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4 ways to avoid foot pain when travelling

Whether it’s caused by a hectic day of sightseeing or a mad rush through the airports, there’s nothing quite as annoying as foot pain when you’re on holidays. And when you consider how easy it is to avoid (so long as you take the correct preventative measures) you’ll feeling like kicking yourself for putting up with it for all these years. Here are four ways to avoid foot pain when travelling. 1. Choosing the right pair of shoes Out of all the fashion statements, shoes are probably responsible for more chronic foot pain than anything else. So make sure you choose the right pair of shoes for your trip. For example, if you’re going to be walking around all day sightseeing it might be an idea to ditch the stiletto heels for a pair of joggers (even if they’re not quite so aesthetically pleasing). Dr Robert Mathews from Cremorne Medical in NSW says, “I recommend wearing supportive shoe such as running shoes. If you want to wear something more stylish then consider buying some gel insoles to slip in your shoes, you can get a wide variety of these from your local chemist.“ 2. Manage your feet on flights Foot swelling can become quite a big problem on long haul flight, so managing your feet becomes crucial. Simple, preventative measures anyone can take, like wearing support stocks, standing up every so often to move around or even just flexing your feet and wriggling your toes, can make a big difference and greatly reduce the chance of swelling. 3. Slip, slop and slap So many island holidays have been soured by the blistering pain of sunburnt feet. If you’re staying at a resort or near a beach and your feet are exposed, don’t forget to apply sunscreen everywhere. Otherwise you’re going to want to have some aloe vera gel handy! 4. Take time to rest While you’re probably in a mad rush to see everything, fear of missing out can put significant strain on your feet. So make sure you set aside plenty of time every day to put your feet up and rest. It also might be worth considering some extra pampering, like a foot bath or even a half hour massage. You are on holidays after all, so why not treat yourself! Dr Matthews adds, “It may also be worth taking with you some thick band aids in case you develop any blisters from long walks.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Becoming a landlord while still renting? ‘Rentvesting’ promises a foot on the property ladder, but watch your step

