Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/201657
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AUSTRALIA Reciprocal Club Royal Automobile Club of Australia By Michelle Van Slack, Director Member Services Escape Down Under Sydney Harbor is at your fingertips W Michelle Van Slack is Director Member Services. Send her feedback on your reciprocal club visits at mvanslack@wac.net. hen choosing a place to stay—especially when the trip requires a long flight—location is paramount. Sydney is a beautiful city, and Australia is a stunning country, but there's something magical and iconic about Sydney Harbor. Lucky for WAC members, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia sits at the harbor's epicenter. The club is located in the most visited part of Sydney, just off the Circular Quay and steps from the Royal Botanical Gardens; the Sydney Opera House; and Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district, The Rocks. Its location is the perfect hub for Australian exploration. Founded in 1903, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia was established to give a voice to motorists as legislation was beginning to develop the future of Australia's roads. In the early years, the club even offered insurance and competency tests to new drivers. Today, the club has evolved into a prestigious business and special interest social club housed in a beautiful building at the heart of Sydney Harbor. Overnight accommodation is available in one of 29 rooms, and most of the rooms offer stunning views of the harbor. The rooms also offer air conditioning and Wi-Fi and include a continental breakfast buffet. If a formal "breaky" (as the Aussies affectionately call it) is more your style, the Harbour Dining Room at the club serves breakfast daily and overlooks the water. While you're exploring the club, be sure to check out the snooker tables. Car enthusiasts, meanwhile, will appreciate the club's popular Motoring Club, which hosts events for members passionate about classic cars. Out front, keep your eyes peeled for a mint condition burgundy and black 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom. Whether walking, taking public transportation, or exploring the city by car, you'll easily experience the best of Sydney from your base at the Royal Automobile Club. 10 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Royal Automobile Club of Australia 89 Macquarie Street Sydney, Australia, NSW 2000 02.8273.2300 raca.com.au ACCESS » By car or train, the club is 20 minutes from Sydney Airport. Parking is available for a fee in the club's garage. CULTURAL HISTORY » New South Wales is home to Australia's largest indigenous Australian population, and Sydney offers plenty of opportunities to learn about their rich culture. I recommend trying a Tribal Warrior cruise on Sydney Harbor, an educational trip for children and adults. DID YOU KNOW? » Aussies speak English, but with their own fabulous flair. Here are some examples of Aussie slang. Fairy floss: cotton candy Nappy: diaper Hotel: bar Swimmers: bathing suit Walkabout: extended trip, by road or foot Coldie: a beer Plonk: cheap wine For reciprocal letters of introduction or more information, call Member Services at 206.464.3068 or email membership@wac.net.