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Bucket-list hikes around the world (and close to home)

For some, a holiday looks like cocktails by the pool – for others, it involves throwing on a backpack, tying up your shoes and seeing sights only accessible by foot. If you fall into the latter camp, consider taking on one of these bucket-list hikes on your next expedition.

Around the world
Inca Trail, Peru

We can’t think of a better endpoint for a four-day hike than ancient Machu Picchu, which is why the Inca Trail has earned the top spot on our list. Tracing the original paths used by the Incas, the trail grants you access to some of the most breathtaking Incan ruins. From places of worship to forgotten cities, cloud forests to valleys, no day on the Inca Trail is the same. It may only be 42 kilometres in total, but don’t let that fool you – most of it is uphill, taking you to elevations of more than 4000 metres. Visit between May and November, plan for altitude sickness and pack toilet paper.

Cotswold Way, England

More of a walk than a mountainous hike, the Cotswold Way is an unforgettable way to experience one of England’s most picturesque regions. Stretching 164 kilometres from Chipping Campden to Bath, the Cotswold Way winds over hills, through woods and meadows and between storybook villages. Most walkers complete it in a week, but why rush? Take the time to enjoy a pub lunch, take in the views and enjoy all that the Cotswolds have to offer.

Yosemite, USA

Choosing a hike in North America is *almost* as difficult as actually doing one, but it doesn’t get much more iconic than California’s Yosemite National Park. There are plenty of one-dayers in Yosemite, but if you’re after a bucket-list-worthy challenge, you’ve got to take on Half Dome. Accessible by Mist Trail and John Muir Trail, two of the park’s most popular hikes, Half Dome is a mountain-sized body of quartz monzonite rock, formed by exfoliation and erosion over millions of years. The final ascent sees you scale the rounded top (a cable staircase helps you up), rewarding you with the views of the valley over the sheer cliff-face.

The Dolomites, Italy

For many, ‘Euro summer’ means sipping wine beneath the Eiffel Tower and reading on the rocky beaches of the Amalfi coast. But there’s a growing contingent of travellers looking for something a little more adventurous – and they’re finding it in the Dolomites. The Italian national park offers a hike for all ages, but the most popular loop is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or the ‘Three Peaks of Lavaredo’). Approximately 11.3 kilometres and 597 metres of elevation, it takes around four hours and is suitable for moderately skilled hikers.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

World-renowned among adventure-seekers, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is among the best of Nepalese hiking. Beyond the thrill factor – Annapurna is home to some of the highest Himalayan peaks – this circuit is beloved for its diversity. Over two weeks and more than 160 kilometres, you’ll walk through ancient villages, alpine meadows and mountainous deserts, meet Tibetan monks, enjoy Nepalese hospitality and experience varying climates. Preparation isn’t just key – it’s vital. Pack well, train properly and plan for a real adventure.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Most people know the Camino Francés – the classic 780-kilometre pilgrimage route from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. But for something a little less crowded, the Camino del Norte is worth the detour. Running roughly 800 kilometres along Spain’s northern coast, from Irún to Santiago, it swaps the Francés’ crowds for cliff-top paths, quiet beaches and food cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao. It’s tougher underfoot, but far fewer walkers make the trip. Most take five to six weeks end to end, though it breaks easily into shorter stretches.

Closer to home
Overland Track, Tasmania

Australia’s premier alpine walk winds 65 kilometres through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, tracing a six-day path from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Along the way you’ll cross exposed alpine plateaus and glacial valleys, with the option to summit Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa, as a side trip. Watch out for wombats!

Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

Running 223 kilometres along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail is the ultimate Red Centre trek, taking most walkers 12 to 16 days to complete end to end across its 12 sections. Expect jagged quartzite ridgelines, hidden waterholes and a rising sense of anticipation as Mount Sonder looms into view.

Great Ocean Walk, Victoria

This coastal classic is usually walked over eight days, stretching 104 kilometres from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. It’s less about covering ground fast and more about enjoying the shift from tall eucalypt forests to windswept clifftops – and the koalas and echidnas that keep you company along the way.

Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

Less than two hours from the Gold Coast, this 47-kilometre, four-day trail through Main Range National Park is Queensland’s only Great Walk of Australia, running from Thornton View to Cunninghams Gap. It’s a serious climb through ancient Gondwana rainforest, but the payoff is ridge-top camps and sweeping views over the Scenic Rim most visitors never see. Learn more here.

Australian Alps Walking Track, Victoria/NSW/ACT

This is the big one. Spanning 655 kilometres from Walhalla in Victoria to Tharwa near Canberra, this five-to-eight-week walk passes the highest peaks in three states, including Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Bogong. It’s remote enough that food drops are essential, but it rewards with some of the most spectacular high-country scenery on the continent.

