On!

• Premium Promesh Stainless Steel

• Tough & affordable SecureGrille

• Aust Standard triple locking system

• Replace old flyscreens & doors

RAC Members save 10%. You could also claim the $400 Safety and Security Rebate^

^Visit seniorscard.wa.gov.au for details

Plantation Shutters for comfort and style

•

•

•

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you hear conversations but can’t understand the

Hearing Test, Consultation & Demonstration.*

Enjoy your life with improved hearing! You will be able to hear your family, your friends, the TV & telephone and in group settings much more clearly with this new 2026 hearing aid technology.

No one will know that you are wearing a hearing aid

Introducing our brand-new 2026 hearing aid technology that was designed in Europe and is made for your exact ear size and hearing loss. It’s so small it can fit deep inside your ear canal, it begins where other hearing aids end. This makes it virtually invisible to anyone else.

$600 OFF* Every Hearing Aid Purchased. FOR RAC MEMBERS The Hearing Aid Specialists

With our new 2026 voice clarifying hearing aids, you will absolutely hear the difference!

Not sure if you require a hearing aid or which one is right for you? Want to know how they look and feel? Why not request an appointment for a FREE hearing test and hearing aid consultation with an in-clinic demonstration? You will instantly be able to hear clearly. This New Invisible Hearing Aid is virtually undetectable!

You can now stream Directly from your mobile phone to some models of hearing aids giving you crystal clear hearing. *Conditions Apply.

Offer valid until 31/05/2026 Book in today to receive your Special RAC Discount 9350 6311 Cannington Duncraig Nedlands Rockingham email: info@hearingloss.net.au web: www.hearingloss.net.au ORIGINAL PRICE $2,199 VALUE RANGE NOW AFTER DISCOUNT $1,599ea Less Private Health Insurance Refunds

Aflat battery can leave you stranded at the worst possible time— whether you’re off-road, at the boat ramp, or just trying to get to work. That’s where iTechworld’s impressive and compact lithium jump starters come in. Designed to provide instant power in critical moments, our range of jump starters ensure you’re never left without a solution. Say goodbye to being stuck!

Unlike traditional jumper cables requiring a second vehicle, iTechworld jump starters are entirely self-contained, so you can get back on the road without help. With the capability to start cars, 4WDs, boats, motorcycles, and even heavy-duty machinery, these jump starters offer serious power in a lightweight and portable design. They can also function secondarily as portable power banks, enabling you to charge phones, tablets, and other devices when you’re on the move. Every jump starter in our range is designed for reliability, featuring an advanced lithium Battery Management System (BMS), multiple safety protections, and user-friendly interfaces—even a tactical-grade torch! Whether you choose a more compact model for everyday use or a higher-output unit for heavier machinery, iTechworld has the perfect jump starter for your needs!

From weekend adventurers to daily drivers, an iTechworld jump starter is an essential backup that ensures you’re never caught off guard. Use code RAC05 and unlock an EXTRA 5% OFF our Jump Starter range or any other power essential you need so you can stay charged on your next adventure!

If

you like this magazine, you’ll love our podcast

The Horizons by RAC podcast explores the ideas shaping life in Western Australia, bringing a local focus to the topics and issues impacting how we live, work and travel across our cities, towns and beyond.

Scan the QR code or search Horizons by RAC on YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcasts

The Royal Automobile

Club of WA (INC)

832 Wellington Street, West Perth

GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839

T: 13 17 03 W: rac.com.au

rac.com.au/horizons facebook.com/RACWA instagram.com/RACWA

 youtube.com/@HorizonsRAC editor@rac.com.au

Travel Centres

CAROUSEL

Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway

T: 6150 6454

JOONDALUP

Shop T137, Lakeside Joondalup, 420 Joondalup Drive

T: 6150 6477

WEST PERTH (Head Office)

832 Wellington Street

T: 6116 6467

Member Service Centres –Metropolitan CAROUSEL

Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway

JOONDALUP

Shop T137, Lakeside Joondalup, 420 Joondalup Drive

MANDURAH

Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way

WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street

Member Service Centres –Regional ALBANY

110 Albany Highway

BUNBURY

Primewest Centrepoint SC, 60 Blair Street

GERALDTON

Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford Street

CAR DOCTOR, PAGE 59

Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use in one transaction at any Puma/ Caltex location Australia-wide. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize, they will also be provided details as to the collection

of their prize. Entrants published in the autumn 2026 edition of Horizons must claim their prize by 1 April 2026. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

