The arc of rainforest-cloaked mountains that gave this corner of southeast Queensland its name is laced with dozens of beautiful and well-maintained hiking trails, from easy short walks to epic multi-day tramps. Lace your boots for the best hikes in Australia’s Scenic Rim, one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit for 2022.

Home to six national parks, four of which form part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Scenic Rim is the ultimate rainforest hiking hub. These national parks cradle the agricultural heart of the Scenic Rim, west of the Gold Coast, that’s home to wineries, breweries, farm-gate stalls and even a camel milk products-focused cafe, meaning there are plenty of delicious ways to treat yourself when you emerge from the forest.

Scenic Rim Trail

Best multi-day hike
47km one-way / 29 miles, 4 days

Tracing a dramatic ridgeline in Main Range National Park, on the western fringe of the Scenic Rim, Queensland’s first “Great Walk” pairs ancient Gondwana Rainforests with stellar views, lush waterfalls and pioneer heritage on a four-day trek from Thornton View Trailhead, 90 minutes southwest of Brisbane, to Cunninghams Gap.

There are two ways to tackle this multi-day adventure. Opt for a luxury guided experience with boutique hotel group Spicers Retreats, which launched the trail in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in 2020. With private, eco-luxe camps tucked well off the public trail, the Spicers version is around 13km (8 miles) longer than an independent hike. But with your luggage shuttled ahead each day, it’s more accessible for people unable (or unwilling) to carry four days’ worth of gear. Public campsites are basic (don’t expect showers), but at AUD$6.75 (USD$4.83) per night, this option is a bargain.

Ascending through native bushland to the ridgeline on day one is the most challenging part of the trail. The following morning, you’ll pass several relics from the area’s logging days before venturing deep into the rainforest, where you could spend a lifetime counting the shades of green surrounding you.

Passing several waterfalls and viewpoints, the undulating trail is more manageable from day two onward. On day four, the Bare Rock viewpoint overlooking the farmlands of the Scenic Rim makes an ideal lunch spot before descending to the Cunningham Highway, where the trail ends.

Mt Barney

Best mountain climb
17.5km return / 11 miles, 1 day

The pinnacle of bushwalking in southeast Queensland, Mt Barney (1354m) is a challenging, strenuous climb that should only be attempted by hikers with extensive bushwalking, scrambling and navigation experience (a GPS and personal locator beacon is essential). The views from the rugged mountain peak in the remote southwestern corner of the Scenic Rim, which features prominently in local Aboriginal Dreaming stories, more than make up for the effort.

There are two routes to the summit. Allow eight to 10 hours to ascend the East Ridge route, which traverses steep ridges and involves several climbs. When you reach the saddle, there’s still about 267m (876ft) in altitude to climb before summiting on East Peak; allow an hour and a half each way for this section. While shorter at seven to nine hours, the South East Ridge route is much steeper, requiring a higher level of fitness and skill. Both routes descend via the East Ridge route to Upper Logan Rd (where you can park).

Ravaged by Australia’s 2019-20 bushfires, Mt Barney National Park (120km/75 miles southwest of Brisbane) is now making a remarkable recovery. To learn more about this wild corner of Gondwana, opt for a guided interpretive hike. Bookable through nearby Mt Barney Lodge, a guide also boosts your safety because it’s very easy to get lost on this trail.

Coomera Circuit

Best for waterfalls
17.4km / 10.8 miles return, 7 hours

One of the most scenic walks in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park, the well-marked Coomera Circuit is a gorgeous day hike that passes through subtropical and warm temperate rainforest communities home to a series of lush waterfalls, including the Coomera and Yarrabilgong waterfalls that plunge off rainforest-covered cliffs into a 160m-deep (525ft) gorge.

Making a loop from the Binna Burra Upper Day Use Area, an hour’s drive west of the Gold Coast, this trail is best hiked counterclockwise to avoid a steep incline at the end, leaving the Border Track after 1.9km (1.2 miles), then ascending along the edge of Coomera Gorge. Look out for the distinctive blue-and-white Lamington spiny crayfish as you trace the path of the Coomera River through the verdant forest. You’ll cross the river several times (via conveniently placed stepping stones) before rejoining the Border Track and returning to the Binna Burra trailhead.

Curtis Falls Track

Best for families
1.1km / 0.7 miles return, 30 minutes

Ideal for little hikers lacking the stamina (or the attention span) for a longer tramp, this enchanting out-and-back walk in the Joalah section of Tamborine National Park is also one of the Scenic Rim’s most accessible, just a 45-minute drive northwest from the heart of the Gold Coast.

Beginning beneath towering gums, the easy walk gradually descends into lush rainforest. Feel the temperature drop as you admire beautiful staghorn ferns in the canopy above. Meandering alongside Curtis Creek, the trail ends at a platform at the base of small but stunning Curtis Falls. Swimming in the serene pool below is off limits, but the view makes for terrific photos. Look closely and you might spot freshwater turtles basking on rocks or logs.

Got more energy? Extend this hike by connecting it with the Lower Creek Circuit (2.5km/1.6 miles return) which branches off the Curtis Falls Track. Allow around an hour to complete this charming rainforest walk, with several creek crossings making it a little more challenging.

Border Track

Best for adventure
21.4 km / 13.3 miles, 7 hours

Trek into the heartland of the Gondwana Rainforests on this full-day hike connecting the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park. The long but rewarding journey traces the border of Queensland and New South Wales, taking you through subtropical and temperate rainforests, into lush gullies and valleys, across crystal-clear mountain streams, past ethereal waterfalls, and along prominent ridgelines. The first 700m (0.4 miles) is wheelchair accessible.