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The scout six: The best mocktails on the Gold Coast

When it comes to drinking, the Gold Coast does it well. From boutique breweries to European wine bars, there are plenty of places to farewell the workday or keep your Saturday night going. But what about when you’re not drinking? Turns out, we do that pretty well, too. In honour of Dry July, here are the best mocktails on the Gold Coast.

Siblings, Kirra

A beachfront aspect and multi-cuisine menu aren’t Siblings’ only bragging rights – it’s also a great place to grab a drink. Whether it’s accompanying your entrees or the main course, their cocktail menu is second to none – and their mocktails are no different. Our top pick? The ‘I Can Drive, Marg!’, an alcohol-free take on a classic margarita made with Burleigh-distilled Clovendoe Sprout ZERO, fresh lime and OJ, and agave syrup. Switch it up with their coconut or chilli variations (or both, if you’re feeling really wild!).

www.siblingskirra.com.au

The Collective, Palm Beach

This Palm Beach favourite was made for the indecisive. With four restaurants to choose from – and the option to order from all of them – it figures that The Collective has a great selection of drinks, too. Their mock margaritas are hard to pass up, but if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the ‘Peach Star’. With Raco and Jetsetter (a non-alcoholic gin and aperitif, respectively, from Aussie brand Sammy Piquant), peach, lime, vanilla and pineapple, it’s exactly the kind of drink you want to sip on while soaking up the sun at a rooftop bar by the beach.

www.thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au

Sueño, Nobby Beach

With striped umbrellas, shady palm trees and pulsing beats, Sueño is our version of a Spanish rooftop bar close to home. And the non-drinkers get to enjoy it too, thanks to their range of elevated mocktails. Our personal favourite is the Amaretti Sour – a notoriously tough drink to make non-alcoholic, that Sueño takes on effortlessly. The hero ingredient is the Lyre’s Amaretti, shaken with lemon and foamy aquafaba. If you’re after something more refreshing, they also do an elite margarita and bellini spritz.

www.norte.restaurant

The Roosevelt, Broadbeach

If you thought you had to stick to sunny rooftop and beachside bars to find a good mocktail, think again. The Roosevelt is the Gold Coast’s premier cocktail lounge, moody and sophisticated with 1920s charm. Whether you’re taking the night or the month off drinking, you’ll be well-looked after here. In addition to the expected non-alcoholic offerings, the Roosevelt has two mocktails to choose from – and the ‘Garden Party’ is our favourite. Floral, sweet and a little sour, it’s the perfect blend of jasmine tea, apple, falernum (a Caribbean syrup), lemon and kaffir lime oil. You may as well tell the bartender to keep ‘em coming.

www.gennarigroup.com.au

Valentina, Surfers Paradise

Formerly known as Hyde Paradiso, Valentina is the rebranded, remodelled bar-restaurant overlooking the Surfers esplanade. Back with Mediterranean flair, it specialises in family-style fare and a sun-soaked drinks menu. While their cocktails are expectedly excellent, Valentina is the kind of place where opting for a mocktail doesn’t feel like a downgrade. The Lemon Tart Daisy is our top pick, made with Lyre’s Gin and Amaretto and lemon sherbert – it’s so good, you’d almost believe it’s the real thing.

www.valentinagoldcoast.com.au

Pipi’s, Coolangatta

Ask any southern Gold Coaster and they’ll tell you, Pipi’s is the ultimate ‘special occasion spot’. Perched at the southernmost tip of the Gold Coast, Pipi’s boasts 220-degree ocean views, Mediterranean inspired cuisine, and a delicious drinks menu – mocktails included. Our personal favourite is the ‘Bastia’, made with Lyre’s Agave Blanco, Lyre’s Orange Sec, mandarin juice and sugar syrup. It’s the perfect starting point for a long lunch, or grand finale after a day in the sun.

www.pipisrestaurant.au

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The story behind… Nat’v Basics

With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business started, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.

This time, we caught up with Sandy Ronalds, Founding Director of Gold Coast underwear brand, Nat’v Basics.

When did the idea for your business first come about? And how?

The idea first sparked back in 2017. I was on the hunt for everyday basics that were genuinely better for both people and the planet, and I just couldn’t find what I was looking for. I spent a lot of time scrolling through the usual legacy brands online, and nothing quite ticked all the boxes: ethical production, sustainable materials, fair pricing, and styles that actually felt modern and wearable.

After a while, I thought, ‘If this doesn’t exist, maybe I should just make it myself.’ That was the turning point. So, I started researching, prototyping, and building from scratch and here we are today, still growing and learning every step of the way.

Where did you start?

The brand didn’t officially launch until October 31, 2019 – my daughter’s birthday, which made it extra special.