Full terms+conditions for competitions available at rac.com.au/competitions

Ten best

SCENIC BOARDWALKS

Middleton Beach/ Ellen Cove Boardwalk

Albany

The wide Ellen Cove Boardwalk stretches for 3km south from Middleton Beach and climbs uphill to meet up with Stirling Terrace in the city. Stop to take in the views over Middleton Beach and King George Sound at the lookouts dotted along the way. It’s also a great vantage point for whale watching from May to November.

Mangrove Boardwalk

Bunbury

Part of the 5.3km Mangrove Walk circuit, which takes in the ancient mangroves of the Leschenault Inlet, the 200m boardwalk takes you out into the heart of the mangrove, where you can also spot more than 60 different species of waterbirds. Start the walk at the Mangrove Cove Lookout off Koombana Drive. The full walk is wheelchair and pram accessible.

Lake Clifton

Thrombolites

boardwalk

Just south of Mandurah at Lake Clifton are the ancient thrombolites in the Yalgorup National Park. These living mounds of microorganisms are a striking feature of the coast here and are some of the oldest lifeforms on earth. To view them up close without causing any damage, a wooden boardwalk stretches out into the water through the middle of the thrombolites.

Eagle Bluff

Boardwalk

Shark Bay

Looking out high over the waters of Denham Sound, the 400m Eagle Bluff Boardwalk takes in two small islands a short distance offshore and at times also affords a view of the local marine life swirling around the shallow waters below. Access the walk from the Eagle Bluff car park.

Koala boardwalk

Yanchep

Inside Yanchep National Park is a very different type of scenic boardwalk. This one winds through the park’s koala habitat, which is the only place in WA where you can see koalas in the wild. Koalas were first introduced to the park in 1938, and there are now five that you can see lazing in the trees. The koalas can be viewed from 8am to 4.30pm every day.

Canal Rocks

boardwalk

Yallingup

The series of craggy rocks that protrude out from the point at Canal Rocks have long been a captivating natural feature on this part of the coast. For the best views, take the narrow timber boardwalk across a section of rocks and over the surging ocean beneath. There’s also a 2km scenic walk trail from Canal Rocks around the corner to the equally spectacular Wyadup Rocks.

Island Rock to Natural Bridge boardwalk

Kalbarri

Hugging Kalbarri’s towering coastal cliffs, this 1.2km return boardwalk runs from Island Rock to the Natural Bridge with a scenic lookout point to stop at in between. You can start from either the car park near the Natural Bridge or the small parking area at Island Rock. There are toilet facilities at the Natural Bridge car park.

Cape Vlamingh boardwalk

Rottnest Island

The Cape Vlamingh boardwalk is located at the rugged and far less busy westernmost point of Rottnest Island. Visit Rottnest’s West End if you need a dose of the island’s raw and untamed beauty. There’s a bicycle parking area at the end of Digby Drive and then a short walk to Cape Vlamingh Viewing Platform before you hit the boardwalk that takes you out to the point.

Beedelup Falls boardwalk

Karri Valley

Part of the 4.5km Beedelup Loop Walk trail that passes

through RAC Karri Valley Resort, you can opt to just head out onto the timber boardwalk to Beedelup Falls. Set out from the car park at the end of Beedelup Falls Road and make your way across the series of boardwalks, stairs and the 25m suspension bridge that take you deep into the lush forest and over the water at Beedelup Brook. An extended platform gives you a great view of the falls.

Streeters Jetty Broome

Yes, technically it is a jetty, but today the revamped Streeters Jetty in Broome is a local attraction that takes visitors close to the mangroves in Roebuck Bay. Originally built for pear luggers in the late 1800s, the jetty was reconstructed and reopened in 2022. Depending on the enormous king tides you’ll either be standing over the water or over the mudflats when the tide is out. Take the 3.4km Jetty to Jetty Trail from here to the Old Jetty at Town Beach for more of an insight into Broome’s pearling history. 

ST JOHN DENTAL