2011 Australasian Safari underway with ceremonial start at Hillarys

The Variety Club Choir set the scene for Thursday's ceremonial start with a stunning performance, and following a traditional Welcome to Country, Minister for Tourism The Hon Dr Kim Hames MLA then officially welcomed competitors and flagged off the first bikes as the sun began to set.

Entertaining Q&As with each competitor provided some insight into the cars, bikes and quads in the race, and the expectations of competitors. Spectators watched as each made their way through the arch to get ready for the journey to Geraldton for the Prologue on Friday, which will set the start order for Leg One on Saturday.

Today's prologue will include a couple of opportunities for spectators to see the vehicles up close. The prologue proper will be held on the historic Glengarry Station, 20kms east of Geraldton. The free-entry spectator point located on the property will be signposted from Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road. Bikes will start the prologue from 3:25pm, followed by the quads, then autos. All competitors will race in a stage on the property, then head to Geraldton for a timed finish and the start of the 'safari Show'.

The prologue will finish at the Geraldton foreshore, arriving from approximately 4:30pm. Spectators will have a chance to talk to the competitors, see the vehicles and listen in to media interviews with the stars of the Safari. As per the prologue start, the prologue finish is free to attend.

Australasian Safari spectator opportunities

When: Friday, September 23 - 3:20 - 4:00pm

Where: Glengarry Station, Moonyoonoka, WA - signposted from Geraldton-Mt Magnet Rd

When: Friday, September 23 - 4:20 - 6:00pm

Where: Geraldton foreshore, Geraldton