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-graham-1264059">James Graham</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> As home ownership moves further out of reach for many Australians, “rentvesting” is being touted as a lifesaver. Rentvesting is the practice of renting one property to live in yourself, while simultaneously purchasing an investment property somewhere cheaper and leasing it out. Ideally, “rentvestors” get to enjoy the capital gains on an investment property while living where they actually want to live, allowing them to cash in and upsize to their dream home later. It might seem like a savvy way to game the property market. But what are the risks of such an investment strategy? And how might broad adoption of this behaviour affect housing affordability in Australia? <h2>A rising tide lifts all boats differently</h2> The aim of the rentvesting game is to buy cheap property now, ride the expected capital gains, and move into a more desirable home down the track. The hope is that by climbing the first rung of the property ladder early, the whole thing won’t be pulled up out of reach. The first problem with this strategy, however, is that capital gains on housing are not always and everywhere equal. Generally, the cheapest properties available to rentvestors will be houses in the regions or apartments in the city. But both regional housing and apartment properties <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/house-apartment-price-gap-widens-record-high-property-market/103484076">tend to appreciate more slowly</a> than the inner-city houses rentvestors might hope to live in one day. They might get a foot on the property ladder, but the rungs themselves are slowly drifting apart. Would-be rentvestors should also be aware that investments by “out-of-town” buyers tend to generate <a href="https://academic.oup.com/rfs/article-abstract/29/2/486/1902789">much lower returns</a> – both capital gains and rental yields – than investments by locals. Out-of-towners don’t know the local market trends, don’t know which neighbourhoods to avoid, and aren’t able to monitor their investments as effectively from afar. Avoiding the regions by investing in city apartments presents its own difficulties. Large, unexpected maintenance bills and poor strata management are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-21/a-world-of-hidden-charges:-strata-company-insiders/103617944">common complaints</a>. <h2>Different costs lead to different returns</h2> Perhaps the potential rentvestor should invest in something more straightforward instead, like stocks. After all, the return on equities in Australia has <a href="https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/134/3/1225/5435538">outperformed housing</a> in recent decades. However, it is much easier to borrow to invest in property than it is to borrow to invest in the stock market. And leverage is the investor’s secret weapon. For example, if house prices were to appreciate at 10% per year, then using a mortgage and a A$100,000 deposit on a $1 million property would earn you a 100% return on equity before costs. But while both investors and homeowners would earn that same basic return, their costs could be very different. For starters, property investors face capital gains tax on the proceeds of property sales, <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/investments-and-assets/capital-gains-tax/property-and-capital-gains-tax/your-main-residence-home/eligibility-for-main-residence-exemption">unlike those selling their primary residence</a>. Banks also typically charge <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/interest-rates.html">higher interest rates</a> on mortgages to investors than to homeowners. At times, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has also imposed caps on bank lending against investment properties, making it more difficult to find mortgage financing in the first place. Highly leveraged properties require mortgage insurance, too. Investors may need to take out larger insurance policies against the properties themselves, reflecting the higher risks associated with investment properties. Then, you also have to throw in property management fees, council rates, strata management fees and regular and unexpected maintenance costs. <h2>Negative gearing offers little benefit</h2> What about negative gearing? Property investors that generate losses on their property can deduct these costs against the tax bill on their other income. But negative gearing disproportionately benefits high-income earners with large tax bills. The <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/personal-income-australia/latest-release">median Australian individual income</a> is around $55,00, which generates a tax bill of about $8,000 – not a lot from which investment property losses can be deducted. The bigger picture is that while negative gearing helps defray the regular costs of managing a property, it doesn’t do anything to change expected capital gains. At the end of the spreadsheet tally, an investment property could end up earning rentvestors significantly less than they could have gained by simply buying their first home. <h2>Effects on housing affordability</h2> Rentvesting is new enough that its prevalence and influence awaits formal academic study. But economists might speculate about its implications for the housing market more broadly. The simplest analysis suggests that a rentvestor occupies one rental property while supplying an additional rental property to the market. If, instead, they had bought a home, they would vacate a rental property while removing another property from the market. In this case, even rentvesting en masse would have zero net effect on the housing market. But a more nuanced perspective might consider where rentvestors are renting and where they are investing. Perhaps they are most likely to rent properties in the already-crowded inner city, but purchase investment properties in regional areas where other first home buyers would like to live. This would increase demand for rentals in the city and reduce the supply of owner-occupier properties in the regions, worsening the affordability of both. Of course, if these rentvestors all eventually move up the property ladder – selling in the region and purchasing in the city – this effect would be reversed. From that longer-term perspective, rentvestors would ultimately have little effect. <h2>We still need more houses</h2> Rentvesting is not a panacea for Australia’s housing market woes. Potential investors should weigh the benefits of property investment against its substantial costs and risks. Additionally, they need to carefully consider the obvious alternative: simply buying their first home up-front. We have good reason to be wary of yet another get-rich-quick scheme involving the housing market. But initial considerations suggest that for the market overall, rentvestor behaviour is no worse than someone simply buying their first home, which we would otherwise encourage. Rather than criticising those seeking a way though our housing market morass, we might instead redouble our efforts to increase the supply of housing.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229116/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-graham-1264059">James Graham</a>, Lecturer in Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/becoming-a-landlord-while-still-renting-rentvesting-promises-a-foot-on-the-property-ladder-but-watch-your-step-229116">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Best cities to discover on foot revealed

When it comes to travelling and exploring new places, there is no better way to experience everything a new city has to offer than just by walking around. By keeping on your feet rather than using public transport, you get the chance to explore more hidden corners of your destination and truly soak up the new culture, all while getting your steps in. That being said, there are definitely some cities that are easier to traverse on foot than others. But now, one company has put in the hard work to determine the 100 best cities around the world for travellers who want to walk their way to new experiences. <a href="https://www.guruwalk.com/">GuruWalk</a>, a company that offers free walking tours worldwide, has compiled the list based on booking and search data for 800 cities across 120 countries. In terms of countries as a whole, Spain topped the list with 28 cities appearing in the top 100, while Rome, Italy took out the top spot for most walkable city. Rome’s walkability is largely due to the location of the tourist hotspots, with the world-class attractions all located close to each other. GuruWalk comments, “The sheer number of monuments it hosts sometimes causes tourists to not even know where to start.” “So it’s not surprising that Rome hosts more guided tours than any other place.” Check out the entire top ten list below. 10. Porto, Portugal 9. London, England 8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands 7. Prague, Czech Republic 6. Lisbon, Portugal 5. Florence, Italy 4. Madrid, Spain 3. Barcelona, Spain 2. Budapest, Hungary 1. Rome, Italy Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Subway falls a foot short for one customer