We started from very humble beginnings in my mum and dad’s spare room in Mermaid Beach. That’s where it all began – super small, just me, some boxes, and a big dream.

What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning? How did you overcome them?

Some of the biggest challenges in the beginning were learning underwear design, manufacturing, and sourcing. I hadn’t worked in apparel at all before, so everything was brand new – huge learning curves! Figuring out fabrics, fits, factories, minimum orders, quality control… it was a lot.

I overcame it by just diving in, asking questions, making mistakes, and keeping at it until it started to click. Trial and error were basically my teachers.

What has been your biggest learning since starting the business?

Honestly, there are way too many learnings to mention! But if I had to pick the biggest one, it’s cash flow – it’s always a challenge and still is today.

Things rarely go to plan. Times get really tough, and you have to stay strong and back yourself, even when the doubts creep in. That resilience has been the hardest but most important lesson so far.

And what about your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment?

I’m not sure I’ve hit my ultimate ‘I’ve made it’ moment just yet – there’s always more to achieve! That said, we’ve had some really meaningful wins along the way.

The absolute first big one was simply launching the business. That takes guts, and is a huge milestone in itself. Then came building healthy, consistent sales, positive customer feedback, and real momentum.

One highlight that stands out was winning the Micro and Emerging Business of the Year at the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards. It was a proud moment for the whole team.

Still, I try to stay humble and keep perspective. Things can change quickly in business, so we focus on gratitude, hard work, and continuous improvement rather than resting on any one achievement.

What does a working day in your life look like?

A typical day starts with exercise, then coffee, and straight into the office for a full day.

After that, it changes day to day depending on what we’ve got going on. It could be meetings, new designs, stock checks, customer stuff, socials, or whatever’s most urgent. No two days are really the same, but it’s always busy and keeps things interesting!

What do you love about the Gold Coast community, especially as a business owner?

It’s the friendly, laid-back vibe. Everyone’s so approachable and supportive. People here genuinely cheer each other on, whether it’s locals shopping small, other business owners sharing tips, or just the sense of community that makes tough days feel easier.

Winning things like the Micro and Emerging Business of the Year award here felt extra special because it came from our own backyard. The lifestyle helps too – beach close by, great weather, family-friendly. It keeps you balanced while building something.

So, where to next? What’s in the pipeline for Nat’v Basics?

We want to launch more into the basics category – think tank tops, tracksuits and more, all with the same natural quality and ethos we’ve built everything on.

Keeping it simple, sustainable, and true to what people love about us. Excited to keep growing that way.

What is your biggest tip for local business owners?

Back yourself, even when it gets tough and it will. Cash flow can be a nightmare, plans go sideways, and there are days you doubt everything. But keep showing up, stay true to why you started, and don’t try to do it all perfect from day one.

Start small (like we did in a spare room!), learn as you go, ask for help when you need it, and surround yourself with good people. The Gold Coast community is super supportive, so lean on that.

It’s not about never falling; it’s about getting back up and keeping the faith in what you’re building. You’ve got this.

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Why your next best friend might not be your age

A women’s experiences community called Flourish lands on the Gold Coast this winter, hosted by radio personality Ali Plath. We talked to her about loneliness, late-blooming friendships, and why the best ones span decades.

Think about how you met most of your friends: the school your parents picked, your weekend job, your mothers’ group, your netball team. Almost by accident, we end up closest to people going through life at the same speed – same decade, same stage, same hopes and worries.

What we gain in shared perspectives, we can lack in new ones. A friend twenty years ahead has already survived the thing you’re panicking about. A friend twenty years behind will drag you to the silent disco you’d never have gone to (or even known about) otherwise.

“I have friends in their 20s and friends in their 80s and I love spending time and having chats with them all,” says Ali Plath, who will bring Flourish Experiences to the Gold Coast this winter. “Friendship and connection know no age limits in my experience. Sometimes we need that age-old wisdom, sometimes we need the endless energy of the 20-year-olds to get our older butts moving.”

A 2023 study by Ending Loneliness Together found that roughly one in three Australian adults were experiencing loneliness – even more (35 percent) in Queensland. But the biggest surprise was who’s struggling. Loneliness isn’t a retiree problem; the study found that young and middle-aged people reported the highest levels of loneliness.

Enter Flourish, founded in Tasmania by former tour guide Jacqui Jones, who built it over three years before bringing it here. Ali – who met Jacqui in 2017 when she moved to Tassie solo for work – signed on to host the new Gold Coast chapter.

There’s no membership, no pressure, with attendees ranging from their 20s to their 70s – mums, professionals, retirees and widows.

“Women aren’t lacking things to do, they are often just lacking people to do them with,” Jacqui says of her motivation to start Flourish.

