Julatten, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Sep 23rd, 2002
Julattens Chris Western runs a unique driving experience called Off Road Rush. As the name suggests, its a speed demon's dream. The isolated location makes the property the ideal spot to suit up for an off road rush.
Chris has been enthusiastically involved in motor sport since he was a child. He warns that passengers should expect high speeds, awesome jumps and sideways action on the 1.5 kilometre circuit.
The ride takes place in a purpose built racing buggy with a 16 valve twin cam engine sitting in the back. While there are safety mechanisms built into the buggy there are no actual driving restrictions, so drivers can go as fast as they want, as long as they know their limitations.
The racing adventure starts with five fast and furious laps on the self drive track. You dont have to be a speed freak to participate - anybody who drives a car can have a go. By actually being in control of the car, drivers can choose a speed that they are comfortable with.
The track packs in all the options with tight corners, big straights and plenty of jumps featured throughout. Being a professional racecar it is almost impossible to roll, but to really see what the buggy can do, hand over the reins to Chris for the ride of your life.
In the drivers seat Chris takes students out to a 10 kilometre forest track that rips through 600 acres of bush land. This longer track is just as dusty as the self drive track and its impossible to know exactly what is around the next corner.
A trackside cold buffet lunch and drinks, included in the price of the package, are available at the end of the drive.
The facts:
Qantas flies to Cairns daily. Prices start from $460 ex Sydney and $859 ex Perth. Prices include charges, levies and taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Off Road Rush costs $119 per person from Port Douglas and $140 from Cairns and Palm Cove. The half day experience includes return transfers from your hotel, lunch and drinks.
Off Road Rush
Tel: 0409 225 759
Accommodation in Cairns at the Mercure Hotel Harbourside starts from $85 per person twin share.
Mercure Hotel
Tel: 07 4051 8999