A woman has run into some trouble with her Subway sandwich after taking to it with a measuring tape. The irate customer had been suspicious about the supposed dimensions of her “6-inch sub”, and decided the only thing to do was to find out for herself if she was on to something or not. However, the woman didn’t succeed in putting her fears at rest, instead proving them to be right. The sandwich, advertised as being six inches long, measured up to be just over five. In her annoyance, she told the company that they should be doing better - in her words, “to up your game” - if they expected to be charging extra for what customers weren’t actually receiving. “Usually I wouldn't really care,” she noted, and then explained in some of the world’s most relatable terms, “but I was super hungry today.” To add insult to injury, she also revealed how she’d gotten "one less piece of salami and pepperoni” than usual, and noted that this was simply not up to standard, and that she had inside intel to prove it - her sister had been a Subway manager for years. This wasn’t the first time Subway had run into trouble over the size of their sandwiches - a customer in Australia once took their anger straight to court, going so far as to sue the company in 2013. His photo, posted to Facebook, showed that his footlong sandwich was not the promised 12 inches, but instead 11. That case was settled for a staggering $525,000 (approximately $798,042.00 AUD), and in 2015, Subway introduced new in-store regulations towards ensuring their products measured up, as well as additional disclosures for their consumers. At the time, Subway acknowledged that the media buzz surrounding the case had motivated its decision to settle the case, while the judge was firm in his belief that the smaller sandwiches actually contained no less food in terms of weight. “The settlement acknowledges as much when it says that uniformity in bread length is impossible,” he said, “due to the natural variability of the bread-baking process.” To many, however, this was not - and seemingly never will be - good enough. And to others, it’s a tale as old as time that they’d tired of hearing. “It's clearly a ‘SUBWAY 6 INCH’ and meant as a description rather than a measurement of length,” wrote one fed up individual on yet another related story, this time posted to Reddit. “In that case,” mused another, “there should be a new policy wherein every Subway employee should be required to do air quotes when using the term ‘Footlong’.” Images: Reddit

Food & Wine

Banksy: who should foot the bill to protect his work in public spaces?