“The Gold Coast has many women who have moved from interstate, overseas and other parts of Queensland who would love to create new friendships and connections,” Ali says. “As we get older, we’re often dealing with a lot of pressures, people and problems, and we don’t have much energy left to focus on ourselves. A bit of anxiety starts to creep in, making us more fearful to turn up to events solo.”

Some women, Ali notes, never had a sister, a child or a mother figure. Through Flourish, they find exactly those connections across the generations.

So, what does a Flourish session look like?

“Honestly, it looks like a bunch of friends having a lovely day out together,” Ali says, whether that’s a walk and a coffee or a bucket list trip. “I recently joined Jacqui and 20 women on a Flourish trip to Uluru, and several of the girls opened up to me about how these experiences have become a regular part of their lives. One told me that due to life circumstances, she had been a bit of a loner for quite some time and that Flourish has been totally life changing for her.”

If you’re hovering, Ali gets it – and you’re not alone.

“Many women have come to Flourish events nervous and apprehensive, and now wonder why on earth they worried so much,” Ali says. Women have described Flourish as ‘life changing’, crediting it with strengthening their friendships and even improving their health (though Ali makes it clear she’s #notadoctor).

Want to learn more about Flourish? Book in for their official launch lunch at River House on Saturday July 11, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, right here.

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The story behind… Joe’s Deli

With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business started, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.

This time, we caught up with Patrick Killalea, founder of Joe’s Deli, ahead of their new location opening at Robina Town Centre.

When did the idea for your business first come about? And how?

The idea for Joe’s Deli had been in development for over two decades before we officially launched in 2022. I’ve always loved the culture of old-school delis and bodegas in New York – places that weren’t just about food, but also personality, energy and service. I felt like there was a gap in the Australian market for a quick-service brand that led with quality, had a strong identity and created a real experience for customers. Joe’s Deli is actually named after my dad’s middle name, Joesph, and a lot of the values behind the business come from him – hard work, integrity and connecting with people.

Where did you start?

We opened our first Joe’s Deli at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast in 2022. From day one, the vision was to create something that felt iconic and transportive – somewhere that gave people a little taste of New York while still feeling very much part of the local Queensland lifestyle. The Gold Coast was the perfect place to launch because people here are really open to fresh concepts and brands that do things differently.

What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning? How did you overcome them?

Like most hospitality businesses, there were definitely challenges early on – everything from building the right team to handling high volumes trade while maintaining consistency and refining our offering. We launched with a very clear brand identity and high standards, so there was a lot of pressure to get every detail right from the menu to the guest experience. I think the biggest thing was staying patient and trusting the process. We focused heavily on creating a strong culture internally and making sure every guest interaction reflected what the brand stands for.

What has been your biggest learning since starting the business?

One of the biggest learnings has been how important brand and community are in hospitality now. People want more than just a product – they want to feel connected to a business and understand what it stands for. Social media has changed the game as well, so you have to constantly evolve and think creatively about how people engage with your brand, both online and in-store.

And what about your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment?

Honestly, seeing people line up for Joe’s Deli and watching guests become genuine regulars has probably been the biggest moment for me. Opening our Sunshine Coast store earlier this year and seeing the response there was also really special. But I never really feel like “I’ve made it” – there’s always so much more to do, refine, improve and build on.

What does a working day in your life look like?

No two days are really the same. A typical day can involve everything from menu development and meetings to site visits, branding, managing cashflow and operations. I’m very hands-on with the business, especially as we continue to grow. A big part of my role is making sure my team is happy and motivated as I can’t do this without them. Their experience directly shapes the guest experience, and keeping that consistent across every location is critical, while still pushing forward on what’s next for the brand.

What do you love about the Gold Coast community, especially as a business owner?

The Gold Coast has an incredible energy to it. There’s a real sense of ambition and creativity here, and people genuinely support local businesses. It’s also a city that’s evolving quickly, especially in hospitality, so there’s an appetite for concepts that feel exciting and different. We’ve built such a loyal following here and that support has played a huge role in our growth.

So, where to next? What’s in the pipeline for your business?

We’ve got some really exciting growth plans for Joe’s Deli. After opening on the Sunshine Coast in April, we’re now preparing to open our second Gold Coast location at Robina Town Centre. We’re also ready to launch a Brisbane International Airport Terminal location, which is set to open at the end of the year. Queensland has been a huge focus for us because the response to the brand has been so strong. The goal is to continue building Joe’s Deli into one of Australia’s most recognisable quick-service brands while keeping the quality and experience at the centre of everything we do.

What is your biggest tip for local business owners?

Focus on building a strong brand and stay consistent with it. Trends come and go, but people connect with authenticity and businesses that have a clear point of view. Also, never underestimate the importance of guest experience – the small details and the way people feel when they walk into your shop are what keep them coming back.

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