Motoring
we took a range of detours along the way to show just what this awesome off-roader can do. Following in the footsteps of its larger sibling – the Range Rover – which was launched earlier this year, the Sport has also shed the pounds making it faster, more economical and with improved driving dynamics. So what better testing ground than the
traffic-free open roads through the Yarra Valley with its beautiful vineyards and into the mighty Snowy Mountains with its steep climbs and hairpin bends? With a back-up team of three Land Rover Discovery models and with the somewhat unusual warning to “watch out for wombats” ringing in our ears we set off on the 900- mile journey.
Priced from £51,550, the new Range
Rover Sport is a striking piece of kit. It drew attention at every turn and as we were about to set off two passers-by would have signed on the dotted line and ordered there new models on the spot. Mind you, we were leaving the Grand Hyatt Hotel – one of the finest in Melbourne at the time! Te vehicle was an absolute pleasure to
drive. It’s the fastest Land Rover to date and acceleration was certainly very rapid with an endless supply of power on tap thanks to the beautifully-tuned 3.0-litre Supercharged petrol engine. Tis car can sprint to 60mph in just 6.9 seconds – that’s very fast for a truly capable 4x4 vehicle. Te ride was incredibly smooth as we glided past mind-boggling signs such as Swampy Plains Creek, Dead Horse Gap and Wash Away Creek and the road-holding was exceptionally good. Tis was encouragingly reassuring through the mountain passes with sheer drops that I daren’t even think about. Comfort levels were outstanding with techno treats galore and even the off-roading capabilities were tested on rocky, uneven terrain to satisfy the needs of a photographer in search of that perfect shot. From the mountains we headed east to the mesmerising coastline, crashing waves, pure white sandy beaches and the glimmer of the Sydney skyline in the distance. And so onto Sydney – one of the world’s most beautiful cities with its iconic harbour bridge and the Sydney Opera House. It was time to part
company with my beloved Range Rover Sport and take to my feet to explore. No matter how many times I visit, a harbour
cruise is always a must. I sometimes feel I could actually do the commentary but I still love hearing all the historical yarns about the different bays along with what fabulous waterfront property has been snapped up by whichever celebrity for however many millions of dollars. But on terra firma and somewhat off the beaten track are a couple of “must-see” attractions that may not be found in your everyday tourist guide book. First up is Harry’s Café de Wheels in Woolloomooloo. Tis iconic cart has served pies, mash, mushy peas and gravy to celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich and Robert Mitchum for the past 70 years. Next, but staying with the foodie theme, is the Sydney Fish Market at Bank Street Pyrmont which is open every day except Christmas Day and delivers up the most amazing and delicious sea feasts imaginable. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer, a lobster, oysters and jumbo prawns and sit back, relax and watch the world go by. Although, be warned – watch out for those pesky gulls! And so to the reason or excuse to visit
Australia – that final Lions test match. Oh boy, what a scorcher of a game in the magnificent Olympic Park Stadium. A resounding win, up to 50,000 celebrating
Lions fans and lengthy celebrations into the early hours all helped to make that 24-hour flight back to the UK all the more bearable.
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