When a mural by artist Banksy <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46617742">appeared on a garage wall</a> in Port Talbot, the building’s owner, Ian Lewis, had no idea just <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46771722">how many people</a> would want to get a good look at it. The mural has attracted <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46759349">thousands of visitors</a> and Lewis has been keen to <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46617742">protect it</a>, by employing guards, and building a see-through covering over the work. But should there even be security on a piece of graffiti? After all, <a href="https://hyperallergic.com/38778/occupying-the-walls-graffiti-as-political-protest/">the essence of graffiti</a> is that it is temporary and subject to the possibility of being covered over with the next slogan or image. It has long been one of the means by which people can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2017/may/17/writing-wall-political-graffiti-banksy-brexit-trump-in-pictures">make their views known</a> in a very public way without official sanction. It is a form of protest that visually takes up public space and asks for no endorsement and often no individual credit. The list of graffiti artists who have gained recognition in the contemporary art world is not a long one. Shepherd Fairey, who <a href="https://www.artic.edu/artworks/229396/barack-obama-hope-poster">designed the Obama “Hope” poster</a>, and <a href="https://www.theartstory.org/artist-basquiat-jean-michel.htm">Jean Michel Basquiat</a> are two of the most well known. Banksy himself has been quoted as saying that he never craved commercial success and that it’s actually <a href="https://www.villagevoice.com/2013/10/09/village-voice-exclusive-an-interview-with-banksy-street-art-cult-hero-international-man-of-mystery/">a mark of failure for a graffiti artist</a>. A lofty sentiment, but whether he wants it or not, the popularity of Banksy’s work is phenomenal. The pared down stencil style coupled with often highly astute political commentary and visual puns is easy to read. It is enough to satisfy even those for whom art should consist of a “proper picture of something”. It also lends itself very well to reproduction and copying. I actually have a mug emblazoned with Banksy style rats sitting on my desk as I write. This is what happens when an iconoclast becomes an icon. What started out as a practice that deliberately subverted the concept of art as an exclusive, costly investment, has now become just as commodified as the latest piece by <a href="https://www.theartstory.org/artist-hirst-damien.htm">Damien Hirst</a>. <h2>Banksy’s bankability</h2> I’m personally on the fence about some of Banksy’s more recent work. I’m completely on board with the political nature of the imagery and most definitely share a lot of his ideological sentiments, but there is a degree to which he is becoming a parody of himself. For example, while it’s easy to appreciate the point he was making with the recently auctioned self-destructing drawing “<a href="https://theconversation.com/banksy-i-was-in-the-room-when-his-painting-shredded-and-enhanced-his-brand-104660">Love is in the Bin</a>”, no one could convince me that he was unaware of the effect that the action would have on his bankability. Given he knows the impact his work can have, was it selfish of Banksy to impose this latest piece on the unsuspecting garage owner? Or was it an act of extreme philanthropy, bestowing on Port Talbot a gift that can be used either to benefit the individual or the community? He must have known that Lewis would be plagued with attention, and the inevitability of this imposed cultural responsibility must surely have at least crossed Banksy’s mind. Public art comes in many diverse forms, from the monumental statues commemorating historical figures, to the temporary and often illegal murals created by contemporary graffiti artists. My own practice is informed by an ethos of inclusion that places the nearby community at the centre of decisions about how it is created, themed and managed. Because of that philosophical background, I do find Banksy’s imposition of his work without regard for its effect on the local community to be irritatingly entitled. However, the <a href="https://www.theartstory.org/artist-banksy-artworks.htm">issues he highlights</a> such as the <a href="https://theartstack.com/artist/banksy/i-remember-when-all-this-was-trees">capitalist obsession with growth</a> over sustainability, and <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/banksy-port-talbot-graffiti-wales-michael-sheen-steel-pollution-environment-a8692821.html">industrial air pollution</a> are relevant and important to a much wider community, so I appreciate that by using his fame to draw attention to them he is carrying out a form of community service. The Welsh government <a href="https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/banksy-collector-willing-pay-six-15656998">has since confirmed</a> it will be taking over security for the Port Talbot artwork, and is discussing the future of the piece. Whether by design or because he just isn’t interested in how the work is used, it’s part of Banksy’s artistic practice to leave the work to the mercy of others when it’s complete. However, it could be argued that he could have used <a href="https://www.artspace.com/magazine/art_101/close_look/how-does-banksy-make-money-or-a-lesson-in-art-market-economics-55352">some of his own money</a> to help protect the work, and mitigate against any grief <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46810787">he’s caused the garage owner</a>. I’d personally like to see the work sold, and the proceeds used to address some of the social and political issues that Banksy highlights with his work. It worked for Dennis Stinchcombe who, when a mural entitled Mobile Lovers appeared on the doorway of his Bristol youth club in 2014, sold the work and used the funds <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46810787">to save the struggling organisation</a>. Whatever happens now, one thing is certain: Banksy certainly knows how to get his work in the news. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/banksy-who-should-foot-the-bill-to-protect-his-work-in-public-spaces-109831" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

Absolute idiot: Grand slam birthday stitch-up puts Nick Kyrgios on the back foot

It may not have been the 25th birthday Nick Kyrgios had in mind, but it went from bad to worse on Monday night when a fellow tennis star posted a particular photo. As countless people wished the talented Aussie a happy birthday, Greek tennis champ Stefanos Tsitsipas decided to go down a different path with his Instagram upload. Tsitsipas’ post was an image of himself holding up a cardboard sign which he captioned: “Lift others up”. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_eouG8DHie/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_eouG8DHie/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">‎Lift others up 🙌🏼 . . . . . . . . 💭: @dudewithsign | #dudewithsign</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/stefanostsitsipas98/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Stefanos Tsitsipas</a> (@stefanostsitsipas98) on Apr 27, 2020 at 2:07am PDT </div> </blockquote> The only problem was, the sign contained a mobile number, which fans quickly realised belonged to the one and only Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios commented on the post: “You are an absolute idiot, everyone stop calling me!!!!!” The number was quickly disconnected after what most likely was a never ending hoard of phone calls and text messages. Of course, not all of the birthday wishes directed towards him caused a headache, as many took to social media to say happy birthday in a much more conventional way.