Many trails radiate from the Border Track, the backbone of the Lamington walking track system.

This includes a short, steep 600m/0.4-mile return side-track that leads to two lookouts – Beereenbano and Merino – well worth the detour for the awesome views over the Tweed and Limpinwood valleys. During winter months, listen for the distinctive ringing call of the Albert’s lyrebird, thought to be descended from the world’s oldest songbird.

The trail is bookended by Binna Burra Lodge and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, both of which offer rooms, camping, and one-way Saturday morning transfers to the opposite trailhead, allowing you to hike back to your accommodation (or car). Whichever way you go, it’s easily one of the most memorable ways to spend a day in the Scenic Rim.

Older adults who exercise regularly can perform everyday tasks more easily and gain independence shows New research. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), insufficient physical activity causes around 3.2 million deaths worldwide each year.

Heavy traffic areas, pollution, and a lack of parks and facilities cause declining levels of physical activity may be due, in part, to an increase in sedentary behavior.

Experts define physical activity as a combination of everyday tasks, such as work duties (if applicable), transportation, chores, and exercise they do during leisure time, such as walking, swimming, and gardening for adults aged 65 and above.

Older adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, WHO recommend that, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, during the week. They should also perform activities focused on strengthening their muscles twice per week.

Older adults should also do physical activity to enhance balance on three or more days per week who have mobility issues.

Following workout routine improves cardiorespiratory and muscular functions and helps reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline.
These benefits create a positive chain reaction because the older adults will require less support and will, therefore, be less reliant on others.

Crevenna, says, “I never cease to be amazed that — despite the proven benefits of exercise — far too many people continue to do too little physical activity.”

Richard Crevenna rightfully says “People of all ages should be more active, to stay healthy and independent for longer and remain self-sufficient. There is only one thing we can do: continue to strive toward greater public awareness!”

In this episode of Life Kit, Benét Wilson, an aviation journalist who has written for The Points Guy, MSN and CNN, shares tips on how to cope with the stress of holiday travel. She flies up to 50 times a year, she says — and “I have learned [that] the absolute worst time to travel is during the holidays.”

• Be patient. “Lines are going to be long. TSA is going to be a little crazy. The [airline] might run out of seats. I always tell people to just pack their patience,” says Wilson.
• Brace yourself for high airline ticket prices. “If you’re looking for rock bottom bargains, you’re not going to find those this holiday season,” she says.
  For the best prices, buy your airline tickets as early as possible and keep an eye on tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — “that’s when carriers put out new fares,” she adds.
• If your flight gets canceled, reschedule as soon as you find out. “I tell people to make sure they have the airline app on their phone because sometimes you get information on there quicker than the gate agents. Whatever you do, do not stand in the long line. Either use the app [to reschedule your flight] or just call the airline directly,” she says.
• If your flight is overbooked, see what your options are. Airlines will often ask passengers with flexible travel schedules to volunteer to fly at another time. When that happens, says Wilson, airlines may offer travel vouchers and perks. Negotiate for “a first class seat or at least premium economy,” she says. And “ask for food vouchers, access to the airline lounge.”
  If you are involuntarily bumped, remember that you have rights. “No. 1, you can get your money back. You do not have to take a voucher — and the [airline must] accommodate you on the next available flight.”
• Take action as soon as you know you’re going to miss your flight. “Stuff happens,” she says. “If you are in the car and you know you’re going to miss your flight, get on the phone and call the airline while you’re still driving so you can get other accommodations.”
• If your flight gets canceled or delayed, do not yell at the ticket and gate agents. “They don’t control the weather, the mechanics of the plane or the situation. All they can do is try to help you. And when you are nice to them, they are much more likely to help you,” says Wilson. You could also bring candy in your bag to offer them as a thank you.
• Pack essential items to make the journey a bit more pleasant. “I call it my little travel kit,” says Wilson. “I always have my Bose noise-canceling headphones. I take two power chargers. I have my Kindle, I have snacks. Download movies because you never know if the Wi-Fi is going to be on the fritz.” Check out the chart below for more essentials:

The best time to visit Udaipur is during the holiday season from September to February.

IN RAJASTHAN, the lovely city of Udaipur is home to majestic scenery, palaces, forts, museums, and tranquil lakes. Due to the abundance of lakes, it is referred to as the “City of Lakes.” In terms of sightseeing, architecture, and historical landmarks, it has a lot to offer. Use our advice as you travel to Udaipur for a wonderful vacation.

Have Cash Available

While visiting a new city, keep some cash on hand, but not so much that it attracts pickpockets and only enough to cover your travel and eating expenses.

Negotiate Like A Local

Even if you are not a native of the city, always act like one when you go shopping. Avoid accepting higher costs because you might not be aware of them.

Use Only Authorised Guides

While exploring unfamiliar cities, only use licenced tour guides, and make sure they are who they claim to be before employing them. Beware utilising taxi or autowallah drivers as your guides because they might lie to you.

Enjoy Historical Tours Of The Palaces

Beautiful gardens and distinctive Indo-Mughal architecture with a Rajasthani influence may be found in the Monsoon Palace, City Palace, and other royal palaces in Udaipur.

Staying Option

Luxury hotels and affordable hostels with shared dorm rooms are also available in Udaipur.

Route Of Travel

You can commute using a number of different methods while exploring the city. Hire cabs to take you to the main tourist attractions or rent a scooter or bike to explore the city at your own speed.

Ideal Season To Visit

The best time to visit Udaipur is during the holiday season from September to February when the weather is favourable and there is a greater view of the scenic areas. Avoid the summers because they are unpleasant.