Technology

“You are shooting yourself in the foot”: Tourists baffled over Uluru climb ban

While some tourists from all over the world are rushing to climb Uluru before it is banned on Saturday, some are questioning why local traditional Indigenous Australians called for a ban in the first place. Ayers Rock Resort has been jam packed for most of 2019 meaning nearly 5,000 people are trying to get a chance to climb Uluru before it is too late. Some Australian tourists have gone to extreme measures and camped illegally on private land around Uluru during school holidays, because the resort's campground has been full. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board made the decision to impose an official ban from October 26 to pay respect and recognition to the rock’s cultural significance to the Anangu people. Melbourne tourist Stefan Gangur, 51 told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.yahoo.com/author/australian-associated-press-562" target="_blank">AAP </a>he opposes the ban because it is a vital source of income for the community. "What are people doing out here? It is part of the economy and how it runs out here" he said. "You are shooting yourself in the foot, as long as everyone respects it, it is okay. "It is no secret a percentage of the money from the national park passes goes back to the Aboriginal people." The controversial ban of one of Australia’s most prolific and well known landmarks has prompted warnings that Uluru faces an uncertain future. A chain was built on the steep of the western face of Ayers Rock in 1964 and will be dismantled from October 28. The National Park’s general manager Mike Misso told AAP Uluru will become a better destination for tourists as more Anangu people will be working and benefitting from it. "The dominant reason for the UNESCO World Heritage listing was the living cultural landscape of nature and culture intertwined through traditions over thousands of years," he told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.yahoo.com/author/australian-associated-press-562" target="_blank">AAP.</a> "The closure of the climb enhances the park's world heritage values. It's in conflict if you have got inappropriate visitor activity,”Grant Hunt, chief executive at the resort’s operators Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia said. "For every tourist destination, you have to reinvent yourself, if you just offer the same people go elsewhere.” Mr Hunt says there is far more to Uluru than the climb, with more than 100 tours and experiences for tourists to experience - from riding mountain bikes, to Aboriginal cultural tours, helicopters and skydiving. “The travelling public have become much more culturally mature than they were 20 years ago,” Mr Hunt said. “I think most people expect this and in fact want it to happen. “There’s a minority who still don’t of course and you always get that with any decision but certainly our research and feedback says about 80 per cent of people are supportive of the climb closing.”

Travel Trouble

6 surprising causes of foot pain

When we get foot pain, it’s easy to blame it on the usual suspects – a blister, too much walking, too-high heels etc. – but there are plenty of other potential causes. Here are six surprising things that could be responsible for your foot pain. 1. You’ve been wearing the same size shoes for decades Your feet can change shape and size for a number of reasons, from pregnancy to arthritis and even weight gain. So if you’re experiencing foot pain and can’t put your finger on the cause, you could be due for a fitting. 2. You’re shopping for shoes at the wrong time That pair of flats fit perfectly when you tried it on at the store, so why are they tight now? Chances are you tried them on in the morning. Over the course of the day, your feet swell and grow, making your shoes tighter. When shopping for shoes, aim to do it in the afternoon, otherwise make sure you have a little over a centimetre between your toes and the front of the shoes (while standing). 3. You choose style over comfort Yes, they make your legs look great and go perfectly with that outfit but is fashion really worth the pain? Ditch pointed-tip shoes, which can constrict blood flow, cause calluses and swelling, and stop choosing shoes without arch support. Do your feet a favour! 4. You wear the same shoes for every work out We’re all guilty of this. The shoes you wear for your daily walk might provide the right support for that activity, but they’re unlikely to be as comfortable or good for your feet when you’re doing cardio training or lifting weights. 5. You’ve got back, knee or hip pain Maybe your feet aren’t to blame, after all. If you’ve got another injury that’s causing you to limp or put pressure on another part of the body, your feet will step in and take the load (and the pain). 6. You need orthotics As we age, our feet can flatten, meaning the arch supports that used to work for you 20 years ago might not work today. It’s worth booking an appointment with your local podiatrist and getting fitted for new orthotics to protect your feet and joints. Tell us in the comments, do you suffer from foot pain? How do you manage it?

Body

Spectacular places in Australia you can only reach on foot

Put your hiking boots on. These trails take you to some of the most stunning destinations in Australia – and the only way to get there is on your own two feet. Zoe Falls, Queensland <img width="500" height="335" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9794/zoe-falls_500x335.jpg" alt="Zoe -falls" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Just 40 hikers a day are permitted on the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, so you’re unlikely to spot anyone else. The whole island is a national park, meaning there are no resorts or cars, but you can organise a boat transfer to take you to the start of the 32-kilometre trek. Around the halfway point the stunning Zoe Falls thunders down a cliff and into a deliciously cool rock pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Kings Canyon, Northern Territory <img width="432" height="394" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9795/kings-canyon-waterfall-3554.jpg" alt="Kings -canyon -waterfall -3554" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> With Uluru as your neighbour, it can be hard to get your own moment in the sun but Kings Canyon is not to be missed. The walk is short – just six kilometres – and fairly easy, though there is a tough 500-step climb to the plateau. The track follows the horseshoe-shaped canyon rim, passing vast cliff walls, natural rock sculptures and permanent waterholes. Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales <img width="500" height="325" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9796/seamans-hut_500x325.jpg" alt="Seamans -hut" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Standing at 2,228 metres, Mt Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest peak. It’s covered in snow in winter, but during summer you can walk the 14-kilometre round trip trail from the top of the Thredbo chairlift. The walk is fairly easy (and often fairly crowded) but the scenery is rewarding enough, bursting with wildflowers, rocky granite outcrops and Lake Cootapatamba, carved by glaciers. Fun fact: until 1977 you could drive to the top of the mountain. Bay of Fires, Tasmania <img width="500" height="340" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9797/bay-of-fires_500x340.jpg" alt="Bay -of -Fires" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Ok, technically you can get a boat here, but then you’d lose that sense of achievement that you can only get with a few hours (or days) of hard work. The walk is split into four days of around 10 kilometres each, passing isolated coves and pristine beaches, before you reach the incredibly beautiful Bay of Fires. This is one walk you can do in style, with plush glamping sites and lodges dotted along the way. Piccaninny Gorge, Western Australia <img width="500" height="318" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9798/bungles-224051-5.jpg" alt="Bungles -224051-5" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Stark, desolate and awe-inspiring, a 15-kilometre trail runs through the centre of Piccaninny Gorge, close to the famed Bungle Bungles. To get the most out of the experience, set up camp in the gorge and spend a couple of days exploring the smaller, interconnecting gorges, known as the Fingers. You can even belt out a tune in Cathedral Gorge to make the most of the incredible acoustics. Related links: <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/09/great-aussie-train-trips/">3 great Aussie train trips</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/08/australias-best-mountains-to-climb/">6 of the best Australian mountains to climb</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2015/08/australia-travel-2015/">Australian travel to-do list: 2015</a>

International Travel

3 easy ways to improve foot and ankle mobility

They carry your entire body, so it’s essential to keep your feet and ankles strong and mobile. After all, the stiffer your ankles are, the more likely you are to suffer a fall. In his third video in a series of five aimed at improving your balance, mobility and strength, Taylor Harrison, author, seniors health expert and Director of <a href="http://www.activeseniors.net.au/" target="_blank">Active Seniors Health Centre</a>, shares three simple exercises that will improve mobility in your feet and ankles, thus improving your balance and stability. To see Taylor’s first video on how to improve hip mobility, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2017/10/exercises-to-improve-hip-mobility/" target="_blank">click here</a>. To see his second video on strengthening your core, <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2017/10/exercises-to-strengthen-whole-body/" target="_blank">click here</a>. (add links to previous article)

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Devastating news for Crocs wearers

Podiatrists have said that wearing Crocs too long can lead to serious foot problems. The podiatrists who spoke to The Huffington Post advised not to wear the shoes for an excessive amount of time due to the lack of heel support. Chicago podiatrist Dr Megan Leahy said, "Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use." "When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses." President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine Dr Alex Kor explained that he receives frequent complaints regarding arch and heel pain from those that regularly wear Crocs. Dr Kor did highlight that Crocs can be beneficial to those who have high arches in their feet or who have excessive edema. If you do wear Crocs make sure you don’t wear for them for too long as Dr Kor said “under no circumstances can I suggest wearing Crocs eight – 10 hours per day”. Image credit: Crocs via Instagram

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Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot

A penguin named Bagpipes had his foot amputated years ago after he was found back in 2007 with a fishing line wrapped around his leg. Bagpipes, who's currently under the care of the International Antarctic Centre, has been waddling around on his stump. Recently, his life changed for the better when he was fitted for a 3-D printed prosthetic foot. Senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury's mechanical engineering department Don Clucas, who is behind the prosthetic, designed and printed the prosthetic all for free. "It's designed to level him out a bit and make life a bit more comfortable for him," penguin keeper Mal Hackett said in an interview with Stuff.co.nz. “Hopefully the prosthetic will make Bagpipes' life a little easier.” Until now, the penguin, whose leg has been supported by foam beer bottle holders fitted around his foot, has experienced some trouble with infection. Now, the team at the centre is hoping that his new foot will alleviate his pain and help him learn how to walk and swim properly. Apparently, his trial run went “better than expected”. Watch the video above to see the heart-warming progress of little Bagpipes. Do you have an animal rescue story to share with us? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/funny-cat-commercials/">The funniest cat commercials ever</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2014/09/9-foods-you-should-never-feed-your-pet/">9 foods you should NEVER feed your pet</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/30-common-plants-that-are-harmful-to-pets/">30 common plants that are harmful to pets</a>

News

Six-foot shark lands on surfer’s board in Bondi

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water! A pair of surfers have shared a terrifyingly close encounter with a six-foot shark on Bondi Beach. Dean Norburn, a real estate agent, was taking a moment to enjoy a morning dip with two of his friends when the shark launched itself out of the water, landing in the middle of his board. Mr Norburn told the Sydney Morning Herald, “There was a bit of a light rip so I was paddling in. As I was paddling in a little bit, I leant on my board on my hands on the rails. The next thing you know, something has brushed by me and has landed on my board. I was looking pretty closely at it from the angle I was at. It was probably about three to four inches (7-10 centimetres), maybe a bit more, from my face.” Bondi Rescue Lifeguards confirmed the incident on Facebook, but downplayed the size of the shark in a post on Facebook, saying, “We had a small shark (6 foot) jump on a local surfer's board this morning then swim off under another surfer. The man was not injured. Lifeguards spoke to both men and cleared the water afterwards. Will be a very memorable surf for both guys.” That being said, we wouldn’t really like to experience this kind of close encounter! Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/12/spot-the-panda-in-this-picture/">Can you spot the Panda hidden in this picture?</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/12/16-vintage-sexist-christmas-ads/">16 vintage Christmas ads that will shock you</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/12/15-photos-to-brighten-your-day/">15 photos to brighten your day</a>

News

Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard

Eric Holland, from Thurgoona in New South Wales, Australia, got the surprise of his life earlier this week when he came across a monster lizard in his backyard. "I was just doing a repair job in my shed when I opened the door and I saw this huge thing run across the ground and out of sight," Mr Holland said. "I went inside after I saw it in the backyard and heard a banging noise coming from the side of the house," "When I went outside I saw him on the side of the house with his tail hitting the drain pipe." Having never seen anything like it in the 18 years he has lived in his home, Mr Holland reveals, "It was a big surprise really. I sometimes get blue tongues and lizards in the backyard but never anything quite like this." The goanna quickly left Mr Holland's property and he has not sighted the reptile since. The reptile in question is a lace monitor, also known as lace goannas, and can grow to around two-metres in length and weigh up to 20 kilograms. <a href="/news/news/2015/12/baby-goat-learns-to-hop-video/"> </a>

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Spectacular places in Australia you can only reach on foot

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Devastating news for Crocs wearers

Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot

Six-foot shark lands on surfer’s board in Bondi

Five-foot goanna found in Australian backyard